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

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:

At 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.

The 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.

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:

Landlords may also set reasonable conditions, for example:

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:

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. 

Browse Listings

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has announced new regulations for methamphetamine contamination in rental housing due in 2026.

Methamphetamine contamination levels are not currently set to a level that is agreed upon by differing bodies, some insurance companies apply the level at 1.5µg/100cm2   others and the Tenancy Tribunal apply 15µg/100cm2.

There is also a lack of control and regulation of the Methamphetamine testing and cleaning industry which this bill aims to address.

Read more about the new regulations

Source Ministry of Housing and Urban Development

On Friday, September 19th, the Nelson Tasman community came together for the 4th annual Keir Wilkinson Memorial Golf Tournament, led by Tournament Director Glyn Delany of Summit Real Estate at the Nelson Golf Club. The result? A record-breaking $80,827 raised for Nelson Tasman Hospice, bringing the total raised over the past four years to more than $290,000.

The day delivered everything golfers could hope for—blue skies, sizzling BBQs, flowing drinks, and some superb golf. Highlights included The Shark challenge sponsored by The Car Company, a dream prize draw to play in the national Golf Open thanks to Craigs Investment Partners, and a once-in-a-lifetime Te Ari Links Golf Experience donated by Ben Coman, which sold for $10,000 at auction.

Congratulations to Brown and Associates, who took out first place and claimed the Keir Wilkinson Memorial Trophy with a superb 99 points.

Special thanks go to Summit Real Estate Auctioneer Liam Boshoff, our generous sponsors, donors, and of course the volunteers and organising committee who made the event possible. Most importantly, thank you to the Nelson Tasman Hospice team, whose incredible work inspired the generosity that made this day such a success.

Glyn Delany says the day is not only about golf but about community spirit:

“This event is a celebration of generosity, camaraderie, and support for Hospice, and I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved together.”

The Keir Wilkinson Memorial has become more than just a golf tournament—it’s a community tradition. We can’t wait to see you all again at the 2026 event!

As a landlord or investor, you want more than rent collection—you want confidence your property is protected, compliant, and performing. That’s where Summit Property Management’s REINZ Accreditation makes the difference. 

What it means for you: 

With over 30 years of experience and the largest local team across Nelson, Tasman, and Marlborough, Summit offers care, protection, and results for landlords and investors—backed by REINZ Accreditation. 

Ready to safeguard and grow your investment? Talk to Summit Property Management today. 

Summit Property Management is proud to support the Waimea Special Education Department Awards each term. These awards recognise students who show hard work, perseverance, and the ability to overcome challenges.

For Term 3, congratulations go to Manaaki Marsh-Wetere and Tom Storey. Both students have achieved outstanding results and are very deserving recipients. Our team members Stew Henry and Fiona Harris were pleased to present Manaaki and Tom with cinema vouchers as a reward for their efforts.

At Summit Property Management, we’re proud to celebrate local students and support the community we work in.

Pictured: Fiona Harris Summit Property Manager (Richmond), Manaaki Marsh-Wetere, Tom Storey, Stewart Henry (Property Management General Manager)

Read More on how Summit is involved in our community here.

The latest REINZ figures paint a picture of steady growth across the Top of the South. While sales volumes have eased, all three districts recorded year-on-year increases in median prices, highlighting ongoing demand and resilience in our regional property markets.

Number of Sales August 2025

Number of Sales August 2024

Average Number of Days to sell

Average Sale Price

Nelson

51

61

35 Down 11

$730,000 ^4.3%

Tasman

56

63

45 Down 1

$786,000 ^5.5%

Marlborough

68

61

41 Down 11

$635,000 ^2.4%

Source: REINZ August 2025 New Zealand Property Report. Data Compared to August 2024.

Across Nelson, Tasman, and Marlborough combined, the median price reached $720,000, representing a 4% year-on-year increase. Sales counts, however, were down 10.7% compared to last year, reflecting a more selective buyer pool.

The most active buyers remain first-home buyers, owner-occupiers, and those searching around the $1 million mark. Fresh, well-priced listings are drawing strong attention, while overpriced properties are struggling to generate interest—reinforcing the importance of accurate pricing in today’s market.

Open home attendance has varied across the regions, with new listings generating the most engagement. As we head into spring, our sales team anticipates an uplift in activity as warmer weather and seasonal listings drive momentum.

While auctions have gained some traction, many buyers and sellers still favour price-based sales strategies, which remain the dominant method in our region. Encouragingly, lowered interest rates and improved market sentiment are contributing to a renewed sense of confidence.

Despite softer sales volumes, the market across Nelson, Tasman, and Marlborough continues to demonstrate underlying strength, with steady price growth and resilient buyer demand. With spring upon us, both vendors and buyers have reason to feel optimistic about the months ahead.

At Summit, our team is here to guide you through the opportunities this market presents—whether you’re buying, selling, or simply exploring your options.

Get in touch