Resources to help you along your property journey.

 Ingredients400 g almond paste2 eggs1 sheet fresh puff pastryInstructionsPreheat your oven to 200°C and prepare a baking tray by lining it with parchment paper. Roll out the puff pastry and slice it into two long strips.Create the almond filling by combining the almond paste with one egg. Mix and knead the mixture until smooth.Divide the…

 There’s growing optimism that New Zealand’s property market is making a comeback, fueled by a third consecutive cut to interest rates.The Reserve Bank of New Zealand has slashed the Official Cash Rate (OCR) by another 0.5% to 4.25%. While it’s still early days for the latest reduction, the effects of previous cuts are already evident.Real…

 With a recent 0.5% interest rate cut, savvy New Zealand buyers have a prime opportunity to act strategically before the market gains momentum. The Reserve Bank has now reduced rates by a full 1% in just a few months, setting the stage for change. Whether you’re upgrading, downsizing, purchasing your first home, or investing, it’s…

With the Reserve Bank trimming interest rates by a full 1% over recent months, now’s the time for Kiwi buyers to act strategically. Whether you're upgrading, downsizing, investing, or buying for the first time, the window to make your move before prices start climbing is tightening.After a couple of years of market uncertainty, we’re finally…

 Ingredients1 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)5.4kg spicy chicken or venison sausage, sliced (New Zealand venison sausage adds a uniquely Kiwi touch)6 cloves garlic, minced1 cup orzo2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth1/4 cup full-fat canned coconut milk1 tbsp soy sauce 1 tsp onion powder1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)1/2 tsp black pepper1/4 tsp sea salt1…

With the recent 0.5% cut in interest rates, New Zealand buyers should start thinking strategically about the best time to enter the market.The Reserve Bank of New Zealand has now lowered rates by a full 1% in recent months, creating a brief window for buyers to finalize their strategy before prices begin rising again. This…

 With mortgage rates starting to ease amidst a sluggish economy, many are debating whether this shift will spark an increase in property prices or leave the market relatively unchanged.Experts are predicting the Official Cash Rate (OCR), currently at 4.5%, could drop another 1% to give the economy a boost.For the Kiwi property market, this is…

 Flooring plays a crucial role in your home's overall appeal, but it’s often overlooked when prepping your home for sale.The focus usually shifts to the living room, bathroom, and kitchen.Homeowners may spend significant amounts updating these areas, yet they forget about the floors that potential buyers will notice as soon as they walk in.Wooden floors…

 New Zealand's property market is navigating an uneven recovery, with luxury areas breaking price records while other regions face a mix of economic challenges and high mortgage rates.Auckland, often seen as the bellwether of the Kiwi real estate market, is experiencing its own ups and downs. The good news for homeowners is that the average…

Tart Shell120 g powdered sugar½ teaspoon salt170 g unsalted butter, softened1 large egg (room temperature)1 teaspoon vanilla extract350 g all-purpose flourLemon Curd2 large eggs90 g granulated sugarJuice of 1 lemon50 g unsalted butter, softened and cubedToppingsChopped strawberriesPowdered sugar for dustingInstructionsTart ShellIn a large bowl, mix together the powdered sugar and salt.Add the softened butter and…

 If you're contemplating whether now is the right time to upgrade or downsize in Wellington’s real estate market, there are several important factors you might want to consider. These factors reflect the local economic environment and your personal circumstances, which should ultimately guide your decision.Interestingly, price trends are not necessarily the most critical factor when…

 Finding affordable property has become increasingly difficult, forcing many homebuyers to make challenging decisions. One key dilemma is whether it's worth purchasing a more affordable home if it means living in a higher-crime area.This issue is particularly relevant as more people are pushed towards the outer suburbs, where housing is cheaper, but crime rates can…