Welcome news of buyer activity, positive sales counts, and a continued stable market trend. This five-minute read ‘keeps your finger on the pulse of the market’. It’s essential reading for all Rotorua property owners, especially those considering selling.
This market update is based on the information sourced from REINZ (Real Estate Institute of NZ) verified sales reports to the end of April 2026, as published 14th May 2026.
National Trends
Key points of note nationally are:
April 2026 recorded a dip in sales activity with sales counts; down -7.9% nationally and down -4.8% for NZ excluding Auckland.
April 2026 seasonally adjusted month-on-month sales count was down -2.1% nationally and down -1.3% for NZ excluding Auckland.
National median days to sell were 42 days nationally (a none-day increase compared to last year), and for NZ Excluding Auckland also 42 days with no change year-on-year.
New listings rose nationally +7.4% year-on-year, and for NZ excluding Auckland a slight decline of -0.4% year-on-year.
House Price Index (HPI) results nationally are:
- -1.2% month-on-month
- +0.4% for the 3-month period Feb-Mar-April 2026
- -0.9% year-on-year
- Over the past 5 years, an average annual HPI growth rate of -1.0% per annum.
Overall
Seasonally adjusted sales counts reflect a modest dip in sales activity.
HPI results are indicative of a continued stable but static market trend over both shorter and longer time periods.
Median days to sell have remained stable year-on-year.
We note the following commentary within the report - “The market showed a steadier pace through April. The seasonally adjusted sales count declined 2.1% compared to March – a more moderate signal than the raw month-on-month drop of 21.2% most of which is seasonal. It suggests buyers remain active but measured, responding to cost-of-living pressure rather than stepping away from the market”.
Rotorua Property Market Update
There are currently (as at 21st May 2026) 550 properties listed for sale in Rotorua. This compares with:
- 550 listings as at 21st March 2026
- 477 listings as at 8th February 2026
- 485 listings as at 17th December 2026
87 sales were recorded for April 2026 compared to:
- 97 sales for March 2026 (adjusted sales count)
- 66 sales for February 2026
- 43 sales for January 2026
- 97 sales for December 2025
- 80 sales for November 2025
- 85 sales for April 2025 (year-on-year comparison).
The 87 sales recorded for April 2026 was:
- Down 10 sales ( -10.3%) from March 2026 but well above the sales count for February 2026 (66) and significantly above the sales count for January 2026 (43).
- Up 2 sales (up+2.4%) year-on-year, being a stable year-on-year sales count.
Housing Price Index (HPI) trends for Rotorua were:
- +0.5% month-on-month
- -0.3% for the 3-month period Feb-Mar-April 2026
- +1.4% year-on-year
- Over the past 5 years, an average annual HPI growth rate of -0.4% per annum.
Overall
The Rotorua Property Market’s highlights to end of April 2026 include:
- The number of properties listed for sale remains stable at around 550 listings in recent months.
- Whilst the sales count declined from 97 sales in March to 87 sales in April, it was still a pleasing result to see both months recording significantly improved sales counts compared to the 66 sales recorded for February.
- HPI trends have continued to show minor positive and negative fluctuations across shorter and longer time periods for some time. April’s HPI results continued this trend, reflecting a stable but static market trend over time.
- Overall, we are seeing a continuing stable but static market trend (as measured by HPI) together with increased sales counts in recent months.
What this means for the Rotorua home seller
Rotorua is showing the signs of a stable, steady market, with good sales counts in recent months — 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 for March 2026 and April 2026
From 66 sales in February 2026 (adjusted sales count), sales counts increased to 97 sales for March 2026, followed by 87 sales for April 2026. That’s an encouraging sign that buyers have become more active in recent months. - However, competition for buyer interest remains with around 550 properties currently listed for sale.
It remains 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 as a measure of market trend 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. Our appraisals are free and no-obligation. You are warmly invited to contact us for an appraisal that gives you clarity before you commit.
Power of 2 Update
It is pleasing to see positive sales counts for the months of March and April 2026, together with a continued stable but static market trend.
We achieved five sales for the month of April, Woo Hoo! Price outcomes ranged from $469,000 for an affordable entry cross lease title property to $740,000 for a well renovated semi-rural property. Both home-owner and rental investor buyers are active in the current market.
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 team 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) - May 2026
