26 May 2026April 2026: The New Zealand Property Report
Key figures
• New listings increased 7.3% year-on-year to 9,139 in April 2026
• National average asking price rose 2.2% to $869,023
• Total housing stock climbed 3.9% year-on-year to 37,334
• 7,853 properties sold in March — the highest monthly sales figure since November 2021
New data from realestate.co.nz shows the New Zealand property market has regained the level of activity last seen during the 2021 market peak.
In April 2026, new property listings reached 9,139, up from 8,518 in April 2025, a year-on-year increase of 7.3%. National average asking prices also lifted by 2.2% over the same period, reaching $869,023.
According to Sarah Wood, CEO of realestate.co.nz, despite ongoing global uncertainty and economic pressures, confidence is returning to the market.
We’re seeing more people browsing for property on our site, both locally and from overseas, and with total enquiries up by 14% year-on-year*, there’s clear intent from buyers.
Sales activity also strengthened, with REINZ reporting 7,853 properties sold in March, the highest monthly total since November 2021, when 8,370 properties changed hands.
A more balanced market emerges
The rise in market activity comes as property prices remain relatively stable. Although asking prices increased in April, the national average has remained within the $840,000 to $890,000 range for more than three years, signalling a level of consistency not seen in recent market cycles.
Several southern regions achieved record average asking prices in April:
• Canterbury reached a new high of $735,798, up 3.8% year-on-year and surpassing the previous regional record of $735,383 set in March 2022.
• Southland saw a record average asking price of $617,879, a 17.9% increase from April 2025 and the first time the region has exceeded the $600,000 mark.
• The West Coast also posted a record April average asking price of $560,725, following a 22.1% year-on-year increase.
Marlborough was the only region to experience a double-digit decline, with average asking prices falling 10.1% to $707,013, compared to $786,037 in April 2025.
Regional trends create opportunities
Three regions recorded double-digit growth in new listings during April:
• Auckland listings rose 23.1% year-on-year to 3,422
• Bay of Plenty listings increased 10.6% to 617
• Otago recorded 321 new listings, up 10.3% from April last year
Meanwhile, Northland (-14.0%), Central North Island (-15.1%), and Southland (-10.6%) all recorded double-digit declines in new listings.
Wood says the current environment is creating favourable conditions for both buyers and sellers.
The market is finding its footing again and it’s come with a more measured dynamic between buyers and sellers. There isn’t the urgency of past peaks, this is more sustainable. Buyers have choice, sellers have confidence and the level of stability the property market is offering is enabling people to make considered decisions. Right now, the conditions are there for those ready to act.
This blog post references content from realestate.co.nz