Time for a sea change

Proudly staking its claim to being the sunshine capital of New Zealand, the Nelson-Tasman region has a very particular set of attractions. Sitting at the geographic centre of the country, the region is blessed with significant natural bounty – including stunning beaches and the Abel Tasman and Kahurangi National Parks.

Nelson itself is one of New Zealand’s oldest settlements and is a solid economic performer. It has the largest fishing port in Australasia, a range of industries in established areas like forestry and tourism and new, exciting ones like aquaculture and boutique brewing. Thanks to a thriving arts scene, it has also become known for its lively city centre and an alternative, creative vibe.

That all means the region has become popular with both those seeking a sea change and those looking to retire for a gentler pace of life. As a result, it has one of the fastest growing populations in the country. And that has led to a strong, healthy housing market.

In recent years, the Nelson-Tasman region has seen good price growth and an increasingly tight rental market. Experts say a slow-down of sorts is likely and, further, that there are some unique issues impacting on the market. But they also continue to predict a rosy outlook, with options for investors, going forward.