Real Property Kerikeri
A team you know, experience you trust.
A business built on genuine care
Founded in 2004, REAL Property Kerikeri has gained a reputation for outstanding results over the last 20 years. As market leaders in the area, the key to our success is a combination of genuine care, professional integrity, in-depth local knowledge and a highly personalised approach that delivers the best outcomes for clients.
You can be sure that the care for our clients is always at the centre of everything we do, because real estate is about people as much as places. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell property in the Kerikeri area, you’ll notice the ‘Real’ difference immediately. Each client benefits from the expertise and contacts of our entire team of specialised local agents, working together to achieve the best result. It’s more than our job, it’s our passion, and we take pride in delivering exceptional service that goes above and beyond.
2026 Rate My Agent Award Winners
Properties we think you'll love
Meet your Team
As the trusted advisors for hundreds of repeat customers over the years, we have built a community based on long-lasting relationships. Talk to our friendly, professional team for no-obligation advice about your property interests today.
Owner / Licensee
Owner / Business Development
Sales Consultant
Sales Consultant
Sales Consultant
Sales Consultant
Sales Consultant
Sales Consultant
Sales Consultant
Marketing and Creative
Contract Management and Account Administration
Receptionist and Customer Relations Administrator
Lead Generation Specialist
What Our Customers Say
Good communicator and advisor.
Pete has a good approach and provided knowledgeable advice at a time of very slow sales of properties.
Couldn't be more helpful
Grant has been nothing but helpful in this process, buying my first home has been an incredibly challenging process and stressful time with everything going on in life with other appointments ect, but Grant has done an incredible job at making all the small details known, organising times and appointments around what will suit everyone best and been incredibly patient with me while I've tried to wrap my head around everything and constantly checking in to see if there was anything more that I needed throughout the process Top quality agent, and all round good guy. Couldn’t recommend Grant more to any buyer or seller Thank you, Grant for everything, helping me into a space to call my own.
Extremely efficient and super pleasant to deal with.
Very good at understanding our needs and a great communicator. Would recommend him to friends at any time.
Finding a new home in Kerikeri
Jenny found the Real Kerikeri Team a delight to work with when looking for a new home from outside of town.
Latest News
Stay up to date with our latest market updates and property news
Don’t Let the Noise Decide Your Future
We have experienced a relatively steady business environment, and despite some challenging economic conditions, we continue to hold our own. But there is no question the world around us feels unsettled. We are seeing rapid advances in AI technology, ongoing conflict in Iran, high petrol prices, inflation remaining at the higher end, and a New Zealand election approaching in November. There is plenty of noise. And while we need to be aware of what is happening around us, we don’t have to allow it to control our attitude, our decisions or our desire to move forward. Your state of mind influences the story you tell yourself. And the story you tell yourself influences the strategy you choose. When we spend too much time focusing on things outside our control, it is very easy to convince ourselves that now isn't the right time. Maybe interest rates need to move. Maybe petrol needs to come down. Maybe we need to see what happens with the election. Maybe the international situation needs to settle. Maybe the property market needs to improve. The problem is, there will always be another reason to wait. The outside world has always been noisy. Waiting for everything to perfectly align before making an important life decision is a little like waiting for the winning Lotto ticket. Instead, focus on what you can control. What are your goals? Where do you want to be in twelve months, three years or five years? Is your current home still right for you? Are you ready to downsize, upsize or make that lifestyle change you have been talking about? Are you a first-home buyer who has spent the last two years waiting for someone to announce that the “perfect time” has finally arrived? Perhaps the more important question is: Is the time right for you? Because if it is, you don't need everything else in the world to be fixed before you move forward. You need good information, a sensible plan, realistic expectations and the right people around you. We are already seeing people quietly getting on with their lives. First-home buyers are purchasing. Families are moving. People are downsizing. Others are taking opportunities that simply didn't exist when the market was running hot. They aren't ignoring what is happening in the world. They are simply refusing to let things outside their control make every decision for them. There is an important difference. As we head towards the final months of 2026, perhaps it is worth making some time to sit down and set your own goals. Forget the headlines for a moment. Where do you want to be? Then work backwards and identify the steps you can take today to start moving towards it. You may discover that conditions aren't perfect. They rarely are. But you may also discover that the opportunity in front of you is considerably better than all the noise made you believe. Control what you can control. Get the right advice. Make a plan. And when the time is right for you, move forward. That is how progress happens....
Could the Property Everyone Else Walks Past Be the Best Opportunity?
Have you ever looked at a property online or driven past it and dismissed it almost immediately? Perhaps it looked too old. The layout felt awkward. It had been sitting on the market for months. Maybe it was being used for something that no longer seemed to fit the area. Most buyers and investors move on without giving it another thought. After more than 20 years in real estate, we've learnt that some of the best opportunities are often hidden behind first impressions. A property only becomes "obsolete" if we assume it must continue doing what it was originally built to do. In reality, buildings evolve just as communities do. The structure, location, access, land, and zoning remain. What often changes is how those assets can best be used. Looking Beyond Today's Use Every suburb, town and community changes over time. Population growth, lifestyle trends, council planning, business activity and buyer demand all influence how property is used. A building that no longer suits yesterday's purpose may be perfectly positioned for tomorrow's. That doesn't mean every tired-looking property is a hidden gem. Far from it. But it does mean it's worth asking a few more questions before crossing it off your list. Three Questions Worth Asking When you come across a property that others seem to overlook, consider these questions: What was this property originally designed for, and is there still demand for that use? Sometimes the market has simply moved on. What does this neighbourhood need today? Is there a shortage of professional offices, medical services, childcare, storage, smaller homes, lifestyle accommodation, or something else the community is actively looking for? Could the property be repositioned without major construction? Often the answer isn't a large renovation. It may simply involve a different tenant, a different use, or making better use of existing features. In many cases, adding value isn't about spending hundreds of thousands of dollars. It's about seeing possibilities that others haven't recognised. Value Isn't Always Created With a Hammer Over the years we've seen land transformed simply because its best use changed. We've also seen commercial buildings become highly successful after attracting a different type of business, without significant structural alterations. Sometimes the biggest opportunity lies in understanding planning rules, zoning, future growth, or changing market demand rather than expensive redevelopment. That's why experience, local knowledge and strategic thinking are often just as valuable as bricks and mortar. A Different Way of Looking at Property The next time you find yourself saying, "This one isn't for me," pause for a moment. Ask yourself whether you're judging the property for what it is today—or for what it could become tomorrow. Some properties will always be limited. Others simply need someone prepared to look beyond their current condition and recognise their future potential. At REAL, we believe property is about more than what you see today. It's about understanding where the market is heading, recognising opportunities others may overlook, and helping people make informed decisions with confidence. Sometimes the best investment isn't the obvious one. It's the one that requires a different way of thinking....
Are Restrictive Covenants Making Kerikeri Land Harder to Sell?
Kerikeri currently has an oversupply of residential sections. Buyers have more choice than they have enjoyed for several years, which means every subdivision is competing for attention. While price and location remain important, another factor is increasingly influencing buyer decisions — restrictive land covenants. Many sections come with requirements such as: Minimum dwelling sizes of 180–200m² or more. New building materials only. No relocated homes. Restrictions on secondary dwellings. Controls over garages, sheds, fencing, roofing, colours and landscaping. Architectural approval before construction can begin. These covenants are often created with good intentions. They help protect the appearance of a subdivision, preserve property values and create a consistent neighbourhood. For premium developments, this is exactly what many buyers are looking for. However, not every subdivision is targeting the premium market. One of the biggest challenges facing New Zealand is housing affordability. We regularly hear calls for more affordable housing, yet many sections available today can only be developed with relatively large, expensive homes. If a covenant requires a minimum floor area of 200m², the total cost of buying the land and building a compliant home can easily exceed $1 million. That immediately removes many first-home buyers and young families from the market. The reality is that many buyers don't need a large home. For decades, the classic Kiwi dream was a modest three-bedroom home of around 100m² (approximately 1,000 square feet), with one bathroom, a carport or single garage, sitting on a generous section. Many families started with a simple home and improved it over time through hard work, renovations and landscaping. Others purchased older homes and relocated them onto new sections, creating value while keeping costs manageable. That pathway into home ownership is becoming increasingly difficult. According to national housing statistics, first-home buyers continue to make up around one-third of property purchases in New Zealand. They remain an important part of the market, but many simply cannot compete for sections that require large, high-specification homes from day one. Allowing smaller dwellings, modest designs, or even quality relocated homes in suitable subdivisions could significantly broaden the pool of potential buyers. Affordable housing should not be confused with poor-quality housing. Most first-home buyers simply want an opportunity to get started, build equity, and create a better future for themselves and their families. Given the chance, many will improve and add value to their homes over time. If you're considering subdividing land, one of the most important questions to ask is: Who is your target market? Before finalising covenant restrictions, consider: Who is most likely to buy your sections? How much competing land is already available? What price point is currently experiencing the strongest demand? Are your covenants helping your sections stand out, or unintentionally limiting your buyer pool? Every development is different. Premium lifestyle subdivisions will always have a place in the market, and carefully designed covenants are often appropriate. But there is also room for subdivisions that provide flexibility, encourage affordability and give more New Zealanders the opportunity to own their first home. In today's market, successful developments aren't just about creating sections—they're about creating opportunities that match the needs of today's buyers. ...
The Price That Cost John Three Months
When John and Sue decided it was time to sell their Kerikeri home, they were excited. They had poured years of hard work into the property. The gardens were established, the home had been beautifully maintained, and friends often commented that it was worth "well over a million dollars." So when they sat down to discuss a price, they naturally wanted to aim high. "There’s no harm in trying," they said. "We can always reduce it later." The property went live and, just as expected, there was plenty of interest. Friends shared it on social media, neighbours talked about it, and buyers clicked on the listing online. But something wasn't quite right. The phone rang less than expected. Open homes were steady, but not busy. Buyers complimented the home, then quietly disappeared. Weeks became months. Every Monday John would check the property websites to see where his home sat among the newer listings. Each week another home would appear that looked fresher, was priced more realistically, and attracted the buyers he had hoped would come to his. Eventually, the conversations changed. Instead of asking, "Is this still available?" Buyers began asking, "Why hasn't it sold?" The home hadn't changed. The views were still spectacular. The gardens were just as beautiful. The location was just as desirable. Only one thing had changed. The market had formed an opinion. After three months, John and Sue decided it was time to review their strategy. Together, we looked at recent sales, current competition and, most importantly, the feedback buyers had been giving us. Rather than chasing the highest possible price, we repositioned the property where buyers could see genuine value. The difference was immediate. Enquiry increased. Open homes became busier. Several buyers who had previously dismissed the property came back for a second look. Within a short time, multiple buyers were interested, creating competition that simply hadn't existed before. The property sold. What surprised John most wasn't that they sold—it was that pricing realistically from the beginning would likely have achieved the same result weeks earlier, with far less stress and without months of uncertainty. The lesson is simple. In today's buyer's market, buyers have choices. They compare every property online, they know recent sales, and they quickly recognise value. The first few weeks on the market are often the most valuable. That's when your property is new, exciting and attracting buyers who have been waiting for the right opportunity. If that opportunity is missed because the price is positioned too high, it can be difficult to recreate that initial momentum. At REAL, we don't believe pricing is about convincing you to accept less. It's about positioning your home where it attracts maximum interest, creates buyer confidence and, whenever possible, generates competition between multiple purchasers. Because in a buyer's market, the right price doesn't reduce your chances of achieving a premium result. More often than not, it's exactly what creates it....
Don’t Let the Noise Decide Your Future
We have experienced a relatively steady business environment, and despite some challenging economic conditions, we continue to hold our own. But there is no question the world around us feels unsettled. We are seeing rapid advances in AI technology, ongoing conflict in Iran, high petrol prices, inflation remaining at the higher end, and a New Zealand election approaching in November. There is plenty of noise. And while we need to be aware of what is happening around us, we don’t have to allow it to control our attitude, our decisions or our desire to move forward. Your state of mind influences the story you tell yourself. And the story you tell yourself influences the strategy you choose. When we spend too much time focusing on things outside our control, it is very easy to convince ourselves that now isn't the right time. Maybe interest rates need to move. Maybe petrol needs to come down. Maybe we need to see what happens with the election. Maybe the international situation needs to settle. Maybe the property market needs to improve. The problem is, there will always be another reason to wait. The outside world has always been noisy. Waiting for everything to perfectly align before making an important life decision is a little like waiting for the winning Lotto ticket. Instead, focus on what you can control. What are your goals? Where do you want to be in twelve months, three years or five years? Is your current home still right for you? Are you ready to downsize, upsize or make that lifestyle change you have been talking about? Are you a first-home buyer who has spent the last two years waiting for someone to announce that the “perfect time” has finally arrived? Perhaps the more important question is: Is the time right for you? Because if it is, you don't need everything else in the world to be fixed before you move forward. You need good information, a sensible plan, realistic expectations and the right people around you. We are already seeing people quietly getting on with their lives. First-home buyers are purchasing. Families are moving. People are downsizing. Others are taking opportunities that simply didn't exist when the market was running hot. They aren't ignoring what is happening in the world. They are simply refusing to let things outside their control make every decision for them. There is an important difference. As we head towards the final months of 2026, perhaps it is worth making some time to sit down and set your own goals. Forget the headlines for a moment. Where do you want to be? Then work backwards and identify the steps you can take today to start moving towards it. You may discover that conditions aren't perfect. They rarely are. But you may also discover that the opportunity in front of you is considerably better than all the noise made you believe. Control what you can control. Get the right advice. Make a plan. And when the time is right for you, move forward. That is how progress happens....
Could the Property Everyone Else Walks Past Be the Best Opportunity?
Have you ever looked at a property online or driven past it and dismissed it almost immediately? Perhaps it looked too old. The layout felt awkward. It had been sitting on the market for months. Maybe it was being used for something that no longer seemed to fit the area. Most buyers and investors move on without giving it another thought. After more than 20 years in real estate, we've learnt that some of the best opportunities are often hidden behind first impressions. A property only becomes "obsolete" if we assume it must continue doing what it was originally built to do. In reality, buildings evolve just as communities do. The structure, location, access, land, and zoning remain. What often changes is how those assets can best be used. Looking Beyond Today's Use Every suburb, town and community changes over time. Population growth, lifestyle trends, council planning, business activity and buyer demand all influence how property is used. A building that no longer suits yesterday's purpose may be perfectly positioned for tomorrow's. That doesn't mean every tired-looking property is a hidden gem. Far from it. But it does mean it's worth asking a few more questions before crossing it off your list. Three Questions Worth Asking When you come across a property that others seem to overlook, consider these questions: What was this property originally designed for, and is there still demand for that use? Sometimes the market has simply moved on. What does this neighbourhood need today? Is there a shortage of professional offices, medical services, childcare, storage, smaller homes, lifestyle accommodation, or something else the community is actively looking for? Could the property be repositioned without major construction? Often the answer isn't a large renovation. It may simply involve a different tenant, a different use, or making better use of existing features. In many cases, adding value isn't about spending hundreds of thousands of dollars. It's about seeing possibilities that others haven't recognised. Value Isn't Always Created With a Hammer Over the years we've seen land transformed simply because its best use changed. We've also seen commercial buildings become highly successful after attracting a different type of business, without significant structural alterations. Sometimes the biggest opportunity lies in understanding planning rules, zoning, future growth, or changing market demand rather than expensive redevelopment. That's why experience, local knowledge and strategic thinking are often just as valuable as bricks and mortar. A Different Way of Looking at Property The next time you find yourself saying, "This one isn't for me," pause for a moment. Ask yourself whether you're judging the property for what it is today—or for what it could become tomorrow. Some properties will always be limited. Others simply need someone prepared to look beyond their current condition and recognise their future potential. At REAL, we believe property is about more than what you see today. It's about understanding where the market is heading, recognising opportunities others may overlook, and helping people make informed decisions with confidence. Sometimes the best investment isn't the obvious one. It's the one that requires a different way of thinking....
Are Restrictive Covenants Making Kerikeri Land Harder to Sell?
Kerikeri currently has an oversupply of residential sections. Buyers have more choice than they have enjoyed for several years, which means every subdivision is competing for attention. While price and location remain important, another factor is increasingly influencing buyer decisions — restrictive land covenants. Many sections come with requirements such as: Minimum dwelling sizes of 180–200m² or more. New building materials only. No relocated homes. Restrictions on secondary dwellings. Controls over garages, sheds, fencing, roofing, colours and landscaping. Architectural approval before construction can begin. These covenants are often created with good intentions. They help protect the appearance of a subdivision, preserve property values and create a consistent neighbourhood. For premium developments, this is exactly what many buyers are looking for. However, not every subdivision is targeting the premium market. One of the biggest challenges facing New Zealand is housing affordability. We regularly hear calls for more affordable housing, yet many sections available today can only be developed with relatively large, expensive homes. If a covenant requires a minimum floor area of 200m², the total cost of buying the land and building a compliant home can easily exceed $1 million. That immediately removes many first-home buyers and young families from the market. The reality is that many buyers don't need a large home. For decades, the classic Kiwi dream was a modest three-bedroom home of around 100m² (approximately 1,000 square feet), with one bathroom, a carport or single garage, sitting on a generous section. Many families started with a simple home and improved it over time through hard work, renovations and landscaping. Others purchased older homes and relocated them onto new sections, creating value while keeping costs manageable. That pathway into home ownership is becoming increasingly difficult. According to national housing statistics, first-home buyers continue to make up around one-third of property purchases in New Zealand. They remain an important part of the market, but many simply cannot compete for sections that require large, high-specification homes from day one. Allowing smaller dwellings, modest designs, or even quality relocated homes in suitable subdivisions could significantly broaden the pool of potential buyers. Affordable housing should not be confused with poor-quality housing. Most first-home buyers simply want an opportunity to get started, build equity, and create a better future for themselves and their families. Given the chance, many will improve and add value to their homes over time. If you're considering subdividing land, one of the most important questions to ask is: Who is your target market? Before finalising covenant restrictions, consider: Who is most likely to buy your sections? How much competing land is already available? What price point is currently experiencing the strongest demand? Are your covenants helping your sections stand out, or unintentionally limiting your buyer pool? Every development is different. Premium lifestyle subdivisions will always have a place in the market, and carefully designed covenants are often appropriate. But there is also room for subdivisions that provide flexibility, encourage affordability and give more New Zealanders the opportunity to own their first home. In today's market, successful developments aren't just about creating sections—they're about creating opportunities that match the needs of today's buyers. ...
The Price That Cost John Three Months
When John and Sue decided it was time to sell their Kerikeri home, they were excited. They had poured years of hard work into the property. The gardens were established, the home had been beautifully maintained, and friends often commented that it was worth "well over a million dollars." So when they sat down to discuss a price, they naturally wanted to aim high. "There’s no harm in trying," they said. "We can always reduce it later." The property went live and, just as expected, there was plenty of interest. Friends shared it on social media, neighbours talked about it, and buyers clicked on the listing online. But something wasn't quite right. The phone rang less than expected. Open homes were steady, but not busy. Buyers complimented the home, then quietly disappeared. Weeks became months. Every Monday John would check the property websites to see where his home sat among the newer listings. Each week another home would appear that looked fresher, was priced more realistically, and attracted the buyers he had hoped would come to his. Eventually, the conversations changed. Instead of asking, "Is this still available?" Buyers began asking, "Why hasn't it sold?" The home hadn't changed. The views were still spectacular. The gardens were just as beautiful. The location was just as desirable. Only one thing had changed. The market had formed an opinion. After three months, John and Sue decided it was time to review their strategy. Together, we looked at recent sales, current competition and, most importantly, the feedback buyers had been giving us. Rather than chasing the highest possible price, we repositioned the property where buyers could see genuine value. The difference was immediate. Enquiry increased. Open homes became busier. Several buyers who had previously dismissed the property came back for a second look. Within a short time, multiple buyers were interested, creating competition that simply hadn't existed before. The property sold. What surprised John most wasn't that they sold—it was that pricing realistically from the beginning would likely have achieved the same result weeks earlier, with far less stress and without months of uncertainty. The lesson is simple. In today's buyer's market, buyers have choices. They compare every property online, they know recent sales, and they quickly recognise value. The first few weeks on the market are often the most valuable. That's when your property is new, exciting and attracting buyers who have been waiting for the right opportunity. If that opportunity is missed because the price is positioned too high, it can be difficult to recreate that initial momentum. At REAL, we don't believe pricing is about convincing you to accept less. It's about positioning your home where it attracts maximum interest, creates buyer confidence and, whenever possible, generates competition between multiple purchasers. Because in a buyer's market, the right price doesn't reduce your chances of achieving a premium result. More often than not, it's exactly what creates it....
Caring for our community
We are passionate about our local community and support a number of select causes that deeply care about Kerikeri and its people.