Still a buyer’s market, but green shoots are stirring...

As winter settles in, the Hauraki–Coromandel property market remains subdued, echoing the national tone of caution and sluggishness.  Across the region, sellers are active, but only the motivated ones and/or those with a polished property are getting results.

Those needing to liquidate assets, move overseas, or settle estates are meeting the market and moving forward.  Meanwhile, vendors hanging onto 2021 price expectations are sitting unsold, often despite clear agent feedback.

Buyers, on the other hand, continue to call the shots.

They're in no hurry, and many are holding out for near-perfect properties that tick 9 out of 10 boxes. The days of compromising seem far behind. There’s also a noticeable rise in buyer pickiness after building reports, properties with compliance quirks or question marks are being left to languish.

The high-end, particularly above $1.8 million, is showing surprising strength, with well-heeled buyers competing over standout homes. However, the $1.2–$1.4 million bracket is notably slow and has been for months. The volume of listings has dropped off with the colder weather, but stock levels remain high overall, especially with many vendors choosing to ‘rest’ their properties until spring. Silent listings are on the rise as owners hedge their bets while staying technically off-market.

Buyers who were previously active in the $750k–$850k bracket, appear to have pulled back. First-home buyers are trickling back in thanks to lower interest rates, and there's been a quiet reappearance of investors—though they, too, are cautious.

Across the rural Waikato fringe, enquiry has slowed. Lifestyle properties and bare land are selling again, but only when priced sharply. Agents are also reporting longer delays securing finance approvals, with banks slow to process applications and many contracts requiring extensions.

In short, while there are early signs of life, particularly with online enquiry and a flicker of action in Hamilton and some long-time lookers finally making offers, the overall tone remains static. Buyers are in control, and only realistic sellers or immaculately presented properties appear to be achieving results.

Spring may bring renewed energy, but for now, it’s a case of hibernation—with a hint of anticipation in the air.