"In November 2006, 166 properties sold and in March 2007 there were 178 so we are having to go back quite a long time to find figures close to what we saw in October.
"There is a strong market for three to four bedroom homes in the $300,000-$450,000 range but we have also been selling quite a few investment properties sitting at the $200,000-$250,000 mark." Mr McDowell said properties were selling quickly and attributed it partly to more people realising "how attractive Rotorua is".
Read more
• Rotorua house values up 6.1%
Ross Stanway, chief executive of Realty Services, which operates Eves and Bayleys Real Estate, pictured, said October's high sale figures were a "continuation of what we've been seeing in the last few months".
"It was just a matter of time before we returned to the pre-global financial crisis figures seen in and around 2007."
Mr Stanway said people were becoming more aware of the value for money available in Rotorua. "Rotorua and areas in the wider Bay of Plenty are all benefiting from the current Auckland property market with buyers looking to the regions to invest. Rotorua has a huge amount to offer and I predict this positive, upward trend will last for as long as the Auckland housing market continues as it is, which could be some time."
Ray White Rotorua co-owner Anita Martelli said there had been a mixture of sales across all price ranges.
"October was busy with more buyers looking to invest or settle in Rotorua.
"People selling in Auckland can get great value for their money here in Rotorua, being able to buy a family home as well as an investment property.
"Low interest rates have also been a big driver for people looking to step up in property."
Rotorua's Sherrell Almazo had her property on the market in October and agreed real estate in the city had been buoyant.
"I am absolutely thrilled to have my property sell."
