As winter settles in, so too does a more measured market environment—one that’s prompting many of us in real estate to pause and take stock.
Recent migration data paints a quieter picture than we’ve seen in years, with net gains falling sharply from record highs. Demand in the rental sector has softened, and many landlords are now competing for tenants in ways we haven’t seen for some time. Rent increases are moderating, while key costs—such as insurance, rates, and maintenance—continue to rise. Understandably, more investors are reassessing their long-term strategies.
Adding to this landscape, 1 July marks the final compliance deadline for all rental properties in New Zealand to meet healthy homes standards. While many of our clients have steadily worked towards these requirements, I’d like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank those who have successfully navigated the final push. We know these efforts will yield long-term gains.
If you know of landlords still uncertain about their property’s compliance or documentation, our team at Goodwins stands ready to assist—ensuring properties are not only compliant but positioned to perform.
On the sales side, listings are the highest they’ve been in a decade, giving buyers more choice and stronger negotiating power. But despite a drop in mortgage rates, buyer activity remains cautious, with job security top-of-mind for many and no real sense of urgency driving decisions.
That said, I remain optimistic. The fundamentals of property investment in Auckland—and New Zealand more broadly—are still solid. This period of market rebalancing is not without its challenges, but it’s also creating space: for first-home buyers to enter, for tenants to secure better housing, and for professionals like us to demonstrate real value through excellent advice and service.
At Goodwins, our focus remains firmly on supporting our clients with confidence and clarity—through changing seasons, and into the future.
