Summerset Posts 420 Occupation Rights Sales in Q3 2025
Summerset Group has achieved its highest-ever quarterly sales of occupation rights, driven by strong demand for care-related living options and steady growth beyond major cities.
- Record 420 occupation rights sales in Q3 2025
- 29% of sales were care occupation rights agreements
- Over 52% of new sales outside Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch
- On track for FY25 target of 650-730 home sales
- Progress on new village developments in New Zealand and Australia
Strong Sales Momentum in a Challenging Market
Summerset Group Holdings Limited has reported a landmark quarter, achieving 420 sales of occupation rights in the three months ending September 2025. This total, comprising 244 new sales and 176 resales, marks the company’s highest quarterly sales volume to date. CEO Scott Scoullar highlighted the achievement as a testament to the company’s focused efforts to attract new residents despite a difficult market environment.
Care Segment Growth Drives Sales Mix
A notable feature of the quarter was the strong uptake of Care Occupation Rights Agreements (ORAs), which accounted for 29% of total sales. These agreements, including new sales and conversions of care rooms, offer residents an alternative to daily premium charges and have been warmly received. This shift reflects Summerset’s strategic emphasis on enhancing care profitability and expanding its care services portfolio.
Geographic Diversification Strengthens Portfolio
Summerset’s diverse geographic footprint continues to be a competitive advantage, with over half of new sales originating outside New Zealand’s three largest cities, Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. Villages such as Summerset Boulcott in Lower Hutt, Summerset by the Dunes in Pāpāmoa, and Summerset Palms in Te Awa led sales for the quarter, underscoring the company’s strong regional presence.
Development Pipeline Progresses on Schedule
The company remains on track to meet its full-year forecast of 650 to 730 home sales, supported by ongoing construction and village centre developments. Key projects include village centres at Cambridge in the Waikato region and Cranbourne North in Australia. In Australia, Summerset is advancing its expansion with the commencement of its fourth Victorian village at Oakleigh South, marked by a sod-turning event, and the nearing completion of villas at Chirnside Park, scheduled to welcome residents in the second quarter of 2026.
Outlook and Strategic Implications
Summerset’s ability to sustain sales growth, particularly in the care segment, while progressing its development pipeline across two countries, positions it well for continued expansion. The company’s focus on care ORAs may also signal a broader industry trend towards integrated care living solutions, potentially reshaping retirement village offerings in New Zealand and Australia.
Bottom Line?
Summerset’s record sales and care segment growth set the stage for a pivotal year ahead in retirement living.
Questions in the middle?
- How will care ORA profitability impact Summerset’s overall financial performance?
- What are the risks and timelines associated with the Australian village developments?
- Can Summerset sustain sales momentum amid evolving market conditions and competition?