House price hopes on the up, spreading from Auckland and Christchurch

Nationwide, 57% of New Zealanders believe house prices will increase, up from 45% last quarter.

"More respondents' now believe that house prices will rise across New Zealand, rather than just in Auckland and Christchurch where the housing shortage is more evident," said ASB chief economist Nick Tuffley.

"Housing market activity has steadily picked up over late 2011 and early 2012, which is boosting price expectations, and this coupled with a lower supply of housing continues to gradually push prices up."

House price rise expectations are strongest in Christchurch, where 69% believe prices will rise, followed by Auckland at 54%.