Mackenzie house values soar as demand continues
Thu, 15th Oct 2026 (Today)
Commercial property prices in the Mackenzie have jumped 25% over the past three years, while residential properties have risen almost 14% amid growing demand in the district.
Mackenzie's total rateable value came in at $8.353 billion, up from $6.3b in 2023, the district's land value was up from $3.5b to $3.923b.
The figures, reflecting the price the district's 5401 properties would sell for if sold on July 1 of this year, were prepared by independent valuers Quotable Value (QV) on behalf of the Mackenzie District Council.
QV valuer Jeremy Clayton said the rising property prices had been driven by demand for land, more established modern builds, and a continued market for short-term visitor accommodation.
"The market is showing underlying value growth, with values strengthening modestly while remaining broadly aligned with 2023 levels," Clayton said.
The largest value increase was seen across the farming sector, with dairy farm values up 26.3% and pastoral farms up 1.3% since three years ago.
Clayton said strong commodity prices and access to capital had strengthened the rural sector.
"The dairy sector is very positive, with good profitability and strong confidence fuelling large increases in values nationwide," he said.
Residential housing values had increased 13.6%, with an average purchase price of $882,000 and a corresponding land value average of $418,000.
The average values were the highest in Lake Tekapo at $1,519,000, followed by Twizel at $809,000 and Fairlie at $485,000, Clayton said.
"Twizel continues to see strong demand for modern homes and holiday properties, while Fairlie remains a more affordable option ... Lake Tekapo has benefited from tourism returning to pre-Covid levels," he said.
Commercial property values had increased by an average of 24.9%, driven by growing demand, while industrial properties had increased by 11.9%.
"Demand also remains steady for smaller holiday-style housing and established modern holdings," Clayton said.
Mackenzie property owners are expected to be posted rating valuations from this month, with the right to object to the new values until November 13.
Rating valuations are performed three-yearly using a detailed process and delivered to local councils to help assist with setting the district's rates.
Values are then independently audited by the Office of the Valuer General, ensuring all standards are met before they are posted to property owners.
