Category: First Time Buyer

First-time buyers jump into the market amid rate hopes

The sale of existing homes continues its rising trend, giving American owners confidence they can plan to either upsize or downsize this winter or with an early spring strategy. The National Association of Realtors’ (NAR) latest survey found sales of existing homes in October was 1.2% higher than in the previous month of September. This…
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Industry body predicts 14% spike in real estate deals for 2026

One of the most influential predictions for real estate in 2026 has come from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), which has forecast a spectacular 14% jump in existing home sales next year, combined with price rises totalling 4%. One early signal supporting the NAR forecast is the fact that current applications for mortgages are…
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First-time buyers boosting NZ market in record numbers

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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Prices strengthen as rate falls boost affordability

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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Big banks, Domain predict prices to keep rising in 2026

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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Third of all suburbs now in the Million-Dollar Club

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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Where do you begin to search for an agent?

There are many decisions to make once you decide to move home: Do you buy or sell first? What type of mortgage do you need to climb the property ladder? And how will you co-ordinate accommodation so you’re not left stranded between properties? And here’s the most important question – how will you achieve a…
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Market runs hot as new grant opens door to first-time buyers

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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Six seller tips as 20% of buyers get discounts on deals

More than 1.1 million homes are now for sale across the United States, giving buyers lots of choice and a strong negotiation position. Inventory of homes for sale has now risen for the 23rd consecutive month, according to the latest data from aggregator Realtor.com. There are now 17% more homes for sale than this time…
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Falling rates spark immediate demand in existing houses

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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