If you’re feeling an extra spring in your step, you’re not alone! Scientists tell us that the start of spring can radically improve your mood and that those longer, warmer, sunnier days – with a promise of summer – bring an extra bit of cheer, and a feeling of happiness and hopefulness to most of us. Not convinced? Take a look at these scientific reasons* why springtime brings a little bit of happiness.

Banks in New Zealand have already deferred mortgage repayments up to a staggering $21 billion dollars since New Zealand first went into lockdown in March 2020*. Now the Reserve Bank of New Zealand says it’s extending the mortgage deferral scheme up to March 31, 2021*. But it comes with a warning: Do your homework first. Read on to find out if a mortgage holiday is the right option for you.

Renovating a rental property can be a costly exercise but making improvements to the property can yield a healthy return. To ensure you’re maximizing your investment, it’s important not to overcapitalize, to stick to your budget, and to use durable products and materials. If you are considering renovating your rental property, ask yourself these 3 questions first.

With the rising cost of property across New Zealand, it’s not surprising that so many parents are having to help their grown-up children buy property. In fact, it’s estimated that the “Bank of Mum and Dad” is the sixth largest lender when it comes to mortgage lending in New Zealand. While bank lending requirements have made it harder for first-home buyers to use their parent’s help to get onto the property ladder, there are still a few ways you as a parent can help.

For the first time in several years, first home buyers have accounted for a sizeable chunk of new mortgages, according to data released in June 2020 by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand. With record low interest rates and the removal of loan to value restrictions, many more first home buyers are seizing the opportunity to enter the property market. If you are considering buying your first home, take a look at these 5 things your mortgage adviser wants you to know before you apply for a mortgage.

Despite economists predicting a “doom and gloom” slump for New Zealand’s property market, house prices continue to rise in some areas, defying the odds and reconfirming real estate’s strength as a solid investment. For first home buyers looking to enter the market, now may be the best time, with record low interest rates, no loan-to-value restrictions (LVR) and regional fluctuations in house prices. As always though, it’s important you place yourself in the best possible position to move quickly on a deal. Here’s how to do that.

Whether you’re buying or selling, determining the value of a property is an important step in the process. A property valuation – an assessment of a property’s market worth – can help you set a realistic sale price when you’re selling and be a valuable tool when it comes to negotiating a purchase price when you’re buying. Here is a guideline to understanding property valuations.

When it comes to applying for a home loan, not everyone ticks the boxes with a lengthy permanent employment, more than 20 per cent deposit, and an impeccable credit history. But that doesn’t mean you have to miss out. Fortunately there are a range of lenders who will still consider applications even if you’re not the ideal borrower. Read on to find out what to do if the bank says no.

Across New Zealand, auctions are a popular method for both buying and selling property. But an auction can seem daunting, particularly if you’re a first home buyer or new to the auction process. Don’t be put off though as there are many advantages for both buyer and seller. In this month’s property article, we’re sharing some of Harcourts New Zealand’s tips to buying and selling at auction to ensure you’re successful.

Buying a first home is a big decision; quite possibly, the biggest one you’ll ever make. Which is why it pays to understand exactly what you’re getting yourself into. To ensure you’re armed with the right information so you can make good decisions about your financial future, here is a step by step guide to buying your first home.