Another reduction in interest rates has given the New Zealand real estate market an additional shot in the arm. Real estate agents are reporting the 0.5% reduction in the Official Cash Rate (OCR) to 3.75% has sparked an immediate response from first-home buyers. While this is only anecdotal evidence, data over the longer term suggests…
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As rising property values across Australia stabilise – for the moment at least – investors have a great opportunity to expand their portfolios before interest rate cuts finally arrive and buyers return in force. While values may currently be favourable, investors should be aware that the stellar growth in rental income since the pandemic is…
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The Kiwi property market enters 2025 in an environment of falling interest rates, new lending rules, economic challenges and an increasing number of properties coming onto the market. It’s a lot to take in. After a tough couple of years for upsizers and aspiring first homebuyers, our real estate scene is finally loosening up thanks…
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If you’re considering whether to enter the property market to upgrade or purchase your first home, it’s a valuable exercise to study the key market factors that could be working in your favour. Across NZ, listings are hitting record numbers while the cost of cash – the Official Cash Rate (OCR) – has dropped to…
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Winter offers a unique set of circumstances for those seeking investment properties. This time of year brings a different dynamic to the market, presenting advantages for potential investors. The reduced competition from buyers is probably the biggest bonus that investors might enjoy. However, that’s not to say there won’t be buyers in the market, especially…
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America’s real estate market appears set for a fascinating 2025 after new home sales finished strongly in December and pointed to a building confidence among buyers. We had hoped the Federal Reserve would step in to reduce the cash rate by a further 0.25% at the end of last month to ease the mortgage burden…
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The affordability of housing will be front and center in America’s political conversation this year, as everyone from the President down seeks cheaper interest rates to take pressure off values and rents. The nation’s ability to deliver affordable housing – a common challenge among many western economies – will affect millions of households. The market…
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The large rent hikes Canada has experienced since the pandemic are finally coming off the boil. Rents are not falling but the rate of growth is tapering down, slowing to 5.4% from a historic peak of 8% in mid-2023. That means investors have not only enjoyed record levels of rental income but will continue to…
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Changes to rules for how you can buy property in Canada are likely to give the local market a significant boost in 2025 and beyond. It’s great news for upgraders and first homebuyers after a two-year period of high interest rates and appreciating property prices. The price cap for taking out an insured mortgage is…
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Predictions of a turnaround for the Canadian property market follow a quiet transaction period as we ended 2024. And while last December may seem a lifetime ago now, the transaction trend in many urban centres suggests there’s excellent buying opportunities if you can make your move before the 2025 market really springs into action. As…
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