The latest interest rate cut by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) will undoubtedly help reignite momentum in the property market after a relatively solid but slow start to the year. With owners feeling more confident they’ll achieve their desired price, finding a bargain is going to get a little tougher. Strategies exist to overcome…
Read more
As Australia moves on from a historic election victory for the Labor Party, it’s worth reflecting on what it promised voters before we all went to the polls. Housing became a central theme of last month’s election, and the policies of the returned Labor Government are likely to have an impact on the ability of…
Read more
The track record of property as a high-quality investment has been underlined again by new data showing the number of homes now valued at more than $1 million has increased by almost 25% in the past decade. Fewer than 10% of properties could boast $1 million values back in April 2015, but now that figure…
Read more
The Bank of Mum and Dad is one of the most discussed concepts when it comes to young people saving for their first home. Official data on the financial strength of this so-called “bank” is absent in Australia, although a survey by Finder.com.au – a comparison website – claimed it was worth $35 billion and…
Read more
After months of owners holding onto their properties tightly and bolstering prices, the pendulum is swinging back in favour of buyers, and especially for Kiwis who are seeking to upgrade. The recent 0.25% reduction in interest rates – the Official Cash Rate (OCR) has now fallen from 5.25% last August to 3.25% – is offering…
Read more
Australians are normally a careful people when it comes to money, and the prospect of a federal election is enough to put most property purchases on hold as buyers wait to see which party and policies win the day. Not this time. Buyer demand for homes across Australia showed no sign of stalling as the…
Read more
As we head into winter, the New Zealand housing market is full of mystery and intrigue. Trying to find the perfect time to buy and sell a home has rarely been harder if you believe you can read the tea leaves of our real estate market. We’ve been helped by the recent 0.25% cut in…
Read more
Paying for closing costs is just a reality of life that comes with buying real estate. There’s no escaping it, but you can shop around to reduce the expense of this obligation. For first-time buyers, it’s worth stepping through this part of a property purchase. Closing costs include legal and title search fees, required insurances,…
Read more
The search for buyers has never been more important as the market mood continues its cautious optimism supported by strong employment trends and continued economic growth. The stock market gyrations in recent months on the back of tariff threats and promises of constructive trade negotiations mean the search for buyers is becoming increasingly competitive. Upsizers…
Read more
It’s time to reassess your real estate strategy! If you’re backing off purchasing your dream home because of the tariff threats, then you could be missing a rare opportunity. If you’re wavering, know that the possibilities of striking a great deal will likely be gone in a year’s time. Fortune favours the brave, as they…
Read more
