Real Estate Today - New Zealand

18/04/2026

LJ Ho**er has welcomed changes to methamphetamine regulations, describing them as a positive step forward in providing much-needed clarity and consistency for the rental sector.

New rules under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 will come into effect today (16 April 2026), introducing clear thresholds and processes for managing methamphetamine contamination in rental properties.

LJ Ho**er Head of Operations NZ Allaine Burkett said the changes will help remove long-standing uncertainty for landlords and property managers.

“This is a welcome and practical update for our industry,” Burkett said. “For many years, methamphetamine contamination has been an area where guidance has not always been clear or consistent.

These new regulations provide defined thresholds and processes, which will support more confident and informed decision-making.”

LJ Ho**er has welcomed changes to methamphetamine regulations, describing them as a positive step forward in providing much-needed clarity and consistency for the rental sector.

18/04/2026

The New Zealand real estate sector is observing a notable shift in the operational strategies defining agent success.

The emphasis is moving from sheer volume of activity to the strategic application of resources and technology.

This evolution suggests that future market leaders will be distinguished by their intelligent application of systems, rather than simply their capacity for extended work hours.

Historically, the industry often equated continuous engagement, such as constant phone availability and extensive weekend hours, with professional achievement.

However, current market dynamics and consumer expectations are driving a demand for more refined and efficient service delivery.

Agents are now contending with increased requirements for rapid communication, sophisticated marketing, and streamlined transaction processes from initial enquiry through to settlement.

The New Zealand real estate sector is observing a notable shift in the operational strategies defining agent success. The emphasis is moving from sheer volume of activity to the strategic application of resources and technology. This evolution suggests that future market leaders will be distinguishe...

18/04/2026

In many offices, the conversation around growth starts with the same question.

How do we get more listings?

But listings are rarely the first battle. Appraisals are.

Before the signboard goes up, before the campaign launches and before the sold sticker appears online, there is a quieter contest taking place every day across Australia. The fight to win the opportunity to sit at the kitchen table in the first place.

The agents growing fastest in 2026 are not leaving that to chance. They are building deliberate systems that create more appraisal conversations, more often.

Here are seven ways smart operators are doing it.

https://www.realestatetodaynewzealand.com/post/7-ways-agents-can-win-more-appraisals-in-2026

24/03/2026

New Partnership set to drive growth at Ray White Bays Offices.

Ray White Mission Bay is entering a new chapter, with Ray White Eastern Group business owner Anton Huang joining forces with business owner Wayne Maguire.

Ray White Eastern Group comprises offices in Howick, Botany Town Centre, Flat Bush, Half Moon Bay, Pakuranga and Beachlands; while Ray White Mission Bay includes Kohimarama and St Heliers.

The collaboration brings together two experienced leaders in Auckland’s eastern suburbs, linking Ray White’s strong presence across east Auckland with the highly regarded offices in the central eastern bays.

Ray White Mission Bay is entering a new chapter, with Ray White Eastern Group business owner Anton Huang joining forces with business owner Wayne Maguire.

24/03/2026

Rental Affordability Eases Nationally, But Regional Divides Persist, New Report Shows.

A new regional rental affordability report released by Property Brokerskers and property research firm The Property Knowledge shows signs of improving rental affordability across New Zealand but warns that significant regional disparities remain.

The latest Regional Rental Affordability Index reveals the share of income spent on rent nationally has eased from 39 percent to 35 percent over the past year, reflecting a modest improvement for tenants.

However, the report highlights that housing pressures remain unevenly distributed across the country, with several regions still experiencing acute affordability challenges.

Professor Graham Squires, Director of The Property Knowledge and lead researcher for the report, says the national improvement masks deeper structural differences between regional economies.

“Rental affordability across New Zealand continues to shift in ways that reveal deeper structural dynamics in both regional labour markets and housing supply,” Squires said.

“What stands out in this latest cycle is the broad, if modest, easing in rental pressure, with the national share of income spent on rent falling from 39 percent to 35 percent over the year.”

However, he said the improvement has not been felt equally across the country.

“Regions such as Gisborne, Northland and Hawke’s Bay remain under acute affordability strain, with households still allocating more than 40 percent of earnings to rent, even after year-on-year reductions,” Squires said.

At the other end of the spectrum, regions such as Southland and the West Coast continue to show the strongest rental affordability, reflecting both lower rental levels and more stable local labour markets.

The report also highlights that rental trends are increasingly being influenced by underlying economic conditions such as regional wages, industry composition, and demographic changes.

David Faulkner, General Manager of Property Management at Property Brokers, said the findings reinforce the importance of understanding local market dynamics when managing rental portfolios.

“From a management perspective, this latest update shows a rental market that is stabilising but still demanding close attention,” Faulkner said.

“The national improvement in affordability is welcome, yet the real story lies in how differently regions are tracking. Some markets, like Wellington, are showing early signs of renewed rental momentum after a quieter period, while others continue to feel the weight of constrained local economies.”

The report notes that Wellington saw rental activity begin to strengthen again toward the end of 2025, suggesting the capital may be entering a new phase of market recovery after a softer period.

Faulkner said property managers are increasingly having to consider the broader economic environment affecting tenants.

“What stands out operationally is the interplay between rents and earnings. Even where rents have softened, wage patterns, especially the pronounced gender and age-based earnings gaps, continue to shape tenant capacity and behaviour,” he said.

The research also highlights significant income disparities across regions and demographics. Data shows earnings differences persist between genders across every region, with some of the largest wage gaps appearing in smaller labour markets where employment opportunities are less diverse.

Professor Squires said these economic patterns ultimately influence how housing markets evolve.
“The persistent gender and age-related earnings gaps, particularly in smaller regions, underscore that affordability is not simply a housing story but a labour market one,” he said.

“As these disparities compound over time, they shape who can access which regions, and ultimately how regional housing markets evolve.”

The report also identifies seasonal and structural influences on earnings patterns across the country. For example, a dip in earnings during September 2025 was likely driven by temporary slowdowns in industries such as construction, agriculture and tourism as they transition between seasonal cycles.

Despite these complexities, Faulkner says the broader trend suggests the rental market is gradually adjusting following several years of intense pressure.

“The convergence of rents across regions suggests a more competitive national market. Property managers will need to adapt quickly as affordability pressures shift and tenant expectations evolve,” he said.

The Regional Rental Report is produced by Property Brokers in partnership with The Property Knowledge and provides insights into rental affordability, wage trends and regional housing dynamics across New Zealand.

https://www.realestatetodaynewzealand.com/post/rental-affordability-eases-nationally-but-regional-divides-persist-new-report-shows

24/03/2026

Building Liveable Cities, Why Green Space and Parking Still Matter.

New Zealand’s cities are changing quickly. Higher density housing, planning reform and changing household needs are reshaping the way many suburbs look and function. But as that happens, we need to keep asking a simple question, are we creating places that people actually want to live in?

LJ Ho**er Head of Research Mathew Tiller said liveability should not be judged by housing numbers alone.

“A liveable city is not just about squeezing more homes into a suburb. It is about whether people can move around easily, enjoy where they live, access the services they need and feel safe and comfortable in their neighbourhood,” Tiller said.

New Zealand’s housing shortage and affordability pressures also need to remain front of mind. The country’s largest cities need more homes, and that will require greater density in the right locations. The challenge is not whether we build more, it is whether we do it in a way that also protects liveability. More housing and better urban design should not be seen as competing goals, they need to work together.

What makes a city liveable?
Liveable cities are places where people can:

* Move around safely and easily
* Access work, education and essential services
* Enjoy outdoor space and a sense of community
* Balance convenience with quality of life

Liveability comes down to how a place works for people in everyday life.

“It is about the day-to-day experience of living in a suburb. Can parents walk safely with their children? Do streets feel open and functional rather than congested? Do people have enough space to relax and enjoy where they live?” Tiller said.

Urban design plays a big role in delivering these outcomes, particularly when it comes to green space, transport access and practical neighbourhood design.

The value of gardens and green space.

LJ Ho**er research released last year revealed a clear consumer preference: two-thirds of New Zealanders would not consider buying a home without a lawn or garden.

This finding underscores how important private outdoor space remains to households.

“The desire for a garden has not disappeared. Even as cities grow upward and inward, most New Zealanders still value having their own piece of outdoor space, whether that is for children, pets, entertaining or simply wellbeing,” Tiller said.

Beyond lifestyle, green space delivers measurable benefits:

* Urban cooling and heat mitigation
* Stormwater absorption
* Improved mental wellbeing
* Biodiversity support

Private gardens have historically made up a substantial share of urban green coverage. As sections shrink and site coverage increases, that contribution declines.

https://www.realestatetodaynewzealand.com/post/building-liveable-cities-why-green-space-and-parking-still-matter

08/02/2026

Real Estate Today today announces the winners of the 2026 Trailblazer Awards, recognising the individuals, businesses and networks making a measurable impact across the real estate industry in Australia and New Zealand.

The Trailblazer Awards were created to move away from traditional popularity-based awards and instead recognise genuine contribution, ex*****on and leadership.

This year’s program used AI-led judging as the primary evaluation panel, applying consistent scoring across all submissions, supported by editorial oversight for governance and category alignment.

Every finalist scored 87 percent or higher.

In several categories, the difference between winner and runner-up was as little as half a percent, reflecting just how strong the overall field was.

Real Estate Today Founder Nic Fren said the intent was simple.

These awards were designed to remove politics and popularity from the process.

Every submission was assessed against published criteria by advanced artificial intelligence, focusing on real-world outcomes, leadership credibility, ex*****on quality and sustained industry contribution. Human oversight ensured integrity, but the scoring itself was AI-driven.

If you entered, you were judged fairly. If you won, you earned it. And if you did not take out a category, your work still stood at an exceptionally high level.

The 2026 Trailblazer Awards set a new benchmark for industry recognition, prioritising substance over spectacle and contribution over perception.

Real Estate Today congratulates all winners and finalists and thanks every entrant who trusted this new model and put themselves forward.

Real Estate Today today announces the winners of the 2026 Trailblazer Awards, recognising the individuals, businesses and networks making a measurable impact across the real estate industry in Australia and New Zealand. The Trailblazer Awards were created to move away from traditional popularity-bas...

07/01/2026

Rent Roll Mastery Enters New Zealand as Property Management Faces a Structural Reckoning.

New Zealand’s property management sector is approaching a structural reckoning. As regulatory pressure increases and professional expectations rise, the industry is being forced to confront a reality many have long deferred, that scale alone is no longer a sufficient measure of success.

It is against this backdrop that Rent Roll Mastery has formally entered the New Zealand market.

In a recent discussion with Real Estate Today founder Nic Fren, Rent Roll Mastery founder Aaron Emery outlined why the decision to expand now was both deliberate and necessary, and why the next phase of property management will be defined by discipline, not volume.

Emery brings more than two decades of experience in Australian property management and has completed over 270 operational, compliance and due-diligence audits across Australasia.

He says the decision to launch locally followed more than a year of close engagement with New Zealand agency owners, proptech providers and industry leaders.

What emerged, he explained, was a sector rich in capability and intent, but increasingly exposed by fragmented systems, inconsistent documentation and limited visibility over true commercial performance.

New Zealand’s property management landscape is changing rapidly. Tenancy reform, Healthy Homes standards and the broader movement toward professional regulation are raising the bar on compliance, accountability and governance.

According to Emery, many agencies are discovering that long-standing processes are no longer fit for purpose.

New Zealand’s property management sector is approaching a structural reckoning. As regulatory pressure increases and professional expectations rise, the industry is being forced to confront a reality many have long deferred, that scale alone is no longer a sufficient measure of success.

07/01/2026

As the year begins, perhaps the most powerful leadership question is not What more can I do?

But What can I simplify — for myself and for others?

In 2026, that may be the most valuable leadership skill of all.

January has a particular energy. After the intensity of December, the industry exhales. Inboxes quieten. The pace softens. Minds clear. It is one of the few moments in the year when reflection feels natural rather than forced.

27/11/2025

THE TRAILBLAZER AWARD SUBMISSIONS CLOSE TONIGHT AT 7PM.

MAKE SURE YOU HAVE SUBMITTED YOUR ENTRY TO BE IN THE RUNNING.

WHAT ARE THE RET TRAILBLAZER AWARDS?

The countdown is officially on. Nominations for the Trailblazers of 2025 close at 7.00pm TONIGHT and this is the final call for professionals across the New Zealand real estate industry to put themselves forward.

If you have been leading change, driving results, or quietly redefining what is possible inside your business, this is your moment to step into the spotlight.

The Trailblazers of 2025 celebrates the innovators, leaders, and emerging talent shaping the future of our industry across sales, leadership, marketing, property management, operations, and administration.

Every submission is evaluated using our AI-assisted judging framework, ensuring a completely level playing field. No politics, no bias, no popularity contests, just genuine merit and measurable impact.

Winners from each country will go on to represent their nation at the RET Global Awards, standing alongside the world’s most influential real estate professionals.

Whether you are running an office, supporting a team, managing portfolios, driving marketing innovation, or creating new industry standards, this is your opportunity to be recognised on a global stage.

Submissions close strictly toinght at 7.00pm. If you are planning to enter, now is the time.

https://www.bespokemediamanagement.com/about-9

21/11/2025

New Zealand has postponed changes to its foreign home-buyer rules, delaying legislation that would allow holders of the Active Investor Visa Plus (AIP) to purchase or build homes valued at more than NZ $5 million (about US $2.8 million).

The Bill, now at its second reading in Parliament, will not progress to final passage until the first half of 2026, pushing decisions for prospective buyers and sellers into the new year and breaking earlier political assurances that the law would be finalised this year.

If passed, the reform would permit AIP visa holders to acquire or construct a single home worth NZ $5 million or more in addition to the required AIP investment, which remains at a minimum of NZ $5 million. Since 2018, only citizens, tax residents, and Australians or Singaporeans have been able to buy residential property freely, and until the Bill becomes law that status quo remains.

Local media estimate that there are just under 10 000 properties nationwide valued above NZ $5 million, about 7 000 of which are ready to live in, with most located in Auckland and Queenstown Lakes. Sales at that level make up roughly 0.2 per cent of annual transactions.

Industry professionals say the delay leaves the market steady but signals an eventual opening at the ultra-premium end.

Mischa Mannix-Opie, Director of Client Experience at Greener Pastures New Zealand, described the reform as “a meaningful signal” that restores visibility for ultra-wealthy families considering residency.

She said most serious AIP investors choose New Zealand for lifestyle, safety and long-term stability, not speculative property gains.

“The ability to buy a NZ $5 million-plus home simply rounds out the AIP offering – long-term residency plus a place to live – but it’s unlikely to affect affordability,” she said.

James Hall, Director of ANZ Migrate, agreed that the practical impact will be minimal.

He noted that AIP holders already living in New Zealand can buy property under current settings, so the exemption mainly applies to offshore applicants. “It will draw attention but, in reality, it’s mostly noise,” he said.

For the luxury market, the deferral keeps high-net-worth buyers and their advisers waiting until mid-2026 to see whether the change is ratified. But for now, the message from Wellington is unchanged – foreign access to New Zealand’s housing market will remain tightly controlled, even at the very top end.

New Zealand has postponed changes to its foreign home-buyer rules, delaying legislation that would allow holders of the Active Investor Visa Plus (AIP) to purchase or build homes valued at more than NZ $5 million (about US $2.8 million).