It was a record year for the property market in 2021, which saw the national average value of a house top $1 million for the first time.

According to property data company CoreLogic's House Price Index, the year finished with the average price at $1,006,632 and record-breaking annual market growth of 27.4 per cent.

This surpasses the previous record of 24.4 per cent set in 2003.

CoreLogic head of research Nick Goodall says there was a persistently strong demand for residential property last year.

"Generally, we are seeing strong growth across the country."

All major centres saw their property values increase by at least 20 per cent, with Christchurch having the highest rate, a new regional record of 38 per cent.

"Christchurch is one that really stands out right now, after years of relatively flat or minimal growth. (But) even 20-odd percent growth is an exceptional rate," says Goodall.

Auckland is the most expensive place to buy with the average price at $1.42m, closely followed by Tauranga and Wellington which also have six-figure averages: at $1,139,186 and $1,125,729 respectively.

Goodall says early indications shows the market will slow down this year, though a drop in house prices is not likely.

He says prospective first-home buyers may wish to try provincial centres, which have a lower range of average property values.

"The likes of Invercargill, the average price there is still under $500,000."

"Whanganui has seen exceptional growth but the average house price is still sitting under $600,000."

Goodall reminds buyers that these figures are averages and there are still $400,000 properties in the main centres.

"There's a lot of information and it does pay to do your research and then look into what's happening in your local market.

"The key is to understand your own finances."

Goodall says talking to the bank or broker early will help potential buyers see whether they could be pre-approved.

"You can see where you sit in the market and then go out and start looking at properties."

-RNZ/Nina Chittock.