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Government incentivises development of tenant-friendly housing

New and existing build-to-rent developments will now be exempt from the interest limitation rules that recently came into force. Since 1 October 2021, it has no longer been possible to claim interest for residential property acquired on or after 27 March 2021. For properties acquired before 27 March 2021, the ability to deduct interest is…
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Five risks to consider when buying a home through a mortgagee sale

As interest rates rise, it’s possible New Zealand will experience an increase in ‘mortgagee sales’, which presents both opportunities and risks for buyers. A mortgage sale is when a borrower defaults on their mortgage, causing the lender (i.e. the mortgagee) to seize and sell the property. For buyers, the big upside to acquiring a home…
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Supply catching up with demand in rental market

Property investors throughout most parts of New Zealand are enjoying gains in their rental income, but those increases are occurring at decreasing rates. Rents rose by 4.0% (as per the flow measure) in the year to July 2022, according to the most recent data from Stats NZ. That was down from 4.9% year-on-year growth in…
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Securing a home loan if you’re self-employed

Small business might be the backbone of America, but those who have the courage to go down this path, often also providing employment for others, can find it challenging to secure a mortgage. While lenders may set a higher bar for the self-employed, it is worth persevering with an application. If you use a mortgage…
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Saving money when buying a home

Buyers across America remain highly active despite the recent sequence of rises in the mortgage rate, indicating that we still have pent-up demand for residential property and proving the incredible strength of our real estate market. However, the continuing upward trend in prices for houses, apartments and condos can make life difficult for first-time buyers.…
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Five remodeling challenges that make upsizing a great option

If you’re weighing up the pros and cons of selling your home or remodeling, there’s a temptation to stay in place, shying away from the commitment of finding a new home in a highly active and competitive market. As an experienced agent in our neighborhood, I’ve worked with many clients who began their home-selling journey…
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Five gardening ideas that are full of beans

If you’re one of the millions of Americans who can’t get through their early morning routine without a coffee, have you ever wondered about the possibility of reusing all those grinds that you tip in the trash? Coffee grinds are excellent fertilizer and perfect for a small balcony garden for a condo or apartment and…
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Why it pays to live on the sunny side of the street

As utility bills continue to rise, you might be wondering if there’s a way to reduce these costs and what impact this would have on the future resale of your home. These are smart questions, because energy-efficient homes are highly desirable among buyers who want low power bills as they tailor their lives to deal…
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How to use fall colors to sell your home

With summer disappearing into the distance and the fall fast upon us, homeowners aiming to sell in the next few months have an excellent opportunity to exploit the change of seasons. While there is never a wrong time of year to sell a property, the cozy days of fall and winter can work if you…
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How to tell if downsizing is right for you

Downsizing your property is often painted as the solution to every homeowner’s cash flow challenge once they retire. And in the current environment of rising mortgages and living costs, downsizing is on the mind of an increasing number of homeowners. Selling your home for a profit and purchasing smaller, more suitable accommodation may be the…
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