What’s driving demand for Waimate property
Waimate’s changed a lot over the past decade or so.
And it’s not because of any one thing. It’s the combination of investments of time and money by people, businesses, organisations and volunteers, coming together to make it a great place to live and visit.
Heritage buildings have been brought back to life as a medical centre and hospitality spots. There’s a growing network of tracks and trails. New shops have opened on the main street. The Saturday market, the art gallery, great places to eat and catch up with friends - all add to the rural village lifestyle.
And yes - the town water supply’s good too (thanks Guy Williams). Basically zero nitrates, and rated excellent by Greenpeace.
More people are visiting - and more are choosing to call it home.
We sat down with local property experts and Red Hot Real Estate agents Julie-Anne Davidson (Jules) and Dionne Haywood to find out how that’s playing out in the property market.
Local agents Dionne Haywood and Jules Davidson.
Visits become permanent moves
Between them, Jules and Dionne bring over 30 years of real estate experience to their roles, backed by careers in sales, marketing, and hands-on property development. They’ve built, bought and sold here.
And they’ve got a clear view of how the market’s moving.
“There’s a good mix of local and out-of-town buyers,” Dionne says. “We’re seeing more people from outside the region - and even overseas - discovering Waimate and deciding to make it home.
“It’s been that way for a while,” she says. “People come through - camping, visiting, passing by - and decide they want to live here.”
New Zealand Motor Caravan Association (NZMCA) members are a good example. Waimate is an official NZMCA Friendly Town with a well-used Park Over Property.
“It happens more than you’d think,” Jules says. “They stop in, spend a bit of time here, pop into the office, take a brochure… then a few months later they’re back, looking to buy.”
Great range of sections available
Sections are starting to move again after a quieter 18 months.
“We’ve got some really good sections available here, and great trades people for new builds,” Dionne says. “Sections can be harder to find elsewhere in the region.”
The easy commute adds to the attraction.
With major employers like Oceania Dairy and Fonterra’s Studholme site nearby, and Timaru and Oamaru within easy reach, people are realising they don’t have to compromise on work to live here.
It also gives buyers options - build new, or buy well and add value.
Carlisle Street, on the edge of town. Flat sections that offer the perfect building platform with views of the Hunters Hills.
When one house turns into seven
Repeat and referral business is a big part of how this experienced pair work. It comes from knowing the market, giving straight advice, and getting results people trust.
Dionne highlights an example where what started as one sale turned into a mini-population explosion.
“We had a couple move here,” Dionne says. “Then family came to visit, then friends. In the end we sold seven houses to that group - people moving from Mangawhai, Ashburton and Northland. They’ve all become strong advocates for the town and the lifestyle it offers.”
First-home buyers back in the mix
Locally, people are downsizing and upsizing, building and renovating.
There’s also renewed activity from first-home buyers, which is helping drive movement through the market.
“We’re getting good enquiry again from first-home buyers,” Dionne says. “That creates flow - it allows others to sell and move up to the next tier.”
For those entering the market, there’s still real opportunity - especially for buyers willing to look past surface-level finishes.
“A lot of the more affordable houses here have great bones,” Jules says. “Sunny, good layout, big living spaces - they might need a new kitchen or bathroom, but that’s where you can add value.”
For buyers who haven’t done it before, that’s where the right guidance matters.
“We can walk people through it,” she says. “Room by room. What you could do now, what can wait, what’s worth spending money on.”
Between them, Jules and Dionne understand renovations, subdivisions, and what works in practice.
They’re also planning to run a first-home buyers seminar in the near future.
37 Harris Street. A 1950s brick and tile home with decorative ceilings, great street appeal and ample potential.
Matching people with property
This team understand property, they understand the local market, and they understand people - and it’s that mix that’s matching people with their perfect properties.
“It’s about matching the right people with the right property,” Jules says.
That starts with understanding how people actually want to live.
“We ask a lot of questions,” Dionne says. “Not just about the house, but about lifestyle.
“We’ll often throw in a wildcard - something outside what they think they’re looking for. Quite often, that’s the one they go for.”
Because what people say they want, and what they end up buying, aren’t always the same.
Jules saw that recently with a couple who had ruled a property out completely.
“They weren’t interested at all, but I had a feeling it would suit them. I told them to at least look at the photos when it came on the market. It ended up being the one they bought.”
That ability to read people - and back it with real property knowledge - is where they add value.
35 Rhodes Street. Beautifully presented three-bedroom home combines comfort, style, and convenience in a sought-after location just minutes from town.
Why Waimate stacks up
Affordability is part of it, but it’s not the full picture.
“It’s the village lifestyle,” Jules says. “No traffic lights. Weekends out walking or biking, going to the local farmers market, meeting friends for brunch, popping into the gallery and shops. People say hello here.”
“You can be as involved or as private as you like,” Dionne adds. “That suits a lot of people.
“You’re close to everything, Timaru, Oamaru, the lakes. Lots of easy day trip options, you can spend a day at the lakes and be home for tea.”
For families, there are strong schooling options locally and in Timaru and Oamaru, without the pressure of zoning. You can match your child with the right school.
And for many, it simply feels like a better way to live.
“I’ve lived in the North Island, Australia, Wellington,” Dionne says. “I don’t want to live anywhere else now.”
A market that’s proving itself
Waimate’s also proving what it can do at the top end.
A couple of years ago they listed a residential property at $1 million.
“There was a lot of talk that you wouldn’t see a $1 million residential sale here,” Jules says. “But we got multiple offers.”
When someone told Dionne it wouldn’t happen because it’s Waimate.
“I said it would sell because it’s Waimate.”
It did, above the asking price.
126 Point Bush Road. Crafted for discerning professionals and families who demand exceptional scale and flexible
living, this residence offers serene living zones, panoramic windows, and premium finishes throughout.
Thinking about buying here?
Their advice is straightforward.
Be realistic about your budget, and be open to what’s possible.
“Don’t write something off too quickly,” Jules says. “Look at what it could be. Imagine yourself living there.’
Working with people who understand the district, the market and what you’re trying to achieve makes a difference.
We’ll be checking in regularly with Jules and Dionne for a read on the local market.
If you’re thinking about buying or selling here, get in touch with Jules and Dionne.
