RNZ The Reserve Bank is under attack for pouring fuel on the house price bonfire with its latest move to boost the economy, but its defenders say it’s not the bank's job to control the housing market. House price records toppled around the country in February as the number of homes sold for less than $500,000 fell to the lowest level ever, new Real Estate Institute data reveals. Just 17.6 per cent, or 1399, properties nationwide sold for less than $500,000 in February, which was a drop of 30.5 per cent on the same time last year – and bad news for those hoping to pick up a more affordably priced home.