Here in Christchurch, according to the latest Real Estate Institute data, the median days to sell is 49 days, with the median house sale price in January, it's $655,000. By comparison, this about $100,000 less than the national median sale price. In January, just been, the volume of sales year on year in Christchurch increased by almost $35,000, showing an increase in buyer confidence and activity compared to the same time last year.
We're currently seeing a very diverse range of buyers in Canterbury, attracted to the appealing lifestyle of the region, combined with the growing local economic landscape and our accessibility to international gateways. Now, a number of factors are driving this demand, including post-quake renewed infrastructure, a thriving business ecosystem, which includes pay parity with our larger city centres, and a really bustling tertiary education sector, which brings families and younger energy into the city. This includes expat Kiwis who have worked abroad and now want to return to New Zealand to raise families and be near aging parents, and those escaping the hustle and bustle of the bigger New Zealand cities, along with internationals looking to gain residency and bring their families to the region.
Examples include our recent sale at 139A Taylors Mistake Road in Scarborough, which sold for $2.275 million to an expat family based in Sydney, who found the property through our Sotheby's International Realty networks. Also, the sale of the penthouse at Millstream Apartments in Merivale, which sold to an expat couple based in Brisbane who will use it as a base to visit family.
Now, this time last year, I spoke about Christchurch being on the precipice of increasing property values at the top end of the market. This positive shift is evident in recent sales data. In recent times, a $6 million dollar sale was rare in Christchurch. However, last year, we saw at least five sales exceeds seven million, marking a significant shift for the region.
With many empty nesters now selling their large family homes, combined with the redevelopment of the central city into a cultural hub, city living is becoming increasingly attractive for locals, resulting in a rapidly growing demand for inner-city luxury living. Right now, apartment prices range from $800,000 at the lower end to up over $8 million, but I believe there's potential for higher prices if developers can provide new stock that fits the standards and expectations of our discerning buyers at the higher end of the market.
This is evident in our recent launch of the beachside apartments in Sumner Village. Set on the ocean front of the village just 20 minutes’ drive from here in the central city. These single-level two- and three-bedroom apartments with basement car parking have achieved sale prices up to $31,000 per square meter, which is a record for the city. With construction due for completion in mid-2026, the next release of apartments in Beachside are due to be released, which will start at just $875,000 for a one-bedroom residence with full access to onsite amenities, including pool and gymnasium.
Now, for those preferring the central city apartment living, we have this very penthouse apartment I'm standing in here at The Spire for sale, a three bedroom plus office apartment with three on-site car parks in the stunning city, mountain, and Hagley Park views behind me.
Now, looking ahead, a natural extension of our business has been to expand into the recently acquired Marlborough Territory. This enables our Canterbury and Marlborough team members to work much more closely, given that many of our clients own property in both regions or have children at boarding school here in Christchurch. With a high quality of life on offer here in Canterbury and a rapidly developing real estate market with quality offerings in all price points, we're really excited for the future of our city.
Here at New Zealand Sotheby's International Realty, our team would be glad to assist you with your buying or selling journey.