Auckland house prices and sales down in December

Tuesday 11th January 2011

Barfoot & Thompson recorded a fall in Auckland house sales and prices in  December, while describing the market in 2010 as "steady".

Last month the company's sales were down 19.1% from December 2009 to 524, with the average sales price down 4.2% to $529,682.

For all of 2010 the average sale price was $529,648, up 1.4% from the 2009 average, while the 665 average monthly house sales last year was down from 780 in 2009.

Monthly sales volumes held steady in 2010, particularly in the second part of the year, the company said. New listings averaging 1314 a month in 2010 were little changed from a year earlier.

Barfoot & Thompson said the figures showed the Auckland housing market had run at a steady pace throughout 2010.

Managing director Peter Thompson said the overall picture for 2010 was of stability and quiet confidence for buyers and sellers.

Positive activity in the field pointed to another steady year ahead, he said.

"We are anticipating a good start to 2011, with an increase in listings and sales early in the New Year.

"However, any increases to the average sales prices over the course of the year are likely to be incremental."

Average weekly rent held in December at $411, the record high set in November. For 2010 as a whole, the average weekly rent was $403, up $15 or 3.9% on the 2009 average of $388.

NZPA

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