I've been investing in property since 1997 and developing since the early 2000s. I've seen every boom and bust. Here's my take on where house prices are heading in 2026.

I break down the three key drivers: interest rates, immigration, and confidence, plus what could derail things.

Learn the 17-step development process in 42 short videos with The Property Development Club: https://thepropertydevelopmentclub.com

People joke Gen Z will own nothing and be happy. They won’t be happy. If we keep tilting rules toward big corporate landlords, ownership concentrates and everyone else rents.

I’ve built more than 1,000 homes in NZ. Most were made possible by private investors backing real projects. That’s how we actually add supply.

In this video: why private landlords matter, what build-to-rent does and doesn’t solve, how student debt and low wages delay deposits, and what policies and practical steps would put Gen Z back on the ownership path.

Learn the 17-step development process in 42 short videos with The Property Development Club: https://thepropertydevelopmentclub.com

Queenstown’s on a different planet: $30m sales, talk of $100m builds, and a wave of $5m+ buyers.

Meanwhile in Auckland you can still find new townhouses around $599k.

First-home buyers are 27% of the market.

The NZD sits near 0.56 USD, 0.86 AUD, 0.45 CHF.

Consents are up, concrete pours are still down.

And Auckland’s MDRS flip has blindsided projects.

We cover Queenstown’s ultra-lux market, FHB momentum, investor sentiment, rents easing 3% to $628, Waikato vs Waipa prices, and whether apartments and leasehold stack up. Plus the council red tape that kills confidence.

Learn the 17-step development process in 42 short videos with The Property Development Club: https://thepropertydevelopmentclub.com

Education only, not financial advice. #johnkenel #assuredproperty

If Labour’s CGT lands, rental supply falls, rents rise, and redevelopment grinds to a halt, here’s what to do.

John Kenel’s take on Labour’s proposed Capital Gains Tax. No fluff. Practical consequences for landlords, developers and investors.

What I cover:

• Why Treasury modelling points to roughly a 5% immediate rent rise.

• How targeting property only will shrink rental supply and clog redevelopment.

• Small business and home-office carveouts that may be lost.

• Why local trades and councils lose out when capital leaves for offshore shares.

• Practical steps: re-run feasibilities, check ownership, consider timing and restructuring.

Learn more at thepropertydevelopmentclub.com.

Subscribe for developer-grade insights, not fluff.

#johnkenel #assuredproperty #capitalgainstax #propertydevelopment #nzproperty #housing #developers

Builders, investors, and council-watchers: Hon. Tama Potaka, associate Minister for Housing joins John Kenel to tackle housing bottlenecks, consents, infrastructure funding, council (in)efficiency, emergency housing, and the granny-flats policy. They also unpack GST sharing ideas, water entities, and why certainty matters for development.

Education only, not financial advice.

Is New Zealand really a safe haven for anxious millionaires—or just political window dressing? In this wide-ranging chat, John Kenel (21 years, 1,000+ homes built) and Darcy dig into:

• NZ’s “Active Investor Plus” $5m visa, why demand may be limited, and a fairness take on foreign-buyer levies

Chapters

If you’re building, investing, or just trying to protect your savings, this one’s for you.

Follow John on TikTok, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram  @johnkenel

Disclaimer: This conversation is for education only and is not financial advice.

In this mini podcast episode — just 5 minutes — I chat through what’s really going on in the market right now and why I reckon this could be the perfect time for property developers to get moving.

We’ll look at what’s shifting, what it means, and how smart developers can make the most of it. I’ll share a few strategies, a couple of things to watch out for, and hopefully give you a bit of clarity if you’re thinking about your next move. Whether you’ve done a few projects or you’re just starting to look into development, there’s something in here for you.

If you're feeling stuck, uncertain, or just plain frustrated with where the property market’s heading — this episode will shake you awake.

In this action-packed episode of The Property Development Club Podcast, John and Andrew dive deep into:

Whether house prices are actually affordable or it’s all smoke and mirrors

Why youth unemployment is sitting at a shocking 18% in Auckland

The rise of robots like "Flippy" and what it means for young workers

The return of investors and where they're quietly buying

John Key's call to slash rates by 100 basis points — and why John agrees

Council rates, rising power prices, and why inflation is out of your control

Bitcoin vs Property: Would you sell your family home for crypto?

Why NZ must attract global wealth instead of pushing it away

What’s holding back construction — and what could get it moving again

It’s blunt, insightful, and full of sharp takes you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a first-home buyer, investor, or just watching from the sidelines — this episode is your cheat sheet for what’s really going on.

Watch the full podcast video on my YouTube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/@JohnKenel

👉 Ready to learn property development from someone who’s built over 1,000 homes? Visit www.thepropertydevelopmentclub.com for access to John's 17-step course and start today.

Global politics aren’t just headlines—they’re shaping the cost of living, the price of oil, and even what your house is worth.

In this episode, I connect the dots between wars in Europe, US debt and politics, and why oil could hit $150 a barrel.

You’ll learn how these global forces flow through to New Zealand—driving building costs, inflation, rents, and ultimately the value of your property.

I’ll also share thoughts on gold, shares, and where opportunities might lie in an uncertain world.

This is not financial advice—everyone’s situation is different, so please speak to a professional financial adviser before making any investment decisions.