House values increase steadily despite holiday slowdown

The smaller centres have helped drive up house values over the past year, but that growth is expected to moderate over the coming year. The Quotable Value's monthly House Price Index is up 3-point-2 percent for the year to December, and just over 1 percent (1.2) over the quarter. QV's general manager, David Nagel, says growth has been led by Kawerau, Carterton and South Waikato in the North Island - and Southland, Invercargill and Gore in the South Island.