Otago topped grazing property sales in New Zealand, shows a report released last week.
The 48 grazing sales in Otago was a 50% increase on the 12 months ending December 2024, the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand rural property report shows for the year ending December last year.
REINZ rural spokesman Shane O’Brien said Otago had the most grazing sales of any region in New Zealand for the period,
Other regions to have a rise in grazing sales were Northland (up 27.3% to 42 sales), Taranaki (up 62.5% to 13 sales) and Canterbury (up 57.1% to 22 sales).
Despite the percentage increases, the market was returning to more normal levels after the lower-than-usual number of sales last year.
The dairy property market was a "standout performer" with higher year-on-year sales in regions including Southland, which was up 84.6% year-on-year to 48 sales.
Farmgate returns, lower interest rates and favourable growing conditions were a driver of the dairy sector experiencing its best performance in the past decade.
Grazing farms followed, also showing steady engagement, he said.
The market was operating in a more stable environment than a year ago, suggesting steady momentum into this year for well-developed, productivity-focused farms.
Finishing farm sales increased slightly in the year to December 2025, with several core districts including Otago showing increases in sales.
Stronger lamb and beef schedules boosted purchasing confidence, while buyers showed a clear focus on operational efficiency and long-term performance.
Forestry sales increased by 22.2% to reach 66 sales nationally.
Regionally, Otago and Southland had steady forestry sales with 10 and four sales, respectively.
The agricultural market was expected to remain steady this year, he said. — Allied Media
