How to Win at Auctions

May 31, 2023 11:20:02 AM

While auctions can be an incredibly stressful and intensive – even intimidating - way to buy property, they are also one of the fastest and simplest means of selling property. As a prospective buyer, it’s important you’re familiar with the highly unpredictable and often fast-paced process of an auction in order to be successful. Here are some tips.


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Topics: Auctions, Buying, NZ Mortgage Adviser

Buying and selling at auction

Aug 26, 2020 12:26:14 PM

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.


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Topics: Auctions, Selling, Buying, NZ Finance, Home Loan Advice

Helping your kids buy a home

Jun 15, 2020 10:58:32 AM

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.


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Topics: Buying, Pre-approvals, NZ Finance, NZ Mortgage Adviser, Bank of mum and dad, Guarantor, Home Loan Advice

Buying a home with a new baby on the way

Mar 13, 2020 9:00:00 AM

A new arrival in the family means some big changes ahead for your finances. In fact, a growing family is one of the top reasons people choose to buy a new home. During this challenging and often stressful time, it’s easy to forget some of the important things you should be considering when buying a home with a new baby on the way. Take a look at 3 things you should be thinking about.


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Topics: Buying, Growing family, Buying a home in NZ, Bigger home

3 Tips for buying your first home

Mar 12, 2020 2:07:08 PM

Buying a home is for many New Zealanders a rite of passage and a significant milestone. But it can also be an overwhelming process and incredibly challenging if you don’t know where to start. So that you can navigate the home buying process from start to finish, and make informed decisions along the way, we’ve compiled 3 useful tips for first home buyers.


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Topics: Buying, First Home, First Home Buyer, Home Loan Advice, Mortgage Advice

Helping your kids buy a home

Oct 23, 2019 11:06:00 AM

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.


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Topics: Buying, Pre-approvals, NZ Finance, NZ Mortgage Adviser, Bank of mum and dad, Guarantor, Home Loan Advice

What is the home loan pre-approval process?

Oct 16, 2019 11:06:00 AM

A home loan pre-approval gives you peace of mind when you first start house-hunting, by letting you know exactly how much money the bank is prepared to lend you. Although your pre-approval is conditional, it puts you in a position to move quickly when you find your ideal home, and it’s also an essential step if you want to bid at auctions. Here’s what you need to know about the home loan pre-approval process.


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Topics: Buying, Pre-approvals, NZ Finance, NZ Mortgage Adviser, Home Loan Advice, Home loan pre-approval

Can non-residents buy property in New Zealand?

Oct 9, 2019 12:08:51 PM

In late October 2018, the Overseas Investment Amendment Bill came into effect. While the changes to the bill restrict certain overseas people from buying residential land and existing properties in New Zealand, there are still opportunities for overseas investors who want to buy residential land to build on, as well as for residence-class visa holders who don’t currently live in New Zealand but want to buy a home here.


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Topics: Buying, NZ Finance, NZ Mortgage Adviser, Home Loan Advice, Non-resident buyers, Non-resident lending

Should you get a “pre-nuptial” agreement?

Oct 2, 2019 11:07:00 AM

It’s not uncommon for couples to contribute different amounts when buying their first family home. Under New Zealand law, once a couple has been living together for three years or more, they are subject to the Property (Relationships) Act, which states that assets are shared equally regardless of how much each person initially contributed. A “pre-nup”– or a Contracting Out Agreement – is a way to preserve respective contributions in the event of a separation or divorce.


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Topics: Buying, NZ Finance, NZ Mortgage Adviser, Home Loan Advice, Contracting Out Agreement, Pre-nuptial

3 Property Investment Mistakes to Avoid

Feb 19, 2019 4:30:00 PM

It’s no surprise that more and more astute investors are turning to property as a way to grow capital. Like all investments though, buying an investment property takes careful research so you know what you’re getting into and what the pitfalls are to avoid. To help you stay on top of the property investment game, here are 3 common mistakes to avoid.


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Topics: Property Management, Buying, Property Investment, Investment Property, NZ Mortgage Adviser, Home Buying Traps