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.

Budget depreciation rule changes could smack the multibillion-dollar commercial property sector with most of a $1.3bn bill.

Mark Bryers this week faces sentencing for 31 offences related to the collapse of his Blue Chip empire - with one investor saying only jail will do.

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.