Auckland socialite Amanda Hotchin has clearly never heard - or possibly even cares about - the Marie Antoinette syndrome.

The government's description of the leaky building issue as a "natural disaster of huge proportions" is both a clever device and a dangerous precedent.

There is little incentive for NZ capital market participants to adopt a principled approach because our laws are poorly enforced and unethical behaviour is often well rewarded.

Property prices and sales fell in April, but the New Zealand residential property market is holding steady, says the Real Estate Institute.

Uncertainty over next week's Budget with its potential for tax increases for landlords is being blamed for a sluggish property market.

Homeowners looking to rent their properties out for the Rugby World Cup have been warned to let their insurance company know - or risk being hit with the bill if damage is done.

House auctions remain popular as buyers and sellers attempt to make the best of the sluggish market.