Investors active in North Shore, Christchurch sees slowdown

The survey of the country's 10,000-plus licensed real estate agents found a net 42.9% reported investors buying in the North Shore region against 19.2% for Wellington and the Hutt Valley - down from 37.9% in November.

The survey also found a marked slowdown in investor interest in Christchurch, "something likely to result in rental accommodation shortages down the track due to probable reduced construction by investors."

Only five regions, North Shore City, Wellington/Hutt Valley, Waitakere City, Other Auckland and Canterbury/Westland/Other West Coast saw estate agents report significant investor buying, and nationwide the survey reported weak investor interest.

"There is still no sign of new market activity from investors with a net 1% of agents reporting that they are noticing fewer investors in the market," the report said.