24.8 billion reasons we shouldn't whack landlords

A report commissioned by the New Zealand Property Investors Federation and prepared by Infometrics shows residential property investors contributed $24.8 billion to New Zealand’s GDP and supported 126,000 full-time equivalent jobs in the year to March 2024.

ACT MP Dr Parmjeet Parmar says the findings highlight the scale of economic activity generated by rental housing, which is often overlooked in public debate.

“Property investors don’t just own houses. They commission builders, hire tradies, engage suppliers, and invest in projects that turn bare land and ageing homes into warm, liveable places for Kiwi families.

“That work creates real value. It means apprentices getting a start, tradespeople building careers, and small businesses taking on more work with confidence.

“From scaffolding on-site to factories supplying materials, each rental property represents a chain of productive work. That’s how investment translates into jobs and incomes for New Zealanders.

“There is nothing passive about providing rental homes. It relies on the combined effort of builders, engineers, suppliers, and service providers working together to house people.

“If we want more homes and better wages, we need more of this activity, not less.

“That means a policy environment that welcomes investment instead of punishing it. When investment is encouraged, homes get built, businesses get work, and New Zealanders get ahead."