WELCOME TO THE November 2025
PU b LISH er
Century 21 New Zealand Ltd
C o NT r I b UT or S
REINZ
Julius Capilitan
e DIT or IAL e NQUI r I e S
Century 21 New Zealand
+64 9414 6041
AD ver TISING e NQUI r I e S
Century 21 New Zealand +64 9414 6041
DISCLAI mer
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By Julius Capilitan
m A r K e T
CoNFIDeNCe
CLI mb S HIGH
BY REINZ
Market confidence and positivity are evident in the new data released today by the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ). The market appears to have stabilised; this may be due to median prices remaining relatively level year-on-year across the country. Sales have increased nationwide, and local salespeople across the country have all commented on the growing positivity and activity they are observing at a regional level.
National sales were up 6.4% year-on-year to 7,505 sales, and New Zealand, excluding Auckland, saw a rise of 9.2%, to 5,200. Month-on-month data show a slight increase in activity at both the national and regional levels. The sales figures indicate that, even when considering seasonally adjusted data, most regions are experiencing a positive shift. This suggests that October performed better than typically expected, given the usual shift from September to October.
Eleven regions recorded increased sales year-on-year, with the most notable percentage increases recorded in Gisborne (up 70.3% to 63 sales), the West Coast (up 51.7% to 44 sales), and Taranaki (up 26.0% to 184 sales).
The national median Days to Sell decreased by one day to 41 days. For New Zealand, excluding Auckland, it decreased by two days to 41 days. The largest reduction in median Days
to Sell was observed in Southland, down 13 days from 44 to 31.
The greatest year-on-year increase in median Days to Sell was on the West Coast, rising 23 days from 24 to 47 days.
“The rise in market confidence, combined with the typical spring surge, has driven increased sales both year-on-year and month-on-month (up 15.4% nationally). Even after adjusting for seasonality, most regions show a positive shift, indicating that October performed better than expected. Feedback from local salespeople across the country supports this trend, with many reporting higher-than-anticipated activity, even if it occurred slightly later in the season than usual,” says REINZ Chief Executive Lizzy Ryley.
New Zealand’s median price decreased by 1.1% year-on-year, to $786,000. Excluding Auckland, the median price increased by 0.6% year-on-year to $710,000.
“Median sales prices across the country have stayed fairly steady in recent months, and this month is no different, with a median price of $786,000. But in Auckland, prices have now topped $1 million for the first time since March 2025. Meanwhile, the West Coast has hit another record median price, and Queenstown Lakes’ median is now over $1.5 million. It really shows that demand isn’t just holding up, but actually lifting, especially in premium and regional areas,” continues Ryley.
Nine out of the sixteen regions reported an increase in median prices year-on-year. Auckland’s median price is back up over the $1 million mark, up 3.6% year-on-year to $1,033,000. One region hit a record high median price: the West Coast, up 17.9% to $460,000. There was one Territorial Authority (TA) record in Queenstown Lakes, with a median price of $1,590,000 (up 2.3% from $1,555,000, recorded in August 2025).
Image: Ethan Johnson on Unsplash
ANNUAL MEDIAN PRICE CHANGES
$786,000
41
New listings continue to rise around the country, up 5.5% year-on-year to 12,209. New Zealand, excluding Auckland, also recorded an increase, up 4.2% year-on-year to 7,783. Inventory levels have returned to over 33,000, up 3.9% nationally year-on-year to 33,588.
“First home buyers continue to be a dominant group across the country, taking advantage of lower interest rates and a stabilised market in terms of price, closely followed by owner-occupiers,” says Ryley. “Salespeople are telling us that the warmer weather, lower interest rates, and easing lending criteria have brought more people back into the market and boosted activity in many regions, which we can see from the data.”
October’s auction sales reached 1,310 nationally, which accounted for 17.5% of all sales. For New Zealand, excluding Auckland, there were 636 auction sales, which were 12.2% of all sales. Auction sales in Auckland have increased both year-on-year and month-on-month, with 674 sales, representing 29.2% of all sales.
The House Price Index (HPI) for New Zealand is at 3,627, indicating a year-on-year increase of 0.3% and a month-on-month increase of 0.6%. However, the index level remains 15.2% below its peak. Over the past five years, New Zealand’s average annual growth rate in the HPI has been 2.3%. Two regions recorded new HPI peaks. Those were Otago
Source: REINZ Monthly Property Report 14 November 2025.
at an index level of 4,209 and Southland, at 4,959.
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BLOOM OF THE CENTURY
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o C r PLUNG e SPU r S A re FINANC e r USH: ACT FAST To L o CK
IN L o W r AT e S!
BY JULIUS CAPILITAN , C21 FINANCIAL
The Reserve Bank’s hefty 0.50% OCR drop in October pushed the rate down to 2.5%–bigger than many expected–and mortgage rates have fallen to their lowest levels in years. Some fixed rates are now in the mid-4% range, creating a prime moment for homeowners and buyers to secure sharper deals. With lenders moving quickly (some offering 48-hour approvals), there’s a strong sense of urgency in the market.
WHY THIS CUT IS A GAME CHANGER
A 0.50% drop can save hundreds per month on a $600,000 loan. Banks use the OCR as their benchmark, and this large cut has triggered rapid rate reductions. Top one-year fixed rates have already slipped below 4.5%, unlocking meaningful savings for borrowers.
For those who fixed when rates were higher, refinancing now can deliver immediate benefits–especially with some lenders still offering cash-back incentives. Competition is fierce, but the sharpest rates may disappear quickly if demand continues to surge.
48-HOUR TURNAROUNDS – SPEED IS E vERYTHING
Lenders are streamlining approvals to win business, with at least one major bank now offering 48-hour pre-approvals. This is a huge shift from the one-to-two-week wait times of the past.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU:
• Fast refinancing: Approval within days means you can lock in lower rates almost immediately, with solicitors typically needing a week to finalise settlement.
• Buyers benefit too: Quick pre-approvals give you confidence heading into auctions or making offers.
• Less stress: Faster processes mean fewer delays and clearer budgeting sooner.
LOCKING IN THE bEST RATE – TIMING MATTERS
With the OCR at 2.5% and another small cut possible on November 26, many homeowners are wondering whether to act now or wait. Rates have largely stabilised since the October drop, with only tiny movements (the average one-year rate fell just 0.02% in the last month). This suggests we’re close to the bottom of the cycle.
Current offers–around 4.5%–are the best in years. Waiting for an extra 0.10% drop may not be worth the risk of missing today’s strong deals or seeing banks tighten discretionary discounts. Locking in now provides certainty, protects you if rates rise again, and allows confident budgeting. Others are choosing to split their loan across terms to balance low short-term rates with longer stability.
Julius Capilitan, Managing Director of Century 21 Financial NZ, says… “ We had a feeling a bigger OCR cut was coming, and now it’s game on! I haven’t seen banks move this fast since COVID. Low rates and 48-hour turnarounds? It’s like someone hit turbo on the mortgage market. Opportunities like this don’t last long.”
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Continued from previous
KEY TAKEAWAYS
• 0.50% OCR drop = major savings, with rates in the mid-4% range.
• Refinancing now is a strong opportunity, especially for those on older, higher rates.
• 48-hour approvals mean fast refinancing and quicker pre-approval for buyers.
• Act soon –rates have stabilised, and waiting may mean missing this window.
• Speak with a mortgage adviser to choose the right structure (e.g., split fixes) and secure the strongest deal.
Bottom line: This unique combination of sharply lower rates and ultra-fast processing gives Kiwi borrowers a rare chance to reset their mortgage on their terms. If you’re thinking of refinancing or buying, now is the moment to move.
Editors Note: Refinance rates of 3.99% and offers of 1.5% cashback have just hit the market. The banks are very competitive leading up to Christmas, however we do not believe this will last long. Enquire now, before these offers fly away
THe THINGS We ForGeT: 5 over L oo K e D WAYS
To G e T Yo U r H ome
H o LIDAY- re ADY
IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS THAT CATCH US OFF GUARD
By the time December rolls around, most of us are juggling end-of-year deadlines, school wrap-ups, and planning for Christmas or summer getaways. In all that rush, the little things around the home often fall through the cracks. It is not until guests arrive or the heatwave hits that we realise what we forgot to fix, clean, or check.
So before things get busy, take a moment in November to tackle the often-overlooked tasks. These small steps can make a big difference when the holidays hit and save you stress later.
1. THE GUEST-READY ESSENTIALS
Even if you do not have overnight guests booked yet, November is a great time to check if your home is guest-ready. Think about the small comforts that make visitors feel welcome, such as a clean towel set, spare toiletries, extra hangers, and somewhere to store their things. If your home office, playroom, or multi-use space tends to double as guest accommodation, now is the time to make sure it can easily be converted when needed.
Tip: Create a small "guest stash" in a basket or drawer with extra essentials like soap, spare chargers, a notepad, or a bottle of water.
It saves the scramble later and adds a personal touch.
2. OUTDOOR LIGHTING THAT ACTUALLY WORKS
The return of warm evenings means outdoor entertaining picks up, but many people forget to check if the garden lights or patio fittings are still working. A few busted globes or outdated solar lights can kill the vibe quickly.
November is the perfect time to replace or upgrade your lighting so you are ready for summer dinners, backyard barbecues, and evening drinks.
Tip: Consider warm-toned festoon lights, path markers, or motion-sensor options for extra impact and ease.
3. THE AIR CONDITIONING
CHECK-UP
It is one of those things you only notice when it stops working. Air conditioners, fans, and split systems need a quick test before the heat kicks in. Filters might need cleaning, and settings may need adjusting after sitting unused during winter.
Booking a service or giving units a DIY clean now can save you from breakdowns or long wait times during peak summer.
Image: Mathilde Langevin on Unsplash
Tip: S et a calendar reminder to check your system every November and March to keep it in top condition year-round.
4. THE ENTRYWAY CATCH-ALL
Front doors and hallways get a workout during the holidays. Whether it is parcels arriving, guests popping in, or kids kicking off shoes, this zone can quickly become chaotic.
Tidy up the entryway with a mat that is still clean, a hook for bags, and somewhere for keys or shoes. It makes coming and going feel less frantic and it is the first thing guests s ee.
Tip: Add a seas onal touch like a pot plant or a bowl of wrapped sweets for a low-effort festive welcome.
5. THE bACKYARD (bEYOND THE LAWN)
Mowing the lawn is one thing. But what about the cobwebs on the outdoor furniture, the rust on the barbecue, or the state of the outdoor umbrella?
Before summer hits, take a weekend to check outdoor zones. Look over everything from barbecue plates to seating cushions to garden taps. A little prep now means fewer panicked clean-up s later.
Tip: Hose down outdoor furniture, clean the barbecue, and restock gas bottles now so you are not caught short mid-celebration.
READY bEFORE THE RUSH
The holidays always seem to arrive faster than expected. While the big tasks like cleaning and decorating get most of the attention, it is often the small forgotten details that cause the most stress.
By ticking off these five overlooked areas in November, you can give yourself a head start and a home that feels calm, comfortable, and ready to welcome whatever the season brings.
Image: MKsG3 on Unsplash
T H e moo D room :
C re ATING A SPAC e THAT re FL e CTS H o W
Yo U WANT To F ee L
STYLE IS vISUAL, bUT MOOD IS EMOTIONAL
A beautiful home feels good, not just looks good. Whether it is calm, energising, cosy or playful, your home should support how you want to live, not just showcase what is in fashion.
One way to get there is to build a mood room. This does not mean a themed space, but rather a room that is intentionally styled to evoke a specific feeling. It could be your bedroom, living area, home office or even a quiet nook. The point is to make your space work for your life, your pace and your emotional rhythm.
Here is how to create one that is uniquely yours.
START WITH ONE WORD
Before you buy anything, ask yourself: how do I want to feel in this room? Pick a single word such as calm, creative, joyful, grounded or focused, and let that guide your decisions. It simplifies everything from colour and layout to furniture and scent.
Tip: Write your word on a sticky note or phone wallpaper and refer back to it as you build the space.
CHOOSE COLOURS THAT ALIGN WITH YOUR MOOD
Colour has a powerful influence on how we feel. Soft blues and muted greens create calm. Warm terracottas and ochres bring comfort. Lively tones like mustard or coral lift energy.
Instead of following colour trends, choose tones that match your intention for the space.
Tip: If you are renting or working with existing furniture, use accessories like cushions, throws or wall art to layer in your chosen palette.
THINK IN LAYERS, NOT JUST
FURNITURE
A mood room is built in layers: lighting, texture, sound, scent and space. A lamp can soften a corner. A natural fibre rug can anchor the
room. A sheer curtain can shift the light completely.
These layers make a room feel complete, even without adding more items.
Tip: Mix textures like timber, linen and ceramics to add depth without clutter. The feeling of touch is just as important as what you see.
SET A MOOD RITUAL
It could be a candle you light when winding down, music you play while working or a diffuser scent that signals rest. Small rituals make the mood of the space consistent and personal.
Tip: Use lighting as a cue. A dimmer or warm lamp near the end of the day can trigger calm. Natural light and airflow during the day can boost energy and clarity.
ADD TEXTURE THAT GROUNDS YOU
Touch is one of the fastest ways to regulate the nervous system. Think soft knits, natural timbers, linen bedding or smooth ceramics. These tactile elements subtly remind the body it is safe and at home.
Tip: Place textured objects where you naturally rest your hands, such as the arm of a couch, the edge of a table or your bedside.
YOUR SPACE, YOUR FEEL
A mood room is not about perfection. It is about creating a space that gives something back to you. Whether that is peace, focus, inspiration or joy, it should reflect how you want to live.
You do not need a new house to feel at home. But if your current space no longer fits your lifestyle or emotional needs, it may be time to consider your next move.
Tip: A free appraisal with your local Century 21 agent can give you clarity on your home's value and help you decide whether to refresh, renovate or relocate.
Connect with your local Century 21 team for advice that supports your next chapter, wherever it leads.
Image: MKs on Unsplash