First-home buyers driven to Whangarei and Hamilton

The growth was 15.7 per cent, followed by Manukau (13.3 per cent), Waitakere (12.7 per cent) and the North Shore (12.3 per cent.)

Although Auckland City values increased by only 5.8 per cent, this was up from 4.4 per cent growth reported in August.

Nationally, the QV survey showed a rise of 14.9 per cent in growth over the year to September, compared with 14.7 per cent to August.

"Despite predictions that growth in the residential market may be about to level out, values continue to edge upwards across most main centres and regional areas," said QV spokeswoman Glenda Whitehead.

Property values in Auckland City rose by 5.8 per cent annually to September, up from 4.4 per cent annual growth to August.

Properties in the southern areas of Auckland City had the highest growth in value of 8 per cent and a $414,825 average sale price.

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