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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.

Auction activity varied depending on the mix of properties brought to market, with agents reporting a decline in the number of active bidders overall. Despite this, demand for living in the Bay of Plenty remains strong, and local salespeople are not anticipating any major changes in the months ahead.

For both buyers and sellers, the period between an offer being accepted and a property becoming officially sold can feel a little uncertain, especially if it’s your first time navigating the process. While every transaction is different, there’s usually a clear sequence of events that takes place behind the scenes.

Set on a scenic peninsula overlooking Tauranga Harbour, Ōmokoroa has quickly become one of the Bay of Plenty’s most sought-after lifestyle suburbs. Known for its coastal outlook, growing town centre and strong sense of community, Ōmokoroa offers a relaxed pace of life while remaining well connected to Tauranga and surrounding areas.

EVES Real Estate, in partnership with the Cancer Society and Tauranga City Council, brought Memory Meadows to life, a community initiative designed to honour loved ones affected by cancer, while raising funds for vital support services across the Bay of Plenty. The concept was simple. For a $5 donation, attendees received a handful of daffodil bulbs and the opportunity to plant them in memory of someone close to them. The goal was to create a field, one that, in time, will bloom as a powerful symbol of remembrance, hope, and community.