14/09/2026
August was an unusually quiet month at the premium end of the Hawke’s Bay market.
For the first month I can remember, there were no recorded residential or lifestyle sales over $2M across Hastings District and Napier, (six hectares or less). In August last year, there were six sales over $2M.
At the same time, buyers have more choice, with 60 properties currently on the market over $2M, compared with 56 this time last year.
If you are thinking about selling, or already on the market, that matters.
Buyers are still looking, but there is very little urgency. They are comparing carefully, taking longer to make decisions and spending more time on due diligence.
For high-value property, presentation is critical. If you want buyers to recognise its value, the way it is presented to the market needs to reflect that value from day one.
It also needs to be easy to buy: have the information ready, make access simple and remove unnecessary barriers wherever possible.
Spring is here, the days are getting longer and there are only 54 days until the election.
Right now, the seller advantage is simple: present exceptionally, make it easy to inspect and make it easy to buy.