Getting a property valuation used to indicate the amount you could expect to receive when selling your home. But what can you expect the value of your home to do in today’s property market?

According to some commentators, the New Zealand property market has entered a period of consolidation (that’s flattening off to the rest of us) after a time of unprecedented and sustained rises in property prices. Most real estate experts don’t expect the market to crash; current real estate trends indicate a more stable property market.

In real terms, this means the real estate industry is not quite as booming as it once was - there are fewer houses being sold and prices are not continuing to rise at the same heady rates as they have for the last few years - but there is still a healthy demand for properties nationwide.

If you’re looking to buy or sell real estate, this can all be a little unsettling. Luckily, there are plenty of real estate resources to keep you informed:

• Terralink offers public access to detailed house and property value information, including current property value, what the house last sold for, legal title information and building consents in the area.
• Quotable Value provides property statistics, information on full market valuations and tips for buying and selling your property.
• Real Estate Institute of New Zealand is the definitive source for property news, trends, tips on buying and selling, statistics and other real estate matters.
• Sorted.org.nz will help you negotiate the financial in’s and out’s of property ownership and investment property.
• AllRealEstate.co.nz lists properties for sale, as well as giving you access to resources and information.
• New Zealand Property Index is an independent and unbiased source of information for buyers, sellers and property investors.
• Nailed.co.nz helps you nail the uncertainties of buying, selling and renovating a property.

Whether you’re buying or selling, be sure to do your research on New Zealand property trends so you can make an informed decision.