What is the real effect of inflation on property prices? The old adage “property is inflation proof” remains valid although inflations true impact on property prices isn’t always immediate or straightforward. While the past few years have seen consumer prices surge, property values have fallen, leaving many wondering “I thought house prices were inflation proof and increased by the rate of inflation so how can inflation be high while house prices drop?” The answer lies in tim

Staircase Mortgage Newsletter November 2025 Discover two big signals that show the New Zealand property market is entering it's recovery phase. Two Moonshots! One Real Market Shift This month marks not just a milestone for us at Staircase, but a tipping point for the entire New Zealand property market. First, the major banks are now offering up to 1.5% cash back on new mortgages, a headline level incentive rarely seen. Second, we’re thrilled to announce that Staircase has ju

The RBNZ dropped the OCR to 2.25% today As expected the Reserve Bank has today reduced the Official Cash Rate (OCR) by 0.25% , bringing it to 2.25%. While a modest adjustment, this move reinforces the Bank’s confidence that inflation pressures have eased and that the broader economic recovery can now be supported by lower borrowing costs. For buyers, homeowners, and investors, the message is clear: financing conditions are moving steadily in your favour, and today’s cut stren

How do global cities such as Melbourne, Sydney and Vancouver embrace townhouses? As Auckland grows, it faces the same challenge many major cities have already navigated: how to house more people affordably without pushing everyone to the fringes. Cities like Sydney, Melbourne and Vancouver have responded by leaning into densified urban living, with townhouses and apartments now reshaping the housing landscape. Auckland is following the same trajectory, and the perception of m

Simon used his home equity to take his first step into Property Investment with help from Staircase. His story shows how clear guidance can turn equity into long term results.

ON THE MARKET – November 2025 Edition New Zealand’s housing market has now entered a genuine recovery phase with momentum gathering as cheaper credit, improved affordability, and easing lending rules Evidence Of The Recovery Taking Root: Confidence and Capital Return to Housing The latest October housing data confirms what Staircase clients have been seeing on the ground for months, the correction is over, and opportunity is re-emerging. New Zealand’s housing market has now e

Understanding how do you calculate rental yield is essential for Kiwi investors. This guide explains gross vs net yield, key costs, and local market examples. With clear steps and tools, you can run accurate NZ property calculations.

How will the proposed Capital Gains Tax (CGT) affect the property market? The prospect of a Capital Gains Tax (CGT), signalled by Labour for introduction on 1 July 2027, has reignited debate about the future of residential property investment in New Zealand. While the idea of taxing capital gains may sound unsettling to investors, the fine print and international precedents paint a far calmer picture than the headlines suggest. Labour says the proposed 28% tax will fund free

Who pays water rates, tenant or landlord is a common question in Auckland. Under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, tenants can be required to pay for water consumption only if the property is separately metered. Landlords must pay all fixed water charges and council rates. Clear agreements prevent disputes and keep tenancies running smoothly.

This case study explores an end of tenancy cleaning dispute in Kakahi, where the Tribunal balanced landlord claims for cleaning, rubbish, and damage with a tenant’s compensation claim for delayed repairs.