Green retrofitting an older home

Buying an older home may be a great way to secure the perfect location in your search for a dream property.  But, once you move in, it may be worth considering making some changes to the house so it is more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.  Some of the upgrades you could consider include adding or…
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How to sell your home in a cooling market

With property prices falling in many parts of New Zealand, you may need to work smarter if you want to sell your home for a premium price. Here are five tips to maximise your selling price in a cooling market: 1. Choose a good real estate agent During the recent boom, even mediocre real estate…
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NZ banks have “sound liquidity and funding positions”

With Silicon Valley Bank collapsing in America and Credit Suisse coming close in Switzerland, you might be wondering about the resilience of New Zealand banks. The good news is that all of the main banks are currently operating above the minimum regulatory requirements, according to the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ). “We are aware…
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Property prices increased throughout NZ over the past decade

You might have heard that property prices double every 10 years. But is it true? Well, data from realestate.co.nz found that more than half of New Zealand’s 76 districts experienced a doubling in their average asking price over the decade to 2022. The biggest increases occurred in: Kawerau = up 293.9% to $494,172. Horowhenua =…
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Govt slashes red tape to help post-Gabrielle recovery

The government has introduced the Severe Weather Emergency Legislation Bill to minimise the red tape involved in the recovery and rebuild from Cyclone Gabrielle. This bill is designed to remove or modify existing legislative constraints to support recovery, just like similar legislation that was passed after the Christchurch and Kaikōura earthquakes. Minister for Emergency Management…
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Buyer tips for realistic inspections

Emotions can be tricky to manage when you’re in the mood to buy a home. Falling in love can lead you to pay too much or suffer a broken heart when someone else wins the deal. Conversely, viewing a property without any emotion may lead you to miss out on homes that are ideal for…
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Six priority tasks to ready your home for a spring sale

With the spring market upon us, the real estate scene is moving into a vibrant selling period where buyers emerge from their winter blues full of confidence that falling inflation will ignite buyer activity. And that means you need to focus on the presentation of your home to achieve the best possible price this spring…
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Demand for multi-generational homes

Multi-generational living arrangements are gaining popularity as families seek innovative solutions to address changing social and economic dynamics. This trend reflects a desire to maximize the value of real estate assets while accommodating the needs of extended family members. The concept of multi-generational homes is both visionary and practical, often addressing the challenges faced by…
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First-home buyer tips to control upgrade costs

If you’re a young buyer cruising the real estate scene to find your first home, you’ve probably found an apartment or house that hits the price range but may need thousands of dollars of upgrades. While this may put some doubts in your mind, you should take heart.  Unless you’re confronting structural issues, many problems…
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Six ways painting trims can transform your home

Painting is one of the cheapest and easiest upgrades you can do for your home before putting it on the market. A fresh lick of paint will give your place a fresher, more appealing appearance whether your project is outside the home or indoors. Preparation is key, of course. And if you spend time washing…
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