It looks as though residential landlords are not exiting the market in droves as a result of the Government’s tenancy law reforms and other investor-focused policy changes.

Returning New Zealanders have been touted as a major driver of housing demand going forward, but some think the flood has ended – and that will impact on the market.

Getting rid of the Government’s tenancy law reforms and tax changes that impact on rental property owners are a key feature of the National Party’s new housing policy.

Tenant liability for damage has long been a fraught issue but a new Tenancy Tribunal case shows that damage rulings can sometimes favour a landlord.

Property managers will be regulated and subject to a Code of Conduct to ensure they meet professional standards if the Labour Party returns to power after the election.

Market activity is not letting up in Auckland with the city’s biggest real estate agency announcing that September saw the highest number of sales in a month since 2017.

Growth in property values stalled after the first lockdown – but that’s changing with signs of growth emerging in markets nationwide once again.

High numbers of residential dwelling consents are still being issued with Stats NZ’s latest data leaving economists surprised at the ongoing resilience of construction.

Economic headwinds may be threatening the commercial property sector but one property fund manager is opening a new offer on the back of a year that has been successful, despite Covid-19.

Landlords are divided over Barfoot & Thompson’s recent call to the National Party to hold fire on their plans to overturn the Healthy Homes standards if elected.

The Reserve Bank’s programme to lend directly to retail banks could be ready soon. If it is, that’s likely to mean lower interest rates on loans – and more support for the housing market.

Wellington rents – which have long seen the strongest growth in the country – stalled in August for the first time in five years, new Trade Me Property data reveals.

Rents are set to go up for many as the Covid-19 prompted freeze on rent increases comes to an end later this week, but tenant advocates are now calling for rents to be capped.

Treasury might be expecting house prices to fall - but market data suggests otherwise, with Trade Me Property’s August data the latest to show rising prices and high demand.

Tenant responsibility for the behaviour of other people on the premises can have limits depending on the circumstances, a new Tenancy Tribunal ruling indicates.

Those who were anticipating a Covid-prompted housing market collapse got it wrong with the latest REINZ data revealing strong growth in prices and sales.