Kiwifruit Market Insight.

There are a range of investment opportunities available, each with their own set of risks and returns. Over the years, we have seen high investor interest in rural commercial property investments, particularly from investors looking for regular income.

As for all investments, returns from property can fluctuate over time as interest rates, market forces and other factors interact. In this article, we will discuss this investment cycle, what we have learnt from investing in this sector, and why MyFarm sees 2026 as an opportune time to consider an investment in rural commercial property.

For many New Zealand farmers, the rhythm of income is dictated by the land – weather, commodity prices, and global demand all play their part. This means, as the agricultural sector continues to face future volatility, more farmers are looking beyond the paddock for ways to stabilise and diversify their financial returns. One avenue that’s gaining traction as interest rates fall is commercial property investment. But what does it really involve, and how can farmers make sense of the jargon and risks to make informed decisions?

New Zealand farmers are no strangers to risk, with every season bringing its own set of challenges: milk payout swings, weather extremes, rising input costs, and regulatory changes, just to name a few. For decades, the strategy has been simple: own more land, milk more cows or run more cattle, and ride out the cycles. However, in the current climate, depending exclusively on dairy or sheep and beef farming leaves families vulnerable to broad, industry-wide risks that remain outside the control of even the most skilled producers.