Housing values are on track to have the flattest calendar year in more than a decade, despite a smidgen of growth occurring in November.
According to QV's latest House price Index, the average value of New Zealand homes was $908,173 at the end of November.
That was up 0.3% compared to the end of October, and was first increase in average value since April.
However, the average value is still down 0.7% compared to November last year, and down 14.6% compared to the market's peak just over three years ago.
"Time will tell whether or not we're finally witnessing the modest beginnings of the housing market's long awaited rebound, or whether this is just another small bump in what has been a remarkably bumpy road in recent years," QV Operations Manager James Wilson said.
"Interest rate reductions have certainly paved the way for a general lift in activity and market sentiment across much of the country."
"We're now seeing significantly more kiwis at open homes and in auction rooms, which has largely stemmed from what was, for the most part, a slow reduction in property values throughout winter."
"But with such a large supply of homes for sale, demand isn't yet converting into significant price pressure," Wilson said.
"We did see an overall increase in property values around the same time last year too, which petered out as interest rates, the increased cost of living, rising unemployment and slowing migration took hold," he added.
"These are still pretty major factors today and will also continue to play a pivotal role in hampering any significant home value growth as we move into 2025, even as mortgage rate relief finally sets in."
"Looking ahead, there's still very little to suggest that house prices will suddenly take off again any time soon, with supply far outweighing demand," said Wilson.
"There are still buyers waiting in the wings for economic conditions to improve and for interest rates to drop further."
"It looks like they may get their wish in 2025, but it could still be a while yet, and any growth in the meantime is expected to be moderate at best," Wilson said.
The chart below shows the latest regional movements in average dwelling values.
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