The five things you need to know about the housing market this week.

Tour guide had no idea she would one day call the vibrant village home

Where the experts would buy rental properties right now.

The real estate agent who helps Kiwis live the lifestyle dream.

You can recreate that warm, breezy, laid-back vibe through colour and texture.

Christchurch buyers are diving into Akaroa's housing market.

Multi-million-dollar Auckland home for sale.

Now may be the time to break into Auckland's poshest suburb.

'A lot of people unaffected by recession' as buyers still turning out for special houses.

Surge in developments has transformed picturesque Waikato town.

Surplus stock means more bargains.

Philanthropist says goodbye to his "legacy of love".

Tougher finance rules are making it difficult for buyers to access the funds they need.

There are signs that investors are keen to return to the market.

But fans could opt to buy another penthouse from the show for $6m-plus.

Two bidders push up the price of 3.5 hectares near Karaka.

"All we have is buyers going 'yeah, nah' and standing back."

Skillful renovation turns stunning into two homes.

Where do city-folk head when they're in need of a break?

But agents say the demand for standout homes is still strong.

Ways to incorporate your pet's needs into your home without sacrificing design aesthetic.

Many homeowners will be looking for ways to cut back on expenses.

Headlines on the state of the housing market can be confusing.

Sellers are happy to state the reason they are selling their Auckland home.

Top architect Noel Lane pushed the boundaries when remodelling his home.

When glamorous agents collide in behind-the-scenes look at the luxury housing market.

Trophy home snapped up within a month of hitting the market.

Interest rate hikes: Could the OCR rise above 4%?

More than 100 construction companies were liquidated in the first six months of this year.

We are living through one of the most unpredictable periods in modern economic history.