By now, most of you have heard about the fixed renovation rate ANZ is offering. It sounds attractive — and it can be. But as a real estate salesperson, my honest advice is this: please get your trusted real estate agent involved before you commit to a single dollar of renovation work.

First home buyers have had a genuine moment. Lower prices, lower rates, flexible deposit rules, and the maths of renting vs. owning finally working in their favour — it all aligned. And unlike previous cycles, the risk of being priced out by a rapid rebound looks lower than it has in years.

Lawrence specialises in the East Auckland market and offers his clients expertise like no other, particularly when it comes to properties with development potential.

Many of you may have seen the headlines about the conflict in the Middle East and rising oil prices. A few clients have asked how this could impact the New Zealand property market, so here are our early thoughts.