If you're considering putting your property on the market in the next few months to catch the spring selling season, you'll likely be researching New Zealand's real estate trends.With house prices still averaging $975,000 and rising nationally by 3.3% year-on-year, you'd be right in thinking we have a solid, if not spectacular, market.Yet, a lot of... read more

First-home buyers remain the dominant group in the Kiwi real estate market, buying more than 40% of all properties in the first half of this year.With listings up 120% in less than three years, first-home buyers are enjoying a wider choice of properties and a strong negotiating position. They'll likely receive a further boost with an additional spi... read more

IngredientsBasil Vodka Sauce1 tablespoon olive oil1 small shallot, finely minced3 cloves garlic, minced1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes1 tablespoon tomato paste1/4 cup vodka1 can whole peeled tomatoes3 large whole basil leaves, plus 2 tablespoons additional minced basilSalt and pepper to taste1/2 cup half and half creamSpinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells1... read more

Simultaneous settlements – the selling and buying of a home at the same time – happen every day. But sometimes, the wheels of property fortune do not roll so sweetly.If you're selling before you find the next property of your dreams, you could find yourself “homeless” – at least for a short period.The obvious solution is to negotiate an extended se... read more

The latest figures from the OneRoof-Valocity House Value Index reveal a shift in power towards buyers, driven by a surge in listings and the lingering effects of high interest rates.While New Zealand's average property value increased modestly by 0.4% to $977,000 in the last quarter, the number of homes for sale has soared, exceeding 41,000 – a 17%... read more

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 linenHomeowners... read more

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 tasksProperty ma... read more

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 hefty price tag so it will pay to shop around.Before a natur... read more

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 the ... read more

It's hard to imagine losing a home in a fire but it happens every day and ironically, the colder months are often a time of greater risk. For those who survive, the sense of loss stays with them for the rest of their lives. It can be truly devastating both physically and emotionally. As local real estate agents, we know how precious our homes are –... read more