Welcome to our News & views section...
In previous editions we focused on the two cities, Manukau and Waitakere which will soon form part of the Auckland SuperCity. In this edition, we focus on Auckland City, the most populous part of the SuperCity and perhaps the least geographically diverse.
Commercial investment property has posted its lowest returns in 16 years, according to the Property Council. The organisation has released its index of returns, which measures the money being made on 327 properties in 14 portfolios worth $8.2 billion at the end of March.
Increasing numbers of home buyers are reaching for their toolbelts to turn "do-ups" into dream homes. Rundown houses are being snapped up by buyers looking for a step up into a sought-after suburb, or to turn a profit when the market rebounds.
As the property market shows signs of rejuvenation, banks are loosening the purse strings and relaxing their lending criteria. The value and number of loan approvals is well up on the beginning of the year and more banks are lending to borrowers with deposits smaller than 20 per cent.
The number of consents for new dwellings lifted strongly last month, particularly when apartment numbers were excluded.
Property sales plunge in January
15 Feb 10
