The REINZ House Price Index shows national house prices have remained broadly stable following the post-2021 correction
“ Homes do not compete against a national average,” Coulson says.“ They compete against the alternatives available to the same buyer at the same time. That makes accurate pricing, strong presentation and a clear representation of a property’ s advantages more – not less – important.”
NOVEMBER WON’ T ANSWER EVERY QUESTION
Coulson says the approaching general election is influencing sales activity, particularly among investors assessing possible changes to property taxation and housing policy.
Political clarity may remove one unknown after November’ s election, but it will not determine interest rates, global energy prices, employment conditions or the supply of competing homes. Nor will the result necessarily improve an individual owner’ s changeover position, he says.
That gap between turnover and values suggests buyers have become more selective rather than simply abandoning their market plans.
Purchasers are comparing competing homes carefully and placing greater weight on qualities that remain useful beyond the present cycle; key considerations include:
• Proximity to employment, schools and amenities
• Adaptable space and long-term liveability
• Condition and anticipated maintenance costs
• Energy efficiency and operating expenses
• Land, outlook or architecture that cannot be readily reproduced
“ Waiting until after the election may feel prudent, but it remains a market decision. By then, buyers may face different lending costs, sellers may encounter more competing listings and the property they hoped to purchase may no longer be available.”
Global uncertainty adds to the equation. Geopolitical disruption has influenced fuel costs, tradable inflation and wholesale interest rates, demonstrating how quickly offshore events can alter domestic borrowing conditions.
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