Andrew Lochore & Co.

16/09/2026

THE PROPERTY MARKET – WHERE ARE WE NOW?
A steady market, selective buyers & a window of opportunity before the election.

If you’ve been wondering what is actually happening in the property market, the latest numbers provide some useful perspective.

The Real Estate Institute of New Zealand August figures show a market that is holding relatively steady on price, but with fewer sales taking place. The national median price was $750,000, down 1.3% compared with August last year, while national sales volumes were down 13%.

At first glance, fewer sales might sound concerning. We see it differently.

BUYERS ARE STILL BUYING – BUT THEY ARE BEING SELECTIVE
What we are seeing on the ground is a clear distinction between property that simply comes to market and property that is genuinely well positioned.

There is strong interest in quality, established homes that are:

Well presented
In good, sought-after locations
Freestanding rather than compromised by complex ownership structures
Well maintained
Offering good space, functionality and liveability
Priced realistically for today's market
These properties are continuing to attract genuine buyers.

The market isn't short of buyers – it is short of buyers willing to compromise.

That makes quality and positioning more important than ever.

THE NORTH & SOUTH ARE TELLING DIFFERENT STORIES
One of the key themes in the latest REINZ report is the continued divergence between regions. Some areas are showing more resilience than others, reinforcing the importance of looking at what is happening locally, rather than relying solely on national headlines.

For Auckland buyers and sellers, the headline national numbers only tell part of the story.

Our local buyer feedback, enquiry levels, open-home attendance and competition between purchasers are often a much better indicator of what is happening with a particular property.

A GOOD WINDOW BEFORE THE ELECTION
With the General Election scheduled for 7 November, we believe the weeks ahead present an interesting window for both buyers and sellers.

There is still time to make decisions, negotiate, secure finance, prepare a property properly and complete a transaction before the election.

For sellers, that means getting ahead of the market rather than waiting for everyone else to make the same decision.

For buyers, it means there is still plenty of choice and an opportunity to negotiate on properties where the seller is genuinely motivated.

We don't believe the answer is simply "wait and see".

Every property, every buyer and every seller has a different set of circumstances. The opportunity is in understanding the market and making the right move for you.

FOR BUYERS – WATCH THIS SPACE
There are some very good homes coming to the market over the next few weeks.

We're particularly excited about some of the properties we have coming up – quality, established homes in good locations that we believe will appeal to buyers looking for something special.

If you're actively looking, now is a good time to make sure you're on our radar.

Keep an eye on our upcoming listings, and if you're looking for a particular type of home, get in touch with us. We may already have something coming that hasn't reached the market yet.

The next few weeks could be worth watching.

WHAT WE'RE SEEING LOCALLY
Our focus continues to be on creating competition around the right properties.

We're seeing particularly strong interest where homes combine presentation, location, quality and freestanding ownership – especially established homes that offer something buyers can immediately recognise as difficult to replicate.

These are the properties buyers are prepared to compete for.

That doesn't mean every home will attract multiple offers or an auction room full of bidders. It does mean that getting the fundamentals right matters more than ever.

Presentation. Positioning. Promotion. Buyer management. Timing.

The right strategy can make a significant difference.

OUR VIEW
We remain positive about the opportunities in front of us.

The market doesn't need to be booming for buyers and sellers to do well.

In fact, markets like this can create some of the best opportunities – particularly for buyers who are prepared to act and sellers who understand how to position their property correctly.

The market is moving. Buyers are watching. Quality is standing out.

And with the election still ahead, we believe there is a valuable window to make your move.

If you're considering buying, selling or simply want to understand what your property could realistically achieve in today's market, we'd be happy to have a confidential conversation.

Strategy First. Results Follow.

Andrew Lochore
Lead Strategist | Ray White Birkenhead
Andrew & Co

Local knowledge. Global reach.

google.com/url?q=https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://reinz.cmail19.com/t/i-l-vjkthg-ihjjdjuylr-y/__;!!Nen7ojaqpw!-F6ASszkyxhRSO3L2ePMheW7HUIUTzqubHcTjZxB6oMV8fvPHUdIbw41cy-bl6AQ7hsfbPUitdoL3sGdiMmTWviUTw$&source=gmail&ust=1789524125742000&usg=AOvVaw0EorBYxOQNQy9zhLa_mkuF

REINZ data for August 2026 reinforces a picture of relative stabili...

14/09/2026

A great campaign underway in Unsworth Heights 🏡

Proud to be part of the team behind this one – and it’s a home that deserves to be seen.

The campaign is underway, and we’d love to see you through the open homes. Come and take a look for yourself – you never know, this could be the one that feels like home.

See you at the open homes, or get in touch if you’d like to chat about your real estate needs...

Andrew Lochore - Andrew & Co.
Lead Strategist
Ray White Birkenhead

'627m² Freehold Goldmine - Held For 31 Years' - Listed by Ray White Birkenhead

07/09/2026

CONFUSED BY THE PROPERTY MARKET? YOU’RE NOT ALONE.

One week it’s “the market is recovering.”
The next it’s “rates are still holding things back.”

Then your neighbour sells in two weeks… while another home has been sitting on the market since autumn.

So, what does it actually mean for your home?

The truth is, there’s plenty of information out there – but information without context can be confusing.

What sellers really need is clarity.

🏡 What is your home worth today?
📍 What is actually selling in your area?
📊 How does your property compare with the competition?
🎯 What is the realistic strategy to get you sold?

And perhaps most importantly – is now the right time to act?

Spring brings more buyers into the market, but it also brings more properties.

Getting your home ready and launched before the post-election and New Year rush can give you the opportunity to capture buyers while there is less competition, rather than waiting until later when the market becomes crowded with new listings.

I’m feeling positive about the opportunities ahead.

Not because every property will sell overnight – but because the right property, positioned correctly and marketed strategically, can absolutely stand out.

If you’re thinking about selling, don’t rely on the headlines.

Let’s look at what the market actually means for YOUR property.

A conversation costs nothing – and it could give you the clarity you’ve been looking for.

Andrew Lochore
Lead Strategist | Andrew & Co
Ray White Birkenhead

03/09/2026

👋 COMING TO SEE US THIS WEEKEND?

A quick reminder that 9B Totara Grove, Hillcrest is open this Saturday & Sunday, 12:00–12:30pm.

If you’ve been watching this one, now’s the time to come through, have a look around and experience the home for yourself.

🎥 Take a look at the video, then come and see us this weekend.

Can’t make the open home? Private viewings are available by appointment.

See you there! 🏡

02/09/2026

A really well-put and considered update from Atom Go Tian on today’s RBNZ decision.

Worth a read if you’re a homeowner, buyer, seller or simply keeping an eye on where interest rates and the housing market are heading. There are some interesting points around inflation, mortgage holders and the momentum we’re seeing in the property market.

The key takeaway for me – today’s 25-point move is important, but what the Reserve Bank signals next may be even more important.

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RBNZ delivers expected hike to 2.75 per cent
Atom Go Tian
Economist
Ray White Group

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand has raised the Official Cash Rate by 25 basis points to 2.75 per cent, its second increase of the year.

June quarter inflation ran higher at 4.1 per cent against the bank’s own 3.9 per cent projection with supply shocks from the Strait of Hormuz crisis continuing to have ripple effects despite the signing of a US-Iran memorandum of understanding in June.

Tradeable inflation, which measures goods and services influenced by foreign markets, rose 4.9 per cent, with petrol alone accounting for 46.4 per cent of that increase. Petrol was also the single biggest driver of the headline figure, contributing 23.5 per cent of the 4.1 per cent annual rise. But not all of the pressure is imported. Non-tradeable inflation, which reflects local costs like labour, rent and services rather than overseas prices, came in at 3.4 per cent in the June quarter.

For the time being, businesses are absorbing more costs than they are passing on, with input costs up 2.9 per cent against output price growth of just 1.6 per cent in the June quarter. That is disinflationary for now, though it leaves a backlog of cost pressure that could turn this temporary cost shock into a permanent one.

Housing data available ahead of today's decision already showed a market losing momentum. The national median house price slipped 1.9 per cent in July to $760,000, down from June's $775,000, and down 0.7 per cent on a year earlier, the first annual decline since October last year. Homes are also taking longer to sell, with the median days to sell rising to 50 in July, up from 48 in June and 43 in April. Sales have fallen 5 per cent since May.

At 2.75 per cent, the cash rate still remains relatively low, so today's move is expected to remove stimulus rather than actively restrain the economy. The bigger question for households and mortgage holders may be less about today's move and more about how firmly the Bank signals its intentions for October.

31/08/2026

A HOME WITH HEART – 85 BEACH HAVEN ROAD

It’s a real pleasure to bring 85 Beach Haven Road to the market, & I’m genuinely proud to be representing the owners in the sale of this much-loved home.

Some properties are simply houses; others have that unmistakable feeling of home. This one has been thoughtfully cared for, improved & enjoyed, creating a warm, welcoming space with plenty of flexibility for its next owners.

With 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, two distinct outdoor living areas, multiple living spaces & a peaceful, private setting, there is so much to discover here.

Now it’s ready for its next chapter – & I’d love to introduce you to it.

Come & see it at one of our open homes, or get in touch to arrange a private viewing.

I look forward to seeing you there.

'THIS IS THE ONE THAT FEELS LIKE HOME' - Listed by Ray White Birkenhead

30/08/2026

PROUD TO PRESENT 9B GROVE ROAD, HILLCREST

BRAND-NEW FEEL. FAMILY-SIZED LIVING. A LOCATION TO LOVE.

We’re delighted to bring this beautifully presented 2020-built home to market, tucked away in an exclusive cul-de-sac.

With its freehold & standalone position, generous 161m² layout, four bedrooms, flexible living spaces, north-facing outdoor area & superb location, this is a home that gets so many things right.

The owners are overseas & this property must be sold.

Come & see it for yourself – join us at the open homes or get in touch to arrange a private viewing.

We look forward to welcoming you.

'MODERN LIVING, MADE FOR FAMILY LIFE' - Listed by Ray White Birkenhead

20/08/2026

COMING SOON – 85 BEACH HAVEN ROAD

A special home in the heart of coastal Beach Haven, offering an immaculate, homely feel in a wonderful community location. Featuring 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a master with ensuite, dual decking and fantastic indoor–outdoor flow, plus excellent parking. A home that needs to be seen – and must be sold. Watch this space for the official launch… don’t miss this one!

19/08/2026

SPRING IS COMING – TIMING IS EVERYTHING

We have some great homes coming to the market over the next few weeks, as we move out of winter and spring gets closer. Buyer activity is beginning to build, making this an important time for both buyers and sellers to be thinking ahead.

FOR SELLERS, TIMING IS EVERYTHING THIS YEAR

With the October school holidays, November election and Christmas all approaching, there are several key dates that could influence buyer activity and campaign timing.

If you're thinking about selling, the time to start preparing is now – not when you are ready to launch.

The strongest campaigns begin well before the property goes online. Getting the presentation, maintenance, compliance and documentation right in advance can make a significant difference to buyer confidence and the speed and strength of your campaign.

Well-prepared homes create stronger first impressions, attract more buyers and give you the best opportunity to achieve a premium result.

THINKING OF BUYING?

There are also opportunities for buyers in the current market. With changing interest rate expectations and less quality stock available, the right property may be worth acting on rather than waiting for greater competition later in the year.

THE YEAR OF TIMING

Whether you're thinking of selling, buying or simply want to understand where your property sits in today's market, we're here to help.

A conversation early can give you clarity around value, preparation, timing and strategy – without any obligation to make a decision today.

YOUR PROPERTY. YOUR GOALS. OUR STRATEGY.

18/08/2026

Spacious and Freehold (circa 888m2). A Relaxed Family Paradise.

Peacefully tucked away at the end of a private driveway, this tranquil retreat offers an effortless blend of total privacy, natural beauty, and everyday convenience. Framed by lush native bush scenery and bathed in soft natural light, the home creates an immediately calming atmosphere where birdsong replaces the noise of the City.

The contemporary late 60s design exploits the stunning setting, traditionally crafted in weatherboard, extended and tastefully renovated over time (dwelling circa 145m2 plus over 100m2 of outdoor decking). Soaring high-stud ceilings and raised clerestory windows in the living areas are a key feature of the design, drawing light and sunshine deep inside and creating an inviting sense of openness.

The modern, open-plan lounge, combined dining, and quality stone-benched kitchen are a centrepiece and focal point of the home, where stacking joinery leads onto an expansive north-facing entertainment deck.

With the simplicity of living on one level, plus bedrooms and bathrooms at either end, the layout is perfect for the growing or extended family seeking some autonomy, downsizers without stairs, or couples seeking extra space to work from home. Parents will love the master suite, a private haven with its own walk-in robe, ensuite, and ranchslider access to the front deck. You could say, nature at your doorstep.

The great outdoors centres around elevated decking, a fenced-off grassed yard, and a paved courtyard with a generous storage shed. Versatile options for hosting weekend gatherings with friends, or unwinding in complete seclusion at dusk.

An idyllic hideaway, yet close to the action. Walk hand in hand with the kids to popular Verrans Primary School within 300 metres, or a few minutes' drive to Birkenhead's vibrant local cafes, retail, Leisure Centre and fast-track transport links. The best of both worlds.

Your destination for the future, NOW. Will be SOLD.

'A PEACEFUL BUSH SANCTUARY ON SINGLE LEVEL' - Listed by Ray White Birkenhead