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.

However, evolving market conditions and impending deadlines in the form of tightening monetary policy continue to offer an impetus for homeowners to act now; taking advantage of a preferable summer environment to seek an unconditional sale.

STRESS LESS THIS SUMMER

Before the treats comes the mahi – but with a twist, as Bayleys’ salespeople do the work while you enjoy the holidays.

Kiwis across the country are looking forward to quality time with friends and family over the holiday season, which for savvy sellers could be sweetened by a summer sale.

MORTGAGE LENDING ACTIVITY

With news the OCR increased 25 basis points to 0.5 percent this October, the Reserve Bank (RBNZ) signalled the end of emergency monetary policy settings, with market expectations forecasting subsequent rate rises through to 2023.

Where central bank data shows more than $230 billion in home loans are set to roll in the next 12 months, mortgage borrowing rates are at the forefront of homeowners’ considerations.

Anecdotal evidence suggests current house hunters are moving fast through the purchasing process to lock in historically-low interest rates before inflationary pressures and better-than-expected economic performance sees the goalposts shift again.

TOUGHER STRESS TESTING

Concerned about rising household debt levels, the central bank moved to reimplement tougher loan-to-value ratio (LVR) rules over 2021 while emphasising its intention to consult on debt servicing restrictions in its November Financial Stability Report (FSR).

Kiwi banks are utilising their own borrower stress tests in preparation for direction from the RBNZ in the coming months.

Debt-to-income (DTI) multiple controls are sitting around the six-to-seven times income mark for borrowers, with a looming official mandate from the RBNZ adding another dimension to the fear of missing out (FOMO) phenomenon.

Buyers are acting quickly and decisively to secure their chosen home under current financial conditions.

POLICY AND TAX CERTAINTY

Investors paused for thought while the specifics of the Government’s March housing announcements were determined.

Now we have greater clarity around what constitutes a ‘new-build’ home and their exemption from the removal of interest deductibility provisions, Bayleys’ salespeople are seeing investors re-enter the market – some with a wider scope of interest that includes off-the-plan and new-build homes.

New policy relating to land use controls is having a supportive effect on land prices, with capable developers willing to bid up on the most attractive land sites with add-value potential.

STRONG CURRENT ACTIVITY

Residential sales activity has continued throughout a disruptive year, with recent data from research firm CoreLogic showing 27-percent annual growth for house prices across Auckland since September 2020.

Persistent demand for quality properties continues to create strong competition across the marketplace, however, affordability constraints are expected to bite over the coming year as interest rates rise and the cost of living increases.

Current market conditions support buyer readiness to invest in their dream home, but as financial conditions tighten, we expect this will slow over the coming 12 months, meaning there is no time like the present to realise value.

SUPPLY VERSUS DEMAND

The country’s housing shortfall has underpinned house price growth for the last decade, however, a closed border and muted population growth mean Auckland is catching up, fast.

Record building consent issuance shows strong pipeline demand for new residential supply. While tradespeople are working overtime to build new homes, the construction industry is constrained by capacity, materials and labour shortages which mean current demand outstrips supply, for now.

KIWI SAVINGS BACK INTO THE HOME

While New Zealand’s borders remain closed, Kiwis are putting their money saved on overseas holidays and entertainment to good use.

A greater proportion have invested in residential property as an alternative to renting while the cost of living increases, and homeowners have re-leveraged equity gains to trade up on the family home while borrowing rates are still near historic lows.

PENT-UP DEMAND

Across the country, pent-up demand continues to play a pivotal role in kick-starting economic activity as our regions come out of more restrictive lockdown measures.

Bayleys’ sales teams across the Auckland region continue to see a backlog of interest from prospective purchasers set to underpin high levels of sales activity.

SEASONAL ADVANTAGE

Longer daylight hours and summer sunshine show homes in their best light, encouraging potential purchasers to attend open homes and private viewings.

Where sellers may have completed add-value renovations over their time at home, the summer months can be a rewarding time to capitalise on heightened demand and the seasonal advantage of summer.

CAPTIVE AUDIENCE OFFERING BETTER REACH

From Bayleys’ 93 offices in New Zealand and Fiji to our unique suite of publications and marketing tools, Bayleys’ salespeople understand how to capture the attention of the right buyer for your home, especially over more leisurely summer months.

Currently more engaged and seeking real-time information about the property market, prospective purchasers will be looking to Bayleys’ digital portals, magazine and newspaper publications, meaning more eyes on your listing.

LIFESTYLE PRIORITIES

Informed by the experience of lockdown restrictions, Kiwis are more determined than ever to let their lifestyle preferences guide decision-making. Whether it’s a larger home for a growing family, a slick urban pad for less lawn mowing or the move from a rental into your very first home, new supply coming online during the summer months means more choice for your next move.

Read more...

Subscribe to receive the latest residential news and insights from Bayleys’ View magazine.