Figures released today in the latest NZ Property Report, show the main cities of Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch continue to see upward trends in price expectations and an ongoing shortage of properties listed. In contrast, rural New Zealand is facing an extended hangover with slower sales nationwide coupled with a swelling of inventory levels, which is measured in terms of the number of weeks of average sales it would take to 'clear' the market.

The New Zealand Property Report is a monthly survey of market activity compiled by Realestate.co.nz, the country's most comprehensive property listing website.

According to the report, November was the fifth consecutive month to witness rising inventory levels, up 14% from June. With inventory levels growing and sales growth showing negligable change over the same period, market conditions continue to remain favourable to buyers.

Realestate.co.nz CEO Alistair Helm says, "While national price expectations continue to rise, this is mainly driven by the Auckland market. In the provinces by contrast, slow sales during October and November increased the available stock of properties up to an inventory level of just over 51 weeks.

"The comprehensive nature of the NZ Property Report allows us to gain a fuller insight into the health of the property market right throughout the country. What we're seeing this month is a lag in the provinces where inventory is growing."

More analysis of the property market can be found on Realestate.co.nz's Unconditional blog at: www.realestate.co.nz/blog.

About Realestate.co.nz Realestate.co.nz is the official website of the New Zealand real estate industry, and provides the most comprehensive selection of listings across all categories of real estate. Realestate.co.nz lists over 115,000 properties at any one time, representing over 94% of all listings currently marketed by real estate professionals.