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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In an effort to maximise their home’s value, owners will make at least two significant improvements before it goes on the market. One of the most common areas of focus is the bathroom because of its influence on a buyer’s assessment of your home. A full renovation of a bathroom can cost tens of thousands…
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One of the biggest hurdles for homebuyers is picturing themselves living in a house or apartment that still feels like it belongs to someone else. When you list your home, your goal is to make it as easy as possible for potential buyers to emotionally connect with the property. Real estate agents overwhelmingly recommend decluttering…
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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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Amid the concerted program of interest rate cuts over the past 18 months – the official cash rate is down to 2.25% from a 5% post-Covid high – our real estate market is experiencing an erratic recovery that will eventually see values rebound consistently. The latest data shows the number of home resales increased by…
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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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