One of New NZ's most expensive houses, once owned by the Sultan of Brunei, has just got flasher after its owner's secretive but major do-up.

The number of consents issued for new homes fell 9.5 per cent during May, following a 13.4 per cent rise during April, Statistics New Zealand says.

Fears about debt and an unwillingness to spend is holding back New Zealand's economic recovery, says Jonathan Ling, chief executive of Fletcher Building.

Real estate agents pitch to sell the Hotchin mansion.

Hanover Finance co-founder Mark Hotchin will not be moving into his $30 million Paritai Drive mansion.

House prices fell 1.4 per cent across New Zealand in May, according to the latest REINZ Monthly Housing Price Index, released this morning.

Jane Phare talks to a South African living in New Zealand who is returning to Cape Town armed with lessons learned from Kiwis.