Auckland house prices rise while sales numbers show steep decline

Buyers in the Auckland property market have become more selective, but for the right property are prepared to meet the auction reserve or asking price.

“In October, the rare situation developed where the average sales price set yet another record while sales numbers fell to their lowest in an October for five years, and available property for sale reached its highest number at month end in three years,” said Peter Thompson, Managing Director of Barfoot & Thompson.

“It is a combination of factors that hasn't come together for many years.

“The last time sales numbers fell this low in an October was in 2011, when the market was still not fully recovered from the 2007 Global Financial Crisis.

“It is yet another sign the Auckland market is losing its forward momentum.

“In October, high end buyers were not put off by prices if the property represented value for money, and 39.2 percent of the homes sold were for in excess of $1 million. 

“This is the first time this year properties selling for more than $1 million have represented close to 40 percent of sales. Normally the number is in the mid-30s.

“This high end activity lifted the average sales price to $943,801, an increase of 2.6 percent on that for September, and 12.3 percent on that for October last year.

“Sales numbers in the month fell to 778, more than a quarter lower than those in September and also a quarter lower than the average for the past three months.

“Where buyer resistance to prices has been felt most is in the under $1 million price category. Greater choice has created an environment where buyers feel less pressure to pay the asking price.

“This is reflected in the median sales price for the month which increased by 1.8 percent in the month to $865,000. This compares with the average price increase for the month of 2.6 percent.

“The average median price increase over the past 12 months now stands at 10.9 percent, compared with 17.4 percent for the 2015 calendar year and 11.1 percent for 2014.

“The new LVRs that investors must meet has had a significant impact on sales in the under $500,000 price category. In spite of there being a reasonable selection of properties available, only 40 homes - or 5.1 percent of all properties - sold for under $500,000.  

“With the normal spring lift in sales activity failing to arrive this year, the relationship between buyers and sellers has moved into a more balanced position.

“At month end we had 3,711 properties listed, 21.3 percent higher than at the end of September.”

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Barfoot & Thompson is Auckland's leading real estate company. If you're looking for houses for sale, Barfoot & Thompson sell around one in three Auckland residential homes, significantly ahead of all other competitor brands. With over 1,700 salespeople and 65+ branches, they've got Auckland and Northland covered.