The New Zealand lifestyle property market ended 2023 on a positive note, with $432 million in total sales during December. The Real Estate Institute of New Zealand data showed this was up from $411 million the previous year. Sales volumes increased as the year ended, with 1,297 lifestyle properties sold in the three months ended…
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The continuing strength in Australia’s property market has been underlined by data showing the value of new owner-occupier loan commitments rose 10.1% year-on-year in November 2023. And the number of these new home loans increased by 7.3%. These numbers from the Australian Bureau of Statistics indicate continuation of the strong sentiment that increased values by…
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We can all enjoy a sigh of relief now that the busy holiday season is over for another year. But, in the aftermath, a few small tasks should always be carried out to keep your home in good order. One job is to do a big declutter and eject unwanted gifts, broken toys and old…
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The long, warm summer days can offer time for homeowners to catch up on some maintenance issues, preventing bigger problems from occurring down the track. The extreme weather we’ve been experiencing this summer can take a heavy toll on your home. A mixture of heat and prolonged periods of rain can damage exterior paint and…
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Creating a romantic setting in your home to celebrate Valentine’s Day is a wonderful way to express your love for someone special. An increasing number of couples are opting for a home-based Valentine’s Day dinner because it can be busy in restaurants on this special day. Your home is the perfect, romantic sanctuary from all…
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If repainting your home is a promise to yourself this year, then you should be aware of six colours that interior designers say are going out of style. Painting the interior of your home is one of the cheapest and most effective renovations to prepare for a sale, and your choice of colour scheme will…
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Buying early may be the smartest and most profitable decision for investors looking to begin or expand their property portfolio this year. Substantial rental income and a strong flow of immigrants into Australia continue to pressure rental markets across the country. Predictions that property will experience 2% to 3% in value growth this year indicate…
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Few rooms show their age more than your kitchen. And a high-quality, modern kitchen can add at least 10% to your asking price. Together with the bathroom, the kitchen is one of the most influential rooms when trying to attract prospective buyers to bid. A great kitchen is more than the European appliances, although these…
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The world-first decision by the Australian Government to ban the use of engineered stone commonly installed in kitchens and bathrooms will have ramifications for homeowners and renovators. Engineered stone has become a go-to material for many renovators over the past decade. However, the silica dust emitted when cut has been found to be potentially fatal. …
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If you’ve been wondering whether there’s more you can do to help the environment, it’s worth considering buying a worm farm for your garden. Just the simple act of recycling your raw food waste will dramatically reduce what goes into your bin while creating a fantastic garden fertiliser. And it will stop your potato peelings,…
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