WELCOME TO THE March 2025
PUBLIS h E r
Century 21 New Zealand Ltd
c ONT r IBUTO r S
Rowan Dixon, REINZ
Julius Capilitan
Corelogic NZ
EDITO r I a L ENQUI r IES
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a DVE r TISING ENQUI r IES
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DIS c L a IME r
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G r OWING c ONFIDEN c E FUELS M ar KET MOMENTUM
BY RO WAN DIXON , REINZ ACTING CEO
The latest figures from the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) for February showed some positive signs across the New Zealand property market, with increases in sales counts and auction activity.
REINZ Acting Chief Executive Rowan Dixon says the data released today indicates growing stability in the market. As New Zealand transitions from the holiday period and returns to normal routines, the market looks optimistic.
“Sales have increased nationally year-on-year, and activity is ramping up as we move out of summer. Attendance at open homes remains strong, and auction numbers are comparable to those in February 2024. These are encouraging signs for a positive and confident market ahead, ” Dixon comments.
Sales returned to a relatively stable level nationwide, rising 3.4% (from 6,080 to 6,287) year-on-year and increasing 59.5% (from 3,941 to 6,287) compared to January 2025. For New Zealand, excluding Auckland, sales experienced a 5.6%
year-on-year rise, from 4,252 to 4,491. Compared to February 2024, notable growth in sales was observed on the West Coast (+22.2%) and Taranaki (+20.6%). All regions reported an increase in sales month-on-month, as expected.
“Sales in New Zealand generally rise from January to February, though the exact shift becomes clearer once seasonal trends are accounted for. For instance, New Zealand experienced a 59.5% increase in sales, but when adjusting for seasonality, that is 12% higher than anticipated,” Dixon says.
The median price for New Zealand declined by 2.4%, from $791,000 to $772,000, year-on-year. Excluding Auckland, the median price fell by only $10,000 (1.4%) from $710,000 to $700,000 compared to February 2024.
Six out of sixteen regions reported an increase in median prices compared to February 2024. The West Coast region experienced the highest increase, rising 16.3% from $325,000 to $377,500. Southland noted a 9.2% increase year-on-year, from $430,600 to $470,000.
“February saw a rise in sales, but median prices lagged, with only six regions recording an increase. High number of listings can give buyers less urgency—if they miss out on one property, plenty of similar options are still available,” says Dixon.
Overall, listings nationally declined 3.6% year-on-year, from 11,788 to 11,363. Excluding Auckland, listings declined slightly by 0.3%, from 7,269 to 7,249, compared to February 2024. The most significant gains in listings were
ANNUAL MEDIAN PRICE CHANGES
Source: REINZ Monthly Property Report 17 March 2025. $772,000
observed by Gisborne (+79.4%) and Southland (+24.1%).
National inventory levels increased by 13.6% year-on-year to 35,712 and 10.2% compared to last month.
“Reports show a positive outlook with most vendors setting realistic prices and aligning to market conditions,” Dixon concludes.
February saw 1,163 auctions across the country (18.5% of all sales), a slight increase from February 2024 and a notable increase from last month. The national median days to sell rose by 3 days, to 54 days year-on-year; excluding Auckland, it increased by two, to 54 days.
The House Price Index (HPI) for New Zealand is currently at 3,655,
indicating a decrease of 1.2% year-on-year and an increase of 1.4% compared to January 2025. Over the past five years, the average annual growth rate of New Zealand’s HPI has been approximately 4.0%. However, it sits at 10.6% below its peak in 2021.
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F IG h TING ca N c E r
WIT h h IG h TE a
Dargaville businesses recently joined forces to raise money for the fight against breast cancer, organising a classical high tea event to support the cause.
"Fundraising doesn't have to be sombre. It can be a celebration of strength, resilience, and community spirit. Breast cancer affects so many, but through events like this, we can stand together, support one another, and make a real impact, all while enjoying a wonderful
afternoon," says Jean Johnson of Century 21 Real Estate.
Together with the Northern Wairoa Hotel, Jean and her team pitched in to create a special event, which combined breast cancer fundraising with a little bit of early-autumn fun. On March 8, they transformed the Victorian-era ballroom of the Northern Wairoa Hotel into a scene reminiscent of Downton Abbey or a royal engagement, serving up baked delicacies and cups of tea in a convivial atmosphere.
Dressing up in the fashions of a boygone era was encouraged
for this silver service event. The invitation read 'Embrace your inner regency style and enjoy a touch of sophistication,' posted on flyers around Dargaville.
Jean is the perfect host for such a charitable tea party. In the years before her real estate career, she was well-known as a designer of custom-made cakes.
The fight against breast cancer started 2025 with a major win, as Pharmac greenlit funding for a new wonder drug that has shown great promise at treating a common form of the illness.
"Enhertu really is a remarkable drug – rarely have we seen doctors so excited by the potential of a new medicine," said Breast Cancer Foundation of New Zealand CEO Ah-Leen Rayner.
"Having Enhertu funded will mean women with HER2-positive advanced cancer will get the chance to live longer, happier and healthier lives."
Read the original article by Andy Bryenton on kaiparalifestyler.co.nz
T h E G r E aT MO r TG a GE r ESET OF 2025: N aVIG aTING r EFIXING OPPO r TUNITIES
BY JULIUS CAPILITAN, C21 FINANCIAL
As we move further into 2025, many New Zealand homeowners are facing what’s being called the “Great Mortgage Reset” – a period where a significant number of fixed-term mortgages are coming up for refixing. With over $200 billion worth of mortgages due for refixing in the first half of this year, borrowers need to reassess their options carefully.
WHAT IS THE GREAT MORTGAGE RESET?
Over the past few years, many homeowners opted for short-term fixed mortgage rates to secure lower interest rates at the time.
Now, as these fixed terms expire, a large number of borrowers must refix their loans at today’s market rates. This presents both risks and opportunities depending on how interest rates move in the coming months.
Julius says: “With so many homeowners needing to refix, we’re in a unique moment where borrowers can make smarter financial moves. The right decision now could mean saving thousands over the next few years.”
CURRENT INTEREST RATE LANDSCAPE
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) has cut the Official Cash Rate (OCR) from 4.25% to 3.75%, with further reductions expected in April and May. This has already led to lower mortgage rates, with some lenders now offering rates as low as 4.99% for two-year fixed terms. However, while rates are dropping, the biggest cuts may already be behind us. The market has already priced in most future OCR reductions, meaning long-term rates might not fall much further.
Julius says: “We’ve seen floating, flexible, and test rates drop, but we’re still waiting on better longterm rates. The best we’ve seen so
far is 4.99% for two years, but we’re keeping an eye on whether lenders release more competitive options.”
STRATEGIES FOR HOMEOWNERS FACING REFIXING
If your mortgage is coming up for renewal, now is the time to take action. Here are three key strategies to consider:
1. Assess Fixed vs. Floating Rates – While fixed rates offer repayment certainty, floating rates could provide flexibility if further rate cuts are expected.
2. Consider Shorter-Term Fixes – A six-month or one-year fix could allow borrowers to take advantage of current rates while keeping the option open for future cuts.
3. Speak to a Mortgage Adviser – Every borrower’s situation is different. A mortgage expert can help you weigh the options and lock in the best possible rate.
Julius says: “Each client’s situation is unique, and that’s why we take a tailored approach. There’s no ‘onesize-fits-all’ mortgage solution, and now more than ever, it’s important to get professional guidance.”
OPPORTUNITIES FOR NEW BUYERS
While house prices remain down compared to 2021, falling mortgage rates mean the cost of borrowing has become more affordable. With interest rates expected to remain lower through 2025, it could be
an ideal time for buyers to enter the market.
For those considering a first home purchase or investment, the key questions to ask are:
• Can I afford repayments if rates increase again in future?
• Am I better off locking in a fixed rate or keeping some flexibility?
• How much deposit do I need to secure the best possible mortgage deal?
FINAL THOUGHTS: MAKE THE MOST OF 2025’S OPPORTUNITIES
With so many mortgages coming up for renewal, the decisions homeowners make in the next few months will be crucial.
The right move now can lead to lower repayments and long-term financial stability.
At Century 21 Financial, we do the hard work for you, ensuring you lock in the best mortgage rate based on your personal circumstances.
Julius says: “Don’t leave it to the last minute. If your fixed term is ending soon, let’s have a chat and make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.”
Need help navigating your mortgage refix? Contact Century 21 Financial today and let’s get started.
G ENDE r PaY G a P a ND INVESTMENT DIVIDE h OLDING WOMEN Bac K F r OM
P r OPE r
TY WE a LT h
BY CORELOGIC NZ
New Zealand women remain under-represented in investment property ownership, with financial barriers rather than attitudes holding them back, CoreLogic’s latest Women & Property Report 2025 reveals.
The fifth edition of the report, released in the lead up to International Women’s Day, finds while female-only homeownership rates have inched closer to male-only ownership, women continue to lag in investment property, limiting their ability to build long-term wealth through real estate.
For the first time the survey also explored attitudes towards home ownership, barriers to property investment, and financial literacy levels across gender groups, while examining the impact of income levels and employment status on property investment trends.
WOMEN OWN HOMES BUT MEN BUILD PROPERTY WEALTH
CoreLogic NZ Chief Property
Economist Kelvin Davidson said the findings highlight the strong presence of women in home ownership, while also underscoring an ongoing imbalance in property investment.
CoreLogic’s analysis shows that female-only owner-occupiers outnumber their male counterparts, making up 23.1% of sole ownership compared to 20.9% for men, with mixed-gender ownership accounting for 56.0%.
However, the gap widens when it comes to investment properties, where women trail men by 4.2 percentage points.
“Women are just as committed to property ownership as men, and their higher representation in owner-occupied housing is a significant achievement,” Mr Davidson said.
“But financial barriers continue to limit their ability to invest, which has long-term implications for wealth accumulation. Our data shows female-only investment property ownership sits at 21.9%, compared to 26.1% for men, a persistent gap that reinforces the need for financial strategies that support women's investment opportunities.”
GENDER PAY GAP DIRECTLY IMPACTS PROPERTY INVESTMENT
CoreLogic Head of Research Eliza Owen said while it was encouraging to see more women purchasing an owner-occupier property than their male counterparts, the data showed they aren’t opting out of property investment; they are being locked out.
“The gender wage gap means women take longer to save for deposits, have lower borrowing capacity, and are more likely to prioritise housing security over investment risk,” she said.
“These factors compound over time, making it harder for women to build intergenerational wealth through property.”
The report highlights a clear financial divide between men and women with survey-based data showing 68% of women earn less
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than $70,000 per year, compared to 49% of men. Only 13% of women earn more than $100,000, half the rate of men at 26%.
WOMEN MORE LIKELY TO BUY IN AFFORDABLE MARKETS
The data also showed women’s property ownership is more concentrated in more affordable regions, while men have more diverse and resilient property portfolios. This financial disparity affects access to property investment, with men more likely to own multiple property types, diversify portfolios, and withstand economic downturns.
Women’s property ownership is higher in more affordable areas, such as Kawerau, where 27.6% of properties are owned solely by women, Whanganui at 26.9%, Invercargill at 25.8%, South Waikato at 25.7% and Auckland City at 25.6%.
While Auckland City is not an affordable market, the data suggests that women’s ownership rates there highlight a difference for more attainable apartments.
Meanwhile, female-only ownership is lowest in high-demand investment hubs, including Mackenzie at 14.3%, Queenstown at 16.2%, and Thames-Coromandel at 16.3%.
“The trends suggest affordability is a key barrier, with men having greater access to investment in premium markets,” Ms Owen said.
“The pay gap is directly linked to property investment, as higher wages give men an earlier and greater ability to leverage property as an investment vehicle. This advantage enables them to acquire multiple properties, benefit from compounding returns, and build passive income streams.
“Over time, this not only accelerates individual wealth accumulation but also positions men to pass on greater financial security to future
generations, reinforcing long-term inequality.”
FINANCIAL
EDUCATION AND WAGE GROWTH NEEDED
The report suggests financial education and wage growth are critical to closing the gender gap in investment property. Mr Davidson said women’s property aspirations are clear and the challenge is ensuring they have the financial means to participate equally.
“Better access to investment education, combined with policies addressing income disparity, could help more women leverage property for wealth creation,” he said.
“Women are not risk averse to buying property, instead the data suggests they are financially constrained. More transparent financial literacy programs, employer pay equity initiatives, and targeted property investment education could help bridge the gap.”
