Are the LVRs on their way out?

Loan-to-value ratio restrictions could be removed in the near future, with hints coming from both Bill English and, more recently, departing Reserve Bank Governor Graeme Wheeler. This is big news for investors.

Good news for First-Home Buyers

There’s some good news that’s emerged from the doom and gloom of the winter sales numbers: more first-home buyers are making their move. CoreLogic reports that first-time buyers made up 23.4% of all buyers in August, “their highest share in almost four years”. What first-time buyers purchasing? 

Interest Rates declining in competitive market

Sales volumes are low right now and there are few buyers for banks to lend to. That means banks are fighting over the buyers who are out there and that’s a real advantage if you’re in the market this spring.

From Black Cap to meth tester

‘Two-metre Peter’ Fulton has recently finished his career as a batsman for the Black Caps, and he’s started his own methamphetamine testing company in Christchurch. The former international cricketer is now visiting properties to test levels of P and report back to owners and prospective buyers. He’s balancing that with the role of cricket coach for Christ’s College, so the kids there can get the benefit of his 10 years of experience as a Black Cap. 

The Block shows the changing face of Auckland Housing

Love it or hate it, The Block really demonstrates the changing face of Auckland’s real estate market. It started in 2012 with four standalone houses in Takapuna – pricey suburb, with a collective auction price for all four houses of $3.434 million. All four houses were sold last year for a total of $7.435 million and have been removed so a six-level apartment block can be constructed on the site.

Doubled in price, but it’s all about land value… No surprises there.