Bayleys

Welcome to the May edition of Bayleys' In View

The Southern Lake residential median sale price for April 2026 was $610,000, increased by 23.2% on the $495,000 recorded in April 2025. The market  continues to demonstrate measured stability, with 14 total transactions recorded across all categories — matching the activity from the 14 sales recorded in the same period last year.

Across all categories the Southern Lake district recorded 14 sales in April 2026, comprising 12 residential, 1 rural, and 1 section transactions. Bayleys Turangi (Westerman Realty Limited) accounted for 3 of these sales, representing strong continued representation in the local market.

Activity in April was concentrated in the $700-799k band (3 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 Southern Lake base.

The median days on market for residential sales sat at 78 days, decreased by 40.0% on the 130-day figure for the same period last year. Buyer enquiry remains positive heading into the cooler months, with vendors well-positioned to engage serious purchasers as winter listing activity increases.

In this month’s edition of Bayleys’ In View, Chris Farhi and Eos Li spoke with Johnny Sinclair and James Phelan on the Golden Visas and the sensitive land hurdle. The changes to New Zealand's Active Investor Plus rules allowing holders to buy one home valued more than $5m have drawn plenty of attention. Now the "5 million plus" scheme is live, our luxury agents are finding sensitive land rules are materially shaping the properties these buyers can realistically puruse. 

Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping how some people communicate. Bayleys Insights and Data team ran a survey and found residential property managers are increasingly seeing tenants use these tools in their interactions.

The oil shock resulting from the conflict in the Middle East has added uncertainty into the mix for 2026. Bayleys Insights and Data team ran a quarterly sentiment survey which captured real-time feedback from our agents across New Zealand. The survey points to a clear shift in sentiment, with agents reporting hesitation across the market. 

For many people considering a career change, real estate can feel like an industry reserved for a certain type of person. But for Bayleys salesperson Denise Dry talks about how real estate skills can come from anywhere and some of her strongest skills in real estate were built long before she set foot into an open home. 

If you have any questions about this month’s edition of In View, or would like support with your property journey, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Key Numbers

April 2026 Sales Last Three Months (Southern Lake Taupo)

45

April 2026 Median Sell Price (Southern Lake Taupo)

$610,000

April Median Days to Sell (Southern Lake Taupo)

78

Industry Insights

The Wealth Report 2026

 

In the 20th edition of Knight Frank's The Wealth Report we explore how global private capital is adapting to a shifting geopolitical landscape and is being deployed across property, investment and luxury markets worldwide.

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Insights & Data update

Image Description
 

Samantha Lee and Chris Farhi cover the latest news, including residential tenants increasingly using AI to deal with property managers and landlordsMigration stats show continued recovery of permanent migration and property of the week.

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Oil crisis

 

The oil shock resulting from the conflict in the Middle East has added uncertainty. For the New Zealand housing market, recent data points to a divergence, but actual transaction data suggests the market is pushing through. 

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Artificial intelligence

 

AI tools can help tenants communicate, organise their thoughts, find information, and engage more confidently in tenancy matters. This can positively impact communication and access to information.

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Active Investor Plus

 

Active Investor Plus rules have drawn plenty of attention. Now the “5 million plus” scheme is live, our luxury agents are finding sensitive land rules are materially shaping the properties these buyers can realistically pursue.

Read more
 

Careers in real estate

 

For many considering a change real estate can feel like an industry for a certain type of person but according to Bayleys salesperson Denise Dry, some of the strongest skills in real estate after often built long before someone steps foot into an open home. 

Read more
 

Feature Listing

Omori 164 Omori Road  

2  1  1  1
 

Positioned in sought after Omori and just a two minute walk from the shores of Lake Taupō, 164 Omori Road presents an exciting opportunity for holiday home buyers and lake enthusiasts alike. Held by the same owners for an incredible 65 years, this much loved Kiwiana Bach property enjoys ...

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Current Listings

Motuoapa
16 Wai Matangi Place  

4  1  2  3
 

Welcome to 16 Wai Matangi Place a lifestyle property that combines comfort, style and the serene charm of Motuoapa living. Nestled in a peaceful, established neighbour...

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Motuoapa
8 Wai Kite Kite Place  

 

Positioned in a peaceful cul-de-sac within sought after Motuoapa, 8 Wai Kite Kite Place presents an outstanding opportunity for investors, land bankers, or those ready to build in one of Lake Taupō’s desirable southern communities.Whether you are looking ...

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Turangi
4 Turanga Place  

 

Seize the opportunity to acquire a well established and highly respected business that has been a trusted name in Tūrangi for nearly two decades. Tūrangi Chainsaws & Mowers Ltd presents an excellent chance to step into a profitable, hands on operation with ...

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Tongariro River
285 Taupahi Road  

1  1  1
 

Rustic and full of character, this unique retreat sits on a generous 941sqm section in a convenient Tūrangi location, just moments from the legendary Tongariro River ...

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Turangi
1/109 Puataata Road  

2  1  1
 

A smart and practical Tūrangi opportunity, this property is ideal for first home buyers, investors, or those seeking an easy care base close to the region’s best ...

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Kuratau
2/10 Pikikotuku Place  

3  1  2  1
 

Tucked away in a peaceful Kuratau cul de sac, this three bedroom lakeside retreat offers effortless lock up and leave living in one of the region’s most sought after ...

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Motuoapa
176 Parekaawa Drive  

4  1  2  2
 

Set on sought after Parekaawa Drive in Motuoapa, this four bedroom, two bathroom home delivers the perfect blend of permanent family living and relaxed holiday freedom...

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Turangi
35 Ngahana Place  

3  1  2  2
 

Perfectly positioned in Tūrangi, this well presented three bedroom, two bathroom home offers an excellent opportunity for first home buyers, families, investors, or th...

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Motuoapa
3 Marshall Close  

 

Make your move to the sought-after eastern shores of Lake Taupō with this prime north facing section in the heart of Motuoapa. Perfectly positioned next to council reserve land, this flat and sunny site offers an outstanding location to build your dream ...

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Turangi
9 Manawa Street  

 

Now is an ideal time to secure your own high quality, purpose built lockup shed. These well constructed 47sqm (more or less) units offer a secure and practical storage solution, with the option to purchase one or multiple units to suit your needs.Each ...

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Motuoapa
18 Komahimahi Way  

 

Positioned in a sought after Motuoapa setting, this prime flat section presents an outstanding opportunity for investors, land bankers, or those ready to build their dream home and embrace a relaxed lakeside lifestyle.Backing onto a council reserve, the ...

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Motuoapa
91 Kahotea Drive  

4  2  2  2
 

If panoramic lake views are what you’ve been dreaming of, this spacious two level home delivers a lifestyle that’s all about space, freedom, and connection to ...

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Motuoapa
73 Kahotea Drive  

 

Tucked away up a private right of way, this generous 1,043sqm (more or less) rear section offers a rare opportunity to secure land in the heart of Motuoapa. Bordering scenic forestry, it enjoys a peaceful natural outlook while still being moments from the ...

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Motuoapa
53 Kahotea Drive  

4  2  2
 

Located in the peaceful lakeside community of Motuoapa, this well designed two level home offers space, comfort, and flexibility, ideal for holiday home buyers or ...

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Motuoapa
3 Kahotea Drive  

4  1  2  1
 

This value packed home enjoys a prime position close to the marina and the sparkling shores of Lake Taupō, placing boating, fishing, and outdoor adventure right at ...

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Motuoapa
105 Kahotea Drive  

 

Secure your spot in one of the most sought-after locations! This prime section, just off State Highway One, offers the ideal setting for a permanent residence or a tranquil holiday retreat.With easy access to Motuoapa's renowned marina and boat ramp, ...

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Motuoapa
103 Kahotea Drive  

3  1  2  2
 

Nestled in the heart of Motuoapa, this beautifully presented home offers comfort, convenience, and effortless lakeside living, making it an ideal choice for first ...

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Motuoapa
4 Herea Avenue  

2  1  1  1
 

Looking for that classic Kiwi bach where summers are spent on the lake and weekends slow right down? This could be the one.Positioned in a sought after setting with ...

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Turangi
89 Atirau Road  

 

Positioned for convenience, this property offers excellent proximity to State Highway 1, the local transfer station, and Waitomo, making it a highly accessible and practical investment opportunity. With strong road frontage and easy connectivity, it is ...

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