Latest real estate news, views & reports

Attending your first property auction can feel exciting, nerve-racking and a little unfamiliar all at once. The pace is quick, the bidding is public, and if the hammer falls in your favour, the sale is usually unconditional. The good news is that once you understand how the process works, an auction can be a clear and transparent way to buy property.

The latest statistics from the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand have been released, reporting a -1.9% decrease of the median sale price in the Bay of Plenty year-on-year, which now sits at $780,000. First-home buyers and owner-occupiers were the most active buyer groups, while investor activity was quiet ahead of the November general election, with uncertainty around potential policy changes.

Spring is often seen as an appealing time to bring a property to market. Gardens are coming back to life, daylight lasts longer, and buyers are often thinking ahead to summer living. A well-presented home can help create stronger first impressions, attract more interest, and make it easier for buyers to picture themselves living there. If you’re planning to sell this spring, now is the time to look at your property through a buyer’s eyes. In many cases, small, thoughtful updates can make a noticeable difference...

Choosing between a brand-new home and an existing property is one of the biggest early decisions many buyers face. Both options can be a great move, but they often suit different lifestyles, budgets and long-term plans. A new build may offer modern comfort and lower maintenance from day one, while an existing home may provide established character, location advantages and renovation potential. The right choice isn’t just about the purchase price. It is also about timing, lending, ongoing costs, future maintenance, location, lifestyle and how much uncertainty you are comfortable with. Below are some practical factors to weigh up before deciding which path is right for you.

Set on the peninsula between Tauranga Harbour, Matua and the Waikareao Estuary, Ōtūmoetai is one of Tauranga’s most established and enduringly popular suburbs. It offers a rare blend of history, harbour outlooks, mature residential streets, convenient amenities and easy access to the city, making it a sought-after choice for families, professionals, downsizers and long-term locals alike.

Choosing the right real estate salesperson is just as important as deciding when to sell. The right salesperson will help you navigate the process with confidence, develop a tailored marketing strategy and work hard to achieve the best possible result...

Buying a property is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll make, and understanding the different types of property titles is an important part of finding the right home. While two properties may seem similar, the ownership structure behind them can affect everything from maintenance responsibilities and ongoing costs to your rights as an owner. Here's a guide to the most common property titles you'll come across in residential New Zealand...

The Bay of Plenty market remains strong, with a median sale price of $830,000 reported for June 2026, a 3.8% increase on the year prior. Owner-occupiers and first home buyers remained the most active groups. Most vendors are setting their pricing to meet the market. Open home numbers have been steady, with a modest seasonal dip, though fresh listings drew the biggest numbers of attendees. Auction activity was steady, with some areas seeing better clearance results, and committed, well-prepared bidders.

As the property market moves through winter, it's common to see fewer homes coming to market. While seasonal conditions often result in lower listing numbers, buyer demand doesn't necessarily slow at the same pace. In fact, many active buyers continue searching, waiting for the right property to become available. This imbalance between supply and demand can create valuable opportunities for sellers, particularly when their property is supported by a well-planned auction campaign...

When people talk about buying property, the conversation often centres around finances, budgets, interest rates, deposits and market conditions. But while these practical considerations are important, purchasing a home is rarely just a logical decision. For many buyers, emotion plays an equally significant role. From the moment they walk through the front door, they're subconsciously forming impressions about how a property feels, whether it suits their lifestyle, and if they can picture themselves calling it home. Understanding the psychology behind buyer behaviour can help sellers present their property more effectively and explain why presentation and atmosphere can have such a strong influence on buyer interest.