Sally Dawson - Bayleys Real Estate

14/07/2026

There's a perception that first home buyers are sitting on the sidelines waiting for the perfect conditions.

The reality is they're already in the market.

Recent data shows first home buyers now make up a record share of property purchases across New Zealand, helped by lower interest rates, KiwiSaver, and greater access to low-deposit lending.

Whether you're looking to buy your first home or you're a homeowner thinking about selling, it's a reminder that buyer demand comes from many different places.

Sometimes the right buyer isn't an investor or a developer.

It's someone buying their very first home.

Whether you're thinking about buying, selling, or simply want to understand what's happening in the Mt Eden market, I'm always happy to have a conversation.

Bayleys Mt Eden

07/07/2026

What is it that makes Mount Eden so special?

For me, it's the feeling.

It's the early morning walks up the mountain, the familiar faces you see along the way, and the sense that people genuinely know and look out for one another.

Despite being so close to the city, Mount Eden has held onto its village feel. Great local schools, beautiful parks, character homes, and everything you need right on your doorstep.

It's a suburb where people put down roots, build connections, and create a lifestyle that's increasingly hard to find in Auckland.

It's no surprise so many people choose to stay here for the long term.

Bayleys Mt Eden

24/06/2026

Selling a home isn't always a straightforward process, especially in a challenging market.

What matters most is having someone in your corner who remains calm, strategic, and committed to achieving the right outcome, no matter how long it takes.

A huge thank you to Mark for taking the time to share these kind words. It was a privilege to help guide you through the process, and both Chris and I are incredibly grateful for the trust you placed in us throughout your property journey.

If you're considering a move and would like an honest conversation about your options, I'd love to help.

Bayleys Mt Eden

16/06/2026

16/06/2026

Not every property inspection is a quick walk-through.

For their third viewing of 9 Quadrant Road, the eventual buyers arrived with 15 family members in tow, all determined to inspect every corner of the home before making their decision.

Fortunately, the property stood up to the scrutiny and earned a unanimous tick of approval.

After a strong 3-week auction campaign, we were thrilled to achieve a fantastic result for our Northland-based vendors and help a lovely young family secure a home they could all feel confident about.

Every property has a story. If you're ready to start your next chapter, let's chat.

Bayleys Mt Eden

09/06/2026

One of the most rewarding parts of my job is helping people feel calm and confident through what can often be a pretty overwhelming process.

Buying a home comes with a lot of emotion, especially when auctions, timelines, and multiple properties are involved. Sometimes people don’t need pressure, they just need someone steady in their corner to help guide them through it all.

I’m so grateful for these kind words from Daniel & Choyi, and even more grateful I got to be part of such an exciting chapter for them.

02/06/2026

Fuel prices are still sitting high, and a lot of people are wondering:

Will mortgage rates keep falling?
Will buyers become more cautious?
What does this actually mean if you’re thinking about buying or selling?

The reality is, markets are still moving - just a little more cautiously.

Buyers are taking more time with decisions, budgeting matters more, and strategy has become increasingly important for sellers. But good homes are still attracting strong interest, especially when they’re positioned well.

If you’ve been wondering what the current market could mean for your next move, I’m always happy to have a chat.

26/05/2026

After a full day of demolition duty at my brother’s bach in Algies Bay, I sent the family a WhatsApp update about how the day went.

A few hours later, my brother came back with this AI-generated video and poem.

Safe to say it gave us all a good laugh.

26/05/2026

If there’s a job to be done, I’ll usually end up helping - even if that means swapping open homes and paperwork for a crowbar and demolition duty.

Today involved helping tear apart a rotten deck at my brothers bach in Algies Bay. Two trailer loads to the tip, a layer of sawdust from head to toe, & using muscles I forgot existed.

19/05/2026

One quick pivot changed this entire campaign.

After 101A Portland Road passed in at auction, we knew momentum was still there - it just needed a different approach.

We moved quickly, repositioned the property, and launched a Best Offers campaign that brought strong buyer competition back to the table almost immediately.

The outcome:
• 8 written offers
• Sold to a beautiful young family
• Went unconditional on their daughter’s birthday

This campaign was a reminder that in today’s market, success often comes down to timing, adaptability, and knowing when to shift strategy.

Swipe through to see how it all unfolded.

Bayleys Mt Eden