Some of the big banks are putting mortgage brokers' commissions under scrutiny as they continue to battle for bigger shares in the home loan market.

The good news: the average household is $28,000 richer than a year ago. The bad: debt is rising faster than asset values.

A well attended house auction in Timaru yesterday highlighted the demand for development properties, according to Morton's real estate managing director Gerald Morton.

The owners of about 130 Nelson properties with confirmed argentine ant invasions are expected to pay about $50 each towards eradication, even though it may not rid them of the pesty predators.

A crackdown on noisy buildings will improve life for many inner-city apartment dwellers, an Auckland tenants' advocacy group says.

Vision Kerikeri's ambition to play a role in future planning in Kerikeri is damaging to the town says Kerikeri commercial property owner Mark Evans.

A 15 storey apartment complex is proposed for Marsden Road, Paihia next to the Paihia Beach Resort at Te Ti Beach.

A victory in the fight to stop an American billionaire building a luxury lodge on iconic Cape Kidnappers has been hailed as a "win for all New Zealanders".

Manawatu Mayor Ian McKelvie says the council could change the rules to tackle messy property owners.

A Horsham Downs dairy farm has sold for a record $70,000 a hectare.

Residential Care NZ says less Govt funding putting pressure on rural rest homes

House prices are expected to slump as much as 9 per cent in the worst-hit areas next year, knocked back by rising interest rates and fewer migrants, according to a new report.

Juggling a full-time job with demanding tenants and expensive rental properties are more than enough responsibilities for most landlords. Kristina Greene seeks advice on keeping everyone satisfied.

Listed property trust and company share prices could be in for a softening after soaring for six months.

Capital Properties is looking to sell management rights worth up to $60 million promising a potential windfall to shareholders ahead of any possible takeover bid at the hands of Kiwi Income Property Trust.

With fewer New Zealanders buying houses, Rob Stock looks at the pros and cons of purchasing your own place.