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Everyday items you simply can’t recycle

Do you ever stand in the middle of the kitchen, stretching out crumpled plastic film that’s been used for food packaging to see if you can recycle it? As much as we all want to “save the planet”, it’s not always easy.  Sometimes, the packaging is clearly marked as recyclable, other times not so much.…
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NZ’s tale of two islands grips property market

Are we seeing the story of a “tale of two cities” and even a “tale of two islands” playing out in our market as buyers continue to enjoy favourable conditions while many agents now talk optimistically about “green shoots” of value growth? The latest data from the OneRoof-Valocity housing report shows the South Island performing…
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Property ‘most sensitive’ to interest rate moves, admits RBNZ

A new report from the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) reveals what many homebuyers already know – some parts of the Kiwi economy are more sensitive to a rise in the Official Cash Rate (OCR) than others. RBNZ – Te Pūtea Matua – research found sectors that make or trade goods, as well as…
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10 tips for building a drought-tolerant garden

We’re in the depths of winter right now, and redesigning your garden so it’s ready for spring is possibly the last thing on your mind – but it shouldn’t be. Creating a wonderful garden that gives you enjoyment and adds substantial value to your home requires planning, hard work and a little patience. In today’s…
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Price growth evens out across capital cities, says Cotality

After more than a year in which three of our capital cities – Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane – streaked away in terms of value growth, all of Australia’s mainland cities now appear to be on similar trajectories.  A new survey by the industry researcher Cotality (formerly CoreLogic) says growth rates between the capital cities are…
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Big city prices to rebound over next 12 months, says Domain

The pace of growth in national home values is now its slowest since August 2023 as three state capitals come off the boil after achieving stellar price performances in the past 18 months. Values increased 0.5% in May and rose 1.7% in the first five months of the year, according to the Home Value Index…
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Investors need to move quickly as prices strengthen

The real estate market is gaining momentum as interest rates fall and industry data points to values growing across the country, led once again by Sydney and Melbourne. It’s a prime opportunity for investors to expand their portfolios and capitalise on anticipated capital growth.  KPMG’s latest property forecast indicates a steady climb for the rest…
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If you had total freedom to choose, where would you live?

If you’re someone who has never lived outside of their home state, you may be surprised at the number of Australians who continue to relocate for a better life. More than 28,000 residents of NSW left for pastures new last year – the most of any state. Ironically, it was also the state with the…
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Rental incomes keep rising in boost to investors

Even the most enthusiastic property investor may be wondering when the growth in rental income will taper off after an incredible post-Covid period of income increases. Over the past five years, accelerating rental prices have forced many younger Australians back to their parental homes, and increased their challenge to save for a first-home deposit. It’s…
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What are the risks if you buy before selling your home?

“Should I sell my property before buying my next dream home?” It’s one of the most common questions a real estate agent is asked by owners. There’s no right or wrong answer, of course. The process of whether to buy or sell first is often dictated by circumstances, your financial position, risk threshold and local…
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