More Than Bricks and Mortar.
Some months remind us that life doesn't always go exactly to plan.
The recent run of earthquakes certainly gave many of us something to think about. For a few days, conversations around kitchen tables, over backyard fences and in workplaces turned to checking emergency kits, securing furniture and making sure our homes remained the safe places we expect them to be, while reminding us not to take those everyday comforts for granted.
Thankfully, Southlanders have always been practical people. We prepare, we adapt and we look out for one another. That same mindset can be seen across our region, from the way we care for our homes to the way we're planning for the future, always with an eye on creating a stronger, more connected community.
One thing the recent weeks have reminded us is that a home is about far more than bricks and mortar. It's where families gather, neighbours check in on each other, memories are made, and lifelong connections are built.
Across Invercargill there's an increasing focus on creating a city that's ready for tomorrow. Conversations around housing choice, community wellbeing and future development continue to shape the region, ensuring people at every stage of life have somewhere to call home. Projects such as Te Unua Museum of Southland, alongside continued commercial investment, reflect a city investing in places people are proud to live, work and belong.
That local outlook stands out even more when compared with the national picture.
Across New Zealand, June reflected a housing market that remained steady, with buyers taking a considered approach and local markets continuing to tell very different stories. The national median sale price increased 0.7% year-on-year to $770,000, showing that local knowledge continues to matter most.
Here in Southland, our market continues to perform with quiet confidence. The Southland region recorded a median sale price of $497,000 in June, while Invercargill remained one of the region's strongest performers with a median sale price of $490,000. Most encouragingly, Southland once again recorded the strongest annual House Price Index growth in New Zealand, highlighting the long-term strength of our local market.
Affordability remains one of Southland's greatest strengths. Whether you're buying your first home, upsizing, downsizing or investing, our region continues to offer opportunities many larger centres simply can't match.
The commercial and rental sectors continue to play an important role in Southland's
economy. Across Southland, commercial sales and leasing activity remain steady, while demand for quality residential rentals continues to reflect the region's affordability and lifestyle appeal. Together with strong long-term property growth, Southland continues to offer confidence for homeowners, investors and businesses alike.
Spring has a habit of arriving quicker than we expect, and for many homeowners, it starts now.
Winter is the ideal time to tackle maintenance jobs, freshen the garden, declutter living
spaces and prepare your home before the traditional spring rush. Buyers are often doing the same, refining wish lists, organising finance and keeping a close eye on the market.
By spring, those who prepared through winter are often already one step ahead.
The recent earthquakes also served as a timely reminder that looking after a home isn't only about presentation. Securing heavy furniture, refreshing emergency supplies and tackling overdue maintenance can all make your home safer and more resilient.
Looking after our homes isn't just about maintenance or market value. It's about creating places where families feel safe and communities grow stronger.
Because when we invest in our homes, we're also investing in the future of Southland.
At Professionals Invercargill, we're proud to be part of that journey. Whether you're preparing to buy, sell, invest or simply want to understand today's market, our experienced salespeople and property management team are here to help. If you're in the area, pop into our new office for a coffee and a chat. And if you're considering renting out your property, we'd be happy to talk to you about our current offer of three months' free property management for new managements. Terms and conditions apply.
Visit: www.professionals.co.nz/invercargill to connect with our team.