As we move through the year, there’s no shortage of conversation around Auckland’s housing market — from planning reform and rising costs, to what’s actually happening on the ground.
With so much noise, we wanted to bring you a clear, practical view of what matters — and what it means for you as a property owner.
The Market Right Now — Not as Simple as “Build More”
There’s a growing narrative that New Zealand simply needs more housing to solve affordability.
But in reality, it’s more complex than that.
Across Auckland we’re seeing:
- Newly built townhouses sitting unsold
- Development-ready land remaining idle
- Tenants taking longer to make decisions
This tells us something important:
housing demand isn’t just about supply — it’s about confidence, affordability, and timing.
For property owners, the fundamentals remain unchanged:
- Well-located homes continue to perform
- Quality presentation matters more than ever
- Strategic pricing is key in a more selective market
Plan Change 120 — What’s Actually Being Proposed
One of the most significant developments right now is Plan Change 120, which proposes enabling housing capacity for up to 1.6 million dwellings over the next 30 years.
This would involve reducing or removing long-standing planning protections across many Auckland suburbs.
A recent opinion piece by Daniel Newman offered one of the clearest summaries of what’s at stake (if you’d like the full transcript, feel free to reach out — happy to share).
One quote that stood out:
“A housing crisis is not when the price of housing goes up. A housing crisis is when the price of housing goes down, and stressed mortgage holders face the prospect of dwindling capital gain or even the prospect of negative equity.”
It’s a provocative perspective — but one that reflects how many homeowners are currently feeling.
There are also broader concerns being raised:
- Limited transparency around how zoning changes affect specific properties
- Significant public response, with thousands of submissions
- Questions around how much development is actually needed — and where
At its core, this isn’t just a planning discussion.
It’s about how Aucklanders live, invest, and build long-term financial security.
Pets in Rentals — Now Playing Out in Real Time
With recent tenancy law changes, we’re now seeing a steady rise in pet bonds being lodged each week.
From what we’re experiencing:
- The system is being actively used
- There’s still debate about who benefits most
- Outcomes depend heavily on how well the tenancy is structured
Our position remains consistent:
- Pets can be a strong positive when managed properly
- Clear agreements, appropriate bonds, and insurance are essential
- Pet-owning tenants often stay longer and treat homes well
This is where good management makes all the difference.
Rising Costs — What Owners Need to Know
Auckland Council has proposed a 7.9% rates increase for 2026/2027, alongside:
- Residential parking permits increasing from $70 to $114 per year
- Continued infrastructure investment across the city
For property owners, this reinforces a key trend:
holding costs are steadily increasing.
That means:
- Rent reviews need to be considered carefully
- Pricing must stay aligned with the market
- Small weekly cost increases compound over time
City Rail Link — A Long-Term Shift
The City Rail Link (CRL) is expected to open in the second half of 2026.
This is more than just a transport project — it’s a structural shift in how Auckland functions:
- Improved connectivity across the city
- Increased demand around key transport hubs
- Potential uplift in certain rental locations
We expect this to create pockets of opportunity for well-positioned properties.
Final Thought
There’s a lot happening — planning reform, cost increases, policy debate — but the core truth remains:
Good properties, well managed, with the right tenants — perform.
If you’re thinking about your next move — whether that’s reviewing rent, making improvements, or considering selling — our team is here to help.