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What the property market holds in store for 2019
Auckland home buyers need to get in quick - city house prices could leap to record highs by this time next year, one property pundit predicts.
Infometrics economist Paul Barkle says that while Auckland house prices have stagnated for close to two years they are set for an almost 10 per cent jump next year followed by sustained increases through to mid-2022.
Behind the forecast price rise is an acute shortage of houses. By Barkle's estimate the city needs at least 45,000 more homes.
But the news is not so rosy for homeowners outside the Super City, with national prices poised to ease next year from current record highs.
"By the end of next year we expect house prices in Auckland to be 9 per cent higher than in December 2018 compared to a slight decline in national prices of roughly 1 per cent over the same period," Barkle said.
Should Barkle's forecast play out, it would push Auckland property values to new highs.
Last month, the city's median price reached $867,000 - or 3.7 per cent below the record price of $900,000 set in March 2017, according to the Real Estate Institute of NZ.
National house prices, meanwhile, are already at record highs with a November median price of $575,000.
Not all pundits agree with Barkle's upbeat forecast.
Devon Funds managing director Slade Robertson said New Zealand's housing market was due for a fall, with the real question being: 'Will it be a crash or a correction?'
Five winners this week...
Congratulations to these winners of our $100 Warehouse vouchers:
Damon Facoory from Whanganui
Rachelle Reihana from Frankton
Sonia Columb from Aranui
Elise Volwieler from Motueka
Vera Zheng from Te Atatu
Winners, claim your $100 Warehouse voucher before 13 August. Get in touch here
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I am beautiful, up in the sky.
I am magical, yet I cannot fly.
To some I bring luck, and to some, I bring riches.
The boy at my end does whatever he wishes.
What am I?
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Celebrate BPW Franklin's 40th Anniversary
Come and celebrate BPW Franklin's 40th anniversary. August 24th at Pukekohe Cossie Club 7pm.
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT. Two Fat Ladies will have you rolling around in fits of laughter.
Tickets available from seretary@bpwfranklin.org.nz $65 OP Shop dress and bling - it will all be such good fun. Come and kick up your heels!