Ice cream, bidders, and big results: Tauranga's auction day delivers

Ray White Tauranga’s latest Bay of Plenty auction event saw 42 properties going under the hammer, strong buyer turnout, and - for those keeping count - a remarkable 266 Mr Whippy ice creams consumed.

The combined auction event featured several offices including Tauranga and Bayfair (32 auctions), Greerton (one auction), Papamoa, Pukehina, Mount Maunganui and Te Puke (nine auctions) and Pyes Pa.

Of the 42 properties listed, 13 sold under the hammer (including four sold which prior to auction day), with a combined sales value of $10,719,500.

Ray White Tauranga director Rodney Fong said the momentum did not stop when the gavel fell.

Mr Fong said a further three properties went under contract immediately after the auction, with offers flowing in on at least six more.

A significant number of conditional contracts were also drafted across the day, pointing to continued deal flow in the days and weeks ahead, Mr Fong said.

The standout result of the day was 42 Cotula Way, Papamoa, which achieved a sale price of $1,540,000 - making it both the highest sale price and the property that attracted the most competitive bidding. 

The four-bedroom, two-bathroom property is in the sought-after Palm Springs community and close to local amenities, schools and the beach.

Three buyers registered, with two actively competing on the day.

Mr Fong said the day reflected a clear shift in buyer sentiment.

“There was a noticeable lift in registered bidders at auction, with buyer activity tracking 50 per cent higher than this time last year - clear evidence that confidence is building and the market is gaining traction,” Mr Fong said.

“The increase in registered bidders is a leading indicator of market health, suggesting that buyers who had previously been sitting on the sidelines are re-entering with conviction.”