WATCH: Perspectives Property Report February 2026

Hello and welcome to Perspectives, and happy New Year. I hope you had a great holiday break, and you’re back into the year feeling refreshed.
 
The outlook for 2026 is encouraging. The market isn’t at full momentum yet, but it’s showing clear signs it’s warming up. Buyer enquiry is improving, and when a home is well presented and priced effectively, we’re attracting serious buyers.
 
If we could take one lesson from 2025 into this year, it’s that the best results come from measured decisions grounded in good information – and the confidence to act when the fundamentals stack up.
 
For New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty, 2025 performance was led by strength at the top end and across lifestyle-led regions. In the $5 million-plus segment, transactions were still happening right up to the last days of trading, reflecting the depth of demand for exceptional homes.
 
Speaking of exceptional homes, Wakarara Country Estate in Central Hawke’s is substantial in the best possible way. The homestead features soaring ceilings, marble bathrooms, gallery-like hallways that lead you through a mix living spaces and then outside to 24 hectares of rolling countryside. It’s genuinely one of the largest single-storey homes we’ve ever represented.
 
A quick thank you to our national team – we’ve just been awarded as the global winner of Best International Property Agency / Consultancy at the International Property Awards, and it’s a reflection of your hard work and professionalism.
 
Now, for December’s sales stats: median sales price remained higher than December 2024 at $786,977 with 12 out of the 16 regions recording year-on-year increases. Sales count increased notably, which is a great result for a typically mixed month.

What we’re seeing on the ground aligns with a market that’s promising and gradually improving. Buyers are active, but they are still value-driven and that’s why effective pricing remains the key lever in 2026.
 
And just to keep those holiday vibes going a little longer, here’s a quick look at five standout escapes from New Zealand’s best holiday hot spots from Bay of Islands to Central Otago.

• 345 Gordons Road, Woodside Bay, Waiheke Island
• Moturoa Island, Russell, Bay of Islands
• 192 Woodbank Road, Hanmer Springs
• 11 Rua Street, Albert Town, Wānaka
• 14 Oraka Road, Māhia Peninsula

Before I go, Property Style is now out, featuring Ryan Fox, alongside a fresh collection of stories from across our network. Thanks for watching.