Is the South the new North?

Fresh Census data showed that between 2018-2023, about 86,000 people moved from the North Island to the South Island. That's around 30,000 more than those who went the other way.'

Our Property Customer Director, Gavin Lloyd, says it's interesting to see these trends reflected in the property market.

“For years, the North Island, particularly Auckland, has been the powerhouse of the property market,” Gavin says. “However, with more Kiwi seeking lifestyle changes and potentially more affordable options, the South Island is certainly gaining ground.”

While the North Island still has a higher average asking price, the gap between the two islands has shrunk.

In December 2021, the average asking price difference was more than $350,000.

Last month, that gap closed to just over $182,000.

“This migration trend could well be a response to the cost of living and housing affordability challenges faced in the North Island,” Gavin adds.

It seems the call of the south is getting louder. We’re hearing from agents that more and more people from the North Island are looking to relocate. Our data backs this up.

In May 2025, we saw listing views for properties in Canterbury jump by 7% compared to this time last year.

“The South Island has plenty to offer Kiwi,” says Gavin. “From vibrant urban centres like Christchurch to the stunning natural landscapes of Otago and Southland, often at a more accessible price point.”

It’s clear the South Island’s appeal is growing, offering a different pace of life and a bit of breathing room for the wallet. We’ll be keeping a close eye on how this trend continues to shape the life of Aotearoa.

Te Waipounamu (the South Island) is turning heads! We saw a 9% YoY jump in listings across the South Island last month, and with views also up 5% Kiwi are clearly keen on what the mainland has to offer. In contrast, views in the North Island are up 3% YoY and listings up 4%.