Westpac's economists are picking 6 consecutive OCR hikes from December - they're forecasting that it will hit 4% by the end of next year.

The OCR dropped to 2.25% just before Christmas, which is where it stands now, but there have been rumblings for some time that we'd start seeing hikes soon, as all major banks lifted long-term loan rates.

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Those in the market to buy a new home either know or will learn very quickly, that an agent is essential in the process.

Sure, we can search agency websites and windows ourselves, or scroll through OneRoof after work every day - but we're doing ourselves a disservice if we don't have an agent keeping an eye out for a place with the right metrics for us.

Here's the problem - these agents legally work for the seller.

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New Zealand's biggest bank, ANZ, has downgraded its forecast for property prices this year.

It says its previous forecast of 5% is looking unrealistic as the OCR looks to be making a turn soon and market prices are already falling - now saying a 2% rise is more likely.

Meanwhile, economists are laying out their predictions for when we'll see the OCR make that turn.

Many say it won't be until 2027, but some are predicting a rise as soon as the second half of this year.

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