There is the old argument that a good time to buy (if you are going to hold for a period) is “anytime” as, historically, property in NZ rises over time.

Picking the absolute best time to buy is more good luck than good management and no-one knows exactly when the interest rates will bottom-out completely or when general property prices will stabilise and start increasing again.

What we do know is that rates are great at the moment and look to remain so for the foreseeable future. Adding to this, property prices remain subdued – certainly in Auckland – in comparison with periods where they’ve experienced rapid uplift in values.

Right now, rates are low, immigration is still positive, rental demand is getting better after a dip and build costs are still high. Fundamentally, it is relatively unique to have all these factors working together and have purchase prices remain reasonable (or as reasonable as they can be).

We are seeing more first home buyers finding properties and, more recently, investors coming back into the market. Both groups are securing and settling on properties quicker than before as well.

So, is now a good time to buy? It always comes down to your personal situation, but it is certainly a good time to see how much you can afford – you might be surprised at what you can get.

Whether you are a first home buyer or a seasoned investor, it is a great time for a quick call to check out the options and review your ability to borrow.

Migration numbers are up across New Zealand, with a recent surge of arrivals leading to a strong net gain for the year ending April. Most long-term arrivals were Australian and New Zealand citizens, with people arriving on work, student, and visitor visas also up over the year. While more people arrived and departed New Zealand than they did in 2018, the number of people leaving the country was more muted. New Zealand is one of the most diverse nations in the world, with debate still taking place over what is sustainable for such a small and geographically isolated nation.

New Zealand's biggest housing market continues to fall, with other major centres softening but the regions still seeing healthy growth. According to May figures from Quotable Value, the average home value in Auckland fell by -1.9 per cent over the last six months, which is fairly consistent with recent declines at -2.1 per cent for the year. Other major centres were struggling but still up over 12 months, with regional centres experiencing stronger growth as New Zealand becomes a three-speed property market. 

Everyone wants to improve their situation and live their best possible life. Despite best intentions, however, making changes to your lifestyle can be extremely difficult. Inertia is a very real thing, with emotional and lifestyle ruts often leading to bad habits and addictions that can seem impossible to break. This is especially true when it comes to health and fitness, where the best intentions often lead to guilt and disappointment. Developing healthy habits is the key, with realistic goals and gradual shifts creating real sustainable transformations.    

Living with your relatives is common in many parts of the world, with financial and cultural reasons often bringing three of more generations together. While many Aussies and Kiwis live in share houses when they're young, the nuclear family is very much the norm later in life. Living trends are slowly changing, however, with people staying at home for longer and elderly parents sometimes moving back with their kids after they retire. While extended families and mixed generational homes are certainly not for everyone, intergenerational living can offer advantages to people at any stage of life.

It doesn't matter where you go or what you do, travel has the potential to transform your expectations and enrich your life. New perspectives and experiences can help you take a step back and look at your life through a new lens. While every holiday feels a little extravagant, there are some destinations and experiences that revel in their exclusive status. From million dollar resorts through to penthouse suites and holidays in space, let's take a look at the world's most lavish travel experiences.