KEY2 Real Estate

28/10/2026

Interest rate update for home buyers
The Reserve Bank held the OCR at 2.75% this week. Most people expected a rise to 3%, so it was a welcome surprise.
What it means for you:
• Floating rates stay where they are for now
• Short-term fixed rates may ease a little
• The Bank still expects rates to rise again, with the next decision on 9 December
Buying new? New builds are generally exempt from the Reserve Bank's deposit (LVR) and debt-to-income limits, which can give you more options with your lender.
Buying off the plans? Your rate is usually set at settlement, so keep your pre-approval current and stay in touch with your adviser.
Read the full update on our blog → https://www.key2.co.nz/post/ocr-on-hold-at-2-75-what-it-means-if-youre-buying-a-new-home
Looking for a new home in Auckland, Christchurch or Northland? Message us or pop into one of our offices.
General information only, not financial or lending advice.

10/09/2026

🏗️ Where will house prices rise first — and what does it mean if you're building new?

Independent economist Tony Alexander has flagged some regions already pulling ahead: Southland, Canterbury, the West Coast and Queenstown are all seeing price growth above 4%, driven largely by strong dairy incomes and the tourism recovery.

For anyone weighing up a new build or house-and-land package, it's a good reminder to look past the national headlines — the regional story underneath is what really matters for long-term value.

Read the full breakdown on our blog https://www.key2.co.nz/post/where-are-house-prices-moving-first-what-it-means-if-youre-building-or-buying-new



⚠️ General information only — not financial or lending advice. Always seek advice specific to your circumstances.

If you're weighing up when — and where — to buy your new home or house-and-land package, the latest analysis from independent economist Tony Alexander is worth a read.

02/09/2026

The OCR just went up to 2.75% — here's what it actually means for new build buyers and investors.This afternoon the Reserve Bank lifted the OCR by 25 basis points, the second hike in a row, as inflation continues to run above target. It was widely expected, and the Bank has signalled a measured, gradual path from here rather than a rapid one.If you're building on a fixed-price contract, today's move doesn't touch your build cost — that's locked in. Where it matters is on the lending side, and it's a good prompt to check in with your mortgage adviser about how your lending is structured.For investors, it's less about the 0.25% and more about whether a property's fundamentals — location, genuine rental demand, realistic numbers — hold up regardless of where rates sit. That's exactly what we look at with every property we bring to KEY2Invest.Want to talk through what today's decision means for your plans? Get in touch.General commentary only — not financial or lending advice.

Read more here - https://www.key2.co.nz/post/ocr-rises-to-2-75-what-todays-decision-means-for-new-build-buyers-and-investors

09/07/2026

✨ Mānawatia a Matariki – A Time to Reflect and Dream Ahead ✨
As Matariki rises, we pause to reflect on the past year and the people who made it meaningful - whānau, friends, and community.

From our whānau to yours - happy Matariki.

08/07/2026

The OCR just moved — here's what it means if you're eyeing a new build.
The Reserve Bank lifted the Official Cash Rate to 2.50% today, ending three meetings on hold, and signalled more hikes could be coming before year end.
Here's the part most people miss: short-term mortgage rates are climbing, but longer-term fixed rates have actually been easing. That gap changes the maths on when — and how — you lock in finance.
For anyone weighing a new build vs. an existing home right now, that timing matters. Fixed-price contracts, longer finance runways, and friendlier lending settings all work in your favour while the market keeps moving.
We've broken down exactly what today's decision means for new-build buyers 👉
https://www.key2.co.nz/post/ocr-up-to-2-50-what-todays-rate-hike-means-if-youre-considering-a-new-build

Here's the part most people miss: short-term mortgage rates are climbing, but longer-term fixed rates have actually been easing. That gap changes the maths on when — and how — you lock in finance.

24/06/2026

We could tell you why we think Warkworth Ridge is a great place to build... but we'd rather let one of our clients do it.

KEY2 clients Renée and Chris chose Warkworth Ridge after searching for the perfect place to build their new home with David Reid Homes.

In this video, Renée shares why they chose the development, what stood out to them, and why they're excited about calling Warkworth Ridge home.

Thinking about building but not sure where to start?

☕ Dean from KEY2 would be happy to shout you a coffee and show you through the David Reid Show Home at 31 Taiao Rise, Warkworth Ridge.

Send us a message or call Dean on 027 205 2452 to arrange a time.

27/05/2026

The OCR HELD at 2.25% — but today’s announcement may be more important than many buyers realise.

The Reserve Bank kept the OCR on hold today, but it was a very close decision — with the committee split 3–3 on whether rates should increase immediately.

The key takeaway?

Further rate rises are still expected later this year.

For anyone considering a new build property, this matters.

Many new build purchases have settlement periods 6–18 months away, meaning the lending environment at settlement could look very different from where it sits today.

At the same time, new builds still continue to offer some major advantages:
✔ Lower deposit lending options through LVR exemptions
✔ Modern, low-maintenance homes
✔ Better energy efficiency
✔ Healthy Homes compliance
✔ Strong long-term appeal for both homeowners and investors

This doesn’t mean buyers should panic.

But it does reinforce the importance of understanding your numbers, getting advice early, and planning ahead while today’s rates are still available.

The market is shifting — and many buyers are now reassessing their options before the next OCR changes arrive.

If you’d like to chat about new build opportunities across NZ, feel free to send us a message or read more here -
https://www.key2.co.nz/post/the-ocr-held----but-the-window-for-new-build-buyers-may-not-stay-open-forever

The Reserve Bank has held the OCR at 2.25%, but future rate rises are still expected — making now an important time for buyers to understand their options. New builds continue to offer strong advantages, including lower maintenance, modern living, and more flexible lending opportunities for many b...

09/05/2026

Home means something different to everyone…
but it always starts with someone.

Today we celebrate the women who shape the spaces we grow up in —
and the memories that come with them.

For every kind of mother, and every kind of home —
Happy Mother’s Day 🤍

24/04/2026

Today we remember those who served for the future generations that followed.

The homes we build, the communities we grow, and the lives we create are all part of the legacy they helped protect.

Lest we forget.

23/04/2026

The market hasn’t stopped… buyers have just become smarter 👀🏡

Property sales were down -2.4% in March, marking the third consecutive monthly decline - but first home buyers now make up over 27% of all purchases nationally, and 30% in Auckland 📈

Why?

Because buyers want certainty.

That’s why new builds continue to stand out:

✔ Lower maintenance
✔ Better rental appeal
✔ Stronger yields
✔ Modern layouts
✔ Energy efficiency
✔ Warranties and compliance
✔ Long-term value

Gross rental yields are now sitting at 3.9% nationally - the highest since 2015 - with Christchurch, Hamilton and Tauranga all performing strongly for investors

In today’s market, it’s not about buying more.

It’s about buying better.

And that’s exactly where new builds win.

Read the full article here -

The latest April 2026 Cotality (CoreLogic) Housing Chart Pack confirms what many smart buyers already know- the market may be slower, but opportunity is still very strong for the right property.