2025 ended on a soft note but values should rise in 2026

The NZ property market ended 2025 softly, with national values dipping -0.2% in December according to Cotality. The national median value is now $808,430.

While 2025 was considered "broadly flat," main centres showed mixed results:

- Falling: Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington

- Rising: Tauranga, Dunedin, Christchurch

Looking ahead, economist Kelvin Davidson forecasts a shift, predicting around 5% growth in national property values for 2026, influenced by economic recovery and factors like DTI restrictions.