An entire village which has been deserted for three decades is up for sale in New Zealand.

The Government’s bill banning foreigners from buying New Zealand homes is now set to become law in weeks after passing its third reading in the House on Wednesday.

Property prices in New Zealand have reached a new record high, up on average by $27,000 a year to $562,000, a rise of 5%, and sales also rose, the latest monthly index shows.

New Zealand's government has softened its stance on foreign ownership of homes, rewriting a proposed law banning non-residents from investing in housing.

Higher Auckland house prices are not flowing through directly into the rental market, with the city’s average weekly rents seeing year on year increases of around 5%.

Average house prices continue to rise, but the hot Auckland market appears to be slowing,

Architects and designers like Tom Givone, who was recently interviewed in Architectural Digest, are tasked with creating inspiring spaces every day.

New Zealand lawmakers have begun considering new regulations aimed at closely monitoring overseas property buyers.

Economists in New Zealand have expressed alarm at a housing market boom which could soon see average prices of property in the country’s largest city pass the $1m mark.

With Queenstown experiencing the strongest three months of residential property sales since 2007, New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty launched its Luxury Rental Homes division in November 2012 to compliment the company’s established property sales team. The New Zealand Sotheby’s International Luxury Rental Homes is an experienced, reliable and trustworthy management company dealing with private luxury accommodation, functions and venue hire. With over 600 offices worldwide, the Sotheby’s International network can access key markets that are otherwise untapped through regular marketing initiatives. The division was developed due to ongoing enquiries from new and existing clients of New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty for an investment option as well as accommodation and venue requests. The Luxury Rental Homes portfolio comprises a broad range of select property throughout the greater Queenstown region including central apartments, boutique villas, private houses, hideaways, country escapes and lodges as well as luxury yachts based in Marlborough and Auckland respectively. With the majority of the portfolio available all year round, some are only available for a limited period of the year, however all provide a unique and unforgettable experience for the discerning traveler.