2026: A Year to Engage with Confidence
Entering 2026, the Auckland property market feels different. After two years defined by restraint, uncertainty, and delayed decisions, we are beginning to see confidence return, fundamentals stabilise, and long-term buyers and investors re-engage with greater clarity and intent.
While an election year will naturally bring commentary and caution, history reminds us that progress is rarely served by hesitation. New Zealand has always prospered when we look forward rather than sideways, and when we continue to invest thoughtfully and deliberately in our future.
One area generating increasing interest, yet still often misunderstood, is the role of the Active Investor Plus (AIP) visa. Purposefully designed, the AIP does not fuel competition for existing homes. Instead, it channels offshore capital and capability into productive investment that strengthens businesses and development pathways, delivering new housing and supporting broader economic growth.
In Auckland in particular, the constraint is rarely land alone. It is feasibility, funding, and delivery. AIP-backed investment improves balance sheets, unlocks construction finance, and supports developments that might otherwise struggle to proceed. Just as importantly, many AIP migrants bring more than capital. They bring governance experience, commercial acumen, global networks, and a long-term commitment to New Zealand. They establish businesses, create employment, and contribute meaningfully, reinforcing confidence in New Zealand as a place to live, work, and build.
As the year ahead unfolds, we believe the opportunity lies not in waiting for certainty, but in engaging with clarity, perspective, and informed advice. At Goodwins, we remain deeply committed to helping our clients navigate the market with confidence, grounded in local knowledge, long-term thinking, and a clear-eyed view of what truly drives sustainable outcomes.
A personal note as we move through Q1
As we move into the first quarter of the year, we are reminded once again that behind every property and every transaction are real lives unfolding. This weekend, we send our very warmest congratulations to our colleague Monica McFarlane, who travels to Australia to marry her long-time fiancé, Jack.
Moments like these are precious, and they gently ground us in what matters most.
To our clients, thank you for your continued trust and partnership. To our team, thank you for the care, professionalism, and quiet commitment you bring to your work every day. We look forward to supporting you through 2026 with clarity, perspective, and a steady focus on long-term outcomes.
