Auckland’s economy is still in the red, but fresh figures from Auckland Council’s Social and Economic Research and Evaluation Team suggest the worst may be passing.

GDP fell 1.0% in the year to June 2025 and retail sales dipped 2.6%, yet both results are less negative than earlier in the year.

It’s the first sign of improvement since the slide began in 2023.

The housing market is showing stability.

Auckland’s median price in July sat at $975,000 — steady on last year and far more affordable than at the 2021 peak.

Annual sales have lifted 29% from the 2023 trough, giving buyers and sellers more confidence.

Rents averaged $678 a week in June, their lowest in real terms since 2022, which may bring relief to families.

Employment remains under pressure, down 2.3% over the year, but business confidence has surged.

A net 35% of firms expect conditions to improve, the strongest result in over a decade.

Consumer confidence has also risen compared with the past two years.

For Coast households, this mix means a cautious outlook with a few bright spots.

Lower real rents and steadier house prices are easing pressure, and stronger business sentiment could translate into new opportunities in the months ahead.

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