The Hawke’s Bay property market continued to strengthen in October 2025, with buyers becoming more active and confidence lifting across the region. Prices showed modest annual growth, and sales activity increased from September as lower interest rates and spring momentum supported the market. Key Highlights Median price: $697,000 (↑ 2.5%  year-on-year | ↑ 4.8%  month-on-month) Sales count: 220 sales (↓ 8.3%  year-on-year | ↑ 29.4%  month-on-month) Days to sell: 38 days  - 6 days slower than October 2024 Market Insights “First home buyers and owner-occupiers were the most active buyer groups. Vendor expectations were becoming more realistic and aligned with market conditions… Market sentiment was influenced by declining interest rates and increased confidence for both vendors and buyers. Local salespeople report that the local market has improved and will continue to do so over the spring and summer period.”— Lizzy Ryley, REINZ Chief Executive District Trends District Median Price (Oct 25) Change vs Sep 25 Change vs Oct 24 Sales (Oct 25) Change vs Sep 25 Change vs Oct 24 Central Hawke’s Bay $575,000 ↑ 16.2% ↑ 2.9% 16 ↓ 23.8% ↓ 11.1% Hastings District $700,000 ↑ 2.9% ↑ 0.7% 108 ↑ 80.0% ↑ 0.9% Napier City $710,000 ↑ 3.6% ↓ 5.3% 92 ↑ 4.5% ↓ 15.6% Wairoa District – – – 4 ↑ 300% ↓ 33.3% Hawke’s Bay Region $697,000 ↑ 4.8% ↑ 2.5% 220 ↑ 29.4% ↓ 8.3% What It Means for Buyers and Sellers Buyers • Improved affordability in some segments, combined with declining interest rates, is creating appealing entry points, especially for first-home buyers. • New listings are drawing strong attention early in their campaigns. Sellers • More realistic pricing is helping drive increased buyer engagement. • Spring activity is boosting open-home traffic and shortening campaigns for well-priced stock. Investors • While not as active as first-home buyers, they are re-engaging as interest rates ease and yields stabilise. • Expect investor competition to gradually increase through early 2026.

The Wellington property market remained steady in October 2025, with modest price shifts, rising sales activity, and improving sentiment supported by easing interest rates and increased stock levels. Key Highlights Median price: $767,500 (↓ 3.5%  year-on-year | ↑ 0.8%  month-on-month) Sales count: 655 sales (↓ 3.1%  year-on-year | ↑ 9.0%  month-on-month) Days to sell: 46 days  - 5 days slower than October 2024 Market Insights “First-home buyers continued to be the most active group in October, supported by improved lending conditions and easing rates. … Market sentiment reflected cautious confidence, influenced by easing interest rates, increased stock levels, and ongoing economic pressures. Local agents predict that over the next few months, the market will be stable, with steady activity heading into summer.” — Lizzy Ryley, REINZ Chief Executive   District Trends District Median Price (Oct 25) vs Sep 25 vs Oct 24 Sales (Oct 25) vs Sep 25 vs Oct 24 Carterton District $525,000 ↓ 4.2% ↓ 1.7% 22 ↑ 83.3% ↑ 46.7% Kapiti Coast District $820,000 ↑ 10.3% ↑ 0.1% 85 ↑ 34.9% ↓ 36.6% Lower Hutt City $740,000 ↑ 8.8% ↑ 7.4% 119 ↓ 4.8% ↓ 8.5% Masterton District $483,000 ↓ 13.4% ↓ 19.5% 34 ↓ 35.8% ↓ 12.8% Porirua City $790,000 ↓ 8.1% ↓ 4.0% 56 ↑ 16.7% ↑ 3.7% South Wairarapa District $702,500 ↑ 18.3% ↓ 12.2% 11 ↑ 10.0% ↓ 15.4% Upper Hutt City $726,500 ↑ 7.6% ↓ 1.5% 82 ↑ 24.2% ↑ 64.0% Wellington City $840,000 ↓ 3.2% ↓ 4.5% 246 ↑ 9.8% ↑ 2.1% Wellington Region $767,500 ↑ 0.8% ↓ 3.5% 655 ↑ 9.0% ↓ 3.1% What It Means for Buyers and Sellers Buyers • First-home buyers remain the most active group, supported by easing interest rates and improved lending conditions. • Increased stock provides more choice, though competition remains for well-priced homes. Sellers • Realistic pricing is critical, especially in higher-value suburbs where buyer caution is more evident. • Strongest interest continues for well-presented properties with clear value. Investors • Investor presence remains subdued but may lift as borrowing costs ease. • Select pockets such as Porirua and Upper Hutt show stronger sales momentum. Conclusion Overall, Wellington is navigating a period of steady but cautious  adjustment. While challenges persist, particularly around price expectations and economic pressures, the environment is improving for both buyers and sellers. Staying closely informed will be crucial as the market moves toward summer and into 2026.

Wellington Property Market Update – September 2025 The Wellington property market continued to balance in September 2025, with modest price movement and a steady rise in sales activity across most districts. Key Highlights Median price:  $760,000 (↓ 3.2% year-on-year | ↑ 2.7% month-on-month) Sales count:  585 (↑ 7.5% year-on-year | ↑ 9.6% month-on-month) Median days to sell:  49 days – 2 days quicker than September 24 Market Insights “First-home buyers were the most active buyer group, with reports of fewer investors present. Some vendors were starting to push for higher prices due to the time of year, which made their expectations unrealistic. Attendance at open homes has been strong for newly listed properties but tends to decline after the initial viewings. Market sentiment is being shaped by the growing number of townhouse developments and the rising volume of property listings, many of which are not attracting the anticipated interest. Local salespeople remain hopeful that stock levels will decrease, but the primary challenge for buyers continues to be cash flow constraints. This dynamic is expected to influence market activity in the coming months.”— Lizzy Ryley, REINZ Chief Executive District Trends District Median Price (Sep 25) Change vs Aug 25 Change vs Sep 24 Sales (Sep 25) Change vs Aug 25 Change vs Sep 24 Carterton District $548,000 +7.5% -0.4% 12 0.0% -7.7% Kapiti Coast District $729,000 -5.0% -8.4% 58 -18.3% -33.3% Lower Hutt City $680,000 -5.2% +0.7% 123 -1.6% +18.3% Masterton District $558,000 +4.9% +9.4% 54 +54.3% +50.0% Porirua City $850,000 +18.1% +16.4% 46 0.0% +12.2% South Wairarapa District $599,000 -2.6% +16.3% 10 +11.1% -16.7% Upper Hutt City $695,000 +3.6% -13.4% 67 +31.4% +13.6% Wellington City $868,000 +4.4% -3.4% 215 +16.2% +12.0% Wellington Region (Overall) $760,000 +2.7% -3.2% 585 +9.6% +7.5% What It Means for Buyers and Sellers Buyers:  First-home buyers remain the most active group, benefiting from stabilised prices and more listings to choose from. Sellers:  Well-presented and realistically priced properties continue to attract strong initial interest, particularly in Porirua and Masterton, where prices saw notable gains. Investors:  Investor activity remains subdued, with many focusing on yield and cash flow amid tighter lending conditions. The Wellington market remains steady but selective. A combination of rising listings and cautious buyer sentiment is keeping conditions balanced. As spring continues and borrowing costs ease, sales activity is expected to remain firm — particularly in suburbs offering affordability and strong commuter access.

Hawke’s Bay Property Market Update The Hawke’s Bay property market showed signs of stabilising in September 2025, with prices easing slightly but market activity and buyer confidence beginning to lift. Key Highlights Median price:  $652,500 (↓ 6.8% year-on-year | ↓ 1.1% month-on-month) Sales count:  173 (↓ 22.1% year-on-year | ↓ 8.9% month-on-month) Median days to sell:  43 days – 4 days quicker than September 2024. Market Insights “The most active buyer groups in the Hawke’s Bay region were first-home buyers and owner-occupiers looking to downsize. Most vendor expectations were realistic in terms of asking price, with some hoping for higher prices. Attendance at open homes was good, increasing compared to other months. Market sentiment was influenced by declining interest rates, the arrival of spring, and stock levels. Local salespeople suggest that the local property market will only continue to improve in the coming months.”— Lizzy Ryley, REINZ Chief Executive District Trends District Median Price (Sep 25) Change vs Aug 25 Change vs Sep 24 Sales (Sep 25) Change vs Aug 25 Change vs Sep 24 Central Hawke’s Bay $495,000 -3.9% -12.4% 21 +10.5% +40.0% Hastings District $670,000 +3.0% +0.8% 62 -26.2% -38.6% Napier City $685,000 -2.1% -7.4% 89 +7.2% -15.2% Wairoa District – – – 1 -75.0% 0.0% What It Means for Buyers and Sellers Buyers:  Lower median prices and more realistic vendor expectations are creating attractive opportunities, particularly for first-home buyers. Sellers:  While prices are softer, strong open-home attendance and seasonal momentum suggest increasing demand as we move further into spring. Investors:  With declining interest rates and reduced inventory, competition is expected to rise over the coming months. Overall, Hawke’s Bay’s property market is showing steady signs of improvement. Although prices remain below 2024 levels, easing interest rates, improving confidence, and typical spring activity are helping to re-energise the region.

Selling a home privately can be a rewarding experience, offering control and savings on commission fees. However, it also requires careful planning and knowledge to navigate the process successfully. Whether you are a first-time seller or have some experience, mastering your sales involves understanding the market, preparing your home, and managing negotiations effectively. This guide provides practical private sale tips to help you achieve the best outcome. Understanding the Market: Essential Private Home Sale Tips Before listing your property, it is crucial to understand the local real estate market. Research recent sales in your area to get a sense of pricing trends and buyer demand. This knowledge will help you set a realistic asking price and avoid overpricing, which can deter potential buyers. Use online property portals to compare similar homes. Attend open homes in your neighbourhood to observe how properties are presented. Consult local property reports for insights on market fluctuations. Get general market advice from the DORAN team. Pricing your home correctly is one of the most important private home sale tips. A competitive price attracts more interest and can lead to quicker sales. Additionally, consider the time of year; spring and summer often see higher buyer activity. Preparing Your Home for Sale: Practical Tips to Attract Buyers Presentation matters significantly in private property sales. A well-prepared home creates a positive first impression and can increase its perceived value. Declutter and depersonalise : Remove personal items and excess furniture to make rooms appear larger. Deep clean every room, including windows and carpets. Make minor repairs such as fixing leaky taps, squeaky doors, or chipped paint. Enhance curb appeal by tidying the garden, mowing the lawn, and adding fresh plants. Use professional photography to showcase your home online. High-quality images can attract more inquiries and set your listing apart from others. Marketing Strategies for a Successful Private Home Sale Effective marketing is key to reaching potential buyers. Use a combination of online and offline methods to maximise exposure. Create a compelling listing with detailed descriptions and clear photos. Leverage social media platforms to share your listing with a wider audience. Use local community boards and newspapers for additional reach. Host private viewings to provide personalised tours and answer questions. Enhance your sale with one of our packages! Be responsive to inquiries and flexible with viewing times to accommodate interested buyers. Transparency about your property’s features and any issues builds trust and can facilitate smoother negotiations. Or let us manage your viewings. Negotiation and Legal Considerations Negotiating directly with buyers requires preparation and clear communication. Be ready to discuss offers and counteroffers calmly and professionally. Know your bottom line and be prepared to walk away if the price is too low. Consider non-price factors such as settlement dates and included fixtures. Get legal advice to ensure contracts are correctly drafted and all legal obligations are met. Use the DORAN Portal to communicate and negotiate with buyers. Engaging a solicitor early in the process can help avoid mistakes and ensure a smooth transaction. Remember, a private sale is just as secure and efficient as selling through an agent. Final Steps: Closing the Sale and Moving Forward Once you accept an offer, the final steps involve completing the legal paperwork and preparing for the move. Confirm all contract details with your legal representative. Arrange for a final inspection if requested by the buyer. Organise your moving logistics well in advance to reduce stress. Notify utility providers and update your address with relevant organisations. Completing these steps carefully ensures a smooth transition and leaves a positive impression on the buyer, which can be beneficial if any post-sale issues arise. Selling privately can be highly rewarding. By following these private home sale tips, you can confidently manage the process and achieve a successful sale.

As we move into autumn, the Hawke’s Bay property market is showing signs of recalibration after a period of fluctuating conditions. The latest figures for March 2025 paint a clear picture of a market adjusting to our economic conditions, The median sale price in Hawke’s Bay dropped by 3.4% compared to March 2024, settling at $700,000. While this isn’t a dramatic fall, it does indicate that vendors' expectation are becoming more realistic. Homes are now spending more time on the market. The median days to sell has increased to 43 days, up from 39 this time last year. This signals a more considered approach from buyers who are taking their time to shop around, negotiate, and ensure they're making informed decisions. 43 days isn’t unusually long in historical terms. Interestingly, the number of residential properties sold jumped 15.6% year-on-year, with 237 homes sold in March 2025. This is an encouraging sign that demand remains strong despite softer pricing and longer selling times. More listings may be hitting the market, or more buyers could be taking the plunge after sitting on the sidelines during recent uncertainty.

The latest data from the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) reveals interesting trends in the property markets across Wellington  and Hawke’s Bay  for April 2025 . With market activity showing notable shifts, this update provides key insights for homeowners considering selling privately. Here’s a closer look at how both regions performed last month: Wellington Market Snapshot – April 2025 Wellington’s property market showed mixed results in April, with an increase in sales volumes but continued pressure on prices. 632 properties sold 📈 Up 3.8%  compared to April 2024 Median sale price:   $775,000 🔻 Down 5.5%  year-on-year Average days to sell:   42 days 🔻 3 days slower than April 2024 The uptick in sales suggests growing buyer confidence, despite a softening in prices. This could be good news for motivated sellers as we head into the cooler months, with more properties changing hands and realistic pricing attracting serious buyers. Hawke’s Bay Market Snapshot – April 2025 Hawke’s Bay’s property market outperformed expectations in April, with strong sales growth and a modest increase in median prices. 231 properties sold 📈 Up 15.5%  compared to April 2024 Median sale price:   $671,000 📈 Up 1.8%  year-on-year Average days to sell:   40 days ⏱ 4 days faster than April 2024 This significant jump in sales, combined with steady price growth, suggests renewed confidence in the Hawke’s Bay region. Shorter selling times also indicate strong demand from buyers, which could present an ideal window for homeowners looking to sell. What Does This Mean for Private Sellers? If you’re considering selling your property privately , these market trends highlight some key opportunities: ✅ Wellington:  While prices have dipped slightly, buyer activity is healthy. Pricing your property competitively and marketing it effectively could help you achieve a successful sale.✅ Hawke’s Bay:  Strong demand and faster selling times make it a promising market for private sellers aiming to maximise returns without paying high commissions. At Doran Private Property Sales , we help everyday New Zealanders sell their homes commission-free , saving thousands in fees while still reaching buyers through top-tier advertising platforms like Trade Me Property .

Sales in Hawke's Bay rose to 221 in February 2025, an increase from 207 in February 2024. This uptick in sales demonstrates strong buyer interest and a healthy market, with more properties changing hands as demand continues to grow. The median sale price for homes in Hawke’s Bay also saw a notable increase. The median price climbed from $675,000 in February 2024 to $710,000 in February 2025, reflecting a steady rise in property values. This increase highlights the region's continued appeal, with property prices trending upwards as demand persists. While the market is thriving, there was a small shift in the time it takes to sell a property. The average number of days to sell increased by 2 days, reaching 58 days in February 2025 compared to 56 days in February 2024. Overall, the February 2025 real estate data for Hawke’s Bay paints a picture of a resilient market. With increased sales and rising prices, the region remains attractive to both buyers and sellers.

The real estate market in Hawke's Bay saw significant activity in January 2025, according to the latest REINZ market update. The region experienced a noticeable increase in sales compared to January 2024, with 141 properties sold — a 35.6% rise from the previous year. This increase indicates growing buyer confidence and interest in the area. On the flip side, homes took a bit longer to sell. The average number of days to sell a property in Hawke's Bay was 57, which is 12 days longer than in January 2024. This slight shift suggests that while the market remains strong, buyers are taking more time to make decisions, and sellers may need to adjust expectations for how quickly their properties will move. In terms of pricing, the median property price in Hawke's Bay came in at $670,000. While this represents a slight decrease of $7,000 compared to January 2024, the market remains relatively stable overall, reflecting a balance between demand and pricing. In summary, Hawke's Bay's real estate market in January 2025 showed healthy growth in sales, with a slight increase in the time it takes to sell a property. Despite a minor dip in median prices, the region continues to be a promising area for both buyers and sellers in the current market climate. *Data from REINZ.

Selling a property can be one of the most significant financial decisions you make in your lifetime. While many people choose to enlist the help of real estate agents, selling privately in New Zealand is now an increasingly popular option. Cost Savings One of the most compelling reasons to sell privately is the potential for substantial savings. Real estate agents typically charge a commission that ranges from 2% to 4% of the sale price. By selling privately, you can keep that money in your pocket, significantly increasing your profits. Full Control When you sell privately, you maintain complete control over the selling process. You can set your own asking price, choose how and when to market your property, and determine the terms of the sale. This level of autonomy can be empowering and allows you to make decisions that best suit your circumstances. Direct Communication with Buyers Selling privately allows for direct communication with potential buyers. This can lead to more straightforward negotiations and a better understanding of what buyers are looking for. You can respond to inquiries immediately, providing a personalized touch that can foster trust and encourage quicker decisions. Better Showings You can conduct property viewings on your schedule, accommodating potential buyers in a way that suits both parties. This flexibility can lead to more interested buyers and can create a more relaxed atmosphere during viewings, allowing you to showcase your property in the best light. At the end of the day no one knows your property better than you! Emotional Connection As the homeowner, you have a unique emotional connection to your property. This connection allows you to share personal stories and insights that can resonate with buyers, helping them envision themselves in the space. Your passion for your home can be a compelling selling point that an agent may not be able to convey. Selling your property on your own terms can lead to a rewarding experience!