May Political Report from Thomas Chin

This is a summary of the political and regulatory news affecting the residential rental property industry
30-05-2014 more >>

Better growth, rising risks

The New Zealand economy has been recovering from the recession. But slumping house sales are a significant risk to our optimistic outlook for the economy - NZIER Quarterly Predictions, June 2014
27-05-2014 more >>

5+ Rentals to mean corporate loan status

The Reserve Bank (RBNZ) has introduced new rules that will come into effect on the 30th of June this year. These rules will see rental property owners with five or more rental properties classed as either income producing real estate or small to medium enterprises (SME's).
22-05-2014 more >>

OECD housing report shows rents too cheap

The latest OECD Housing report claims that New Zealand house prices are 70% too high compared to rental prices. There are a number of reasons why this is inaccurate.
20-05-2014 more >>

Problem Properties Panel

Come along for 7pm for a social chat before we start into problem properties, with a specialist panel ready to tell you some of the problems they have encountered and to answer any questions you have about tricky property situations.
12-05-2014 more >>

Housing pressures are easing gradually

Pressures in the New Zealand housing market are easing gradually but risks remain, the Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank, Grant Spencer, said in a speech today.
09-05-2014 more >>

Update: Reserve Bank 5+ rental properties policies

In a surprise move, the Reserve Bank has deemed any rental property owner with five or more rental properties as a corporate borrower. We reported on this in our last newsletter (see here) and now have more information plus how you can find out the affects on your borrowings.
05-05-2014 more >>

Labour to Ring Fence rental property losses

Among the detail in Labour’s Monetary Policy Upgrade is ring-fencing of losses made in the early years of rental property ownership. A similar policy has been tried, failed and reversed in Australia. In the 2 year period it was law, Australian rents rose by over 25%.
05-05-2014 more >>

Easier to recover tenant debt now

Winning at the Tenancy Tribunal is just the first step in holding some tenants to account. However changes to the system for recovering debts came into place on April 14 and may make things a lot easier for rental property owners.
05-05-2014 more >>

NZPIF submission on Earthquake strengthening Bill

Residential properties with 2 or more stories and containing 3 or more units are to be covered by proposed Earthquake Strengthening regulations. The NZPIF have made a submission which you can see here
05-05-2014 more >>

How does the OCR actually affect interest rates?

The Official Cash Rate (OCR) was raised twice recently, the first change since early 2009. Floating mortgage interest rates for most banks moved up by the same amount almost immediately. But what exactly is the OCR and how does it affect the mortgage interest rates we pay?
05-05-2014 more >>

Tony Alexander reviews Labour's new Kiwisaver policy

BNZ Economist Tony Alexander looks at Labour's kiwisaver policy in his weekly review
02-05-2014 more >>

Rents could go up by 25% under Labour

Among the detail in Labour’s Monetary Policy Upgrade is ring-fencing of losses made in the early years of rental property ownership.
30-04-2014 more >>

Capital gains tax part of Labour policy

Alongside a capital gains tax, our KiwiBuild housing policy, universal KiwiSaver and reduced costs to businesses through NZ Power, Labour is offering an alternative that will help Kiwi families and ensure our economy can create better jobs and higher wages,” says David Parker
29-04-2014 more >>

Reserve Bank raises OCR to 3 percent

Statement issued by Reserve Bank Governor Graeme Wheeler: The Reserve Bank today increased the OCR by 25 basis points to 3 percent.
24-04-2014 more >>

Investors are very confident

Investors are very confident about the future prospects of commercial property investment in New Zealand, delivering another quarter of enthusiastic responses. Confidence is at a net positive 28%, just shy of the record high set at the end of 2013, according to the latest Colliers International investor confidence survey.
17-04-2014 more >>

Living the property dream with Daryl Fisher

At this monthly event Daryl will talk about his investment journey from a novice investor to what he is today, the mistakes he made along the way and some lessons he will never forget. Daryl will also speak about his view of the New Zealand housing market, what current challenges he sees facing investors and his strategies to manage them.
14-04-2014 more >>

Capital Gains Tax not a solution

The association representing Kiwi landlords is disappointed the Labour Party is misleading the public about their proposed capital gains tax, which they plan to apply to all asset classes except the family home.
14-04-2014 more >>

March 2014 Political report

The following is a summary of political developments and regulatory risks affecting the residential rental property industry.
01-04-2014 more >>

Reserve Bank Bulletin released

The Reserve Bank today released the March 2014 edition of the Reserve Bank Bulletin.
31-03-2014 more >>

Rental property owners not to blame

Kiwi landlords are not to blame for a decrease in Kiwi home-ownership.
28-03-2014 more >>

Report shows investor gains in cities around NZ

The Westpac Investment Report released today highlights in which cities gains are being made
27-03-2014 more >>

Investors support focus on insulation and heating

The NZ Property Investors Federation (NZPIF) supports the focus on heating and Insulation in Phil Twyford’s Healthy Homes Guarantee Bill.
25-03-2014 more >>

Electricity use for home heating increases

More New Zealanders are using electricity to heat their homes and fewer are using gas, wood, or coal, according to census results released by Statistics New Zealand today.
18-03-2014 more >>

WOF an insult not a protection

The national federation representing Kiwi landlords is warning against progressing with the flawed rental WOF scheme, claiming its trialed roll-out is raising serious concerns for both tenants and landlords.
17-03-2014 more >>