Whangarei climbing out of Auckland’s shadow

It is only two hours’ drive from Auckland but in recent years Whangarei’s housing market has been worlds away from that of New Zealand’s largest city. 

While prices soared south of the Brynderwyns, the Whangarei region reported stagnant property values and some of the longest times to sell in the country. Those who moved out of the city often opted to rent out their homes rather than try to sell them in a flat market, effectively stunting rent price growth.

But just lately, all that seems to have changed – and changed dramatically.

Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) figures show sales in Whangarei and the wider Northland region have been experiencing steady price increases for some months now. REINZ chief executive Colleen Milne says sales growth continues to be very strong in Northland, with active Auckland buyers and investors. “Inventory data shows that the number of properties available for sale continues to fall quickly in Northland due to the strong demand," she says.