We are delighted to announce the appointments of Callum Gilchrist, Glyn Delany and Gordon Webb to key management positions within the Summit Group. The tremendous support throughout the local communities has enabled Summit to achieve in excess of 25,000 sales and remain the market leaders for the past 3 decades, these new management appointments will continue to build on those strong foundations. 

Whenever I’m asked why we remain so very committed to providing the Summit salespeople, our clients and customers the support of a highly qualified and effective group of Managers, there is always a very simple answer, “Does a builder stop learning once they have completed the apprenticeship”, no. Once a builder completes the training, they go on for many years learning before becoming a craftsman who is truly experienced. 

Real Estate is no different, I think back to 2003 when Gordon Webb started with us, “at our training; nobody asked more questions than Gordon Webb” and over the past 22 years, he has gone on to sell many hundreds of properties and developed a remarkable depth of knowledge. Gordon tells me when Glyn Delany started in 2017, he also asked more questions than anyone else! 

The best teams have the best coaches, managers and leaders who create an engaging work environment where market changes and challenges are faced together. Salespeople continue to grow by working with experienced colleagues and talented managers. You cannot manage a real estate office by numbers alone, but numbers do count. Our local managers bring a combined 230 years of industry experience, averaging over 20 years each.

I am stepping down from the Group Sales Manager role but know the level of support our team, clients and customers receive is from a highly experienced, talented and committed team of Managers, is second to none.

Allister Nalder
Agency Licensee, AREINZ

Gordon Webb will commence as Summit Group Sales Manager, becoming the primary point of contact for the management team. Gordon brings extensive experience from years at the coal face of real estate and will act as a trusted advisor to managers across the region.  

His focus will be on supporting managers with marketing strategies, negotiation scenarios, multi-offer and providing guidance on how to navigate a wide range of real-world situations. His practical insight and experienced perspective will help ensure our salespeople are well-equipped to deliver strong outcomes for our clients. 

Gordon’s role is designed to further strengthen day-to-day operational support for the sales team. He will also provide an important link between the sales environment and Summit’s Realty Services in marketing, training and operating systems ensuring they are aligned with what truly benefits clients and our sales team. 

Gordon has played an integral role in shaping Summit’s culture, fostering inter-office collaboration and supporting a strong sense of unity across business, after many years of managing the Summit groups top office, Gordon looks forward to assisting others further their career.

Callum Gilchrist
Appointed Sales Manager Summit Stoke. Callum Gilchrist appointed Sales Manager Stoke, marking an exciting step forward in his career. Callum joined Summit’s Nelson office in 2019 and quickly established himself as one of the city’s leading names in real estate, despite entering the industry during the unusual Covid period. Within a short time, he achieved both Top Rookie and joined Summit’s Champions group, demonstrating his strong capability and level of service to clients. 

Callum’s development has been shaped by experience across several high-performing teams, learning from respected leaders within the business and gaining valuable insight into different markets and sales environments. Now stepping into a leadership role, he brings energy, local knowledge and a strong commitments to ongoing growth and development. 

At 34 Callum is one of the groups youngest managers for some time; he fully embraces the modern marketing method and the opportunities these create for both clients and colleagues. 

Summit has long encouraged its people to consider future leadership opportunities, including completing management qualifications for those interested in progressing their careers. Callum has completed the REA Branch Manager qualification and looks forward to joining Tim McQuade in managing Summit’s founding office, Stoke.

“Since starting in real estate 6 years ago, I’ve always aimed for a management role. With leadership experience in team environments, I’m excited for this next step. To past and future clients — I’ll still be selling at a high standard, so feel free to say hello in Stoke.”

Glyn Delany
Appointed Branch Manager Summit Richmond. Glyn will join Mandy Springer in leading the Summit groups top office from 1 April. What an incredible amount of experience Glyn has gained since commencing his real estate career with Summit in 2017, over those past 8 years Team Delany has consistently been the regions premier performer. 

He has covered very diverse geographic and sales price range, from modest first homes through to many multi-million dollar sales. Recognised for his ability to not only adjust to changing market conditions but also the highest levels of work ethic and skill. 

Glyn has completed the field experience and qualifications required for Agent Licensee status and holds Associate membership AREINZ. On average over the past few years, Glyn has registered 2 sale agreements weekly and takes a lot of pride and satisfaction from so many happy clients and helping so many purchasers find their new home. 

Glyn has been coaching others in real estate for several years and this new appointment is a continuation of his desire and willingness to do the very best by everyone. 

 “I’m honoured to be Branch Manager of our Richmond office and excited to support the team’s success and growth. 

Thank you to my clients for your continued support. Team Delany will keep delivering the service you deserve.”

Meet our Management Team

The latest rental market insights released by realestate.co.nz highlight continued stability for property investors across the Top of the South, with Nelson and the surrounding Bays reaching a record high average rental price.

According to the February rental report by Hannah Franklin, the national average asking rent for February 2026 was $629 per week, easing slightly by 1.9% year-on-year. While some areas around the country are seeing minor adjustments, the rental market across Nelson, Tasman, and Marlborough continues to demonstrate resilience.

Across Nelson and the Bays, the average asking rent climbed to a record $610 per week, up from $600 in February 2025 — representing a 1.8% year-on-year increase.

This new record highlights the ongoing strength of the local rental market and reflects the continued demand for quality homes in the Nelson and Tasman region. For landlords, this steady growth signals stable rental returns and a healthy long-term investment environment.

In Marlborough, the average asking rent for February was $558 per week, compared with $568 at the same time last year, a 1.6% year-on-year decrease.

However, the number of new rental listings rose significantly to 55 properties — up 48.6% year-on-year. This increase in supply has provided tenants with more choice and allowed rents to adjust slightly in response to current market conditions.

Overall, the latest data points to a balanced and stable rental market across the Top of the South:

• Nelson & Bays achieving a record high average rent of $610 per week
• Stable rental growth supporting consistent investment returns
• Increased listing activity helping maintain a balanced market
• Ongoing tenant demand across Nelson, Tasman, and Marlborough

For landlords in the region, these trends reinforce the long-term strength of residential property investment, particularly when properties are well presented and professionally managed.

At Summit Property Management, we’re working with landlords across Nelson, Tasman, and Marlborough every day and continue to see strong tenant demand for quality rental homes throughout the region.

If you’d like to understand what your rental property could achieve in the current market, our local property management team would be happy to provide an updated rental appraisal and advice on maximising your investment.

BOOK RENTAL APPRAISAL

Article Source: Rental market insights from realestate.co.nz, February 2026 report by Hannah Franklin.

The latest figures from the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand show the property market across Nelson, Tasman, and Marlborough remains steady overall, with modest price growth and continued buyer activity in key price brackets.

Prices Continue to Edge Up

Median property prices increased across all three regions compared with the same time last year.

Across the wider region, the combined median price now sits at $751,000, reflecting gradual growth rather than rapid market movement.

First Home Buyers and Investors Most Active

Buyer activity in February was led by first home buyers, particularly those searching for homes under $800,000, alongside investors returning to the market.

Open homes for newly listed properties attracted good attendance early in the month. However, overall enquiry levels softened slightly after the first couple of weeks.

A Market That Favours Buyers

Current conditions continue to favour buyers, largely due to increased property choice.

With more listings coming to market, buyers have greater opportunity to compare options and take time making decisions. Vendors are increasingly adjusting price expectations to align with market conditions, although some sellers who purchased during stronger markets still hold higher expectations.

Sales Activity Lower Than Last Year

What This Means for Buyers and Sellers

Overall, the local property market remains stable and balanced.

If you’re considering buying or selling, speaking with a local expert can help you understand where your property sits in the current market.

BOOK APPRAISAL

VIEW MARKET REPORTS

Source: REINZ - New Zealand Property Report - February 2026

As we kicked off 2026, the property market across the Top of the South showed a mix of movement and steady conditions.

January typically sees lighter foot traffic compared to the peak selling months, and this year was no exception. Attendance at some open homes was quieter later in the month, though early-month activity remained solid.

First home buyers continued to be the most active group across the region, closely followed by owner-occupiers. With rising interest rates and a notable supply of properties under the $1 million mark, the market remains favourable to buyers.

After a busy end to 2025, the start of the year saw more measured activity. Buyers are taking time to weigh decisions, while sellers are generally pricing with market realities in mind.

As we move into autumn, many in the industry will be watching how interest rates and buyer confidence shape the next phase of the market.

Stay tuned for more local insights and updates as the year unfolds.

Data Compared to January 2025, REINZ Monthly Property Report (January 2026) Published February 2026.

If you’re investing in property, you’ll likely hear the term rental yield. Simply put, rental yield measures how much income a property earns compared to its value. It’s a helpful way to see how hard your investment is working for you.

At Summit Property Management, we help investors understand the numbers so they can make confident decisions.

Gross rental yield is the annual rental income expressed as a percentage of the property’s value. It’s a quick calculation and doesn’t include expenses.

Formula:
Gross Rental Yield = (Annual Rent ÷ Property Value) × 100

Example:
$600 per week × 52 weeks = $31,200 per year
$31,200 ÷ $700,000 × 100 = 4.46% gross yield

Gross yield is useful for comparing properties, but it doesn’t show the full picture.

Net rental yield takes things a step further. It deducts costs such as:

This gives you a clearer view of your true return.

Compare our fees

Before purchasing an investment property, research comparable rentals, understand demand in the area, and obtain a professional rental appraisal. Calculating both gross and net yield will help you make informed, confident decisions.

If you’d like a rental appraisal or expert advice, contact Summit Property Management today.

Buying a property at auction can feel fast paced and unfamiliar — but with the right preparation, it can also be one of the clearest and most confident ways to purchase.

Whether you’re a first home buyer, investor, or returning to the market, preparation is everything. Here’s what you need to know before auction day so you can bid with confidence.

With the right preparation and guidance, buying at auction can be a fast, transparent, and rewarding way to secure your next property.

If you’re thinking about bidding, talk to a financial adviser at Mortgage Money, who work closely with the experienced team at Summit Real Estate. From pre-approval through to unconditional finance, we’ll help you understand your options, stay within budget, and bid with confidence on the day.

Buyers Guide to Auction
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Number of Sales December2024

Number of Sales December2025

Average Number of Days to Sell*

Average Sale Price

Nelson

68

87

33 vs 35 in December 2024

$718,000

Tasman

46

74

30 vs 30 in December 2024

$810,000

Marlborough

73

70

30 vs 30 in December 2024

$660,000

Source: REINZ – New Zealand Property Report, December 2025  *Compared to December 2024, REINZ Monthly Property Report Published January 2026.

Nelson saw the median price decrease 4.3% year-on-year, settling at $718,000.
Marlborough experienced an uplift, with the median price up 6.5% year-on-year to $660,000.
Tasman recorded a slight softening, with the median price down 1.6% year-on-year to $810,000.

Across the region, first home buyers remain the most active segment, providing consistent momentum. Some overseas buyer activity was noted in Nelson, while the Marlborough Sounds saw a reduction in buyers operating above the $1 million price point.

Vendor expectations continue to adjust to current market conditions. As supply has begun to outweigh demand in some areas, many sellers are adopting a more realistic and pragmatic approach to pricing.

Open home attendance varied, with stronger turnout at selected properties, though overall numbers remained modest. Auction activity also differed by location. In Nelson, auctions are increasingly being used as a sales strategy by agents, while Blenheim saw limited auction attendance and lower seller confidence in auctions as a preferred method of sale.

Encouragingly, market sentiment is improving, driven by increased buyer interest, steady sales volumes, and growing positivity among participants. Local salespeople expect the market to remain a buyer’s market in the near term, with optimism that sales volumes will lift as both local and visiting buyers re-enter the market.

The Top of the South average days to sell currently sits at 35 days, reflecting a market that is active but still measured — rewarding well-presented, well-priced properties.

WATCH MARKET REPORT VIDEO

Renters across the Nelson Tasman region are heading into 2026 with significantly more choice than this time last year, as new data reveals one of the largest increases in rental listings anywhere in New Zealand.

Figures from realestate.co.nz show that new rental listings in Nelson and Bays jumped 92.6% in December 2025, compared with December 2024. A total of 52 properties were listed during the month, up from just 27 a year earlier.

This surge was reflected in the overall availability of rental homes, with total rental stock in the region rising 88.5% year-on-year to 49 properties. Nelson and Bays ranked as one of the strongest-performing regions nationally for new rental supply, second only to Wairarapa.

According to Summit Property Management General Manager, Stew Henry, the increase has been driven by several factors.

“We’ve seen a higher number of tenants purchasing homes over summer, which means existing rental stock needs to be re-let,” says Henry.

“The properties new to the rental market are a mix of investors and people moving out of town who wish to retain ownership of their homes.”

Henry says Summit experienced a particularly strong end to the year, with a bumper letting month in December, signing 52 new tenancies across Nelson and Marlborough.

Nationally, realestate.co.nz data shows new rental listings rose 19.8% year-on-year in December to 5,349 properties, up from 4,464 in December 2024. The national average asking rent also declined, falling 2.4% year-on-year to $626 per week, with 13 of New Zealand’s 19 regions recording price decreases.

Realestate.co.nz spokesperson Vanessa Williams says the increase in listings is shifting the balance for renters.

“A nearly 20 percent increase in new listings certainly provides more choice for renters, and in some regions, that choice has doubled,” Williams says.

“With stock building and competition among landlords rising, renters will continue to find themselves in a stronger position to negotiate on price or lease terms in 2026.”

The data highlights a rental market entering 2026 in a very different position to previous years—particularly in regions like Nelson Tasman, where supply has rebounded strongly.

Source: Kate Russell, Top South Now
Read the original article here.

Thank you to everyone throughout the Nelson, Tasman & Marlborough communities, where our people work. We are very grateful for the tremendous support we receive and are proud to be the region’s most preferred real estate agency.

We are blessed to live in such an outstanding part of the world, with numerous diverse beaches to walk on, parks, gardens, and three stunning National Parks: Abel Tasman, Nelson Lakes, and Kahurangi, all within a short drive away.

Without wanting to sound like something from the interview section of the movie Miss Congeniality, we sincerely hope that 2026 brings peace to Ukraine, Sudan, Palestine and other areas of conflict including Bondi Beach in Australia recently.

All our Summit Offices Close 2pm 23rd December 2025, and Open 8.30am 6th January 2026.

The latest REINZ figures for November 2025 show a mixed but steady picture across the Top of the South, with price growth continuing in Nelson and Marlborough, while Tasman recorded a year-on-year softening.

While price growth remains strong in Nelson and Marlborough, the Tasman market reflects a more cautious buyer response, likely influenced by broader market conditions and increased choice.

First home buyers and owner-occupiers were the most active groups across the region in November. Investor enquiry remained lower, reflecting continued caution around yields and lending conditions.

Vendors were largely realistic with their pricing expectations, which has helped maintain solid engagement for well-presented homes. Open home attendance was strongest for new listings, with good momentum often carrying through into the second and third weeks of a campaign when the property met buyer expectations.

Auctions are becoming a more commonly used sales method across the region. However, results under the hammer have been mixed, highlighting the importance of accurate pricing, presentation, and buyer competition.

Overall market sentiment continues to be influenced by:

Sales volumes were down 10.9% compared to October, reinforcing the measured pace of the market.

Despite the current lack of urgency, there is cautious optimism among local salespeople. The summer months are expected to bring an uplift in activity, particularly as overseas visitors return following the Christmas period — a trend that traditionally supports buyer confidence in the Top of the South.

“First home buyers and owner-occupiers were the most active buyer groups across the region… broader choice in available properties continues to contribute to a lack of urgency.”
– Lizzy Ryley, REINZ Chief Executive

For sellers, realistic pricing and strong presentation remain key to generating competition. For buyers, the current market offers choice and time — but well-positioned properties continue to attract strong interest.

If you’re considering a move or would like a tailored view of how these figures apply to your property, the Summit team is here to help with local insight and honest advice.

Talk to a Local Summit Sales & Marketing Consultant