Golden Bay Weekly - 5 June 2020

Page 1

Retail: $2

www.gbweekly.co.nz

Friday 5 June 2020

Property market “active”

Covid loan scheme JO RICHARDS

Time is running out for small businesses adversely affected by Covid-19 to apply for a one-off loan from the Government. Applications for the Covid-19 Small Business Cash Flow Loan Scheme (SBCS) close next Friday. The scheme, administered by Inland Revenue, is targeted at small to medium enterprises (SMEs), including sole traders and the self-employed, who are struggling because of loss of actual or predicted revenue as a result of the coronavirus crisis. The loan has a term of five years with an annual interest rate of three per cent beginning from the date of the start of the loan. However, no interest will be charged if the loan is repaid in full within 12 months. Repayments are optional during the first 24 months, but are compulsory thereafter. The maximum loan available to any single organisation is $10,000 plus $1,800 per full-time-equivalent (FTE) employee. This means, for example, that sole traders can receive a loan of up to $11,800. To be eligible for an SBCS loan, businesses must have 50 or fewer FTE employees. The scheme is supplementary to, and independent of, the Wage Subsidy Scheme, so whether an organisation received the latter has no bearing on its eligibility for the former. For further information, and to make an application, visit the Inland Revenue website: https://www.ird.govt.nz

Hot property: Market demand is strong but supply is weak, according to Golden Bay’s realtors. Photos: Jo Richards. JO RICHARDS

With the easing of Covid restrictions, the property market appears to have bounced back to life, according to Golden Bay realtors. Sharon McConnon of Golden Bay First National says there is “lots of activity at the moment” which she puts down to the recent relaxation of the rules. “Whilst there was a restricted amount of activity in Level 3, it really wasn’t until Level 2 that we could properly resume our day-to-day activities to a greater degree.” The upswing in activity is welcome after the market froze, rather than merely cooled, when the country was at Alert Level 4. According to the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ), the number of properties sold in April (compared with the same time last year) across New Zealand decreased by 78.5% – from 6,082 to 1,305. Billy Kerrisk of Ray White Golden Bay has already sold two properties, and secured a further three under contract, since lockdown. She is understandably feeling positive about buyer interest. “Demand is probably stronger now than it was before lockdown – and it was already building then.”

Do you need?

If you are thinking of selling talk to us about our ten free gifts to you! 027 608 5606 - billy.kerrisk@raywhite.com

But, while demand is strong, supply is weak, says Billy. “The problem is getting property to sell; that started at the beginning of the year. Some people are hesitating, but no one should hesitate if they really want to sell.” Sharon paints a similar picture. “Stock is down across the region but buyer demand is high. Multiple offers were common prior to lockdown and continue now. There has been a huge amount of buyer enquiry over the last couple of weeks, so we would encourage anyone who was considering listing their property for sale and is still wanting to do so, to carry on with those plans whilst the buyers are active.” Sotheby’s International Realty sales associate Kylie Jones has seen both parties keen to do business in the Bay. “The lockdown seems to have increased motivation among sellers and buyers. New listings have come to market with good enquiry.” According to Sharon, many of those looking to purchase are planning to live in the Bay. “We’ve had a nice mix of buyers, and whether they be first-home buyers, out-of-towners or otherwise, it’s worth noting that the vast majority will be settling here and calling

Screen Protectors & Charging Cables

Golden Bay home.” Kylie says her clients are from all over the country and the world. “Enquiries seem to be coming from people around the country who are seeking to retire or make a lifestyleinspired decision. The level of inquiry from overseas people has significantly increased… Ex-pat Kiwis and Australians are also showing keen interest. Some of these people appear to have changed from a long-term plan to greater immediacy through the lockdown phase.” The type of property people are looking for varies as much as the buyers themselves, says Kylie. “[It includes] lifestyle sized blocks with sufficient useable land, views, privacy. When it comes to houses, the most common brief is that it be low maintenance, warm and energy efficient or eco-friendly.” Billy has taken a similar range of requests. “I’ve had inquiries for farms, lifestyle blocks, holiday homes, town houses and sections.” Outlook For the past couple of decades, property has been go-to investment choice for Mr and Mrs Kiwi, and it has provided them with very good returns – especially when rental yield is... Continued on page 5

The Ministry of Social Development is providing support for those affected by the lockdown and its aftermath. “There’s a lot MSD can offer both employers and jobseekers,” says Regional Commissioner for Social Development Craig Churchill. MSD’s recruitment service is free and work brokers can help make job placements successful. The range of support schemes includes Mana in Mahi on-the-job support for 18- to 24-year-old job candidates, FlexiWage subsidy for training and mentoring, and Skills for Industry for short-term preemployment or in-work training. Other programmes provide support for workers with disabilities and MSD staff offer post-placement support and advice. “Employment is our major focus right now. You can go online or pick up the phone - we have work brokers ready and waiting for your call,” says Craig. For information phone 0800 778 008 (employers) or 0800 779 009 (jobseekers). Or visit: www.workandincome.govt.nz

support@zentec.co.nz www.zentec.co.nz 65 Commercial St 03 525 8371

Thinking about taking your business online?

We can help.

Tech Accessories Computers, Tablets & Smartphones USB Sticks & SD Cards External Hard Drives

Billy Kerrisk Limited Licenced (REAA 2008)

See us in store.

Computing Solutions

Inside: QSM recipient Police report Kindergarten reopens Pateke release THE GB WEEKLY, FRIDAY 5 JUNE 2020

MSD supports jobseekers

021 035 6233 www.xplusy.co.nz +

X+Y

Creations

ISSN (PRINT) 2538-0923 ISSN (ONLINE) 2538-0931

1


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.
Golden Bay Weekly - 5 June 2020 by Golden Bay Weekly - Issuu