House prices are starting to surge in Christchurch -- for the first time in years

New figures from Core Logic show nationwide property values have increased 2.2 percent in January, and 12.8 percent in the past 12 months.

Auckland prices are up 11-percent on a year ago, while Wellington prices are up 16-percent.

But Core Logic's Nick Goodall says Christchurch prices are starting to pick up, increasing 3.1 percent last month, and nine-percent in the past year.

He says it's the strongest house price growth in Christchurch in 17 years, and suggests the city is starting to catch up with other main centres.

Meanwhile, Gisborne and Whanganui prices increased about 25-percent in the past year.