Encouraging news of a continued stable market! Here’s an easy five-minute read that’s essential reading for all Rotorua property owners, especially those who are considering selling!
This market update is based on the information sourced from REINZ (Real Estate Institute of NZ) verified sales reports to end of February 2026, as published 16th March 2026.
National Trends
Key points of note nationally are:
- National median price rose 3.2% year-on-year and up 1.9% for the 3-month Dec-Jan-Feb 26 period.
- Sales activity nationally increased slightly by +0.3% year-on-year, but for NZ Excluding Auckland declined by -1.2%.
- Month-on-month sales counts were up +63.8% nationally, and up 57.1% for NZ excluding Auckland.
- Seasonally adjusted sales count month-on-month was up +6.6% nationally, and up +3.1% for NZ excluding Auckland.
- Compared to February 2025 sales counts were up 0.3% nationally, and down -1.2% for NZ excluding Auckland.
- National median days to sell was 56 days, up 2 days year-on-year and month-on-month.
- New listings rose +7.8% nationally year-on-year, and for NZ Excluding Auckland rose +6.1% year-on-year.
The House Price Index (HPI) results nationally are:
- +1.9% month-on-month
- +0.9% for the 3-month period Dec-Jan-Feb 2026
- 0.0% year-on-year
- Over the past 5 years, an average annual HPI growth rate of 0.0% per annum.
Overall
- More listings are coming to market year-on-year.
- The month-on-month spike in sales is an expected pattern as the market becomes more active following the traditionally quiet January.
- Housing Price Index (HPI) as the best measure of market trend continues a stable, flat trend.
- The market is continuing to show stability.
REINZ Chief Executive Lizzy Ryley was quoted as saying, “Once we adjust for seasonally trends, the February data shows steady growth compared to January, both nationally and in New Zealand excluding Auckland, highlighting the underlying strength of the market” and further, “Three key forces shaped market activity during February: weather, interest rates, and the approaching election. Severe weather disrupted activity in several regions, while the Reserve Bank’s decision to hold the Official Cash Rate at 2.25% signals that the period of falling mortgage rates has likely ended. The confirmation of the November election, alongside renewed policy debate around a potential capital gains tax, is also creating some uncertainty for investors.”
Rotorua Property Market Update
There are currently (as at 21st March 2026) 550 properties listed for sale in Rotorua. This compares with:
- 477 listings at 8th February 2026
- 485 listings at 17th December 2025
- 537 listings at 20th November 2025
64 sales were recorded for February 2026, compared to:
- 43 sales for January 2026
- 97 sales for December 2025
- 80 sales for November 2025
- 81 sales for October 2025
- 74 sales for February 2025 (year-on-year comparison)
The 64 sales recorded for February 2026
- Was up +48.8% from January 2026 (month-on-month)
- Down -13.5% year-on-year (74 sales February 2025 vs 64 sales January 2026).
Housing Price Index (HPI) trends for Rotorua were:
- -0.9 % month-on-month
- -0.6% for the 3-month period Dec-Jan-Feb 2026
- -0.5% year-on-year
- Over the past 5 years, an average annual HPI growth rate of 0.0% per annum.
Overall
The Rotorua Property Market’s highlights to end of February 2026 include:
- A typical upward spike in sales counts month-on-month following the seasonally quiet month of January.
- A trend for more properties being listed for sale.
- Sales counts down -13.5% year-on-year, indicating a somewhat quieter February 2026 versus February 2025.
- A stable, flat market trend as measured by HPI, across shorter- and longer-term time periods.
- Overall, a stable market, with local market trends in-line with national trends.
What this means for the Rotorua home seller
Rotorua is showing the signs of a stable, steady market, with a seasonal lift in activity after January — but also with more choice for buyers. In this type of market, sellers can still achieve great results, especially when they launch well and position their home correctly.
- Buyer activity has lifted from January (a normal seasonal bounce).
February recorded 64 sales, up 48.8% on January (43 sales). That’s an encouraging sign that buyers are active again after the quieter Christmas-New Year period. - However, competition has increased — there are more homes on the market.
Listings have risen to 550 (up from 477 in early February). With more properties available it becomes more important to stand out online and create a strong first impression. - High Profile Marketing makes listings stand out and drives more buyer inquiry, hence the importance of the Arizto Premium Marketing Campaign.
- Strategic Marketing Methods.
Rotorua’s HPI shows mild softening (-0.9% month-on-month, -0.5% year-on-year). This doesn’t suggest a falling market. It points to a flat, stable trend, but it does mean the best mix of marketing strategies and pricing is important to achieve best results. - The first two weeks still matter most.
The best enquiry usually comes whilst the property is fresh to the market. Strong presentation, great photos, video, and floor plan together with a smart launch plan help generate interest and urgency before a listing becomes “just another option”. - A free appraisal gives you clarity before you commit.
If you’re considering selling in 2026, now is a great time to understand where your home sits in today’s Rotorua market — and what pre-launch preparation, pricing and marketing strategy is most likely to achieve the best result, with no obligation.
Power of 2 Update
It is pleasing to see a continued, stable market scenario.
With 14 current listings, of which three are under contract we have a broad selection of properties giving us a good feel for the current market here in Rotorua.
Buyer activity remains steady with buyers funded to buy from ‘affordable entry’ to ‘up-market’ properties.
Recent sales include:
- 32 Pioneer Rd, Ngongotaha, Sold for $1,120,000
- 79 Malfroy Rd, Victoria (Dual Dwelling), Sold for $875,000
- 58 Aquarius Dr, Kawaha Pt, Sold for $750,000
- 61 Martin St, Utuhina, Sold for $640,000
- 4 Bronte Place, Owhata, Sold for $550,000
The Trade Me Platinum upgrade for our For Sales means all of our listings are benefitting from being highlighted to potential buyers, which flows through to more online viewings and watchlists, and a bigger pool of buyers for us to work with.
As real estate agents with 11 years of experience in the Rotorua Property Market we offer:
- A tried-and-true real estate team dedicated to achieving the best sale price.
- A low and sensible commission (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 and local real estate agents that have 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) - March 2026
