knowledge centre
Changing house values by area type - 10 January 2012
There are differences in the residential housing markets between urban, provincial and rural areas. All three area groups grew strongly in value up to the market peak of late 2007 to early 2008. They then all declined around 10% through the global financial crisis in 2008 and early 2009. The nature and extent of recovery since, is what separates them.
Santa and the suburbs - 8 December 2011
As Christmas nears, Santa will be planning his route across the world to deliver cheer to all. Somewhere during the night he’ll be making his way around New Zealand so we provided Santa with an extract from our database to help with his planning.
A Spring lift in sales? - 9 November 2011
At around this time of the year some property commentators mention a Spring lift in sales numbers. We’ve looked back to 1981 to see what evidence there is for a Spring increase in sales.
Understanding your Rating Value - 4 September 2009 [UPDATED 20 October 2011]
The calculation of Rating Values and how they impact on the rates is a complex process which can vary between Councils. Here we will attempt to shed some light on Rating Values.
What's the top suburb in the region nearest you? - 12 October 2011
One particularly interesting statistic that tends to get asked for a lot, is what is the top suburb in a particular region. The following table outlines the top five suburbs for each major region of New Zealand
Changing sales volumes since 2000 - 13 September 2011
Looking back to the beginning of 2000 we can see how the number of house sales nationwide has changed over time. After peaking at nearly 28,000 sales per quarter in 2003 the number of sales settled at around 22,000 until 2007
Property value change over the past 3 and 12 months - 08 August 2011
Over the past twelve months property values at a National level first dropped for a few months, then levelled, and for the past few months have been gradually increasing.
Little change in consumer sentiment over property market - 11 June 2011
The results of the latest survey of the New Zealand housing market carried out by QV.co.nz shows little change from the last survey in December 2010.
QV.co.nz property quiz - 08 June 2011
How well do you know property? Take our quick five minute quiz and find out some quirky property facts.
Average house size by age - 10 May 2011
The average size of a house in New Zealand, based on floor area, is 149 m2. This has generally increased over time, with houses built recently being over 50% larger than houses built in 1900.
Average house size by area - 12 April 2011
The average size of a house in New Zealand, based on floor area, is 149 m2. We look at how this varies between districts, cities, towns, and suburbs.
The property market in Christchurch after the quakes - 8 March 2011
The major quake on February 22nd has caused much more extensive damage to Christchurch than the September 4th quake. It is too early to say exactly what impact this will have on the housing market in Christchurch, although what happened between September and February may give us something of a guide.
Sales volume drop from peak by area - 8 February 2011
One of the most notable features of the property market over the last three years has been how the number of sales has dropped. This drop in the number of sales has affected nearly every city, town and suburb, but we’ve taken a look at the areas that have done better or worse than the rest.
How is a Rating Value determined and what does this mean? - 6 January 2011
Homeowners in most regions tend to receive their updated Rating Value every three years. This will inevitably raise some questions such as how is a Rating Value determined and what does this mean? We take a look at the purpose of Rating Values and how they are subsequently used.
The effect of the Canterbury earthquake on the property market - 7 December 2010
The September 4th 2010 earthquake in Canterbury had an immediate impact on the housing market in the area. Land and property damage across the region delayed sales already in progress, slowed the overall sales process, and changed the supply and demand in the area.
Best and worst performing areas since the peak - 5 November 2010
Using the QV residential price movement index we measure the change in value between the peak of the market and today and see that some areas have fared better than others.
Valuing a Leaky Home - 7 October 2010
To some people, leaky homes have no value. They wouldn't even consider buying one. To others, the value is intrinsic because it is already their home. And yet to others, a leaky home may represent an opportunity to make a profit. We take a look at valuing a leaky home.
Comparing house value changes between urban, provincial and rural areas - 9 September 2010
There are often house value differences between each of the cities, but even bigger differences between cities and rural areas. So let’s take a step back and compare the change in house values over the last few years in the main urban areas, the provincial towns, and the rural areas.
A Valuer's take on tax changes - 9 August 2010
The changes to the taxation system have been well documented over the past couple of months. Many are now asking how these changes have affected the residential property market to date, and what will occur after they come into affect later this year.
Best and worst performing street types - 12 July 2010
There's good news for homeowners whose address ends in Strand - you're settled in some of New Zealand's most exclusive and expensive properties. Check out how your street type ranks.
The budget and its impact on the property market - 10 June 2010
A summary of the changes to tax measures announced in Budget 2010 that affect the property market.
Understanding Cross-lease Titles - 7 May 2010
Properties come with various forms of tenure (Title types), they are all okay, but some are more restrictive than others. The important thing is that you understand what it is that you are buying, what you can and can't do under that tenure, and the potential problem areas to check before going unconditional with an offer to purchase.
Best and worst performing suburbs - 12 April 2010
Check the change in property value over the past year for the top and bottom suburbs across the country.
How long are houses owned before they are sold? - 5 March 2010
It is often said that properties are sold on average every seven years. Is that true?
Residential sales turnover - 5 February 2010
Where have the sales been happening? We have looked at sales turnover across the country.
Selling a property - be informed - 5 February 2010
No matter your reason for choosing to sell you’re bound to have lots of questions. Here’s a guide to help you answer some of these questions and looks at how you are protected and what independent information is available to you.
Buying a property – be informed - 11 January 2010
If you are thinking of buying a property, what information do you need? What can you expect from real estate agents based on REAA’s new rules for client care? Find out how you are protected and what independent information is available to you.
Where is the property value growth coming from? - 7 December 2009
House prices have been rising steadily since earlier this year. We look at some of the major cities to see how house prices have changed in recent months from the top end of the market through to the bottom end, and so uncover what’s driving values up.
Real Estate Agents Authority provides greater protection for consumers - 7 December 2009
Consumers can now have greater confidence in the real estate industry with the Real Estate Agents Authority opening for business late last month. Find out how you can benefit from these changes.
Differences in house price changes between Urban, Provincial and Rural areas - 9 November 2009
The latest QV property statistics show that house values for all New Zealand have recovered from the low of early this year. But not all parts of the country are behaving the same way.
Not all values are created equal - 9 November 2009
The confusion surrounding the seemingly endless array of property valuation types is not surprising. We discuss the purpose and differences of three main types of valuation in New Zealand.
Attractions and pitfalls of property investment - 4 September 2009
Investing in property is different from buying your own home. Find out about the attractions and pitfals of property investment.
The changing New Zealand property market - 7 August 2009
Differences in the way the market behaves from one end of the value range to the other.
Back to Buying Basics - 7 August 2009
Regardless of where we are in the residential property market cycle, there will always be opportunities to buy. Whether you are looking to take your first steps in the property market, or are a seasoned investor, it is always good just to get back to basics.
What makes up the value of a property - 6 July 2009
Where’s the value in your home, and what should you be looking for when buying?
Check the Title before buying - 8 May 2009
When buying a property it is important to check for any restrictions that apply to the property that might prevent you from enjoying the use of the land, such as covenants and easements. Here are a few reasons why checking the Title is important when making a property decision.
Positive cash flow properties - Now is a good time for investors - 8 May 2009
The current conditions are creating a market where positive cash flow properties are now becoming more common. Property values have fallen in many regions while at the same time some areas are showing increased rental rates and interest rates are falling. The combined effect is that rental yields are trending upwards.
Many ways to search for a property on qv.co.nz - 8 April 2009
There are many ways to search for the 2 million properties available on qv.co.nz. Here’s a few simple tips that should help you find the property you are after with our simple address search or using one of our other easy search options.
How to determine the current value of a property - 9 March 2009
Whether you are buying, selling, or just interested in the value of your own home, how do you determine how much the property is currently worth?
Demystifying rating valuations - 11 February 2009
Why have some Rating Values increased in a declining market?