The Best NZ Regions To Invest In Over The Next 5 Years Episode 142

When it comes to real estate investment, location matters. Traditionally, investors have flocked to major cities like Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, expecting high returns. However, recent trends have challenged this conventional thinking.

Surprisingly, the highest growth rates in New Zealand’s housing market over the past five years were not concentrated in the major cities but in provincial centers. Auckland, Nelson, Tasman, and Wellington underperformed relative to the national performance. One of the reasons for this underperformance is the already high property prices in these cities, which acted as a natural ceiling on growth.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about a paradigm shift in the real estate market. With remote work becoming more prevalent, buyers began to explore options beyond the city limits. Here are some key factors that have driven these changes:

1. Remote Work: As remote work became the new normal, buyers realised that they could take advantage of lower property prices in provincial centers while still being able to commute to the cities when necessary. The idea of a two-hour drive once in a while seemed more appealing than a daily one-hour commute.
2. Investor Shift: Investors capitalised on low interest rates and the capital growth during the post-COVID boom. However, the equity growth from their existing homes often wasn’t enough for a deposit on investment properties in major cities. This prompted investors to shift their focus to provincial centers, where property prices were more accessible.
3. Better Rental Yields: Provincial areas began to offer better rental yields than major cities like Auckland and Wellington. This made investing in these regions more attractive for those looking for rental income.

As we look ahead to the next five years, several key factors are likely to continue shaping New Zealand’s housing market:

1. Auckland: High net migration is expected to persist, with most newcomers choosing to settle in Auckland. However, many recent arrivals cannot immediately purchase properties, which will drive rental demand in the region. Rental returns are already increasing, boosting the appeal of investment properties.
2. Gisborne: Known for its strong rental yields, Gisborne is unlikely to see a large increase in rental stock. Building costs are prohibitive for new construction, making existing properties more valuable.
3. Palmerston North and Dunedin: These cities are expected to benefit from the growing tertiary education sector. With an influx of international students from Southeast Asia, rental demand is likely to increase, offering investment opportunities.
4. Bay of Plenty: This region is a popular choice for those seeking a better lifestyle while remaining commutable to Auckland. Tauranga and Rotorua are expected to attract both occupiers and investors, with the latter benefiting from attractive rental yields.
5. Queenstown-Lakes: This area will continue to attract tourists, which means strong and growing rental demand. Investors can choose to operate short-term or long-term accommodations based on seasonal needs.