The expected spring lift in listings and sales activity has not occurred nationally or locally. This five-minute read arms you with a snapshot of the current market, together with valuable insights and tips for Rotorua homeowners, especially those who are considering selling.
This market update is based on the information sourced from REINZ (Real Estate Institute of NZ) verified sales statistics to the end of September 2026, as published on the 14th October 2026.
National Trends
Key points of note nationally are:
National sales were down 11.6% year-on-year.
Seasonally adjusted sales were down -4.3% from August, indicating the usual spring lift is yet to arrive.
House Price Index (HPI) results nationally were:
- +0.4% month-on-month, August versus September.
- -0.1% for the 3-month period, July-August-September.
- -1.5% year-on-year, September 2026 versus September 2025.
- Over the past 5-years, an average annual HPI growth rate of -2.7% per annum.
Overall
Seasonally adjusted sales counts were down from August to September – so the expected seasonal lift in sales activity has not occurred.
House Price Index (HPI) trends have softened slightly year-on-year (-1.5%), with the 5-year annual growth rate now negative (-2.7% per annum) indicating a softening market trend over this longer time frame.
We note the following commentary by REINZ Chief Executive Lizzy Ryley within the report “Activity is continuing, but decisions are not being rushed” . . . “Buyers are moving forward when the property, price, and timing suit their circumstances, while many vendors recognise that achieving a sale may require patience”.
“Our members generally expect conditions to remain steady in the near term, with the potential for activity to build during the lead-up to the summer holiday period,” said Ryley.
Rotorua Property Market Update
There are currently (as at 21st October 2026) 514 properties listed for sale in Rotorua. This compares with 550 listings as at 21st May 2026, and 550 listings as at 21st March 2026.
76 sales were recorded for September 2026 compared to:
- 89 sales for August 2026.
- 83 sales for July 2026.
- 78 sales for June 2026.
- 74 sales for September 2025 (year-on-year comparison)
The 76 sales recorded for September 2026 was:
- Down 13 sales (-14.6%) from August 2026.
- Up 2 sales (+2.7%) year-on-year, being a stable year-on-year sales count.
Housing Price Index (HPI) trends for Rotorua were:
- +0.2% month-on-month, August versus September.
- -2.3% for the 3-month period, July-August-September.
- -1.7% year-on-year, September 2026 versus September 2025.
- Over the past 5-years, an average annual HPI growth rate of -2.9% per annum.
Overall
Rotorua Property Market highlights to end of September 2026 include:
- The expected spring lift in the number of properties listed for sale has not occurred.
- The expected spring lift in sales activity has not occurred.
- The 3-month HPI trend of -2.3% versus the national HPI trend of -0.1% indicates that the Rotorua property market’s trend tracked negatively and below that of the national trend over this time frame.
- Rotorua’s longer term HPI trends being -1.7% 1-year, and over the past 5-years an annual HPI growth rate of -2.9% are in-line with the national trends over these longer time frames.
What this means for the Rotorua home seller
- Buyer activity is less than expected for this time of year.
It is important to stand out online and create a strong impression. - High Profile Marketing reaches a bigger pool of buyers to maximise buyer inquiry.
Hence the importance of the Arizto Premium Marketing Campaign. - Strategic Marketing is vital.
The best mix of marketing strategies and pricing is important to achieve best results. - The first week's matter.
Strong presentation, great photos, video, and floor plan, listing on all major websites, inclusive of Platinum listing on Trade Me helps maximise interest and inquiry whilst the property is fresh to the market. - A free appraisal gives you clarity before you commit.
Coming to know where your home sits in the market, together with what pre-launch preparation, pricing, and marketing strategy is most likely to achieve the best result arms you with the key information you need to make informed decisions regarding the sale of your home. Our appraisals are free and no-obligation.
Why Us
With over 400 all-time sales, and hundreds of 5-star ratemyagent reviews from happy sellers, we are a trusted, experienced local team who are committed to achieving top dollar for the sale of your home.
We offer:
- Our commitment to achieving best sale price.
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Your search for a real estate agency, and a local team that has your best interests at heart ends here!
We wish you and your loved ones all the very best as we head toward Christmas 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) - October 2026
