Overseas buyers a factor in driving up house prices

Property prices have risen about 50 per cent in the past three years, which some economists argue is justified by strong economic growth, lower unemployment and rising wages.

But part of the increase may be overdone and the market set for a fall, other economists warn.

A Massey University senior lecturer in real estate, Graham Crews, says it is "hard to predict any sort of property crash", because of the strong economy, low unemployment and strong export prices.

Overseas buyers had been pushing up property prices in some areas - even for "bread and butter" homes.

"Migrants have been a major driver in prices, where New Zealanders have just stood back, aghast."

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