A real estate agent who failed to disclose he was marketing a property on behalf of his parents, has been censured by the Real Estate Agents Authority (REAA).

The number of new homes approved for construction in August was up 17 per cent, the second month of increases, with retirement units and earthquake-related replacement homes lifting the numbers, says Statistics New Zealand.

The annual spring flush of the real estate market is underway as home- owners take advantage of warmer weather to present their homes in their best light. There is plenty that you can do to improve your property’s appeal and, come sale time, value.

Real estate market stats issued today show a large increase in the number of properties changing hands in August and prices across most parts of New Zealand rising.

One of NZ's richest families denies profiting from the elderly in a move which could net them more than $5 million.