High confidence in New Zealand's housing market

Consumers are confident that New Zealand's housing boom still has further to run, despite the prospect of higher interest rates, according to ASB Bank's quarterly survey of housing confidence.

ASB chief economist Anthony Byett said the rise in price expectations reflected renewed activity in the market following a rather quiet winter season. "Activity levels increased faster than usual over September and October and properties are selling faster," he said.

Investors attracted by prospect of Winter Olympics

Bulgaria's announcement to enter the race for the 2014 Winter Olympic games, coupled with the countdown to the ski season, has resulted in a surge of ski resort properties being sold according to Emerging Real Estate.

The company reports that it has seen a 50% increase in the number of enquiries about properties in the leading ski resorts of Bansko and Pamporovo.