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.

The Tenancy Tribunal awarded $1,912.93 from the bond to a landlord after finding proven minor damage and cleaning costs, while dismissing several unproven claims due to lack of evidence. The ruling emphasizes the importance of fair wear and tear, burden of proof, and photographic evidence at the end of a tenancy.

ON THE MARKET – October 2025 Edition The NZ housing market recovery is just about to start, based on the data After three years of headwinds, New Zealand’s residential property market is finally firing on all cylinders. With the Official Cash Rate now cut to 2.5 percent, fixed mortgage rates down to 4.49% with the expectation of further cuts within the next 3-6 months (mortgage rates could fall to 4%), and the economy showing early signs of expansion, the next upswing has cle

New Zealand's housing market is showing clear signs of a turnaround After three years of softening values, New Zealand’s housing market is showing clear signs the worst is behind us. Media headlines have begun calling the “end of the slide” but beyond the headlines, what does the property cycle research tell us? Understanding the Property Cycle Cycles Always Repeat Extensive research into New Zealand property cycles spanning decades shows the same rhythm repeats: Boom → price

ANZ's 10 year interest only mortgage option is shaking up the mortgage landscape ANZ recently launched something that’s turning heads among property investors, a 10 year interest only mortgage option right from day one. This doubles the typical five year interest only period that most lenders offer. The change is reshaping how investors structure their debt, cash flow, and long term plans. Experienced investor Peter Ambrose (in Wellington) puts it plainly : “Interest-only hel

Staircase Mortgage Newsletter – October 2025 With the OCR cut further, the property market recovery is accelerated The Reserve Bank has just cut the OCR by 0.5 percentage points to 2.50% per annum its boldest easing move in three years. This decision doesn’t start a recovery, it accelerates one that is already underway. Property sales have been rising since winter, mortgage rates have fallen sharply, and investors are back in the market. The OCR cut confirms what the data al

Janice's property journey with Staircase began with a phone call. Her story shows how anyone can invest in property with the right help.