It’s hard to believe households once managed without the modern simplicity of clothes washing machines. Yet washing machines as we know them have only been widely available and relatively affordable since the 1950s. Ancient times The Romans were the first people to recreate clothes washing into a commercial business with “fullone” men undertaking public clothes…
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You don’t have to be a green thumb or have a big garden to experience the special joy of picking and eating homegrown produce. No gardening experience is needed to do this and both homeowners and renters can grow these gardens, even if you only have a balcony. Plus, with grocery prices higher than ever,…
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In a perfect world, people could leave their doors and windows wide open 24/7 without fear of unwanted intrusions. Those who live in remote areas may still be able to do so but, if you live in the suburbs, you will want to put security first. A surprisingly high number of thieves enter homes through…
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Rules around home loans in New Zealand may be about to change, possibly dampening prospects of another boom that would put ownership further beyond reach for those trying to enter the property market. Changes are expected mid-year to the Debt-to-Income rules that govern how much and in what circumstances a lender can issue a mortgage…
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The New Zealand lifestyle property market ended 2023 on a positive note, with $432 million in total sales during December. The Real Estate Institute of New Zealand data showed this was up from $411 million the previous year. Sales volumes increased as the year ended, with 1,297 lifestyle properties sold in the three months ended…
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We can all enjoy a sigh of relief now that the busy holiday season is over for another year. But, in the aftermath, a few small tasks should always be carried out to keep your home in good order. One job is to do a big declutter and eject unwanted gifts, broken toys and old…
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Creating a romantic setting in your home to celebrate Valentine’s Day is a wonderful way to express your love for someone special. An increasing number of couples are opting for a home-based Valentine’s Day dinner because it can be busy in restaurants on this special day. Your home is the perfect, romantic sanctuary from all…
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If repainting your home is a promise to yourself this year, then you should be aware of six colours that interior designers say are going out of style. Painting the interior of your home is one of the cheapest and most effective renovations to prepare for a sale, and your choice of colour scheme will…
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Few rooms show their age more than your kitchen. And a high-quality, modern kitchen can add at least 10% to your asking price. Together with the bathroom, the kitchen is one of the most influential rooms when trying to attract prospective buyers to bid. A great kitchen is more than the European appliances, although these…
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If you’ve been wondering whether there’s more you can do to help the environment, it’s worth considering buying a worm farm for your garden. Just the simple act of recycling your raw food waste will dramatically reduce what goes into your bin while creating a fantastic garden fertiliser. And it will stop your potato peelings,…
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