THE INVESTMENT EQUATION HAS SHIFTED
The new year is shaping up to be significant for residential property investors , signalling an investment return that looks increasingly attractive compared to funds and fixedincome assets .
Sellers who recognise this shift have the advantage . With more investors re-engaging with the market , properties with strong rental appeal – whether standalone homes , townhouses or well-located apartments – will attract heightened interest and the potential to achieve premium sale prices .
AFFORDABILITY AND SUPPLY
Affordability metrics have undoubtedly improved over the last 24 months , particularly as mortgage lending rates have started to fall . Two-year fixed rates have dropped significantly from their peak , offering value and incentive for house hunters nationwide .
This has made home ownership more accessible for first-time buyers , particularly when supply is constrained . However , the landscape is varied . While the cost of home ownership remains higher in regions like Auckland and Queenstown , improving affordability has opened the door for a broader range of buyers elsewhere .
Additionally , February ’ s surge in new listings suggests that more sellers are gaining confidence in the market ’ s momentum . This influx of new stock offers prospective buyers plenty of options but also creates a higher degree of consideration for sellers to position their properties strategically . Well-represented , realistically priced homes will likely move quickly as the market shifts toward a more active state .
RAY WHITE NOW NEW ZEALAND | 8