Summer brings heat to local property prices

There’s a shift happening in the Taupō property market. As we head into the warmer months, the latest data for October 2025 shows not just a change in the seasons, but a distinct change in buyer confidence.

For homeowners thinking of selling, the numbers tell a story of returning energy—but the ‘how’ and ‘why’ depends heavily on where you live.

Here is what is happening in your backyard right now.

Taupō town: The hot performer

The heart of our district is performing exceptionally well. Compared to October 2024, we are seeing a market that is moving faster and achieving stronger results.

• Median sale price: $842,000 (vs $720,000 in Oct 24)
• Volume: 69 sales (vs 40 in Oct 24)
• Speed: 36 days on market (vs 65 in Oct 24)

Buyers are active and decisive. A median days on market of just 36 days is incredibly fast for this time of year. If you have a residential property in town, demand is currently outstripping the hesitation we saw last year.

Kinloch: Buyers are back, but patience pays

Kinloch is often a distinct market from the main town, and the data reflects that. While prices have adjusted slightly, the most encouraging sign is the volume.

• Median sale price: $1.22 million
• Volume: Eight sales (vs four in Oct 24)
• Days on market: 105 days

Liquidity has returned. We are seeing double the number of sales compared to this time last year, which is a great sign of confidence. However, with homes taking longer to sell (105 days), it’s clear that buyers are taking their time to find the right fit at the right price.

Rural and lifestyle: A volume recovery

Similar to Kinloch, the rural sector is seeing more activity, even if prices have softened slightly from the highs of last year.

• Median sale price: $1.25 million
• Volume: Seven sales (up from five in Oct 24)
• Days on market: 120 days

It’s taking about four months (120 days) to move lifestyle properties. This is normal for higher-value rural assets, but it highlights the importance of pricing your property correctly from day one to capture the spring buyers.

Tūrangi and Southern Bays: The value surge

Perhaps the biggest surprise in the data comes from the south of the lake. Tūrangi and the Southern Bays have recorded a massive jump in median value.

• Median sale price: $705,000 (vs $550,000 in Oct 24)
• Volume: Nine sales

This jump suggests a ‘flight to value’ or perhaps a shortage of stock driving competition for quality homes.

Actionable advice for sellers

If you are looking to capitalise on this market, specific strategies work better than general ones.

• In town: Speed matters. With homes selling in 36 days, ensure your paperwork (LIM, title) is ready before you launch to avoid slowing down a keen buyer.
• In Kinloch: Focus on digital reach. With longer selling times, you need a marketing campaign that sustains interest over 90+ days.
• Presentation: Across the district, volume is up. More homes on the market means more competition. We’re selling a lifestyle, not just a home—so style your home to show buyers how it feels to live there.

What’s your home worth in this new market?

Averages are useful, but your home is unique. Whether you are in a fast-moving town street or a relaxed lifestyle block, we can give you a clear picture of where you sit in today’s market.