Shopping around for a mortgage could save New Zealanders up to $28,500 over the lifetime of a loan, according to a new survey of home lending.

Housing starts plummeted in February as plunging temperatures and snow became the latest hurdles for an industry struggling to recover.

Gay Johnson spent $600,000 fixing her leaking Castor Bay house so she joined a new $100 million legal action to fight for compensation.

Former high-flying multibillion-dollar developer Nigel McKenna is working on Auckland's big state house overhaul.

Politicians have looked at Reserve Bank Governor Graeme Wheeler as if he was a potential arsonist in the Auckland housing market, writes Bernard Hickey.

Selling up to rent could leave you high and dry if prices firm and you want to get back into the market, writes Mary Holm.

Jim Cleland has performed makeshift surgery on his Great Barrier Island dining room table, but now it's time to sell the $2m holiday home.

If you judged by house price growth alone you would think Auckland is the best performing region in NZ economically. But not by a long chalk.

It's valued at more than $1.5 million and situated in the sought-after Grammar zone - and it could be all yours for just $1. But there's a catch.

Despite it being only March, we've already seen 17 central banks around the world reduce interest rates this year.

About 1400 private bach owners on the Coromandel face being stung with a new council charge if their properties are rented out as short-term holiday accommodation.

Bella Casa, one of Remuera's most luxurious mansions, could set a new record for the suburb this year if it sells for $15 million to $20 million.

Auckland's economy is expanding quickly with strong immigration, employment, wage growth and tourist arrivals.

Fun lifestyle, location and community feel sell this suburb, says Graham Hepburn.

Otahuhu is much like the Ponsonby of old and offers stand-alone character homes on good size sections with a colourful and character filled main street.

Experts from the industry have their say about the property market.

The Reserve Bank is considering tighter mortgage lending restrictions, and could impose them within months, reports Tony Verdon.

Reserve prices easily exceeded as buyers crowd into the city's auction rooms to snap up the day's catalogue of property offerings, writes Tony Verdon.

QV and CoreLogic have launched what claims to be New Zealand's first independent property smartphone app: QV homeguide.

Despite rising values, especially in Auckland, the number of sales has been very low says Jonno Ingerson.

Once the source for much of Auckland's roading gravel, Stonefields is now a convivial neighbourhood where residents become friends, writes Graham Hepburn.

Only six areas of Auckland still have average prices under $400,000, meaning affordable homes are out of reach for many city dwellers.

Buyers having unrealistic expectations is one of the pet hates of real estate agents, says Diana Clement.

Turn-of-the-century workingman's cottages offer charm in the shadow of the city, writes Graham Hepburn.

Statistics indicate that the disparity between rents and house prices means the upward price spiral may still have a long way to go.

Leasehold properties have a tarnished image but can still suit some homeowners and investors. Tony Verdon reports.

The major banks are breathing a sigh of relief that the Reserve Bank has decided to drop the 5+ proposal.

Landlords have hit back at Reserve Bank consultation on their sector, threatening to punish tenants by hiking rents if a tougher lending regime is ushered in.

A new $300 million 800-unit Albany project, promoted as New Zealand's largest residential apartment development, has just been announced. Martin