The council valuation doesn’t mean much. They don’t care if it’s accurate, the idea is the make sure that the relative value compared to other houses is right. If everything is over or under valued, it doesn’t matter for rates purposes.

Also, a year ago a very high proportion of auctions were closing without meeting reserve, and even without any bids at all. As a buyer, I don’t like auctions and have never bought at one. I want to put in conditional offers so I don’t waste my time.

I know auctions are more popular in Auckland but I avoid them when I see them.