This region is poised as one of the country's property darlings.
Its incremental but consistent rises are met with high-fives from those of us climbing the ladder - and disparagement from locals hoping to get a foot on the first rung.
Ownership remains the Kiwi byword for personal prosperity, a key to happiness and national aspiration.
Read more: John Roil: Are we facing housing Armageddon?
Large increase in Hawke's Bay homes selling for over $1 million
QV House Price Index sees Hawke's Bay values increase
Intergenerational renting as a mode of living seems kosher in many places across Europe but it's in stark contrast to the entrenched fascination with mortgages in Gods Own.