Spring always brings fresh energy to the property market, and this year is no different. Across New Zealand, median prices remain steady and most regions have lifted compared to last year. Even with sales volumes easing in some areas, the sense of cautious optimism is clear. Buyers are active, sellers are realistic, and the season ahead looks full of opportunity.
Nationally, the median price sits at $761,000, while excluding Auckland the figure drops to $690,000. Thirteen of sixteen regions recorded annual increases, showing that confidence is alive and well despite a slight dip in the overall national number.
Wellington and the Hutt Valley
Here in Wellington, the median price is $740,000, reflecting a 6.9% easing year-on-year. On the surface, that may sound soft, but what we’re actually seeing is a more balanced market where first-home buyers are finding their feet. More stock on the market means buyers have choices, but it also means sellers who are well-prepared and realistic are achieving great results.
Lower Hutt tells a similar story, with 122 sales recorded in August at a median price of $716,000. Homes are taking around 52 days to sell, slightly longer than the national figure, but the sales being achieved highlight the strength of the local market. Importantly, our team continues to deliver excellent outcomes through a range of sales methods. Auctions remain a key driver, with competitive bidding still producing stand-out results, while negotiated sales are allowing buyers and sellers to find common ground.
Results Worth Celebrating
It’s easy to get caught up in the numbers, but what truly matters are the people behind them. We’ve seen families secure their first home after months of searching, downsizers making smooth transitions into low-maintenance living, and investors adjusting their portfolios with confidence. Every successful sale is a reminder that while the market shifts, life keeps moving, and property remains at the heart of those milestones.
Looking Ahead
With more listings coming on as spring takes hold, buyers have more to choose from than they’ve had in recent years. That doesn’t mean sellers should sit back. Presentation and pricing continue to make all the difference. Properties that are well-marketed and aligned to current conditions are the ones that shine.
Takeaway for September
For buyers, this is a window of opportunity to purchase with confidence and choice. For sellers, the message is equally positive: results are happening, and the right strategy will put you in front of motivated buyers this spring.
Did you know? The “median days to sell” is a simple but powerful measure of how warm the market feels. At 52 days in Lower Hutt, it shows buyers are taking their time. Sellers who prepare well, market boldly, and set realistic expectations are the ones celebrating sold stickers fastest.
✨ In short: Wellington and Lower Hutt are moving, families are finding homes, and auctions and sales are delivering real results. That’s something to feel confident about as we step into the busiest season of the year.