SIT is home, prices are up and Southland is owning it
There’s a buzz in Invercargill you can feel. From businesses moving in to new services and inner-city makeovers, the city’s evolving fast. It’s shaping up to be a great place to live and work, with growing confidence in the local economy.
Big news, the Southern Institute of Technology is bringing decision-making back home. This shift is set to boost education, keep talent local, and ripple through housing, jobs, and investment. It’s a sign that Southland’s influence is growing, with progress driven right here in our backyard.
Nationally, things are pretty steady, with the median price holding at $770,000 in June. But according to the latest REINZ data for June 2025, Southland’s out here leading the charge, smashing its second record in a row for median sale prices. Prices jumped 14.5% year on year to $502,500 and sales volume surged 34.9%, well above the national 20.3%. Even though homes are taking a little longer to sell, the buyers who are serious mean business. Presentation and pricing are still the secret weapons.
Winter usually slows things down, but Southland’s showing it’s got the hustle and heart to keep the market buzzing. These numbers tell a story of confident buyers and sellers who believe Southland’s best days are still ahead.
In Invercargill, homes that used to sit around are now snapping up fast, with new listings turning heads. June saw 109 sales, a whopping 51.4% lift from last year, and the median price rose 12.7% to $479,000. Sellers who jump in early are scoring big, and buyers are out in force.
The Southland District is also making waves, with median prices climbing 25.5% to $640,000, thanks to strong rural and lifestyle demand. Gore’s holding its own too, with a 14.7% lift to $499,000.
Winter sellers, listen up, less competition means more motivated buyers. To make your home shine, think warm and welcoming, heat it up before viewings, open the curtains for natural light, and add those thoughtful touches that make people feel at home. Presentation remains one of the best advantages this season.
On the rental side, Invercargill and Southland are seeing rents climb, bucking the national trend. According to Trade Me’s June 2025 Rental Price Index, Southland rents rose 6.7% to $480, and Invercargill nudged up to $493, while national rents eased to $620. Landlords who focus on great presentation and clear communication are in prime position to attract quality tenants and keep vacancies low.
Looking ahead to spring, things are looking bright. Listings should rise, and more buyers will be ready to make moves. Now’s the perfect time to get ahead of the rush, start preparing early and get the right advice.
Southland is a place full of opportunity, resilience, and momentum. Whether you’re buying, selling, investing, or just watching the market, confidence is on the rise.
Our award-winning team at Professionals Invercargill
lives and breathes this region, offering trusted insight
across sales and property management.
Stay ahead of the curve with smart, confident
decisions. Ready to make your move?
Visit www.professionals.co.nz/Invercargill today.
