As we look towards what promises to be another helter-skelter year for real estate, it’s worth looking back at the previous 12 months to give us context for what might be ahead of us as buyers and sellers of property. The “good and the great” of property forecasting have spent a fair amount of their…
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While the summer holidays are a time for relaxing with family and friends, it can also be an opportunity to tick some of those little maintenance tasks from your to-do list. Breaking out the brushes and repainting the bathroom or another area of your home will give you a sense of satisfaction that lying on…
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Landlords and property investors get a bad deal in the mainstream press. It’s often conveniently forgotten that while they do benefit from tax incentives, they also provide the valuable service of rental accommodation to approximately 30% of the population. If you squeeze property investors, the people who ultimately feel the pain are those you can…
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How safe is a holiday home – not from burglars or raging bush fires but from the taxman? It’s an incredible life achievement to be able to afford and run a holiday home. Of course, many owners will want it to double-up as a rental, especially during various public holidays through the year, to help…
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One of the hottest property topics right now is the ability to accelerate the building of new homes to keep up with demand generated by an increasing population that features a 450,000+ annual immigration intake. The lack of supply, which industry data suggests is 20% below the five-year average, is a key reason for property…
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If you’re an aspiring first-home buyer trying to save for a deposit while renting, this time of year is often an ideal opportunity to re-evaluate your accommodation. With many leases expiring, anecdotal evidence suggests a lot of renters are seeking arrangements that last longer than 12 months to give them stability and rent-cost predictability. It’s…
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As winter draws in, the importance of maintaining your roof so it’s in great condition becomes increasingly obvious. As every Canadian homeowner knows, our properties are under constant threat from the elements at this time of year. So, it’s imperative to be proactive with your maintenance to ensure small issues don’t turn into expensive problems.…
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In an effort to maximise their home’s value, owners will make at least two significant improvements before it goes on the market. One of the most common areas of focus is the bathroom because of its influence on a buyer’s assessment of your home. A full renovation of a bathroom can cost tens of thousands…
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One of the biggest hurdles for homebuyers is picturing themselves living in a house or apartment that still feels like it belongs to someone else. When you list your home, your goal is to make it as easy as possible for potential buyers to emotionally connect with the property. Real estate agents overwhelmingly recommend decluttering…
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Real estate thrives on fashion – we love colours that are in vogue, textures that are back in style and ideas for renovating that capture the imagination of owners and buyers alike. One of the most anticipated reports from those of us who follow the fashions is the trend survey undertaken by America’s Kitchen and…
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