Houses for sale in Stratford - Live in the heart of Taranaki

It’s time to put the spotlight on Stratford — the heart of the Taranaki region. 

This Shakespearean-inspired town is located a relaxing 30-minute drive from both New Plymouth and Hāwera and is the Eastern gateway to the Taranaki Maunga. Due to its central location, affordability, and thriving local community, the Stratford property market is on fire.

You can find everything you're looking for in Stratford, from investment properties to family homes and lifestyle blocks.

Life in Stratford

Known for its Shakespearean street names and proximity to the mountain, Stratford is sure to catch your eye. To get a sense of it, why not visit for the weekend and explore some of its unique highlights?

Shakespearean heritage

In 1877, when settlers recognised similarities between the Patea river and the river Avon in England, a lasting connection with Shakespeare emerged. The town was named Stratford-upon-Patea to honour the writer’s birthplace and as the town grew, most of the streets were named after his characters and plays. 

To celebrate this rich heritage, the town centre is home to New Zealand’s only glockenspiel clock tower. Four times every day as the glockenspiel sounds, the famous balcony scene of Romeo and Juliet emerges from the tower, enchanting visitors and residents alike.

History and the arts

Popular with people of all ages, Stratford has an array of activities on offer. If you’re a history buff, spend a day at the Pioneer Village where you can retrace the steps of Taranaki’s pioneers. Or you could watch a movie at the TET King’s Theatre, the first in the Southern Hemisphere to show ‘talkies’ back in 1919.

Local walkways

When it comes to the great outdoors, Stratford is a haven of activities and adventures. You could take it easy with a stroll on one of many local walkways, including the heritage walk through town, the Carrington walkway along the Patea River, and the 70-hectare Otunahe Scenic Reserve. Or, for a sense of exploration, you could take advantage of the many tracks and trails up on the mountain, including Dawson Falls and Wilkies Pools.

Art galleries

If art is more your style, you are spoilt for choice in Stratford. At the Percy Thomson Art Gallery and adjoining boutique art shop, you’ll find exhibitions featuring national, regional, and local artists. Down the street at the Fenton Street Arts Collective, you can soak in the diverse collection before enjoying a drink at the adjoining distillery or espresso bar.

The Forgotten World Highway

Bringing in over 9,000 visitors every year, the Forgotten World Highway is not to be missed. First opened in 1945, this 155km stretch of road is rich in history, culture, and nature. Now, all these years later, people can explore the remote, mysterious, and awe-inspiring route by rail cart, jetboat, and even helicopter. 

With stories of hardy pioneers, Māori Pa sites, tranquil lavender fields, and accommodation in the Republic of Whangamōmona, this epic trip is a show-stopper.

Stratford property market

With mountain views, a bustling community, and affordable prices, it is easy to understand why Stratford's property market has experienced such an influx of demand in recent years. To give you a glimpse of the market rates, below are some key figures: 

• The median sale price for houses is $565,000, up 28% in the past twelve months. 
• Houses sell after an average of 36 days on the market. 
• 28% of residents live in rental accommodation.
• The current median rent for houses is $450 per week.

These figures have been taken from Real Estate Investar and Real Estate NZ and were accurate as of 6 October 2022.

If you're in the market for a new property, check out our current listings in Stratford.

First-home buyers and family homes

For anyone hoping to purchase a property in Taranaki, Stratford is a great place to look. With affordable family homes in various styles and sizes, first-home buyers are sure to find something they like in the growing district.

Lifestyle properties

If rural life is what you’re looking for, Stratford could be your ticket. With rolling green hills and fertile land, lifestyle blocks are abundant in the area, just waiting to be cultivated and enjoyed. 

You can start from scratch or take over something already established in Stratford. Whether you need a vegetable garden in the backyard or a few paddocks for livestock, keep an eye on the Stratford listings.

New build homes

If a contemporary house is more to your taste, how about a more modern design in Stratford? The rise in popularity of the town has meant new builds have popped up all over town, with a variety of styles to choose from.

You could buy one of these and move in straight away, or build your dream home for yourself. With spacious sections, breathtaking mountain views, and all the conveniences of town close at hand, Stratford has it all.

Investment properties

With a rise of 15.4% rent rise in the past 12 months, and Stratford coming in as one of the top performing regions in the country for residential investing, you won’t regret getting your piece of the action in Stratford’s property market. Whether it be a residential rental, holiday rental, or lock up and leave, don’t waste any time. The demand for this area continues to rise, with an average rental income of $450 each week.

Selling a house in Stratford

If you're thinking of selling your Stratford property, talk to the experts at the McDonald Real Estate Stratford office. You can count on us to help you understand your options, provide market insight, and guide you through the entire process. 

The first thing our team will do is appraise your home for free to determine its current market value. Then we can determine which strategy is best to attract buyers and get the offers flowing.

Buying a house in Stratford

If you’re looking to get into the Taranaki property market, Stratford has a range of opportunities that await you. Whether you are a first-time buyer, an investor, or in search of the ideal countryside feel, check out our range of properties currently on the market.