This week, the Summit Property Management team had the pleasure of recognising two remarkable students from Waimea College’s Special Education Department. Each term, we present Achievement Awards to acknowledge dedication, progress, and personal success — and Term 4 was no exception.
Congratulations to Seqouia-Marie Hill and Hamish Wilson (pictured), the well-deserved recipients of this term’s awards. Both students have shown outstanding commitment to their learning and continue to inspire those around them.
We’re proud to support our local schools and celebrate the achievements of young people in our community.
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Searching for a rental home when you have pets can sometimes feel daunting — but the good news is that with the right preparation and a proactive approach, you can greatly increase your chances of securing a property that suits both you and your furry companion. Here’s how to put your best foot (and paw) forward.
Before You ApplyBefore submitting any applications, make sure the property is genuinely suitable for your pet. Consider:
Space and layout: Is there enough room for your pet to live comfortably?Fencing and security: Will outdoor areas keep your pet safe and contained?Rules and restrictions: Check subdivision or body corporate bylaws to ensure your pet type is permitted.Daily needs: Think about access to outdoor areas, exercise spaces, and safe environments.A Pet Profile helps landlords feel confident about approving your pet. Include:
Your pet’s name, age, breed, and personalityDetails about training, such as obedience or house trainingVaccination and flea treatment historyRegistration or microchipping informationA recent, friendly photoThis small step goes a long way in showing responsibility and transparency.
Provide Rental ReferencesIf you’ve rented before with your pet, ask your previous landlord or property manager to confirm that:
Your pet was well behavedYour pet did not cause damageThere were no noise or nuisance issuesPositive references can significantly strengthen your application.
Find out more here Tenant Support & Guides
At Summit Real Estate, investing in our team is key to delivering better results for our clients. This month, our sales team spent a full day with Andrew Gibbons from Marshall White’s Hawthorn office in Melbourne—an industry leader in high-performance auction campaigns.
The session reinforced why auctions continue to be one of the most effective sale methods in today’s market:
Complete transparency for buyers, with open, competitive bidding. Unconditional outcomes for vendors, offering certainty and confidence on the day. True market value, driven by a focused three- to four-week campaign. Fast, decisive results, with no waiting on conditions or delays.“It’s the best way to get an unconditional deal on your property within a short campaign—sold under the hammer with no waiting on conditions.”
— Tracy Beer, Sales & Marketing Consultant
Emma McCashin says the training highlighted how auctions consistently bring out strong competition and clear buyer engagement, benefiting vendors while providing buyers with full visibility of the process.
Another key takeaway from the session as noted by Summit Sales & Marketing Consultant Dwayne Lohmann was the power of auction psychology. Auctions create a high-intensity, competitive environment where multiple bidders can become emotionally invested—often pushing beyond their initial limit to secure the property. Once the hammer falls, the sale is unconditional, giving clients complete certainty. Vendors also maintain control over important terms, including the reserve price and settlement date.
Glyn Delany reinforced the structural strength of this method, adding that auctions offer sellers a disciplined, predictable process. In the current market, many conditional sales fall over during due diligence -however, with auctions, buyers complete all due diligence beforehand.
“When the hammer drops, you have a guaranteed, unconditional sale”.
— Glyn Delany, Sales & Marketing Consultant
As we head into the busy Summer season, Summit Real Estate is set to roll out more auction campaigns across the region—backed by refreshed training, proven strategy, and a team committed to delivering premium outcomes.
Read more on Auction
Meet our Summit Auctioneers
A safe, secure home isn’t just about the walls—it’s also about protecting what’s inside. Most households have around $60,000 worth of belongings, often without realising it. Fires, theft, water damage, accidents, and natural disasters can happen unexpectedly, and replacing everything can be costly. Contents insurance helps cover your personal items and gives you peace of mind.
What It CoversFurniture, electronics, appliances clothing, and valuables such as jewellery and artworkRemember: Your landlord’s insurance does not cover your belongings. Having your own cover ensures you’re protected financially if something goes wrong.
Looking After Your HomeReport any damage or maintenance issues quicklyPay rent on timeBe considerate of neighbours, contractors, flatmates, and guestsLearn how we can support you every step of your tenancy. For guidance on tenancy responsibilities and keeping your home safe, visit My Rental Resources or check out our Tenant Handout from Summit Property Management.
For official information, visit Tenancy Services.
Number of Sales September 2025
Number of Sales October 2025
Average Number of Days to Sell*
Average Sale Price* $710,000
Nelson
66
93
35 Down 5
$656,500 -0.5%
Tasman
66
77
35 Down 10
$791,500 ^1.5%
Marlborough
85
73
50 Down 11
$681,500 -11.4%
Source: REINZ – New Zealand Property Report, October 2025 *Compared to October 2024, REINZ Monthly Property Report Published November 2025
While price movement varies across the regions, buyer activity remains healthy. Owner-occupiers and first home buyers continue to lead the market, with REINZ also reporting a slight increase in investor activity in Nelson.
Open Home Momentum & Auctions on the RiseREINZ notes that most vendors are approaching the market with realistic expectations, helping facilitate smoother negotiations. Open home attendance is also up—particularly for lower-priced properties in the first two weeks of marketing.
More properties are now being listed for auction, with strong clearance rates recorded for those selling under the hammer. This sits alongside broader shifts in market sentiment, influenced by:
Increased buyer positivityMore established buyer poolsRenewed interest in local propertyInterest rate trendsFinance accessibilityLooking AheadREINZ Chief Executive Lizzy Ryley notes that local salespeople are cautiously optimistic heading into summer, with expectations that the improving momentum will help move older stock that has been on the market for some time.
At Summit Real Estate, we’re seeing these trends reflected on the ground. With rising engagement and a more confident buyer base, now is a great time to position your property for the season ahead.
With six Summit Real Estate offices across the region, expert advice is never far away. Our sales team is ready to guide you, answer your questions, and help you make confident moves in today’s market.
Get in touch or explore the latest listings exclusively marketed by Summit Real Estate
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
View full gift wish list hereTogether, 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.
Rising Expectations from RentersSummit 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.
More Confidence for LandlordsRecent 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.
A Balanced but Competitive MarketWith 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.
Compliance Driving Better OutcomesIncreased 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
The property market across Nelson, Tasman, and Marlborough continues to show steady growth and strong buyer activity. Median prices remain resilient, and our regional results reflect that confidence:
174 properties sold by Summit between July 1 – September 30, 2025231 new listings signed by the team across the region1,008 open homes hosted, giving buyers plenty of chances to find their next moveAt Summit, we work as one team to achieve outstanding results — connecting sellers with buyers, landlords with tenants, and clients with trusted mortgage and insurance advice.
Find out how Summit can get you results this spring
1. Fresh Market Insights
Curious about what your home is worth this spring?
Summit’s local experts can provide a free and honest market update or appraisal, helping you make informed decisions with confidence.
Request Your Free Appraisal
2. Stress-Free Property Management
Maximise your returns and minimise the hassle with Summit Property Management — the Top of the South’s largest, most trusted team of specialists.
Whether you’re an experienced investor or renting out your first home, our dedicated managers across Nelson, Tasman, and Marlborough ensure your property is well cared for and your tenants are happy.
This spring, take the opportunity to reassess your management and experience the Summit difference.
Get Started with Summit Property Management
3. Smarter Mortgage & Insurance Advice
Through our trusted financial partners, Summit can connect you with expert mortgage and insurance advice that fits your goals.
With one-year fixed mortgage rates now nearly 40% lower than the February 2024 peak, now could be the perfect time to review your loan or secure pre-approval before the market heats up.
Find Out More from Mortgage Money
This spring, there are so many reasons to connect with Summit — your one team for every property need.
From sales and residential property management to mortgages and insurance, we’re here to help you make confident moves and achieve great results.
Your success is our Summit.
As more Kiwis look to rent with pets, the Government has recognised the need to balance pet ownership with landlords’ rights and property protection. The Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2024 introduces new rules around pets in rental properties — and while these provisions haven’t yet taken effect, they’re on the horizon for late 2025.
Here’s a breakdown of where things stand and what both landlords and tenants should prepare for.
Where Things SitThe key changes are set out in the new section 18AA – “Pet Bonds” of the Act. These provisions are not yet in force, but are expected to commence in late 2025 by Order in Council.
Once active, landlords will have the right to require a separate pet bond in addition to the general tenancy bond.
A pet bond is a separate payment (of up to two weeks’ rent) that landlords may request when approving a tenant’s pet.
Only one pet bond can be held at a time, regardless of how many pets live at the property.The bond is intended to cover pet-related cleaning or damage beyond fair wear and tear.The pet bond can only be applied to pet damage – not to general tenancy issues.Tenants will still need written consent from the landlord before bringing a pet into the property.
Under the new law, landlords must not unreasonably refuse consent. However, there are still reasonable grounds where a refusal or specific conditions are permitted — such as:
Body corporate or insurance restrictionsUnsuitable property type (e.g. no outdoor space, polished timber floors)Landlords may also set reasonable conditions, for example:
Professional carpet cleaning at the end of tenancyRestricting pets from certain areas (like bedrooms)It’s important to note that disability assist dogs are covered by separate legal protections — these rules do not apply to them.
The Bond Centre will handle pet bonds in the same way as standard tenancy bonds — including lodgement, refund applications, and dispute resolution via Tenancy Services and the Tenancy Tribunal.
Both landlords and tenants should keep clear records such as:
Entry and exit inspection photosCleaning or repair invoicesVet records (if relevant)Tip for tenants: When applying for a property, consider providing a pet profile with references and a cleaning commitment — this helps build trust and demonstrate responsibility.
Read more Finding a Rental Property with Pets
The upcoming changes are a positive step toward giving more tenants the opportunity to own pets while providing landlords additional reassurance through the pet bond system.
At Summit Property Management, we’ll continue to help our landlords navigate these changes and ensure their investments — and their tenants — are well cared for.
If you have questions about how the new rules might affect your tenancy or investment property, get in touch with your local Summit Property Management team.
Read More Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2024
Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2024 – Status and How It Will Work (as at 10 October 2025). By Stew Henry, Summit Property Management
Number of Sales August 2025
Number of Sales September 2025
Average Number of Days to Sell*
Average Sale Price* $710,000
Nelson
51
66
32 Down 19
$720,000 ^9.1%
Tasman
56
66
42 Down 15
$780,000 ^4.0%
Marlborough
68
85
55 Up 6
$650,000 -4.4%
Source: REINZ – New Zealand Property Report, September 2025 *Compared to September 2024, REINZ Monthly Property Report Published October 2025
Compared with August 2025, the median price remained steady, while the sales count lifted by 14.2%, reflecting renewed buyer confidence heading into spring.
At Summit Real Estate, we’re seeing first-home buyers lead the charge, with increased investor enquiry in Blenheim. Most vendors are pricing realistically, supported by greater access to local market insights and a clear understanding of buyer expectations.
While open home attendance has been influenced by the weather and school holidays, market sentiment remains positive, helped by lower interest rates, higher stock levels, and renewed buyer confidence. The median days to sell sits at 43 days, just above the 10-year average, a sign of improving momentum.
As the season unfolds, our team remains cautiously optimistic. Spring traditionally drives new listings and activity, and we expect the coming months to offer fresh opportunities for both buyers and sellers across Nelson, Tasman, and Marlborough.
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