REAL ONE - Issue 29 - Richard Lyne

Lyne & Co

Your residential property experts.

01. Why us

We appreciate that you’ve got choices when it comes to listing your premium central or eastern waterfront property. Here at Lyne & Co we offer much more than a typical ‘standard offering’ –with us, you’ll get a boutique, customised service tailored to your specific needs. If you’re after a team that’s committed to understanding your unique requirements, that has deep networks, and that gets record-breaking results, then you’ve come to the right place.

02. What we offer

Specialising in premium Bays and Remuera property, our personalised services include full listing management, market intelligence, discrete ‘off-market’ selling, Developer projects, investment consultation, creative advertising campaigns, and local insight guidance. Our breadth of experience includes working with vendors who wish to remain confidential, developers looking for new investments, empty nesters considering premium downsizing, and executive families after timeless unobstructed views.

03. How we work

Collaboration with clients is at the heart of what we do, and that starts with ensuring you have access to all the Lyne & Co professionals. [Link to Team page]. We see working together with you as a relationship – not a transaction. It begins with taking the time to understand your specific needs and, like all good relationships, you can expect transparency, information sharing and openness. We will be with you throughout the entire journey, with your interests front and centre, determined to get the best possible results no matter how tough the market.

Let’s talk

Lyne & Co

“The more we had to do with them, the more it became apparent how well they worked together and how much they had to offer to help us to get the property to a premium sale condition.”

– Sue, April 2021

Our Team

At Lyne & Co we’re more than a collection of highly skilled realtors – we are a truly unified team, here to guide you through the sometimes daunting world of real estate.

Collaboration with clients is at the heart of what we do, and that starts with ensuring you have access to professionals who complement each other. Together, we offer a unique blend of expertise, passion and personalised service found nowhere else in the Bays and Remuera.

From the deep expertise of Richard Lyne, a highly accomplished #1 performing salesperson, to the fresh creativity and media savviness of Jackson Hawkesby-Lyne, to the outstanding customer experience and marketing nous of Althea Terce, we've got you covered throughout your journey.

Richard Lyne

Director & Licensee Salesperson

+64 21 687 000

richard.lyne@raywhite.com

There’s only one real estate agent who has decades of experience selling prestigious properties in Auckland's Central and Eastern waterfront suburbs, who is recognised as a #1 performing salesperson, who has deep networks that rely on discretion, and who will always have the time to pick up the phone and talk to you personally. That’s Richard Lyne.

As Director and Selling Principal of Lyne & Co, Richard prioritises relationships over transactions; he knows that real estate is really all about people. Whether it be spending time with you on the latest housing analytics, or discussing negotiation approaches on your behalf, Richard is there to serve your interests first.

Having brokered record-breaking sales in the region, Richard prides himself on his level of personalised service which, when combined with his in-depth market knowledge and community connections, will give you the edge and exceptional results.

Richard brings to Lyne & Co the mantra of Less Secret, More Agent. What that means is that, like all good relationships, you can expect transparency, information sharing and openness. And, like all good relationships, he will be with you throughout the entire journey and beyond.

Jackson Hawkesby-Lyne

Licensee Salesperson

+64 21 081 295 44 jackson.hawkesby-lyne@raywhite.com

With his fresh perspective and people-first approach, Jackson brings creativity and spark to the Lyne & Co team. He’s a connector with a natural talent for listening and engaging with clients, which means you’re talking to someone who genuinely cares about giving you a fantastic experience.

Jackson’s media family pedigree and social media knowledge gives you the edge when it comes to reaching the new generation of buyers. From a successful career in hospitality, Jackson has brought his natural ability to relate to people - so much so that he’s now a local charity auctioneer.

On trend, well-networked, personable and discrete, Jackson is a great person to have on your team whether you’re looking to purchase your first home or considering the next step.

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Richard Lyne

CURRENT LISTINGS

The Crossing

WAIHEKE ISLAND

Welcome to "The Crossing," a property 25 years in the making, showcasing unparalleled craftsmanship and a captivating blend of materials. A concrete foundation clad in Timaru bluestone, complemented by aged recycled New Zealand native timbers from a 1920s cinema and robust railway ironbark beams.

Approximately 5 acres of land, "The Crossing" seamlessly marries French provincial charm with the rugged allure of the Australian outback. The property features a boutique vineyard with syrah vines and lush olive groves, creating an enchanting ambiance.

The residence offers unique perspectives of city lights and natural beauty, nestled among hills and embraced by Pohutukawa trees, providing seclusion and tranquillity.

The estate includes two additional thoughtfully designed dwellings for accommodation, each reflecting the same craftsmanship as the main residence. Located minutes from Matiatia Wharf, Cable Bay vineyard, and Mudbrick Vineyard & restaurant, "The Crossing" is strategically positioned.

The main house comprises two bedrooms, both ensuited, a large open-plan living area, and a private library room.

Just up the way you'll find a separate two-bedroom apartment with a seperate living room, bathroom and a one-bedroom cottage with bathroom completes the accommodations. Underneath the apartment you'll find a bespoke walk-in Wine cellar.

The property boasts a horizon infinity edge pool, spa, and pool room with an additional bathroom. Entertainers will appreciate the courtyard "bunker" with an outdoor fireplace and pizza oven, creating an ideal space for gatherings.

Unique and unparalleled, "The Crossing" stands as a masterpiece on the coveted Waiheke Island. This is a rare opportunity to own an estate of this calibre in the highly sought-after Church Bay location. Witness the magnificence of this property, a privilege to be brought to the market for the very first time.

Viewing is strictly by appointment.

Tender Closing 4pm, Wed 10 April 2024 (unless sold prior).

41 Cliff Road and/2 Springcombe Road

CLIFFTOP EXCELLENCE ST HELIERS - PREMIER LOCATION

The exceptional positioning of these two distinct adjacent freehold properties is truly outstanding, and the unobstructed views are timeless. Sitting prominently in prime clifftop location, your investment is poised to last for generations. Consider this your ultimate suburban sanctuary, seamlessly blending urban convenience with coastal tranquillity.

The adjacent trophy properties with flight deck views over the harbour, offering the best of both worlds offering a range of value packed options to the next custodian.

Total land comprises 912sqm (more or less), set over two new freehold titles. Options exist to acquire these properties individually or together, with the potential for future expansion of grounds for 41 Cliff Road, or development prospects that may include a new build, or multiple units adjacent.

41 Cliff Road: CV $7,000,000 (2021)

Land Value $5,200,000

2 Springcombe Road: CV $2,875,000 (2021)

Land Value $2,725,000

While the older dwelling can be kept comfortable for many years, comprehensive planning consents have already been obtained for a new dwelling or two-unit titles.

The newer property is a superb contemporary masonry residence, circa 3700sqft, perched in an uncompromised position, sets the benchmark for modern luxurious living. It offers private and secure living spaces across two and a half levels, with a clifftop location and beautifully landscaped grounds. Enjoy a sun-drenched poolside terrace with breath-taking views from sunrise to sunset.

Under current planning regulations, savvy buyers will appreciate the work undertaken to date and the potential. With an ability to secure two (or three) road frontages - this property represents one of the most unique waterfront opportunities on sought-after Cliff Road, St Heliers. Properties in this coveted location are seldom available.

Viewing is strictly by appointment.

Price by Negotiation

16A Pembroke Crescent, Glendowie

SUBURBAN SANCTUARY - A SMART CHOICE

Step into this meticulously crafted home, a testament to the builder's expertise, and discover the perfect blend of modernity and functionality. Ideal for downsizers, busy professionals, and growing families alike, this residence offers a contemporary sanctuary in the heart of suburbia.

Designed with foresight, the layout ensures ample space for a young family to thrive, fostering a seamless flow throughout. Picture yourself in the expansive open-plan kitchen and living area, where you can effortlessly keep an eye on the little ones at play.

For the tech-savvy, this home is primed for the future, ready to be transformed into a 'smart' haven with ease. Every detail has been meticulously considered, ensuring a residence that not only meets but exceeds standards.

Entertaining is a breeze with the thoughtfully designed floor plan, seamlessly connecting the indoor and outdoor spaces. Step through sliders to a landscaped oasis, complete with lush lawn, integrated decking, and outdoor furniture, including a BBQ and pizza zone - the perfect setting for gatherings with friends or moments of quiet reflection.

Embrace the epitome of suburban luxury - where sophistication meets functionality, and every detail has been carefully curated for your comfort and enjoyment.

Auction: 1pm, Wednesday 27th March 2024 (unless sold prior).

View Saturday / Sunday 12:00 - 12:45pm or call for a mid-week open, or private viewing appointment.

021

021

Richard Lyne - Testimonials

❝

Recommended Professional

I selected Richard Lyne because of his indepth experience in the local area.

I really appreciated his calm and encouraging approach throughout the entire process. He was able to be adaptable and accommodating, always giving plenty of information and choices.

Richard was ably supported by Althea and Jackson, making a great team. Not to mention the legend that is Wayne Maguire, as auctioneer. I’m super pleased with both the process and result.

MICHELLE

❝

Honest and hardworking throughout

Very easy and reassuring selling with Richard.

He has a great insights into the Auckland market and knows all the small things that help make a house sellable, we got it staged and painted so quickly and potential buyers shown through as soon as listed.

He worked super hard for me and would use again no questions asked.

LAUREN

The Ultimate Professional

Richard has sold 2 houses for us during the downturn.

He has worked tirelessly to run each lead to ground and even when the market has seemed dead he has come up with ideas and plans to stimulate interest.

A very very good Real Estate agent.

BRENT ❝

Great agent, satisfied vendor

Richard was very attentive and helpful as our real estate agent.

I would highly recommend him for his efforts, positivity, sensitivity, and "can do" attitude.

JOHN ❝

A Consummate Professional

Richard listed our property at a time when the market was starting to drop.

After a period of sustained rises it was hard to believe that the market was softening. He went about educating the market he developed strategies, he chased every lead to ground and he found a buyer who saw value.

His persistence and effort meant that we had a really good result. Great job.

BRENT & SONIA ❝

A good result through interesting times

Richard's communication skill, networking, and negotiations on our behalf concluded with our sale or our unique property in St Heliers Bay.

Selling our older home and larger section through the knockdown challenges meant that the traditional approach in a relatively high market was handled more directly through Richard's and Ray Whites extensive network of contacts.

We were kept well informed through the journey and recommend Richard and his team that has worked well for us - thank you.

DAVID & KAY ❝

Easy and effortless

Richard was the reason I chose Ray White to market my property, we have crossed paths many times in the bays over the years at various open homes, have bumped into him walking dogs at madills farm and always enjoyed catching up with him.

His knowledge of the local market and experience was why I chose him and I believe he was the right fit, with the right brand to market my little property.

Along with his team they both did a great job to sell the property.

Thank you :)

CLARK ❝

Contents

18.

What's happening in the market, local area statistics

28.

Ignore the screams - there won't be any more rate rises this year

30.

Master the layout of your home, according to Feng Shui

34.

Wayne Maguire: Your guess is as good as mine

39.

This backyard caravan is serving inspiration for summer al fresco

40.

Resene: Summer lovin’bring the bach home

#1 INDIVIDUAL SALESPERSON

Ray White Maguires One Team Group 2022-2023

Congratulations to Richard Lyne for being recognized as the number one performing Individual Salesperson for the Ray White Maguires One Team Group in the FY 2022-2023. It's a remarkable achievement and a testament to Richard's hard work, dedication, and expertise in the real estate industry.

With 20 years of experience servicing Remuera and the beautiful Eastern Bays area, Richard brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his clients. His tenure and commitment to exceptional service have undoubtedly contributed to his success. When it comes to achieving premium results in the real estate market, you can trust Richard and his dedicated personal team at Lyne & Co.

As a Selling Principal with Ray White Kohimarama, Richard represents an experienced team within one of the foundation Ray White franchises in Auckland's waterfront suburbs. The Ray White Kohimarama office is known for its highly skilled and dedicated professionals, some of whom have been serving Ray White for 30 years in the Bays area.

Furthermore, it's impressive to note that Ray White Kohimarama has been recognized by Ray White as a Premier Business Owner for the 2021-2022 period. This accolade highlights the success and quality of service provided by the office.

Once again, congratulations to Richard Lyne and the entire team at Ray White Kohimarama for their outstanding accomplishments.

A message from our chief executive

Dear Property Owner,

The wheels of motion set in over the second half of 2023, as property market momentum started to build off the back of a relative stabilisation in mortgage lending rates, new government and more optimistic market sentiment.

In 2024, indicators are solid for continuing recovery, with a tinge of adversity to overcome.

Recent sales activity for Ray White has maintained the year-on-year increases enjoyed over the last few months, but we’re looking forward to shifting the cart into second gear. New listings will encourage greater buyer engagement. While commentators are divided on the outlook for mortgage rates, the medium-term outlook is that they will take a step lower, which means price pressures are set to ease for mortgage holders.

At the same time, they will help more Kiwis previously unable to surmount high servicing costs, into homes.

Despite this, affordability will remain a key challenge, particularly as building consent issuance continues to trend lower and record-high migration increases demand for homes and rental properties.

While the underlying economic drivers that influence building and construction look as though they’re turning around – think labour availability, costs, and sale-side demand for products – it will take some time before developers can bring new projects to market, and we expect new supply will remain constrained over much of the year and possibly beyond.

Recently, we saw jobs growth, unemployment and wage growth figures for the December 2023 quarter come in stronger than expected, raising market expectations that the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) could add the Official Cash Rate (OCR) at the end of this month.

According to economists, the move is unlikely. However, the bank will continue to talk tough to keep a lid on premature expectations of rate relief and inflation.

To determine the timing of any OCR cuts, the RBNZ will have to see a significant deceleration in our core inflation indicators, which are on track despite some local factors proving stubborn.

However, the global community is facing war on several continents, and domestic implications exist for our corner of the world.

The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, Israel-Palestine war, Red Sea trade disruptions, 2024 Presidential Election in the United States, and a softening of powerhouse, China’s economy have the potential to impact offshore inflation in ways we cannot control, so we will be watching international developments closely, for indications of what’s to come.

With our new government expected to shore its property legislation related to tax, investor moods have brightened. This is despite the central bank proposing a policy that would limit investor lending to those with a Debt-to-Income (DTI) ratio no greater than seven times their income.

Photo: 113 Marlborough Ridge Drive, Fairhall, Marlborough | Proudly marketed by Jo Chamberlain, Ray White Blenheim

If enacted, the policy is expected to have limited immediate impact, functioning as a stop-bank should market conditions start bubbling again. However, critics have been vocal, pointing out that no other country applies DTI restrictions on investor loans.

The risk is that it discourages private investment into much-needed rental supply, which will be a critical area for policymakers to watch over the year as every one of our regions buckles under the pressure of housing migrants arriving in multi-decade high frequency.

We have much to observe but, equally, much to be satisfied with. Opportunities continue to reveal themselves as the market temperature improves with the summer weather and our Ray White team members nationwide team look forward to helping you seize these chances for a prosperous new year.

Please enjoy our 67th edition of Ray White Now.

Regards,

Richard Lyne Director, Ray White Kohimarama

Daniel Coulson Chief Executive Ray White New Zealand

What's happening in the market.

Residential Sales

TOTAL SALES FEBRUARY 2024

39 Sales E25.8% E200%

LAST MONTH

Mission Bay, Orakei, Kohimarama, St Heliers, Glendowie BREAKDOWN

LAST YEAR

LAST MONTH

MONTHLY SALES - LAST 12 MONTHS

MEDIAN SALE PRICE FEBRUARY 2024

MONTHLY TREND - LAST 12 MONTHS $1,800,000 G20% E13.9%

LAST YEAR

Residential Sales

Meadowbank, St Johns, Glen Innes, Wai O Taiki Bay

TOTAL SALES FEBRUARY 2024

24 Sales E60% E380%

LAST MONTH

LAST YEAR

BREAKDOWN BY SUBURB

Meadowbank = 10 | St Johns = 5 | Glen Innes = 7 | Wai O Taiki Bay = 2

MONTHLY SALES - LAST 12 MONTHS

MEDIAN SALE PRICE FEBRUARY 2024

$1,190,000 G12.5% E21.4%

LAST MONTH

MONTHLY TREND - LAST 12 MONTHS

LAST YEAR

Residential Sales

Stonefields, Panmure, Mt Wellington, Ellerslie

TOTAL SALES FEBRUARY 2024

55 Sales E61.8% E129.2%

LAST MONTH

BREAKDOWN BY SUBURB

LAST YEAR

Stonefields = 7 | Panmure = 7 | Mt Wellington = 30 | Ellerslie = 11

MONTHLY SALES - LAST 12 MONTHS

MEDIAN SALE PRICE FEBRUARY 2024

$1,070,000 E9.2% E17.6%

LAST MONTH

MONTHLY TREND - LAST 12 MONTHS

LAST YEAR

Residential Sales

Remuera, Parnell, Mt Eden, Epsom, Greenlane

TOTAL SALES FEBRUARY 2024

90 Sales E125% E350%

LAST MONTH

BREAKDOWN BY SUBURB

Remuera = 29 | Parnell = 7 | Mt Eden = 26 | Epsom = 20 |

MONTHLY SALES - LAST 12 MONTHS

LAST YEAR

= 8

MEDIAN SALE PRICE FEBRUARY 2024

$1,820,000 E25.5% E15.9%

LAST MONTH

MONTHLY TREND - LAST 12 MONTHS

LAST YEAR

Auction vs Other Sale Methods

Maguires One Team - Last 12 months

AUCTION

OTHER SALE METHODS

58.5% 33.1%

(Maguires One Team percentage of homes selling within 90 days)

AUCTION

33

OTHER SALE METHODS

63 days on market days on market

(Maguires One Team average days on market)

Sell with confidence through the auction method

3/40

2/18

1

4/8

2/49

1/26

2/39A Paunui Street

4

70

3

2/7

3/2

55

2

207/243

1

209/250 Kepa Road

308/243 Kepa Road

2

28A and 28B Ronaki Road

17A

2

4

1/6A

3

2A

4

67B

5

6

62A

42

3

63

4

30A

4

1

3

13B

50

38A

65D

3

6

6

3/38

56A

3

1/162

3

2

26

5

19A

56

64A

3

12

3

32

26

2

404/1

25A

4

25B

4

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Ignore the screams - there won't be any more rate rises this year

Written by Tony Alexander, Source: oneroof.co.nz

The

Reserve Bank has kept the cash rate at 5.5%

Two or three weeks ago a view developed that the Reserve Bank of New Zealand had not done enough to crush inflationary pressures in the economy and that further increases in the Official Cash Rate (OCR) from the 5.5% it was taken to last May would be needed. The change in market view caused a 0.3% rise in bank wholesale borrowing costs and that stripped away some of the fattened bank margins built up in earlier months as falling rates in the United States fed through to lower fixed rate borrowing costs here.

I can see why some in the market felt there might be more rate rises, just as I can understand why children scream, “Are we there yet?” in the back of the car on a family holiday. Immature impatience.

The thing is, monetary policy takes a long time to have its greatest impact on inflation, with the commonly accepted view being 1824 months. The RBNZ started raising the cash rate in October 2021, but the rises were small, in increments of 0.25 percentage points, which scared very few people. It was not until April 2022 that the RBNZ began jacking the rate up in increments of 0.5 percentage points, culminating in a 0.75 percentage point rise in October 2022 and a warning of recession. Policy only really hit its strides late in 2022.

We have only now entered the period when tighter monetary policy can be expected to have its greatest impact and that is likely to be a key reason why the RBNZ did not raise the cash rate. Further rate rises are unlikely this far down the tightening track, but rate cuts are still some distance off.

Justifying the screams of “Are we there yet?” and the RBNZ signal of no rate cuts being imminent have been several important pieces of data.

The inflation rate still sits well above the 1-3% target range at 4.7%. The annual pace of private sector wages growth is still well above the 3.3% long-term average at over 6.5%.

The net proportion of businesses saying they plan raising their selling prices in the coming year is stuck at twice the 25% long-term average above 50%. Also, plenty of household costs keep rising with no obvious ability of the RBNZ to influence them because of the monopolistic and oligopolistic positions of the service providers. This includes council rates, insurance, groceries, and domestic airfares.

But at the same time as reason for central bank intransigence is clearly evident, underneath the surface of some still worrying inflation signs the economy is fracturing.

The volume of retail spending has fallen for eight quarters in a row and spending per capita is now almost 7% lower than a year ago and 11% down from two years ago. Business plans for investing in new equipment and systems are weak with only a net 2% planning to do so versus a three decade average of 11%.

The value of our exports in the three months to January was 8% down from a year earlier and the outlook for growth in our biggest trading partner is poor. The volume of house construction is falling away rapidly with developers struggling to get presales and banks therefore not financing them. And the government is tightening fiscal policy.

The disinflationary/ contractionary pressures which the RBNZ aims to get running through the economy in order to weaken the ability of businesses to raise their selling prices are as active as you’d want them to be. All that is missing here are two things: passage of enough time from the true push of tighter policy from late-2022, and the final crunching of lazy business pricing plans.

These sort of factors likely contributed to the RBNZ keeping the cash rate at 5.5%, not having any discussion about raising the rate, and slightly trimming their pick for the cash rate over the coming year.

Master the layout of your home, according to Feng Shui

Source: yourhomeandgarden.co.nz

Style your home to make it feel as good as it looks, according to an expert

The art of Feng Shui (pronounced fung shway) is an ancient Chinese practice with a history dating back 6000 years. It seeks to draw parallels between how we place certain objects around the home and your own personal well-being. A cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, if you will.

The philosophy looks to elements like how your space is lit, the colours present, materiality, function and flow. Internationally accredited Feng Shui master Jane Langof has been practicing the art for over 15 years, and works closely with clients to transform their spaces by integrating traditional Feng Shui practices with modern design principles.

“There is a growing preference among homeowners to create living spaces that are not only beautiful but also harmonious,” she explains. “There’s a strong desire for homes to be sanctuaries and Feng Shui’s principles of harmony and balance resonate with those seeking to turn their homes into places of comfort and stability.”

What are the rules of Feng Shui?

Feng Shui translates to “wind-water” in English, which reflects the main belief that when managed properly, the smooth flow of wind and water can bring harmony and balance to an environment.

With this in mind, the practice of Feng Shui involves arranging objects within a living space to optimise this flow of energy and life force, known as ‘qi’ or ‘chi’, in order to promote health, prosperity and well-being.

Is lighting important to Feng Shui practice?

Lighting is very important in feng shui as it is one of the strongest manifestations of energy. Natural light promotes a positive flow, so keep curtains and blinds open throughout the day and use lamps to illuminate dark spaces. Candles are great for creating a calm and sensual energy in the bedroom. Good quality air is also important, so open windows to allow fresh air to flow throughout the house.

How can I Feng Shui my home?

To help guide you through how to apply Feng Shui to your home, we asked Jane to share a few of the basic dos and don’ts of Feng Shui in various spaces throughout your home.

1. The Entryway

First impressions absolutely count. In the practice of Feng Shui, your front door and entryway is known as the ‘Mouth of Chi’ and is where energy enters your space. When refreshing your home according to the practice, it’s a great place to start.

Do: Place a console table with artwork and a fresh vase of flowers or foliage near your door (but not blocking the entrance).

Don’t: Hang a mirror opposite your door as it is believed to reflect energies and opportunities back out.

Do: Make sure your door handle hardware is polished, the lights are bright and clean, and any plants right outside are lush and healthy.

Don’t: Ignore the colour you paint your door, as it can mean different things in Feng Shui. For example, red attracts recognition and abundance, while glossy black speaks to your career.

2. The Kitchen

As the heart of the home, it should come as no surprise that according to Feng Shui principles, the kitchen is responsible for much of your health and vitality.

Do: Opt for neutral colours and natural materials like stone for your kitchen to offset the strong ‘fire’ element—representative of passion and anger—that comes from your stovetop.

Don’t: Position the kitchen in the middle of your home, as according to Feng Shui, it is believed to burn the ‘heart of the home’ and can indicate digestive illnesses.

Do: Use a plant, screen or some piece of furniture to block any view from the front door to the stovetop as it is believed to absorb any energy entering your home.

Don’t: Have your back to the entrance of the room as you cook as cooking in ‘the command position’ is believed to transfer positive attributes into the food you’re cooking and on to your family.

3. The Living and Dining Room

As the communal hub of the home, the energy of your living and dining rooms has a lot to do with the way you interact with others in the home.

Do: Arrange your living room into a L or U shape to encourage communication and harmony in the home.

Don’t: Position your sofas directly across each other as it can create oppositional energy that can trigger arguments.

Do: Add curved furniture into your space to promote a smooth flow of energy. This extends to the dining table where a round table with an even number of chairs is best.

Don’t: Let clutter build up as a messy space can hinder the flow of positive energy, known as ‘qi’. Similarly, broken or unused items can carry negative energy and should be removed.

4. The Bedroom

When it comes to our well-being, there is perhaps no room in the house more important than the bedroom. To avoid waking up on the wrong side of the bed, here are some things to consider.

Do: Position your bed against a solid wall without windows and diagonally opposite the door to promote protection and security in both love and life.

Don’t: Put a TV in your bedroom as this—and other tech devices— introduce yang energy which is active and lively and disrupts the peaceful and calming atmosphere.

Do: Incorporate soft colours such as muted pinks, grey and creams, and style things such as lamps in pairs.

Don’t: Store anything under the bed if you can help it as it can create blockages in your life.

5. The Home Office

Post-pandemic, many of us have continued to work from home in some respect, dedicating an area within our homes as an office space. Set yourself up for success with these small adjustments.

Do: Position your office chair in a commanding position, with your back against a solid wall and your desk diagonally opposite the door.

Don’t: Work in a space without a window as this will stifle your creativity.

Do: Incorporate some indoor plants into your working space as they symbolise growth.

Don’t: Let your desk and drawers fill up with clutter and mess. Throw out anything finished, broken or damaged as it may carry negative energy.

Your guess is as good as mine.

Written by Wayne Maguire, CEO Maguire & Associates

We anticipated that the real estate market would swiftly pick up after the election, but it didn’t.

December and January had low sales numbers right across Auckland. Believe it or not, December is normally an extremely strong month for sales volumes. January is always quiet, and agents usually tell everyone it’s because the market is on holiday. I’ve always thought it’s actually because the agents are away! And this summer was such a good one (something we haven’t had for a while now) that the agents and the market really were away. My SUP surfing extended to sunset on the water. What a summer!

In February, the agents and vendors were back but the buyers were missing. With the government shouting about the general mess, particularly financial, from the previous administration and no confidence or certainty around interest rates easing anytime soon, it’s no wonder buyers have held off.

So here’s the surprise - at the same time buyers are reserved, sellers have woken up and have listed. Record numbers of properties are coming to the market. Our group is campaigning twice as many properties as normal. A 100% increase in listings, signboard campaigns, photographers, furniture staging companies and even signboard companies means everyone is struggling to keep up with the volume of properties coming into the market.

This will rapidly move the real estate industry into a buyer’s market. Supply and demand. Lots of properties - high supply; limited numbers of active buyers - low demand.

In a buyer’s market, a vendor is competing to attract, engage, and secure a sale from a buyer who is being tempted by other listings.

What exacerbates this is that the buyers feel “there are more coming” and so are reluctant to commit to one property.

Because in doing so, they miss out on all the other potential opportunities, thereby creating buyer’s remorse.

So your guess is as good as mine as to when this may change. It will change when buyers decide they don’t want to miss out. That could mean missing out the right home or missing out on attractive mortgage interest rates.

If you’re a vendor in a buyer’s market, you have a few levers you can pull up straight away. You may not like this, but advertising spend needs to increase. You need to draw more eyes onto your home, rather than a competing one. Your presentation needs to be better than the competition. That’s minor repairs, cleaning, simple landscaping, street appeal and home staging.

Then you need a salesperson with a good mix of perseverance, tenacity and charm. They need to be able to engage and retain a buyer's interest.

You’ll hear agents roll out “your first offer can be your best offer”, and sure, sometimes it is. But actually sometimes it isn’t. The truism in a buyer’s market however could be “your first offer might be your last offer”. Don’t miss out the chance if it’s close enough in price. If the offer allows you to move to next plans, it might be timely to grab it.

Good luck whether selling, buying, or both and text or call me if I can help to answer your real estate questions.

Wayne Maguire is the CEO of Maguire & Associates, which owns several Ray White branches across East Auckland and Greenlane. He is an award-winning auctioneer. Maguire calls around 400 auctions each year, negotiating and closing approximately $10m in sales every week. Ray White Auctioneer of the Year, and Poppa to six girls.

F U E L I N G K I W I A D V E N T U R E S .

W e ’ r e a f a t h e r a n d d a u g h t e r d u o w h o b e l i e v e t h a t y o u r e p i c a d v e n t u r e s d e s e r v e t o b e f u e l l e d b y t o p - n o t c h c o f f e e . E p i c C o f f e e w a s a n i d e a b o r n f r o m o u r s h a r e d l o v e o f t h e o u t d o o r s , a d v e n t u r e s a n d o f c o u r s e , d a m n g o o d c o f f e e A s a v i d a d v e n t u r e r s a n d e x t r e m e s p o r t s e n t h u s i a s t s o u r s e l v e s , w e w a n t e d t o c r e a t e a n a d v e n t u r ep r o o f o n - t h e - g o c o f f e e o p t i o n t h a t t a s t e d j u s t a s g o o d a s a v i s i t t o t h e l o c a l r o a s t e r s . T r a d i t i o n a l g e a r r e q u i r e d t o b r e w c o f f e e w h i l e c a m p i n g i s b u l k y a n d c a n s l o w y o u d o w n W h e r e a s l i g h t e r , s i m p l e r m e t h o d s t e n d t o f a l l w e l l s h o r t w h e n i t c o m e s t o t a s t e a n d q u a l i t y . S h o r t o f c o n v i n c i n g o u r f a v o u r i t e r o a s t e r s t o s e t u p c a m p i n t h e w i l d e r n e s s o r s t a r t m o b i l e c o f f e e c a r t s t o f o l l o w a d v e n t u r e l o v e r s a r o u n d o n t h e i r w e e k e n d m i s s i o n s , w e d e c i d e d t o m a k e o u r o w n a d v e n t u r e p r o o f , o nt h e - g o s p e c i a l t y c o f f e e s o l u t i o n . E p i c D r i p F i l t e r s a r e f u l l y s e a l e d , d e s i g n e d t o w i t h s t a n d a n y a d v e n t u r e . F i l l e d w i t h s i n g l e o r i g i n , s p e c i a l t y c o f f e e t h a t w e r o a s t i n - h o u s e a t o u r m i c r o r o a s t e r y i n W a i p u , N o r t h l a n d . S o w h e t h e r y o u ’ r e h i t t i n g t h e s u r f , t h e s n o w , o r g o i n g b u s h , y o u c a n e n j o y

t o p - n o t c h c o f f e e t h a t w i l l l e t y o u s o a k i n t h e e p i c m o m e n t s , w h i l e y o u r e f u e l f o r t h e j o u r n e y a h e a d .

S H O P A T

W W W . E P I C C O F F E E . C O . N Z

Photo by Bri Woolnough

Loan Market Lending Update

The Reserve Bank has held the Official Cash Rate (OCR) @ 5.50% but warns of continuing inflationary pressure.

Inflation remains a concern, yet the current 5.5% rate is achieving its intended outcome. A considerable number of mortgages are due for renewal this year and despite more favorable employment figures than anticipated, there's a marked slowdown in wage increases, a significant drop in imports, and a decline in inflation expectations.

Thus, the recent rhetoric in the media has had its desired effect and successfully arrested falls in the longer term rates which was threatening to undermine their target.

The data available presents a mixed picture, offering arguments for both increasing and decreasing rates.

However, it's clear that the long term trend for both inflation and interest rates is on a downward trajectory. The real question now is about timing.

Tenzin Choedon Mortgage Adviser

021 404006

tenzin.choedon@loanmarket.co.nz

loanmarket.co.nz/tenzin-choedon

Our ultimate bacon and egg pie

Recipe by Sarah Tuck, Photography by Josh Griggs, Source: dish.co.nz

Wait for the ‘wows’ when you put this beauty on the picnic rug!

METHOD

Preheat the oven to 180°C regular bake.

SERVES: 6-8

INGREDIENTS

• 750 grams puff pastry

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 large brown onions, thinly sliced

• 2 cloves garlic, crushed

• 350 grams middle bacon, thickly sliced

• 1 cup grated mozzarella

• 3 large eggs

• ¼ cup cream

• 1 tablespoon grain mustard

• 1½ cups frozen peas, thawed

• 8 large eggs

• sea salt and ground pepper

EGGWASH

• 1 egg yolk whisked with 1 tablespoon cream

EQUIPMENT

• Lightly grease a 32cm roasting or baking dish

Heat the oil in a large frying pan and cook the onions and garlic with a good pinch of salt for 10 minutes. Increase the heat, add the bacon and cook for 5 minutes. Set aside until fully cooled.

Roll out 500 grams of the pastry to fit the baking dish so it comes right up the sides. Scatter the mozzarella over the base then spoon in the cooled bacon and onions. Whisk the 3 eggs, cream and mustard together and season well. Pour over the top then scatter over the peas.

Make 8 indentations and break an egg into each one.

Brush the edges of the pie with the egg wash. Cut the remaining pastry into 10 long strips and place over the pie then brush these with egg wash.

Place in the bottom third of the oven and bake for about 50 minutes or until the filling is fully cooked. Cover the top loosely with foil to prevent overbrowning. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Stylish Hand-made Planter Boxes to Enhance your Outdoor Living Spaces

Introducing the perfect addition to enhance your outdoor living spaces - premium quality planter boxes from Rough Sawn! Bring nature to your patio or deck with our stylish and functional planter boxes.

Made with high quality rot-resistant treated timber and rust-resistant stainless steel screws to ensure durability and longevity. The slim shape of our boxes won’t take up too much valuable deck space, and the drain holes in the bottom will keep your plants healthy and hydrated. Our trendy rustic style will add a touch of sophistication to any outdoor area.

• Enhance your outdoor living spaces with greenery and privacy

• Made with rot-resistant treated timber and rust-proof stainless steel screws

• Slim shape to maximize your deck space

• Drain holes for healthy plants

• Standard sizes in stock

• Custom size options available on request

ASK ABOUT OUR CUSTOM MADETO-ORDER PLANTERS.

To find out more:

Call/text Ross: 021 302 975

roughsawnplanters@gmail.com

rough-sawn.weeblysite.com

Please note: We will be closed for the holidays from Dec 11th till Jan 13th.

This backyard caravan is serving inspiration for summer al fresco

Source: yourhomeandgarden.co.nz, Words by:

Fiona Ralph, Photography by: Florence Charvin.

Upgrade your home by installing a refurbished backyard caravan to use as a retreat, sleep-out, office space or party-ready cocktail bar

Here’s why a backyard caravan should be your next summer accessory

Do you have a spare sunny spot on your property? A caravan can be an affordable and creative solution for use as an outdoor office, backyard retreat, art, music or writing studio, spare room, or even a cute bar like Darcy the Caravan Bar.

If you are buying a caravan solely for use in your backyard, it won’t need to be warranted or roadready – this means you can potentially buy a cheap doerupper. Alternatively, you may wish to invest more upfront and buy one that is in great condition or has recently been refurbished.

Trade Me has lots of caravans for sale, and you can also check out businesses dedicated to selling secondhand caravans. Look for shapes, sizes and colours you like and that will suit the style of your house.

If you are wanting to make your caravan a permanent structure, you will likely need to put it on blocks or build a platform to stabilise it. Building a deck off your caravan will also maximise your living space, but you will need to check if you require a building permit for this.

How to makeover your caravan

If you need to repaint the exterior of your caravan, this will require a lot of stripping, sanding, and rust-proofing. When it comes to the actual painting, Resene offers a range of products suited for this purpose. See one of their specialists in-store to find out exactly what you need for your particular project. If budget allows, enlisting an automotive painter can be easier than doing the job yourself.

Inside the caravan, use interior paints, and varnish any wooden surfaces. You could line the walls with plywood like Darcy here, or keep the original fit-out, restoring any Formica or linoleum. Decorating is the fun part – hunt online for inspiration and scour vintage shops for accessories.

What to look out for when purchasing your caravan:

Is the caravan waterproof?

Check for watermarks and rust on the interior. You may need to silicone rivets and joins if there are any small leaks.

Is the structure solid?

The more rust or dents there are, the more you will need to spend to get it looking good.

What condition is the interior in?

You may need to reupholster squabs and add new flooring unless you are planning to gut the caravan and refurbish it from scratch.

Are the windows in working order?

Check that these open and close, and seals are intact.

Will you need power in your caravan?

If so, you could have it wired from your house by an electrician or have them install solar panels to make it self-sufficient.

Resene: Summer lovin’bring the bach home

Source: oneroof.co.nz, Sponsored by Resene There’s nothing quite like that feeling that comes with a stint at the bach, or a family summer holiday of any kind.

Recreate the balmy days of summer holidays at home.

Whether you’re in a house, a beach-side camper or a dreamy rural cabin, it’s always hard to leave those dreamy levels of relaxation behind to return to normal life. If only there was a way to evoke those same feelings of peace and calm year-round at home.

Good news! There is. With some thoughtful use of paint, colour, and texture there’s no reason you can’t re-create the balmy days of summer holidays every day of the year.

Embrace the environment

Resene Colour Expert Meryl Southey suggests the soothing natural tones of the sky, sea and sand make a great colour palette to play with when it comes to recreating a bachy feel in your everyday home.

“Those natural tones that can be found at the seaside are a simple way to bring the outdoors in to create the feel of a country or coastal retreat,” she says.

Meryl suggests juxtaposing mid greens, beiges and blues, such as Resene Double Duck Egg Blue, Resene Half Robin Egg Blue and Resene Awaroa Bay to create an inviting, holiday feel. Pair them with calming off-whites such as Resene Chalk Dust and Resene Half Carrara or brighter Resene Alabaster so the space feels airy and open.

“To create some drama and interest without it becoming overbearing, try accent notes in deeper neutrals such as charcoal Resene Bokara Grey and greige Resene Tino Pai. An example of where to use these accents might be in wall panelling or a headboard,” Meryl says.

If you’re a fan of neutrals, opt for sandy tones like Resene Sand, Resene Desert Sand and Resene Bronco. These shades are remarkably versatile bringing warmth and depth to a neutral palette. You can add contrast notes in shades that will help create a specific holiday feeling or moment. Want a stunning sunset vibe? Try Resene Solitaire with Resene Tuscany and Resene Soiree. Want a soothing native bush setting? Try Resene Sand with Resene Green Smoke and Resene Mangrove.

Add instant texture

Textured finishes on walls that make them look just the right amount of weathered is another way to bring a relaxed feel to a room. One simple and quick way to do this, Meryl says, is by using a textured Resene wallpaper. Try the natural fibre look in an off-white with Resene Wallpaper Collection 38819-3, or the parched earth look of Resene Wallpaper Collection 38833-2.

A more elaborate wallpaper pattern can also immediately change the feel of a room, even if it’s used just on one feature wall, or in framed segments.

Try the fresh delicate blossoms of Resene Wallpaper Collection SUM206, or the beachy waves of Resene Wallpaper Collection IF2-003.

Wallpaper is also a fast way to add a block of bold colour that you connect with summer holidays. Try the lush botanical green of Resene Wallpaper Collection 537673, paired with Resene Alabaster, Resene Apple Green and an accent decor in gold or brass. If you prefer paint to wallpaper the fresh green of Resene Green House would give the same fresh, vibrant finish.

Good paint effects are another way to add visual texture to your space for that ever-so-slightly ‘undone’ look. Resene FX Paint Effects Medium is a simple way to add a weathered, limewashed or spongelook finish that can really suit a coastal interior style.

To start, choose your colour from the Resene range and try mixing 60 mL of that colour (the size of a Resene testpot) per one litre of Resene FX Paint Effects Medium. Always test your effect before applying to the walls or other surfaces in your room.

You can play with the finished effect by changing how much paint you add to the Resene FX Paint Effects Medium, how you apply your effect (such as with a rag, roller or brush) and what colours you use with the medium or as a basecoat.

Some combinations to try Resene Parchment over Resene Aspiring for a weathered concrete look, or Resene Anglaise over Resene Calico for a parched, beaten earth appearance.

Water and washed effects

Being near the water immediately makes most of us feel calmer and evokes memories of past holidays. Adding water-themed colour palettes and designs into your home can be a good way to recreate that effect.

Colours to try together include Resene White Pointer, Resene Seachange, Resene Half Breathless, Resene Half Dusted Blue and Resene San Juan. If you want to get really creative try them together to create a layered water-colour style feature wall.

Use Resene White Pointer as a basecoat then mix the other shades with Resene FX Paint Effects Medium and apply over the dry basecoat using a large wet paint or wallpaper brush, roller or wet rag to blur the lines and help the colours to run together at the edges. Start with darker shades then add lighter colours.

Top tip: Resene Hot Weather

Additive can help slow the drying time of your paint to give you more time to create the effect you want.

Washed or stained timber surfaces also give a pleasingly relaxed finish to furniture, walls or other wooden features, Meryl says. “A stain is right on cue for evoking that weathered, faded look. The Resene Colorwood We Speak Beach collection of colourwash hues is inspired by the lazy days of summer and can be used on walls, upcycled furniture, floors and other interior wooden surfaces.”

Try the soft grey-green of Resene Shore Thing, the sandy white of Resene Becalm of the deeper charcoal of Resene Shade.

When it comes to what paint to choose for a relaxed beach house finish, Meryl recommends Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen. “It is a durable, washable paint that avoids a lot of finger marks on the walls and gives a lovely velvet effect.”

For an earthy softness she suggests Resene SpaceCote Flat for a matte finish, or Resene Room Velvet, a hybrid low sheen, which gives extra durability where required.

Indoor/outdoor flow

Connecting the inside and outside of your home is one of the simplest ways to amplify that sense of relaxed comfort you find in most holiday homes, Meryl says, and colour is an easy way to do it.

Try refreshing outdoor furniture or painting pots and planters with Resene Enamacryl (a tough waterborne enamel) or Resene Lumbersider Low Sheen (a low sheen waterborne paint) in colours you’ve used inside your home, or add interior furniture in materials often found outside like rattan and using a natural colour palette in greens and browns like Resene Wabi Sabi or Resene Open Sesame, or go for bold florals that reflect your garden like Resene I Dare You and Resene Coconut Ice.

Decorate with foraged finds from the beach, bush or farm, Meryl says.

Natural light and life

Loads of natural light is a good place to start creating a summery feeling that lasts all year. Pull window dressings back to allow as much natural light in as possible. If privacy is an issue consider wooden or bamboo blinds that will still filter light through into your room.

If natural light is hard to come by, there are still some simple hacks that will help you make the most of what you have. Add a mirror to bounce around the light you do have, with added value that it can make your room feel larger and more open. You could also use a Resend Enamacryl gloss or Resene Lustacryl semi-gloss paint finish which will also add glints of extra light, or try touches of Resene FX Metallic which contains metal flakes that will help reflect more light.

If natural light is just too hard, make up for it with plants. At heart, most summery interiors are about the connection between inside and out. So, if you can’t flood your space with natural light, fill it with plant-life to bring the outdoors in. Go for a mix of varieties and sizes so you get a layer of greenery that will add the fresh notes you’re looking for.

Top tip: When you’re trying to recreate the feel of summer bach holidays at home, don’t think too literally about the colours of a specific place. Think more broadly about how those summer holiday memories make you feel and choose the colours that help evoke those feelings.

Scorched rocky road tiffin

Recipe by Claire Aldous, Photography by Josh Griggs, Source: dish.co.nz

A combo of the classic fridge biscuit, S’mores and Rocky

Road.

A flash in a hot oven gives the marshmallows a gorgeous chewy texture and it’s best served well chilled.

METHOD

Preheat the oven to 200°C fan bake.

MAKES: ABOUT 25 PIECES INGREDIENTS

• 125 grams butter

• 300 grams dark chocolate, roughly chopped, (70% cocoa)

• 3 tablespoons golden syrup

• 250 grams Biscoff biscuits

• 150 grams marshmallows, halved or quartered if large

• ½ cup crystallised ginger, roughly chopped

• 100 grams dried mango, roughly chopped

• 2 tablespoons pistachios, chopped

• Sea salt

EQUIPMENT

• Grease a 20cm x 30cm shallow baking tin and fully line with baking paper.

Put the butter, chocolate and golden syrup in a medium pot over a low heat until its ¾ melted. Take off the heat and stir occasionally until smooth.

Break up all but 6 of the biscuits and stir into the chocolate along with half of the marshmallows and most of the ginger and mango, keeping a little back for the top. Tip the mixture into the tin and press down firmly with the back of a spoon. Break the remaining biscuits into rough chunks and scatter over the top along with the remaining marshmallows, ginger and mango.

Bake for about 8 minutes or until the marshmallows are golden brown and soft. Take out of the oven and immediately scatter over the pistachios and add a pinch of sea salt if using.

Leave to cool then pop into the fridge to chill for a few hours before serving.

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Ray White Mission Bay

33 Tamaki Drive rwmissionbay.co.nz

Ray White St Heliers 10 Polygon Road rwstheliers.co.nz

Ray White Kohimarama

5 Averill Avenue rwkohimarama.co.nz

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