Property listings hit decade-high levels
The national property market closed out 2025 with an unusually high number of homes for sale, giving buyers plenty of choice heading into the new year. According to realestate.co.nz, there were 30,390 listings nationwide in December, up 3.1% compared with December 2024. It was also the largest number of listings recorded in a December since 2014.
New supply continued to flow onto the market late in the year. There were 4,900 new listings in December, 2.8% more than the same month a year earlier. Overall, stock levels remained elevated throughout 2025, with more than 30,000 properties available every month.
Realestate.co.nz Spokesperson Vanessa Williams said the figures reflected a market where sellers were feeling confident, while buyers remained cautious. “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.”
Despite the high level of choice, the market was not oversupplied by historical standards. There were 22 weeks of inventory in December, below the long-term average of 26 weeks, suggesting that while buyers had options, the market was not excessively skewed in their favour.
What high listing levels mean for buyers and sellers
For buyers, elevated stock levels typically create a more balanced environment. Greater choice allows buyers to take time, compare properties and negotiate more confidently, particularly when similar homes are competing for attention. It can also reduce pressure to make quick decisions, especially during the summer months when listings are plentiful.
For sellers, a well-stocked market means presentation, pricing and timing become increasingly important. While confidence may be improving, buyers are being more selective, which places greater emphasis on setting realistic expectations and understanding local conditions.
High listings do not automatically translate into weaker prices, particularly when weeks of inventory remain close to long-term norms. Instead, they often signal a market in transition, where momentum depends on shifts in confidence, financing conditions and buyer activity as the year progresses.
Buyers or sellers who want help understanding how today’s listing levels could affect their purchasing power or finance strategy are welcome to get in touch, and we’d be grateful for an introduction.