The Best Property Insights of 2025 reveal a market shaped by hard lessons from the last few years, changing investor priorities, and renewed confidence as conditions begin to shift. From first-hand investor case studies to on-the-ground buyer activity, these insights highlight how the NZ market is evolving and where momentum is building
Property Insights From A Buyer’s Agent Perspective
Alex Martelli, Founder of Martelli Buyer’s Agents opens the episode with some of the most practical Property Insights of 2025, particularly around what buyers are facing in a market with significantly more stock. After many sellers held back through 2023 and 2024, a surge of listings has come to market, especially at entry-level price points. While this creates opportunity, it has also left many buyers overwhelmed by choice and unsure how to identify quality or value.
Alex explains that good homes are still selling well, but average properties are lingering. With so many options available, buyers are struggling to determine what a fair price actually looks like and how one home compares to the next. This is especially evident in auctions, which Alex describes as emotionally charged environments where preparation and discipline matter more than aggression.
A key part of Alex’s auction advice is setting a clear budget before bidding begins – and truly understanding the maximum price you are willing to pay. She stresses that buyers should not rely on round numbers and should be prepared with flexible bidding increments to signal confidence. Reading the room is critical: when bidders start hesitating, talking to partners, or making phone calls, it often signals financial pressure.
Alex also notes that buyers don’t need to follow the auctioneer’s suggested increments or mirror other bidders. Varying bid amounts, planning the next move in advance, and staying focused on your own strategy – rather than reacting emotionally to others – can make a significant difference. She emphasises that while buyers shouldn’t overspend, missing out on a home they genuinely love by a small margin can be more painful than stretching slightly within reason.
Overall, Alex’s Property Insights reinforce that auctions reward preparation, emotional control, and strategy – not impulse. In a crowded market, buyers who understand these dynamics are far better positioned to secure the right property at the right price.
Property Insights From a Real Investor Case Study
Crissy’s journey shows how disciplined saving and deliberate decision-making can build momentum over time. Starting on a modest income, she prioritised cutting costs, living with family, and committing to a long-term plan rather than chasing faster or higher-risk opportunities. That period of sacrifice played a critical role in creating the foundation for her first purchase.
Her first property was an owner-occupied home secured through a ballot system in an area adjacent to Hobsonville, selected specifically for its future growth potential. By buying next to a more established suburb, she positioned herself to benefit from incoming infrastructure, schools, and amenities as the area developed. The property performed well, delivering strong capital gains that later provided the equity needed to move into further investing.
The case study also highlights the importance of reassessing assets over time. While the property did its job by delivering growth when it was most needed, changing market conditions and return expectations mean it no longer performs at the same level. Rather than holding on out of habit, the discussion reinforces the value of reviewing underperforming assets and redeploying capital into opportunities better aligned with current goals, cash flow requirements, and long-term strategy.
Learn more about Crissy’s property journey here.
Property Insights From an Active Investor
Ilse Wolfe, Director of Wolfe Property, unpacks investor mindset, cash flow, and how portfolios are being reshaped after several challenging years. After a period defined by rising living costs, higher interest rates, and sustained negative cash flow, investors are no longer willing to hold assets that rely solely on future capital growth.
A renewed focus on cash flow is now front and centre. Investors are increasingly demanding properties that are at least neutral – and ideally positive – rather than topping up shortfalls while waiting for values to recover. As interest rates begin to ease, confidence is improving, and projects that were previously under pressure are starting to return cash to investors, marking a meaningful shift from recent years.
While capital growth remains essential for building long-term wealth, Ilse reinforces that it cannot be depended on in the short term. Holding property over long periods, using leverage deliberately, and balancing income with growth are becoming central to modern investment strategies. Many investors are actively reviewing their portfolios, selling weaker performers, and replacing them with assets better aligned to current cash flow expectations and long-term objectives.
Key Takeaways
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Rising stock levels are creating opportunity but increasing buyer confusion
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Good properties are still selling, while average homes are sitting
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Auctions reward preparation, discipline, and emotional control
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Capital growth plays its role, but cash flow now drives decisions
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Falling interest rates are restoring confidence and improving returns
Next steps:
Buying a home, investing, or want better control of your money? Register now to join Mike and James for a practical 2026 financial planning webinar.
If you’d like to watch more, check out these other episodes below.
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Disclaimer:
The information in this article is general information only, is provided free of charge and does not constitute professional advice. We try to keep the information up to date. However, to the fullest extent permitted by law, we disclaim all warranties, express or implied, in relation to this article – including (without limitation) warranties as to accuracy, completeness and fitness for any particular purpose. Please seek independent advice before acting on any information in this article.
