John Bolton, better known as JB, founded Squirrel in the midst of the GFC (bold move, we know) and all these years later, he’s still on the tools doing what he loves best: being a mortgage adviser. He also still finds the time to share his expertise and insights on the housing market, economy and interest rate movement, with regular articles and monthly market update videos — so you can easily stay up to date with what’s going on.
With the Reserve Bank set to make its next OCR announcement this week, what does that mean for interest rates? JB shares his hot takes on that, and what's happening with house prices.
Property investors are probably feeling a bit disillusioned with the lack of "easy" opportunities out in the market of late. But there is one option which is coming into its own - and that's the option of develop-and-hold.
The market's been undeniably slow in recent months, but between stabilising interest rates and greater choice, buyers are starting to dip their toes in once more.
Bank servicing requirements have become increasingly difficult to pass in recent months, causing all sorts of chaos for property investors caught short when it comes time to buy or sell. So, where do you turn when traditional lenders say no?
This month's housing market update brings reassurance for those feeling panicked about where interest rates could end up, and highlights opportunity for prospective home buyers.
Anyone who'd just got their foot on the property ladder when the market started to turn will be feeling rough after the last few months - but it's not all bad news.
The long-awaited return of choice to the housing market isn’t the only good news for first home buyers to be feeling positive about right now - changes to Kāinga Ora First Home schemes and CCCFA legislation add to the good news.
So, the tables have turned and we've finally entered a buyer's market - but how do you navigate the apparent minefield of increasing mortgage rates and falling house prices?
Between all the news of increasing interest rates and falling house prices, it's an intimidating market to be in right now. But what aren't the headlines telling us?
For those who have strayed down the treacherous path of having all your loans with one bank, the consequences have started to bite.
After many years in a KiwiSaver Growth Fund, I switched to a Conservative Fund a couple of years ago. It felt like a smart move at the time, but man, hindsight’s a wonderful thing.
New builds can be a great option for investors and first home buyers alike - and if you’re considering buying off plan, there are a few things to keep in mind to help you buy well.