The Heart of New Zealand

As one of NZ’s top lifestyle locations, Nelson Tasman is on the radar of both domestic and international buyers seeking a sea change.

NZSIR Nelson Tasman Managing Director Steve Kelso has lived and worked across the country but nowhere has equaled the lifestyle offered by vibrant Nelson. With beautiful beaches, forests, first-class schools and amenities, and a quick hop to anywhere in NZ, the region is in demand with families, professional couples, retirees, expats and internationals.

"The Nelson Tasman property market has certainly been improving since late 2024 and into 2025, with increased listings, a rising sales median, and a marked lift in the number of enquiries, compared to the previous 12 months. We are feeling very optimistic."

November 2024 REINZ stats indicate that Nelson’s median sale price of $657,500 remains relatively stable, while Tasman has enjoyed a 7.7% increase (now at $835,000). This median price range confirms that Nelson and Tasman remain a very popular option for relocation within NZ, and an even more enticing prospect from buyers further afield.

Right now, 30% of our buyers are internationals, which is a significant increase on previous years. The worldwide recognised brand of Sotheby’s International Realty certainly helps when international and national clients contact us to discuss Nelson Tasman properties.

Our extensive network of buyers and agents across the globe is working incredibly well to bring qualified buyers to the region. In 2023/24 we met and connected with other Sotheby’s International Realty agencies and agents in London, Stockholm, New York, San Francisco, Dubai and Brisbane.
We already readily connect on a daily basis to the other 220-plus agents across NZ to efficiently find the right buyers for our properties.

Days to sell is a key indicator of increased interest and this has markedly dropped in Nelson from 51 to only 33 days in the last few months, and a corresponding drop in Tasman of 57 days to 43. 

The majority of homes for sale in the Nelson Tasman region continue to be listed at a price or “by negotiation”. Auctions, tenders and the like remain the least-popular methods of sale, although these options are certainly working well in other NZSIR centres. This may, of course, change with the increase of buyer demand that we are starting to experience.

Our typical listings tend to be a 50/50 mix of spacious, rural lifestyle versus the more typical suburban executive home closer to the town centres. Sales preceding this were much more heavily swayed to the executive home in the city at 78% in volume, yet there has been an increase in Tasman lifestyle options in the latter half of 2024." 

Local's Guide To Nelson

Where is home for you?

Nelson. However, I was born in Auckland, raised in the King Country, and have worked in almost every main centre in NZ. My lovely wife (and co‑director at NZSIR) and I chose to have our family of three boys here in this region for its superb climate, relaxed lifestyle, and excellent schooling.

What's the best part about living in Nelson?

The access to all the wonderful outdoor activities, and the climate. Within one hour you can find yourself immersed in beaches to the west, lakes and mountains to the south, the Marlborough Sounds to the north and rivers to the east and south-west. Mountain biking and hiking enthusiasts are blessed with an outstanding array of superb tracks and facilities, and all watersports are right at our doorstep.

What’s your favourite local restaurant or café?

The top end of Trafalgar Street hosts a myriad of dining options, from burgers to fine dining, or simply a coffee and chill. Hopgoods, Eight Plates, Harry’s Hawker House, Sweet As Café and Lombardi’s are all excellent choices. The Boatshed Café is a must for waterfront dining.

Where’s a great place to enjoy the outdoors?

My favourite escape on any given day is a walk along the Abel Tasman National Park. I have been all around the world from Scandinavia to South America, and this stretch of gorgeous native bush and golden beaches is just second to none. Whether it’s a one-hour stroll or a full-day hike, it’s always an immense delight. Keep an eye out for seals, penguins, dolphins and orca, or simply find yourself alone on a beach and relax. 

What's your favourite local event and why?

Most definitely the New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty Opera In The Park, held in mid-February every second year. This attracts 6000 music lovers to enjoy top NZ opera and contemporary talent performing alongside the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra for a night of music and dance under the stars at Trafalgar Park.