2027 property market: why agents are feeling optimistic

Marty Ritchie, CEO of Harcourts Group Wellington, admits it’s been a very quiet year for sales volumes. But he’s bullish about what’s coming.

The agents agree some people pressed pause in the lead-up to the vote – but not for long.

“I’d describe it more as people pausing for certainty rather than abandoning their plans,” says Zani. “Once the political picture and housing policy become clearer, I expect some of that pent-up decision-making to turn into activity. People still need to move, upsize, downsize and get on the property ladder.”

Edward says there’s always a reason to wait. “Whether that’s an election, school holidays, global conflict or economic uncertainty, that’s nothing new,” he says. “Ultimately, people’s individual circumstances will continue to drive activity.”

He expects plenty of activity next year, though he’s careful to note that more sales don’t automatically mean higher prices. “Interest rates, economic confidence, employment, supply and demand all play a role. The property market is influenced by far more than who’s leading the country.”

If you’re looking to buy, Marty says this year has handed you some real advantages.

“It’s been really cool for first home buyers – they’ve been able to get into homes for prices I’ve not seen for a long time, and they’re getting a lot of value,” he says. “And if you’re upsizing – going from a nice house to a really nice house – the gap has closed.”

Craig agrees. “There’s never been a better time to buy. Wellington is cheap,” he says. “First home buyers have made up nearly 40% of sales this year. That’s driven by what you’d imagine – it’s cheap – but we’ve also had second home buyers sitting on their hands, and that’s created a wider pool.”

In Christchurch, Andrew expects a stable, healthy market. “I don’t see prices moving dramatically,” he says.

Wellington and the Kāpiti Coast

“I’ve never seen such good value in the northern suburbs like Whitby and Aotea, which offer really good modern builds,” says Marty. “Further up the coast, the warmer weather and proximity to town means Kāpiti continues to be a drawcard. And there are real opportunities in the city’s apartment market.”

His sleeper pick is Levin. “Levin just keeps on going – there’s so much growth there, with more land opening up. It’s a real ‘watch this space’ spot.”

Craig says the inner city is where the value is right now. “Newtown, Miramar and the western suburbs offer better value than further out,” he says. “That’s where first home buyers tend to be buying, so it creates a better pond to swim in.”

Christchurch

Zani is watching the city’s established family neighbourhoods, particularly in the northwest and the lower Port Hills. “Schooling, amenity and lifestyle are difficult to replicate,” she says. “Quality standalone homes with good sun, useful land and genuine family functionality should remain sought after.”

She’s also seeing more long-held family homes come to market as owners downsize. “They want to be closer to the city and the Merivale precinct, and they’re looking for that luxury lock-and-leave,” she says. “Crucially, they’re also looking to future-proof by making sure it’s single level, or at least has the option to live on the ground floor with ease.”

For Andrew, Cashmere and Burnside are the ones to watch. “They’ve been hot and we’re still seeing that. I don’t see any reason why that won’t continue,” he says. “The traditional Christchurch Boys’ High and Girls’ High zones are quite expensive. Buyers are seeing there are other good school zones like Cashmere and Burnside where they get better value for money.”

He says the city’s less glamorous investments are paying off too. “It’s not sexy, but Christchurch has spent billions on infrastructure – underground piping and the like – and other places have all of that to come,” he says. “I’d say about 15% of recent buyers have been North Islanders moving down. It’s good for families, lifestyle and travel times. Once you get a good vibe, people will come.”

Auckland

Edward remains a huge believer in central Auckland, particularly the inner-west suburbs. “Their lifestyle, character, proximity to the city and limited supply of quality homes make them incredibly compelling long-term locations,” he says.

Interest rates top the list. “Interest rates are the obvious watchpoint, along with any economic or policy uncertainty that affects confidence,” says Zani.

Marty expects the window for buyers to start closing. “If you’re a buyer, get in fast. The window to be able to purchase and be selective will start to close,” he says.

Zani agrees there’s no point waiting for the perfect moment. “Focus on securing the right property, in the right location, at an affordable price, and think long term,” she says. “Interest rates can change – you date the interest rate, you don’t marry it – whereas the property you choose is the longer-term decision.”

Andrew says preparation is everything. “It’s important to have your ducks in a row. Working with brokers is a good way to be as ‘clean’ as possible when you come in with an offer.”

Craig’s advice is simple. “Just go for it. The one thing we can’t get any more of in life is time. Don’t waste it waiting,” he says. He also suggests taking the emotion out of it. “The asset doesn’t owe you anything and your house doesn’t know that you own it. Decouple yourself from it and make decisions purposefully.”

Edward offers a slightly different take on timing. “Don’t rush decisions. Do your research, surround yourself with good advice and trust your intuition,” he says. “Trying to perfectly time the market is rarely as important as making the right decision for your own circumstances.”

If you’re thinking of selling before the holidays, Marty says now’s the time. “I think we’ll see a flurry leading into Christmas, so my advice to sellers – if you do want to sell this side of Christmas – is to get your A into G. I think we’ll see deals done right through to Christmas.”

Zani says sellers should be “realistic about price and obsessive about presentation”, with a campaign designed to create competition.

Andrew agrees presentation matters, but says paperwork does too. “Be prepared with all the paperwork so the buyer is in a position to make an informed decision,” he says. “Take the question marks away.”

We asked the agents to finish the sentence.

Marty (Wellington): “…bring great opportunities for buyers and sellers.”

Andrew (Christchurch): “…continue to be stable and healthy.”

Craig (Wellington): “…see more houses sold than in 2026, but prices will be flat.”

Zani (Christchurch): “…reward the people who are prepared to make good, decisive moves rather than waiting for the perfect market.”

Edward (Auckland): “…surprise us. It usually does.”