By late January and into February, we usually see buyer activity return steadily across suburbs such as Glenfield, Birkdale, Hillcrest, Totara Vale, Bayview and Beach Haven. New listings also begin to appear, particularly from homeowners who used the quieter summer period to plan their next step.

This year feels a little different from the last. In 2025, many buyers and sellers were cautious, taking time to watch the market and wait for clarity. As we move into 2026, there is a noticeable shift in mindset. Buyers are still careful, but they are more prepared. They have spent time researching, attending open homes, and understanding value. When the right property comes up, decisions tend to be more confident and more deliberate.

We are also seeing familiar buyer groups return after the holidays. First home buyers are active again, often with clearer budgets and expectations. Families are looking ahead to school zoning and longer term stability, particularly in well established North Shore neighbourhoods. Upsizers are quietly re entering the market, often waiting for the right home before committing to selling.

For homeowners, this early part of the year is less about timing the market perfectly and more about gaining clarity. Understanding what your home might be worth today, how buyers are responding, and what options you realistically have gives you control, even if you decide not to move straight away. The most successful moves often start with good information rather than urgency.

The New Year does not demand immediate action, but it does offer a valuable window to pause, assess, and plan. For North Shore property owners, having a clear picture early in the year often makes the months that follow far less stressful, regardless of whether selling is around the corner or still some way off.

1. The “Fresh Start” Effect
There’s something powerful about the idea of beginning the new  home. Many buyers feel an urge to reset their lifestyle, upgrade their space, or simply move on from a chapter that no longer fits. This motivation can turn a casual browser into a committed buyer very quickly.
People aren’t just buying a property, they’re buying a feeling, a new beginning.

2. School Zones Drive Faster Decisions
Families with school-aged children often make property decisions with urgency at this time of year. They want to secure a new address before term one begins, and that deadline creates strong emotional momentum.
If your home is in a desirable school zone, December and January can be some of the most active months for motivated buyers.

3. Interest Rate Reviews Add Pressure
For some, the looming interest rate review provides another push. Buyers coming off fixed rates may feel more urgency to upgrade, downsize, or move into something that suits their new financial situation. The uncertainty around “what’s next” often accelerates decisions, not delays them.

What This Means for Sellers
When emotions rise, serious buyers become more decisive. They book viewings faster, return for second looks sooner, and act more confidently when they find a home that feels right.

This combination of deadlines, fresh-start energy, and financial pressure often creates a window of strong activity at a time many people assume the market slows. 

If you’d like to talk about how this applies to your home, I’m always happy to chat.

When a home hits the market and attracts strong attendance at the first couple of open homes, it creates a sense of urgency and energy. Buyers see other buyers. They feel the competition. They realise they’re not the only ones who love the home, and that changes how they behave.

But momentum doesn’t happen by accident. It’s usually the result of:

• good presentation,
• clear marketing,
• consistent follow-up, and
• creating a welcoming environment where people feel comfortable to explore.

When this energy builds early, the market tends to “lift” the price on its own. It’s almost like a snowball effect: interest attracts more interest, and suddenly you have a result that climbs past expectations.

2. The Right Pricing Strategy (It’s More Powerful Than People Think)

Pricing is not just about choosing a number. It’s about understanding psychology.

A well-chosen strategy can widen the pool of buyers, create more competition and shift the entire feel of a campaign. Sometimes a price guide is appropriate. Sometimes a no-price approach creates more curiosity. Sometimes transparency is the best path. Other times, structure and silence work better.

But the purpose is always the same:

• to bring as many qualified buyers as possible to your door.
• If the pricing strategy is too high, the campaign loses energy.
• Too low, and the wrong expectations are set.
• Just right, and the market comes alive.

When sellers see a strong final result, it’s very often because the pricing strategy was designed carefully, not casually.

3. Negotiation – The Difference-Maker Behind the Scenes

Most people see the open homes and the photos. What they don’t see is the negotiation, and this is where the real difference between an average and exceptional result is made.

Negotiation happens in dozens of small ways:

• how quickly feedback is delivered to buyers
• what is said (and not said) during follow-up calls
• reading buyer behaviour
• guiding people through hesitation
• understanding when to push and when to pause
• creating the right environment for offers
• holding buyers to their confidence
• presenting competing interest effectively
• It’s subtle work, but incredibly powerful.
• A calm, steady, and strategic approach to negotiation can add thousands, sometimes tens of thousands, to a final sale price. This is often the hidden factor vendors don’t see, but always feel in the result.

Homes that sell above expectations don’t get there by luck. It’s usually a mix of:

• strong early momentum
• a smart pricing strategy
• and skilled negotiation from start to finish

When these three elements align, the market responds, and sellers are often pleasantly surprised by the outcome.

Know Your Numbers
Nothing brings peace of mind like a clear budget. Talk to your bank or broker early and make sure you understand your limits. When you know exactly what you can afford, you can walk into every open home with confidence instead of fear of the unknown.

Do Your Research
Spend time looking at recent local sales so you know what homes are actually selling for, not just what they are advertised at. When you understand your area’s price patterns, you will feel far more grounded when it comes time to make an offer.

Stay Present at Open Homes
Competitive markets can make you feel like you need to rush through decisions. Slow down when you arrive at a viewing. Take a few deep breaths, walk through the property at your own pace and focus on how the home feels to you. Being present helps you think clearly and spot things others might miss.

Focus on What You Can Control
You cannot control how many buyers turn up or how much someone else is willing to pay. What you can control is your preparation, your research and the way you respond. Staying calm becomes much easier when you stop trying to manage things that were never yours to manage.

Have a Plan for Making Offers
Whether it’s a tender, deadline sale or price-by-negotiation, understand the process before you get to that stage. Know what documents you need, what conditions protect you and how quickly you can move. Preparation removes uncertainty and makes the offer stage far less stressful.

Keep Perspective
Missing out on a home can feel discouraging, but it does not mean you will not find the right one. Many buyers secure a property only after viewing several homes and making a few offers. Each step teaches you something and brings you closer to the one that fits.

Lean on the Right Support
Whether it is your agent, broker, solicitor or a trusted friend, having steady support around you makes a big difference. A calm voice in your corner can help you stay grounded when emotions run high.

Buying a home should feel exciting, not overwhelming. With the right approach you can move through the process with confidence, even in a busy market.

If you ever want help understanding the current market or planning your next steps, I am here to help.

3. Modernise Kitchen and Bathroom Fixtures
You don’t need a full renovation, updating taps, cabinet handles, and light fittings can refresh the look of kitchens and bathrooms. These are areas buyers pay close attention to, so small upgrades can leave a lasting impression.

4. Improve Lighting
Well-lit spaces feel bigger and more inviting. Swap out outdated light fixtures, add brighter bulbs, or introduce strategically placed lamps to highlight your home’s best features. Natural light is a huge selling point, so make sure windows are clean and curtains open.

5. Enhance Outdoor Spaces
A tidy, welcoming garden or deck can extend your living space and appeal to buyers who love outdoor entertaining. Simple upgrades like trimming hedges, adding fresh mulch, or a coat of paint to fences and decks can make your outdoor area pop.

Selling your Auckland home doesn’t have to involve a costly makeover. With these five small upgrades, you can create a polished, appealing home that attracts buyers and maximises your sale price. If you’re thinking of selling, consider these tweaks, they could make all the difference.

Storytelling Through Presentation
Great property marketing tells a story. Professional photos, warm lighting, and thoughtful staging all work together to help buyers imagine their life there, Sunday breakfasts on the deck, kids playing in the garden, or quiet evenings by the fire.

The goal is to create a lifestyle, not just show a house. When that story resonates, buyers stop comparing features and start picturing their future.

Why Emotion Drives Action
Even the most practical buyers are influenced by emotion. Research shows that people justify decisions with logic but make them with feeling. That’s why the right marketing words, photos, and atmosphere matter so much.

A property that feels like “home” inspires faster decisions and stronger offers. On the flip side, homes that feel cold or impersonal tend to stay on the market longer, even if they’re priced well.

Creating the Emotional Connection
In Auckland’s diverse real estate scene, every home has a story, whether it’s a Lockwood retreat in Glenfield, a family haven in Birkenhead, or a sleek apartment in Takapuna. The key is knowing how to bring that story to life.

• Photography: Capture warmth, light, and lifestyle moments rather than just rooms.
• Staging: Highlight comfort and flow, not clutter or formality.
• Advertising: Use emotion-driven language, words that invite, not just describe.

When done right, buyers don’t just see a property, they feel it.

The Result: Faster, Stronger Sales
Homes marketed with emotion tend to attract more interest, more viewings, and ultimately better results. They stand out online, draw larger crowds to open homes, and encourage serious buyers to act quickly.

In a city as competitive as Auckland, that emotional edge can be the deciding factor between a listing that lingers and one that sells.

What Stabilisation Means for You
A stabilising market is a sign that property values are becoming more predictable. For potential sellers, this means you can plan your sale with confidence, knowing that demand is still there. For buyers, it’s an opportunity to enter the market with more certainty about pricing trends.

Tips for Homeowners in a Stabilising Market
Focus on Presentation: Small improvements like fresh paint, decluttering, and tidy gardens can make your home stand out.

Price Strategically: Realistic pricing is key to attracting serious buyers quickly.

Work with Experts: Local agents who understand Auckland’s unique market trends can guide you through the process and help maximise your property’s value.

Selling a home is never just a financial decision. It’s an emotional one. You’ve created memories in your home, celebrated milestones, and made it your own. But sometimes, it’s time to hand the torch to someone else and begin your next chapter.

Here are a few ways to prepare both your home and yourself for that journey:

1. Declutter with emotion in mind
When preparing your home for sale, think beyond tidying. Create a sense of calm and space that allows buyers to imagine their own future here. It can be emotional to pack away personal memories, but remember, you’re creating room for what comes next.

2. Refresh your presentation
A fresh coat of paint, light staging touches, and simple garden improvements can make a big impact. Today’s buyers are looking for homes that feel loved and well cared for, not necessarily perfect, but warm and inviting.

3. Tell the story of your home
Every home has a story, and buyers connect with that. Share what you’ve enjoyed most about living there, the morning light in the kitchen, the quiet evenings on the deck, or the friendly neighbours next door. Those small details can help buyers see themselves building their own memories there.

Selling your home isn’t about letting go, it’s about moving forward. If you’ve been waiting for the right time, this might be it. With a stabilising market, realistic buyer expectations, and the summer selling season approaching, now could be your perfect moment.

If you’re thinking about selling, I’d be happy to have a relaxed conversation about what your next move could look like.

Let your next chapter begin.

2. Limited Parking
It might sound simple, but parking can make or break a sale. Many modern developments include only one car space, a major drawback for families or couples with two vehicles. Buyers often test driveways before they make an offer, so if parking is tight, consider solutions like turning space or visitor bays to make life easier.

3. Difficult Access
Steep driveways, narrow steps, or awkward entries can deter some buyers, even if the home offers incredible views. In hilly areas like Wellington or coastal suburbs, accessibility can play a big part in buyer decision-making.

4. Flood Zones and Natural Hazards
After recent severe weather events across New Zealand, flood risk is top of mind for many. Homes in low-lying areas or on erosion-prone land often raise red flags, and buyers will scrutinise LIM reports closely.

5. Outdated or Risky Cladding
Even decades later, the “leaky homes” era still affects buyer confidence. Properties with plaster or monolithic cladding, even if they’ve been well-built, may face tougher questions and slower sales.

6. Noise and Busy Locations
Homes close to major roads, rail lines, or nightlife districts can turn buyers away who value peace and quiet. While location is key, it’s also about lifestyle, and most people prefer a restful retreat at the end of the day.

7. Neighbourhood Presentation
A tidy, well-kept street adds real value. But if the neighbouring properties are run-down, overgrown, or noisy, that impression can rub off on your home too. It’s one of those factors outside your control, but worth considering when setting price expectations.

8. Shared Spaces
Homes that share driveways, walls, or land with others can be less appealing to buyers who want privacy. Standalone properties almost always attract more interest, and higher offers.

9. Large Developments Next Door
Buyers can be wary of new or high-density developments nearby. Concerns around privacy, traffic, or changing neighbourhood character often influence perceptions of value.

10. Falling Market Confidence
Even when a home ticks every box, falling local prices can make buyers hesitate. Market perception matters, so positioning, presentation, and pricing need to work together to create momentum. 

The Bottom Line
Today’s buyers are more cautious and more selective. They want convenience, quality, and confidence in their purchase.

If you’re thinking about selling, small improvements, like updating tired areas, improving access, or creating better parking solutions, can make a big difference in how buyers respond.

Step 2: Mapping out the timeline
Think of our timeline as the roadmap that guides us to a successful sale. Together, we’ll plan everything, from scheduling professional photography to deciding when your property officially hits the market.
If your sale method is by Tender or Auction, we’ll also lock in key dates for the closing or auction day, along with the settlement date.

Step 3: Crafting your property’s story
Next, we’ll create the listing text and open home flyers. This is where your voice really matters. I’ll share the drafts for your feedback because no one knows your home like you do.
Together, we’ll highlight what makes your property shine, crafting words that paint your home in its best light and help it stand out to buyers.

Step 4: Rolling out the red carpet
Once your property goes live, it’s showtime. I personally conduct all open homes on Saturdays and Sundays, each running for around 30 minutes, the ideal duration for strong engagement without overcrowding.
Before each open home, I’ll set the stage: lights on, music playing softly in the background, and a welcoming atmosphere that helps buyers feel instantly at home. A branded mat at the entrance reminds guests to remove their shoes and keeps your home tidy and respected.

Step 5: Following up and gathering feedback
After each weekend, I’ll send you an update via text or email, sharing how many people attended your open homes. Then I personally follow up with every visitor, sending property documents, answering questions, and encouraging further interest or offers.
These conversations are invaluable. They reveal what buyers are thinking and help us make key decisions, such as setting a reserve price for auction or understanding likely offers at the Tender deadline.

Because follow-up takes time and persistence, I appreciate your patience as I reach out to each buyer. You’ll receive a detailed feedback report by Thursday or Friday of the following week.

Step 6: Creating a personal connection
One unique feature I recommend is a vendor letter, a short note from you to potential buyers.
Think of it as a love letter to your home, sharing what makes it and your neighbourhood special. You can write it emotionally or stick to the facts, but either way, it’s your chance to create a personal connection that buyers remember. I’ll provide examples to help you get started.

Step 7: The final stretch
Once your property is unconditionally sold, I’ll take care of deposit collection. A few days before settlement, we’ll arrange a final inspection with the purchaser to ensure everything is perfect before the keys change hands.

Step 8: Smooth sailing to the finish line
Selling your property is a journey, and I’m here as your co-pilot, steady, supportive, and committed to guiding you through every step. From the first conversation to the final handover, you can count on me to handle your open homes, buyer follow-ups, and communication with care and professionalism.

Together, we’ll make sure your sale not only achieves the best possible result, but also feels like a positive, well-managed experience from start to finish.

Stability Turns to Strength in Pricing
While the media often focuses on monthly dips, September showed profound stability and a positive long-term outlook for Auckland prices.

The median sales price for the month was $930,000, and the average price was $1,089,686. Crucially, the average price was 0.8% higher than its equivalent in September last year. This stability suggests that the annual trend of declining prices may finally be ending, signaling a healthy market floor has been established.

Buyers have been conscious that prices have held steady since the start of the year, and this pattern of stability is likely to give way to growth as competition heats up through late spring.

First Home Buyers and Investors Lead the Charge
The backbone of this market resurgence is the activity at the entry level. Property in the under $750,000 price category continues to be a phenomenal performer, accounting for a massive 26.5% of all homes sold (273 properties).

These affordable homes are proving particularly appealing to both savvy first-time buyers keen to jump onto the ladder and investors looking to expand their portfolio while interest rates remain manageable.

Healthy Listings for a Busy Season
Sellers are also engaging with the spring market. New listings reached a healthy 1,781 in September, which contributed to an end-of-month stock level of 5,775. This means there is still excellent choice for buyers, but the accelerated sales pace is quickly soaking up inventory.

Outside of the main residential market, the rural and lifestyle sector also had a standout month, achieving $73 million in sales—its highest September sales figure in five years! (The above $3 million luxury residential market, however, had a quieter month with 12 sales.)

Your Next Move
September’s figures are a massive confidence boost for everyone in the Auckland property market. The window for stable prices and strong sales volume is here.

Sellers: Don’t delay. The pent-up demand is active, and buyers are committed.

Buyers: If you have finance pre-approval, act now. This level of market momentum suggests prices won’t stay static for long.

Contact me today for a chat about what these incredible numbers mean for your specific property goals.

First-Home Buyers in the Best Position
First-home buyers already make up around a quarter of all active purchasers nationwide, showing just how motivated this group is. If you’re looking to get onto the ladder in Auckland, the current climate offers three key advantages:

• Stable prices – giving you a solid base for lending discussions
• Plenty of listings – more homes to choose from and less buyer-to-buyer competition
• Low pressure – no auction frenzy, no need to rush into decisions

Why Acting Now Matters
Waiting for the “perfect” moment often means missing out. The combination of choice, stability, and time to prepare is rare in Auckland’s market. By getting your finance sorted and doing your research now, you’ll be ready to move quickly if conditions shift after the OCR announcement.

Takeaway for Buyers
If you’re serious about buying, especially if it’s your first home, don’t sit on the sidelines. Today’s calmer market gives you a chance to buy with clarity, negotiate strongly, and set yourself up for the future.

2. You’re financially ready
For most people, a home is their biggest asset. Selling at the right time can free up equity to move into your next property, reduce debt, or even fund retirement goals. If you’ve built up significant equity or your mortgage is manageable, you’re in a stronger position to make a move. On the other hand, if keeping the property is causing financial stress, selling could provide much-needed relief.

3. The market is in your favour
Timing the market isn’t always possible, but it helps to understand the conditions. Are properties in your area selling quickly? Are prices trending upward? Low interest rates, strong buyer demand, and limited housing supply can all create ideal conditions for sellers. A local real estate agent can give you insights into whether now is a “hot” time to sell in your area.

4. The condition of your property
Another important factor is your home itself. If it’s in great shape and presents well, you can sell anytime. If it needs repairs or a tidy-up, it’s worth waiting until the work is complete to ensure the best first impression.

5. Seasonal timing
In New Zealand, certain times of the year naturally attract more buyers.

Spring (September–November): Always popular, thanks to improving weather and active buyers.

Autumn (February–May): Another strong period, with buyers returning after the summer holidays.

Winter (June–August): A quieter season, but with less competition, motivated sellers can still achieve great results. Just note that homes with pools or heavy tree cover may show better in summer.

Christmas (mid-December to mid-January): Best avoided, as the market slows down while people focus on holidays. That said, the window from mid-January to mid-February can be excellent, with fewer competing listings but still active buyers.

6. You’re ready emotionally
Selling isn’t just about bricks and mortar, it’s about memories and attachment. Letting go can be hard, especially if you’ve lived in the home for many years. Ask yourself honestly: are you ready to hand over the keys and start a new chapter? If the answer is yes, you’ll approach the sale process with far less stress and hesitation.

Final Thoughts
The best time to sell ultimately depends on your personal situation, the condition of your property, and the market around you. Seasonality can help guide the timing, but the right time is when you’re ready.

If you’re thinking about selling, I’d be happy to provide a free property appraisal and talk through your options. Sometimes just knowing what your home could achieve in today’s market is enough to help you make a confident decision.

Click here to view my video on this topic

The reason a CMA matters so much is because it helps you price your home realistically. Overpricing can drive buyers away, while underpricing risks leaving money on the table. A CMA gives you a balanced view of where your property sits in today’s market. It also helps shape your selling strategy, as you can see how your home compares to others and decide whether auction, tender, or a fixed price approach is best.

Another benefit of a CMA is that it builds confidence with buyers. When a property is priced in line with the market, buyers are more likely to take it seriously and engage with it. This often results in stronger interest, more competition, and ultimately better outcomes for you as the seller. By setting the right price from the start, a CMA can also save you time and stress by reducing the risk of your property sitting on the market for too long or going through multiple price reductions.

In short, a CMA provides a clear and realistic picture of your home’s value, giving you the knowledge to make smarter decisions when selling. If you’re curious about what your property might be worth, I’d be happy to prepare a personalised CMA for you, no obligation, just good information.