Just as Kiwis were getting used to the idea the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) might end its program of interest rate cuts, Westpac NZ shocked everyone by raising rates 0.3% on fixed term loans. The move prompted Finance Minister Nicola Willis to suggest owners and first-home buyers should “shop around”. After Westpac announced…
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As we enter 2026, New Zealanders can reflect on a property market that resisted a recovery despite nine interest rate cuts but saw values remain steady. As the latest OneRoof home survey points out, there were winners and losers in 2025, and we should not feel downcast about the immediate future. The latest cut of…
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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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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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Have you ever scrolled through real estate listings and wondered exactly what is meant when it says the property is to be sold “as is”? The language is pretty obvious, but what are the implications for your legal protection should you wish to purchase? Should this phrase raise a red flag? Should you assume properties…
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It’s crystal ball season, and the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) has updated its forecasts for 2026 – and it’s feeling bullish! National home sales are forecast to rebound by 7.7% to 509,479. If correct, that prediction would deliver the highest level for activity since 2021. “Historically, national home sales have only ever cracked the…
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With Canada’s policy interest rate now less than half of its peak of 18 months ago, Canadians continue to cautiously return to the real estate market. While delighted that the Bank of Canada has reduced its benchmark overnight rate to 2.25% from a peak of 5% in May 2024, Canadians remain concerned about the economic…
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When you step into a potential new home, it’s easy to let the existing furniture and decor distract you from the true potential of the space. Many buyers get stuck on the seller’s furniture choices and their layout of the living room. For example, if a TV is sitting in front of a fireplace, some…
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The power of colour can be transformative for your property as you prepare it for sale. When your house or apartment is listed, your favourite palette has to shift from personal taste to investment strategy. The right hue doesn’t just refresh a room, it impacts on buyers’ perceptions, digital photography and, most importantly, the final…
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Putting your property on the market before the holidays or shortly afterwards is still achievable. You may well be weighing up the value of holding off a winter sales campaign and going in spring, which has the reputation of being the prime selling season. However, spring can actually favour the buyers. Let’s look at that…
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