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Investing made easy: State of play

Friday 9th of October 2009

The latest Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) statistics show that the median house price (under the new stratified measure) rose in July and August and that 5,878 homes were sold in August this year, compared to 4,220 last year. Net migration is on the rise and the Reserve Bank is suggesting the official cash rate (OCR) is likely to remain low until the latter part of 2010.

It is all starting to sound as if the property slump could be behind us. But Craig Moffat, ANZ general manager of specialist distribution, says that while there are positive signs, it holds concerns about whether there are strong enough underlying factors to support these improvements.

He points to unemployment, describing it as "having a way to go" before it reaches its peak yet, while the high exchange rate is also a concern.

"We've still got some challenges to face and therefore I don't think the property market is set for a stable rise in values and in rents for a while to come."

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