Feature article

Property value upturn remains elusive for now

The numbers show a market that is steady but not surging.

Kelvin Davidson
Last updated: 8 December 2025 | 3 min read
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According to Kelvin Davidson of Cotality, New Zealand's property value recovery remains stalled, with national values flat. While cities like Hamilton and Christchurch are seeing growth, Auckland continues to fall, dropping -0.2% in November.

Two key factors are restraining a wider market upturn:

- High property stock levels are giving buyers pricing power.

- A cautious labour market is impacting buyer confidence.

Modest house price growth is forecast for 2026, though potential debt-to-income restrictions may cap increases.

The national picture

A region-by-region breakdown

Why aren't prices rising faster?

Looking ahead to 2026

Author

Kelvin Davidson Kelvin Davidson
Chief Property Economist, Cotality