
What Rising Inflation Means for Property Buyers and Investors in 2026
The recent rise in inflation to 3.1% has sparked concern but is expected to ease as the economy adjusts, possibly delaying interest rate hikes until later in 2026. First-home buyers remain strong, making up over 27% of market activity due to lower mortgage rates and supportive policies like KiwiSaver. Migration and service sector improvements suggest steady economic recovery, which may boost rental demand and overall housing market health.
