You will often see members of our team out and about supporting, coaching or helping clubs, schools and charity events. From initiatives as diverse as the Nelson School of Music building restoration to the Stoke Rugby Club, Nelson Netball, Havelock Mussel Festival and the annual Nelson Tasman Hospice Memorial Golf Event, Summit is right there.
“We’re unbelievably proud to be able to contribute to making our local communities a great place to live.”
As we kicked off 2026, the property market across the Top of the South showed a mix of movement and steady conditions.
Key Market StatsJanuary typically sees lighter foot traffic compared to the peak selling months, and this year was no exception. Attendance at some open homes was quieter later in the month, though early-month activity remained solid.
Who’s Buying?First home buyers continued to be the most active group across the region, closely followed by owner-occupiers. With rising interest rates and a notable supply of properties under the $1 million mark, the market remains favourable to buyers.
What This MeansAfter a busy end to 2025, the start of the year saw more measured activity. Buyers are taking time to weigh decisions, while sellers are generally pricing with market realities in mind.
As we move into autumn, many in the industry will be watching how interest rates and buyer confidence shape the next phase of the market.
Stay tuned for more local insights and updates as the year unfolds.
Data Compared to January 2025, REINZ Monthly Property Report (January 2026) Published February 2026.
If you’re investing in property, you’ll likely hear the term rental yield. Simply put, rental yield measures how much income a property earns compared to its value. It’s a helpful way to see how hard your investment is working for you.
At Summit Property Management, we help investors understand the numbers so they can make confident decisions.
Gross rental yield is the annual rental income expressed as a percentage of the property’s value. It’s a quick calculation and doesn’t include expenses.
Formula:
Gross Rental Yield = (Annual Rent ÷ Property Value) × 100
Example:
$600 per week × 52 weeks = $31,200 per year
$31,200 ÷ $700,000 × 100 = 4.46% gross yield
Gross yield is useful for comparing properties, but it doesn’t show the full picture.
Net rental yield takes things a step further. It deducts costs such as:
RatesInsuranceMaintenanceProperty management feesThis gives you a clearer view of your true return.
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Before purchasing an investment property, research comparable rentals, understand demand in the area, and obtain a professional rental appraisal. Calculating both gross and net yield will help you make informed, confident decisions.
If you’d like a rental appraisal or expert advice, contact Summit Property Management today.
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.
Buyers Guide to Auction
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As locals ourselves, we understand what matters most to our community. Our families live here, our children attend local schools and play local sports - we're invested in making our region thrive. Ready to partner with us? To discuss community sponsorship opportunities.
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