As it finally starts to feel like summer is on the way, it puts me in a great mood to share that October was another dynamic month for Wānaka’s property market. 

I’m sure the sellers of 47 houses and 35 sections are also in a great mood, with their sales totalling over $107 million, reflecting what we all know - that our town is a great place to live, holding broader appeal as a premium lifestyle destination. 

Residential Sales

According to the October sales data, the median sale price for residential homes in Wānaka sits at around $1.59 million, making a strong contribution to the media’s recent reports of a “$1.6m Central Otago average” and underscoring steady demand despite broader market fluctuations.

High-end transactions continued to make waves, with several lakefront properties selling above $3 million and one standout sale reaching $3.8 million. Meanwhile, opportunities for first-home buyers and investors persist, with some homes selling under $900,000, and competition remains tight.

Albert Town and Lake Hāwea continue to attract attention, with median prices of $1.58 million and $1.2 million respectively - slightly more affordable options for those seeking more space in lifestyle properties close to Wānaka’s centre. 

Section Sales

Section sales across the Wānaka region remain active, with a median price of around $520,000, indicating good interest in land development.

Market Trends and Insights

Well-located homes near the lakefront and town centre are attracting strong interest, often selling above asking price, while properties in outer areas are experiencing more balanced negotiations.

What does this mean for buyers and sellers? With interest rates remaining steady and summer tourism on the horizon, buyer confidence is expected to remain stable, presenting some attractive opportunities across various price brackets. 

As always, if you’re thinking of selling, put your best foot forward from the start: focus on presentation and having an expert help you price your property so that you achieve your desired outcome - whether this is a quick sale or a premium price.

Wānaka’s property market looks set to maintain its momentum into the new year, so if you’re thinking about buying or selling in Wānaka, now is the perfect time to connect to make informed decisions in this thriving market.

That’s a wrap for October. Take care out on the water, trails, and golf course, or wherever your summer activities take you. I’m sure I’ll see you out there, or somewhere a little more sedate if you’re keen to discuss your property specifically.

Tel: 027 222 2092

email: [email protected]