Winter 2026 Update: A More Selective Property Market, Rising Rates & Making Your Money Work Harder

Welcome to our latest newsletter. As we move through the second half of 2026, the financial landscape has become more nuanced. The housing market remains subdued, mortgage rates have started to move higher again, and households are having to balance competing priorities: managing debt, building savings and making sensible long-term investment decisions.

The property market is not showing signs of a dramatic rebound just yet. National values slipped again in July, while Auckland and Wellington continued to underperform and Christchurch remained comparatively resilient. For buyers, this still creates opportunities to negotiate, although borrowing costs are no longer falling across the board.

Mortgage rates are now being influenced by expectations of a higher Official Cash Rate over the next 12 to 18 months. Meanwhile, the KiwiSaver changes introduced earlier this year mean many employees and employers are now contributing 3.5%, with the next increase to 4% scheduled for April 2028.

In this issue, we look at what the latest housing data means for buyers and sellers, what makes sense when it comes to refixing your mortgage, the investment property outlook, the KiwiSaver changes to keep in mind, and how to balance mortgage repayments with long-term wealth creation.

As always, the right strategy depends on your individual circumstances. Our team at experienced financial advisers are here to help you make informed decisions with confidence.