Builders Struggle in Downturn | Auckland News

Auckland News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jul 13, 2026 · 1m

Builders are in survival mode, selling homes for nearly break-even prices just to keep cash flowing as the industry faces its worst downturn since 2015. Despite rising permits in places like Canterbury and Otago, actual work is scarce, forcing builders to slash prices, labor, and profits to win any contract—some even working for free. This boom-and-bust cycle risks future price spikes as the housing pipeline dries up. Amid calls for reform, builders demand clearer, consistent consenting processes and liability that matches responsibility, while pushing back against policies that could make…