Renters across the Nelson Tasman region are heading into 2026 with significantly more choice than this time last year, as new data reveals one of the largest increases in rental listings anywhere in New Zealand.

Figures from realestate.co.nz show that new rental listings in Nelson and Bays jumped 92.6% in December 2025, compared with December 2024. A total of 52 properties were listed during the month, up from just 27 a year earlier.

This surge was reflected in the overall availability of rental homes, with total rental stock in the region rising 88.5% year-on-year to 49 properties. Nelson and Bays ranked as one of the strongest-performing regions nationally for new rental supply, second only to Wairarapa.

According to Summit Property Management General Manager, Stew Henry, the increase has been driven by several factors.

“We’ve seen a higher number of tenants purchasing homes over summer, which means existing rental stock needs to be re-let,” says Henry.

“The properties new to the rental market are a mix of investors and people moving out of town who wish to retain ownership of their homes.”

Henry says Summit experienced a particularly strong end to the year, with a bumper letting month in December, signing 52 new tenancies across Nelson and Marlborough.

Nationally, realestate.co.nz data shows new rental listings rose 19.8% year-on-year in December to 5,349 properties, up from 4,464 in December 2024. The national average asking rent also declined, falling 2.4% year-on-year to $626 per week, with 13 of New Zealand’s 19 regions recording price decreases.

Realestate.co.nz spokesperson Vanessa Williams says the increase in listings is shifting the balance for renters.

“A nearly 20 percent increase in new listings certainly provides more choice for renters, and in some regions, that choice has doubled,” Williams says.

“With stock building and competition among landlords rising, renters will continue to find themselves in a stronger position to negotiate on price or lease terms in 2026.”

The data highlights a rental market entering 2026 in a very different position to previous years—particularly in regions like Nelson Tasman, where supply has rebounded strongly.

Source: Kate Russell, Top South Now
Read the original article here.

Article excerpt from the Nelson Mail.  Nina Hindmarsh • Reporter. Image supplied by Christel Yardley • Waikato Times
 
Recent Tenancy Tribunal decisions in Tākaka and Motueka have highlighted a major issue for landlords: a mismatch between insurance meth contamination standards and tenancy law. 

At present, most insurers still require remediation if meth residue exceeds 1.5 micrograms per 100cm², a standard introduced in 2017. However, the Tenancy Tribunal, Kāinga Ora and the Real Estate Authority apply a much higher threshold of 15 micrograms, based on scientific advice from Sir Peter Gluckman. 

This gap has real financial consequences. In two Tasman cases, landlords were required by insurers to clean properties and pay $2,500 excesses, but the Tribunal ruled tenants were not liable, as the properties were not legally considered contaminated under tenancy law. 

In one Motueka case managed by Summit Property Management, initial testing suggested elevated levels, but room-by-room testing showed no area exceeded the legal 15mcg limit. Despite this, the landlord was still unable to recover the insurance excess. 

The result? Confusion, unnecessary remediation, and landlords left out of pocket. 

General manager Stewart Henry said the split standards were creating confusion. 

“Owners look at that and think, ‘it’s contamination’, because that’s what the insurance company and tester are telling them,” he said. 

Henry said low-level residue could often be dealt with using simple cleaning. 

“But some owners are obviously thinking, well, it’s a contamination because it’s above the 1.5 [micrograms] which is what the meth tester and the insurance company are telling us.” 

He said the uncertainty had made property management “a landmine”. 

“Once the new rules come in, it’ll mean far fewer unnecessary claims and far less confusion. 

The Government has confirmed new regulations coming in 2026, which will: 

Until then, landlords are navigating a tricky landscape where insurance requirements and legal obligations don’t always align. 

Low-level meth residue can often be addressed through targeted cleaning, not full remediation. Professional property management is critical to: 

At Summit Property Management, we stay across regulatory changes so our landlords don’t have to—and we’ll be ready well before the new rules take effect. 

 
READ ARTICLE

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.

View more

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 submitting any applications, make sure the property is genuinely suitable for your pet. Consider:

A Pet Profile helps landlords feel confident about approving your pet. Include:

This small step goes a long way in showing responsibility and transparency.

If you’ve rented before with your pet, ask your previous landlord or property manager to confirm that:

Positive references can significantly strengthen your application.

Find out more here Tenant Support & Guides

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.

Remember: Your landlord’s insurance does not cover your belongings. Having your own cover ensures you’re protected financially if something goes wrong.

Learn 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.

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 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

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.