Summit Property Management are helping spread kindness where it’s needed most.

Summit Property Management are proud to support the Whakatū Refuge Trust in their annual Christmas donation drive — bringing hope, comfort, and joy to local women, teens, and children who have engaged with the Trust’s services this year.

We can make a real difference this festive season by donating non-perishable food, gift cards, or presents for families in need.

Donation drop-off boxes are located at all Nelson Tasman Summit Real Estate and Summit Property Management offices, including;

Office

Address

Summit Property Management Nelson

60 Rutherford Street, Nelson 7010

Summit Property Management Stoke

506 Main Road Stoke, Stoke 7011

Summit Property Management Richmond

203 Queen Street, Richmond 7020

Summit Property Management Motueka

102 High Street, Motueka 7120

Together, we can show that our community cares — because even Santa needs a little help sometimes. #SleighthisSeason!

Summit Property Management Proudly supporting Whakatū Refuge Trust.

The rental market across Nelson, Tasman, and Marlborough is showing signs of renewed strength — and both landlords and tenants are starting to benefit.

After several challenging years, steady demand and key policy changes have breathed fresh confidence into the investment market. For landlords, improved financial conditions and greater regulatory clarity are helping restore balance. For tenants, higher property standards and better communication are becoming the norm.

Summit Property Management General Manager Stewart Henry says tenants today are looking for far more than just a roof over their heads.

“Tenants want long-term security of tenure, compliant homes that are warm and dry, respectful treatment, and transparency around rent reviews and inspections,” says Stewart.

Connectivity has also become essential.

“Fast broadband and reliable mobile coverage are now non-negotiable. With more people working remotely, if a property doesn’t have good connectivity, it’s less attractive,” he adds.

Recent policy shifts have also turned the tide for property investors. The reinstatement of interest deductibility, lower borrowing costs, and the return of the 90-day no-fault termination have made property ownership more appealing again.

“Being a landlord is more attractive now than it was a few years ago,” Stewart says. “That change has brought more investors back into the market.”

However, he notes that supply challenges remain, especially for affordable single-person dwellings. Studio flats and compact units continue to be in high demand but are under-built across the region.

With more than 2,000 homes managed from Picton to Motueka, Summit Property Management has a clear view of regional rental trends. While demand still outweighs supply in many areas, the market has shown signs of seasonal easing.

“This winter we’ve seen more stock available, and rents have flattened out. We’re not facing the same vacancy issues as Auckland or Wellington, but properties need to present well and be competitively priced to rent quickly,” says Stewart.

Certain areas — such as Motueka, Mapua, Brightwater, and Richmond — remain hotspots, with strong competition for three-bedroom family homes and continued growth in both business and housing activity.

Increased compliance under the Healthy Homes Standards has been another positive driver. The push for higher standards in insulation, ventilation, and heating has prompted many landlords to upgrade their properties.

“Leading up to July, there was a flurry of improvements to properties — including vapour barriers, insulation, and extractor fans,” Stewart explains.
“For tenants, this has reduced the prevalence of damp, poorly maintained rentals. For landlords, it reinforces the need to treat their property as a business asset that meets modern standards.”

Alongside legislative compliance, Summit has continued to invest in its people — ensuring property managers are trained not only in the Residential Tenancies Act but also in effective communication and conflict resolution.

“It’s important property managers have the ability to find common ground between landlords and tenants,” says Stewart. “If we can keep tenants satisfied and housed for longer, that’s a win for everyone.”

For over 33 years, Summit Property Management — part of the Summit Real Estate Group — has provided results-focused, professional property management across the Top of the South. The company remains committed to supporting landlords, protecting assets, and fostering positive, long-term tenancies.

Learn more or speak with your local Summit Property Manager

Article expert by Bernadette Cooney | Business South: Volume 34 | Issue 8 | November 2025