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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Decluttering your home is an essential task when preparing for a sale. A clear-out will create additional space that buyers love, and it will give you the best chance to maximise the value of your property. Target areas should include the living room, kitchen and children’s bedrooms, all of which tend to be magnets for…
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Renovating a kitchen can be a lot of fun when you plan your project carefully, and it offers terrific financial rewards if you give it a spruce up before putting your home on the market. The kitchen is one of the most influential areas of a home in the eyes of buyers. It can contribute…
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One of the most common pieces of advice you’ll receive from an agent when you’re preparing to sell will be to suggest you tone down any bold colours in your home. Bright red feature walls and pink bedrooms are an agent’s nightmare because brash paintwork of any rainbow hue will likely send many prospective buyers…
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Many sellers experience nervousness and even pangs of anxiety as the deadline for their first open house looms large. It’s a big moment, of course. There’s a lot on the line and you want prospective buyers to have the best possible impression of your home. Owners focused on preparing their homes for this moment can…
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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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