Christchurch Real Estate Market: August Update
Update on the Christchurch real estate market by Hayden Broadbelt
August saw the Reserve Bank of New Zealand drop the official cash rate fifty basis points to 1%. The size of the drop was seen as a surprise by many economists, but greatly welcomed by the housing market as the banks dropped their interest rates following the RBNZ direction. The flow on effect was positive, with first home buyers making their presence felt in the housing market. Reports have shown open home numbers increasing on the back of these favourable lending rates.
Properties for sale across Christchurch continued to be tight as property owners looked towards the warmer months to showcase their properties. Days on market dropped by 6 days to 39 days from last month, demonstrating that strong buyer demand and limited stock availability has increased sales levels. August also saw a 3.3% lift in the median sale price as the trend line continued to go in the right direction. There were 536 properties sold in August, showing an expected seasonal increase.
Anticipation for the Spring rush continues to hold the housing market to ransom as vendors remained in a holding pattern in the hope of achieving above market values for their properties. Their price expectations continue to be a hurdle despite strong buyer demand. Auctions continue to be the preferred vehicle for sale as buyer v buyer will always achieve better results than buyer v vendor.
Of course property listings are the lifeblood of any real estate business and the volume of listings coming into Harcourts across the city continues to track well. Harcourts remains the preferred real estate company in Christchurch with close to every second new property to the market being listed by your city’s favourite real estate brand.
If you’re thinking about buying or selling, or are just after some friendly advice, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch or request a no-obligation appraisal by clicking HERE – the team here at Holmwood are ready to help.
