Summerset Group Holdings Limited (ASX: SNZ) today announced its occupation right sales metrics for the third quarter ended 30 September 2026. The company, a prominent operator and developer of retirement villages with extensive operations across New Zealand and a growing presence in Victoria, Australia, reported 415 occupation right sales for Q3 2026, comprising 175 new sales and 240 resales. Year-to-date total sales reached 1,228, marking a 10% increase over the first nine months of FY25, with resales demonstrating a notable 27% rise.
Chief Executive Scott Scoullar highlighted the robust performance in resales, noting 240 resales in Q3, a 36% increase from Q3 2025 and an improvement on the 227 resales in Q2 2026. Mr Scoullar noted the Canterbury region as a standout, contributing 63 sales in Q3, up from 37 in the prior quarter, and representing 15% of total sales. While new sales for Q3 were down compared to Q3 2025, Mr Scoullar attributed this to broader economic uncertainty stemming from the Middle East conflict, causing prospective residents to delay selling their homes.
Despite the initial hesitancy, Summerset reported an encouraging improvement in sales activity since June, observing good enquiry and buyer interest in newer villages. The recent increase in the Deferred Management Fee (DMF) to 30% has not resulted in a material change in contracting rates, indicating it aligns with comparable offerings and has not significantly deterred prospective residents. Looking ahead, Mr Scoullar expressed confidence in sales rates for the remainder of 2026, citing strong demand and a solid pipeline of potential contracts, although acknowledging that settlement timing remains influenced by the broader housing market.
