We note ongoing commentary around the strength of New Zealand’s housing market and that it maybe is significantly over priced. The question that remains surely must be one of supply/demand. It’s hard to imagine a significant change of value in a market that has a shortage of supply, ongoing demand and low interest rates.

Have a great Christmas.

Christmas Rush

It’s amazing what the Christmas rush does. It’s the same every year – lots of properties come on the market, buyers choke over choice, then once the options start to dwindle, decisions are made. Today’s unchanged OCR rate will no doubt further fuel buyer confidence.

Preview our ads in the Central Property Press Dec 8

Open publication - Free publishing - More apartments

Christmas deadline

With the Christmas deadline looming – decisions are being made. The consistency of the business environment provided by last weekend’s result, alongside the prospect of low interest rates, for the medium term at least is providing the market impetus for an increasing number of sales.

Preview our Ad in the central property Press Dec 1st issue

Open publication - Free publishing - More auckland

Ads placed by Unlimited Potential Real Estate in the latest issue of Central Property Press

Ads placed by Unlimited Potential Real Estate in the latest issue of Central Property Press

Open publication - Free publishing - More new zealand

Distractions

There’s no question the election is firmly in the forefront of the minds of the public. While we are experiencing consistent sales, some buyers are holding back. The election is proving to be another distraction in a year in the residential market that has been full of distractions. We look forward to the country receiving a clear mandate and the resumption of more normal sales activity.

Preview this weeks NZ Herald UP ad

Open publication

Buyers are spoilt for choice with the current range of homes available. We are thrilled to be offering this week, one of the best ranges of opportunities throughout Auckland. It feels like the market may be suffering the ‘kids in a lolly shop’ syndrome resulting in delayed decisions.

Home Values Near Record High

Further confirmation today of increasing house prices –

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/property/news/article.cfm?c_id=8&objectid=10764992

Alongside this information, homeowners have received their latest Council Valuations. If all this information has left you wondering – please give me a call. I’d be very happy to give you a heads-up on your property’s likely selling price range.

World Champions

As we bask in the afterglow of our team’s stunning success, we would make two observations. Firstly, it appears that house prices may have firmed slightly and we are pleased to be bringing a substantial number of new properties to the market. All in all, a good report.

It's An Active Market

Well, in spite of the distraction of being on the eve of a World Cup win! – we’ve managed to find an increasing number of buyers focussing hard on buying a home. We enjoyed two spectacularly competitive Auctions and have noticed a marked increase in the number of homes coming to the market. – Go the AB’s.

We've moved!

After 18 years at Upland Rd, we have moved into our own home at 2 Dilworth Ave, Remuera - and it feels great! If you're in the area, please drop in and say Hi.

It feels like the market is holding its breath somewhat. Maybe it’s the World Cup outcome, the weather, school holidays or a bit of everything.

Record Low Rates

The stabilising of interest rates and ongoing outlook of a lower interest rate environment is giving confidence to buyers. We note this article

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=10753802

For us, this is reflected in strong abuyer activity and competitive Auction bidding.

Spring Thaw

It's clear the Spring "thaw" is enticing more home owners to come to the market - we are privileged to have secured agency on some outstanding offerings. Make sure you adjust your clock this weekend - Go The AB's!!

Competitive Bidding

We are experiencing competitive bidding on all our Auctions resulting in either sales or ongoing negotiations in every case. There is no shortage of buyer interest. We are still short of homes to sell.

Polar Blast

Despite the week's near arctic conditions, hardy home buyers are out in force focusing on the steadily growing number of houses for sale. The ongoing low interest rate environment seems to be an encouragement.

Increased Activity

In spite of a tumultuous week on the financial markets worldwide, we have noticed a general increase in activity. We’re particularly excited about the properties we have just listed and have coming up.

Start Your Engines ......

With school holidays over and everyone back from their vacation, we look set to enjoy the traditional increase in listing activity. The number of our vendors coming to the market has increased dramatically and with business confidence generally up, the timing looks perfect.

Busy Times

Yes it is mid winter, school holidays, but the market is far from hibernation.
We are experiencing some very competitive auction bidding and thankfully meeting a lot more homeowners preparing to sell.

The Time Is Right

The current media sentiment of the type attached is driving buyer enthusiasm. Consequently opens are receiving a lot of attention.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/property/news/article.cfm?c_id=8&objectid=10737583

If you’re thinking of selling, I’d love to bring you up to speed with what’s happening.

It's Time To Buy

The talk of Capital Gains Tax will undoubtedly see more people shelter funds in the family home. There is a current shortage of available homes. No matter how you look at it – it’s time to buy. Prices will firm.

Winter Sport

And now for the fun part!! The snow has arrived and the ski fields are starting to open. Mother Nature’s timing could not be better with the Rugby World Cup about to descend on Godzone.

Good News

The good news this week is that we’re through the shortest day – an uncommonly warm one! And for some Christchurch homeowners, at least there is now some clarity around their future, which for some will be a move to Auckland?

Now's the Time

We’re suffering the annual mid-winter syndrome of home owners thinking they’re better to wait until Spring to sell – not true! It’s about supply and demand – there’s always a shortage about now, as a result, buyers compete hard. Now’s the time.

It's Not That Bad

We awoke Tuesday morning to the Herald front page headlines proclaiming the demise of the Real Estate Industry –
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10730634

Just for the record, over the last 3 years we have actually grown our team, achieved some record months, and are about to move into new premises.

A Great Time To Sell

This week we learned New Zealand’s commodity prices have reached record levels in May – as a result we achieved a balance of bank surplus – business confidence is on the increase. Put this along with a low interest rate environment and a shortage of available homes for sale; it’s hard to imagine anything other than a firming residential market.

Strong Activity

This week post Budget confidence has returned and we have experienced a surge of activity. It seems buyers were holding their breath - they are firmly back in “buy mode”.

No More Budget Jitters

The market stand off is a normal occurrence around budget time, as buyers play ‘wait and see’. Now that we are through, with no real surprises, we expect sales volumes to return to the strength shown in previous weeks.

House Prices Firming

It’s now confirmed that the average sale price in the Auckland area has firmed. We have experienced some sales in selected areas that have been at premiums, particularly for family homes. In short, your home may be worth more than you think.

The Schools Are Back

With the schools back, normal transmission has resumed. The intensity around some property is staggering, with some of our properties receiving up to 1000 hits in their first week of internet listing. Many are selling within days. If you're thinking of selling, it’s a great time to be for sale with lots of buys in the wings.

No Change to the Cash Rate

Momentum continues to build as we see an increasing number of buyers committing to home ownership. The news today that the Reserve Bank has kept the official cash rate at 2.5% will build further confidence into perspective purchasers. In short, it’s looking like a good time to be on the market.

Further Confirmation

Yet again, confirmation of a rapidly improving Auckland market –

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=10720725;

Buyers, this is not a time to be out of the market, waiting in expectation of a softening in prices any time soon

Things Are Looking Up!

Finally we see some press confirming what we have observed for some time ie. a firming market in central Auckland -

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/property/news/article.cfm?c_id=8&objectid=10718867;

We have observed auctions for family homes, in particular, selling under the hammer in strong competition. Things are on the move – it’s a great time to be in the market.

Still Plenty of Heat

Along with the change in daylight saving – we have been experiencing a chilly blast from the south – neither event has damaged the heat in the central Auckland market, particularly for family homes under $1m.

A Record Month

We have just concluded one of the most successful months in our company’s 17 year history. Sure, we’re trying as hard as we can but it does show there’s more to this market than some media headlines would have your believe.

An Unexpectedly Positive End To The Financial Year.

Competitive bidding, a shortage of great homes and renewed buyer urgency, together, has allowed us to approach 31st March on an unexpectedly high note. It would appear that, in spite of dark clouds in various areas, people are making a basic decision to get on with their lives.

School Holidays Not Far Away.

As the world lurches from one disaster to another, we are left wondering what’s coming next! And yet life must go on. For us, the next thing is Easter and School Holidays just 4 weekends away and with it, the end of daylight saving. If you’re thinking of selling, make the most of now!

Time to Buy

Solid attendance and competitive bidding at pretty much every Auction is testament to an improving residential market. This intensity will be further heightened with increased demand as some Christchurch residents move north and those renting see today’s lowering of the OCR as an opportunity to purchase.

Increased Activity

While Christchurch remains very much in the forefront of our hearts and minds, life in the real estate market, we serve, is incredibly active. February sales resulted in our best month since 2008.

Unbelievably once again

Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Christchurch

Timing's everything

They say timing in decision making is everything. If you’ve sold and are currently renting in anticipation of significant softening in house prices, you may want to consider whether your time to re-enter the market is now. If you’re unsure, I’d love to have a chat.

Time To Buy

All the talk around an increasingly expensive rental market will no doubt have a positive spin-off for residential sales. With interest rates stable and little evidence of significant softening in house prices – the decision to own, rather than rent, is becoming clearer.

An encouraging start.

With building permits at the lowest levels they have been since 1965, new housing stock particularly is incredibly tight currently. We note good open home numbers and keen interest in our new listings, which bodes well for the second half of our summer selling season.

We're busy!

There’s definitely something in the air that smells like optimism. It’s definitely different to last year; the market is on the move – we note a fresh range of home owners making the decision to sell.

We are back - and we need to be.

This January appears to have kicked off early with both buyers and sellers focusing quickly on property. As we bring our first wave of new property to the market, and having already made some significant sales, the early signs for 2011 are very promising.