If you’ve been watching the property market and wondering “what’s actually going on right now?”, you’re not alone.
From where I sit, the market is starting 2026 in a much more balanced place. Buyers are active, but they’re not rushing. Sellers are listing again, but they’re being a bit more realistic.
According to realestate.co.nz, there were slightly more homes listed in January than this time last year, which tells us confidence is slowly returning. At the same time, stock levels aren’t excessive, buyers have choice, but good properties are still getting attention.
Prices have eased a touch, which reflects what I’m hearing from clients: people are interested, they’re getting pre-approved, but they’re taking their time and weighing up their options.
That’s not a bad thing.
What this means for you:
If you’re buying, this is a nice window where you can negotiate without feeling rushed, especially if your finance is already sorted. If you’re selling, pricing realistically is key, because buyers are comparing everything.
If you’re thinking about making a move this year, the best first step is getting your lending clear early. It makes the rest of the process far less stressful.