50+ auctions set the tone for 2026 property market

On Wednesday, January 28, the event will see a whopping 55 properties go under the hammer, with something to attract a broad range of buyers.

Ray White Manukau, Manurewa, Mangere and Mangere Bridge are no strangers to auctions, sending a collective 752 properties to auction last year, with an impressive clearance rate of 63.4 per cent.

The group saw an average of 4.8 bidders per auction, with 3.9 bidders raising their paddle.

“People often ask us when the best time to sell is. Our answer is always the same - it’s when you’re ready,” director Adam Thomson said.

“This event is designed around that idea.

“January brings motivated buyers who’ve had time to plan and engage.

“By launching over 55 properties together, we’re giving our clients the opportunity to get ahead of the market rather than waiting for competition to build later on.”

Ray White Manukau, Manurewa, Mangere and Mangere Bridge director Tom Rawson said they deliberately chose January because it provides clarity.

“Early-year activity gives us a strong read on buyer demand, pricing, and momentum. When properties are positioned correctly, this time of year consistently delivers competitive outcomes.

“Not just in January, but in the months to follow.”

A highlight of the day will be 38 Mcfadzean Drive, Blockhouse Bay, which is being sold for the first time since the sellers’ family first built the home 63 years ago.

The property is being marketed by Ray White Manukau agents Monika Maynard and Aryaan Batra on behalf of the sellers, Sue Austin and Christine Campbell.

Ms Austin said her family had lived just around the corner on Whitney Street when her parents bought the block on Mcfadzean Drive and built their family home.

“We didn’t have to move far!” she said.

“It was a large section, so as children we had ample room to play.

“It was always a very cosy home, we had a games room and a pool table down there. It also doubled as a party room when we had celebrations.

“Dad was a pharmacist by trade but he had a hobby of making furniture and he had a large workshop downstairs and made furniture for our home and the family.

“Mum always played tennis at the club across the road, and was an avid gardener. So there was really something for everyone.”

In 1977, Ms Austin said her family built a flat at the side of the house for her grandparents to live in.

“They were avid gardeners so we always had wonderful gardens. It was a beautiful place to be bought up,” she said.

“When our grandparents passed away we never rented it out. The flat was always available for the family to stay.

“It’s had a transition of generations through the house. My sister, Christine, sold her house and moved into the family home four years ago.”

Ms Austin said it was now time for their family to move on, and said they hoped another family would buy it.

“My sister and I both were married and left the house, but we always came back to visit,” she said.

“We had such a wonderful upbringing. It was always a happy house.

“It will be very sorely missed, but we have all of the memories we can cherish.”

Ms Maynard said the property had attracted strong interest from the first open home.

“It’s one of the biggest properties in the area and we’ve had a lot of interest from home buyers and investors,” she said.

“It’s a home and income property with a three-bedroom home and a one-bedroom unit.”