Monthly Market & Construction Update 

The New Zealand construction and property market continues to sit in a period of cautious opportunity — not boom, not bust, but complexity. For homeowners, investors, and developers, success right now depends less on timing the market and more on making technically sound decisions.

Below is our latest view from the ground across Auckland.

Where the construction market is at:

Building activity has stabilized after a challenging couple of years. Material prices have eased from their peaks, but they remain above pre-2021 levels. Lead times are generally more predictable than they were during COVID, yet they still vary significantly depending on product, supplier, and design choice.

What this means in practice:

– Well-planned projects are progressing smoothly
– Poorly planned projects are still very exposed to delays and cost overruns
– Custom or complex designs carry higher risk than standardized, buildable plans

At Stonex Homes, we’re seeing that clarity of scope, sequencing, and site feasibility matters more than ever.

Auckland property: opportunity beneath the headlines

The Auckland market isn’t moving in a straight line. Certain pockets remain resilient, particularly where:

– Land is well-located
– Infrastructure is reliable
– Zoning allows flexibility (e.g., minor dwellings or multi-unit potential)
– Homes are modern, efficient, and easy to maintain

Buyers are increasingly value-driven. They are less interested in cosmetic features and more focused on:

– Build quality
– Thermal performance
– Ongoing running costs
– Compliance
– Future adaptability of the site

This is good news for developers who prioritize long-term quality over short-term savings.

DMRUs (granny flats) — still a live conversation

There continues to be strong interest in Detached Minor Residential Units (DMRUs). The new planning framework offers meaningful opportunities — but only when interpreted correctly.

We regularly remind clients that:

– Standards still apply
– Setbacks still apply
– Earthworks rules still apply
– Infrastructure constraints can still limit projects

Sites that are well-shaped, well-serviced, and well-drained are benefiting most from this change. Marginal sites are not magically feasible just because of new rules.

Healthy Homes vs new builds

We’re also seeing growing awareness among landlords that new build does not automatically equal Healthy Homes compliance, particularly around heating capacity calculations.

This is now becoming a standard checkpoint in investor builds — and rightly so. Getting it right upfront avoids compliance issues later and protects rental income.

What we’re focusing on at Stonex Homes

Across our current projects, our priorities remain:

– Early geotechnical investigation
– Accurate stormwater and wastewater planning
– Buildable designs that suit Auckland soils
– Transparent budgeting with realistic contingencies
– Strong QA and inspection processes

Our aim is not just to build houses — but to build assets that perform over time.

Looking ahead

We expect:

– Continued interest in minor dwellings
– More investors favouring quality new builds over costly renovations
– Greater scrutiny from banks and insurers on documentation and compliance
– A market that rewards well-executed developments

For anyone considering a build, subdivision, or redevelopment, the message is clear: feasibility first, speed second.

If you’d like to discuss your site, your plans, or your investment strategy, our team is always happy to share practical, real-world insight.

—
Parm Maan
Director | Stonex Homes NZ Ltd
Auckland