The power of the Christmas deadline is seeing many sales being concluded.  November was an all-time record month for us; December is shaping up to be equally as strong.  We expect this activity to extend into the New Year.  Meantime, thanks for your interest and support and we wish you – ‘A Christmas of UNLIMITED joy and a New Year filled with POTENTIAL’.

Today’s unchanged OCR confirms our expectations of the residential market’s current momentum continuing into 2013. With schools breaking up around the 14th of December, we are turning our attention to the New Year and are now listing strongly for January. Many vendors are choosing to stay ‘live on the net’ to pick up the many unsatisfied buyers looking to be settled before the new school term starts.

It makes me smile when I read and listen to the current media hype around the residential market.  The same media from 2008 to 2010/11 were proffering the consistent opinion that the market would drop 30-40%.  What happened?  In short, don’t believe everything you read, particularly around sale prices versus CV’s – generalisations are not meaningful.

There has been much comment about the overseas/international buyer factor and its influence on local house prices.  Our observation is that this is a central Auckland phenomenon that has been further fuelled by a perfect storm of buyer pressures – namely a drift to Auckland, Christchurch residents in particular deciding to move, low interest rates and a shortage of available homes given the lack of construction in recent years.  

With the Christmas deadline looming, there are also many Auction dates arriving and with them, decisions being made.  Yes, the market is extremely active.  We note however, in many cases, buyers (currently spoilt for choice) bidding up to a point, then moving on to the next one.  There are premiums being paid, the market is however highly selective. 

Technology continues to push in every area, with smart phones quickly becoming standard issue we have instituted the use of QR codes on all our signs.

If you have a smart phone, you simply download a free QR Code App, scan the image and hey presto!

You may be interested in Olly Newland’s comments on the housing market looking forward -http://www.interest.co.nz/property/61784/opinion-olly-newland-looks-year-retrospect-and-reviews-what-come-your-view

The current low interest rate environment alongside an on-going under supply of homes in Auckland, set against both a population trend towards Auckland and immigration in particular, all add up to one thing – firming residential values in Auckland.

Sick of this rain yet?  Let’s hope Labour weekend turns out better than predicted.  The weather is having no impact on the residential market however our traditional Spring rush is in full flight.  Activity is high – the market is on the move.

With effectively 9 weeks of selling time before Christmas, the number of homes coming to the market is noticeably on the increase.  Similarly, buyers are increasingly aware and making decisions for the New Year.  If you’re considering selling, now is the time to be getting active.  Please phone me, I’d be keen to assist you in the first instance with your property’s likely selling range and what you should do to prepare your home for sale.

We are pleased to report a very active September which saw sales numbers and prices up. Stock continues to be tight producing an on-going competitive selling environment. Although it’s the school holidays, we are at work preparing the next range of homes for sale.

Homes prepared and presented well continue to attract serious buyer interest throughout central Auckland.  Strong marketing and a clear selling signal also appear to be increasing vendor’s prospects.

Media plugs of ever increasing house prices continue to fuel both buyer demand and vendor expectations.  Sweeping generalisations are not helpful.  Prices achieved relate to location and property type.  Premiums are being achieved in specific cases.

“Steady as she goes” appears to be the Reserve Bank’s policy. It was announced today that the official cash rate would remain unchanged and they have pushed out the potential for any increase to the middle of 2013. This news will continue to give the residential market confidence.

A one hundred percentage success rate at auctions this week reflects the on-going buyer pressure for the homes being offered for sale.  As we head into the Spring listing season, it appears confidence in the housing market remains strong.

About a week ago we listed a family home on the net late Friday, to be opened over that weekend.  It resulted in over 40 viewings and 7 offers by the following Monday morning.  We have had many similar stories recently.  In short, the market is reacting quickly - the internet is a powerful medium.  If you’re thinking of scratching the selling itch, we have some very cost effective ways of testing the market.

The impact of the limited supply of listings is well documented.  This scenario appears to be changing, albeit slowly, as we head towards Spring with homeowners wanting to sell realising this is their best opportunity for several years.

Today’s unchanged OCR will again consolidate growing buyer’s confidence to proceed to purchase.  Given the factors in play, both locally and internationally, it’s hard to see a significant upward shift in rates for some time.

With school holidays over, the market is back in town with many scratching the itch to sell.  It’s clear that demand this year for housing throughout the Auckland area, and particularly Central Auckland, is stronger than it has been for many years.  Our advice?  Go now.  The supply/demand ratio is in favour of the home owner – this will change as we get into the traditional Spring listing season.

Back to School

What a fantastic spell of weather we have enjoyed over the last week of the school holidays.  Speaking of which, we are pleased to confirm an increase in the number of listings to kick off the new term and a general lift in activity as holidaymakers settle back into town.

“It’s all about timing”


The media confirmed this week that the shortage of stock is driving Auckland prices up and the average time required to effect a sale down. We are seeing a number of properties which had lingered on the market sell in this current dynamic. If your previous attempt at selling was unsuccessful, it may be worth another go.

The good news – we’ve passed the shortest day – interest rates are low and looking to stay that way – things are very positive around the residential market.  The very good news is that homeowners currently for sale are enjoying a privileged position courtesy of the lack of alternatives for buyers.

Statistics out showing a 24% increase in sales volume confirm what we have been experiencing.  Today’s unaltered OCR will further enhance buyer confidence.  There is no doubt that those homeowners selling over these winter months will benefit from a market currently starved of good homes in Central Auckland and the Bays.

This winter season is defying the old adage – that it is not a good time of the year to be for sale.  Activity is continuing unabated.  The number of buyers in the market is high.  In short, it is a good time to be for sale.

The on-going fall in interest rates alongside a relatively benign budget signals business as usual for buyers.  Throughout central Auckland and the Bays activity continues to be strong with demand continuing to outstrip the supply in many areas.

To fix or float is once again front of mind, this morning's analysis from Bernard Hickey makes interesting reading - http://www.interest.co.nz/. The good news is that rates generally are at their lowest levels since the mid 60's, making home ownership a possibility for many.

If you’re selling your home, or thinking of it – we would love to demonstrate the added value we bring to the process. It’s all about presentation. The cliché – “you only get one chance at a first impression” is so true. We’ve invested heavily in making your home look amazing with our own in-house photography and design studio, based at 2 Dilworth Ave. If you’ve got some time, I’d love to demonstrate the difference.

Great weather has to be the ultimate feel good!  It’s been interesting to read, certain homes are selling significantly above C.V.  Please note this is not a general trend.  Yes, the market has improved.  If you’re thinking of selling, you need to have your property appraised.  Buyers are very selective.  Phone me – I’d be happy to give you a no obligation assessment of your home’s current likely selling range.

The “late summer” may be one of the reasons for the excellent range of stock we currently have for sale.  The late autumn sun is out and so are the buyers, with strong open home attendances, in some cases producing quick sales.

School holidays for us this year are proving to be anything but. It’s busy! Under the subject of -“don’t always believe what your read” – yes, the market is positive and better than it has been for some years. It is also however highly selective. There is strong demand for family homes in certain locations. Properties with perceived problems and /or ‘over priced’ properties are languishing.

100% Success

In the week leading up to Easter, we enjoyed 100% success with our Auction sales, with most going under the hammer. As we work our way through the school holidays, our new listings are starting to build, but given the current buyer demand, we could certainly do with more. If you’re contemplating selling, we may have the solution.

The Easter school holidays will provide a break for many – for buyers however there will be little respite from a market that continues to have high demand and short supply.

Drive safely.

Isn’t it great when it stops raining!

We note buyers at the top end of the market are coming back with force. We have made a significant number of sales in the $2 - $5m range in the last three months. While, activity is definitely returning to the top end, we also note many are converting rental payments to a mortgage.

The overlap of a low interest rate environment, a shortage of homes, buyer demand and home owners observing that it is a good time to sell, is together developing a vibrant Auckland residential market in 2012

The media is reporting it and various surveys are confirming strong buyer interest in Auckland. Certainly we are experiencing high interest on most of our marketed homes. Last week saw 11 of our 14 Auctions sold.

It’s busy. There is no question that the lack of home development over the last 2-4 years is starting to show in the supply/demand area. We do note however that buyers are particularly selective.

The year is developing around us fast. We’re enjoying a very active market. It’s clear there are many determined purchasers in the market, consequently most vendors are receiving strong enquiry.

At last we’re back into business as usual. With a five day week and schools back, there has been a noticeable lift in the number of homes marketed for sale in central Auckland.

We’re thrilled to be offering an amazing range of new listings throughout Auckland this week. I would encourage you to roam through the buying section of our new website and take a look.

News of Auckland's ever increasing population alongside a record low of issued building permits can mean only one thing for house prices. In 2012, home ownership continues to look like a wise decision

Wouldn’t you know it. The week we come back to work, the sun comes out! The trade off for us is that we have come back to busy times. We’ve been surprised by the open home activity so early in the year.