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.

A surge of new medium density homes contributed to a temporary rental oversupply. Table of Contents: Why Rents Are Falling in Auckland Oversupply from New Builds Short term rentals converting to long term Demographic shifts Unsold homes becoming rentals New builds hitting the market A Turning Point on the Horizon: Migration and Construction Trends Fewer New Builds Ahead Net Migration Remains Positive Rents (and Property Prices) Expected to Rise Again An Opportunity for Savvy

In May 2025, the NZ Tenancy Tribunal ruled against landlords Warwick and Judith Stephens for unlawfully attempting to evict tenants after a plumbing issue required repairs. The landlords’ termination and trespass notices were invalid, and the tenants were awarded $2,027 for harassment and loss of quiet enjoyment.

The Tribunal set aside a controversial postal vote by a body corporate to remove trees, ordered a new EGM, and awarded the owner $500 in filing-fee reimbursement, emphasizing the importance of fair voting procedures under the Unit Titles Act.