Why sell now?
Daniel Coulson Chief Executive Ray White New Zealand
After years of volatility, 2025 is shaping up to provide a rare moment of balance for homeowners – presenting, perhaps a fleeting, but no less valuable window where opportunity exists on both sides of the residential real estate transaction.
“ For homeowners contemplating a move, this is an unusually well-aligned moment,” says Ray White New Zealand Chief Executive, Daniel Coulson.“ The market is neither overheated nor flatlining. It’ s poised and beneficial in equal measure.
“ National data from our Ray White network reveals a clear uptick in listings. This greater level of supply offers buyers more choice, requiring sellers to make strategically planned decisions.
“ We’ re seeing evidence of properties that are priced judiciously and marketed effectively, selling swiftly,” Coulson says.“ But now, more than ever, presentation and precision matter.”
OPPORTUNITY ON BOTH SIDES
Today’ s residential property market isn’ t being dominated by either camp. We’ re not in the depths of a buyer’ s market, nor are we at the frenzied peak of a seller’ s cycle, Coulson says.
Instead, the forces of supply and demand appear to be in harmony.
“ This kind of equilibrium can be empowering. It gives sellers confidence that buyers are active and engaged and gives buyers the room to make considered decisions. The result? More constructive negotiations and more predictable sale timeframes.”
Source: realestate. co. nz, Macrobond, ANZ Research
Sentiment is also buoyed by several factors, notably improved affordability and a sustained period of interest rate easing. However, the clock is ticking. Many analysts expect the Reserve Bank of New Zealand( RBNZ) to shift its stance away from easing bias in the second half of 2025.
“ The current market reflects the tailwind of recent Official Cash Rate( OCR) reductions,” Coulson says.“ Sellers who act now can ride that momentum before the landscape shifts again.”
BORROWING CHEAPER, FOR HOW LONG?
The RBNZ’ s latest 0.25 per cent reduction to the OCR at its 9 April Monetary Policy Review had been largely locked into economic dialogue from earlier guidance, despite recent economic data showing stronger-than-expected growth and persistent inflation.
“ Even a modest reduction to the OCR has ripple effects. In 2025, borrowing is cheaper, lending competition is fierce, and refinancing is surging. One in seven homeowners are switching lenders – a sign not just of opportunity but of momentum. And when momentum enters the housing market, prices don’ t stay static for long.
“ Backdropped by this, it is no coincidence that sales volumes and mortgage approvals have begun to lift – clear signs that confidence is no longer just a feeling – it’ s showing up in results.”
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