Articles tagged with 'landlords'
Emotional harm award to tenant after power and water cut off
11 December 2023 - A North Shore landlord has to pay a tenant $4,000 for emotional harm, despite claiming the Tenancy Tribunal did not have jurisdiction to hear any claims because the tenant was a boarder.
Private landlords should be included in bill – Property Brokers
4 December 2023 - A big year is ahead for the property management industry.
Fire leaves landlord thousands of dollars out of pocket
16 November 2023 - A tenant in New Zealand on a fixed term visa appears to have fled the country after setting fire to the house he was renting.
World of pain coming and landlords give up
24 May 2023 - Too many good landlords are getting out of housing market, says Tim Kearins, Century 21 boss.
The questions landlords rarely ask
22 May 2023 - As a property owner, it's important to ensure that your investment is managed efficiently and effectively.
More landlords than ever thinking of selling
24 March 2023 - The number of investors who are likely to sell their properties has risen to a staggering 34.5% over the past two years, a new survey of landlords shows.
Doing repairs and renovations the right way
14 March 2023 - Tenancy Services has reminded landlords to use licensed builders, electrical workers, plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers when have repairs or renovations carried out.
Questions to consider before becoming a landlord
8 March 2023 - Although the property investment market is in the doldrums potential landlords are still eyeing up houses, apartments and units to buy.
Compensation bid fails for landlord falsely accused of using drugs
7 March 2023 - A landlord falsely accused by her tenant of being a drug user has failed in a bid for $2,000 in damages.
The benefits of regular home inspections
21 February 2023 - Regular rental property inspections are beneficial for both landlords and tenants, says rental management agency Crockers.
Tribunal decisions interfering with landlords rents
12 January 2023 - A recent newspaper article revealing the Tenancy Tribunal had ordered a landlord to lower the rent on their property is worrying evidence of unnecessary interference and must be stopped, says Salesh Chand, a partner at property accountancy firm GRA.
Investor tax burden already affecting rental property
10 January 2023 - The removal of mortgage interest as a tax deductible expense for property investors with older existing property is already starting to affect rental property.
Cash is king for underground landlords
28 November 2022 - Landlords taking rent in cash and not declaring it as income is becoming a growing problem.
Avoiding digital and broadband disputes
1 November 2022 - Landlords and tenants can get confused about digital facilities in a rental, which can cause unwanted friction.
How to easily increase weekly rents
26 October 2022 - The number of landlords planning to raise rents is creeping up.
How costs compare between different landlords
19 October 2022 - The Property Investors’ Federation has laid out the costs of different kinds of rentals.
What landlords should be doing when rents are falling and tenants are in control
18 October 2022 - Landlords need to be prepared – for basically anything – at a time when the market has turned in favour of tenants, some rents are falling and in some areas rentals are staying on the market for longer.
Empty home owners not willing to become landlords
3 October 2022 - A plan to fill so called ‘ghost homes’ has been scrapped by the Government after it paid for a $500,000 trial and investigation by Wise Group.
Vile abuse leads to big compensation awards
31 August 2022 - A Christchurch landlord, with 18 years’ experience, who called her tenant a “mongrel, loser, tattooed scum, stupid girl” and accused her of being a “prostitute” and “doing drugs” has been given an $8,810.44 short shrift by the Tenancy Tribunal.
Tax exemption discriminates against ordinary landlords
15 August 2022 - Giving build-to-rent developers an exemption from the Government’s tax rules removing interest costs as a tax deduction discriminates against ‘mum and dad’ investors, says the Property Investors Federation.
Landlords should be focusing on higher yields
13 June 2022 - Over the next few years, capital gains will be harder to come by for property investors, which means the “nuts and bolts” of being a landlord are likely to become more important.
Illegal car removals costs landlord thousands of dollars
24 May 2022 - A Hamilton tenant who claimed his landlord removed two ‘classic Japanese’ cars from his rented home without his knowledge or permission has been awarded $1500 compensation and $2000 in exemplary damages.
Landlord tax could breach tax principles
2 May 2022 - The Government’s changes to property investors’ interest deductibility might already have breached Revenue Minister David Parker’s Tax Principles Act he wants made law.
DIY landlords to escape regulations noose
1 April 2022 - Private landlords will not be included in the Government’s new legislation regulating property managers, despite intense lobbying from the sector.
Tribunal: Anti-social behaviour – tenancy terminated
25 October 2021 - A tenant who cut the Sky cable, removed fuses from the fuse box and put them back incorrectly, and tagged items on the premises has had his periodic tenancy terminated.
Commercial: Proposed legislation shoots tenants in foot
8 October 2021 - Commercial landlords could provide less rent relief to vulnerable tenants if the Government presses ahead with changes to the Property Law Act – forcing them to offer rent relief to all tenants during lockdowns whether they need it or not.
New tax rules: What investors need to know
5 October 2021 - Although the Government has outlined details of the new legislation regarding the phasing out of property investors’ interest deductions, the new bill also has other effects for property investors.
Tribunal: Black mould leads to substantial compensation order
25 August 2021 - Kāinga Ora has been before the tenancy tribunal following a tenant and her family suffering numerous health issues caused by mould at the property.
Landlords given latitude over family violence and assaults
5 August 2021 - Regulations being developed around family violence and assaults on landlords will result in short termination notices.
Tribunal: Tenants’ bond ‘kept in a tin’
30 July 2021 - A $280 bond “kept in a tin” for a decade was evidence in a Dunedin Tenancy Tribunal hearing resulting in $15,900 being awarded to the tenants.
Claim against Bond Centre thrown out
28 June 2021 - The Tenancy Tribunal has tossed out a Wellington landlord’s claim the Bond Centre “did not do its job”.
Tech and the real estate trajectory
24 June 2021 - The ongoing expansion and innovation of the technology sector across Asia Pacific (APAC) is fuelling new possibilities for tenants and owners alike a new report from Colliers International reveals.
Debt-to-income limits move closer
16 June 2021 - Debt-to-income limits on lending have moved a step closer to reality after the Reserve Bank added debt serviceability restrictions to its policy toolkit.
Healthy Homes deadline fast approaching
11 June 2021 - Boarding house landlords have been reminded by the Tenancy Tribunal they have to meet the next lot of Healthy Homes standards by July 1.
More policing of landlords ‘total waste of money’
24 May 2021 - Some of the $80 million to be spent over the next four years to police Healthy Homes standards, fix the bond centre and fund RTA disputes could be better spent, says the Property Investors Federation.
Top tips for riding out the tax change storm
18 May 2021 - Property accountancy company GRA has come up with a number of suggestions for landlords affected by the Government’s new tax rules.
Investors – up and down
3 May 2021 - About 63% of property investors – about 182,219 taxpayers – have an average profit of $14,000 a year, but those who have substantial debt – abut 107,530 taxpayers – have losses of about $9,000 a year.
Landlord polls: Rents will lift, sales will be low
9 April 2021 - Three recent landlord polls show the majority are going to lift rents in response to the Government’s decision to scrap mortgage interest deductibility against income.
Landlords feeling the heat – Government won’t care
6 April 2021 - A property investor survey by independent economist Tony Alexander shows people generally support the Government’s housing goals but overwhelmingly oppose the means it has chosen to achieve them.
Cash will be king for property investors
6 April 2021 - Cashed up investors along with owner occupiers will now be the ones determining house prices, says Westpac economist Satish Ranchhod.
Persistent failure to lodge bonds: First ever court case
30 March 2021 - A Tauranga landlord has been taken to court for breaching a restraining order in relation to repeatedly failing to lodge bonds in the first case of its type in New Zealand.
Housing market on war footing
29 March 2021 - The Government is staking its political credibility on its war against soaring house prices, says BNZ chief economist Stephen Toplis.
The year for property politicking
25 March 2021 - Political pressure on the Government to “do something” about the housing market means 2021 will be remembered as the “year of property politics”, says CoreLogic senior economist Kelvin Davidson.
Policy ‘not rooted in reality’
23 March 2021 - NZPIF president Andrew King says he is astounded the Government has not done any work on the fiscal reality of its policy scrapping tax deductibility on landlord mortgages.
Tenant’s hardship brings up legal issues
19 March 2021 - A Wellington tenant’s financial difficulties during the Covid-19 lockdowns has led to the Tenancy Tribunal considering legal issues around early lease terminations.
Tenancy terminated after house empty for a year
18 March 2021 - A Wellington state house tenant who tried to hang on to her rented home for a year, while out of the country, with no fixed return date, has been forced to give up the lease.
Better research wanted for privacy probe into landlords
16 March 2021 - Residential tenants are being asked to spill the beans on what information landlords are requiring before renting them a property.
Harassment ends with substantial damages award
16 March 2021 - A Wellington landlord has been ordered to pay $1,000 in exemplary damages for harassing a tenant.
Tribunal divvies up blame in maintenance ruling
6 November 2020 - New Zealand’s aging housing stock and tradition of informal landlord-tenant relationships have the potential for complex disputes where fault lies with both parties – as illustrated by a recent Tenancy Tribunal ruling.
COMMENT: The importance of correct structuring
5 November 2020 - Structuring the ownership of a property portfolio is rarely the first – or even the second - thought for new investors. But it should be, argues property accountant Anthony Appleton-Tattersall*.
Strong market attracting investors
4 November 2020 - There has been a jump in investor demand and activity over the last month, according to the latest REINZ/Tony Alexander survey of real estate agents.
Auckland’s average price now $1million plus
4 November 2020 - New Zealand’s biggest market is booming with Barfoot & Thompson’s latest data revealing that Auckland’s average residential property price is over the $1 million mark for the first time.
SuperCity property attracting overseas interest
2 November 2020 - International interest in Auckland property has increased recently and that could have helped the region’s average asking price hit a record high in Realestate.co.nz’s latest data.
Most expensive rental region a surprise
30 October 2020 - Think that rents in the Super City or the Capital are the highest in the country? Well, you’d be wrong. It’s Porirua which is the costliest district to rent in.
Dunedin in demand
29 October 2020 - A supply and demand imbalance together with improved housing stock mean Dunedin’s values are on the rise, writes Joanna Jefferies.
Education for landlords by landlords
23 October 2020 - Self-managing landlords are signing up in droves for the NZ Property Investors Federation’s new education programme which aims to help landlords run their properties like professionals.
Something’s gotta give on prices
16 October 2020 - House prices are on a relentless march upwards and BNZ is warning that “over-zealous investors” could push them to non-sustainable levels.
LVR limits will return for investors
16 October 2020 - The odds of LVR restrictions returning for investors next year are "fairly high" due to the strength of the residential property market, according to economist Tony Alexander.
Market correction? Don’t hold your breath.
14 October 2020 - The economic fallout from Covid-19 was supposed to lead to a housing market correction. It hasn’t – and now ASB says prices are only going to keep climbing.
Sales, prices skyrocket in defiant market
13 October 2020 - It’s official: New Zealand’s housing market is going crazy – and the skyrocketing prices have left economists revising their forecasts and worried it heralds a new bubble.
Investment in Auckland’s CBD will survive
12 October 2020 - Commercial property investors are not going to abandon Auckland’s CBD in the wake of the Covid-19 lockdowns, according to a specialist property financier.
No sign of investor exodus
8 October 2020 - It looks as though residential landlords are not exiting the market in droves as a result of the Government’s tenancy law reforms and other investor-focused policy changes.
Tenancy reforms, tax changes would go under National
5 October 2020 - Getting rid of the Government’s tenancy law reforms and tax changes that impact on rental property owners are a key feature of the National Party’s new housing policy.
Big damage pay-out awarded to landlord
5 October 2020 - Tenant liability for damage has long been a fraught issue but a new Tenancy Tribunal case shows that damage rulings can sometimes favour a landlord.
Labour plans to regulate property managers
2 October 2020 - Property managers will be regulated and subject to a Code of Conduct to ensure they meet professional standards if the Labour Party returns to power after the election.
Values on the rise again - CoreLogic
1 October 2020 - Growth in property values stalled after the first lockdown – but that’s changing with signs of growth emerging in markets nationwide once again.
Wairarapa on the move
30 September 2020 - A tight rental market and low sales stock mean Wairarapa’s property market is on the up, writes Joanna Jefferies.
Adapting to commercial’s new normal
29 September 2020 - Economic headwinds may be threatening the commercial property sector but one property fund manager is opening a new offer on the back of a year that has been successful, despite Covid-19.
Healthy Homes standards: to back or to scrap?
28 September 2020 - Landlords are divided over Barfoot & Thompson’s recent call to the National Party to hold fire on their plans to overturn the Healthy Homes standards if elected.
Southland is tops for investors
25 September 2020 - It seems you can’t just beat Southland for high performing investment properties, with the region coming up trumps yet again in a new REINZ report.
New renters' guide for tenants
23 September 2020 - Far too many tenants are not aware of their obligations around their rental property so a new guide aims to spell out what they need to know and do.
Growth halts for Capital rents
22 September 2020 - Wellington rents – which have long seen the strongest growth in the country – stalled in August for the first time in five years, new Trade Me Property data reveals.
Call for rent caps after freeze ends
21 September 2020 - Rents are set to go up for many as the Covid-19 prompted freeze on rent increases comes to an end later this week, but tenant advocates are now calling for rents to be capped.
Ex-partner’s behaviour not a tenancy breach
15 September 2020 - Tenant responsibility for the behaviour of other people on the premises can have limits depending on the circumstances, a new Tenancy Tribunal ruling indicates.
COMMENT: Furore over Healthy Homes story misleading
8 September 2020 - Never let the truth get in the way of a good story. It’s a tried and tested adage – and it’s one the NZ Property Investors Federation president felt the brunt of yesterday, muses NZ Property Investor editor Miriam Bell.
Where are properties selling most above CVs?
4 September 2020 - Auckland’s residential property prices might be on the rise again, but it’s actually the region where properties are currently selling closest to their CV*.
COMMENT: Don’t miss your $5,000 deductions!
3 September 2020 - Residential landlords, take note: the clock is ticking on the Covid-19 related increase to the low value asset write-off threshold, writes property accountant Anthony Appleton-Tattersall.*
Super City powers through lockdown 2.0
2 September 2020 - Lockdown 2.0? What lockdown? Auckland’s residential property market sailed through the level three restrictions, according to the city’s largest real estate agency.
Moving rent tech out of the past
2 September 2020 - Recent tenancy law changes mean residential landlords will need to stay firmly on top of their rent collection processes – and a newly launched app aims to help them do that.
Market holds firm in Covid-19 storm
1 September 2020 - Covid-19 has not led to the bottom dropping out of the housing market, as some predicted. Rather housing values have held pretty firmly, particularly in provincial and rural areas.
Consents no longer needed for low-risk work
31 August 2020 - Good news for those wanting to add a sleep-out, shed or carport to a property: today’s the day that consents are no longer needed for low-risk building work.
Steady Southern star
31 August 2020 - Covid-19 and the closure of Tiwai Point might pose some challenges for Invercargill but the southern city’s market still has a lot to offer investors, writes Miriam Bell
Rental growth slows; CFML floating rate cut
26 August 2020 - While there are positive signs for house prices during the pandemic, there's more cause for concern for landlords. The gap between the supply...
No rent growth for first time in three years
25 August 2020 - The gap between the supply of available rental properties and demand for them is closing and that means rental growth is slowing.
Routine inspection pays off
24 August 2020 - Meth contamination was just one of the breaches uncovered during a routine property inspection that led to a firm Tenancy Tribunal ruling in favour of the landlord.
Reverse mortgages an option for struggling borrowers?; Investor market share increases
21 August 2020 - Reverse mortgages, rather than mortgage deferrals, could help borrowers deal with the financial fallout of Covid-19, says Heartland Bank head of retail...
Changes to RTA now in force
19 August 2020 - The Government’s controversial tenancy law reforms are now law after the Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill 2020 received Royal Assent on 11 August 2020.
Election not an issue for property buyers & sellers
19 August 2020 - This year’s general election may have been postponed to October 17 but a new survey reveals that the election is not a concern for a vast majority of property buyers and sellers.
Covid-19 return could derail market boom
14 August 2020 - The housing market was booming in July with price and sales up nationwide, new REINZ data shows, but the return of Covid-19 raises questions of how the market will fare going forward.
The return of Covid-19: what it means for landlords
12 August 2020 - After 102 days, Covid-19 is back and that means Auckland is returning to alert level three, while the rest of New Zealand will go to alert level two, on Wednesday. So what does that mean for landlords?
Greens propose more landlord regulations
10 August 2020 - Rental Warrants of Fitness. Licensing for landlords and property managers. They are ideas long held dear by the Green Party and, sure enough, they both feature in the Green’s new housing policy.
Persistent RTA breaches cost landlord
6 August 2020 - Ongoing disregard for her obligations under residential tenancy law has resulted in a hefty fine for a notorious Christchurch landlord.
Radical tenancy reforms now law
5 August 2020 - Shock and dismay. That’s what landlords around New Zealand are feeling after Parliament passed the Government’s controversial tenancy law reforms into law late Wednesday.
Is the market resurgence coming to an end?
5 August 2020 - Steady declines in value growth are becoming evident – as QV’s latest data reveals – and that suggests the housing market’s resurgence could be coming to an end.
Queenstown rents take a nosedive
31 July 2020 - Covid-19 has hit the Queenstown rental market hard, with new data showing that rents in the holiday hotspot have plummeted by 28% on June last year.
200 issues: Top Regions Revealed
31 July 2020 - Joanna Jefferies takes a look at the top 12 locations for property price growth and gains across New Zealand since 2003 and discovers previously unknown property hotspots.
COMMENT: It’s not all doom & gloom
30 July 2020 - Uncertainty still casts its shadow over the property market but there are factors that could see a brighter outlook than some expect, writes CoreLogic's Kelvin Davidson.*.
Mortgage holidays set for extension
29 July 2020 - Minister of Finance Grant Robertson says the Reserve Bank could extend mortgage holidays for struggling borrowers.
Opposition to RTA overhaul rages
28 July 2020 - The Government’s controversial tenancy law reform proposals look set to hit Parliament today, but opponents say it would be a big mistake for MPs to pass them into law.
Crunch time for tenancy law reforms
27 July 2020 - The Government’s tenancy law reforms are up for their second reading in Parliament this week – and landlord advocates are urging people to contact MPs with their concerns before midday Tuesday.
COMMENT: Extend mortgage holidays
27 July 2020 - The Covid-19 prompted mortgage “holiday” scheme is set to end in September but Century 21 New Zealand owner Derryn Mayne is calling for it to be extended.
Covid crisis will impact on market - in time
21 July 2020 - ASB continues to expect a 6% decline in nationwide house prices – even though the Covid-19 prompted economic adjustment to date been less severe than most expected.
Partner’s residence breached tenancy agreement
20 July 2020 - More people living in a rental property than allowed under the tenancy agreement is a common problem, but a recent Tenancy Tribunal ruling demonstrates why landlords should address this issue.
Sales, prices surge up - defying expectations
14 July 2020 - The housing market’s post-Covid rebound continued in June with house prices rising further and sales volumes hitting a four year high – but economists are asking if it will last.
COMMENT: Disappointment with the RTA Bill
13 July 2020 - The NZ Property Investors’ Federation is disappointed only minimal changes made to the Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill.
New digital edition of TMM out now; Disappointment at tenancy reforms
13 July 2020 - The latest digital edition of TMM is now available online. We look at how technology will transform the advice sector, and what banks are doing to...
Select Committee green lights tenancy law reforms
10 July 2020 - Extreme disappointment is the response of property professionals to the Select Committee report on the Government’s proposed tenancy law reforms which was released this week.
Values settle into new normal
8 July 2020 - Covid-19’s impact on the residential property market is becoming clearer with QV’s latest data showing the pre-lockdown heat is dissipating as the market begins to settle.
COMMENT: A call to arms
7 July 2020 - Concerned about the Government’s tenancy law reforms? Well, there is now less than a week to speak up about them - so NZ Property Investor editor Miriam Bell urges landlords to make their views heard.
Why the future is not bleak for the housing market
3 July 2020 - Uncertainty continues to cast its shadow over the housing market but economist Tony Alexander has put together a list of reasons which offset the negatives and mean the market remains well-supported.
Four new buyers’ markets emerge
1 July 2020 - A surge in new property listings around much of New Zealand has turned four regions into buyers’ markets, new Realestate.co.nz data reveals.
COMMENT: Are Airbnb hosts in breach of the RTA?
30 June 2020 - Landlords could be using short term booking sites like Airbnb in an attempt to contract out of the Residential Tenancies Act, but by doing so they are exposing themselves to substantial risk and possible rent refunds, writes property management consultant David Faulkner.
Signs of confidence but early days yet
30 June 2020 - Tough economic times might be ahead but a new report from REINZ shows there are some early signs of confidence in the housing market post-lockdown.
Apartment views
29 June 2020 - Using apartments for short-term rentals or for foreign students has been a popular option for investors but, in the wake of Covid-19, what will happen to apartment markets around New Zealand? Miriam Bell investigates.
COMMENT: Don’t discount migration as a demand driver
26 June 2020 - There are reasons why we shouldn’t completely ignore migration as a continued support for property, CoreLogic’s Kelvin Davidson* explains…
Mortgage borrowing rebounds in May
25 June 2020 - New mortgage borrowing rose by roughly $1.6 billion in May as the property market showed signs of recovery from the Covid-19 lockdown.
SuperCity yields improving
25 June 2020 - Investors take note - record low mortgage rates mean the yields on Auckland rental properties are starting to look more attractive.
What’s going on in the rental market
25 June 2020 - There’s been a big increase in rental supply in some of New Zealand’s tourism hotspots, according to Trade Me Property’s latest rental data.
S&P forecast 10% house price fall
24 June 2020 - Global ratings agency Standards & Poors is the latest to join the chorus of predictions around potential house price falls in New Zealand – and they’re picking a 10% drop.
Mould complaint doesn’t warrant reduced tenancy term
23 June 2020 - Many landlords are concerned the Tenancy Tribunal tends to favour tenants but one recent decision shows that’s not always the case.
Tenancy termination ban lifted
18 June 2020 - The end is nigh for emergency tenancy measures introduced during the Covid-19 lockdown with the Government today confirming the measures won’t be extended.
Southland comes up trumps for investors
17 June 2020 - Investors keen to pick up a good deal should look south as a new REINZ report shows that Southland is, once again, the country’s highest performing region for residential property investors.
COMMENT: Allow KiwiSaver for investment properties
16 June 2020 - It’s time to allow KiwiSaver to be used to buy investment properties as well as first homes, argues Century 21 New Zealand owner Derryn Mayne.
Market feels Covid-19 impact
15 June 2020 - Covid-19 is still impacting on New Zealand’s housing market but there’s some positive signs in REINZ’s latest data, with a clear monthly increase in sales.
Wind up emergency tenancy provisions now - REINZ
12 June 2020 - Emergency tenancy provisions introduced because of Covid-19 are now doing more harm than good so it’s time to bring them to an end, the Real Estate Institute says.
Trading NZPIF places
12 June 2020 - It’s a case of trading places at the NZ Property Investors’ Federation now that it’s been announced that long-serving executive officer Andrew King has taken up the role of president.
Level one: the new normal
11 June 2020 - New Zealand is a few days into alert level one and that means the residential property sector is seeing some changes as we all adjust to the “new normal”.
What lockdown meant for landlords’ finances
8 June 2020 - Many landlords were financially affected by the Covid-19 lockdown with nearly 50% seeing a reduced income, according to a new NZ Property Investors Federation (NZPIF) survey.
COMMENT: Will level one mean level one for residential landlords?
7 June 2020 - Cabinet is considering a move to alert level one tomorrow, so does that mean it will all be back to normal for New Zealand's 290,000 rental property owners and managers, Tenancies War spokesman Mike Butler* asks.
Bright spots in commercial outlook
5 June 2020 - Nearly 60% of commercial property investors think that opportunities lie ahead but they are also believe there are changes in store for the sector.
Concerns over commercial rent dispute plan
4 June 2020 - Too little, too late. That’s what commercial landlords’ advocates have to say about the Government’s newly announced $40 million commercial rent dispute package.
Bank LVR limits on hold
4 June 2020 - Banks have not relaxed loan-to-value ratio limits for investors, despite the Reserve Bank's move to scrap LVR rules.
Weak sales, resilient prices
3 June 2020 - Auckland’s housing market saw another slump in sales volumes in May but prices are holding steady, according to the city’s largest real estate agency.
Compliance statement deadline extended
2 June 2020 - There’s some relief for struggling landlords with the announcement today that the Healthy Homes Compliance Statement deadline has been extended for an additional five months.
Consents fall could have been worse
2 June 2020 - New dwellings consents dropped in April. That didn’t surprise anyone but economists were surprised that the drop wasn’t bigger.
No post-Covid-19 dent in asking prices
2 June 2020 - Covid-19 has not diminished the price expectations of property sellers with new data revealing that average asking prices hit record highs in seven regions in May.
Holiday hotspots: what lies ahead?
29 May 2020 - Tourism has been one of the industries hardest-hit by the Covid-19 crisis, so Miriam Bell looks into what that means for the regional property markets that are reliant on it.
Resilience needed in face of change
28 May 2020 - The Reserve Bank says the commercial property sector is vulnerable to the Covid-19 crisis. But PMG Funds' chief executive believes that while there’ll be short-term pain, the biggest long-term impact will be structural change.
Mortgage lending slumps to record low in April
26 May 2020 - Mortgage lending fell to its lowest level on record last month as the property market ground to a halt during the Covid-19 lockdown.
COMMENT: Housing supply increase is being hampered
22 May 2020 - The much-needed increase in housing supply is being hindered by new legislation relating to rental properties, warns NZ Property Investors Federation executive officer Sharon Cullwick.
Downward pressures might push investors out
21 May 2020 - There’s a major housing market downturn coming and it’s likely to reduce the number of investors in the market, according to ANZ economists.
Rent arrears end tenancies in lockdown
20 May 2020 - The Covid-19 crisis saw the introduction of emergency rules which make it harder to terminate tenancies, but a recent Tenancy Tribunal ruling shows that racking up rental arrears can still mean the end of a tenancy.
Rent increase freeze to change the market
19 May 2020 - Lockdown restrictions made for an inevitable slow down in the rental market in April but Trade Me Property’s new data highlights questions over the future direction of the market.
Navigating level two: what landlords need to know
18 May 2020 - With around 95% of businesses now back at work and children returning to schools today, New Zealand is now fully ensconced in alert level two. So what does that mean for residential landlords?
House sales plummet in lockdown
15 May 2020 - [UPDATED] There was a massive nationwide drop in residential property sales in April while the country was in level four lockdown, new REINZ data reveals.
How Budget 2020 supports the housing market
14 May 2020 - Was Budget 2020 transformational? Experts are debating that now but, whether or not it turns out to be, it does provide some support for the residential property market going forward.
COMMENT: Which property markets are most vulnerable?
13 May 2020 - In the coming months, all parts of the country are likely to feel some degree of property pain, but CoreLogic’s Kelvin Davidson* has taken a look at which areas might be hardest hit.
Investors expect road ahead to be tougher
8 May 2020 - Most investors believe that conditions will get harder for property investors over the next year but not just because of the Covid-19 crisis, a new survey by NZ Property Investor has found.
Capital investor calls for commercial rates moratorium
6 May 2020 - Councils should offer a one-year moratorium on rates to commercial landlords who are struggling with the economic impact of the Covid-19 crisis, a prominent Wellington property investor argues.
Market enters unknown waters
6 May 2020 - There’s no doubt New Zealand’s housing market was performing strongly heading into lockdown but, as QV’s latest data makes clear, the market has now entered unknown waters.
Uncertain future for commercial development
5 May 2020 - Sixty percent of planned development projects worth several billion dollars are now uncertain due to the current economic climate, a new Property Council survey of its members suggests.
Contactless solution for rental viewings
4 May 2020 - Rental viewings are once again possible but in a post-lockdown world they have to be run very differently - and a new property tech solution could be the answer.
SuperCity sales fall 50% in lockdown
4 May 2020 - Auckland property sales in April were down by 50% on March but the true effect of the lockdown won’t show up until May’s trading data is compiled, according to Barfoot & Thompson.
Majority of MPs qualify as property investors
1 May 2020 - It’s impossible to ignore New Zealanders’ love for property as an investment – and this is highlighted by the holdings of our MPs, a majority of whom qualify as multiple property owners.
Insurance FAQs for uncertain times
1 May 2020 - COVID-19 is set to be with us for many months ahead, so the Insurance Council of New Zealand has answered some commonly asked questions for landlords…
Govt considers commercial rent relief solutions
30 April 2020 - Mounting costs for small businesses trying to deal with the economic fallout of Covid-19 have prompted the Government to consider rent relief options.
What alert level three means for landlords
29 April 2020 - New Zealand has now moved out of alert level four lockdown to alert level three and that means a few less restrictions for residential rental property owners. Here’s some guidance on what the new rules are…
House price drops are short-lived - Alexander
24 April 2020 - Periods of house price decline are rare and "short-lived", says economist Tony Alexander, amid forecasts of a drop of 10%-15% this year.
Rental market showing signs of life again
23 April 2020 - Covid-19 bought New Zealand’s rental market to a standstill but recent activity on Trade Me Property suggests tenants are starting to return to the market.
Private property viewings allowed under level three
23 April 2020 - The property market has received a boost after Housing Minister Megan Woods confirmed that private viewings will be allowed under alert level three.
Share your views on what Covid-19 means for investors
21 April 2020 - We want to know how property investors in New Zealand are responding to the Covid-19 crisis and its effects on the market...
COMMENT: The rental housing conundrum
20 April 2020 - Still simmering away below all the Covid-19 virus activity is the Government’s “reform” of the Residential Tenancy Act and that’s something we should all be concerned about, writes Auckland Property Investors Association vice-president Peter Lewis…
COMMENT: The ongoing fight for landlords’ rights
18 April 2020 - Proposed changes to tenancy law have left landlords fighting to retain the right to end difficult tenancies while students are fighting for the right to party, reports NZ Property Investors Federation executive officer Sharon Cullwick.
Life at level three for residential landlords
17 April 2020 - It won’t be a full release from lockdown but moving to alert level three will mean businesses that can operate safely will be able to reopen. So what does that mean when it comes to residential property?
More relief needed for commercial property sector
16 April 2020 - New measures to help out commercial landlords and tenants struggling with Covid-19 related lease issues have been announced – but the Property Council is warning that more support is needed.
One in five tenancies could fall into arrears
14 April 2020 - The Covid-19 crisis will result in greater falls in rents and higher default rates in regions, or suburbs, with higher rents, according to property management companies.
“No access in emergency” lease clause: putting it in context
8 April 2020 - Much attention has focused on a commercial property lease clause which could mean commercial tenants don’t have to pay all their rent during lockdown, so the Auckland District Law Society is providing more information about it...
Tenancy reform Select Committee hearings to go ahead
7 April 2020 - The Covid-19 lockdown may have put a halt to most Parliamentary business but not, it turns out, to the progress of the Government’s controversial tenancy law reforms.
Lockdown market sentiment
6 April 2020 - Caution might dominate property sector participants’ takes on the market, but independent economist Tony Alexander’s latest polling reveals that not all investors are taking a step back.
How the lockdown is affecting landlords
3 April 2020 - It’s not just tenants who are feeling the impact of the Covid-19 lockdown – residential landlords are too, with a new survey showing that the personal income of 59% of them has been affected.
Auckland market booming before lockdown
2 April 2020 - The Super City’s housing market was in full recovery mode with strong sales and a rise in listings, but the Covid-19 lockdown has stopped it in its tracks.
What lies ahead for the housing market
31 March 2020 - As New Zealand begins to settle into the “new normal” of the Covid-19 lockdown, commentators have started releasing their (tentative) outlooks for the housing market. Here’s a summary of some of them...
South Auckland skyrockets - pre-lockdown
31 March 2020 - [THIS REGIONAL REVIEW FEATURES IN THE MARCH ISSUE OF NZ PROPERTY iNVESTOR, PUBLISHED LONG BEFORE THE COVID-19 LOCKDOWN] The South Auckland market is hot on the heels of Central and West Auckland, with investors and first home buyers flocking to the auction rooms, writes Joanna Jefferies.
Moving properties during COVID-19 lockdown
30 March 2020 - Confused about whether tenants can move properties during the lockdown? If so, you’re not alone – so Tenancy Services has now released some advice around the issue.
Commercial sector facing hundreds of millions in lost revenue
27 March 2020 - Some large commercial tenants are refusing to pay rent and this could devastate the commercial property sector, the Property Council New Zealand is warning.
Landlords’ plea: don’t unfairly target us
27 March 2020 - There are growing concerns among many landlords about unreasonable expectations from tenants, and the Government, in relation to rent during the lockdown.
Emergency rules boost tenant protections
25 March 2020 - Landlords can't raise rents or evict tenants, expect in specific situations, during the Covid-19 lockdown – but tenants do have obligations too.
Covid-19 crisis: what landlords need to know
25 March 2020 - [UPDATED] The Covid-19 crisis means that New Zealand is now in a State of National Emergency and the nationwide lockdown begins tonight.
COMMENT: Property from the trenches
24 March 2020 - Covid-19's major impact on New Zealand's economy means job losses and that has implications for landlords. Veteran investor Debbie Van Den Broek offers some suggestions on how landlords can weather the storm.
Freeze on rent rises introduced - temporarily
23 March 2020 - The Government has introduced a freeze on rent increases on residential rental properties as part of the economic measures announced in the fight against Covid-19 and its impacts.
Put RTA reform proposals on ice
23 March 2020 - Now is not the time for the Government to push through its proposed tenancy law reforms, property market players say.
How to address tenant job loss in the age of coronavirus
20 March 2020 - Compassion should be key to how landlords deal with tenants affected by coronavirus job losses but, ultimately, they are running a business and still need to pay their mortgages.
Battle against RTA reforms continues
18 March 2020 - Coronavirus might be dominating the headlines but investor advocates are urging landlords not to forget about the threat posed by the proposed reforms to tenancy law.
What coronavirus means for property investors
16 March 2020 - Welcome to Fortress New Zealand. The coronavirus crisis means that strict travel bans are now in force and a recession is expected. So what does that mean for property investors going forward?
New loan to boost energy-efficient housing
13 March 2020 - There’s an ongoing push towards greener, healthier homes and now Westpac is joining the drive, with a new loan product for its home loan customers.
Get on top of boarding house rules
11 March 2020 - There’s a fair bit of uncertainty around boarding houses and Tenancy Services is warning landlords they need to know the law around this area.
National would ditch proposed rental regulations
9 March 2020 - The Government’s controversial tenancy law reforms would be among the first regulations National would throw on to the regulations “bonfire” it is planning if elected.
Failure to lodge bonds earns major penalty
6 March 2020 - A Tauranga property management company has been ordered to pay $16,417 for failing to lodge bonds within the required timeframe on multiple occasions.
More growth for co-working office space
5 March 2020 - The popularity of co-working office space is not just a fad. In fact, according to a new report, there’s room for continued growth in this part of the Auckland office market.
Values escape coronavirus contagion
4 March 2020 - There’s no escaping the spectre of coronavirus right now but it hasn’t had an impact on the property market with new QV data showing it continues to strengthen.
On the brink of a crisis
3 March 2020 - Proposed tenancy law changes, which come in an environment of rental shortage, are on the brink of creating a low socioeconomic rental crisis.
Removal of no-cause notice opposed by 45% of tenants
2 March 2020 - It’s not just landlords who are opposed to the removal of the no-cause 90-day notice: a new REINZ survey reveals that close to half of tenants are too.
COMMENT: Act against radical tenancy changes
2 March 2020 - New Zealand’s 290,000 rental property owners should resist radical changes to the Residential Tenancies Act both by submission and by their vote in this year’s election, argues Tenancies War spokesman Mike Butler.
Manawatu on the move
28 February 2020 - Skyrocketing values and a serious supply shortage characterise the Palmerston North and Feilding markets, writes Joanna Jefferies.
Tenancy reform submissions due March 25
26 February 2020 - Worried about the government’s tenancy law reforms? You’d better speak up soon because there’s under a month to make a submission on the legislation.
The cost of overstaying tenants
26 February 2020 - Getting tenants to leave a rental property at the end of a tenancy can be problematic. Here’s a new Tenancy Tribunal ruling which serves as yet another example.
Full steam ahead for tenancy reforms
21 February 2020 - Landlords won’t have long to have their say on the government’s tenancy law reform proposals after Parliament voted that the Select Committee dealing with the legislation should report back by 22 June.
The new face of the NZPIF
20 February 2020 - There’s been a changing of the guard fronting the NZ Property Investors Federation (NZPIF), with the current president taking over as executive officer from Andrew King.
Strong start for market in 2020
18 February 2020 - Auckland’s housing market has surged back into the game with its busiest January in four years, new REINZ data reveals.
Tenancy reform bill hits Parliament
17 February 2020 - Controversial tenancy law reforms, in the form of the Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill, were introduced into Parliament on Monday and property industry players are not happy about it.
Challenge to landlord reforms
17 February 2020 - Concerns about the government’s proposed tenancy law changes are running high and this has prompted REINZ and the NZPIF to join forces to fight them:...
REINZ & NZPIF join up to battle RTA changes
16 February 2020 - Concerns about the government’s proposed tenancy law changes are running high and this has prompted REINZ and the NZPIF to join forces to fight them.
Government brokers to match landlords with tenants
14 February 2020 - A newly established housing broker service will be reaching out to private landlords to get them on board to support the government’s $300 million homelessness action plan.
Rental contaminated, not damaged by meth
11 February 2020 - Establishing meth contamination of a rental property, and working out the penalties for any damage, can be a complex business these days - as a recent Tenancy Tribunal decision illustrates.
Headwinds for the commercial market
10 February 2020 - Tightening credit conditions could impact on New Zealand’s booming commercial property market, according to the Property Council’s chief executive.
COMMENT: Checking in on insulation
7 February 2020 - Sizzling summer temperatures might be hitting towns all round New Zealand yet the insulation of rental properties remains a hot topic, writes NZ Property Investor editor Miriam Bell.
New growth cycle for Auckland
4 February 2020 - It’s confirmed: Auckland’s housing market is entering a new growth cycle with Barfoot & Thompson’s latest data revealing a stellar start to the year.
Could a shift in the listings shortage be coming?
3 February 2020 - More properties are coming on to the housing market but there’s still a nationwide shortage with the number of homes for sale down by over 20% year-on-year.
SuperCity rents moving up - slowly
31 January 2020 - Auckland rents may be high but they’re not going up at the rate often suggested, with new data showing rental prices rose more slowly in 2019 than in previous years.
COMMENT: The truth about flexible workspaces
30 January 2020 - Think you know about flexible workspaces? Odds are - you don’t, so IWG's Alexander Sykes* busts some myths about flexible workspaces for curious landlords.
Why house price growth will continue
28 January 2020 - House price inflation is unlikely to radically slow this year after a strong end to 2019, according to leading economist Tony Alexander.
Getting heating right
24 January 2020 - Heating requirements for rental properties are currently a source of confusion for many landlords and property managers so REINZ has issued a reminder of what is required.
Demand for rentals running hot
23 January 2020 - Rents are set to rise to record highs as new Trade Me Property data shows demand for rental property nationwide has continued to grow.
Threat to assault ends problem tenancy
21 January 2020 - Terminating the tenancy of badly behaving tenants can be a dangerous and difficult business as demonstrated by a recent Tenancy Tribunal case.
Evidence needed to support Tribunal claims
13 January 2020 - Landlord concerns about tenants angling for legal compensation for problems with their rental properties might be allayed a little by a recent Tenancy Tribunal ruling.
Proptech the future for commercial investment
9 January 2020 - Commercial property start-up Jasper is the new kid on the block but some have asked how it differs from traditional property syndicates. Jasper’s founders explain the points of difference for us…
COMMENT: What lies ahead in 2020?
3 January 2020 - It’s that time of year when we are all contemplating what the year ahead has in store… So here’s GRA managing director Matthew Gilligan’s property market predictions for 2020.
Hot demand in Hawke’s Bay
31 December 2019 - A severe housing shortage in Napier and Hastings means house values and rents are on the rise, writes Joanna Jefferies.
The perils of leaving insulation late
23 December 2019 - Leaving the insulation of a rental property for too long after the July deadline and then entering the premises without consent has earned some Auckland landlords a penalty of over $1,000.
Bachcare convicted of misleading consumers
20 December 2019 - Misleading consumers – via the editing and withholding of online reviews - has earned holiday rental accommodation company Bachcare a conviction and a hefty fine.
Share your views on property investing
17 December 2019 - It's that time of the year where we run the NZ Property Investor's survey of investor. Take part and be in to win.
Defining “clean and tidy”
10 December 2019 - The issue of exactly how clean and tidy rental properties should be when tenants vacate has long been a battleground but a recent Tenancy Tribunal decision provides some guidance.
COMMENT: Landlords obligations to tenants
10 December 2019 - Do landlords have moral and social obligations towards their tenants, asks Auckland Property Investors Association vice-president Peter Lewis.
Values pick up the pace
4 December 2019 - There’s a more upbeat feel to the property market and it’s obvious in this month’s QV data which has values firmly on the rise.
Auckland’s November sales at four year high
3 December 2019 - Sales activity continues to improve in Auckland with new Barfoot & Thompson data revealing their best November sales numbers since 2015.
Supply remains tight nationwide
2 December 2019 - Many regional markets hit record high asking prices in November but that’s not deterring property-seeking Aucklanders, Realestate.co.nz’s latest data shows.
Wellywood on the rise
29 November 2019 - Wellington Central property is in high demand, despite challenges faced by the apartment market, writes Joanna Jefferies.
COMMENT: Unlawful premises – moving past Anderson v FM Custodians
26 November 2019 - Curious about the law around the use of non-residential property for residential purposes? Auckland Property Investors Association member Kristine King* explains the situation now that there’s new legislation in place.
LVR restrictions to stay put: Westpac
25 November 2019 - Westpac economists believe the Reserve Bank will keep LVR speed limits at their current levels, amid fears over house price stability.
Pre-summer pick up for rental market
22 November 2019 - The rental market is heating up for summer with both tenant demand and rents on the rise around the country, new Trade Me data suggests.
COMMENT: Removing 90-day notices - the impacts
20 November 2019 - Being a successful landlord is all about managing risk but getting rid of “no cause” 90-day’ notices means risk will skyrocket, argues NZ Property Investor Federation executive member Brian Kerr.
Key reform will only protect bad tenants
18 November 2019 - Getting rid of “no cause” termination notices only serves to protect bad tenants and will have a negative impact on the broader community, not just landlords, according to landlord advocates.
Changes to RTA announced
17 November 2019 - The Government announced its long awaited tenancy law reforms on Sunday and they mean that landlords will no longer be able to get rid of tenants without reason.
More than fair “wear and tear”
12 November 2019 - Proving tenant liability for damage has long been a major worry for landlords but a recent Tenancy Tribunal ruling shows that it can be done.
Southland “standout” region for investors
11 November 2019 - Investors looking for both strong capital gains and good rental yields should head to Southland – if they heed the results of new REINZ research.
The getting of wisdom
11 November 2019 - Landlords concerned about the increasing amount of rules and regulations it’s necessary to comply with can now get training to help them out.
Low property expectations
7 November 2019 - Confidence in investments across the board has fallen to a three and a half year low – and a decline in sentiment about housing has played a big part in this.
COMMENT: The truth about tenancy terminations
5 November 2019 - The Government wants to get rid of “no-cause” tenancy terminations. Auckland Property Investors Association vice president Peter Lewis explains why that is a bad idea.
Smaller properties, better rent growth
29 October 2019 - Two-bedroom properties and central city apartments are seeing the strongest growth in rents in the Auckland region, new Barfoot & Thompson data reveals.
LVR loosening likely - ANZ
23 October 2019 - LVR restrictions were never meant to be a permanent feature of New Zealand’s housing market and ANZ economists argue that some further relaxing of them could soon be on the cards.
Strong meth suspicions call for testing
21 October 2019 - Panic around the meth contamination of rentals has diminished, but a Tenancy Tribunal decision reinforces that landlords still have an obligation to test properties when contamination is suspected.
Surge in rental demand in Palmerston North
18 October 2019 - Palmerston North’s rental market is running hot with enquiries about rental properties skyrocketing up by 50% year-on-year in September, new Trade Me Property data shows.
COMMENT: Sign of changing times
17 October 2019 - Fletcher Building opened a flash, new, high tech, prefabricated house building factory yesterday. Great things are expected of it, but Miriam Bell ponders what it means for your average investor.
Return to market form
15 October 2019 - There’s been a rallying of the market with the latest REINZ data showing both sales volumes and median house prices noticeably up with the onset of Spring.
Prefab changes don’t address finance issue
14 October 2019 - Reforms to the Building Act will make it easier to carry out a prefab build - but it will be large scale projects that benefit rather than smaller-scale investor projects.
Green light for property investment crowdfunding
9 October 2019 - The Financial Markets Authority (FMA) has approved a secondary market for The Property Crowd and that enables the residential property crowd funder to relaunch its trading platform.
COMMENT: Getting to grips with tenancy disputes
7 October 2019 - Widespread ignorance of tenancy law is behind current representations of residential tenancy disputes which feature tenants as victims, writes Auckland Property Investors Association vice president Peter Lewis…
Airbnb room rental not bylaw violation
4 October 2019 - Renting a spare bedroom on Airbnb was a breach of the tenancy agreement but it did not constitute an unlawful act - under a local body by-law - by the tenant, the Tenancy Tribunal has found.
Signs of life in market
2 October 2019 - They might be tentative but there are signs the property market is strengthening with new QV data showing that most main urban areas have seen a lift in values.
Bad behaviour behind most 90-day notices
27 September 2019 - Getting rid of “no cause” terminations won’t benefit good tenants but it will help bad tenants - as most 90-day notices are due to poor tenant behaviour, landlords are warning.
Rents ramp up in Capital’s tight market
25 September 2019 - Limited supply and strong demand mean that Wellington rents are, once again, on a par with Auckland’s rents, according to Trade Me Property’s new rental data.
Govt must regulate property managers - REINZ
25 September 2019 - REINZ has stepped up its campaign to introduce national regulation for property managers with the launch today of a new website devoted to the cause.
Lodge bonds or expect a penalty
23 September 2019 - Failure to lodge multiple tenancy bonds has earned another Auckland landlord a hefty penalty from the Tenancy Tribunal – and prompted a general warning to landlords.
No stopping Capital price rises
23 September 2019 - There’s no sign of a slow-down in Wellington’s property prices with Trade Me Property’s latest data showing that asking prices continue to rise solidly.
COMMENT: Prospects strong for yielding assets
16 September 2019 - Commercial property can offer investors better options as the search for yields intensifies so NZ Mortgages & Securities director James Kellow provides his rundown on the outlook for the commercial market.
Changing the game
11 September 2019 - Investors keen to minimise the costs that come with selling properties might want to look to a new real estate agency which is aiming to disrupt the industry.
COMMENT: How much is too much
5 September 2019 - New regulations around rental properties mean that being a landlord is becoming increasingly unattractive. Auckland Property Investors Association vice president Peter Lewis asks how much is too much…
Decline in value growth slows
4 September 2019 - Property value growth nationwide has been waning for months. But now QV’s latest data suggests the rate of decline is starting to ease up.
COMMENT: The dangers of neglecting code compliance certificates
28 August 2019 - It’s a legal requirement for commercial buildings to have a Code Compliance Certificate yet many don’t. Building compliance expert Rosie Kilip explains why this is not a good thing...
The staggered rise of big city rents
27 August 2019 - Rents in Auckland and Wellington are up from this time last year – but they have been flatlining in recent months, according to new data from Trade Me Property.
Tenants need to know about insurance
7 August 2019 - Take note landlords – if you are worried about liability for tenant damage, the time to talk to your tenants about insurance is now.
Tribunal fines landlord for insulation fail
7 August 2019 - Failure to install insulation into a rental property by the July 1 deadline has earned a Bay of Plenty landlord a $1,500 penalty and a work order.
Greens renew call for tougher tenancy laws
4 August 2019 - Getting rid of no cause rental terminations and the introduction of a Warrant of Fitness for rentals are critical parts of the Green Party’s renewed focus on housing announced at their Annual Conference over the weekend.
COMMENT: The coming rental housing crisis
30 July 2019 - Failure of government to reverse policies will result in a calamitous fall in houses to rent and escalating rents in a crisis unseen since the 1930’s, writes veteran property investor Jonathan Bidmead.
Rental stock can’t match demand
29 July 2019 - Pressure continues to build in the rental market as Trade Me Property’s latest rental data shows soaring demand and a decline in available stock.
New tenant damage, meth measures are only partial solutions
26 July 2019 - Changes to the legislation around tenant damage and meth contamination have been years in the making but now they are finally here are they any good for landlords?
Tenants liable for careless damage – to a point
25 July 2019 - Tenants will now have to take some responsibility for careless damage to rental properties after the Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill (No. 2) passed its final reading in Parliament on Wednesday.
The costs of rental policy changes
24 July 2019 - The deluge of policy changes to the regulations governing rental property are a key headwind for the housing market, according to ANZ economists.
Mum & Dad investors on the rise
18 July 2019 - Tax and housing policy changes seemed likely to deter smaller investors but new CoreLogic research shows their market share is actually increasing.
Bachcare charged with misleading consumers
16 July 2019 - The Commerce Commission alleges the online holiday rental booking platform has manipulated online user reviews it has received.
COMMENT: Loss ring-fencing ups war on renters & owners
10 July 2019 - New rules around the ring-fencing of rental property losses came into force late in June and Stop the War on Tenancies spokesman Mike Butler believes they’ll have a negative impact on the rental market...
Getting end of tenancy clean ups right
5 July 2019 - Confusion over what leaving a property “reasonably clean and tidy” at the end of a tenancy means has prompted a call for prescriptive guidelines from Tenancy Services.
Join the office space revolution
4 July 2019 - Flexible working spaces are more than just a fleeting trend and the launch of a new co-working serviced office franchise programme will open up the market to investors.
Values on the edge of town
3 July 2019 - It’s best to look to the outskirts of the main centres for value increases these days as value growth continues to slow around the country.
COMMENT: The Sound of One Hand Clapping
2 July 2019 - Two of our Lords and Masters have recently been laid low yet landlords are still treated as the problem rather than part of the solution, argues Auckland Property Investors Association vice president Peter Lewis…
Insulation D-Day
1 July 2019 - Today’s the day that all rental properties must have ceiling and underfloor insulation under the Residential Tenancies Act – and it looks like the majority will be compliant.
Up, up, up for regional rents
28 June 2019 - Rental demand is outpacing tight rental supply around the country and that has made for record rent rises in many markets, according to Trade Me Property.
10 market predictions for the rest of 2019
28 June 2019 - It’s been an eventful year for the residential property market so far but now’s a good time to look at what might be in store for the rest of 2019, declares Core Logic senior property economist Kelvin Davidson.
Housing team takes over from Twyford
27 June 2019 - Housing is fraught, complex and – as the Cabinet reshuffle reveals – a portfolio that is no longer considered suitable for a single minister.
COMMENT: The compliance struggle
26 June 2019 - For many property investors, the end goal is setting themselves up for retirement – but new requirements are making that harder. Investor Dale Young explains how his retirement project is turning into a compliance nightmare...
Confidence in commercial running high
21 June 2019 - The Government’s decision to put the kibosh on a capital gains tax has helped boost confidence in commercial property, with Tauranga emerging as a hot favourite market.
Homesellers required to provide IRD number
19 June 2019 - Investors who flip properties are currently subject to the bright line test, but owner-occupiers are not. That is now set to change.
Market rebound coming - Westpac
13 June 2019 - The cancellation of a capital gains tax combined with lower mortgage rates will be game changing for the housing market, believes Westpac’s chief economist.
COMMENT: Ditching Accommodation Supplement not the answer
12 June 2019 - Tenant advocates have long claimed the Accommodation Supplement benefits landlords over tenants but those demanding it be scrapped are ignoring some relevant facts, says NZ Property Investors Federation executive officer Andrew King.
Call to license landlords
10 June 2019 - There’s a fresh demand for the mandatory licensing of landlords – and this time it comes from property manager representatives.
Serial failure to lodge bonds earns massive fine
6 June 2019 - The importance of lodging tenants’ bond money is demonstrated by a new Tenancy Tribunal ruling which orders an Auckland landlord to pay nearly $180,000.
Privacy guidelines under review
5 June 2019 - Controversial new Privacy Commissioner guidelines covering the information that landlords should and shouldn’t ask for when selecting tenants have been withdrawn – for now.
COMMENT: Tenant selection turned into a lotto draw
1 June 2019 - The Privacy Commissioner has created a lotto draw for tenant selection with the recent release of some ill-conceived guidelines, writes property management consultant David Faulkner.
Don’t wait - get compliant
30 May 2019 - Radical, costly and with issues? Yes. But the new Healthy Homes minimum standards are warranted and will improve New Zealand’s housing stock, according to one property management consultant.
Applying for a tenancy like applying for a job
25 May 2019 - Credit checks should only be conducted after someone becomes the preferred candidate for a tenancy - not in the early stage of the application process, according to the Office of the Privacy Commissioner.
No extensions for insulation compliance
24 May 2019 - There will be no extensions for landlords who don’t comply with the 2016 insulation requirements, the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment is warning.
Credit check ban unreasonable
23 May 2019 - Preventing landlords from running credit checks on prospective tenants - as mandated by new privacy guidelines - is not reasonable, tenancy experts say.
What landlords can't ask tenants
22 May 2019 - Think you know what you can ask a prospective tenant? It might pay to check out the Privacy Commissioner’s new guidelines to see if what you are asking really is acceptable.
Warning: insulation deadline looming
21 May 2019 - Landlords take note: there’s only 40 days left to insulate rental properties before a $4,000 fine from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) comes into play.
COMMENT: Punishing landlords won’t solve crisis
6 May 2019 - The capital gains tax debate is over, but landlords are still being scapegoated as the focus turns to Healthy Homes, argues Auckland Property Investors Association vice president Peter Lewis…
Tardy repairs earn $2000 fine
3 May 2019 - Slow action on a leaky roof has earned a property management company and an absentee landlord a fine and a reprimand from the Tenancy Tribunal.
Capital gains battle heats up
8 April 2019 - There are now two declared armies in the battle over taxing capital gains, with the launch of a new pro-capital gains tax campaign on Monday.
Policy king hit
8 April 2019 - Investors have recently been dealt a double whammy with the concurrent release of the Tax Working Group’s recommendations on capital gains and the Healthy Homes minimum standards.
COMMENT: Tax deductibility of rental property upgrades
4 April 2019 - Rental property upgrades required by the Healthy Homes minimum standards will make the area of tax deductibility even more thorny, writes Auckland Property Investors Association vice president Peter Lewis…
Investors hold properties for longer
20 March 2019 - Public perception has it that investors spend their time flipping properties on a regular basis but new analysis shows they hold properties for longer than other buyers.
Revealed: Healthy Homes minimum standards
24 February 2019 - The Government’s minimum standards to make rental properties healthier for tenants have finally been released – but landlords will have five years to comply with them.
COMMENT: Ring-fencing rules could mean 116,000 less rentals
12 February 2019 - Ring-fencing of rental losses on rental properties could end up resulting in 116,000 fewer rentals, Stop the War on Tenancies spokesman Mike Butler cautions.
COMMENT: How to fix the housing crisis
10 January 2019 - Dealing with the housing “crisis” doesn’t need rocket science, just a clearly articulated set of steps and fast action, argues property commentator Ashley Church.
The outlook for 2019
3 January 2019 - 2019 is set to be a year of massive change as the Government’s suite of housing and tax policies start to bed in. Here’s what property market commentators have to say on the coming year…
2018 – a year of uncertainty
31 December 2018 - If last year was a year of disruption, this year was one in which the movement towards change took off – and many investors were left floundering and uncertain.
Landlords urged to act on insulation
24 December 2018 - Warnings that landlords need to step up and ensure their rental properties meet insulation requirements are coming thick and fast as the year ends.
Monitoring rental home quality
19 December 2018 - Landlords concerned about whether or not their rental properties qualify as “healthy homes” can now look to new high-tech monitoring tool for help.
Landlording like a parent
17 December 2018 - INVESTOR PROFILE: NZPIF 2018 landlord of the year Leilani Driessen says landlording has parallels to parenting and being a landlord has enabled her to be present for her kids.
COMMENT: War on tenancies should stop
21 November 2018 - Life for rental property owners may become tougher as Labour’s newbie Housing Minister Phil Twyford tries to “make life better for renters”, Stop the War on Tenancies founder Mike Butler warns.
Insurance essentials
19 November 2018 - Too often investors do a quick once-over on the insurance front. But when it comes to commercial property that’s a mistake – instead it’s worth getting to grips with the fundamentals.
Fierce opposition to tenancy proposals
16 November 2018 - Nearly 100% of landlords who completed a simplified tenancy law reform submission form believe it should be possible to buy and sell properties without sitting tenants.
Landlords to bear letting fee costs
15 November 2018 - Growing numbers of property managers are announcing that they will be replacing letting fees with new charges for landlords.
COMMENT: Landlording is a business
6 November 2018 - Governments from both sides of the political equation have failed to recognise residential landlording as a business - but it is, argues Auckland Property Investors Association vice president Peter Lewis.
Auckland yields improving
2 November 2018 - There has been a slight rebound in rental returns for Auckland landlords – but it’s not due to a rapid rise in rents.
Don’t remove 90 day notice - NZPIF
26 October 2018 - If 90 day no cause termination notices are removed, the NZ Property Investors Federation says a “two strike” notice system should be adopted instead.
Is vaping a new risk for landlords?
2 July 2018 - With many cigarette smokers switching to vaping, does this pose a new risk for landlords? Dr Marewa Glover argues that it does not.
