• Ray White’ s national rent roll has grown in 2025, showing that despite economic challenges, the sector is resilient.
“ This is what the bottom of the trough looks like,” Snelling says.“ We’ re seeing stability on both sides of the equation – for landlords and tenants. Predictability instead of turbulence.”
Earlier in the year, many economists expected the next meaningful rate-rise cycle to begin around 2027. However, stronger-than-expected data and recent commentary suggest upward pressure on fixed rates could arrive sooner.
2026 STARTS WITH CONFIDENCE
As the year closes, Snelling says the rental sector will enter 2026 with greater clarity, more consistency, and critical confidence that was missing from the last few years.
“ Policy change has offered stability. Economic conditions are improving. The sector has matured. This year felt like the moment the rental market finally found its footing. However, compliance obligations are part and parcel of legislative change, and professional support has become increasingly beneficial.
“ 2025 has proven that experience matters. Landlords are operating in an environment that rewards preparedness over reactionary behaviour. Tools, including our Ray White Choice products, which bridge the gap between full-service management and self-management, are seeing increasing interest.
“ Choice gives landlords flexibility with guardrails,” he says.“ As we head into 2026, having access to professional systems, compliance advice and documentation tools isn’ t a luxury, it’ s a safeguard.”
And with chatter of capital gains tax likely to dominate political debate in the new year, Snelling highlights the belief that preparation is the smartest strategy.
“ The best investors look a cycle ahead. And for the first time in a long time, that looks predictable. If 2025 was the year of clarity, 2026 will be the year of alignment.
“ Landlords are entering the new year better positioned, and better prepared, than they have been in years.”
For more information about Ray White’ s Property Management offering, visit pm. raywhite. com.
“ Policy change has offered stability. Economic conditions are improving. The sector has matured. This year felt like the moment the rental market finally found its footing”
Zac Snelling, Head of Property Management, Ray White Group
RAY WHITE NOW NEW ZEALAND | 25