Landlord Confidence On A Knife Edge: 80% Says Election Will Decide

AUCKLAND, 14 August 2025 — New data from the Auckland Property Investors Association (APIA) shows New Zealand’s rental sector is in a state of cautious watchfulness. Four in five landlords say their investment confidence hinges on the next general election, reflecting both the scale of current reforms and the uncertainty of what comes after them.

Major Findings

• Election-dependency risk: 80% of landlords say their confidence depends on the outcome of the next election, with 56% saying “significantly.”
• Policy climate challenge: 56.9% believe the current policy environment is unsupportive of investment while 41.5% view it as stable or supportive. Many see today’s uncertainty as short-term disruption caused by the scale of reform, particularly the overhaul of the Resource Management Act, which aims to fix long-standing problems in planning and housing supply.
• Transparency unlock: 82% say they would be more willing to support reforms, even those they initially disagree with, if the government provided clearer data and policy rationales.
• Compliance squeeze: Nearly half (48.2%) report compliance has become harder since October 2023, pointing to an opportunity to streamline administration alongside policy change.

“Confidence is the foundation every investment rests on,” says Sarina Gibbon, GM of APIA. “Overhauls like the RMA reforms are major resets. We have to accept that some disruption is the cost of fixing deep problems. What worries investors is the risk that the next government will tear up the plans before the work is done. Housing needs policies that outlast election cycles so investors can commit with certainty.”

She adds, “Some parties are naturally more inclined toward private investment, but this survey shows investors care more about stability than partisanship. Certainty of policy settings matters more than who wins, because it’s the only thing that keeps capital in the market long enough to build the homes we need.”

APIA Recommendations

• For policymakers: Bipartisan commitment to core housing settings will reduce the risk that new reforms are unravelled by the next administration.
• For the housing market: Predictability attracts capital. Short-term disruption is acceptable if the long-term rules are clear and durable.
• For voters: Housing stability and political stability go hand in hand. A cycle of reversing policies every three years undermines both supply and affordability.

About Auckland Property Investors Association (APIA) The Auckland Property Investors Association (APIA) is a leading advocacy group representing the interests of property investors throughout Auckland. Committed to promoting education, advocacy, and networking opportunities, APIA actively shapes policies impacting the property investment landscape. APIA strives to cultivate a supportive environment for property investors while advocating for policies that uphold the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants.

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