First-time homebuyers are being told to set aside suburb snobbery if they want to get on to the property ladder.

After a tumultuous 18 months, the real estate market seems to be shaking off some of its malaise.

For the first time in 18 months, more people think NZ house prices will rise than those expecting a fall, says ASB Bank.

Defects at the huge Hobson Gardens apartment block in Auckland could cost up to $20 million to fix.

A $65 million Novotel hotel is planned for Auckland Airport in time for the Rugby World Cup in 2011.