NZ house sales keep falling as first-home buyers drive demand

Sales volumes have continued to decline across New Zealand's housing market.

It marks a third consecutive monthly fall and extends the subdued start to 2026 - even as property values remain broadly stable.

But beneath the surface, the picture is uneven.

Auckland remains soft, first home buyers are propping up demand, and the rental market is showing signs of strain.

At the same time, global uncertainty and inflation risks are starting to cloud the outlook.

Today on The Front Page, Cotality NZ Chief Property Economist Kelvin Davidson is with us to unpack what's really happening in the housing market, and what could come next.

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You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network.

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