Following two years of astronomical value gains, the lifestyle sales market has paused for breath while Kiwis digest economic change and reassess their lifestyle preferences. Yet, despite challenges, bright spots exist for the sector, and Bayleys’ dedicated Lifestyle Sales team investigates the key trends impacting the market in 2023.

A soggy start to the summer has impacted the lifestyle sales market. At the same time, Kiwis packed up for their summer holidays, meaning December sales data paints a murky picture. Despite this, increased enquiry on Bayleys listings and steadily rising listing volumes bode well for the start of the new year as we get back to business with renewed enthusiasm.

Recent sales data reflects volatility across the lifestyle market, and the continuing trend toward converting large tracts of land for residential development makes the data difficult to decipher.

The lifestyle sales market is closely watching the effects of a wet and wild winter, and prospective purchasers are increasingly enquiring about innovations that will mitigate the impact of climate change.

With some of the country’s most productive horticultural land being rezoned for intensive housing development, Bayleys examines the value impact for large tracts in lifestyle and coastal positions.

With a hot summer impacting farm feed supplies for many parts of the country, lifestyle block owners have an opportunity to create supplementary income by feeding demand. Bayleys investigates the important role rural landowners can play in supporting feed options for Kiwi farms.

Seizing an opportunity to make the most of life beyond the city limits, the pandemic has seen a spike in rural sales activity, with Kiwis increasingly attracted to lifestyle properties for their mix of space, location and value.

NZ’s lifestyle property market has performed with strength through the pandemic with an increasing number of buyers looking to rural properties for value. Bayleys regional general manager – Lifestyle, explains what keeps attracting new attention to the sector.