4 Nov 2009

Auckland house sales, prices rise

3:29 pm on 4 November 2009

Auckland's largest real estate company says improved confidence has lifted the property market as prices and volumes climb.

Barfoot and Thompson says it sold 871 properties in October, 73% more than it sold in the same month last year.

The average sale price of nearly $545,000 is the highest in 22 months and is up almost 6% on September.

Managing director Peter Thompson says buyers have responded to attractive interest rates and greater choice of properties.

Mr Thompson says he expects the pattern to continue through November.