Property

* Complaints about disruptive behaviour now handled in around 13 days (down from around 60 days a year ago) * 553 Section 55A notices issued by Kāinga Ora since July 2024, up from 41 issued during the same period in the previous year. * Of that 553, first notices made up around 83

* Reserve Bank lowers official cash rate by 50 basis points to 3.75%. * Banks reduce floating mortgage rates, with mixed changes to fixed rates. * Economic growth expected to recover in 2025 despite global uncertainty. The Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) has cut the official cash rate (OCR) by 50

* Southland's average asking price rose by 112.2% in the past decade, reaching $546,216. * The growth outpaced Auckland, which saw a 29.5% increase in the same period. * Regional appeal, economic stability, and affordability continue to drive Southland’s market growth. Southland has emerged as one of

* Southland's new listings rise 30.6% in January, signalling increased activity in the region. * Local market experts predict a strong year ahead with favourable conditions for buyers and sellers. * Lending rate drops and pre-approvals drive high buyer interest across Southland and Invercargill. The Southland housing market has kicked

The New Zealand property market experienced a significant surge in 2024, with over $115 billion worth of residential property listed, marking a $19 billion increase compared to 2023, according to realestate.co.nz. Among the notable trends, Southland stood out with an impressive 4.9% growth in average asking prices,

* Southland median home prices hit record highs, with strong demand driving growth. * New listings in Southland rose 7.3%, contrasting with the national decline in listings. * Balanced market conditions in Southland offer steady opportunities for buyers and sellers. Southland’s property market finished 2024 on a high note, standing out

It’s been a great year for Mandy Jordan from The Mortgage Supply Co - with the team clocking over 100 contracts in 2024 and the years not over. Business has been strong because Southlanders are “amazing and resilient” and know that home ownership is a long term game, she

* Council purchased Henderson House in Invercargill for $3 million plus GST. * Building refurbishment is budgeted at $15.75 million and planning will begin soon. * Henderson House aligns with Council's future local government reorganisation plans. Southland District Council will bring its staff together under one roof after purchasing Henderson