WELCOME TO THE April 2025
p UB li SHE r
Century 21 New Zealand Ltd
CONT ri BUTO r S
Rowan Dixon, REINZ
Julius Capilitan
ED i TO ri A l ENQU iri ES
Century 21 New Zealand +64 9414 6041
ADVE r T i S i NG ENQU iri ES
Century 21 New Zealand +64 9414 6041
D i SC l A i ME r
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S EASONA l SH i FT B ri NGS
MA r KET li FT
BY RO WAN DIXON , REINZ ACTING CEO
The Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) has released March figures, revealing promising trends in the national property market. Continuing the momentum from last month, year-on-year sales are rising across the country.
“As we transition into the cooler months, the market remains vibrant rather than stagnant. There have been reports of increased attendance at open homes and auctions. Even in cases where properties don’t sell at auction, there’s plenty of post-auction interest, indicating a resilient and engaged buyer community, ” says Acting Chief Executive Rowan Dixon.
National sales counts have increased compared to March 2024, rising 12.8% (from 6,774 to 7,640). This suggests a positive shift in the property market, likely influenced by the combination of lowering interest rates and still relatively low house prices. For New Zealand, excluding Auckland, sales saw a 14.2% year-on-year rise, from 4,622 to 5,278. At a regional level, notable year-on- year growth in sales was observed in Tasman (+48.6%) and the West Coast (+23.6%).
“This growth suggests that lowering interest rates and low house prices encourage more people to buy homes. Additionally, the strong performance in New Zealand (excluding Auckland) with a 14.2% year-on-year rise, highlights that regions outside Auckland are also experiencing significant demand,” says Dixon.
The median price for New Zealand declined by 1.4% to $790,000 year-on-year. Excluding Auckland, the median price fell by 2.1% from $715,000 to $700,000 compared to March 2024.
Six out of sixteen regions reported an increase in median prices compared to last ye ar. The West Coast region experienced the highest increase, rising by 11.5% from $370,000 to $412,500.
Two regions had no change from March 2024: Canterbury at $695,000 and Taranaki at
$600,000. Nelson’s median price significantly declined year-on-year from $722,000 to $640,000 (11.4%).
“March saw a year-on-year increase in sales, but median prices continue to lag behind. New Zealand’s property market remains the same: high listings result in decreased buyer urgency. If a buyer misses out on a property, they can easily find a similar one for sale,” says Dixon.
More properties hit the market than in March 2024, with an increase of 5.0% nationally, from 11,455 to 12,029 listings. Excluding Auckland, listings increased by only 2.6%, from 7,326 to 7,513, compared to last year. National inventory levels increased by 10.9% year-on-year to 36,870 and 3.2% compared to the previous month.
“As interest rates continue to fall and the OCR drops once again, local salespeople around the country are anticipating stability in
ANNUAL MEDIAN PRICE CHANGES
the market over the coming months, bringing renewed energy and hope for many navigating these changing economic tides,” Dixon concludes. There were 1,204 auctions across the country in March, which amounted to 15.8% of all sales, a slight decline from March 2024 and last month. The national median days to sell rose by 3 days, to 41 days year-on-year, which was the s ame for New Zealand, excluding Auckland.
The House Price Index (HPI) for New Zealand is currently at 3,632, indicating a decrease of 0.7% year-on-year and a 0.6% decline compared to February 2025. Over the past five years,
the average annual growth rate of New Zealand’s HPI has been approximately 3.7%. Southland remains the highest-ranking region for HPI movement, having taken the top place for nine consecutive months.
Click here to read the full report
Source: REINZ Monthly Property Report 15 April 2025.
WANAKA
G i VE YOU r HOME THE G l OW-U p i T DESE r VES: EASY WAYS TO BOOST
ST r EET A pp EA l
They say you never get a second chance at a first impression – and that couldn’t be truer when it comes to your home. Whether you're preparing to sell or just want to fall back in love with your space, street appeal plays a major role in how your home is perceived. It’s the first thing people see, setting the tone for what’s inside.
The good news? You don’t need a full-scale renovation to make a big impact. With a few thoughtful styling updates, you can take your home’s exterior from drab to fab – on any budget.
Here are some easy ways to elevate your home’s curb appeal and create a warm, welcoming vibe from the moment someone arrives.
GIVE YOUR FRONT DOOR SOME LOVE
A fresh coat of paint on the front door can completely change your home’s look. Rich navy, deep green, or classic black are all on-trend, but don't be afraid to go bold if it suits your style.
Add a modern door knocker or statement handle for a touch of personality. Finish the look with a stylish doormat and a pair of potted plants on either sid e for symmetry.
UPGRADE YOUR HOUSE NUMBERS AND LIGHTING
Small details ma tter. Swapping out outdated house num bers or a tired
porc h light for something sleek and modern can instantly lift the space.
Choose finishes that complement your home’s existing hardware –brass, matte black or brushed steel all work beautifully for a cohesive, polished look.
CLEAN AND REFRESH YOUR FACADE
It might sound simple, but pressure washing the driveway, walls, and front steps can bring your home back to life. Add fresh mulch to garden beds, prune overgrown hedges, and pull out any weeds.
Keep your front garden low-maintenance with native New Zealand plants like hebes or cabbage trees for a modern, drought-tolerant look.
STYLE YOUR PORCH LIKE A ROOM
If you’ve got a front porch or verandah, think of it as an extension of your interior. A bench seat or outdoor chair with cushions and a small table can create a cosy, lived-in feel.
Layer with textiles like a small outdoor rug and cushions in earthy tones to add comfort and charm.
ADD WARMTH WITH OUTDOOR LIGHTING
G ood lighting doesn’t just improve safety – it adds instant atmosphere. Solar path lights, uplights in the garden, or festoon lights across the porch all help create a warm, welcoming glow.
Use warm white globes (not harsh blue-toned ones) for a more inviting feel, especially if you’re hosting evening inspec tions or events.
DON’T FORGET THE FENCE AND GATE
Your fence frames your property. If it’s chipped, leaning, or outdated, a coat of paint or a full replacement can completely transform your home’s presentation.
Dark fencing colours like monument grey or deep green are trending right now, and they provide a stunning contrast to lush greenery and lighter home exteriors.
Street appeal isn’t just about looks - it’s about creating a feeling. Whether you're welcoming guests, potential buyers, or simply enjoying the view from the street, a few small updates can make your home feel fresh, stylish, and well-cared for. Embrace these changes as a way to express your personal style while enhancing your home's overall charm.
Getting your home ready to sell? Or simply want to boost its everyday charm? Talk to us for expert advice on the updates that will make the biggest impact – and attract the right buyers.
BrEATHE liFE iNTO YOUr HOME: SiMplE WAYS TO STYlE WiTH SCENT
When it comes to home styling, we often focus on the visual – colours, textures, lighting and layout. But there's another sense that plays a powerful role in creating atmosphere: scent. The right fragrance can elevate your home, evoke emotion, trigger memories, and make your space feel warm, inviting and distinctly you. Let’s explore how you can harness the power of scent to enhance your living environment.
WHY SCENT MATTERS IN THE HOME
Scent has a direct link to the brain’s limbic system, which is responsible for emotion and memory. That’s why certain smells can instantly transport you to a childhood memory, a favourite holiday, or simply bring a sense of comfort. In home styling, scent isn’t just a finishing touch – it’s an integral part of creating a complete sensory experience.
CHOOSE A SIGNATURE SCENT FOR EACH ROOM
Think of scent as another layer of your home’s personality. Each room can have its own fragrance identity:
• Living Room: Warm, welcoming scents like sandalwood, amber or vanilla.
• Kitchen: Fresh, clean notes such as citrus, basil or mint to complement the space.
• Bedroom: Calming fragrances like lavender, chamomile or rose to promote relaxation.
• Bathroom: Spa-like aromas such as eucalyptus, tea tree or sea salt for a clean and refreshing feel.
WAYS TO INCORPORATE FRAGRANCE INTO YOUR HOME
There are plenty of stylish and effective ways to add scent into your space:
• Candles: Offer ambience and scent in one. Opt for soy or beeswax for a cleaner burn.
• Reed Diffusers: Low-maintenance and perfect for steady, subtle fragrance.
• Essential Oil Diffusers: A great choice for adjustable intensity and natural scents.
• Room Sprays: Ideal for a quick refresh or to set the mood before guests arrive.
• Scented Linens & Sachets: Keep drawers, wardrobes or linen cupboards smelling fresh.
MATCH THE MOOD AND SEASON
Just like your decor shifts with the seasons, so can your home scents.
In summer, reach for light, crisp notes like citrus or cucumber. In winter, go for warming fragrances like cinnamon, pine, or clove. Seasonal rotation keeps things fresh and helps your space feel in tune with the time of year.
KEEP IT SUBTLE
When it comes to fragrance, less is more. Aim for a gentle aroma that enhances the space without overwhelming it. Be mindful of layering scents from different rooms – they should complement, not clash.
YOUR SCENT STORY
Scent has the power to turn a house into a home. It brings warmth, personality and comfort, wrapping your space in an invisible embrace that guests will notice and remember. Whether you're setting the mood for a cosy night in or creating a vibrant atmosphere for entertaining, the right fragrance makes all the difference.
B U il D i NG A G r ANNY F l AT JUST GOT EAS i E r
The New Zealand Government is set to introduce a game-changing update to building regulations by early 2026. If you’ve been dreaming of building a granny flat – or any small standalone dwelling – without the red tape, there's some welcome news.
WHAT'S CHANGING?
Starting in 2026, small standalone dwellings (up to 70 square metres) will be exempt from building consent requirements – provided they meet certain conditions. The goal? To make it easier, faster, and more affordable for Kiwis to add this kind of housing to their properties.
WHAT ARE THE RULES UNTIL 2026?
For now, a building consent is still required for any granny flat –regardless of its size or simplicity. Even if your design would qualify under the upcoming exemption, you must still get consent under current regulations.
Tip: Always check with your local council before you lift a hammer.
WHAT QUALIFIES FOR THE NEW EXEMPTION?
Come 2026, you can skip the building consent process if your granny flat meets all of these conditions:
• It's 70m² or smaller
• The design is simple and complies with the Building Code
• Construction is done or
supervised by licensed building professionals
• You notify your local council before and after the build This exemption applies to granny flats designed for any resident – not just elderly family members – supporting flexible living arrangements for all Kiwis.
INFRASTRUCTURE FEES STILL APPLY
While you might dodge building consent fees, councils will still charge infrastructure fees, known as development contributions. These are processed through the Project Information Memorandum (PIM) and help fund essential services like:
• Roads
• Water systems
• Parks and green spaces
• Community facilities
WHAT ABOUT THE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ACT?
Don’t forget: even with building consent exemptions, you still need to comply with the Resource Management Act (1991). Depending on your site and plans, a resource consent might still be required.
The government is working on aligning the RMA with the new building processes to streamline the experience.
WHY THE CHANGE?
This update is part of a broader push to:
• Increase the supply of affordable housing
• Promote safe, warm, and durable homes
• Encourage housing flexibility for all age groups
It’s a step toward a more adaptable, inclusive housing future.
Of course, even if you’re exempt from getting a building consent, all construction must still comply with the Building Code . Safety and quality remain non-negotiable.
If you’re thinking of building a granny flat in 2026, these new rules could save you time, money, and headaches – just be sure to plan ahead, consult professionals, and stay informed on your local council’s specific requirements.
A pril OC r CUT: WHAT HOMEOWNE r S AND BUYE r S SHOU l D KNOW
BY JULIUS CAPILITAN, C21 FINANCIAL
On 9 April 2025, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) delivered its fifth consecutive rate cut, lowering the Official Cash Rate (OCR) to 3.50%. The move reflects continued efforts to stimulate economic activity, and it’s already flowing through to mortgage rates – with both floating and short-term fixed rates moving downward.
FIXED RATES EASE, BUT COMPETITION REMAINS FLAT
Following the OCR cut, most major lenders dropped their 1- and 2-year fixed mortgage rates to 4.99% . While this follows market expectations, we’ve yet to see any lender break from the pack with a standout rate to truly kickstart aggressive competition.
“This is a good time to reassess your mortgage structure,” says Julius Capilitan, mortgage broker and director at Century 21 Financial “But the market hasn’t become hyper-competitive – it’s largely tracking the OCR without surprise.”
WHAT’S THE SMART MOVE IN APRIL?
With more OCR cuts expected later in the year – and a projected drop to 3.00% by year-end – borrowers are weighing their options carefully:
• 1–2 Year Fix: Sitting at 4.99%, short-term fixed rates offer a good balance of stability and flexibility to re-fix again if rates fall further.
• Split Loan Strategy: A popular option that spreads risk and
creates a smoother path through future rate changes.
• Floating: Best suited to those who want maximum flexibility or plan to make extra repayments.
“There’s no cookie-cutter strategy,” says Julius. “At Century 21 Financial, we look at your whole situation –income, plans, goals – and build something that actually works for your household.”
HIGH-LVR HOMEOWNERS: DON’T MISS OUT
If you bought recently with a small deposit, your loan may have started on a higher interest rate. But with property values increasing across many regions, homeowners with less than 20% deposit may now qualify to refinance at a better rate – potentially saving hundreds of dollars a month.
Even if you’ve only owned your home a short time, a quick check-in with a mortgage adviser could be worth thousands over the next year or two.
WHY WORK WITH A MORTGAGE ADVISER?
In a market where every bank is moving at the same p ace, it pays
to have someone looking beyond just one lender. At Century 21 Financial , we help you:
• Understand which banks will offer you the most competitive deal
• Structure your lending to suit your financial goals
• Handle the paperwork, negotiation, and switching
• Maximise cashback offers and policy exceptions where possible And remember – our services come at no cost to you , as we’re paid by the lender you choose.
FINAL THOUGHTS
With interest rates on the move again, this is a timely opportunity to review your mortgage and get ahead of the next wave of changes. Whether you're coming off a fixed term, stuck on a high rate, or planning to buy – now’s the time to get strategic.
Talk to Century 21 Financial today to find out where you stand – and how much better your mortgage could be working for you.