Woo Hoo! Rotorua outperforms the national trends! Here’s an easy five-minute read that arms you with the information you need to make informed decisions.
This market update is based on the information sourced from the REINZ (Real Estate Institute of NZ) verified sales reports to the end of December 2025, as published 22nd January 2026.
National Trends
Key points of note nationally are:
National sales increased 8.1% year-on-year.
For NZ excluding Auckland sales increased 10.6% year-on-year.
National median Days To Sell decreased by two days to 39 days
For NZ excluding Auckland median Days To Sell decreased by three days to 38 days.
The House Price Index (HPI) results are:
- -0.6% month-on-month.
- 0.0% for the 3-month period Oct-Nov-Dec 2025.
- -0.4% year-on-year.
- Over the past 5 years, an average annual HPI growth rate of +1.0% per annum.
Overall
Sales counts were up year-on-year.
Median Days To Sell continue to progressively decline.
HPI as the most accurate measure of market trend continues to show static results.
REINZ Chief Executive Lizzy Ryley was quoted as saying “Overall, 2025 closed with confidence continuing to build, setting a constructive foundation for the year ahead. Looking to 2026, the market is expected to see momentum gradually improve as conditions continue to stabilise.”
Rotorua Property Market Update
There are currently (as at 8th February 2026) 477 properties listed for sale in Rotorua. This compares with:
- 485 listings as at 17th December 2025.
- 537 listings as at 20th November 2025.
- 495 listings as at 29th October 2025.
97 sales were recorded for December 2025. This compares with:
- 80 sales for November 2025 (adjusted sales count).
- 81 sales for October 2025.
- 74 sales for September 2025 (adjusted sales count).
- 80 sales for August 2025 (adjusted sales count).
- 75 sales for December 2024 (year-on-year comparison).
The 97 sales recorded for December 2025 was:
- Up +21% month-on-month
- Up +29% year-on-year
- An impressive end-of-year sales result
Housing Price Index (HPI) trends for Rotorua were:
- +0.8% month-on-month.
- +2.9% for the 3-month period Oct-Nov-Dec 2025
- +1.1% year-on-year
- Over the past 5 years, an average annual HPI growth rate of +1.4% per annum.
Overall
The Rotorua Property Market ended 2025 on a very positive note with the highlights being:
- A significant month-on-month and year-on-year lift in sales volumes.
- Positive short and longer term HPI trends, inclusive of an impressive +2.9% lift for the 3-month period Oct-Nov-Dec 2025.
What this means for the Rotorua home seller
If you’re thinking of selling in the next 1–3 months, these conditions are encouraging — especially if your home is well-presented and launched strongly. Sales activity lifted strongly in December and HPI trends are positive — which points to improved buyer confidence and a healthier level of demand in the market.
- Buyer activity has strengthened. With 97 sales in December (up 21% month-on-month and 29% year-on-year), more buyers are actively making decisions. When sales volumes lift like this, well-positioned homes tend to attract better enquiry and stronger competition.
- Competition from other listings remains manageable. Current Rotorua listings sit at 477, which is slightly down on December and well down on November. Fewer listings can help your property stand out — especially if it presents well and photographs well.
- Price trends are supporting sellers. Rotorua’s HPI moved +0.8% month-on-month, +2.9% over Oct–Nov–Dec, and +1.1% year-on-year. That doesn’t mean you can “set and forget” the price — but it does mean the market is showing upward momentum rather than flat conditions.
- The first two weeks are where momentum is built. Even in a stronger market, the homes that win are the ones that create the best first impression and generate interest early. A strong first impression and a well-planned launch can make a real difference.
- A free appraisal gives you clarity before you commit. If you’re considering selling in 2026, it’s worth finding out where your home sits in today’s Rotorua market and what strategy is likely to get the best result — with no obligation.
Power of 2 Update
Woo Hoo! We love it when the Rotorua Property Market out-performs national trends.
With increased sales volumes tracking well above the national trend, together with an impressive +2.9% HPI 3-month result compared with the national 0.0% trend for the same period, the Rotorua property market has returned impressive end-of-year results.
We head into 2026 on a very positive note. Rotorua is one of the most beautiful and comparatively affordable cities in New Zealand.
We are great fans of the Arizto real estate approach. The company is NZ owned and delivers a modern digital real estate system, inclusive of agent app and a central hub team that frees up our capacity to productively focus on the marketing and successful sale of our vendors' (sellers') properties.
There is no compromise on service, or on results here. Should you choose to take us on to sell your property you benefit from:
- A tried-and-true real estate team dedicated to achieving the best sale price.
- A low and sensible fee (No Sale No Fee).
- Premium marketing that’s second to none (No Upfront Costs).
- A company that prides itself on leaving more money in your pocket.
And it all starts with a Free No-Obligation Appraisal.
Your search for a real estate agency that has your best interests at heart ends here!
We wish you and your loved ones all the very best for a happy and successful 2026, and for all things real estate, feel free to call us for a friendly chat.
Wayne and Veena Hemingway - Arizto Rotorua (The Power of 2) - January 2026
