"We've had a lot of people come up from Wellington to settle in Whangarei since the earthquakes became more pronounced. Also, they've had the worst summer and we've had the best."
Mr Lester said he could not divulge how many families from Wellington have bought houses in Whangarei recently because of commercial sensitivity but said there have been several in the past six months.
"A lot have families up here and some have well established jobs or businesses and can easily relocate and work remotely."
He said with so much development on the Northland housing front, coupled with a population increase, the region was poised to do well in the housing market in future.
The latest trend in houses prices in Northland and more people moving north would regrettably put further squeeze on first-home buyers, he said.
Paul Beazley of L J Hooker Whangarei said properties in Whangarei were still reasonably-priced even though the value of houses has increased.
Kaipara Mayor Greg Gent said the east with areas like Mangawhai and the western towns of Dargaville and Ruawai have different buying and selling trends.
He said although Mangawhai was doing well particularly for Auckland buyers, the western towns were increasingly popular for retirees wanting a quieter life.
The Government's migration policy, he said, would have a huge effect on house prices in Kaipara as well as Northland.
According to QV, regions in the North Island to see the highest percentage value growth over the past three months were Kaipara, Far North, Rangitikei and Kawerau with house prices up more than 8 per cent over the past three months.
