Confidence at the rostrum: November auctions mark shift in momentum
Sam Steele Head Auctioneer Ray White New Zealand
November signalled a welcome shift in momentum across the New Zealand property market, with rising buyer confidence, increased sales activity, and early signs that the market is beginning to move out of its softer phase.
Ray White’ s auction results reflected this momentum, with 675 auctions conducted nationwide – a 3.90 per cent increase month-on-month – and a noticeable rise in bidder participation.
The premium end of the market was a clear standout. More than 10 properties sold under the hammer above the $ 3 million mark, underscoring renewed willingness among highvalue purchasers to engage decisively. This segment has long served as an early indicator of broader sentiment, and its resurgence signals confidence returning to the upper tiers of the market.
Nationally, auction metrics provided further encouragement. Average bidder registrations climbed to 2.50 / auction, with many campaigns reporting double-digit interest. Auctions accounted for 35.20 per cent of all new property listings, affirming their position as the preferred method of sale for sellers seeking confidence, competition and transparency.
Speed to sale remains a defining advantage. Properties sold under the hammer recorded an average of just 31.50 days on the market, compared with 48 across other sale methods – a meaningful difference for sellers aiming to align timing with summer plans or year-end moves.
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