Why sell now?
Daniel Coulson Chief Executive Ray White New Zealand
Kiwis had high hopes for 2025 and New Zealand’ s residential property market. It was to be a fresh chapter after years of volatility. However, price growth has remained flat, economic data has been patchy, and many households are still feeling cautious.
For all the anticipation, the year has so far delivered stability, rather than a spectacle.
That’ s not necessarily a bad thing, says Daniel Coulson, Ray White New Zealand Chief Executive.“ In fact, a flat market brings with it a kind of clarity – a foundation on which to make better, more deliberate decisions.”
“ Beneath the surface, there are signs that momentum is building, and for those looking to sell, there are real reasons for action.”
INTEREST RATES AND INFLATION
Headline inflation is creeping toward the upper edge of the Reserve Bank’ s target band, with Consumer Price Index( CPI) rising to 2.70 per cent in the year to June.
The increase primarily came from non-discretionary costs, including food, rates and power. But, under the surface, inflation in interest-sensitive areas such as housing and services has softened.
With tradeable( imported) inflation rising again, and the full impact of previous interest rate reductions still making their way through the financial system, market watchers are betting on a 25-basis-point cut to the Official Cash Rate( OCR) in August.
For sellers, the evidence of buyer demand is building.“ Activity indicators are rising,” Coulson says.“ Our auction rooms across the Ray White network are filling up, bidder numbers are increasing, and confidence is quietly returning.”
.
Source: RBNZ, SNZ, Westpac
“ Recent auctions, particularly in more affordable pockets of South Auckland, Waikato and Canterbury, are showing higher clearance rates, potentially the first signals of an upward trend for competition and value growth.”
“ Buyers and sellers will be watching interest rate movements closely over the coming months, as falling rates continue to unlock opportunities – whether that’ s buying at a more favourable rate, or selling into a market that’ s warming up.”
“ Buyers and sellers will be watching interest rate movements closely over the coming months, as falling rates continue to unlock opportunities – whether that’ s buying at a more favourable rate, or selling into a market that’ s warming up.
Daniel Coulson Chief Executive, Ray White New Zealand
RAY WHITE NOW NEW ZEALAND | 7