Top Trade Me Properties of 2023 revealed

A converted church, a home with a private lava cave, and an Ōrākei mansion have been named Trade Me’s most popular property listings of 2023.

Trade Me Property spokesperson Casey Wylde said Kiwi are a property-obsessed bunch. “Every year we see some spectacular properties listed onsite, with a few really special ones taking the top spots as our most viewed properties of the year. It's not just houses, there is something for everyone on the 2023 list; whether it be a house, a church, or even an old power station.

“Taking it home, our number one listing with 90,621 views was St Gerard's Church in Pōneke. Perhaps the capital's most iconic building with some of the best views, the Category One heritage site boasts sweeping views across the harbour, perched above Oriental Bay at the foot of Mount Victoria.”

Ms Wylde said a slice of paradise in Northland followed in second place with 68,768 views and counting. “This breathtaking piece of real estate is a private peninsula with a mindblowing 10 hectares of land. The house is virtually all glass, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. You might even spot Great Barrier Island on a good day.”

In third place was a chateau fit for a star in Auckland's Titirangi. “With some of the best views in all of Tāmaki Makaurau across both the Waitematā and Manukau harbours, it's no surprise that this lavish home sold for almost $3M. Surrounded by bush in the Waitākere ranges, the privacy here is second to none.

Ms Wylde said the house is perfect for entertaining. “The huge open-plan living space is the centrepiece of this property. With no less than 320m2 of floor space, there's plenty of room to host whānau and friends.”

The seller is said to be a Grammy Award-winning songwriter and producer, so naturally this home features a hidden soundproof music room where no doubt multiple hits have been penned.”

“Converted buildings were a hit this year, with two old churches, a fire station and a power station all repurposed into homes making the top 10 list in 2023. It's clear that Kiwi love to see beautiful historic buildings finding a new lease on life.

Along with the quirky, we saw some luxury on this year's list. In fifth place was a stunning home in Porirua, north of Wellington, featuring a tree-lined driveway, a skylight-lined hallway, an indoor pool, and views across the Porirua Harbour. The new owners of this home will truly feel like they're at a resort retreat,” said Wylde

“Extravagance always finds its way into our top ten. A stunning mansion on one of Auckland's most esteemed streets came in at number six with 65,557 views. The epitome of opulence, the Paritai Drive residence features the finest marble walls and floors, a grand spiral staircase and of course, a fountain,” Wylde added.

The luxury doesn't stop there, this house is equipped with state-of-the-art smart home features including automated lighting, locks, climate control, irrigation and security.

This magnificent double skinned brick church features beautiful stained glass windows and a soaring cathedral ceiling, as described in the listing.