New figures show 109 Rotorua homes were sold last month, more than double the number sold in January 2015.
The Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) statistics released today also show the median sale price for last month was $265,000. That's up from $250,000 in December 2015 and $255,000 in January 2015.
REINZ Waikato/Bay of Plenty regional director Philip Searle said the Hamilton and Tauranga markets were continuing to see strong interest from Auckland-based buyers with both first home buyers and investors active in the market.
"Smaller towns such as Rotorua, Gisborne and Taupo are also seeing increased demand from Aucklanders, while demand is strong in Eastern Bay of Plenty also. Listings remain in very short supply with the market being characterized as being 'hand to mouth' with new listings being sold very quickly."
In the Eastern Bay of Plenty, 53 houses sold last month, compared to 33 in January 2015. The median sale price was $300,000.