The government's much-anticipated housing policy announcement caught many commentators by surprise. The extension of the bright-line test was widely predicted. However, removing landlords' ability to offset their interest expenses against rental income caught everyone by surprise.
According to the latest statistics from REINZ, nearly a third of all homes were sold under the hammer in New Zealand during February. That’s a whopping increase of over 16% on the same time last year. With more properties than ever being sold at auction, it pays to have a strategy prepared in...
The much-anticipated return of loan-to-value (LVR) restrictions kicks in from 1 March. The Reserve Bank removed the restrictions at the start of the Covid pandemic. At the time, the Bank wanted to promote cash flow and increase economic confidence. However, the economy has bounced back stronger...
The biggest reform of tenancy laws in New Zealand came into effect on 11 February. The government aims to provide a better balance between the rights of tenants and the interests of landlords. Here’s a quick guide to the main changes and what they mean in practice.
A combination of low-interest rates and soaring house prices have seen many young Kiwis struggle to get on the property ladder. It’s no surprise that more and more are turning to the bank of mum and dad for help with the deposit.
House prices are one of the most talked-about topics at the moment. And the latest data will add fuel to the fire with the red-hot market showing no signs of slowing down.
Considering building in 2021? Getting the right loan is crucial. Don't get caught with the wrong lender for your next building project. If your New Year's resolution is to build a new house, It is important to ensure you find the right lender for your project. Every lender has different pol...
In today’s red-hot property market, buying an apartment or townhouse off-plan can seem very attractive. After all, you get a brand new property at a set price. What could go wrong? The short answer is plenty. Buying off-plan could be the perfect solution. And it can just as easily be a nightmar...
Once again, the property market hit record highs in October thanks in part to cheap mortgage lending. According to the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ), nationwide median house prices increased by almost 20% on October 2019, and by 5.2% on September’s performance.
The mortgage is your biggest expense. And while we like the idea of paying the loan off faster, we're not always so keen on sacrificing our lifestyles. However, mortgage rates are at an all-time low, and many commentators are predicting they will drop even lower. There’s never been a better time...
With record house prices across the country, now is undoubtedly an excellent time to put your home on the market. However, if you want to achieve top dollar and a quick sale, then preparation is crucial. First impressions make all the difference, and a few minor changes could see you clinch that ...
The Trusts Act, which comes into force in January 2021, represents the biggest shakeup of the law in over 60 years. With an estimated 500,000 family trusts in operation, New Zealand has one of the highest per-capital rates worldwide. And so changes to the legislation is big news. Here’s an ...
The run-up to an election often sees the property market slow down. Political uncertainty means people delay buying or selling in a wait-and-see approach. But not this time. The latest data suggests the New Zealand property market remains on an upwards trajectory. Returns for September show in...