Sales momentum is gathering pace at Kawarau Villas, a new residential development in Queenstown’s Frankton precinct, with nearly half of the 77 released homes already under contract across the first two stages.

Bayleys Residential Projects general manager, Gavin Lloyd, says that as construction progresses, the emergence of the new community is becoming more tangible, which is increasing buyer interest.

“With a branded on-site display suite now open, buyers can experience the design and build quality firsthand, a milestone we expect will further accelerate sales in the coming months,” he says.

Developed by Redwood Group, Kawarau Villas offers two- and three-bedroom homes across several stages in a sleek and minimalist Nordic design, with a focus on clean lines and alpine tones to complement the surrounding landscape.

Lloyd says the homes represent exceptional value, positioning them amongst the most competitively priced new builds in the region, with the first completions on track for August 2025.

“Priced from $850,000, the homes sit below the regional median, offering exceptional value in one of New Zealand’s most tightly held housing markets.

“The community’s value proposition is striking a chord with a wide cross-section of buyers. We have inked 25 sales in the past six weeks with strong uptake from first-home buyers and owner-occupiers, as well as interest from out-of-town investors looking for holiday homes.”

Each two-level residence features either two or three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a private 12sqm (more or less) backyard, dedicated car parking, and storage – a feature that buyers consistently highlight as a valuable asset in New Zealand’s ‘Adventure Capital’.

Bayleys residential and project salespeople Matthew Lawrence, Eloise Sadie Morris, and Blake Glover say the flexibility of 365-day visitor accommodation consent provides owners the option to generate income when not in residence, adding to the project’s lifestyle and investment appeal.

“Kawarau Villas brings together the best of Queenstown in one package – convenience, comfort, and choice,” they say. “It’s minutes from schools, supermarkets, bus routes and Queenstown International Airport, so it suits a broad range of residents from families to retirees and holidaymakers.

“Having full visitor accommodation rights is a valuable edge, as it allows owners to pivot between personal use and income generation, something increasingly important in today’s dynamic housing market.”

Lawrence adds that developer credentials are another coup for the community, with Redwood Group having a strong pedigree in the region, having delivered major projects including Frankton’s Five Mile Shopping Centre, the Alex Apartments in Central Queenstown, the sold-out Coronet Peak Alpine Villas at Arthurs Point, and an emerging development of architecturally designed villas dubbed The Grove at Wooing Tree in Cromwell.

“Queenstown remains New Zealand’s most sought-after residential destination, bolstered by a strong return of tourism, local infrastructure investment, and lifestyle migration.

“With nearly half the first two stages already under contract and physical progress visible on site, this is a timely opportunity for buyers to secure a foothold in one of New Zealand’s most desirable locations.

“As the first stage nears completion and the neighbourhood comes to life, momentum is only set to grow, and we’re thrilled to see a vibrant new community rising to meet Queenstown’s housing needs.”