Interest Rates to Rise Mid-Year? + Major Insurance Halt

Send Us A Message! Let us know what you think.

Is 2026 a "Goldilocks" year for buyers, or is a rate hike trap set for mid-year?

In this week's Week in Review, Debbie Roberts (Property Apprentice) cuts through the contradictory headlines. We explore why major banks are predicting an OCR hike, why insurers are retreating from Westport, and if the "doer-upper" dream is dead.

We cover:

• Interest Rate Warning: Why ASB & ANZ predict a mid-year rise.
• "Goldilocks" Market: Why first-home buyers are winning right now.
• Insurance Halt: A major insurer freezes new policies in Westport.
• Forecast Downgrade: ANZ cuts 2026 price growth to 2%.
• Renovations: Why buyers are ditching DIY for turnkey homes.

📢 FREE MASTERCLASS: Don't guess your way through 2026. Join our free online event to learn strategies for this volatile market. 👉 Register here: https://www.propertyapprentice.co.nz

Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro: The Market Tug of War 1:05 - Interest Rates: Mid-Year Hike Warning 3:20 - First Home Buyers: "Goldilocks" Conditions 5:45 - Insurance Retreat: Westport Freeze 8:10 - Market Update: ANZ Downgrades Prices 10:30 - The Death of the "Doer-Upper" 13:15 - Free Masterclass Invite

Disclaimer: For educational purposes only. Not personalized financial advice.

Support the show

Disclaimer: The information provided in this video is for educational purposes only and does not constitute personalized financial advice. We recommend seeking advice from a qualified professional before making any investment decisions.

*Property Advice Group Limited trading as Property Apprentice has been granted a FULL Licence with the Financial Markets Authority of New Zealand. (FSP Number: FSP157564) Debbie Roberts | Financial Adviser (FSP221305) For our Public disclosure statement please go to our website or you may request a copy free of charge.