‘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
COMING SOON
New Property Management Richmond Office
201 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.
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.
Rising Expectations from RentersSummit 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.
More Confidence for LandlordsRecent 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.
A Balanced but Competitive MarketWith 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.
Compliance Driving Better OutcomesIncreased 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:
174 properties sold by Summit between July 1 – September 30, 2025231 new listings signed by the team across the region1,008 open homes hosted, giving buyers plenty of chances to find their next moveAt 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.
Where Things SitThe 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.
Only one pet bond can be held at a time, regardless of how many pets live at the property.The bond is intended to cover pet-related cleaning or damage beyond fair wear and tear.The pet bond can only be applied to pet damage – not to general tenancy issues.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:
Body corporate or insurance restrictionsUnsuitable property type (e.g. no outdoor space, polished timber floors)Landlords may also set reasonable conditions, for example:
Professional carpet cleaning at the end of tenancyRestricting pets from certain areas (like bedrooms)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:
Entry and exit inspection photosCleaning or repair invoicesVet records (if relevant)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
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.