Housing sales up 8.1% in December compared to a year earlier. REINZ says

The housing market returned mixed results in December with stronger sales numbers but slightly softer prices overall.

According to the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ), 6644 residential properties were sold throughout the country in December, up 8.1% compared to December 2024.

However, sales activity was more muted in Auckland where 1886 residential properties were sold in December, up 2.2% compared to December 2024.

In the rest of the country (excluding Auckland), 4758 properties were sold in December, up 10.6%.

"December is usually a quiet month for the housing market, however, compared to the same time last year, activity appeared stronger in several areas," REINZ Chief Executive Lizzy Ryley said.

"Local salespeople reported mixed conditions, with some regions having experienced higher levels of buyer interest," she said.

"In particular, attendance at open homes and enquiries around listings were above what was seen at this time last year, suggesting improved engagement despite the typical seasonal slowdown," Ryley said.

However, while sales activity firmed, prices appeared softer overall.

The REINZ House Price Index (HPI), widely regarded as the most accurate measure of house price movements because it adjusts for differences in the mix of sales each month, declined by 0.6% in December versus November, and finished 2025 down 0.4% compared to December 2024.

In Auckland the HPI declined by 1.4% in December compared to November, and was down 2.1% compared to December 2024. See the table below for the full regional figures.

The REINZ's national median selling price was $786,977 in December, down 1.6% compared to November, but was up 1.4% compared to December 2024.

REINZ House Price Index - December 2025