The Reserve Bank of New Zealand is proposing to ease mortgage loan rules this month to give buyers a better opportunity to find finance. It will allow lenders to increase from 10% to 15% the number of loans they can issue that require a Loan-to-Value Ratio above 80%. The Reserve Bank imposed the regulation in…
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Real estate prices could be at a turning point according to forecasts from leading industry researcher, Core Logic. With data showing that average values were down just 0.6% in April, negative market sentiment could be coming to an end. CoreLogic economist Kelvin Davidson issued an important reminder about prices, saying property values were still $200,000…
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New rules that allow couples to each put $300,000 from the sale of their primary residence into their superannuation fund tax-free has made downsizing a hot topic. The idea that you and your partner can add a combined $600,000 to your retirement savings has made selling the family home a tempting prospect. Is this the…
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In the world of real estate, fixer-uppers hold a unique allure. These diamond-in-the-rough properties offer ambitious homebuyers the opportunity to transform a house into their dream home, often at a lower initial cost than move-in ready alternatives. However, the path of purchasing and renovating a fixer-upper is not without its challenges. This guide aims to…
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Disruptions to the global financial market, including the failure of Silicon Valley Bank and the stressed purchase of Credit Swisse, has left many buyers and sellers asking what this means for local lenders, mortgage rates and a rebound in property values. The good news is that local lenders operate in a safe environment without ultra-cut-throat…
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A new report has revealed that the majority of property sellers are making a profit on their sales, despite the market’s recalibration due to rising inflation and higher mortgage costs. Some 96% of owners who have sold recently made a profit on their transaction, according to researcher CoreLogic NZ in its residential Pain and Gain…
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There are two numbers that every owner, buyer and seller is keeping a keen eye on these days: the inflation rate and rising mortgage costs. As many of us are acutely aware, the Reserve Bank of Australia has increased interest rates 10 times in the past 12 months to fight post-pandemic inflation. Now, we may…
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We all love the occasional dose of celebrity gossip, and it’s been fascinating to watch some of Hollywood’s biggest stars trying to sell properties and avoid a “mansion tax” implemented in the City of Los Angeles. Among the superstars who’ve called their real estate agents are Britney Spears, Jim Carrey, Kylie Jenner and Mark Wahlberg,…
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The recent sharp fall in property prices which was triggered by interest rate rises has now flattened, according to the latest industry research. CoreLogic’s March housing market update shows national prices dropped an almost imperceptible 0.14% in February, the smallest monthly fall since the Reserve Bank began hiking interest rates last May. CoreLogic also reported…
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Recent global events have significantly impacted various sectors of the real estate market, potentially creating new opportunities in housing. Here’s an overview of the current situation and its implications: Market Shifts Commercial Real Estate: Many urban areas have seen a decrease in demand for commercial spaces, particularly office buildings and retail locations. This shift has…
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