North homes rise $15,000 since 2013

North home prices have risen by $15k in a year.

Northland house prices are up more than $15,000 from last year, figures show.

Last month, the median price of a Northland house was $317,500, which was a $12,500 increase from October and $17,500 increase from November 2013, according to the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand's (Reinz) figures.

The number of house sales was also up on the previous November but down from October.

Maggie Dixon Real Estate managing director Graham Lester said there had been a noticeable pickup in the market following the slow winter and buyer cautiousness the September election had brought.

"A lot of sales were finalised at the end of October/start of November," he said.

"A lot of people are coming from Auckland and from other places out of town who are interested in buying up north."

First home buyers were, however, still largely being priced out of the market, he said.

Mr Lester expected the Whangarei market to quieten over the summer but said interest in lifestyle and coastal properties would likely be high as the number of visitors to the region increased.

In late January, there would probably be a catch up from the Christmas period, he said.

Reinz chief executive Helen O'Sullivan likewise said the Northland market had benefited from increased interest from Aucklanders and coastal buyers.

Nationally, the November data showed buoyancy returning to parts of the market, she said.

"Commentary from around the regions suggests the 'top end' of a number of regional markets are performing well," she said.NZME.