This archived article preserves period-specific housing-market signals observed during the COVID alert-level period in 2020.
New listings picked up during the first week of alert level 3
Real-time data from realestate.co.nz indicated new property listings fell sharply during lockdown, then increased as restrictions moved to alert level 3.
Before lockdown, the average number of new daily listings (across all listing types) was 717. During level 4 lockdown, that dropped to an average of 188. In the first week of alert level 3, average daily new listings increased to 508.
All listing types showed early recovery signals
Despite the lockdown slowdown, listing activity began to recover as private viewings resumed under alert level 3 constraints.
Prices and regional effects were still uncertain
At the time, price direction remained uncertain and commentary focused on supply constraints and differences between regions.
Online buyer activity increased during lockdown
Site engagement metrics reported at the time showed higher pages per session and time on site, with a notable share of offshore audience interest.
Source reference in original article: Realestate.co.nz, NZ Property Report April 2020.
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