REINZ said New Zealand’s seasonally adjusted median house price fell 1.3% MoM
and 1.3% YoY in August as rising cost of living and a weak labour market dented
buyer confidence. Nationwide sales fell 1.9% MoM and nearly 10% YoY. REINZ CEO
Lizzy Ryley said the market’s rhythm has changed with lower volumes and longer
selling times; median days to sell rose to 51, three days more than August 2025
and the fourth-highest August on record.