North Shore Market Update — January 2026
REINZ's January read confirmed a softer start to the year — fewer sales, longer days on market, and a clearly buyer-friendly Auckland market.
A softer, more selective opening to 2026
REINZ's January data confirmed what most agents on the North Shore were already feeling on the ground — the market opened the year soft but functional. National sales fell 5.4% year-on-year to 3,837, and Auckland was among the softer regions, with Cotality reporting Auckland values down 2.7% year-on-year at the end of January.
The headline REINZ numbers
- National sales: 3,837 (down 5.4% year-on-year)
- National median sale price: $753,106 (up 0.4% year-on-year — effectively flat)
- National median days to sell: 54 days
- New listings: 9,019 nationally (up 1.3% year-on-year)
- Auckland values: down 2.7% year-on-year (Cotality)
What this meant on the Shore
Auckland — and the North Shore within it — remained well supplied with stock and price-sensitive. Buyers held the leverage. Open-home traffic was steady rather than spectacular, and properties priced ambitiously sat for noticeably longer than properly-positioned listings.
What it meant for sellers
The vendors who sold well in January did three things differently:
- They priced to the current market, not to 2021 or 2022 expectations.
- They invested in presentation — a softer market rewards properties that present beautifully.
- They engaged buyers privately before going public, where possible.
What it meant for buyers
Genuine choice. With Auckland inventory still elevated and selling times stretched, qualified buyers were able to negotiate calmly, complete proper due diligence, and walk away from the wrong deal — a luxury that hasn't always been available.
Soft markets reward patience and discipline. If you're considering a 2026 move — either way — start the conversation early. Strategy matters more in this environment than in any other.