Green Shoots For Spring: Hopes Shift for Sellers in Marlborough

Marlborough’s real estate sector shows early signs of recovery as the number of people attending open homes increases and multiple offers are made on homes for sale across the region.

Trade Me data shows around 456 properties currently on the market in Marlborough, significantly lower than ten years ago when there would have been between 1,500 - 2000 properties for sale.

Grant Douglas, the new owner of Tall Poppy’s merged Blenheim and Picton franchises, says he’s seeing a shift in the buyer-seller demand.

“For a long time, it’s been a buyer’s market; they’ve been able to get deals and secure bargains.

Now, we’re getting multiple offers on properties, which I liken to the green shoots we see at springtime; we’re seeing cautious growth across the Marlborough region, from Blenheim to the Sounds,” he says.

Douglas has recently expanded his real estate business to merge Blenheim and Picton as Tall Poppy Marlborough, which sits alongside the Tall Poppy Nelson Tasman franchise.

He originally grew up in Blenheim and worked in construction and property development before returning to the region after a decade of travel, including being an outback guide in Australia.

He says the region’s unique offerings put it in a strong position to make the most of the early spring recovery.

“We’re fortunate to be in the middle of everything - we have the coast, high country stations, national parks, wineries, incredible food, and it’s without all the hustle and bustle you find in big cities.

“Investment into the Whale Trail, combined colleges and Picton Port development also pave the way for future growth, which buyers consider when purchasing”.

Douglas says having a team across the entire top of the South Island - from Nelson to Picton and across to Blenheim - means they have their fingers on the pulse of local real estate, an attribute he says is more important than ever as the market shows early signs of growth.

“We have a team of specialists covering the region's diverse markets. A range of different lifestyles are on offer from coast to coast - from the secluded nature of the Sounds to Nelson and Tasman beaches, with the Able Tasman and Kahurangi Nation parks on its doorstep and then the vineyards, and countryside Blenheim offers.

“If there’s a buyer out there for a property across the top of the South, our high-performing team will find them”, he says.