Construction of one of NZ's most significant new houses, with water on three sides, is almost finished.

The house and land package in Wimbledon Close seemed perfect - enough space to raise a family and a price within reach.

News of a court order to halt the demolition of three art deco cottages turned protesters' anger to joy yesterday.

Protesters are steeling themselves for a legal battle with developers after being granted a stay of demolition on three historic St Heliers cottages.

Three houses which heritage advocates are trying to save will be demolished within days. About 15 protesters remain on the street.

Protesters have vowed to lie in front of the bulldozers to save historic cottages set for demolition today.

Property prices and sales slumped in December, with soft prices predicted to continue this year. Economist Chris Tennent-Brown said it would remain titled in favour of buyers.

Property values continued to fall during December, but the rate of decline has slowed, indicating that values are beginning to stabilise.

Three much-loved art deco houses scheduled to be demolished are in good condition, contrary to the Auckland Council's assertion that they are in disrepair and should be knocked down, a surveyor says.

Christchurch's Boxing Day aftershocks and the recent wet weather have seen more than 1000 claims lodged with the Earthquake Commission.

The Law Commission is taking aim at New Zealanders' widespread use of family trusts.

A publicity-shy businesswoman has spent $15 million buying Remuera's historic Fairholm mansion in New Zealand's biggest private home sale of the year.

A Supreme Court ruling has left NZ's 1.4 million ratepayers more exposed in the leaky-building fiasco.