Blog
Council eyes Plan profits
Auckland Council wants to be able to take a slice of any increase in value of properties that have their zoning changing from low density to high density housing, or rural properties that are rezoned urban. More...
OLLY NEWLAND: Capital gains tax is not the answer
No matter how often the argument against a Capital Gains Tax is put forward, the subject is still popular among those who, it seems, fail to realise that implementing such a tax will solve nothing. The suggestion comes up again and again, and it has almost become an article of faith for ‘the left’ some of whom seem to imbue a Capital Gains Tax (CGT) with mythic powers to right all social wrongs. More...
Will macroprudential tools get the right results?
Macroprudential tools are a step closer, with the Reserve Bank this week releasing its consultation paper on the tactics it may soon use to tackle credit growth bubbles. More...
Auckland growth inevitable
It’s tempting to think there’s a bit of Nimbyism at play whenever there’s outrage at the idea of intensification of Auckland city. More...
How much is your house worth?
If you asked me to put a value on the house I live in, I’d probably find it pretty difficult. More...
Survey reflects strong property market
New Zealand’s property market is buzzing, according to the first BNZ-REINZ residential market survey for the year. More...
Poker faces over housing
One thing that is already becoming clear this year is that one of our biggest issues is housing. More...
Schemes benefit a lucky few
Something that both the Green and Labour housing affordability policies have in common is that they are great for those in a position to buy houses through them. They are less good for everyone else. More...
Humiliation for Heatley
When it comes to losing your job, having it happen at short notice and in the public eye are probably not conditions anyone desires. More...
Short-term interest rates looking good
If you have a mortgage, it’s probably one of those things that’s in the back of your mind: Is it time to lock in a fixed rate? More...
Bach sales a barometer for economy
At this time of the year plenty of time is spent pondering what lies ahead for the real estate market. More...
Forget the malls for Boxing Day bargains
It’s tis the season to be jolly – and hunting for housing bargains. More...
Extra care needed when purchasing apartments
It seems more and more first-home buyers are choosing to purchase apartments, and that’s hardly surprising. More...
Tools must be deployed with caution
I like my toolbox. It has plenty of useful tools such as screwdrivers, spanners and hammers, to name just a few. We learned this week from the Monetary Policy Statement that the Reserve Bank has a few new tools in its box to fix the economy when things get heated. More...
Flawed strategy from commentator
Bernard Hickey has pitched himself as a property guru in the New Zealand market, however the strategy he outlined in the Herald on Sunday last week, if followed would likely end in failure. More...