In the heart of Taranaki, just 45km from New Plymouth and 20km from Hāwera, Eltham’s property market is booming. In the past decade, this small inland town has attracted an influx of buyers, and it shows no signs of slowing down.
With a population of 2,423, Eltham is the perfect blend of historic architecture, community, and stunning natural scenery. And despite being a small town, Eltham has something for everyone, including investment properties, family homes, sections, and lifestyle blocks.
Life in Eltham
Known for its high-quality cheese, weekly markets, and colourful murals, Eltham is sure to pique your interest. To help you get a taste of it, below are some of the things that make it so special.
Heritage architecture
While it is a small town, it packs a punch in terms of its history. The streets are lined with heritage buildings of the Victorian and Edwardian styles, including the former post office, bank, town hall, and courthouse. Eleven of these significant buildings are registered by the NZ Historic Places Trust, adding to the character of the township.
Art, culture, and boutique shops
With a variety of galleries, markets, festivals, walkways, and cafes, Eltham is a popular destination among Taranaki residents. As part of the Coastal Arts Trail, the Village Art Gallery showcases homegrown creators, with incredible carvings, watercolours, and new exhibitions every month.
The town has a special appeal for vintage lovers with a range of secondhand and antique shops to browse. To fuel up between shops, you can stop for a coffee at one of the cafes and soak up the village ambience.
Cheese-making
If it’s Eltham’s world-class cheeses that interest you, you won’t be disappointed. Back in 1874, settler Chew Chong opened several dairy factories in the district, which sparked the thriving dairy industry that we still see today.
To get your slice of the history and delicious local products, why not stop by the Eltham Cheese Bar? Located in the historic factory, this shop holds all the secrets of the region’s award-winning dairy products and you can even try some of the gourmet cheeses for yourself.
Lake Rotokare nature reserve
For those wanting some fresh air and a close encounter with nature, Lake Rotokare is a family-friendly spot for everyone to enjoy. Dedicated to predator-free conservation, this sanctuary is filled with native geckos, fish, and birds, including kiwi!
Pack your picnic lunch of locally made cheeses to feast on before exploring the beautiful wetlands via the 4km loop track. Or, in the winter months, book a night tour to see how the wildlife thrives in the dark. With towering pukatea trees and a floating boardwalk, this is a memorable experience for all ages.
For those seeking a spot of adventure, the public boat ramps, kayaking, watersports, and perch fishing are sure to satisfy.
Eltham property market
Eltham’s property market has been growing in popularity in recent years, especially among first-home buyers hoping to get on the property ladder. With mountain views, a community feel, and affordable prices, it is easy to see why.
- The median sale price for houses is $385,000, up 10% in the past twelve months.
- Houses sell after an average of 20 days on the market.
- 30.87% of residents live in rental accommodation.
- The current median rent for houses is $375 per week.
These figures have been taken from Real Estate Investar and Real Estate NZ and were accurate as of October 2022.
If you are in the market for a new property, check out our listings in Eltham.
Eltham township sourced from NZ Today.
First-home buyers and family homes
The cost of purchasing a home in Eltham is relatively affordable compared with other townships in Taranaki meaning that buying a home in Eltham is a lot more feasible for first-home buyers.
The housing stock in Eltham is 78% residential, meaning there’s a range of styles, sizes, and prices available. From character homes to contemporary designs, first-home buyers will love the range of homes this small and affordable town has on offer.
Lifestyle properties
If the peaceful rural atmosphere is what you’re after, 19% of Eltham properties are lifestyle dwellings. Whether it be an acre section for growing vegetables or a few hectares to expand, keep an eye on the Eltham listings.
Surrounded by lush, fertile land, Eltham is the perfect place to set up your own patch of paradise. Whether you're planning to start from scratch or take over something more established, Eltham is a great place to make your mark.
New build homes
For those who prefer a home with a practical, modern style, Eltham is a great option. The generously flat sections, impressive mountain views, and all the amenities of town so close, make Eltham the ideal place to build your dream home.
Investment properties
Making up 3% of the area's housing stock, investment residential properties are on the rise in Eltham. If you are considering a residential rental, holiday rental, or lock up and leave, don’t waste any time.
With the demand for this area continuing to rise and the average rental income at $375 each week, you won’t regret investing now.
Buying a house in Eltham
If you’re looking to get into the Taranaki property market, Eltham has a range of opportunities that await you. Whether you are a first-time buyer, an investor, or in search of the ideal rural atmosphere, check out our range of properties currently on the market.
Selling a house in Eltham
If you are selling your Eltham property, ask our trusted team at the local McDonald Real Estate office for their expert advice. We can help you understand your options, provide market insights, and guide you through the entire process.
To get started, our team will appraise your home for free to see where it sits in the current market. From there, we can determine the best strategy to attract buyers and bring the offers rolling in.
