NZ Property Market Update 7 August 26 | Buyers Have the Upper Hand, But Rates Are Moving Again

This week’s cold snap was not the only thing keeping the New Zealand property market cool. Buyers still have plenty of choice, prices remain soft in several regions, and some fixed mortgage rates are starting to move higher.

TLDR; by Luminate | 7 August 2026

Buyers have more choice

More than 33,000 residential properties were listed for sale at the end of July, the highest July stock level in 12 years. The national average asking price has also fallen for five consecutive months, suggesting sellers are adjusting to a slower market.

Property values edge lower

National property values fell another 0.3% in July and remain nearly 18% below the January 2022 peak. Auckland, Wellington and Tauranga recorded further declines, while Christchurch and Dunedin posted small gains.

Mortgage rates start climbing

Several major banks have lifted fixed home loan rates as wholesale funding costs increase. The changes are relatively small, but they are a reminder that mortgage rates do not always move with the Official Cash Rate.

• Westpac: One-year fixed increased to 4.99%, 18 months to 5.35%, two years to 5.45% and three years to 5.35%.
• ANZ: Six months increased to 4.79%, one year to 4.99%, 18 months to 5.45%, two years to 5.49% and three years to 5.59%.
• BNZ: Six months increased to 4.79%, one year to 4.99%, 18 months to 5.29%, and its two, three and four-year rates moved to 5.45%.
• ASB: Six months increased to 4.79%, one year to 4.99%, 18 months to 5.35%, and its two and three-year rates moved to 5.45%.
• Kiwibank: Had not followed the other major banks as of 6 August, leaving some of its shorter fixed rates below its larger rivals.

Auckland remains slow

Auckland sales were down compared with last July, while prices remained largely flat. Listings are still elevated, giving buyers time to compare properties and negotiate conditions.

Auckland is not seeing a major price collapse, but sellers are facing more competition and longer decision-making from buyers.

That's the TLDR for this week.

Like the weather, the property market is still feeling the chill.Buyers currently have the upper hand, sellers need realistic expectations, and rising fixed rates could keep activity subdued as we head towards spring.

Whether you are buying, refinancing or reviewing an existing loan, getting the right lending structure matters more than trying to perfectly time the market.

Disclaimer: This article is general market commentary only and is not financial advice. Property markets, lending criteria, and interest rates can change quickly, so always do your own research and seek advice based on your own circumstances before making financial decisions.