Surge in migration a double edged sword

A record 22% of investors are finding it easier, compared to 8% saying it was hard in December last year. The higher figure is up from 17% in June.

Alexander says the rental market has shifted substantially this year, reflecting strong population growth from the migration boom and the shifting of some properties back to servicing tourists and foreign students.

However, migration can be a double-edged sword. While it provides more workers, skllls and capital to the economy, it can put pressure on housing and infrastructure. These can boost inflation which is at six per cent and only slowly falling.

Net immigration flows have increased spectacularly since the beginning of the year as permanent and long-term arrivals surged into the country.