Fewer landlords plan to raise rents in next 12 months
The latest Crockers People & Property Investor Insights, compiled with independent economist Tony Alexander (pictured), shows a pullback in rental price pressure from landlords.
A net 42% of landlords reported plans to raise rents in the next 12 months, down from 47% in July and the lowest result since the survey began.
The average rent rise sought was 4.1%, only slightly higher than last month’s 3.9% but well below the 4.9% recorded a year ago and 6.1% two years ago.
Finding tenants is getting harder
For the second month in a row, a record net 41% of landlords said they are having difficulty finding good tenants. This compares with 21% a year ago and 22% two years ago who reported tenant-finding as easy.
The softening tenant market is limiting landlords’ ability to push through rent increases despite rising costs.
Buying and selling intentions
Investor appetite for new purchases remains muted. Only 18% of landlords said they are considering buying property in the next 12 months, toward the low end of recent results.
Meanwhile, 34% of landlords said they plan to sell within a year, producing a near-record net 16% of investors looking to reduce their holdings.
The survey notes that this selling is creating opportunities for first-home buyers and larger investors willing to acquire discounted developer stock.
Long-term holds remain steady
Thirty-three percent of landlords said they have no plans to sell, and a further 18% intend to hold property for at least ten years. This continues a pattern from July, with 51% overall committed to long-term ownership.
Banks and credit conditions
The survey found a net 10% of landlords report bank credit is easier to obtain, in line with results over the past year.
Top concerns for investors
Landlords remain most worried about council rates, insurance premiums, and maintenance costs, which remain hefty outgoings at a time when rent rises are harder to achieve.
Concerns about rates have been consistently high for two years, while worries about insurance have eased slightly. Maintenance costs show no signs of relief.
In contrast, concerns about meeting mortgage payments remain low, despite wider debate around interest rates and the Reserve Bank’s monetary policy stance.
Migration and market pressures
The continuing deterioration in migration flows is another key concern. At the same time, landlords report increasing challenges with tenant quality, a trend that has built since mid-2024.
Adviser takeaway: New opportunities in a shifting market
For mortgage advisers, the survey highlights a more cautious investor segment. Fewer landlords are planning new purchases, but high selling intentions suggest increased refinancing, restructuring, and equity-release opportunities as investors adjust their portfolios.
The challenges landlords face in lifting rents while costs rise may also drive interest in cashflow support solutions, such as interest-only periods or restructuring loans to ease pressure.
First-home buyer activity remains strong, with this group taking advantage of higher investor selling – a trend that creates consistent demand for broker advice and competitive mortgage products.
Read the full Crockers People & Property Investor Insights.
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