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.
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.
What Our Customers Say
The best match maker
From the outside, Terri’s passion for property is all about the person and the home, and she genuinely delights in matching the right home with the right buyer. Throughout the process, nothing was too hard or too small for Terri to handle. She helped us as buyers by ensuring the vendors were happy with our offer and kept them informed on how everything was progressing. She also made sure we had a home to live in when we were caught between two settlement dates. This was my wife’s first home purchase and my fifth, and it was a great experience for us.
Excellent service, excellent result
Pete Gentil was really great to deal with in our mission to finding the perfect place for us in Kerikeri. Pete listened to what our needs were and matched us with an awesome property that ticked most boxes for us. Pete came across as easy going, relaxed and definitely not pushy, but with confidence and a professional approach. We are delighted with the result, so thank you Pete!
Very happy and stress free
Grant gave us confidence in our home and it’s worth and let us have the space to make the decision to put it on the market. His appraisal proved to be spot on. Shortly after going to market he presented us with an offer that met our expectations. His open and honest approach and great communication skills to both vendor and purchaser, we believe resulted in a very speedy and successful sale of our home.
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
Selling Privately
Each year, some homeowners choose to sell privately. The reasons are understandable. It can feel simpler. There’s a sense of control. And there’s the perception of saving commission. But selling property well involves more than finding a buyer. One of the biggest challenges is emotion. When it’s your home, it’s personal. Buyers comment on presentation, layout, and value. Even normal feedback can begin to feel like criticism. That emotion often surfaces during negotiation — either through defensiveness or by accepting less than you should just to get the deal done. An experienced agent provides distance. They absorb feedback, remain calm, and negotiate strategically. That separation protects value. Pricing is another major risk. Online estimates and recent sales provide data, but interpreting that data in the context of current buyer behaviour is where mistakes happen. Price too high and the property can sit, lose momentum, and weaken your position. Price too low and you may leave significant money on the table. Pricing is positioning — and positioning drives outcome. Information and leverage also matter. Buyers rarely disclose their full motivation or budget directly to an owner. Through an intermediary, those conversations are more open. That insight allows agents to create structure, urgency, and ethical buyer-versus-buyer competition. Privately, that leverage is often limited. Disclosure is another area that deserves careful attention. Although private sellers are not governed by the Fair Trading Act in the same way licensed agents are, they must still disclose known defects. Sale and Purchase Agreements contain vendor warranties, and failure to disclose issues can expose sellers to breach claims. Buyers should also be cautious. Purchasing privately means fewer Fair Trading Act protections than when buying through a licensed agent. Many buyers prefer the transparency and oversight of an agency process, which is why more serious purchasers tend to move through agent channels — increasing the likelihood of structured competition. There are practical considerations too: Limited access to qualified buyer databases Reduced exposure across key marketing platforms Difficulty managing multiple interest situations Navigating contract conditions without crossing into legal advice Selling privately can work in certain situations. But it requires clarity about risk, pricing strategy, compliance, and negotiation psychology. The real question isn’t whether you can sell privately. It’s whether you can achieve the same price, protection, and leverage. Our team’s role is to bring calm strategy, accurate positioning, buyer intelligence, and professional structure to the process — so you can focus on your next move while we protect the value of this one. ...
What’s Happening Around Town?
Summer in Kerikeri is rolling right along with a great mix of markets, music, theatre, festivals, and community-powered gatherings. Our main street still glows in the evenings with the community lights that stay on year-round — a cheerful backdrop for locals and visitors alike. Thanks again to the volunteers at Our Kerikeri for helping keep the heart of town bright and welcoming. We’re always glad to support the mahi that brings people together. Here are some of the events and experiences making Kerikeri buzz this season: ? Markets & Community Spirit The Old Packhouse Market continues to be a weekend staple — with growers, artisans, food stalls, and live music every Saturday and Sunday. It’s truly become one of Kerikeri’s favourite gathering places. There’s also growing community ownership interest around the Packhouse Market, with public meetings and talks inviting locals to help shape its future as a shared asset for the town. From street food and evening markets on Fridays to vintage and car-boot fun on Sundays, there’s always something new to explore. ? Live Music & Venues Plough & Feather keeps the weekend energy flowing with a lineup of live music sessions. Whether you’re into acoustic sets, blues, or just a chilled garden vibe with great food and drinks, it’s a great spot to catch local talent. The Turner Centre also continues its summer programme with performances that span theatre, music and community art — a lovely complement to the outdoor season. ? Festivals & Special Events Forest Healing Festival – 19–22 March This four-day festival at Earth Village invites you to slow down and reconnect with nature. With guided forest walks, meditation and healing workshops, music and artisan markets, it’s a unique celebration of wellbeing and community in the forest setting of Kerikeri. Fired Up Barbecue Festival – 28 March Back at The Old Packhouse, this festival is all about smoky flavours, great eats, music and family fun — perfect for a late-summer weekend. ? Ongoing Local Culture & Fun Late summer is the perfect time to walk the Basin, enjoy outdoor dining, visit local vineyards, or take a short trip to Paihia or Russell for a relaxed day out. Community spirit and local participation continue to be what makes Kerikeri special — from markets and music to nature, culture, and connection. If you’re out and about, pop in and say hello. We’re always up for a coffee and a catch-up about town happenings or your property plans! ...
The Window Most First-Home Buyers and Investors Miss.
In the early 2000s, New Zealand felt uneasy. Interest rates were high. Headlines were pessimistic. Confidence was thin. Many people sat on their hands. But those who understood the cycle — first-home buyers and investors alike — recognised something important: fear doesn’t signal danger, it signals opportunity. They bought when others hesitated. Over time, those decisions delivered life-changing outcomes. Fast-forward to today. Interest rates are easing. Policy settings are shifting. Population growth and migration are rebuilding demand. And once again, many New Zealanders are waiting. This Isn’t About Guessing the Market It’s about recognising patterns. Property markets don’t turn when everyone feels confident. They turn before confidence comes back. Right now, the signals look familiar: Rates are already trending down Supply remains constrained in many regions Construction has slowed Demand hasn’t disappeared — it’s been delayed History shows that when these factors align, the best opportunities emerge quietly, not when headlines turn positive. What This Means for First-Home Buyers If you’re waiting for “perfect conditions,” you may be waiting forever. For first-home buyers, this market offers something rare: Less competition More negotiating power Vendors willing to talk Buying your first home isn’t about timing the bottom. It’s about getting on the ladder. Once you own, time becomes your biggest ally. Those who wait for certainty often end up paying a premium later — competing against confidence, momentum, and other buyers who’ve finally decided it feels “safe” again. What This Means for Investors Smart investors aren’t following headlines — they’re following fundamentals. Across New Zealand, capital is quietly moving into: Underbuilt regional housing markets Areas benefiting from migration and employment growth Emerging commercial and mixed-use zones Locations supported by long-term infrastructure and policy change While local investors hesitate, institutional and offshore capital continues to acquire property at scale. That’s not accidental. It’s strategic. The Biggest Risk Right Now Isn’t Buying It’s standing still. We see the same patterns repeatedly: Waiting for a crash that never arrives Fear driven by yesterday’s interest rates Analysing so long that opportunity passes Markets don’t reward hesitation. They reward clarity and action. If you’re still operating as if it’s 2022, you’re already behind the curve. The Bottom Line This moment won’t feel obvious until it’s gone. The buyers who succeed over the next five to ten years won’t be the loudest. They’ll be the ones who acted when others were still unsure. Whether you’re buying your first home or building a portfolio, the question isn’t “Should I wait?” It’s this: Have you adapted to the market we’re actually in — or are you reacting to the one that’s already passed? The window is open. It always closes quietly....
Market Update February 2026
The year has started with a noticeable lift in activity across the New Zealand property market. After a steady and cautious 2025, confidence is gradually building. Interest rates have eased from their earlier highs, making borrowing more affordable for many buyers. Economists are generally aligned that 2026 should see moderate growth rather than dramatic price jumps. In simple terms, the market is improving — but in a controlled and sustainable way. Business confidence indicators remain positive, and consumer spending showed resilience late last year. That tells us people are feeling a little more comfortable about the year ahead. At the same time, affordability and lending limits mean buyers are still careful and price-sensitive. Northland Trends Northland continues to benefit from people relocating from other parts of New Zealand. Lifestyle appeal, space, and community remain strong drawcards. Stock levels are healthier than they were during the very tight supply years, which gives buyers more choice and keeps pricing balanced. Well-presented homes are attracting attention, particularly those positioned realistically within today’s market context. Kerikeri – A Strong Start to 2026 Locally, the year has opened with solid momentum. 35 new listings came to market in January The REAL team listed 43% of those homes, helping build strong inventory and buyer choice Sales volumes were up 12% compared with January 2025 Inventory levels are now at their highest point in several years Prices remain stable overall Buyer interest has been strongest in the under $1 million bracket Appraisal activity is busy, suggesting continued listing flow ahead Land sales are still slower than the long-term average, but there are early signs that some buyers are exploring the build option again. Kerikeri relies heavily on migration from elsewhere in New Zealand. Increased activity nationally is encouraging and supports the outlook for a positive late summer and autumn locally. The Bigger Picture We’re not seeing a boom — and that’s not a bad thing. What we are seeing is a more balanced market: steady prices, improving confidence, active enquiry, and healthy stock levels. For buyers and sellers alike, that creates opportunity — provided decisions are guided by good information and clear positioning. If you’re considering a move this year, it’s a good time to have a conversation about where your property sits in the current market and what practical next steps might look like. ...
Selling Privately
Each year, some homeowners choose to sell privately. The reasons are understandable. It can feel simpler. There’s a sense of control. And there’s the perception of saving commission. But selling property well involves more than finding a buyer. One of the biggest challenges is emotion. When it’s your home, it’s personal. Buyers comment on presentation, layout, and value. Even normal feedback can begin to feel like criticism. That emotion often surfaces during negotiation — either through defensiveness or by accepting less than you should just to get the deal done. An experienced agent provides distance. They absorb feedback, remain calm, and negotiate strategically. That separation protects value. Pricing is another major risk. Online estimates and recent sales provide data, but interpreting that data in the context of current buyer behaviour is where mistakes happen. Price too high and the property can sit, lose momentum, and weaken your position. Price too low and you may leave significant money on the table. Pricing is positioning — and positioning drives outcome. Information and leverage also matter. Buyers rarely disclose their full motivation or budget directly to an owner. Through an intermediary, those conversations are more open. That insight allows agents to create structure, urgency, and ethical buyer-versus-buyer competition. Privately, that leverage is often limited. Disclosure is another area that deserves careful attention. Although private sellers are not governed by the Fair Trading Act in the same way licensed agents are, they must still disclose known defects. Sale and Purchase Agreements contain vendor warranties, and failure to disclose issues can expose sellers to breach claims. Buyers should also be cautious. Purchasing privately means fewer Fair Trading Act protections than when buying through a licensed agent. Many buyers prefer the transparency and oversight of an agency process, which is why more serious purchasers tend to move through agent channels — increasing the likelihood of structured competition. There are practical considerations too: Limited access to qualified buyer databases Reduced exposure across key marketing platforms Difficulty managing multiple interest situations Navigating contract conditions without crossing into legal advice Selling privately can work in certain situations. But it requires clarity about risk, pricing strategy, compliance, and negotiation psychology. The real question isn’t whether you can sell privately. It’s whether you can achieve the same price, protection, and leverage. Our team’s role is to bring calm strategy, accurate positioning, buyer intelligence, and professional structure to the process — so you can focus on your next move while we protect the value of this one. ...
What’s Happening Around Town?
Summer in Kerikeri is rolling right along with a great mix of markets, music, theatre, festivals, and community-powered gatherings. Our main street still glows in the evenings with the community lights that stay on year-round — a cheerful backdrop for locals and visitors alike. Thanks again to the volunteers at Our Kerikeri for helping keep the heart of town bright and welcoming. We’re always glad to support the mahi that brings people together. Here are some of the events and experiences making Kerikeri buzz this season: ? Markets & Community Spirit The Old Packhouse Market continues to be a weekend staple — with growers, artisans, food stalls, and live music every Saturday and Sunday. It’s truly become one of Kerikeri’s favourite gathering places. There’s also growing community ownership interest around the Packhouse Market, with public meetings and talks inviting locals to help shape its future as a shared asset for the town. From street food and evening markets on Fridays to vintage and car-boot fun on Sundays, there’s always something new to explore. ? Live Music & Venues Plough & Feather keeps the weekend energy flowing with a lineup of live music sessions. Whether you’re into acoustic sets, blues, or just a chilled garden vibe with great food and drinks, it’s a great spot to catch local talent. The Turner Centre also continues its summer programme with performances that span theatre, music and community art — a lovely complement to the outdoor season. ? Festivals & Special Events Forest Healing Festival – 19–22 March This four-day festival at Earth Village invites you to slow down and reconnect with nature. With guided forest walks, meditation and healing workshops, music and artisan markets, it’s a unique celebration of wellbeing and community in the forest setting of Kerikeri. Fired Up Barbecue Festival – 28 March Back at The Old Packhouse, this festival is all about smoky flavours, great eats, music and family fun — perfect for a late-summer weekend. ? Ongoing Local Culture & Fun Late summer is the perfect time to walk the Basin, enjoy outdoor dining, visit local vineyards, or take a short trip to Paihia or Russell for a relaxed day out. Community spirit and local participation continue to be what makes Kerikeri special — from markets and music to nature, culture, and connection. If you’re out and about, pop in and say hello. We’re always up for a coffee and a catch-up about town happenings or your property plans! ...
The Window Most First-Home Buyers and Investors Miss.
In the early 2000s, New Zealand felt uneasy. Interest rates were high. Headlines were pessimistic. Confidence was thin. Many people sat on their hands. But those who understood the cycle — first-home buyers and investors alike — recognised something important: fear doesn’t signal danger, it signals opportunity. They bought when others hesitated. Over time, those decisions delivered life-changing outcomes. Fast-forward to today. Interest rates are easing. Policy settings are shifting. Population growth and migration are rebuilding demand. And once again, many New Zealanders are waiting. This Isn’t About Guessing the Market It’s about recognising patterns. Property markets don’t turn when everyone feels confident. They turn before confidence comes back. Right now, the signals look familiar: Rates are already trending down Supply remains constrained in many regions Construction has slowed Demand hasn’t disappeared — it’s been delayed History shows that when these factors align, the best opportunities emerge quietly, not when headlines turn positive. What This Means for First-Home Buyers If you’re waiting for “perfect conditions,” you may be waiting forever. For first-home buyers, this market offers something rare: Less competition More negotiating power Vendors willing to talk Buying your first home isn’t about timing the bottom. It’s about getting on the ladder. Once you own, time becomes your biggest ally. Those who wait for certainty often end up paying a premium later — competing against confidence, momentum, and other buyers who’ve finally decided it feels “safe” again. What This Means for Investors Smart investors aren’t following headlines — they’re following fundamentals. Across New Zealand, capital is quietly moving into: Underbuilt regional housing markets Areas benefiting from migration and employment growth Emerging commercial and mixed-use zones Locations supported by long-term infrastructure and policy change While local investors hesitate, institutional and offshore capital continues to acquire property at scale. That’s not accidental. It’s strategic. The Biggest Risk Right Now Isn’t Buying It’s standing still. We see the same patterns repeatedly: Waiting for a crash that never arrives Fear driven by yesterday’s interest rates Analysing so long that opportunity passes Markets don’t reward hesitation. They reward clarity and action. If you’re still operating as if it’s 2022, you’re already behind the curve. The Bottom Line This moment won’t feel obvious until it’s gone. The buyers who succeed over the next five to ten years won’t be the loudest. They’ll be the ones who acted when others were still unsure. Whether you’re buying your first home or building a portfolio, the question isn’t “Should I wait?” It’s this: Have you adapted to the market we’re actually in — or are you reacting to the one that’s already passed? The window is open. It always closes quietly....
Market Update February 2026
The year has started with a noticeable lift in activity across the New Zealand property market. After a steady and cautious 2025, confidence is gradually building. Interest rates have eased from their earlier highs, making borrowing more affordable for many buyers. Economists are generally aligned that 2026 should see moderate growth rather than dramatic price jumps. In simple terms, the market is improving — but in a controlled and sustainable way. Business confidence indicators remain positive, and consumer spending showed resilience late last year. That tells us people are feeling a little more comfortable about the year ahead. At the same time, affordability and lending limits mean buyers are still careful and price-sensitive. Northland Trends Northland continues to benefit from people relocating from other parts of New Zealand. Lifestyle appeal, space, and community remain strong drawcards. Stock levels are healthier than they were during the very tight supply years, which gives buyers more choice and keeps pricing balanced. Well-presented homes are attracting attention, particularly those positioned realistically within today’s market context. Kerikeri – A Strong Start to 2026 Locally, the year has opened with solid momentum. 35 new listings came to market in January The REAL team listed 43% of those homes, helping build strong inventory and buyer choice Sales volumes were up 12% compared with January 2025 Inventory levels are now at their highest point in several years Prices remain stable overall Buyer interest has been strongest in the under $1 million bracket Appraisal activity is busy, suggesting continued listing flow ahead Land sales are still slower than the long-term average, but there are early signs that some buyers are exploring the build option again. Kerikeri relies heavily on migration from elsewhere in New Zealand. Increased activity nationally is encouraging and supports the outlook for a positive late summer and autumn locally. The Bigger Picture We’re not seeing a boom — and that’s not a bad thing. What we are seeing is a more balanced market: steady prices, improving confidence, active enquiry, and healthy stock levels. For buyers and sellers alike, that creates opportunity — provided decisions are guided by good information and clear positioning. If you’re considering a move this year, it’s a good time to have a conversation about where your property sits in the current market and what practical next steps might look like. ...
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.