Selwyn Times: November 25, 2020

2
[Edition datE]
Strong growth in real estate
13
Demand for properties in Canterbury
is currently very strong although, the
number of listed properties for sale
is significantly below what we would
normally expect leading into summer.
After several years of steady but slowish
growth, Canterbury real estate may now
be in catch-up mode, as low interest rates
and returning Kiwis spur on a market
seen to offer some of the best value and
lifestyle opportunities in New Zealand.
James
Twiss,
Harcourts
Four
Seasons
co-owner
Harcourts Four Seasons co-owner
James Twiss says sales have been “really
strong” in the past few months with
demand from expats, investors in the
North Island, first-home buyers and locals
looking to upgrade or change pace.
“It’s very much a correction or catch-up
on what has been a steady yet cautious
market over the last two to three years,”
James says. “Time will tell if it’s a boom
or not. However, there are several factors
that suggest more gains could be on the
way.” These include the new motorway
systems north and south of Christchurch,
which are opening up a much larger area
to commuting and convenient lifestyle
living, and swathes of new housing,
which are creating modern, desirable
communities that in turn generate
further interest. Nearby beaches, forests,
mountains and ski fields add to the
appeal.
James also states that even before
low interest rates are considered, buyer
confidence has been supported by good
affordability compared to other parts of
the country, a growing population and the
peace of mind of post-quake builds.
“The Selwyn and Waimakariri Districts
have always offered good, secure real
estate. We’re seeing the region continue
to develop and offer more to its residents,
and with that some really exciting and
valuable opportunities.”
Canterbury is expanding
With a network of offices within
and around Christchurch, Harcourts
Four Seasons is well positioned to play
a leading role in the region’s growth.
Branches are located in Hornby, Lincoln,
Rolleston Rangiora, Kaiapoi, Hanmer
Springs, Belfast and The Palms.
James says movement from fringe
areas to the city centre has been greatly
enhanced by new roading infrastructure,
opening up new markets that buyers have
been keen to embrace.
The Southern Motorway extension
streamlines the trip between Rolleston
and Christchurch, while the Northern
Corridor lessens the distance from
Christchurch to Kaiapoi and Rangiora.
“The access to jobs makes these areas
extremely good value. New developments
are being snapped up and there are
numerous subdivisions being worked
on throughout the area,” James says. “As
developments bring the city closer, the
stage is being set for ongoing growth in
popular lifestyle areas and new, familyfriendly
neighbourhoods.”
Support for lending
Interest rates have been reduced to
record lows and aren’t expected to rise for
years. Meanwhile, Loan to Value Ratio
(LVR) restrictions have been dropped
from 80 per cent to 70 per cent.
Mortgage payments are now often lower
than rents. This bodes well for investors.
For people who are ready to buy, the
Reserve Bank of New Zealand is ready to
help.
There is also an anticipated funding
boost in the pipeline as homeowners with
fixed interest rates see their terms expire
in the next couple of years and move to a
lower interest rate, freeing up a significant
chunk of money they can potentially
reinvest. As James indicated, this is one
factor that counts against waiting.
For anyone looking to buy or sell,
Harcourts Four Seasons has them
covered, he says.
“We’re part of a very large network,
including overseas contacts, and
being local means we know the area
exceptionally well.”
Harcourts Four Seasons is the largest
real estate firm in the Selwyn and
Waimakariri districts with more than 90
sales consultants across eight branches.
Harcourts has been named the
country’s most trusted real estate brand
by Reader’s Digest every year since the
award’s inception nearly eight years ago,
and has won the Quality Service Gold
Award for the past three years.
To get in touch, phone Harcourts
Four Seasons on 0800 789 1011 or visit
harcourtsfourseasons.co.nz.
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