A Confident Climb: Southland’s Property Market Holds Strong
While parts of the country are still finding their feet in a shifting property market, Southland continues to show confidence and consistency.
According to the latest data, Invercargill recorded 109 residential property sales in April, with a median price of $467,000. Homes took a median of 36 days to sell—only slightly above the 10-year average for April—suggesting buyers remain active and committed despite the seasonal shift.
Across the wider region, the numbers are even stronger. The Southland median sale price rose to $485,000, marking a 6.6% increase on the same time last year. Sales volume surged as well, with 148 homes changing hands in April—up 28.7% compared to April 2024. In fact, Southland led the country for year-on-year sales growth last month, reaffirming the region’s reputation as one of the most stable and accessible markets in New Zealand.
Locally, the market remains driven by first-home buyers and owner-occupiers, many of whom are motivated by a growing pool of listings and more relaxed lending conditions. While buyers are measured and well-informed in their decision-making, sellers remain confident in achieving strong sale prices, supported by Southland’s robust market activity.
Further positive momentum may be found in Invercargill City Council’s proposed changes to the District Plan. Following earlier community engagement, the Council is now inviting feedback on its preferred approach to enable greater housing density and diversity in the city’s Residential 1 and 1A zones.
The changes also aim to support well-designed homes that deliver improved social and environmental outcomes, and to enable papakāinga housing and associated activities on whenua Māori, through ongoing partnership and engagement with mana whenua.
These proposed updates are timely. Invercargill’s housing stock has traditionally leaned toward larger, family-style homes, but there is growing demand for smaller, more accessible dwellings located closer to the CBD and key services. If implemented, the Plan change could reshape the city’s housing options and make homeownership more achievable for a wider range of residents.
Nationally, the recent Budget has brought mixed reactions, but there are signals of long-term support for prospective buyers. Updates to the KiwiSaver scheme are designed to help more young people start saving earlier, which may strengthen their ability to enter the property market in future years. While the overall impact of these changes remains to be seen, any encouragement toward early financial planning and homeownership is likely to be welcomed by buyers looking to get ahead.
As winter sets in, Southland’s outlook remains bright. Steady buyer interest, a solid base of listings, and the promise of more flexible housing policy all point to a region quietly bucking the national trend. With the groundwork being laid for future housing diversity and better affordability, Southland continues to offer both value and opportunity.
Make the most of today’s strong market with the award-winning team at Professionals Invercargill. With experience, local knowledge, and genuine care, we’re proud to deliver outstanding results. We understand that every move is a big one — and we’re here to make it easier. Ready to take your next step? We’re here for you —
www.professionals.co.nz/invercargill