💬 What Job Losses Mean for the Wellington Property Market (And You)
Let’s be honest 2025 hasn’t been the easiest year for Wellington.
Between rising living costs and public sector job cuts, a lot of people are feeling the pressure.
If you’ve been watching the property market, you’ve probably noticed things have shifted.
Houses are sitting longer, prices are softening, and buyers seem more cautious.
Here’s what’s really going on and what it could mean for you.
🚧 Jobs Are Disappearing
Wellington’s job market is taking a hit, especially in government roles. Job ads are down by
almost half compared to last year, and public sector restructures are leaving a lot of people in
limbo.
For a city that relies heavily on the public service, that’s huge. And when people don’t feel
secure in their work, they hit pause on big decisions like buying a home.
🏡 So, What’s Happening to Property?
❄️ The Market’s Cooling
Fewer people are buying, and that means homes are taking longer to sell. Some sellers are
dropping their prices just to get offers. In places like Lower Hutt and Wellington City-West,
values have dropped up to 30% from the peak.
🛑 Buyers Are Pulling Back
We’re hearing stories of people pulling out of deals at the last minute—just not feeling
confident enough to commit. Even those with steady jobs are thinking twice.
🏘️ Rentals Are Changing Too
Some landlords are starting to feel the pinch with longer vacancies and more price-sensitive
tenants. If people leave town or move in with family to save money, rental demand softens.
👀 What to Watch If You’re in the Market
∙More job losses could mean further price drops.
∙Stable employment? You might be in a good spot to negotiate a great deal.
∙Selling? Be realistic about price and make your home stands out.
∙Investing? Choose suburbs less reliant on public sector employment.
📝 Final Thought
Whether you’re a buyer, seller, or renter in Wellington right now you’re not alone. The market
is shifting alongside the economy, and the best thing you can do is stay informed, stay
flexible, and make decisions based on your real circumstances.
This isn’t the booming, fast-paced market we saw a few years ago but that’s not all bad. For
some, it might be the opening they’ve been waiting for.
WHAT MAKES LOUIS & THE TEAM DIFFERENT?
Selling with Louis is a cost-effective experience that combines insightful market knowledge, reliable communication and cross-platform marketing to achieve exceptional results.