January 2026: REINZ figures for December 2025 show the real estate market overall continues to improve with median prices and sales counts both remaining higher than in the same period last year. 

National sales increased 8.1% on December last year, and sales across New Zealand, excluding Auckland, increased 10.6% to 4758. 

New Zealand’s median price increased by 1.4% year-on-year, to $786,977. Excluding Auckland, the median price increased by 2.1% year-on-year to $718,000. Auckland’s median price is above $1 million for the third month in a row, at $1,015,000, up 1.5% on the December 2024.

Twelve out of the 16 regions reported an increase in median prices year-on-year. Gisborne hit a record median price, up 24.8% year-on-year to $730,000. Canterbury’s median price was $725,000, the same as the previous record high recorded in November 2025. 

There were two Territorial Authority (TA) records, Opotiki District in Bay of Plenty ($765,000 which is 14.9% higher than the prior record in January 2022) and Gisborne District ($730,000 which is 2.1% higher than the prior record in March 2022).

Also, more people are also choosing to list than the same period last year.

First home buyers and owner-occupiers continue to dominate the market, due to lower interest rates improving affordability.

Overall, 2025 closed with confidence continuing to build, setting a constructive foundation for the year ahead according to the REINZ Chief Executive, Lizzy Ryley. Looking to 2026, the market is expected to see momentum gradually improve as conditions continue to stabilise, she said.

See the REINZ maps below.

How much does it cost to sell a house?

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO SELL A PROPERTY?

Nationally, median Days to Sell in December 2025 sat at 39 days, two days less than the same time last year. Exluding Auckland, days to sell was 38. The largest annual reduction in median Days to Sell was observed in Southland, down 19 days from 40 to 21. However, it's now taking longer to sell on the West Coast with median Days to Sell, rising 35 days from 49 to 84 days compared to December 2024.

Using an agent vetted by Agent Finder NZ is proven to reduce the number of days it takes to sell a property. 

COMPARE REAL ESTATE AGENTS AND AGENCIES BEFORE SIGNING AGENCY AGREEMENT

While on the upturn, current market conditions continue to amplify the importance of choosing a highly competent real estate agent with strong negotiation skills, rather than settling for an average one.

If contemplating selling a residential property, a farm or lifestyle block and wanting assurance that your real estate agent has been proven competent, request a list of vetted real estate agents - it's a free service for New Zealand vendors selling all property types.

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These charts are best viewed on desktop, tablet or laptop. Continue scrolling to compare month by month changes.

 

 

 

 

 

Page updated January 23, 2026.

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Independent Real Estate Advisor of the Year 2023 (Property Institute of NZ)
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