Market Stalling or Buying Window? Unemployment Highs vs. Rate Drops (Week in Review)

Send Us A Message! Let us know what you think.Are we finally seeing a turning point for the New Zealand property market in 2026? In Episode 5 of New Zealand Property Insights, Paul and Debbie Roberts unpack the latest data, which shows that the potential oversupply of housing is finally starting to clear.In this episode, Paul and Debbie cover:The February Market Shift: Over 12,200 new listings hit the market in February this year, which is a 7.8% increase year-on-year. Despite this massive surge, total housing stock only grew a modest 1.8%, indicating that homes are actually being sold rather than accumulating.Regional Price Records: Southland recorded an all-time high asking price of $584,786. Meanwhile, Northland's average asking price dropped out of the $800,000 bracket for the first time since June 2025.Property vs. KiwiSaver: According to the latest ASB Investor Confidence Survey, traditional property investment has just been knocked off the top spot as a preferred way to make money. KiwiSaver and managed funds have overtaken both the family home and investment property as top performers in the eyes of investors.  Paul and Debbie explain why the golden rule of "leverage" still gives property investing a massive advantage over the long-term.The "Wear & Tear" Trap: Landlords are seeing a surge of disputes at the Tenancy Tribunal over what constitutes "fair wear and tear" versus intentional damage. Discover how the "betterment" rule and depreciation work—and why a tenant can wreck a five-year-old dishwasher, but the landlord might get zero compensation because its depreciated book value is zero.Whether you are looking to expand your portfolio or just want to ensure your current rentals are protected, this episode provides the factual, evidence-based insights you need.Resource Links: 📅 Free Online Event: Learn how to succeed in any market cycle. Register for the next "How to Succeed with Property Investing" event here: https://www.propertyapprentice.co.nz/auckland-events/🏠 Book a Free Chat: Need to stress-test your strategy? Book a free, no-obligation chat with Paul Roberts: https://www.propertyapprentice.co.nz/free-strategy-call/Support the showDisclaimer: The information provided in this video is for educational purposes only and does not constitute personalized financial advice. We recommend seeking advice from a qualified professional before making any investment decisions.*Property Advice Group Limited trading as Property Apprentice has been granted a FULL Licence with the Financial Markets Authority of New Zealand. (FSP Number: FSP157564) Debbie Roberts | Financial Adviser (FSP221305) For our Public disclosure statement please go to our website or you may request a copy free of charge.

Send Us A Message! Let us know what you think.Is a flat property market your best window of opportunity? In this episode of The Week in Review, Debbie Roberts from Property Apprentice unpacks a fascinating mix of global tension and local opportunity. While Middle East conflicts drive volatility in the share market, the New Zealand property market is presenting one of the best buyer's markets in recent history.We dive into why Auckland just recorded its busiest February for sales in five years, driven by a 9.6% drop in median prices. We also cover Cotality's latest regional data, Tony Alexander's insights on why speculative investors have thrown in the towel, and a radical new proposal on KiwiSaver.Key Topics Covered:Global Market Volatility: Why you shouldn't panic about your KiwiSaver balance, and how property acts as a tangible hedge against inflation.Cotality Regional Update: Auckland flattens out, Wellington City rises, and Invercargill hits a new peak.Auckland Sales Surge: How a drop in prices to $904,000 is drawing buyers back into a market with 15-year-high stock levels.The End of FOMO: Why first-home buyers are dominating the nearly 36,000 homes currently for sale.KiwiSaver 2.0: Reviewing the proposal to lock the withdrawal age at 65 and ramp up employer contributions to 12%.📢 FREE EVENT: How to Succeed with Property Investing Don't cross your fingers and hope for the best. Join our 100% independent, FREE online masterclass to cut through the jargon and learn how to structure your portfolio for success in today's conditions. 👉 Register here: www.propertyapprentice.co.nz#NZProperty #KiwiSaver #FirstHomeSupport the showDisclaimer: The information provided in this video is for educational purposes only and does not constitute personalized financial advice. We recommend seeking advice from a qualified professional before making any investment decisions.*Property Advice Group Limited trading as Property Apprentice has been granted a FULL Licence with the Financial Markets Authority of New Zealand. (FSP Number: FSP157564) Debbie Roberts | Financial Adviser (FSP221305) For our Public disclosure statement please go to our website or you may request a copy free of charge.

Send Us A Message! Let us know what you think.Is a flat property market actually your best window of opportunity? In this episode of The Week in Review, Debbie Roberts from Property Apprentice unpacks a New Zealand market that is finding its feet, but moving at a glacial pace. While the headlines might sound sobering, there are massive opportunities hiding in plain sight if you know where to look.We dive into a shocking report revealing how young women are being left behind on the property ladder, alongside alarming Westpac data showing that 1 in 3 Kiwis currently have less than $500 in savings.Plus, we cover why ANZ economists have downgraded their 2026 house price forecasts to just 2%, why landlords are increasingly anxious about tenant legislation, and the good news about property asking price reductions hitting a two-year low—signalling the ground is finally firming up.Key Topics Covered:Landlord Anxiety: Why lower competition makes this the perfect time to buy.The Gender Property Gap: Breaking down the income and knowledge barriers keeping women out of the market.ANZ's 2026 Forecast: What a flat house price forecast means for your mortgage strategy.The Savings Crisis: The reality of Kiwi savings accounts and KiwiSaver balances.Market Data: Why $40 million wiped from asking prices actually points to a stabilizing market.📢 FREE EVENT: How to Succeed with Property Investing  Join our 100% independent, FREE online masterclass to cut through the jargon and learn how to structure your portfolio for success in today's conditions. 👉 Register here: https://www.propertyapprentice.co.nz🎧 Follow us for weekly updates! Please open your Apple Podcasts or Spotify app right now and hit the follow button!Subscribe to our Apple Podcasts Channel HereSubscribe to our Spotify Channel Here#NZProperty #MortgageRates #RealEstateNews #FirstHomeBuyers #FiSupport the showDisclaimer: The information provided in this video is for educational purposes only and does not constitute personalized financial advice. We recommend seeking advice from a qualified professional before making any investment decisions.*Property Advice Group Limited trading as Property Apprentice has been granted a FULL Licence with the Financial Markets Authority of New Zealand. (FSP Number: FSP157564) Debbie Roberts | Financial Adviser (FSP221305) For our Public disclosure statement please go to our website or you may request a copy free of charge.

Send Us A Message! Let us know what you think.In this episode of New Zealand Property Insights, Paul and Debbie Roberts unpack the stark warnings from the recent New Zealand Economic Forum regarding the future of NZ Superannuation. With an aging population and changing economic data, relying solely on the government for retirement is becoming an increasingly risky strategy.In this episode, Paul and Debbie cover:The Superannuation Squeeze: A breakdown of why the retirement age may need to rise to 72 or 73 for the country to afford the Superannuation Bill. The hosts discuss the dropping dependency ratio and the alarming fact that 40% of Kiwis reach age 65 with little to no private savings.Reserve Bank Outlook & Interest Rates: With the OCR sitting at 2.25%, the Reserve Bank has indicated that mortgage rates may only fall a further 20 to 30 basis points. Paul and Debbie discuss why 70% of borrowers are now choosing to fix their mortgages for at least one year and how to structure loans in a flat-to-rising market.MBIE Landlord Compliance Crackdown: A recent sweep of 53 student rentals in Dunedin resulted in 23 warnings and 12 improvement notices. Discover why taking a planned, preventative approach to maintenance and documenting everything is essential to protect your investment business.Whether listeners are planning for retirement or looking to ensure their rental properties remain compliant, this episode cuts through the noise to provide actionable, factual insights.Resource Links: 📅 Free Online Event: Learn how to succeed in any market cycle. Register for the next "How to Succeed with Property Investing" event here: https://www.propertyapprentice.co.nz/auckland-events/🏠 Book a Free Chat: Need to stress-test a strategy? Book a no-obligation chat with Paul Roberts: https://www.propertyapprentice.co.nz/free-strategy-call/💻 Website: https://www.propertyapprentice.co.nzDisclaimer: This information is general in nature and does not constitute personalised financial advice. Please consult with your own professional advisers before making any investment decisions.Chapter Markers01:51 The Savings Crisis: Why 40% reach 65 with no savings06:37 Topic 2: Reserve Bank Outlook & Interest Rates 08:34 Mortgage Fixing Trends: Why Kiwis are locking in rates 10:37 Is it a good time to buy property right now? 14:28 Topic 3: MBIE Compliance Crackdown on LandlordsSupport the showDisclaimer: The information provided in this video is for educational purposes only and does not constitute personalized financial advice. We recommend seeking advice from a qualified professional before making any investment decisions.*Property Advice Group Limited trading as Property Apprentice has been granted a FULL Licence with the Financial Markets Authority of New Zealand. (FSP Number: FSP157564) Debbie Roberts | Financial Adviser (FSP221305) For our Public disclosure statement please go to our website or you may request a copy free of charge.

Send Us A Message! Let us know what you think.The New Zealand property market is showing signs of life, but the real story lies in the regional data and current mortgage trends. In this episode of New Zealand Property Insights, Paul and Debbie Roberts unpack the new Cotality Decoding 2026 Report and the record-breaking surge in bank switching.In this episode, Paul and Debbie cover:The 2026 Market Outlook: A deep dive into the latest Cotality report. While 71% of respondents expect house prices to rise in 2026, the data reveals a mood of cautious optimism rather than a massive boom. The hosts discuss the significant regional split, contrasting Canterbury's strong confidence against Wellington's lagging market.The Danger of "Free" Advice: Debbie explains why "free" financial plans from property companies are often designed purely to sell commission-based properties. She highlights why securing independent financial advice is crucial to ensure you aren't paying top dollar for an underperforming investment.The Great Bank Switch: In December 2025, a record-breaking $5.8 billion in lending was driven simply by borrowers switching banks to chase cashback deals. Paul and Debbie explore whether these cashbacks actually save money, warning investors about hidden break fees and clawback periods. They also share actionable tips on how to negotiate better rates with your current bank using a mortgage adviser.Whether listeners are looking to refinance or wondering where the property market is heading next, this episode cuts through the noise to provide the facts.Resource Links: 📅 Free Online Event: Learn how to succeed in any market cycle. Register for the next "How to Succeed with Property Investing" event here: https://www.propertyapprentice.co.nz/auckland-events/ 🏠 Book a Free Chat: Need to stress-test a strategy? Click to book a no-obligation chat with Paul Roberts💻 Website: https://www.propertyapprentice.co.nz00:00 Intro Music 00:06 Introduction: Unpacking the Cotality 2026 Report 00:18 Topic 1: The 2026 Market Outlook & "Cautious Optimism" 01:35 Regional Property Split: Why Canterbury is outperforming Wellington 01:54 Interest Rate Reality: Are OCR hikes coming? 04:10 The Danger of "Free" Financial Advice & Sales Pitches 04:52 Strategy: Creating your own capital growth through renovations 05:51 Topic 2: The Great Bank Switch & Record Refinancing 06:47 Who is moving banks? The reality of cashback offers 08:03 Warning: Break fees, clawbacks, and the true cost of switching 08:39 Mortgage Advice: How to negotiate better rates with your bank 10:08 Summary & Next Steps: Free Property Investing EventSupport the showDisclaimer: The information provided in this video is for educational purposes only and does not constitute personalized financial advice. We recommend seeking advice from a qualified professional before making any investment decisions.*Property Advice Group Limited trading as Property Apprentice has been granted a FULL Licence with the Financial Markets Authority of New Zealand. (FSP Number: FSP157564) Debbie Roberts | Financial Adviser (FSP221305) For our Public disclosure statement please go to our website or you may request a copy free of charge.

Send Us A Message! Let us know what you think.Is the property market officially shifting gears?In this episode of The Week in Review, Debbie Roberts unpacks a massive week of contradictory but exciting real estate news. We dive into a sudden surge in tourism and migration that has the broader economy starting to hum, and discuss why the Reserve Bank holding the OCR steady at 2.25% cements a "higher for longer" interest rate environment.We also cover a massive win for first-home buyers as ASB joins the Kāinga Ora 5% deposit scheme with a unique lending advantage, plus a look at why the government just slashed Auckland's long-term housing targets by 400,000 homes.Key Topics Covered:Migration & Tourism: How the late-2025 rebound is setting the stage for a housing revival.First Home Buyers: Why ASB's entry into the 5% deposit scheme—and their acceptance of two boarders' income—could boost your buying power.Interest Rates: What the OCR pause at 2.25% means for your fixed-rate mortgage strategy.Auckland Zoning: The government's U-turn on Plan Change 120 and what it means for character neighbourhoods.Market Data: Cotality's February update showing flat property values and a welcome drop in rents.📢 FREE EVENT: Navigating a recovering market requires careful planning based on data, not headlines. Join our free online masterclass to learn how to structure your portfolio for success. 👉 Register here: https://www.propertyapprentice.co.nzTimestamps: 0:00 - Intro: Economic Rebound & Mixed Signals 0:46 - Migration & Tourism Rebound 1:44 - ASB Joins Kāinga Ora 5% Deposit Scheme 2:50 - OCR Paused at 2.25% 5:10 - Auckland Housing Target Slashed 6:25 - Cotality Feb 2026 Data 8:30 - Final Thoughts & Free EventSupport the showDisclaimer: The information provided in this video is for educational purposes only and does not constitute personalized financial advice. We recommend seeking advice from a qualified professional before making any investment decisions.*Property Advice Group Limited trading as Property Apprentice has been granted a FULL Licence with the Financial Markets Authority of New Zealand. (FSP Number: FSP157564) Debbie Roberts | Financial Adviser (FSP221305) For our Public disclosure statement please go to our website or you may request a copy free of charge.

Send Us A Message! Let us know what you think.The market is shifting gears—are you keeping up?In this week's Week in Review, Debbie Roberts unpacks the signals that matter most to your wallet. We are seeing a stabilizing market with resale profits ticking up, but a surprise surge in borrowers locking in 2-year fixed rates suggests the "floating rate" trend is over.Key Topics Covered:Resale Turnaround: 88% of sellers made a profit in Q4—has the market hit the bottom?Mortgage Trends: Why new lending hit record highs in December and why everyone is fixing for 2 years.Golden Visas: The foreign buyer ban softens on March 6th. We explain the strict $5m+ rules.Jobs & Inflation: Unemployment is up, but wage growth is down. What this means for the OCR.Solar Equity: Why retirees and renters are missing out on the solar boom.📢 FREE EVENT: Navigating a stabilising market requires a different strategy. Join our free online masterclass to learn how to structure your portfolio for 2026. 👉 Register here: https://www.propertyapprentice.co.nzBook a free, no-obligation chat with Paul: https://www.propertyapprentice.co.nz/free-strategy-call/Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro: Market Shifting Gears 0:35 - Resale Profits Stabilise 2:10 - The Surge to 2-Year Fixed Rates 4:05 - Foreign Buyer "Golden Visa" Rules 7:15 - Labor Market & RBNZ Update 9:00 - Solar Power Funding Gaps 11:20 - Final Thoughts & Free EventBuzzsprout Tags: #NZProperty #MortgageRates #RealEstateNews #ForeignBuyers #SolarEnergy #EconomicUpdate #DebbieRoberts #PodcastSupport the showDisclaimer: The information provided in this video is for educational purposes only and does not constitute personalized financial advice. We recommend seeking advice from a qualified professional before making any investment decisions.*Property Advice Group Limited trading as Property Apprentice has been granted a FULL Licence with the Financial Markets Authority of New Zealand. (FSP Number: FSP157564) Debbie Roberts | Financial Adviser (FSP221305) For our Public disclosure statement please go to our website or you may request a copy free of charge.

Send Us A Message! Let us know what you think.Is the property market recovering, or is there a sting in the tail?In this week's Week in Review, Debbie Roberts tackles the contradictory headlines facing Kiwi property buyers. We are seeing a classic tug-of-war: mortgage rates are dropping and first-home buyers are active, but unemployment has hit a 10-year high of 5.4% and the RBNZ is demanding tighter risk rules from banks.Key Topics Covered:Property Values: Why the market dipped in January and the outlook for 2026.Inflation & Rates: How falling interest rates are finally easing the cost of living.Investor Retreat: Why "lazy" investors are selling up, and why that creates opportunity.Jobs Data: Understanding the decade-high unemployment rate and the surprise job growth numbers.Lending Rules: The RBNZ's new warning to banks—will it get harder to borrow money?📢 FREE EVENT: Confused by the mixed signals? Join our free online masterclass to learn how to build a resilient portfolio in 2026. 👉 Register here: https://www.propertyapprentice.co.nz Book a free chat with PaulTimestamps:0:00 - Intro: Good News vs. Bad News 1:32 - Property Market Sluggishness 4:54 - Cost of Living & Mortgage Rates 7:00 - First Home Buyers vs. Investors 10:43 - Unemployment Hits Decade High 13:22 - RBNZ Tightens Risk Rules 16:51 - Final Thoughts & Free Event  #NZPropertyMarket #PropertyInvestment #InterestRates #RBNZ #FirstHomeBuyers #EconomicUpdate #DebbieRoberts #PodcastSupport the showDisclaimer: The information provided in this video is for educational purposes only and does not constitute personalized financial advice. We recommend seeking advice from a qualified professional before making any investment decisions.*Property Advice Group Limited trading as Property Apprentice has been granted a FULL Licence with the Financial Markets Authority of New Zealand. (FSP Number: FSP157564) Debbie Roberts | Financial Adviser (FSP221305) For our Public disclosure statement please go to our website or you may request a copy free of charge.

Send Us A Message! Let us know what you think.The start of 2026 hasn't been as quiet as expected. From new tax proposals that have investors on edge to economic data forcing banks to tear up their interest rate forecasts, there is a lot to unpack.In this episode of New Zealand Property Insights, Paul and Debbie Roberts deep dive into the proposed 28% Capital Gains Tax (CGT), the reality of sticky inflation, and why "resilience" is the new keyword for due diligence.In this episode, Paul and Debbie cover:The 2026 Election Proposal: A breakdown of Labour’s proposed flat 28% tax on investment property profits. Paul and Debbie analyse what this means for portfolios and compare it to Australia’s system (highlighting the lack of an inflation adjustment as a major sticking point).The "Speculator" Myth: Why the narrative around property investors often misses the mark regarding long-term holds versus flipping.The Economic Shift: With annual inflation hitting 3.1% and breaching the Reserve Bank's target band, the hosts discuss why some economists are now predicting OCR hikes as early as late 2026 and the implications for mortgage strategies.Climate Resilience: With insurance premiums rising and flood zones under scrutiny, the episode explains the extra due diligence checks investors need to perform before buying in today's market.Whether listeners are worried about future taxes or navigating the current interest rate environment, this episode cuts through the noise to provide the facts.Resource Links: 📅 Free Online Event: Learn how to succeed in any market cycle. Register for the next "How to Succeed with Property Investing" event here: [Insert Link] 🏠 Book a Free Chat: Need to stress-test a strategy? Book a no-obligation chat with Paul Roberts: [Insert Link] 💻 Website: https://www.propertyapprentice.co.nzDisclaimer: This information is general in nature and does not constitute personalised financial advice. Please consult with your own professional advisers before making any investment decisions.#NZPropertyMarket #CapitalGainsTax #PropertyApprentice #InterestRatesNZ #FinancialFreedom #PropertyInvestment #NZEconomy #DebbieRobertsSupport the showDisclaimer: The information provided in this video is for educational purposes only and does not constitute personalized financial advice. We recommend seeking advice from a qualified professional before making any investment decisions.*Property Advice Group Limited trading as Property Apprentice has been granted a FULL Licence with the Financial Markets Authority of New Zealand. (FSP Number: FSP157564) Debbie Roberts | Financial Adviser (FSP221305) For our Public disclosure statement please go to our website or you may request a copy free of charge.

Send Us A Message! Let us know what you think.Is 2026 a "Goldilocks" year for buyers, or is a rate hike trap set for mid-year?In this week's Week in Review, Debbie Roberts (Property Apprentice) cuts through the contradictory headlines. We explore why major banks are predicting an OCR hike, why insurers are retreating from Westport, and if the "doer-upper" dream is dead.We cover:Interest Rate Warning: Why ASB & ANZ predict a mid-year rise."Goldilocks" Market: Why first-home buyers are winning right now.Insurance Halt: A major insurer freezes new policies in Westport.Forecast Downgrade: ANZ cuts 2026 price growth to 2%.Renovations: Why buyers are ditching DIY for turnkey homes.📢 FREE MASTERCLASS: Don't guess your way through 2026. Join our free online event to learn strategies for this volatile market. 👉 Register here: https://www.propertyapprentice.co.nzTimestamps: 0:00 - Intro: The Market Tug of War 1:05 - Interest Rates: Mid-Year Hike Warning 3:20 - First Home Buyers: "Goldilocks" Conditions 5:45 - Insurance Retreat: Westport Freeze 8:10 - Market Update: ANZ Downgrades Prices 10:30 - The Death of the "Doer-Upper" 13:15 - Free Masterclass InviteDisclaimer: For educational purposes only. Not personalized financial advice.Support the showDisclaimer: The information provided in this video is for educational purposes only and does not constitute personalized financial advice. We recommend seeking advice from a qualified professional before making any investment decisions.*Property Advice Group Limited trading as Property Apprentice has been granted a FULL Licence with the Financial Markets Authority of New Zealand. (FSP Number: FSP157564) Debbie Roberts | Financial Adviser (FSP221305) For our Public disclosure statement please go to our website or you may request a copy free of charge.