A real estate agent who bought a $1.27 million home with a complete stranger was a victim of an elaborate property scam and has been left with a $600,000 debt.

A former Auckland Barfoot & Thompson real estate agent has been found guilty of mortgage fraud totalling $13 million.

REINZ has reported 3903 properties were sold last month - the lowest October total since its records started in 1992.

Property values continued their 'gradual decline' during October, and are now 5.5 per cent below the market peak of late 2007. QV's latest property value index shows values have been falling since March.

Thousands of Kiwis could be at risk of getting sick from methamphetamine manufacture in their own homes without even knowing it.

Real estate company Barfoot & Thompson is reporting only 561 house sales in Auckland in October, the lowest level in 20 months.

Tonga's king has threatened to sue lawyers in the Pacific island nation who are attempting to prevent him selling his sprawling Auckland royal residence.

The NZ property market has plateaued, with a rise in new listings failing to boost the market.

An eco-friendly NZ holiday house has been named in the world's top 15 for its unique design.

The residential building sector remained soft in September, with another fall in building consents.