More than 50% of P-Labs discovered in New Zealand have been in rental properties, how can this be you might ask?

Surely property managers are meant to be doing regular inspections of rental properties? 

Was that statement just an exaggeration to kick-start a sluggish real estate market?

Watching the interview with Alistair Helm on ASB Business the other day I guess some could have been excused for feeling sceptical as to Alistair’s comments;

Recent government discussions of potential tax changes have halted inquiries from investors who usually bought at the lower end of the price range so is this going to open the door to first home buyers.

Well, not if the so-called mainstream lenders have anything to do with it.

As housing affordability is set to get worse many are now being left with no alternative but to rent even though homeownership is their preferred option.

Inaction by property investors, (who account for approximately 5% of total sales) cause the market to stall.

Maori (and only Maori) have been offered no deposit home loans as New Zealanders have been told to save for a deposit. It may look like I am discriminating with that comment as aren’t we all New Zealanders but I ask you, who is doing the discriminating?

Mum & Dad Property Investors can now move forward and take advantage of great opportunities in the market place as Housing New Zealand opt to retain their lease program to house the less fortunate.

For the first time all economists/commentators seem to be on the same page, all but one.

Yes you guessed it, I have differing views.

Bank economists, real estate agents, valuers, investors, the media ... they all have differing views as to what side the coin will land on.

I tend to think the coin will land on neither until the government comes clean as to what changes they intend to implement.

Often I am accused of being bias when it comes to property investment and I can live with that.