It’s a challenging time for upsizers and first-home buyers as they determine if they have enough cash and credit to fulfil their immediate property ambitions. Changing interest rates have made the mortgage and refinancing landscape a moveable feast. Lenders are tending to take more time in assessing applications at the moment as they weigh up…
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Finding the ideal location is one of the secrets of smart buying – you can renovate your property, landscape the garden and even install a swimming pool, but there’s little you can do about your suburb. Factoring in your lifestyle needs is essential whether you’re buying your first property or dream home. While your budget…
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Property buyers are in an increasingly strong position, with vendors reacting to the cooling market by lowering their asking prices. Between January, when the market peaked, and September, the national average asking price fell 7.2%, from $992,659 to $921,187, according to realestate.co.nz. That shows a willingness by vendors to lower their expectations if they want…
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Property rents are continuing to steadily climb, although more slowly than the general rate of inflation. Rents increased 4.1% in the year to September 2022, compared to 3.2% in the year to September 2021, according to Stats NZ. By contrast, inflation rose 7.2% in the year to September, which means rental rates are rising more…
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First home buyer market share has reached its highest level in recorded history, according to the most recent data from the Reserve Bank of New Zealand. First home buyers were responsible for 20.8% of the $5.4 billion in new residential mortgage lending activity that occurred in August. That is their biggest market share since the…
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Residential construction costs are accelerating at a record pace, according to the latest CoreLogic Cordell Construction Cost Index. Home building costs rose 3.4% in the September quarter and 9.6% in the year to September – both records. The Cordell index reflects the rate of change in the cost to build a 200sqm three-bedroom, two-bathroom, single-storey,…
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Forget hardwood floors, walk-in pantries, and eco-ratings. With everyone’s favorite holiday now upon us, these must-have design features this month will haunt you forever. Below is a look at the spooky design ideas that are hellishly hot right now. Wet-look walls Whether it’s wallpaper that spontaneously oozes slime or – for the more ambitious –…
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Taking a little bit of time to be organised before you start house hunting will help ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible once you do find your dream home. We’ve listed our top tips to avoid potential challenges and delays as you embark on this exciting process and move one step closer to…
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As a homeowner, at some point will need to call in a contractor to deal with a plumbing problem. Some of the jobs you may need help with are replacing your hot-water heater, putting in new pipes, unblocking a drain or fitting new taps. Building a relationship with a good local plumber will certainly prove…
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Keeping a clean home contributes significantly to the maintenance and value of your property, as well as ensuring your loved ones enjoy a safe and caring environment. Below are eight tips for keeping your home healthy and safe. We hope you find them helpful. Chemical warning It’s easy to forget that we’re dealing with chemicals…
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