6 minute read
HOME
by Times Media
Home? James!
CROW BUSINESS: Whether for a special occasion or everyday decoration, it’s those finishing touches that tend to make us houseproud. Specialising in such touches, Annabel James is on hand to help.
From delightful mini egg tins, egg cosies and baskets, to bottle stoppers, cake tins, cushions and even themed matchboxes, this UK-based designer provides a vast range of (often quirky) bits and bobs – talking pieces appear to be her stock and trade.
While the bunny and chicken-themed products take on extra significance at Easter, many items in this eclectic range are sure to prove fitting additions to homes (country homes in particular) year-round.
Annabel James’ products can be ordered online via www.annabeljames.co.uk.
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NEW ZEALAND’S HOUSING MARKET
Last year, house prices in New Zealand increased by more than 20 per cent, while it was also reported that in the third quarter of last year global house price growth rose to an all time high [1]. Even before we’d ever heard of Covid-19, there was concern over the country’s ‘housing crisis’, with rising prices (along with other factors) leading to increasing unaffordability. So where to from here?
From an investment perspective, for some investors, New Zealand housing is considered, “as safe as houses”. This is not necessarily the case. More supply, higher mortgage rates and a brake on credit, are all factors which may result in less appealing returns for investors in the future. A meaningful correction in prices in 2022 is possible.
The first thing any economics student learns is that when demand exceeds supply, prices typically rise. And when interest rates fall, house prices climb. New Zealand now ranks as one of the most expensive housing markets globally. Mid last year Bloomberg named New Zealand the ‘frothiest’ housing market in the world. And the latest Demographic International Housing Affordability Survey ranked Auckland as the fourth least affordable city in the world.
The recent increase in mortgage rates means debt servicing is now likely to consume a lot more of household incomes, increasing financial pressure for some families at a time when increasing inflation is also affecting the price of many goods and services.
There are some indications that the residential real estate market may be slowing. While over the last two years limited houses available for sale has heightened buyer FOMO (fear of missing out), recently, in some areas, sales volumes have fallen, inventory has started to tick up, and auction clearance rates have dropped. It will be interesting to watch the trend of new listings over coming months.
History indicates that predicting where house prices will trend is challenging. In some respects the residential real estate market does look more vulnerable today than it has for a long time. A sharp contraction in prices could influence the broader economy, impacting consumer and business sentiment. The housing market is definitely worth keeping an eye on.
For a no obligation discussion contact your local Forsyth Barr Investment Adviser, Pam Cussen, David Morgan, or Mark Steele, on (09) 368 0170 or 0800 367 227, or visit their office at Wynyard Wood House, 60 Highbrook Drive, East Tamaki.
[1] The Economist magazine, 8 January 2022
This column is general in nature and does not take any of your personal circumstances into account. For personalised financial advice, contact Forsyth Barr for an overview of the services we can provide.
Local focus, global view
AKE6141-19
If you are considering your current investment arrangements and want professional local service, backed by leading international and New Zealand research, market data and investment experience call David Morgan, Mark Steele, or Pam Cussen on (09) 368 0170 or visit their office at Highbrook Business Park, 60 Highbrook Drive, East Tamaki.
WHAT’S UP WITH ANGELA INS AND OUTS OF PRESENTATION AND ADVERTISING
When it comes to selling your home, presentation is paramount. There is no better way to maximise the selling price, than to make sure your home looks its absolute best. Experienced local industry professional ANGELA RUDLING explains several vital steps on how to achieve first-class results:
Together with the owners involved we evaluate presentation, discuss and decide if your property should be ‘dressed’ before being photographed to go on the market.
It is important to listen to the agent’s advice, as they see it in an impersonal way looking to make it ideal for a selling advantage. Sometimes it is necessary to remove family photos, decorations, excess furniture or acquired clutter, to open up and maximise the look of the internal space. The aim is to ensure that all those who view it can imagine themselves and their families living in that same space.
Home-staging can also be a great option to enhance a home, making it more attractive and easier to draw potential buyers when considering your property. We work with a variety of these professionals who each have their own distinctive ‘flair’.
Once excellent presentation has been achieved, it is time to take photos, videos and lastly drone shots, to indicate boundaries and show the special features of your unique property. The shoot must take place on a fine day—ideally bright sunshine allowing lots of natural light to enhance the photos. Alternatively, if weather is a challenge then dusk or sunset shots can disguise the lack of bright blue sky and achieve a wonderful warm ambience in photos/videos; however daylight is essential for drone shots. First-class imagery is the window to excellent marketing, which is key to capturing a wide buyer audience.
This is achieved by a well-planned marketing plan agreed between the agent and the owners prior to starting the campaign. Considering your budget and the buyer demographic we want to reach, it is typical to utilise a combination of online digital marketing and print media. Depending upon the value of your property, it may be logical to include local, national and even international options. There can only ever be one successful buyer but the satisfaction gained from knowing we achieved the right one with the best price at the end of the sales process is extremely rewarding.
