“The signs are looking good for 2026 – the Year of the Horse,” says Daniel Horrobin, Director of City Realty Group.
Quoting leading economist Tony Alexander in the NZ Herald OneRoof (10 December):
“A further factor in play here in New Zealand is the growing list of indicators showing that the economy is turning around and that 2026 will likely be a year of good growth, including in the labour market.”
Further predictions reported in the NZ Herald on 14 December highlight that by avoiding major trade war impacts — with key US exemptions for Kiwi beef and improved global stability for milk exporters — the New Zealand economy is now forecast to grow by around 2.4% next year. This improving outlook is already helping restore confidence locally, with property investors in particular beginning to re-enter a more buoyant housing market.
Kiwibank’s optimism follows ASB economists’ forecasts of growth exceeding 2.5% next year. While ASB has declared the “bad news” chapter largely behind us and anticipates a smoother ride ahead, Kiwibank has cautioned that the recovery remains fragile.
“Overall,” says Daniel, “there appears to be a collective optimism that the worst is now behind us — tempered by the understanding that the recovery is unlikely to be instant or dramatic.”
A look back at some key numbers from the year:
During 2025, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand made several Official Cash Rate cuts:
28 May – reduced to 3.25%
20 August – reduced to 3.00%
8 October – reduced to 2.50%
26 November – further reduced to 2.25%
Over the past year, our Central City office conducted:
230 auctions
4,210 open homes
2,334 open-home visitors
Currently, the number of Central City properties advertised on Trade Me remains relatively light, dipping below 600 listings. “We do expect a surge in new listings early in the New Year, so for those considering selling, there may be an advantage in acting ahead of that increase,” says Daniel.
“With this in mind,” Daniel adds, “we’re looking forward to a major auction event to kick-start 2026, with a Big Auction Day scheduled for Thursday 29 January, hosted at Trade Me’s downtown headquarters. More details to come in the New Year.”
On behalf of the entire City Realty Group team, I’d like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas, a safe New Year, and a successful 2026.
Daniel Horrobin
Director | City Realty Group
Good News Is Gaining Credibility “There is a growing confidence that the property market (and the wider economy) is beginning to improve,” says Daniel Horrobin, Director of City Realty Group. “We’re seeing encouraging signals from multiple independent sources.” Market Confidence Building The latest REINZ October Report reinforces this sentiment: Market … Read more
That was good news… and there’s more to come. On 8 October 2025, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) delivered a welcome boost to the housing market, cutting the Official Cash Rate (OCR) by 50 basis points to 2.5%. With another review due on 26 November, Daniel Horrobin, Director … Read more