‘you’ll be glad you chose Summit’,
and to achieve that, every Summit team member aims to provide a real estate service that is second to none. We value relationships. We have maintained a close connection with our community since our first day of operation. Summit has grown with the region through numerous events, sports, cultural and other community-based initiatives, including 5 years as principal sponsor of the Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter. While we source an ever-increasing percentage of inquiries from our high-profile, web-based marketing, the vast majority of business is still completed face-to-face with our clients and salespeople.
Summit maintains a simple strategy; we provide our salespeople with the best resources, marketing, training, technology, and management support to achieve the best result possible for every client. Built on a solid foundation of many years of ethical trading, Summit is a member of the NZ Realtors Network - the most successful group of Real Estate companies in New Zealand. Summit has unique advantages; salespeople enjoy the benefits of working in a progressive multi-office environment, no franchise fees sent out of town, and the region’s largest real estate agency.
1992
Established Office at
526 Main Road Stoke, Stoke
2001
Opened Commercial Office
Nelson
2002
Opened Motueka
102 High Street
2006
New Stoke Office opens
506 Main Road Stoke
2009
Opened Summit House Nelson
60 Rutherford Street
2010
Opened Picton Office
56 High Street
2013
New Richmond Office opens
203 Queen Street
2019
New Blenheim Office opens
30 Alfred Street
2026
Property Management Richmond Office Expansion
201-203 Queen Street
Summit understand what makes the Top of the South Island unique, from the majestic bays of the Sounds, the golden sand beaches of Abel Tasman, to the vibrant communities of our provincial towns.
Our real difference is our culture and people. Summit’s success is the results of the many outstanding people who have joined us. We have the largest team of qualified, experienced real estate specialists, and we’re well equipped to deal with all facets of real estate. Our commitment to providing unparalleled service and working as a team makes Summit the region’s most preferred real estate agency by far.
It’s the support from our local community that we gratefully acknowledge when looking at Summit’s achievements to date and our current position as market leaders. We show our gratitude in very real ways, giving back to our local community.
New data from realestate.co.nz shows weekly average rents rose by 7.8% in Nelson and Bays, with new listing and stock also seeing an increase. Rents in Nelson have hit a record high, with demand continuing to push prices up despite a broader easing across the country.
New data from realestate.co.nz shows the average weekly rent in Nelson and Bays rose to $617 in April, up 7.8% from $573 a year earlier.
The increase highlights ongoing pressure in the local rental market, with Nelson one of just two regions, alongside Waikato, to record a new average rent high.
Realestate.co.nz spokesperson Vanessa Williams said the figures reflected strong demand in the region.
“While many parts of the country are seeing some relief, Nelson continues to show strong demand for rental housing,” she said.
Local rental supply has also lifted slightly. In Nelson, total rental stock rose 7% in April compared to a year earlier, increasing from 84 to 90 listings, and was up 15% on March.
New listings increased 13.6% year-on-year, from 59 to 67, although they were down 19.3% compared to the previous month.
Williams said the increase was “technically defying the laws of supply and demand” given a healthy number of homes were coming onto the market.
“When you look at the types of properties coming on, there are some really quite nice homes, and I wonder if that’s tipped the average over the edge.”
She said rents had been trending upwards for some time, and it was always important to watch for a trend.
Realestate.co.nz spokesperson Vanessa Williams said the increase was “technically defying the laws of supply and demand”.
“This hasn’t come out of nowhere,” she said. “I wouldn’t say it’s a one-off. It’s been building over the year.”
She said the increase could also reflect changing behaviour in the market.
“There may be a combination of people continuing to see value in the rental market, or perhaps selling homes and moving into rentals, which could also be pushing up the average.”
Despite the increase in available properties, supply remains relatively tight, with demand continuing to support higher prices.
Nationally, rents had eased slightly, with the average weekly rent falling 1.4% to $631 — almost $30 below the peak recorded in May 2024.
Williams said the shifting figures showed how quickly conditions could change.
“For renters, it’s a noticeable change from the pressure we were seeing at the peak, but it also shows how quickly market conditions can move,” she said.
She said demand for quality rental housing remained strong, even in regions where prices had softened.
Nina Hindmarsh • Reporter [email protected]
May 7, 2026
Photo credit: Braden Fastier / Nelson Mail
Read more
The latest data from the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) shows a steady but cautious market across the Top of the South.
Mar-26
Feb-26
Mar-25
Nelson
710,000
738,768
650,000
Tasman
794,000
674,000
655,000
Marlborough
710,000
860,000
851,000
Nel/Marl/Tas Region
749,000
760,000
738,000
Source: REINZ, Data Compared to March 2025, REINZ Monthly Property Report Published April 2026.
Properties are selling faster, with the average days to sell now at 38 days. Four days quicker than March 2025. Sales activity also increased 32.4% from February, reflecting a lift as buyers returned to the market after summer.
Median prices dipped slightly, down 1.4% from February, but are up 1.5% compared to March last year, indicating overall price stability.
The market continues to be driven by owner-occupiers and first home buyers, with less activity from investors and the top end. At the same time, higher stock levels are seeing vendors price more realistically to meet the market.
Open home attendance has remained consistent throughout campaigns. While fewer auctions were held, those that did take place achieved solid clearance rates.
Market sentiment remains cautious. Buyers are active but more considered in their decisions, influenced by wider economic factors. With stock levels still elevated, both buyers and sellers are approaching the market carefully.
Overall, conditions are balanced. Well-presented and well-priced properties continue to attract interest and achieve results.
Read more Property Reports
If you’re searching for professional property management for your investment property, you’re not alone. Many landlords across Nelson, Tasman, and Marlborough are looking for a more reliable, stress-free way to manage their rentals and maximise returns.
Whether you’re dealing with poor communication, unreliable tenants, or the time pressure of self-managing, the right property management team can make all the difference.
That’s where Shift to Summit comes in.
Your investment property should be working for you — not creating unnecessary stress.
A professional property management service helps you:
Secure quality tenants through thorough screeningMaintain your property with proactive inspections and maintenanceEnsure consistent rental income and minimise vacancyStay compliant with ever-changing tenancy regulationsFor many landlords, making the move to a trusted property management company is the key to protecting and growing their investment.
At Summit, we provide a full-service property management solution designed to give landlords complete peace of mind.
Our experienced team offers:
A dedicated property manager as your single point of contactEnd-to-end management, from tenant selection to maintenance coordinationRegular communication and reporting so you’re always informedLocal expertise across Nelson, Tasman, and MarlboroughWith over 30 years of experience and the strength of the region’s largest real estate network, we connect your property with the right tenants and deliver consistent results.
One of the most common concerns we hear is:
“Is switching property managers difficult?”
The answer is no.
With Shift to Summit, we make the process simple and seamless. Our team handles:
Communication with your current property managerTransfer of documentation and tenancy detailsA smooth transition for both you and your tenantsYou can enjoy better service — without the hassle.
Shift to Summit is ideal for:
Landlords unhappy with their current property managerPrivate landlords ready to hand over the day-to-day managementNew or first-time investors wanting expert guidanceNo matter your situation, our goal is to make property ownership easier and more rewarding.
Limited-Time Offer: 3 Months Free Management FeesTo help you get started, we’re offering 3 months free property management fees when you make the shift.
It’s a great opportunity to experience the benefits of professional management while improving the performance of your investment.
Terms & Conditions: Summit requires a minimum 12-month management term. The 3 months free fees offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion or discount.
If you’re ready to move to a more professional, proactive property management service, now is the time.
Book your free rental appraisal or learn more here
Or speak to your local Summit Property Management team about how we can support your investment goals.
Opened at 526 Main Road Stoke, Stoke in 1992
Our first issue of the Summit Weekly published in September 2004, this has become an integral part of establishing Summit as the region's most preferred real estate agency.
Across the Top of the South and every corner of our region, our salespeople are renowned for providing exceptional service because our clients deserve nothing less.
Managing thousands of rental properties throughout the top of the South, the region's trusted name in property management saves you time and money, so you can make the most of yours.
With a team of over 100 strong in 6 locations throughout the Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough a friendly Summit branch is likely not too far from where you are.