Home Listings Hit Decade High with Over 30,000 Properties Available

A significant surge in available homes for sale was recorded at the end of December 2025, with national listings surpassing 30,000 for the first time in a decade. According to data from realestate.co.nz, the total number of properties on the market reached 30,390, marking a year-on-year increase of 3.1 percent. This trend reflects a robust supply of homes as the market heads into 2026.

The year 2025 concluded with consistent monthly stock levels exceeding 30,000 properties. Notably, 11 regions across the country experienced year-on-year growth in listings, with Northland leading at an impressive 11.4 percent increase, closely followed by Auckland, which saw a rise of 11.0 percent.

Increased Listings Reflect Seller Confidence

Despite December typically being a quieter month for property sales, Vanessa Williams, spokesperson for realestate.co.nz, noted an unusual uptick in activity. “The lift in stock to a 10-year December high suggests that while sellers are feeling confident heading into 2026, buyers are being more considered and benefiting from greater choice,” Williams explained.

The property market saw 4,900 new listings in December, a year-on-year increase of 2.8 percent. The Bay of Plenty led the regions with 385 new listings, reflecting a remarkable 22.2 percent increase compared to December 2024. Additionally, Wellington recorded 224 listings (up 18.5 percent), and the Central North Island had 114 new listings (up 12.9 percent).

However, not all regions experienced growth. In contrast, Marlborough, Nelson and Bays, and Gisborne reported significant declines in new listings, down 25.2 percent, 24.8 percent, and 19.2 percent respectively, compared to the previous year. The Waikato region faced a record low with just 355 new listings, a stark drop from over 1,000 listings in November 2025.

Stable Prices Amidst Fluctuating Listings

Despite the increase in available properties, the national average asking price remained steady, showing a slight year-on-year rise of 1.7 percent to $860,274. Only three regions reported double-digit growth in average asking prices: Bay of Plenty (up 13.3 percent to $931,602), Central Otago/Lakes District (up 13.1 percent to $1,556,852), and Otago (up 11.7 percent to $614,849).

In contrast, Gisborne experienced the most significant decline, with its average asking price dropping 29.1 percent to $532,314. This marked only the third instance this year that Gisborne’s average price fell into the $500,000 range. Similarly, Wellington saw a decrease in its average asking price, falling 9.1 percent to $797,463, dipping below $800,000 for the first time since May 2024.

Williams commented on the implications of these price changes, stating, “This drop presents a rare opening for buyers in the capital. While average asking prices have held in the $800,000s for much of the year, this softening suggests sellers are meeting the market.” She emphasized that for potential buyers waiting on the sidelines, this could represent an ideal opportunity, especially with an increase in available stock.

Looking ahead, Williams expressed optimism about the property market’s trajectory. “More than 30,000 homes on the market in December is a rarity,” she noted. “With national prices holding steady and stock at multi-year highs in the final month of the year, we could see renewed activity in early 2026, especially if confidence builds over summer.”

As the new year approaches, the dynamics of the property market remain in flux, with a mix of growing listings and fluctuating prices indicating a complex landscape for both buyers and sellers.