Once you’ve bought your new home, the motivation to make it even more perfect can be insatiable. Having already fallen in love with your property, it will only take you a few weeks to begin to see where it can be improved to suit your lifestyle and taste. When it comes to making any big…
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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…
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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…
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Wallpaper is not a fad that’s going to disappear any time soon. Gen Z and Millennials are embracing big and bold patterns as they modernise the look and feel of their first homes. And unlike many fashions in property, it’s really a case of anything goes when it comes to wallpaper. Block patterns, stripes and…
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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…
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With summer finally here, we’re about to begin our annual vigil against pests that are determined to claim squatting rights in our cupboards, the cracks in the tile grout and anywhere else they can find shelter. When preparing your home for sale, the last thing you want any buyer to see is a line of…
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Now summer has finally arrived, it’s a wonderful time to start enjoying your garden. For those of you who are selling your homes this summer, you’ll find buyers will pay more attention to the front and back yards than at any other time of the year. So, it’s critical to look after your plants so…
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Conventional thinking suggests we all love a neat and tidy garden – flowerbeds are organised and weed-free, hedges clipped, roses in bloom and trees shaped to perfection. When selling your home, this is the perfect philosophy to attract the greatest number of potential buyers. Of course, it’s not the only approach to gardening. An increasing…
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One question that vexes many homeowners when they go away for the weekend or even on an extended vacation is whether to leave on the lights to give the impression someone is present. And is there any point in keeping the exterior lights on? Is any burglar really going to be fooled? Motion sensor lights…
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If you’ve ever had an infestation of wasps in your garden, or a nest under the eaves of your home, then you’ll know how distressing this can be. Walking outside to enjoy your summer starts to feel like you’re taking your life in your own hands, running or walking quickly before attracting the attention of…
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