Property Investment stories
Mortgaged buyers lifted their share of property purchases to 25% by the end of 2019, with some suburbs seeing them dominate the market.
Developers can now assess sites in minutes, as new data tools cut weeks from feasibility work and simplify approvals.
Lifestyle property sales picked up over summer, with the national median price reaching NZD $725,000 and demand still firm across several regions.
Tight supply and stronger demand lifted New Zealand house sales 12.3% in December, with prices rising in 15 of 16 regions.
Auckland's housing recovery is gathering pace, with low rates and tight listings expected to push prices higher in 2020.
Higher borrowing demand and scant listings pushed New Zealand’s national median house price to a record NZD $630,000 in November.
Tight listings and lower bank serviceability tests are helping to lift New Zealand house values, with Auckland appearing to have bottomed out.
Growing commuter demand and planned development are giving Tuakau a boost, as young Auckland families seek cheaper homes and bigger sections.
The freehold site could stay a motel, be subdivided or make way for housing as Taupo's property market keeps growing.
Nationwide house values rose 0.4% in October, as easing lending tests drew buyers back and lifted annual growth to 2.8%.
Big transport projects and a planned manufacturing hub are boosting demand for homes and rentals across Huntly and wider North Waikato.
House price growth is expected to remain modest as easing lending conditions and strong migration support demand, but listings stay tight.
Urban developers face rising pressure to add renewable power, fibre and automation as tenants demand cheaper, smarter services.
Top-end flats are showing some weakness, even as most apartment prices move broadly in line with the wider property market.
Palmerston North’s relative affordability is drawing buyers as median values jump 13.7% to NZD $415,000, far below Auckland.
Lower deposit rates are pushing investors into office and industrial assets, lifting prices for scarce quality commercial buildings across New Zealand.
Many first-home buyers will still be shut out by income and price caps, leaving family loans and deposits crucial to getting on the ladder.
Borrowers and savers face a shift as New Zealand rates fall, prompting calls to move cash into productive assets rather than bank deposits.
Rental demand, low upkeep and strong returns are the key tests for buyers weighing up a property investment, advisers say.
Investor buying climbed to 25% of New Zealand property purchases in July, the highest share since late 2016, CoreLogic said.
