Katikati and Te Puke are homes to some of the region's most expensive real estate listing with 32 properties expected to fetch more than $1 million.

Of the 61 properties listed for sale in Katikati, 20 are expected to sell for more than $1 million, while 12 of the 69 listings in Te Puke expected to go for a price tag with six figures.

Katikati now commands high residential prices, notably for properties with a lifestyle component, such as this house on a golf course, which is listed by Bayleys Tauranga. Photo: Bayleys.

The million dollar homes are predominately large houses in lifestyle locations with expansive views.

Jan Hodges of Bayleys Tauranga says demand has been driven by Aucklanders looking for a lifestyle change, reports Stuff.

'They can buy a whole lot more for their money in Katikati. It's also a great place to retire to.

'Katikati is full of people who have settled and absolutely love it because of the country feel. But people are not isolated – they have neighbours."

A Katikati property listed by Bayleys typifies the type of property in demand. The 400 square-metre house, which will be auctioned on January 27, sits on the edge of the Fairview Golf Course. It overlooks a small lake and has expansive views back to the Kaimai Mountain range.

Jan says the development appeals, not only because it is attractive, but also because it is safe and secure.

'It's a very beautiful setting, and the house will probably be sold to a keen golfer.”

The warm, sunny climate is also proving a drawcard in Te Puke.

Jenny Ditchfield of Countrywide Real Estate in Te Puke says the market is currently at a peak, reports Stuff.

This extensively renovated Te Puke house, listed by Countrywide Real Estate, is on the outskirts of town. Photo: Countrywide Real Estate.

'It's the highest it has been for a long time. A shortage of listings has helped to push prices up.”

Jenny says Te Puke is also benefiting from the number of Aucklanders heading down to the Bay of Plenty.

'We are slightly cheaper than Tauranga, yet still just 10 minutes from the beach. With the new bypass operating, it's a quick drive to Papamoa and Mount Maunganui. The bypass has also made Te Puke quieter and nicer.”

A property listed by Jenny Ditchfield and Julie Coombes highlights the pricing trend.

The large, two-storey home, which sits on 5286 square metres, is on the outskirts of town, but still in the residential area.

Built in the heyday of the kiwifruit boom, in the 1980s, the house has been extensively renovated and is well suited to a bed-and-breakfast operation.

Jenny says the house is for sale by tender.

- Colleen Hawkes, Stuff.co.nz