The latest housing data show sales have been strong almost all year, with the median sale price up 7 percent nationally.
The Real Estate Institute (REINZ) said between January and November, 23 percent more houses were sold compared to the same period last year.
Auckland's median price was 19 percent higher than last year, pulling the nationwide average up to 7 percent.
REINZ chief executive Colleen Milne said Auckland's price rises had overflowed into areas such as Tauranga and Waikato.
"The market across the country is bouyant, there's strong sales growth in the median price, strong growth in sales volume right across the country.
"We believe the regions will continue to perform well."
But Ms Milne said Auckland house sales had come to a "bit of a standstill", with lending restrictions and new buying rules helping to rein them in.
