
Episode #43
8 falls in a row & Labour's tax call: Will property investors return?
Send us a question/idea/opinion direct via text message! August residential sales plunged nearly 12% year-on-year, marking the eighth consecutive month of annual transaction drops across Aotearoa New Zealand. With sales drifting and listings climbing, the market remains locked in an extended holding pattern. This week on the New Zealand Property Market Podcast, Head of Research Nick Goodall and Chief Economist Kelvin Davidson unpack the findings from Cotality’s latest Housing Chart Pack. They analyse why Hamilton sales dropped 14% across the winter quarter, how first-home buyers continue to dominate market share, and what is keeping the labour market from driving an immediate recovery. The team also breaks down Labour’s major pre-election announcement ruling out changes to mortgage interest deductibility for residential landlords. Kelvin and Nick discuss why the justification - not wanting to give landlords an excuse to hike rents - misses the reality of tenant income constraints, and whether removing this tax threat will tempt investors back into the market. Finally, they review the August New Zealand Activity Index (+1.9%) and preview the upcoming Home Value Index release. This week we discuss: The 8-Month Sales Slide: Why August sales dropped 12% YoY and why the 3-month trend shows nationwide softness (Hamilton down 14%). Labour's Interest Deductibility Call: Unpacking the politics, coalition negotiations, and why landlords cannot simply pass tax costs onto rents. Investor Psychology: Will certainty around interest deductibility open the floodgates for property investors ahead of a Capital Gains Tax debate? NZ Activity Index (+1.9%): Why economic recovery remains patchy and why labour hoarding delays hiring rebounds until 2027. Home Value Index Preview: Why early weekly data points to another slight monthly national dip (-0.3%). Weekend Sports Drama: The Taniwha's heartbreaking Ranfurly Shield loss to Counties Manukau, Wallabies upsetting the Springboks, and epic NRL finals action. Download the latest Cotality Housing Chart Pack: https://www.cotality.com/nz/insights/articles/monthly-housing-chart-pack-september-2026 Track weekly property values with our Interactive HVI: https://www.cotality.com/nz/our-data/indices Sign up for news and insights or contact on LinkedIn , X @NickGoodall_CL or @KDavidson_CL and email ngoodall@cotality.com or kdavidson@cotality.com This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. The hosts are not licensed Financial Advice Providers in New Zealand. All information is of a general nature and does not take into account your personal situation or goals. Please consult a qualified professional before making any financial decisions.

