Why sell now?
Daniel Coulson Chief Executive Ray White New Zealand
By mid-year, the property market often adopts a watchful stillness, not quite the fresh start of spring, or the urgency of summer. However, 2025 has proven anything but typical, says Ray White New Zealand Chief Executive, Daniel Coulson
“ With half the year now behind us, the data reveals a market quietly shifting underfoot. Volumes are rising, listings are tightening, and the cost of borrowing is easing, albeit with a central bank reluctant to move too fast, or too soon.
“ This sets the stage for a deliberate reset, and therein lies the opportunity,” Coulson says.
THE GAME OF TWO HALVES
After a two-year period marked by tight monetary policy and economic contraction, Coulson says the housing market is entering a new phase.“ The first characterised by stabilisation, the second, offering the potential for renewed momentum”
Ray White New Zealand network data shows sales volumes have crept gradually higher through the first six months of the year.“ Buyers are stepping off the sidelines, lured by more attractive mortgage lending rates and improved affordability dynamics. While global headlines may still echo caution, local data suggests reason for encouragement.”
LESS COMPETITION, MORE CUT-THROUGH
“ In a sea of sameness, timing your move matters,” Coulson argues that sellers now face less competition from fresh listings, giving well-presented properties a tactical advantage.
“ Buyers perceive new listings differently from those on the market for several weeks. Right now, sellers are competing primarily against what’ s newly available – and that pool is shrinking.”
“ Inventory levels remain high overall, but that’ s not the whole story. Properties lingering unsold across online portals are not your competition. Today’ s active buyers – especially those serious about transacting- are gravitating towards fresh stock, over fatigued listings.”
AFFORDABILITY INCREASES ENGAGEMENT
Financial conditions have improved for many households, particularly as the Reserve Bank of New Zealand( RBNZ) has slashed the Official Cash Rate( OCR) six times since August 2024, and lenders have responded with lower retail offerings.
Coulson says that as affordability improves, so too does buyer confidence.“ Many are taking advantage of stronger negotiating power, greater choice, and more flexibility around conditional offers. These are buyers with intent, not tourists.”
Crucially, he says, banks are playing ball.“ Lower-thanforecast mortgage application volumes mean there’ s greater willingness to work with non-standard borrowers. E. g., those with lower deposits, variable incomes, or less traditional credit profiles.
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