Lower interest rates have sparked record-breaking levels of participation by first-time buyers, who are now responsible for 27% of all residential property deals, according to a new report by Cotality and Westpac NZ. The dramatic 0.5% reduction in the Official Cash Rate (OCR) by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand in October has tempted many…
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The New Zealand property market has seen consistent value gains across the country as the nation welcomed another 0.25% reduction in the Official Cash Rate (OCR) to revitalise the economy and reduce unemployment from 5.3%. The OCR now stands at 2.25%, and it’s amazing to think the rate is less than half the 5.5% level…
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The first predictions for the 2026 Australian property market are already making headlines as buyers and sellers alike ask themselves how high can prices go. The property portal Domain has been one of the first out of the blocks with its predictions, forecasting a 6% rise in values across all capital cities next year. Its…
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One-third of all Australian properties now command a $1 million-plus price tag, according to the latest research from Cotality. Its latest data shows the number of so-called “million-dollar suburbs” has risen by an astounding 143% in five years. The city with the most influence on this result is Brisbane, where 38 suburbs have moved into…
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Powered by a revolutionary government policy to support first homebuyers, Australia’s sale prices are now growing faster than at any time in the last two years. The moment the Government released its Home Guarantee Scheme (HGS) – a policy guaranteeing 15% of a 20% deposit so first-time buyers avoid Lenders Mortgage Insurance – the national…
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With the Australian property market currently operating at “full-steam”, more political discussion has focused on helping first-time buyers than we’ve heard for a very long time. The successful remake of the Federal Government’s Home Guarantee Scheme (HGS) has in a matter of a few weeks attracted a sharp increase in loan applications and first homebuyer…
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One of the hottest segments in the property market right now is the entry-level apartment. That’s thanks to the Federal Government’s re-cast Home Guarantee Scheme (HGS), which is proving to be a game-changer for first-time buyers. Agents are reporting a greater level of inquiry and attendance at auctions for apartments as young first homebuyers jump…
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With the number of homes for sale 20% below the five-year average, buyers face a tough negotiating environment.. The latest data suggests home prices are now rising by more than 1% every month – in October the mid-tier actually rose 1.4% – so buyers who’ve set their heart on their next property need to be…
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Home sales are on the rise as retail mortgage costs begin to fall following two reductions in the target cash rate by the Federal Reserve. The latest cut takes the target rate to 3.75%-4%, and this could influence the real estate market significantly in the coming weeks. Americans responded to the first reduction with a…
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Buying a home is more affordable now than it has been for more than two years, according to the latest data in the ICE Mortgage Monitor Report. Principal and interest payments on a median-priced home fell to $2,148 a month, or 30% of median income. That’s the highest level of affordability recorded since early 2023.…
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