There are a thousand questions to be asked when buying property, but one query dominates them all right now: when will interest rates come down? The current Official Cash Rate (OCR) is 5.5%, and the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) is giving little hint of when it will start making cuts that will boost…
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There are few things more emotionally distressing – to say nothing of financially difficult – than cleaning up a home after a flood. Finding badly damaged, much-loved items is particularly heart-breaking. Yet even the unprepared should take heart: while some damaged items will have to be thrown away, others can be restored. Clothes and linen…
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Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, a seasoned investor, or simply curious about the nuances of property transactions, the terminology used in the real estate industry can often seem like a foreign language, leaving many feeling overwhelmed and confused. This guide to some of the most frequently used terms has been designed to help you speak…
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Property investors will soon discover that property management fees are one of their highest financial expenses. While this expense is tax deductible and investors aren’t legally required to engage a property manager, interstate or overseas investors in particular will find their lives far easier with one. Here’s why. Property manager tasks Property managers ensure investors…
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Insurance claims can be a tough part of the cleanup process if you get hit with a natural disaster. If you live in flood, cyclone or bushfire-prone areas, it is wise to ensure you have the correct insurance cover, and that it is up to date. Coverage in high-risk areas can also come with a…
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Mulching is a key task for all green thumbs , but why do gardeners love mulch? Easy. It’s the perfect combination of plant defender, weed deterrer, moisture protector, soil guardian, temperature regulator and garden beautifier. Yes, all these qualities can be found in highly scented bags from the local nursery or garden warehouse. Be warned…
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Brilliant for their gorgeous spring colours, bulb flowers will bring joy to every green thumb, in far more ways than one. And it’s the season right now to plant these special flowers. Bulbs are a surprisingly tough, set-and-forget plant which will thrive in pots and in all types of soil. They can be grown successfully…
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A greater choice of properties is opening up for buyers across New Zealand as the real estate market continues to deal with the stubbornly high official cash rate (OCR) of 5.25%. Astute buyers are showing confidence in the future value of the market, making their move before rates begin to fall. As a respected agency…
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Owners waiting for prices to return to their peak of more than two years ago before selling will need to be patient, but the market is improving, and now may be a good time to act. Value projections for the New Zealand market suggest we’ll have to wait until the third quarter of 2025 before…
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With so many stores and websites offering budget-buy home décor offerings, it’s easy and cheap to give your space a lovely uplift. By thinking in simple and basic terms, a mini-renovation can have surprisingly dramatic results. New tapware Changing tapware is not necessarily an easy job but if it is already damaged or old, a…
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