Latest real estate news, views & reports

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.

Located towards the northern end of Tauranga Harbour, 40 kilometres northwest of Tauranga, Katikati offers a lifestyle that combines rural charm, coastal convenience and a strong sense of community. This growing Bay of Plenty town is home to a population of approximately 11,000 people and continues to attract families, retirees, professionals and lifestyle property buyers looking for a more relaxed pace of life. Known as New Zealand’s mural town and recognised as the “Avocado Capital of New Zealand”, Katikati has built a reputation for its welcoming atmosphere, thriving horticulture industry and beautiful natural surroundings...

For many New Zealanders, the dream of owning a lifestyle property is about creating more space, privacy and freedom. Whether it’s room for children to explore, the opportunity to keep animals, grow your own produce, or simply enjoy a quieter pace of life, lifestyle properties continue to appeal to buyers looking beyond traditional suburban living. But while lifestyle living can be incredibly rewarding, it also comes with different responsibilities and considerations compared to a standard residential property purchase. To help you make an informed decision, we will take you through exactly what lifestyle ownership involves.

First-home buyers and owner-occupiers remained the dominant buyer groups across the Bay of Plenty in May, while investor activity was subdued. The median Days to Sell was 49, slightly above the 10-year May average of 48 days. The median sale price decreased 1.2% year-on-year to $800,000.

For many New Zealanders, saving for a deposit is one of the biggest milestones on the journey to home ownership. But while the deposit often gets the most attention, it’s important to be prepared for the other costs that might come your way through the purchasing journey.

If you’re thinking about making a move in today’s property market, one of the biggest questions you’ll likely face is: Should I buy first, or sell first? It’s a common dilemma for homeowners looking to upgrade, downsize, relocate, or simply make a lifestyle change. The truth is there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The right approach depends on your financial position, risk tolerance, local market conditions, and personal circumstances.

Home to more than 37,000 residents and continuing to grow rapidly, Pāpāmoa is one of Tauranga’s largest and most popular suburbs. The area appeals to a wide mix of people, from young families and first-home buyers to retirees seeking an active coastal lifestyle. With a median age slightly younger than the national average at 36 years old (according to Stats NZ), Pāpāmoa has become especially popular with growing families thanks to its modern housing, schools, parks, and relaxed atmosphere.

More than 270 EVES Salespeople, Property Managers, and support staff gathered at the Lion Foundation Centre, Mercury Baypark, for an unforgettable evening at the 2025/26 EVES Annual Awards. Hosted by MC Jesse Mulligan, it was a night that sparkled with energy from the first toast to the final award.