18/09/2026
📊 REINZ has released its August 2026 market data.
Canterbury’s median house price increased 1.5% year-on-year to $700,500, with properties taking a median of 44 days to sell.
REINZ Chief Executive Lizzy Ryley says first-home buyers remained the most active buyer group in August, with owner-occupiers also showing strong levels of activity. Investor demand softened in some parts of the region as buyers adopted a more cautious approach ahead of the November general election.
Vendor price expectations were generally aligned with market conditions, although some sellers continued to hold firm on higher price expectations. Open home attendance ranged from steady to strong, particularly for properties appealing to first-home buyers. Auction performance remained positive, with healthy clearance rates and an increase in the number of properties selling under the hammer in some areas.
Market sentiment was broadly steady, with first-home buyers demonstrating a willingness to transact. New listings across Christchurch attracted solid interest, and local salespeople anticipate stable market conditions, with more properties expected to come to market over the coming months.
Source: REINZ Market Intelligence Report – August 2026.
