House sales have continued to climb with the highest number of sales in the month of May for six years.
Figures from the Real Estate Institute show the number of transactions increased by 7.5% compared with May last year.
The institute's house price index is 8% higher than May last year and up 0.7% from April.
The index smooths distortions caused by changes in the numbers of expensive or cheaper houses being sold in any one month.
The institute says price levels in Auckland and Canterbury continue to have a major impact on the national picture.
Institute chief executive Helen O'Sullivan says price levels in Auckland and Canterbury are continuing to have a major impact on the national picture.
She says it's the same issue in both markets where there is an increase in demand, but supply is not increasing to soak up that demand.
