WHERE INTEREST IS LIKELY TO LAND
Regional variation over the past decade has been significant, and where you buy in New Zealand matters as much as whether you buy.
The strongest growth has come from more affordable regions. Gisborne at 188 per cent, Southland at 157 per cent, and Manawatu-Wanganui at 132 per cent have all more than doubled over ten years. That growth largely reflects domestic demand, buyers priced out of major centres seeking value elsewhere, rather than the lifestyle or international appeal that tends to attract offshore interest.
Otago at 107 per cent ten-year growth and a median of $ 700,000 is the more natural fit for Australian buyers. Within Otago, Queenstown-Lakes has long been a focal point for international interest, driven by globally recognised lifestyle appeal and constrained supply, which has supported values over the long run. Northland at $ 690,000 with 92 per cent ten-year growth is another candidate, combining coastal lifestyle credentials with an accessible price point familiar to many Australians who have visited the region.
Despite its size, Auckland is the least compelling case. At $ 1.02 million it is New Zealand’ s most expensive market and its weakest long-run performer at just 23 per cent over ten years.
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