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32 minute read
NZ Property Investor Confidence Just Hit a Record Low
Property investor sentiment is sliding in NZ, but what are the actual numbers? See what this means for your next property move.
Nurain Nadzirah
07 September 2026
Source : RNZ
The latest ASB investor confidence survey has thrown up a pretty classic Kiwi property paradox: only 10% of people reckon rental property is the best place to park their money right now—near an all-time low, with only bank savings tracking worse.
Why Investor Confidence Is Dropping
When you peel back the layers, this slump isn't actually about cold, hard financial reality. It’s mostly driven by a heavy dose of wait-and-see anxiety:
- 40% of respondents admitted they are "very concerned" about how political shifts might affect their investments.
- Another 46% reckon they are simply "concerned."
- Put together, that means a whopping 86% of investors are feeling jittery well before any major policy changes even land.
Most of that worry is about what might happen down the track rather than what's actually playing out on the ground today.
Kiwi Mortgage Borrowing Dips to the Lowest Since February
It's showing up in bank ledgers, too.
New mortgage borrowing dropped to $7.9 billion in July— marking the lowest monthly total since February and tracking 13% down on the same time last year.
Investors are slamming the brakes and playing it safe.
For first-home buyers and anyone looking to make a move, that translates to a lot less frantic elbow-rubbing at open homes right now.
Bright-line Test and Interest Deductibility
Here is the funny thing: while confidence took a dive, the actual rules swung the other way:
- Interest deductibility is back to a full 100%.
- The bright-line test is sitting at a breezy 2 years instead of 10.
- Lending settings have settled down nicely.
Confidence went south, but the actual fundamentals got better.
What This Means If You're Planning to Purchase Next Property
If you're wondering how this affects your plans to upsize, downsize, or buy your next home, the dip in investor competition is actually working in your favour.
With fewer people fighting over listings, you have more breathing room.
Market noise can make property feel harder than it is. Before the spring rush kicks off, getting a quiet handle on your numbers is the smartest move you can make.
Weighing up your next property investment decision?
Let’s review your portfolio numbers so you're ready to move when the right opportunity pops up.
This article is for informational purposes only. It does not consider your personal financial situation or objectives. Please consult with Tella mortgage and financial experts before making any decisions regarding your mortgage or debt strategy.
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