View Editorial and Insights
The power of financing
Record-low mortgage lending rates helped residential values to hit new heights during the pandemic, but a new set of drivers is now in play, with consequences for residential decision-making.
Escape the ordinary
Not immune from the quirks of the economic climate, the lifestyle sales sector has seen buyers pull back amid uncertainty, but growing opportunities that contrast the rising cost of living are encouraging more Kiwis to escape urban confines.
Welcome to Bayleys View Easter 2023
With monetary policy at the fine-tuning phase, residential demand dynamics have stabilised at a new functional pace, and economic drivers continue to buoy sales activity for several key buyer groups seeking opportunities.
Thriving in a shifting market
Amid changeable economic drivers and shapeshifting buyer behaviour, deducing true market value for homes across New Zealand’s residential real estate market has become increasingly challenging.
Will climate change escalate land values?
The summer’s extreme weather events have exposed the fragility of New Zealand’s built environment and highlighted the role large land sites, urban green spaces, vegetation, and wetlands play in climate regulation.
Where the opportunities are
Following an increase in mortgage lending rates and a decline in residential property values, Kiwis have found footing uncertain. Sales activity has picked up and Bayleys experts say opportunities are present in every market – it's about where to look.
Restoration era
Unprecedented weather events across the Upper North Island have brought destruction, with lifestyle property owners facing a significant clean-up nurturing soils back to health. Bayleys lifestyle experts share their experience restoring productive soil.
Strengthening the foundation
Kiwis are facing new challenges in 2023, particularly in the building, property and construction sectors. Property Council New Zealand chief executive Leonie Freeman explains the value of advocacy in this area.
Lifestyle market update 2023
Following two years of value gains, the lifestyle sales market has paused for breath while Kiwis digest economic change. Despite challenges, bright spots exist for the sector, and Bayleys’ dedicated Lifestyle Sales team investigate the key trends.
Welcome to Bayleys View January 2023
Residential demand dynamics continue to oscillate as Kiwis adjust to new financial conditions. Still, greater certainty about the road ahead allows homeowners a chance to leverage opportunities, creating optimism as we move into a fresh, new year.
The cost of containing inflation
Kiwis are welcoming the new year with a brutal set of economic projections as the financial cost of containing inflation is finally laid bare, says Cameron Bagrie, chief economist and managing director of Bagrie Economics.
Peaks and valleys for residential property in 2023
With a year of mortgage pain behind us but more uncertainty on the horizon as New Zealand’s central bank works double duty to control inflation, Bayleys asks Nick Goodall, head of research at leading firm CoreLogic, what’s in store for the year ahead?
A rock and a hard place
Somewhere lower than the double-digit value growth of pandemic days, yet higher than the trough in market forecasts, the outlook for residential sales to year-end looks mixed. We explain how key factors are both limiting value growth and supporting it.
A place by the sea
As the world adjusts in the wake of economic upheaval and the pandemic health response, waterfront property continues to resonate with Kiwis seeking respite from the daily grind and a nest egg for future generations.
Pulling New Zealand’s purse strings
Global economic events have had an unsettling impact on financial markets across the world, but what do moves from the world’s major central banks mean for New Zealand’s residential sector?
Luxury properties prevail
Warm weather and the push to summer holidays typically see an increase in residential sales activity. Still, current market metrics show that luxury and waterfront homes may have escaped the winter market slowdown.
Playground economics
With Kiwis now past the mid-year point and heading to what is traditionally the busiest time on the residential real estate calendar, independent economist Cameron Bagrie explains how economic factors will influence sales activity to year-end.
Waterfront premium
Bayleys investigates how waterfront properties continue to net some of the highest premiums in the world, despite more challenging economic conditions.
Appetite for investment
Encouraged by a swathe of policy incentives tasked with turning residential investors on to new-build assets, Bayleys asks how these property purchasers are adapting to new market conditions?
Underlying land value
With some of the country’s most productive horticultural land being rezoned for intensive housing development, Bayleys examines the value impact for large tracts in lifestyle and coastal positions.
Window of opportunity
Property values across the country are declining, listing numbers have risen and the average asking price has regressed some two percent month-on-month, painting a bleak picture for New Zealand’s national housing market. But, scratch the surface and you just might find a golden opportunity, market experts say.
Global land grab
Bayleys’ global partner Knight Frank has just released its 2022 issue of The Rural Report, which finds the rural real estate market is thriving globally despite an ongoing debate about land use.
Keeping it in the family
As the cost of living keeps rising, Kiwi kids are increasingly turning to the Bank of Mum and Dad for financial assistance purchasing their first homes, so what effect is this having on the residential property market, Bayleys asks?
The regions have it
New Zealand’s lifestyle property market has performed with strength through 2022’s first quarter with buyers looking to rural properties for value. Bayleys investigates the mood of the lifestyle sales market to find what’s in store for the months ahead.
The regions have it
Growing awareness of affordability, lifestyle factors and the creation of new infrastructure continues to nudge house-hunters beyond traditional urban bounds, delivering multi-speed market dynamics for the national housing sector.
Home comforts
Over the last decade, more Kiwis have discovered the benefits of a sustainable lifestyle. Now, with inflation pushing up the price of food and groceries, Kiwis are increasingly exploring how their properties can work double duty as a private supermarket.
Will relaxed border rules impact property values?
Following a long wait, Aotearoa has started reopening to the rest of the world. Bayleys’ national director of residential, Johnny Sinclair, investigates what this means for residential property prices.
Elevated lifestyle
Lifestyle property owners are increasingly looking inward to the productive endeavours offered by the sector as a source of value. Bayleys’ national director of rural, Nick Hawken, explores some of the key growth opportunities emerging from the sector.
How will inflation controls impact the housing market?
Facing rising costs for everyday items, Kiwis are feeling the pinch of inflation. Bayleys asks two top economists what higher prices mean for the economy and whether inflation controls are poised to impact the residential marketplace?
The way forward
Bayleys’ national director of projects, Suzie Wigglesworth examines the influence of transit-oriented development on key growth areas and how this is poised to impact property values in your neighbourhood.
Responsible or reckless?
New financial legislation, enacted at the close of 2021, has had an immediate effect on residential sales activity across the country. Bayleys delves deeper into its purpose, implementation and ongoing impact on the housing market.
Lifestyle supplement
With a hot summer impacting farm feed supplies for many parts of the country, lifestyle block owners have an opportunity to create supplementary income by feeding demand. Bayleys investigates the important role rural landowners can play in supporting feed options for Kiwi farms.
In the driver’s seat
Following sustained value gains off the back of supportive fiscal policy and unprecedented post-lockdown demand, the new year heralds a change in the market dynamics.
A place in the sun
Credited with an uptick in rural sales activity, pandemic spending behaviour saw a push to lifestyle properties in 2021, but the rising costs of goods and services in 2022 mean landowners may be looking for ways to improve their efficiency.
A sign of things to come
As Kiwis across the country welcome a new year, Bayleys’ national director of residential, Johnny Sinclair investigates the key themes set to influence residential decision-making in 2022.
Making hay while the sun shines
Seizing an opportunity to make the most of life beyond the city limits, the pandemic has seen a spike in rural sales activity, with Kiwis increasingly attracted to lifestyle properties for their mix of space, location and value.
Waterfront wonderful
Join Bayleys on the road less travelled, as we profile the country’s most desirable waterfront treasures.
Catalyst for change
With a government mandate determined to deliver more homes at scale and pace, Bayleys asks whether Kiwis should be worried about the rise in do-it-yourself residential development?
11 good reasons to list your home for sale
In a year full of surprises, with tax reforms, changeable policy and the first Official Cash Rate (OCR) rise in seven years, Bayleys knows Kiwis are looking forward to a welcome break over the summer holidays.
Lay of the land
With a focus on intensification pushing the value of developable land upward, Bayleys investigates why some homeowners are looking to build new, and what the process looks like under current market conditions.
New intensification policy explained
The Government, in bipartisan agreement with the National Party, has unveiled new plans to ease land use controls and allow greater intensification across five main urban centres. Bayleys asks two experts what this means for homeowners and the housing market?
Change in the air
With a rise to the Official Cash Rate signalling the end of emergency monetary policy, Johnny Sinclair, Bayleys national director – Residential, asks whether change is in the air for the residential housing market?
Shhhh, keep it to yourselves...
With international travel off the cards, Bayleys takes a look at some New Zealand destinations that are found along roads less travelled and warns, they’re so good, you might want to keep them on the down-low…
A housing revolution
With demand for off-the-plan housing at an all-time high, Bayleys national director of Projects, Suzie Wigglesworth explains how buyer appetites are shaping the supply pipeline.
The lifestyle has it
NZ’s lifestyle property market has performed with strength through the pandemic with an increasing number of buyers looking to rural properties for value. Bayleys regional general manager – Lifestyle, explains what keeps attracting new attention to the sector.
Will house prices lift post-lockdown?
Following last year’s extended lockdown, housing inflation hit nearly 30 percent, encouraged by a combination of pent-up demand, supportive policy and super-low interest rates. Hayden Stanaway explains where prices are heading this time around.
Coming home to roost
An evolving employment market continues to fuel demand for larger lifestyle properties across the country, says Raymond Mountfort, Bayleys general manager – lifestyle.
The business of new
With a government mandate to provide more housing at a rapid pace, and a building and construction boom well underway, new-build properties are proving more popular with Kiwi purchasers. Bayleys investigates the allure of new homes, and what to look for when purchasing one.
Does your new CV matter?
New council valuations for residential properties are due later this year, but against a period of rapidly rising property values, Bayleys asks whether buyers still look to CVs for a price indication?
Waterside connection
Property prices across the Auckland region continue their upward trajectory and a new wave of features such as subdivision potential are adding value, making a push for the top of buyer’s wish lists. In light of these modern demands, Bayleys asks whether Kiwis still covet a place by the water?
Housing health check
Where sky-high property prices have captured the attention of Kiwis, the Government and regulators, recent intervention is set to bring change. Bayleys National Director – Residential, Johnny Sinclair explains what’s next for our housing market.
Macro View – supply and demand
With a population feeling the effects of historical growing pains and a critical undersupply of the houses to accommodate them, Bayleys asks independent economist Cameron Bagrie for his thoughts on the supply-demand story that’s polarised the housing debate.
Reaching the peak
Property prices continue their upward trajectory despite a swathe of targeted policy aimed at slowing the rate of value growth. But with a host of factors coming into play, Bayleys asks, how far can property prices keep rising?
Auckland’s best entry-level suburbs
Record-breaking property prices demanding higher deposit requirements and tighter monetary policy settings have caused Kiwis to rent for longer, entering the property market later in life. So, in a city where the average value exceeds $1 million – Bayleys asks where first home buyers can find value?
Key investment trends
With a higher proportion of lifestyle sales across the Auckland region Bayleys investigates the key investment trends attracting a new generation of buyers to the sector.
Does our property valuation system need to change?
With Auckland properties having three-yearly rating valuations deferred thanks to obstacles presented by the global pandemic, Auckland Council chief economist David Norman asks whether the current rating valuation system is ready for an overhaul?
Are we trading in the urban dream?
Latest sales data suggests more Kiwis want their cake, and to eat it too by purchasing sprawling, well-located lifestyle properties in greater numbers, says Bayleys regional general manager Raymond Mountfort.
Understanding the auction process
With the highest ever number of properties sold by auction across New Zealand in March, it’s more important to understand the process than ever before.
A measured approach
Rising house prices across the country continue to create headaches for policy-makers who look for ways to dampen demand. Bayleys investigates the latest suite of housing measures and how they are poised to impact homeowners.
Macro View - Where the rubber hits the road
Independent economist Cameron Bagrie explains how some of the most important economic developments are poised to impact the residential property market.
If I sell, what’s next?
Some sellers are intimidated by current market conditions, understanding that heightened competition and a lack of choice spell difficulty when searching for their next home. Bayleys asks what solutions exist for the forgotten majority?
What to consider when you’re considering
Amidst the latest COVID-19-induced uncertainty, Bayleys investigates the macroeconomic factors worth when deciding to buy or sell in today’s residential property market.
Great expectations
Closing a year characterised by disruption for economies and global chaos, 2021 offers the chance to repair and recover, sorting through the rubble of a COVID-affected world. But closer to home, how is the new year shaping up for our residential property market?
How will the return of LVRs affect you?
With New Zealand’s residential property market running on high, measures of control have been reintroduced in an attempt to curb insatiable demand, but will they work, Bayleys asks?
The new checklist
Continually evolving with the availability of new technology, building materials and lifestyle opportunities, residential property preferences have experienced a palpable shift over the last decade. Johnny Sinclair Bayleys’ national director residential investigates the home assets appearing atop buyers’ wish-lists in 2021.
An economy in recovery
Now with vaccinations on the global horizon, Bayleys asks its panel of property experts how they expect the first year of this new decade to play out?
Macro View - The road less travelled
As New Zealanders settle in for a domestic summer, independent economist Cameron Bagrie takes a look at how far we’ve come in this COVID ravaged world, and what the events of 2020 mean when looking to the new year.
Should I stay or should I go?
Showing strength and stability, sale results from NZ’s residential property market have been hard to ignore, but in a global pandemic and local recession are market dynamics working in your favour? Bayleys analyses the factors affecting sale decisions.
Falling short
Despite a population that’s almost doubled in size, the 1970s remains New Zealand’s most efficient period for residential construction activity. Nick Goodall, head of research at CoreLogic discusses how national housing supply, or a lack thereof, continues to impact residential property prices.
Lure of the lifestyle
In a world full of choice, where more agile working environments offer greater flexibility to workers, residential choices are increasingly dictated by social and lifestyle factors. Vanessa Taylor, spokesperson for realestate.co.nz discusses the trends driving residential sale decisions in the wake of COVID-19.
Will urban development initiatives transform the housing market?
Tasked with building better cities, the recently released National Policy Statement on Urban Development 2020 sets new guidelines for New Zealand’s growth. Leonie Freeman, Property Council of New Zealand chief executive explains how this is poised to impact residential property owners.
Macro View - Curious COVID effects
With New Zealand’s economy at the mercy of a second wave of COVID-19 infections, independent economist Tony Alexander discusses the macro-economic trends playing a pivotal role in residential decision-making.
How could recent tenancy reforms affect you?
Whether you’re renting or aspiring to property investment, controversial policy changes to the Residential Tenancies Act are poised to have an impact. Bindi Norwell, chief executive of the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand talks to Bayleys about the changes and their effect on the residential property market.
The housing premium
With residential property choices informed by emerging technologies, local economic performance, and lifestyle trends that seemingly interchange like the seasons, Bayleys property reporter asks which property features consistently net premium prices?
Where to from here?
With New Zealand’s building and construction industries badly impacted by more than 33 days of zero activity over the lockdown period, independent economist Cameron Bagrie investigates whether expected lower building activity will have an impact on residential property prices.
Macro View - What’s driving you?
As New Zealand continues to navigate the muddy economic waters of uncertainty arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, push/pull mechanisms at play continue to drive residential sale decisions – and they’re not all negative, say Bayleys national director of residential Johnny Sinclair and independent economist Tony Alexander.
How a negative interest rate would impact you
Could your bank pay you to take out a loan? No, we haven’t fallen down Alice’s rabbit hole, this is the world where the central bank implements a negative Official Cash Rate. Bayleys’ property reporter Katharina Charles speaks to Brad Olsen of Infometrics to understand just how this is poised to impact residential property owners.
Congestion pricing and the housing market
The average Kiwi spends more than 150 hours idling in traffic every year, but just how could the solution to our gridlocked roads affect the housing market? Bayleys’ property reporter Katharina Charles speaks to The New Zealand Initiative’s chief economist Dr. Eric Crampton to find out.
Relaunching your property after COVID-19
More than 25,000 residential property listings were put on pause as New Zealand entered lockdown, many of which have relaunched as we scale down the COVID-19 alert levels. Bayleys property reporter Katharina Charles asks the experts how to draw fresh attention to a stale listing.
Is buying becoming harder?
How the Reserve Bank’s Capital Review could impact the residential property market
Eyes on the prize
Global friction and domestic headwinds make for subdued economic progress into 2020, but news is pretty good for borrowers, says economist Cameron Bagrie.
Lending support
How easier access to finance for new buyers is boosting demand for residential property.
Rooms for improvement
In a quieter housing market capital gains can seem hard to come by. How do the experts find property with the most potential for future profits?
House price hotspots
In a market where overall values have been steady for months, there are still pockets to be found where property prices are on the rise.
The space race
How to make your home more liveable, ease your move and boost your finances by ditching clutter.
The new world of flatting
Once the preserve of the young and newly-independent, people of all life-stages are turning to house sharing to navigate the challenges of home ownership.
What’s it worth?
When it comes to selling your property, there’s power in having a clear idea of its market value.
The Art of Downsizing
How to release equity from your property and secure the home and lifestyle of your future.
Fixing to sell
A well-maintained home will always sell more quickly and for a better price than one with problems. That is why, before you put up a For Sale sign, you must get on top of your home maintenance.
How your spare rooms could earn you extra cash
Sitting on a piece of unused real estate in your home? You could put it to work, but make sure you understand what’s expected.
Savvy buyers opt for more rooms
Recent research figures show not all property is created equal... A recent review of buying behavior in Auckland and Northland shows a clear home buying strategy with three and four bedroom homes in hot demand.
House Price Predictions
Plenty of contrasting forces in today’s residential market has led to diverging views on the current state of play in Auckland and the north.
Where are the best spots to buy for retirement?
Selling up and buying the perfect home for retirement? Seven key things to consider when the decision to sell your home has been made and you’re looking for that perfect retirement spot.
Time to move them on?
Feedback from many baby-boomers across the country highlights an emerging trend – a number of their children faced with high rents and house prices are returning to the comfort of the family home, hampering them from selling up and downsizing into their new home.
Auckland's residential property market
The residential property market in and around Greater Auckland is delicately yet comfortably poised in a state of equilibrium at present.
Creating good fortune in 2018
Closing a year that was transitional, uncertain and full of surprises, in 2018, we expect relative stability and a swathe of opportunities for the discerning, informed and a number of previously hesitant property watchers.
Where to from here?
As another year comes to a close, Auckland and Northland’s residential housing sector has entered into a consolidation phase after its massive growth spurt. So, what opportunities does this unlock for property owners in the year 2018?
To LVR or not to LVR?
What the details are, no one knows yet, but calls to relax RBNZ’s lending restrictions have gained momentum and in light of current sales volumes, we ask whether it’s time that loan-to-value (LVR) restrictions were reviewed.
Home improvements
As Winston holds the nation’s hopes in his hands, the end of election-induced uncertainty is near and savvy sellers are maximising the daylight hours in preparation for the traditional spring peak in sales activity.
What's your number?
If properties across the country are as individual as the people who live in them, then why do so many use council valuations as a guide to sale and without them just how do we determine value as the market shifts?
Election 2017 and you
Tired from 24-months of over achievement and weary of the regulations which have threatened to hamper growth, New Zealand’s residential property market is bracing for the latest challenge
The next big thing
Although market activity has slowed in some locations and price brackets, savvy purchasers are active and finding good buys, the data shows.
The science of bidding
There's a very good reason sale by auction is Bayleys' most successful strategy for residential property, because it works, and like all good things it comes with hard work and science-like precision.
The bigger picture
Global economies hold hidden potential when it comes time for the hammer to fall. Amidst growing feelings of nationalism abroad – think Brexit, ‘buy American, hire American’ and ‘Australia first’, New Zealand is fortunate to be in a position where we can appreciate the positive outcomes of our diversity.
What buyers want
‘Sustainability’, ‘green’, ‘eco-friendly’ – we’ve certainly come a long way since the days that these words conjured visions of protest placards. Now, not only is your street credibility directly related to your environmental awareness – but so too is the value of your home.
Converting your home to a B & B
New Zealand’s tourism sector has grown substantially over the past two decades – with a greater number of ‘free independent travellers’ now spending time touring around the country.
Gazing into the future
Welcome to the year of the rooster, 365 days which promise to be just like it's namesake - brash, bold and above all things interesting, says Bayleys Real Estate General Manager Johnny Sinclair.
Back to the Future
Emerging from six months of global unrest following Brexit, the Unites States Presidential election and a little closer to home - the delayed appearance of warmer spring weather - this year the New Zealand Property sector has impressed showing strength and resilience.
Is the spring rush coming to Auckland?
The spring residential property buying rush has been delayed this year... And so has spring. For weeks on end Auckland has been subdued, and it’s only now that the city is starting to feel itself again.
Global Expo unlocks golden opportunities
Making waves on the global stage is now a regular occurrence for our little slice of paradise in the southern hemisphere - New Zealand. From our first ranked (per capita) Paralympic medal haul, to our premium meat, dairy, produce and honey - the world is taking notice of New Zealand for all the right reasons.
Big Call bidding debunked
The roar of the auction room, palpable excitement and nervous anticipation have long made a sale by auction, the New Zealand seller’s preferred method of choice. Yet, the interactive process can still intimidate even the most seasoned investor.
Timing is everything
With decades of success behind us, it’s fair to say Bayleys tried-and-true marketing techniques are the secret to staying ahead.
When is the right time to buy?
New statistics show the residential property market in Auckland is holding steady from a value perspective. Preview examines the latest figures to assess if it’s a ‘buyer’s’ or ‘sellers’ market…
Auckland showcased as world’s top luxury spot
A surge in property sales has led to Auckland becoming the top spot for luxury real estate according to a new report. However, as house prices soar, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand looks at new ways to stabilise the market.
International ranking brings top price tag
New Zealand home owners wanting to live in an ‘international’ city should brace themselves to pay ‘international’ prices for property, according to new real estate data.
Clash of the investments
Property assets have come out tops for delivering the best investment returns for New Zealanders over the past decade, according to new research.
Hot spot hit list
Infrastructure and social amenities are the keys to picking Auckland’s next round of ‘up and coming’ suburbs, according to the latest research from Bayleys.
New year, new property perspectives
New Zealanders are back behind desks – with one eye on the next long weekend, and the other on what 2016 will bring for them over the course of the year.