Welcome to the August edition of Bayleys' In View

The Tūrangi and Southern Lake Taupō residential median sale price for July 2026 was $405,000, decreased by 25.0% on the $540,000 recorded in July 2025. The market continues to demonstrate measured stability, with 15 total transactions recorded across all categories — a moderation from the 21 sales recorded in the same period last year.

Across all categories the Tūrangi and Southern Lake Taupō region recorded 15 sales in July 2026, comprising 15 residential, 0 rural, and 0 section transactions. Bayleys Tūrangi accounted for 5 of these sales, representing strong continued representation in the local market.

Activity in July was concentrated in the $350-399k band (5 sales), with steady engagement also observed across the upper price ranges. The lifestyle and lakeside segments continued to attract enquiry from out-of-region purchasers seeking a Tūrangi and Southern Lake Taupō base.

The median days on market for residential sales sat at 99 days, increased by 7.6% on the 92-day figure for the same period last year. Buyer enquiry remains steady through the winter months, with well-presented and realistically priced properties continuing to attract committed purchasers.

In this month's edition of Bayleys' In View, we speak with Bayleys Head of Data and Insights Chris Farhi and McGrath's National Head of Research Michelle Ciesielski about The Great Australian Tax Reset and why Australian investors are taking a fresh look at New Zealand real estate.

Just as many Kiwis thought the inflation battle was finally being won, the latest OCR update delivered an unwelcome surprise. Annual inflation has climbed to 4.1%, its highest level in two years, driven largely by rising fuel prices and persistent household costs such as rates, insurance and electricity. Kiwibank Chief Economist Jarrod Kerr believes the Reserve Bank may have acted too soon in lifting the OCR to 2.5%, noting that the economy needs more time to recover, generate growth and absorb spare capacity in the labour market. We examine what the latest OCR decision could mean for New Zealand's property market.

We also sit down with Bayleys National Director of Residential, Johnny Sinclair, to discuss the super-prime property sector, why it continues to outperform, and the growing confidence among luxury buyers.

With increasing interest from overseas purchasers, we also unpack the rules and pathways for foreign buyers looking to purchase property in New Zealand, including residency requirements, Overseas Investment Office consent, and the options available to qualifying migrants and investor visa holders.