Excited by the OCR rate cut? Now’s the time to start looking.

The latest 50 basis point cut of the official cash rate (OCR) to 3.75% by the Reserve Bank is more good news for home buyers and banks have reacted swiftly by trimming their mortgage rates again.  For homeowners, we calculate that’s around $178 less a week in interest payments, based on the average $500,000 mortgage.  When you add this saving to earlier cuts, you can really understand why there’s an air of excitement in the market. 

We’ve already seen a busy start to year, with buyers keen to secure a property before the market moves north and while interest rates are heading south. Savvy buyers also know that Fletcher Living have a bonus $10,000 cash gift on most properties purchased before March 31st 2025 and settled before 30th June 2025, so that’s another reason to get your skates on.  

Let’s look at the hot Fletcher Living developments that buyers should grab their car keys and race round to see.  Starting with the newest development on the Shore and heading deep South to Canterbury. 

 1. Ōkahukura – Albany  

Tucked quietly away behind Massey University’s North Shore Campus is Fletcher Living’s latest development on Auckland’s North Shore. This exclusive new neighbourhood offers a rare sense of seclusion, and yet it’s just moments away from Albany’s amenities and the motorway north or south. Ōkahukura offers a great range of properties from 1 bedroom walk-up apartments and to uber generous 5 bedroom standalone homes, and everything in between. Prices start at an affordable $699,000 and rise to over $1 million for the statelier homes. 

What we like: Private & surrounded by green space. But close to Albany’s shopping and schools. 

Where: Ōkahukura. Albany showhome. 21 Te Ara Tu Para, Albany.  

2. Whenuapai – Nearing Completion. 

North of Auckland, Whenuapai has consistently been one of Fletcher Living’s most popular and established communities. The development is nearing completion but there are still a few opportunities for the eagle-eyed buyer. The latest release consists of 16 terrace homes and 12 walk-up apartments around a communal park and several have already sold! Four of these units are designated affordable homes with an attractive $719,000 price point for qualifying buyers. The remaining homes are available from $735,000 and are also hot buys for home buyers or investors who want an expertly crafted home in the heart of a sought after community. 

What we love: Popular community. Quiet streets. Communal landscaping. 

Where: Whenuapai Showhome. 10 Ripeka Lane, Whenuapai. 

 3. Three Kings – Riu Release. 

Riukiuta Avenue or ‘The Riu’ is just steps away from Mt Eden Rd, is possibly Fletcher Living’s most prestigious development to-date. Just recently released, this is the one to see if you’re in the market for a high spec, low maintenance home with a unique outlook over sports fields. With prices starting at $1,529,000 for a 3-bedroom, 3 bathroom home and rising to $2,099,000 for a huge 289sqm executive home, demand is sure to be high.  

What we love: Prestigious living with a unique outlook, on the border of Mt Eden & Epsom. 

Where: Sales Suite. 1 Riukiuta Avenue, Three Kings, Auckland. 

 4. Ormiston Fields. Flat Bush. 

You may have just missed their recent exclusive twilight viewing, but there’s nothing to stop you having your own private viewing at this vibrant new neighbourhood. Ormiston Fields is right in the heart of Flat Bush and offers affordable country living, surrounded by green spaces and parks. With brand new properties starting at just $659,000 for a 2 bedroom terrace or only $1,395,000 for large stand-alone 4-bedroom family home.  

What we love: The modern amenities of Ormiston Town Centre Mall plus easy access to motorways and transport. 

Where: Ormiston Fields Showhome. 3 Rautahi Street, Flat Bush. 

5. Waiata Shores. Conifer Grove. 

We think it’s the varied options available to home buyers that make Waiata Shores in Conifer Grove a ‘must-see’. By offering a real mix of homes from 1 bedroom loft-style terraces to generous 4-bedroom standalone family homes, all within an established, safe, friendly community. That’s means no matter where you are in life, a lone wolf, a new Mum, a retired couple or a big family – there’s something for you, at a price for everyone. 1 bedroom terraces start as low as $529,000 with impressive 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom homes topping the scale at $1,370,000.  

What we love: Mix of housing. Relaxing, seaside feel. Songbird Café. Easy access to motorways and Te Mahia train station. 

Where: Waiata Shores Show Home. 1 Gosper Road, Conifer Grove, Takanini. 

6. Park Green – Karaka 

With over 100 homes already built and sold, Park Green is proving a popular choice for buyers looking for a family home in a brand new community south of the hustle and bustle of Auckland. The suburban-estuary setting, features cycleways, walkways, hospitality and a brand new primary school. With 2-5 bedroom homes available - from $619,000 for a 2-bedroom terrace to $1,329,000 for a 4-bedroom standalone, contemporary home on a 467sqm site.  Why not take the family along to their Open Day on Saturday, March 1. 

What we love: Waterside location, brand new Mangapikopiko school, family community. Close to airport and business parks. 

Where: Park Green Karaka Show home. Corner Park Estate Road and Parkmore Drive, Karaka. 

7. Gloucester Green. One Central. Christchurch. 

Not to be outdone, Fletcher Living has some hot developments in the South Island, too.  Right in the heart of the action in Christchurch is One Central with Gloucester Green providing an exceptional location for inner-city living. 

With many already sold out, Fletcher Living has just released a selection of 2-3 bedroom apartments starting from $699,000. This unbeatable location has shopping, entertainment and nightlife on your doorstep. Whether you are looking for yourself or as a rental investment, Gloucester Green should be at the top of your list.   

What we like: Right in the heart of the action between Madras and Manchester Streets. Walk everywhere life. Multi award-winning design. 

Where: Sales Suite. 218 Manchester St, Christchurch.  

Of course, there are many more Fletcher Living developments and more coming to market this year. But we think this selection is a great place to start for home buyers or investors as the market continues to move to more positive and potentially pricier territory.