Articles tagged with 'Covid-19'
Omicron hits the brokerage business
4 March 2022 - Covid-based absenteeism is sweeping through the brokerage industry along with other branches of the economy.
Impact of Covid on household living arrangements
9 February 2022 - New research has found many New Zealanders want bigger houses.
Telehealth can help manage home isolation cases
17 December 2021 - With more and more New Zealanders self-isolating at home after testing positive for Covid-19, the role of telehealth services is in the spotlight now more than ever.
Vax chat hits a raw nerve - advisers can do better
30 November 2021 - It seems a recent article on Covid-19 and underwriting the unvaccinated hit a raw nerve with some readers, and the responses across the Good Returns site raised an eyebrow or two.
Omicron - one step forward, two steps back for economic recovery
30 November 2021 - Financial markets became volatile on Friday as news of the Covid-19 variant Omicron's emergence broke with shares, commodities and other assets falling sharply and investors flocking to the safety of government bonds.
Vaccination status no issue for Southern Cross Healthcare
29 November 2021 - Southern Cross Healthcare strongly believes that all New Zealanders are entitled to access healthcare services when they need them and will not use a patient’s unvaccinated status as a reason to deny access to its healthcare facilities.
Covid vaccination status a watching brief for NZ insurers
25 November 2021 - New Zealand life insurers are keeping a close eye on developments regarding the vaccination status of their clients but say it's too early to make any policy or underwriting decisions.
Unvaccinated may face higher premiums
15 November 2021 - Kiwi life and health insurers have some big decisions to make about how they plan to cover those who choose not to get vaccinated against Covid-19.
Cigna campaign benefits customers and advisers
9 November 2021 - Two months since launching its "good things come in twos campaign", Cigna New Zealand says the business has been overwhelmed with positive feedback.
No jab, no job - legal rights in the workplace
9 November 2021 - Covid-19 and its highly infectious delta variant are coming to a workplace near you and it's important for everyone in financial services to know what they can and can't do in the interests of workplace safety.
Landlord evictions clarified under Covid restrictions
3 November 2021 - The Government has passed legislation restricting tenancy terminations when people are required to stay at home because of Covid-19 health measures.
Covid puts pressure on premiums
2 November 2021 - Where is this Covid thing going to take us with health and life insurance?
Financial Advice NZ conference moves online
14 October 2021 - Uncertainty around Covid-19 lockdowns has forced Financial Advice New Zealand to move its annual conference online.
FMA extends regulatory relief - focus on good conduct
29 September 2021 - While the covid crisis and regulatory change have hit many financial service providers hard it's also impacting the country's regulators - none more so than the Financial Markets Authority.
KiwiSaver funds soar, non-contributors still a worry
28 September 2021 - More than 1.2 million KiwiSaver members did not invest in the scheme in the year to March 31, showing that while KiwiSaver has hit new heights in funds under management, there are big opportunities for providers and advisers.
AIA offers one month free on new policies
8 September 2021 - AIA NZ will waiver the first month’s premium on qualifying new policies as a way to support both advisers and customers during the current Covid-19 outbreak.
FSC ReGenerations Conference postponed
3 September 2021 - The Financial Services Council ReGenerations Conference has been postponed and will not take place on September 22 and 23.
Taking care of your team in lockdown
31 August 2021 - With a team of 10, seven full-time plus three part-time, we are now spread across our homes instead of having a nice central hub in which to gather.
Health insurance claims top $400m in last quarter
30 August 2021 - New data reveals Kiwi's have been paid out $400 million in health insurance claims in the quarter to June 30.
Financial services lockdown update - FMA hopes to add to list
19 August 2021 - Financial services are currently not included as ‘Alert level 4 businesses or services’ in the Public Health Response (Alert Level Requirements) Order (No 9) 2021.
Economists react to rate hold decision
19 August 2021 - Economists believe the Reserve Bank will raise the official cash rate in October, despite keeping it on hold today.
Delta outbreak set to halt rate hike
18 August 2021 - A community outbreak of Covid-19 is set to delay plans to raise interest rates, according to ASB economists: [READ ON] ...
Delta outbreak set to halt rate hike
18 August 2021 - A community outbreak of Covid-19 is set to delay plans to raise interest rates, according to economists at ASB.
FMA focus - Money laundering, cybercrime, disclosure and more
20 July 2021 - The Financial Markets Authority (FMA) has its work cut out for it over the next 12 months dealing with a range of issues from insider trading, false advertising and the CoFI Bill to cybercrime, KiwiSaver and compliance.
Digital investment 'no longer on the fringe'
18 June 2021 - Research suggesting that 1.5 million Kiwis are either using or planning to use digital investment platforms comes as no surprise to companies at the forefront of the sector.
Covid-related KiwiSaver switches less likely with an adviser
17 June 2021 - Young people dominated the high level of KiwiSaver fund switching during the height of Covid-19 market volatility last year but were less likely to switch if they were with a non-bank provider, KiwiSaver provider data shows.
Suncorp NZ invests in a technology-enabled workforce
10 June 2021 - Asteron Life's parent company Suncorp New Zealand says it's doubling down on developing a technology-enabled workforce after success in adapting to fully remote work during last year’s Covid-19 lockdowns.
AIA NZ helps raise $30k for India's Covid-19 relief fund
10 June 2021 - The AIA NZ team let their feet do the talking on Wednesday as they ran to raise funds for the people of India devastated by Covid-19 as part of the global Relief Run initiative.
AIA NZ supports Relief Run for India
3 June 2021 - AIA NZ is joining its Australian colleagues in the global Relief Run initiative with the trans-Tasman business contributing $30,000 to the people of India devastated by Covid-19.
RBNZ balance sheet almost triples in size
2 June 2021 - Efforts to help reduce interest rates and restore confidence in financial markets have seen the Reserve Bank of New Zealand's balance sheet almost triple in size.
Mortgage hardships rise
12 May 2021 - Mortgage hardships are up 10% according to credit reporting firm Centrix, as the Covid pandemic continues to impact borrowers across New Zealand.
Covid could come back to bite Kiwi insurers
11 May 2021 - New Zealand's health and life insurers have weathered the initial storm of Covid-related claims but the Reserve Bank says future outbreaks could change the landscape and providers should be ready.
MMC deliver high client service levels despite disruptive times
14 April 2021 - MMC are New Zealand’s leading provider of investment administration services to over 100 investment managers, product providers, KiwiSaver schemes and financial advisory groups across New Zealand. Today MMC administer funds with a combined value of over NZD 90 billion.
One year of nib Covid-19 support for members and community
14 April 2021 - It’s been 12 months since health insurer nib New Zealand launched its Covid-19 support package to help its members and the wider community impacted by the pandemic.
FMA warns adviser for KiwiSaver advice
5 March 2021 - The FMA has issued a warning to a financial adviser over KiwiSaver advice he gave a client during Covid market volatility.
Strategi offers ‘Covid assistance pack’ to advisers
2 March 2021 - A support package has been made available – by industry compliance centre Strategi Group – to advisers whose preparation for regulation change has been impacted by Covid.
What levels 2 and 3 mean for the market
15 February 2021 - Auckland has been put into alert level three following the latest community outbreak of Covid-19, while the rest of the country goes into level two. Here's what it means for the property market.
ASB promises no forced mortgagee sales
11 February 2021 - ASB has pledged not to force owner-occupiers out of their homes if they fall into financial difficulty.
Bank questions why investor confidence not higher
9 February 2021 - ASB says investor confidence in property has improved but not as much as expected.
How many people are still asking for home loan help?; ICBC rate cuts
24 November 2020 - While it has been several months since our last lockdown, a steady stream of people continue to ask for help on their home and business loans: [READ ON] Chinese...
Could KiwiBuild home loans be at risk?
3 November 2020 - Banks could pull the plug on borrowers with pre-approvals for KiwiBuild homes, leaving them vulnerable to financial ruin, an adviser has warned.
Market influencers going forward...
2 November 2020 - Value growth is accelerating and one property expert is picking that Government construction plans and the role of LVRs will dominate market discussion of the trend going forward.
SuperCity property attracting overseas interest
2 November 2020 - International interest in Auckland property has increased recently and that could have helped the region’s average asking price hit a record high in Realestate.co.nz’s latest data.
Dunedin in demand
29 October 2020 - A supply and demand imbalance together with improved housing stock mean Dunedin’s values are on the rise, writes Joanna Jefferies.
Covid-19 changes discussions with clients
25 October 2020 - Jon-Paul Hale says as we learn more about Covid-19 advisers need to be asking more questions from their clients.
COMMENT: Dunedin’s slowdown might last
22 October 2020 - Dunedin’s loss of value growth momentum in recent months could be a longer lasting trend, writes CoreLogic senior property economist Kelvin Davidson.
Negative OCR still needed - Westpac
20 October 2020 - Despite fears of an overheated housing market, Westpac economists believe the Reserve Bank will still need to lower the official cash rate next year.
Tough conditions for self-employed borrowers
14 October 2020 - Advisers say that the self-employed are bearing the brunt of tight lending conditions, with banks concerned about the long-term impact of Covid-19.
Market correction? Don’t hold your breath.
14 October 2020 - The economic fallout from Covid-19 was supposed to lead to a housing market correction. It hasn’t – and now ASB says prices are only going to keep climbing.
Sales, prices skyrocket in defiant market
13 October 2020 - It’s official: New Zealand’s housing market is going crazy – and the skyrocketing prices have left economists revising their forecasts and worried it heralds a new bubble.
Investment in Auckland’s CBD will survive
12 October 2020 - Commercial property investors are not going to abandon Auckland’s CBD in the wake of the Covid-19 lockdowns, according to a specialist property financier.
Are returning Kiwis really a market driver?
6 October 2020 - Returning New Zealanders have been touted as a major driver of housing demand going forward, but some think the flood has ended – and that will impact on the market.
Labour plans to regulate property managers
2 October 2020 - Property managers will be regulated and subject to a Code of Conduct to ensure they meet professional standards if the Labour Party returns to power after the election.
Booming sales in the Super City
2 October 2020 - Market activity is not letting up in Auckland with the city’s biggest real estate agency announcing that September saw the highest number of sales in a month since 2017.
Values on the rise again - CoreLogic
1 October 2020 - Growth in property values stalled after the first lockdown – but that’s changing with signs of growth emerging in markets nationwide once again.
Low listings boosting prices
1 October 2020 - Auckland’s average asking price passed $1 million for the first time while other regions turned in record highs. The ongoing shortage of listings is a major factor in that.
Resilient consent numbers surprise
30 September 2020 - High numbers of residential dwelling consents are still being issued with Stats NZ’s latest data leaving economists surprised at the ongoing resilience of construction.
Wairarapa on the move
30 September 2020 - A tight rental market and low sales stock mean Wairarapa’s property market is on the up, writes Joanna Jefferies.
Adapting to commercial’s new normal
29 September 2020 - Economic headwinds may be threatening the commercial property sector but one property fund manager is opening a new offer on the back of a year that has been successful, despite Covid-19.
Southland is tops for investors
25 September 2020 - It seems you can’t just beat Southland for high performing investment properties, with the region coming up trumps yet again in a new REINZ report.
Call for rent caps after freeze ends
21 September 2020 - Rents are set to go up for many as the Covid-19 prompted freeze on rent increases comes to an end later this week, but tenant advocates are now calling for rents to be capped.
ESG themes from company reporting season
19 September 2020 - This reporting season has seen a strong focus on social considerations, unsurprisingly triggered by Covid-19, which has presented a challenge but also an opportunity for companies writes Harbour Asset Management.
High demand keeps pushing prices up
18 September 2020 - Treasury might be expecting house prices to fall - but market data suggests otherwise, with Trade Me Property’s August data the latest to show rising prices and high demand.
FMA details Covid-19 response
17 September 2020 - A formal warning given to a financial adviser in May who recommended all clients urgently move their investments to low-risk funds was intended to send a message to the industry about the Financial Markets Authority’s expectations.
Expect house prices to keep rising - Westpac
14 September 2020 - House prices are set to keep going up rather than down, one of the big banks now says – after reversing its earlier predictions of price declines.
Covid be damned – the market is booming
11 September 2020 - Those who were anticipating a Covid-prompted housing market collapse got it wrong with the latest REINZ data revealing strong growth in prices and sales.
Interest rates not bargains driving investors
9 September 2020 - Investors’ hopes of picking up a property bargain in the post-Covid market are fading, the latest joint survey from REINZ and economist Tony Alexander reveals.
Non-bank criteria changing during pandemic; Tip for landlords
4 September 2020 - Many alternative lenders changed criteria for customers through the second lockdown, creating a challenging environment for advisers and their clients,...
COMMENT: Don’t miss your $5,000 deductions!
3 September 2020 - Residential landlords, take note: the clock is ticking on the Covid-19 related increase to the low value asset write-off threshold, writes property accountant Anthony Appleton-Tattersall.*
High consent issuance not expected to continue
1 September 2020 - Over 10,000 new dwelling consents were issued in the three months to July, a rolling total not seen since the 1970s. But economists don’t expect the trend to continue.
Market holds firm in Covid-19 storm
1 September 2020 - Covid-19 has not led to the bottom dropping out of the housing market, as some predicted. Rather housing values have held pretty firmly, particularly in provincial and rural areas.
How did the second lockdown compare?
1 September 2020 - Advisers say the second lockdown was easier to navigate than the shutdown in March, with stronger business activity and less disruption than before.
Record housing stock lows round NZ
1 September 2020 - The amount of available housing stock for sale nationwide plummeted to record lows in August – and that’s helping keep prices bubbling up.
Consents no longer needed for low-risk work
31 August 2020 - Good news for those wanting to add a sleep-out, shed or carport to a property: today’s the day that consents are no longer needed for low-risk building work.
Steady Southern star
31 August 2020 - Covid-19 and the closure of Tiwai Point might pose some challenges for Invercargill but the southern city’s market still has a lot to offer investors, writes Miriam Bell
Buyer sentiment at eight year high
28 August 2020 - More people now believe that it is a good time to buy a house than at any other time since 2012, ASB’s latest Housing Confidence Survey reveals.
Clouds remain over housing market
27 August 2020 - Falling mortgage rates will provide support to the housing market over the coming year – but a weakening of the market is still on the cards, according to bank economists.
Borrowing boom in July – before second lockdown
26 August 2020 - Home lending soared to $6.5 billion in July during New Zealand's Covid-free period, reaching its highest level since November last year.
Mixed response to Business Finance Guarantee Scheme
24 August 2020 - The Government has extended its Business Finance Guarantee Scheme but advisers say the programme has not been popular with clients so far.
ANZ sets aside an extra $79 million for bad loans
19 August 2020 - ANZ New Zealand has ring-fenced a further $79 million for impaired loans as the nation's biggest lender deals with the fallout from the pandemic.
Election not an issue for property buyers & sellers
19 August 2020 - This year’s general election may have been postponed to October 17 but a new survey reveals that the election is not a concern for a vast majority of property buyers and sellers.
Analysts pick Covid-19 losers on NZX
18 August 2020 - Most New Zealand businesses will be affected by the current increased alert levels, Forsyth Barr says, but the extent of the impact varies.
Mortgage deferral scheme extended to March
17 August 2020 - The Reserve Bank has confirmed the mortgage deferral scheme will be extended until March next year following the second Covid-19 prompted lockdown in Auckland.
Advisers ready for extended lockdown; Wairarapa Building Society cuts rates
17 August 2020 - Auckland mortgage advisers are ready to operate under the extended lockdown, as the government brings back the mortgage deferral scheme and wage subsidy...
Advisers ready for extended lockdown
17 August 2020 - Mortgage advisers in Auckland are ready to operate under the extended lockdown, as the government brings back the mortgage deferral scheme and wage subsidy programme.
Covid-19 return could derail market boom
14 August 2020 - The housing market was booming in July with price and sales up nationwide, new REINZ data shows, but the return of Covid-19 raises questions of how the market will fare going forward.
Advisers adjust to heightened alert levels
13 August 2020 - Financial advisers are adjusting to a return to life at higher alert levels.
The return of Covid-19: what it means for landlords
12 August 2020 - After 102 days, Covid-19 is back and that means Auckland is returning to alert level three, while the rest of New Zealand will go to alert level two, on Wednesday. So what does that mean for landlords?
Advisers prepare for second lockdown
12 August 2020 - Mortgage advisers are preparing to run their businesses under lockdown once again as Auckland goes into alert level three at midday.
Radical tenancy reforms now law
5 August 2020 - Shock and dismay. That’s what landlords around New Zealand are feeling after Parliament passed the Government’s controversial tenancy law reforms into law late Wednesday.
Is the market resurgence coming to an end?
5 August 2020 - Steady declines in value growth are becoming evident – as QV’s latest data reveals – and that suggests the housing market’s resurgence could be coming to an end.
Auckland sees highest sales since 2015
4 August 2020 - The SuperCity turned in its strongest housing sales performance in a July for five years last month, new data from Auckland’s biggest real estate agency reveals.
Prices not impacted by new listings surge
3 August 2020 - There was an influx of new listings on to the housing market in July but it is making little impact on the shortage of housing stock around New Zealand.
Queenstown rents take a nosedive
31 July 2020 - Covid-19 has hit the Queenstown rental market hard, with new data showing that rents in the holiday hotspot have plummeted by 28% on June last year.
Retail investor bubble; What's happening?
31 July 2020 - Pathfinder portfolio manager Hamish Sharma has seen a massive retail investor boom since lockdown. He investigates what's driving this new interest in markets.
Covid-19 fog hangs over consents increase
30 July 2020 - New dwelling consents were up by 20% year-on-year in June. That’s a big increase but it doesn’t allay the concerns of economists going forward.
COMMENT: It’s not all doom & gloom
30 July 2020 - Uncertainty still casts its shadow over the property market but there are factors that could see a brighter outlook than some expect, writes CoreLogic's Kelvin Davidson.*.
Advisers warned to watch for vulnerability
29 July 2020 - Advisers are being warned the number of “vulnerable” clients they encounter is likely to increase, and they need to fully understand their obligation to them.
Mortgage holidays set for extension
29 July 2020 - Minister of Finance Grant Robertson says the Reserve Bank could extend mortgage holidays for struggling borrowers.
Keeping our eyes on the road ahead
28 July 2020 - Financial Markets Authority chief executive outlines the regulators plans for the coming months.
COMMENT: Extend mortgage holidays
27 July 2020 - The Covid-19 prompted mortgage “holiday” scheme is set to end in September but Century 21 New Zealand owner Derryn Mayne is calling for it to be extended.
Demand is keeping prices resilient
23 July 2020 - Stronger than anticipated demand from property buyers is helping to keep prices nationwide buoyant – and solidly up on last year - in the post-Covid housing market.
Covid crisis will impact on market - in time
21 July 2020 - ASB continues to expect a 6% decline in nationwide house prices – even though the Covid-19 prompted economic adjustment to date been less severe than most expected.
Mortgage demand picked to decline
16 July 2020 - Banks are expecting a fall in demand for mortgage lending in the second half of 2020, according to a new Reserve Bank Credit Conditions Survey.
Sales, prices surge up - defying expectations
14 July 2020 - The housing market’s post-Covid rebound continued in June with house prices rising further and sales volumes hitting a four year high – but economists are asking if it will last.
Investors expect more information in Covid environment
10 July 2020 - Investors are looking for additional disclosure in the investment environment, new research shows.
Augusta Capital takeover bid now unconditional
9 July 2020 - ASX-listed Centuria Capital has declared that its takeover of New Zealand property funds manager Augusta Capital is now unconditional, as it has secured nearly 66% of Augusta’s shares.
Investors not rushing to sell
9 July 2020 - There is no rush of investors looking to sell their properties in the post-Covid-19 market, according to the second joint survey from REINZ and economist Tony Alexander.
Why bank changes are good for advisers
8 July 2020 - The days of face-to-face banking may be numbered with the big banks closing branches around the country in the wake of Covid-19, but this change could work out well for advisers.
Values settle into new normal
8 July 2020 - Covid-19’s impact on the residential property market is becoming clearer with QV’s latest data showing the pre-lockdown heat is dissipating as the market begins to settle.
Advisers buoyed by strong property market
6 July 2020 - The New Zealand property market has emerged strongly out of lockdown, according to mortgage advisers, who say they are busy as ever this winter.
Why the future is not bleak for the housing market
3 July 2020 - Uncertainty continues to cast its shadow over the housing market but economist Tony Alexander has put together a list of reasons which offset the negatives and mean the market remains well-supported.
SuperCity sales defy expectations – for now
2 July 2020 - Auckland’s property market defied economic forecasts in June but that doesn’t mean it will continue to do so, according to the city’s largest real estate agency.
Consents rebound likely to be short-lived
1 July 2020 - There was a strong increase in residential building consents in May but economists say the rebound won’t last.
Four new buyers’ markets emerge
1 July 2020 - A surge in new property listings around much of New Zealand has turned four regions into buyers’ markets, new Realestate.co.nz data reveals.
COMMENT: Are Airbnb hosts in breach of the RTA?
30 June 2020 - Landlords could be using short term booking sites like Airbnb in an attempt to contract out of the Residential Tenancies Act, but by doing so they are exposing themselves to substantial risk and possible rent refunds, writes property management consultant David Faulkner.
Signs of confidence but early days yet
30 June 2020 - Tough economic times might be ahead but a new report from REINZ shows there are some early signs of confidence in the housing market post-lockdown.
COMMENT: Don’t discount migration as a demand driver
26 June 2020 - There are reasons why we shouldn’t completely ignore migration as a continued support for property, CoreLogic’s Kelvin Davidson* explains…
Mortgage borrowing rebounds in May
25 June 2020 - New mortgage borrowing rose by roughly $1.6 billion in May as the property market showed signs of recovery from the Covid-19 lockdown.
What’s going on in the rental market
25 June 2020 - There’s been a big increase in rental supply in some of New Zealand’s tourism hotspots, according to Trade Me Property’s latest rental data.
S&P forecast 10% house price fall
24 June 2020 - Global ratings agency Standards & Poors is the latest to join the chorus of predictions around potential house price falls in New Zealand – and they’re picking a 10% drop.
Market outlook: what economists have to say
19 June 2020 - Recent residential housing market data has not looked to bad – but, given the grim economic forecasts, that’s a bit confusing. So here’s a round-up of economists’ latest takes on the market…
Tenancy termination ban lifted
18 June 2020 - The end is nigh for emergency tenancy measures introduced during the Covid-19 lockdown with the Government today confirming the measures won’t be extended.
Huge surge in buyer demand
18 June 2020 - Is it the lure of a bargain? Is it a pent-up demand? Whatever the reason, buyer demand for residential property has soared, according to Trade Me Property.
Southland comes up trumps for investors
17 June 2020 - Investors keen to pick up a good deal should look south as a new REINZ report shows that Southland is, once again, the country’s highest performing region for residential property investors.
New-to-bank lending freeze
17 June 2020 - Banks have stopped taking on new borrowers above 80% LVR, despite the end of loan-to-value ratio restrictions last month.
COMMENT: Allow KiwiSaver for investment properties
16 June 2020 - It’s time to allow KiwiSaver to be used to buy investment properties as well as first homes, argues Century 21 New Zealand owner Derryn Mayne.
Considering the trans-Tasman bubble
16 June 2020 - There is light at the end of the tunnel for a trans-Tasman bubble, but it is a long tunnel.
Wind up emergency tenancy provisions now - REINZ
12 June 2020 - Emergency tenancy provisions introduced because of Covid-19 are now doing more harm than good so it’s time to bring them to an end, the Real Estate Institute says.
Level one: the new normal
11 June 2020 - New Zealand is a few days into alert level one and that means the residential property sector is seeing some changes as we all adjust to the “new normal”.
Investors hunt for bargains
10 June 2020 - One in four real estate agents have reported an increase in investor buying activity, according to a new survey from the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand and economist Tony Alexander.
nib extends its COVID-19 member support package
10 June 2020 - nib is extending its Covid-19 member and community support package for an additional three months to make sure its members continue to stay safe and healthy by maintaining their private health cover as New Zealand recovers from the pandemic.
$75m on offer for new developments
9 June 2020 - Auckland ’s long-term future is sound as well situated residential developments will always sell and demand for affordable housing remains strong, a leading non-bank property financier says.
Advisers optimistic about alert level one
9 June 2020 - Mortgage advisers are cautiously optimistic about the move to alert level one, as businesses return to normality across the country.
What lockdown meant for landlords’ finances
8 June 2020 - Many landlords were financially affected by the Covid-19 lockdown with nearly 50% seeing a reduced income, according to a new NZ Property Investors Federation (NZPIF) survey.
COMMENT: Will level one mean level one for residential landlords?
7 June 2020 - Cabinet is considering a move to alert level one tomorrow, so does that mean it will all be back to normal for New Zealand's 290,000 rental property owners and managers, Tenancies War spokesman Mike Butler* asks.
Bright spots in commercial outlook
5 June 2020 - Nearly 60% of commercial property investors think that opportunities lie ahead but they are also believe there are changes in store for the sector.
Concerns over commercial rent dispute plan
4 June 2020 - Too little, too late. That’s what commercial landlords’ advocates have to say about the Government’s newly announced $40 million commercial rent dispute package.
Weak sales, resilient prices
3 June 2020 - Auckland’s housing market saw another slump in sales volumes in May but prices are holding steady, according to the city’s largest real estate agency.
Market teeters on cliff edge - QV
3 June 2020 - Signs of fragility might be present in the post-lockdown market yet value growth and demand are currently still going strong.
Compliance statement deadline extended
2 June 2020 - There’s some relief for struggling landlords with the announcement today that the Healthy Homes Compliance Statement deadline has been extended for an additional five months.
Consents fall could have been worse
2 June 2020 - New dwellings consents dropped in April. That didn’t surprise anyone but economists were surprised that the drop wasn’t bigger.
No post-Covid-19 dent in asking prices
2 June 2020 - Covid-19 has not diminished the price expectations of property sellers with new data revealing that average asking prices hit record highs in seven regions in May.
Major industrial development powers on
29 May 2020 - It’s full steam ahead for the Stevenson Group’s $800 million, 361-hectare industrial and residential development in South Auckland – despite the uncertainties of the post-Covid-19 era.
Holiday hotspots: what lies ahead?
29 May 2020 - Tourism has been one of the industries hardest-hit by the Covid-19 crisis, so Miriam Bell looks into what that means for the regional property markets that are reliant on it.
Digital advice the mass market solution: Carlyon
29 May 2020 - All KiwiSaver providers should be required to have a roboadvice offering, kōura founder Rupert Carlyon says.
Resilience needed in face of change
28 May 2020 - The Reserve Bank says the commercial property sector is vulnerable to the Covid-19 crisis. But PMG Funds' chief executive believes that while there’ll be short-term pain, the biggest long-term impact will be structural change.
FMA warns adviser over advice to go conservative
28 May 2020 - The Financial Markets Authority (FMA) has issued a formal warning to an AFA who made recommendations to clients that they urgently move their investments to low risk funds in the wake of Covid-19.
Partners Life relaxes some Covid rules
27 May 2020 - Partners Life is relaxing some of the underwriting restrictions introduced as the Covid-19 pandemic hit, to ensure that new clients who don’t pose a risk aren’t deterred from taking cover.
Price expectations spiral down
27 May 2020 - Housing confidence has been dealt a hefty blow by the Covid-19 crisis with house price expectations plummeting to new lows.
Retirement Commissioner: Collective effort from advisers needed
27 May 2020 - Advisers may need to find a way to work collectively to help New Zealanders through the Covid-19 disruption, Retirement Commissioner Jane Wrightson says.
Mortgage lending slumps to record low in April
26 May 2020 - Mortgage lending fell to its lowest level on record last month as the property market ground to a halt during the Covid-19 lockdown.
Mortgage lending slumps to record low in April
26 May 2020 - Mortgage lending fell to its lowest level on record last month as the property market ground to a halt during the Covid-19 lockdown.
FSC: Advisers more important than ever
26 May 2020 - New Zealanders who have a financial adviser are coping much better with the disruption of Covid-19 than the wider population, the Financial Services Council says.
COMMENT: Housing supply increase is being hampered
22 May 2020 - The much-needed increase in housing supply is being hindered by new legislation relating to rental properties, warns NZ Property Investors Federation executive officer Sharon Cullwick.
Downward pressures might push investors out
21 May 2020 - There’s a major housing market downturn coming and it’s likely to reduce the number of investors in the market, according to ANZ economists.
FMA: Insurance, advisers have stepped up
20 May 2020 - New Zealand’s insurance industry has responded well to the outbreak of Covid-19 and the impact of that on its clients, the Financial Markets Authority’s director of banking and insurance, Clare Bolingford, says.
Rent arrears end tenancies in lockdown
20 May 2020 - The Covid-19 crisis saw the introduction of emergency rules which make it harder to terminate tenancies, but a recent Tenancy Tribunal ruling shows that racking up rental arrears can still mean the end of a tenancy.
Navigating level two: what landlords need to know
18 May 2020 - With around 95% of businesses now back at work and children returning to schools today, New Zealand is now fully ensconced in alert level two. So what does that mean for residential landlords?
House sales plummet in lockdown
15 May 2020 - [UPDATED] There was a massive nationwide drop in residential property sales in April while the country was in level four lockdown, new REINZ data reveals.
How Budget 2020 supports the housing market
14 May 2020 - Was Budget 2020 transformational? Experts are debating that now but, whether or not it turns out to be, it does provide some support for the residential property market going forward.
Budget delivers for stricken advisers, FMA
14 May 2020 - This year’s Budget will provide a boost for struggling financial advisers, Financial Advice New Zealand says – and should shore up confidence in the sector with funding for the Financial Markets Authority.
Industry welcomes wage subsidy extension
14 May 2020 - Advisers have welcomed the extension of the Government's Covid-19 wage subsidy scheme, and say the additional payments will help those hit hardest by the lockdown.
Industrial holdings leave Provincia in strong position
14 May 2020 - Tales of strife and problems abound in the commercial property world these days, but the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has not been as devastating for all commercial players.
COMMENT: Which property markets are most vulnerable?
13 May 2020 - In the coming months, all parts of the country are likely to feel some degree of property pain, but CoreLogic’s Kelvin Davidson* has taken a look at which areas might be hardest hit.
Wealthpoint advisers ‘cautiously optimistic’
13 May 2020 - A recent survey of 50 Wealthpoint member businesses reveals most are in a positive frame of mind about their ability to face ongoing Covid-19 challenges.
FSCL: Keep in touch with clients
13 May 2020 - A small lift in complaints about advisers has prompted a reminder for advisers to keep in touch with clients.
Insurers hoping for loyalty out of Covid-19 offers
12 May 2020 - Insurers say helping advisers through the Covid-19 economic disruption was part of their motivation for offering client relief packages.
Elephant in the room at level two
12 May 2020 - It’s official: New Zealand will be moving to alert level two by Thursday and thousands of workers will be returning to work, but issues remain for the commercial property sector.
Advisers plan return to the office
12 May 2020 - Mortgage advisers are planning their return to the office this week as New Zealand enters level two lockdown, but face-to-face client meetings could pose challenges for the sector.
Back to the office on Thursday (if you want)
11 May 2020 - Advisers will probably get a boost from being able to return to face-to-face meetings with their clients from Thursday.
There’s life in the market yet
11 May 2020 - The residential property market might currently be lacking in strength, but those working in the sector don’t see it as suffering from widespread weakness, according to economist Tony Alexander’s latest poll.
Investors expect road ahead to be tougher
8 May 2020 - Most investors believe that conditions will get harder for property investors over the next year but not just because of the Covid-19 crisis, a new survey by NZ Property Investor has found.
Real estate in level two
7 May 2020 - Open homes. Rental viewings. Auctions. They look to be on the cards again soon, with the country heading towards alert level two.
Pandemic will reset all markets, economist says
6 May 2020 - Covid-19 is a “lightning rod” for people needing advice, economist Cameron Bagrie says.
Capital investor calls for commercial rates moratorium
6 May 2020 - Councils should offer a one-year moratorium on rates to commercial landlords who are struggling with the economic impact of the Covid-19 crisis, a prominent Wellington property investor argues.
Market enters unknown waters
6 May 2020 - There’s no doubt New Zealand’s housing market was performing strongly heading into lockdown but, as QV’s latest data makes clear, the market has now entered unknown waters.
Contactless solution for rental viewings
4 May 2020 - Rental viewings are once again possible but in a post-lockdown world they have to be run very differently - and a new property tech solution could be the answer.
Westpac loan impairments soar to $211 million
4 May 2020 - Westpac NZ suffered a 47% drop in cash earnings in the six months to March, and says Covid-19 will lead to loan impairments of $211 million.
Insurance FAQs for uncertain times
1 May 2020 - COVID-19 is set to be with us for many months ahead, so the Insurance Council of New Zealand has answered some commonly asked questions for landlords…
Tech adoption a pandemic positive: Hill
30 April 2020 - Covid-19 is pushing many advisers to use technology which should help their business in the long term, Asteron Life’s executive manager of life distribution says.
Govt considers commercial rent relief solutions
30 April 2020 - Mounting costs for small businesses trying to deal with the economic fallout of Covid-19 have prompted the Government to consider rent relief options.
Insurers weigh up pandemic impact
30 April 2020 - A global pandemic should not prove to be a major hurdle for life insurers in this country, says the former chief executive of one of them.
Covid-19 could strike REITs a hard blow
30 April 2020 - The hit from the Covid-19 crisis could last longer and deeper than just the lockdown period for Australian and New Zealand real estate investment trusts (REITs).
NZ market still not 'tempting'
29 April 2020 - A decline in the rate of decline is not the same as a rebound, AMP Capital’s head of investment strategy says – and equity investors should remain focused on the quality of their investments.
What alert level three means for landlords
29 April 2020 - New Zealand has now moved out of alert level four lockdown to alert level three and that means a few less restrictions for residential rental property owners. Here’s some guidance on what the new rules are…
NZFSG CEO's predictions for a post-Covid-19 market
28 April 2020 - NZFSG CEO Brendon Smith has shared his top predictions for how the mortgage advice industry will change after the Covid-19 crisis.
Here's how you can operate at level three
26 April 2020 - Advisers may have a little more freedom about the way they conduct business under alert level three.
House price drops are short-lived - Alexander
24 April 2020 - Periods of house price decline are rare and "short-lived", says economist Tony Alexander, amid forecasts of a drop of 10%-15% this year.
Private property viewings allowed under level three
23 April 2020 - The property market has received a boost after Housing Minister Megan Woods confirmed that private viewings will be allowed under alert level three.
Share your views on what Covid-19 means for investors
21 April 2020 - We want to know how property investors in New Zealand are responding to the Covid-19 crisis and its effects on the market...
Long lockdown for advisers
21 April 2020 - Mortgage advisers face a lengthy period of working from home after the Government extended level four lockdown and outlined its plans for level three.
Life at level three for residential landlords
17 April 2020 - It won’t be a full release from lockdown but moving to alert level three will mean businesses that can operate safely will be able to reopen. So what does that mean when it comes to residential property?
This time is different: Vidler
16 April 2020 - Adviser coach Tony Vidler says adviser businesses have an opportunity to develop a team of client advocates for what they do, during the Covid-19 disruption – but there will be some hard work involved for some to get through.
Looking through the crisis? Or looking into it?
16 April 2020 - Data analysis is a useful skill – but showing you care and forging real emotional connections is going to be more helpful as we move through the coming months.
Market timing - what a wicked idea
16 April 2020 - Renowned investor and author Charles Ellis once said “Market timing is a wicked idea – don’t try it, ever”
More relief needed for commercial property sector
16 April 2020 - New measures to help out commercial landlords and tenants struggling with Covid-19 related lease issues have been announced – but the Property Council is warning that more support is needed.
ASSET Magazine: The Covid 19 issue
16 April 2020 - ASSET is available in a digital format during the Covid 19 crisis. In this issue we look at what advisers can do to help their clients during this time.
Markets this month and beyond
16 April 2020 - The Harbour team examine market movements in the past month, and what they are watching going forward.
[VIDEO] Don’t expect a buyers’ market immediately
15 April 2020 - Listings of properties for sale are likely to lift post-lockdown but CoreLogic’s head of research, Nick Goodall, says that doesn’t mean the housing market will immediately switch into a buyers’ market. [WATCH VIDEO]
[VIDEO] Don’t expect a buyers’ market immediately
15 April 2020 - Listings of properties for sale are likely to lift post-lockdown but CoreLogic’s head of research, Nick Goodall, says that doesn’t mean the housing market will immediately switch into a buyers’ market. [WATCH VIDEO]
What life insurers are offering your customers under Covid 19
15 April 2020 - Strategy Financial has provided a checklist, and comment, on the support offered by the various LIFE insurers for customers experiencing financial hardship due to Covid 19.
Market strong before turbulence to come
15 April 2020 - Strong price growth and solid demand characterised the pre-lockdown housing market, new REINZ data shows – but the time period covered was the calm before the storm.
Fund update and future outlook
11 April 2020 - Mint Asset Management portfolio manager Anthony Halls shares his analysis on the present market effects of Covid-19, an update on its individual funds and a look ahead to a post-virus investment world.
Fisher Funds donates meals
9 April 2020 - Fisher Funds will donate 3,000 meals to hospital care staff who have been working on the frontline in the Covid-19 pandemic.
Reserve Bank to monitor LVR breaches caused by Covid-19
9 April 2020 - The Reserve Bank of New Zealand will monitor breaches of LVR restrictions caused by the Covid-19 crisis, amid fears a recession will push banks past current speed limits.
KiwiSaver withdrawal process 'should be easier'
9 April 2020 - There are calls for New Zealand to follow Australia’s lead and make it easier for those affected by Covid-19 to access KiwiSaver savings.
“No access in emergency” lease clause: putting it in context
8 April 2020 - Much attention has focused on a commercial property lease clause which could mean commercial tenants don’t have to pay all their rent during lockdown, so the Auckland District Law Society is providing more information about it...
Cigna confirms hardship policy
8 April 2020 - Cigna has revealed its Covid-19 hardship policy, which it says is designed to take financial pressure off customers.
FMA keeps close watch on Covid-19 misbehaviour
7 April 2020 - The Financial Markets Authority is warning that it is keeping a close eye on the financial services sector as the country grapples with the fallout from the Covid-19 disruption.
Non-banks offer payment holidays
7 April 2020 - Non-bank lenders Avanti Finance and Resimac will offer borrowers repayment reduction options and deferrals amid the Covid-19 crisis.
Adviser warned over misleading Covid-19 ads
7 April 2020 - A registered financial adviser is in the gun after posting misleading insurance information about Covid-19.
ASB reviews Covid-19 process
7 April 2020 - ASB Bank will review its process for Covid-19 emergency mortgage requests after receiving complaints from advisers.
CareSaver: Active management doing what it should
7 April 2020 - New KiwiSaver provider CareSaver is claiming a win for active, ethical management as its funds beat competitors through the Covid-19 market turbulence.
Understanding rebalancing: A portfolio well invested doesn’t do things in excess
6 April 2020 - Consilium Head of Adviser Services Ben Brinkerhoff says rebalancing enforces good investor behaviour in these turbulent times.
Life and health insurance through the eyes of a pandemic
6 April 2020 - Partners Life’s Naomi Ballantyne calls on her 38 years in the industry to discuss potential trends for the industry through lockdown and what we might see moving beyond.
ASB criticised over Covid-19 processing
6 April 2020 - ASB has drawn criticism for its handling of Covid-19 mortgage requests, after asking customers to go direct rather than through their adviser.
Managers ramp up communication
5 April 2020 - Fund managers’ communication channels have been put into overdrive by market downturns around the world – and some predict it could change the way KiwiSaver members engage with their investments in future.
How the lockdown is affecting landlords
3 April 2020 - It’s not just tenants who are feeling the impact of the Covid-19 lockdown – residential landlords are too, with a new survey showing that the personal income of 59% of them has been affected.
Southern Cross offers financial support
2 April 2020 - Southern Cross Health Society has announced a range of options it says should help members hit by the Covid-19 outbreak.
COMMENT: Making sense of it all: COVID-19, the economy & property
2 April 2020 - The Covid-19 crisis means everything is changing fast, so CoreLogic’s Kelvin Davidson* has put together his 10 key points on what to be aware of when it comes to the property market.
Advisers 'will drop out'
2 April 2020 - Advisers who are new to the industry will be most likely to drop out due to Covid-19 economic disruption, industry commentators say.
Covid withdrawals possible 'but not always desirable'
1 April 2020 - KiwiSaver members are being told they may be able to withdraw their money to help them through tough financial times caused by Covid-19 – but the decision should be made carefully.
What lies ahead for the housing market
31 March 2020 - As New Zealand begins to settle into the “new normal” of the Covid-19 lockdown, commentators have started releasing their (tentative) outlooks for the housing market. Here’s a summary of some of them...
[The Wrap] Coping with Covid-19; thinking ahead; update your info
30 March 2020 - This week's wrap is a bit different to my normal ones (including being on a Monday). The Covid-19 lockdown presents daily challenges for each of us, but is a good opportunity to think about the future. Also I ask you to update your details so we can get information to you.
AML flexibility offered
30 March 2020 - AML reporting entities will change the way they do business during the Covid-19 lockdown and will be allowed some flexibility, regulators say.
Recovery from coronavirus – a buying opportunity?
30 March 2020 - Hamesh Sharma takes a look at historic market-impacting world events; how they played out and markets recovered; and what this could mean for a recovery from Covid-19's present market grip.
Iress: Covid-19 pushing advisers into digital working
29 March 2020 - Covid-19 and the resulting lockdown have prompted many advisers to adopt what previously had been seen as best-practice – but optional – ways of working, Iress chief executive Andrew Walsh says.
Warning for insurers
26 March 2020 - The outlook for the Asia Pacific regions’ life insurers has been revised to negative by S&P Global Ratings.
Advisers deal with client turmoil
26 March 2020 - Advisers say clients are asking for debt consolidation, moves to interest-only lending, and mortgage holidays, as the Covid-19 financial crisis takes hold.
KiwiSaver switching soars
26 March 2020 - The rate of KiwiSaver investors moving between funds has increased by "thousands of per cent", Trustees Executors chief executive Ryan Bessemer says.
Advice businesses under pressure 'on two fronts'
25 March 2020 - Advice businesses will feel the impact of the coronavirus-induced downturn to different extents depending on the age and stage of their business, Financial Advice New Zealand chief executive Katrina Shanks says.
Partners Life responds to 'unprecedented environment'
24 March 2020 - Partners Life is making significant changes to enable it to be open for new business.
Six-month mortgage holiday for borrowers
24 March 2020 - Borrowers affected by the coronavirus crisis will be offered a six-month mortgage holiday under new proposals drawn up by the Government.
Financial services 'essential'
23 March 2020 - Financial services have been confirmed as among the “essential services” that will be allowed to continue to operate when New Zealand is at level four in its response to Covid-19.
nib: Significant impact coming from Covid-19
23 March 2020 - Health insurer nib has withdrawn its market guidance for the 2020 financial year because of uncertainty about Covid-19.
Regulation slowing: Is FSLAA next?
22 March 2020 - The Government and regulators have dialled back much of their regulatory work at the moment and are now facing pressure to extend the deadline for transitional licensing.
Housing market: 6 factors to consider
20 March 2020 - It looks as though New Zealand is headed towards an unexpected recession. While house prices are expected to drop in the near term, economist Tony Alexander points out six factors to think about in the current market.
How this could be different to the GFC
20 March 2020 - How bad will things get for investors with the current Covid 19 pandemic crisis sweeping the world? Harbour Asset Management looks back at history to help give some context to how things may pan out.
FMA: Tell us what you need
20 March 2020 - The Financial Markets Authority says it is “closely monitoring” the impact of coronavirus on New Zealand’s financial market and is considering all its options to ensure that markets continue to function well.
Fidelity Life makes Covid-19 changes
19 March 2020 - Fidelity Life has taken the same decision as Partners Life and has stopped selling redundancy cover.
Adviser clients largely calm through Covid storm
19 March 2020 - Advisers say they are dealing with only a small number of inquiries about coronavirus-related market disruption – but that may be because of the work already put in on educating clients.
Negative news abounds; but things will get better
18 March 2020 - Castlepoint Funds Management director Richard Stubbs puts some investment perspective around Covid 19.
Partners puts hold on redundancy cover
16 March 2020 - Partners Life has put a stop to sales of the redundancy benefit on its Mortgage Repayment Cover, in the face of a probable global recession.
RBNZ delays new capital rules
16 March 2020 - The Reserve Bank has delayed the introduction of new capital rules for the banking sector in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.
Will mortgage rates fall much further?
9 March 2020 - An official cash rate cut looks increasing likely amid the Covid-19 outbreak, but economists doubt mortgage rates will drop much further than current levels.
[GRTV] Investing's difficult at the moment top manager says
9 March 2020 - Magellan chief investment officer Hamish Douglass speaks to Good Returns TV about how to invest in markets complicated by coronavirus, low interest rates and upcoming elections.
Will mortgage rates fall much further?
6 March 2020 - An official cash rate cut looks increasing likely amid the Covid-19 outbreak, but economists doubt mortgage rates will drop much further than current levels.
