Buying a property at auction can feel fast paced and unfamiliar — but with the right preparation, it can also be one of the clearest and most confident ways to purchase.

Whether you’re a first home buyer, investor, or returning to the market, preparation is everything. Here’s what you need to know before auction day so you can bid with confidence.

With the right preparation and guidance, buying at auction can be a fast, transparent, and rewarding way to secure your next property.

If you’re thinking about bidding, talk to a financial adviser at Mortgage Money, who work closely with the experienced team at Summit Real Estate. From pre-approval through to unconditional finance, we’ll help you understand your options, stay within budget, and bid with confidence on the day.

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Number of Sales December2024

Number of Sales December2025

Average Number of Days to Sell*

Average Sale Price

Nelson

68

87

33 vs 35 in December 2024

$718,00

Tasman

46

74

30 vs 30 in December 2024

$810,000

Marlborough

73

70

30 vs 30 in December 2024

$660,000

Source: REINZ – New Zealand Property Report, December 2025  *Compared to December 2024, REINZ Monthly Property Report Published January 2026.

Nelson saw the median price decrease 4.3% year-on-year, settling at $718,000.
Marlborough experienced an uplift, with the median price up 6.5% year-on-year to $660,000.
Tasman recorded a slight softening, with the median price down 1.6% year-on-year to $810,000.

Across the region, first home buyers remain the most active segment, providing consistent momentum. Some overseas buyer activity was noted in Nelson, while the Marlborough Sounds saw a reduction in buyers operating above the $1 million price point.

Vendor expectations continue to adjust to current market conditions. As supply has begun to outweigh demand in some areas, many sellers are adopting a more realistic and pragmatic approach to pricing.

Open home attendance varied, with stronger turnout at selected properties, though overall numbers remained modest. Auction activity also differed by location. In Nelson, auctions are increasingly being used as a sales strategy by agents, while Blenheim saw limited auction attendance and lower seller confidence in auctions as a preferred method of sale.

Encouragingly, market sentiment is improving, driven by increased buyer interest, steady sales volumes, and growing positivity among participants. Local salespeople expect the market to remain a buyer’s market in the near term, with optimism that sales volumes will lift as both local and visiting buyers re-enter the market.

The Top of the South average days to sell currently sits at 35 days, reflecting a market that is active but still measured — rewarding well-presented, well-priced properties.

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The latest REINZ figures for November 2025 show a mixed but steady picture across the Top of the South, with price growth continuing in Nelson and Marlborough, while Tasman recorded a year-on-year softening.

While price growth remains strong in Nelson and Marlborough, the Tasman market reflects a more cautious buyer response, likely influenced by broader market conditions and increased choice.

First home buyers and owner-occupiers were the most active groups across the region in November. Investor enquiry remained lower, reflecting continued caution around yields and lending conditions.

Vendors were largely realistic with their pricing expectations, which has helped maintain solid engagement for well-presented homes. Open home attendance was strongest for new listings, with good momentum often carrying through into the second and third weeks of a campaign when the property met buyer expectations.

Auctions are becoming a more commonly used sales method across the region. However, results under the hammer have been mixed, highlighting the importance of accurate pricing, presentation, and buyer competition.

Overall market sentiment continues to be influenced by:

Sales volumes were down 10.9% compared to October, reinforcing the measured pace of the market.

Despite the current lack of urgency, there is cautious optimism among local salespeople. The summer months are expected to bring an uplift in activity, particularly as overseas visitors return following the Christmas period — a trend that traditionally supports buyer confidence in the Top of the South.

“First home buyers and owner-occupiers were the most active buyer groups across the region… broader choice in available properties continues to contribute to a lack of urgency.”
– Lizzy Ryley, REINZ Chief Executive

For sellers, realistic pricing and strong presentation remain key to generating competition. For buyers, the current market offers choice and time — but well-positioned properties continue to attract strong interest.

If you’re considering a move or would like a tailored view of how these figures apply to your property, the Summit team is here to help with local insight and honest advice.

Talk to a Local Summit Sales & Marketing Consultant

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: 

“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.

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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.

REINZ 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:

REINZ 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

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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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

Discover Your Future in Real Estate - An Evening of Insights, Stories, and Opportunities

Are you curious about a career in real estate? Whether you're a recent graduate exploring your options or a seasoned professional considering a life-changing career pivot, Summit Real Estate's careers evening is your gateway to understanding this dynamic and rewarding industry.

Meet a diverse range of successful sales professionals from Summit's award-winning team. These aren't just success stories - they're real people who will share their authentic career journeys, including the challenges they've overcome and the victories they've celebrated.

Gain valuable insider knowledge about what it truly takes to thrive in real estate. From understanding market dynamics to mastering client relationships, you'll discover the skills and mindset needed for long-term success.

This isn't a one-way presentation. Come prepared with questions about training, earning potential, work-life balance, or any other aspects of real estate careers that interest you. Our experienced professionals are here to provide honest, practical answers.

Connect with industry experts, potential mentors, and like-minded individuals who share your career aspirations. These connections could be the first step in your real estate journey.

Considering a Career Change? Many of our most successful agents came from completely different industries. Hear how they successfully transitioned into real estate and leveraged their existing skills in new ways.

Just Starting Out? Learn about the comprehensive training and support systems available to new salespeople, and discover how Summit sets you up for success from day one.

We believe the best conversations happen in comfortable settings. That's why we're providing drinks and nibbles throughout the evening, creating a relaxed atmosphere where you can have meaningful conversations about your future.

Your career in real estate could start with a single conversation. Whether you leave the evening with a clear plan to join the industry or simply a better understanding of the opportunities available, you'll gain valuable insights that could shape your professional future.

Join us for an evening that could change your career trajectory. Come with an open mind, leave with clarity about your next steps, and discover why so many professionals have found their calling in real estate.

Reserve your spot today and take the first step toward a rewarding career with regions market-leading real estate team.

Event Details:

Register Now

The market! The market seemed to hit a bit of a wall mid-May, after 2-3 months of sustained high levels of activity on all price points. Our higher end stock has slowed a little this month but our first home market is still ticking away nicely! As we write this we are about to present 8+ offers on a property, this property is well priced, presented and promoted, that’s the key! Winter will go quickly and following that we should see the best periods in Real Estate for our region than we have seen for a few years, bring it on!

Number of Sales May 2025

Number of Sales May 2024

Average Number of Days to sell

Average Sale Price

Nelson

85

70

45 Down 25

$685,000 ^2.2%

Tasman

83

52

47 Down 4

$790,000 ^1.3%

Marlborough

80

36

40 Up 4

$650,000 Down 5.1%

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

The Power of Numbers

When it comes to real estate, size matters. Summit Real Estate has the largest sales team in the Top of the South, and that scale directly benefits you. With 50+ agents working together across six local offices, we bring unmatched market reach, expertise, and buyer connections to every property transaction.

Our networked approach means every listing is exposed to more potential buyers, increasing competition and achieving better results. We don’t just work as individuals—we collaborate across our team to match buyers and sellers, ensuring no opportunity is missed.

Having the biggest team also means more local knowledge. Our agents are deeply connected to the communities they serve, providing insight into market trends, buyer demand, and pricing strategies that deliver the best outcomes.

Whether you’re selling, buying, or investing, choosing Summit means choosing a team with proven success, the widest reach, and the power to get results.

Ready to make your move? Contact the team today.