NEW HOME: Happy new home owner Ebony Wait (centre) with her son Connor, 11, and Ray White real estate agent Nikki Neal. PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER
IF YOU notice a few moving vans heading out eastside in the coming weeks, there's a reason for it.
Figures supplied to the Rotorua Daily Post by the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand reveal Owhata topped the list as the hottest suburb for sales in September and October. It was closely followed by Pukehangi and Glenholme.
There were 32 houses sold in Owhata during the two-month period, double the number from the same period last year. There were 26 properties sold in Pukehangi, followed by Glenholme with 25, and Mangakakahi and Ngongotaha with 19 houses each. But local real estate agents say perennial favourites Lynmore and Springfield are still at the top of buyers' lists - there just aren't as many houses in these suburbs going on the market.
Ray White Rotorua co-owner Anita Martelli said investors and first-time buyers were looking at properties in areas such as Owhata, Pukehangi and Mangakakahi.
"There are not that many listings in sought-after suburbs which is why places like Lynmore and Springfield are not reflected in these figures. The price range of houses and number of listings in places like Owhata will be contributing to its high volume of sales but also the fact that Owhata has been encompassed in a big year for real estate across the city."
She said Ray White Rotorua had received a lot of inquiries for properties in the $200,000 to $400,000 price range.
Rotorua Eves Real Estate sales manager Tony Stack said there was good demand for Glenholme due to its central city location and many first-time buyers and families were buying in Pukehangi. He said demand for Owhata was likely being driven by investors and first-time buyers.
"Schooling and proximity to employment are two factors influencing where people buy but availability of stock also needs to be taken into consideration when looking at these figures."
Ian McDowell, of McDowell Professionals, said the volume of sales did not reflect the popularity of suburbs. "The suburbs listed with the most sales are not necessarily more popular than other suburbs, it could be that those suburbs have more properties available to buy. Lynmore and Springfield, while not reflected in these figures, are still among the most popular places to live."
Mr McDowell said Owhata's popularity was due to the suburb's size and the number of listings available in the area. "Owhata is a big area with a popular price range. There is a mix of property types in that area ranging from $100,000 to more than $500,000.
"Ngongotaha has been growing in popularity over the last couple of years and Glenholme has always been popular due to its close proximity to town."
Bayleys Rotorua branch manager Beth Millard said Owhata had seen a spike in house sales because people saw the properties were good value for money.
"There are more houses available in Owhata and people are broadening their search criteria when they can't get into Lynmore for the price they were expecting."
She said Owhata and Mangakakahi were "extremely popular" for first home buyers and investors, both local and out-of-town.
Ebony Wait and her family moved to New Zealand from the UK just over two years ago and recently bought a house in Owhata.
"We started looking around for a house to buy a couple of months ago and it got quite frustrating because there were so many listings that had 'price by negotiation'. Searching for a house had its ups and downs but when we went to the open home for this house we looked around for about five minutes then my husband said 'yes, this is the one'. We put in an offer and crossed our fingers hoping for the best."
Mrs Wait said she was relieved their offer was successful because the house location was ideal for their family.
"My eldest goes to Rotorua Lakes High School and my youngest is off to Mokoia Intermediate so schooling was a big factor for us. As well as that, the boys are big mountain bikers so it is nice to have the Redwoods so close."
Owhata:
- Great value for money
- Close to the Redwoods and the new eastside shopping centres.
- People looking at buying in Lynmore are widening their search and seeing potential in Owhata.
Pukehangi:
- People with Springfield in their sights are broadening their scope to include Pukehangi and are quickly seeing its charm.
- Close proximity to town and has good schools.
Glenholme:
- Within walking distance to the city centre, Glenholme has always been a popular location.
- Nice culture about it and sits on geographically flat land.
Mangakakahi:
- Ideal for first home buyers and investors.
- Reasonable homes which are good value for money.
- A 100 per cent return for investors which is a big drawcard.
Ngongotaha:
- Great value for money.
- Quaint village atmosphere with everything locals need within the town's hub.
- Close to the lake and only a 10-minute drive to town.
- Courtesy of Rotorua real estate agents