• The final deadline for Healthy Homes Standards compliance on 1 July.
• The right for tenants to request pets in their rental properties, effective 1 December.
“ Individually, these adjustments are meaningful,” Snelling says.“ Collectively, they bring maturity and structure to a system overdue for evolution. They reward preparation, documentation and professionalism – and position New Zealand to meet growing global expectations around the quality, safety and stewardship of rental housing.”
Upcoming national methamphetamine standards, expected early 2026, are the final piece of the puzzle. Following years of conflicting thresholds between NZS guidelines, the Gluckman Report, and Tribunal rulings, the new standard is expected to settle near 30 micrograms per 100cm ².
“ That clarity will be transformational,” Snelling says.“ It will end years of uncertainty, reduce unnecessary vacancies, and restore consistency to insurance and Tribunal outcomes. It’ s the sort of reset the sector has needed for a long time.”
PETS: THE FINAL REFORM OF THE YEAR
From 1 December, tenants across New Zealand now have the right to request a pet – a change Snelling says reflects the reality of modern households.
“ One in three Kiwi homes has a companion animal. This legislation simply acknowledges that,” he says.“ Handed proactively, it can strengthen relationships.”
Landlords have 21 days to respond to any request received from 1 December onward. Approvals and declines must be reasonable and grounded in clear criteria such as property suitability or body corporate restrictions.
Snelling’ s advice is direct:“ Be ready for requests received before Christmas. A prepared landlord is one protected.”
“ If you’ re not across these changes, reach out to our team. Our updated Pet Guide and suite of advisory services are available and designed precisely for this moment, giving landlords a framework to evaluate applications confidently and consistently.”
THE ECONOMIC TURNING POINT
While policy change set the foundations, improving economic conditions have started to unlock confidence after a challenging year.
“ The Reserve Bank’ s 50-basis point cut to the Official Cash Rate in October, followed by 25-basis points at the last meeting of the year in November, has brought mortgage lending rates to their most favourable levels in two years.
“ The 18-month term now sits below one and two-year rates across most major banks, with select lenders offering alternatively attractive options.
“ For investors, the difference is meaningful,” Snelling says.“ Lower borrowing costs improve cash-flow and with interest deductibility back in action, the balance sheets are moving in the right direction.”
Market forces reinforce this stabilisation:
• Conservative estimates from the RBNZ show house prices are projected to rise four per cent year on year in 2026.
• Days to sell continue to shorten.
• Auction clearance rates are trending higher.
RAY WHITE NOW NEW ZEALAND | 24