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An important aspect for an investor to consider is the rate of return a rental property will provide, taking into account the purchase price and the rental income that can be achieved. The rate of return will differ between rental properties and is dependent on location, size and tenant appeal. To determine rent return, we canRead more

Thinking of purchasing a rental property? If you’re a first-time investor, here are five commonly overlooked costs you may need to budget for. 1. Insulation A change to the Residential Tenancies Act means all residential rental homes will be required, by law, to have insulation by 1 July 2019. If you purchase a property thatRead more

The standard response when you’re thinking about selling your home but are not sure when, is “sell in spring”. And there’s plenty of truth in that as warmer, drier weather and post-winter itchy feet drive potential buyers out to open homes. But life doesn’t stop for winter. People still need to move, whether it beRead more

It’s called the living room because it’s one of the most-used rooms in your home. Make it a room you also love the look of with these simple design tips from The Block NZ co-host and Your Home and Garden magazine editor Shelley Ferguson. Be your own detective Homework time: start to notice the thingsRead more

A beautiful kitchen is not only the heart of the home – it can make or break it come sale time. A few clever upgrades can go a long way in increasing the value of your home. But be sure to spend wisely and stick to your budget. Here are Shelley Ferguson’s top tips toRead more

pen homes are an important way to catch the eye of potential buyers and invite them to fall in love with your property. Here are 10 top tips to ensure your home makes the right kind of first impression with house hunters.   1. De-personalise Buyers want to picture themselves living in a property, soRead more

Selling a property for the first time can be a big learning curve. It can also be an emotional time, as you prepare to part with a home that is likely to hold many happy memories. Before your property hits the market, here are six mistakes to avoid. 1. Being in a rush Give theRead more

Is your dining space feeling tired, neglected or non-existent? Give this integral space some time and attention by planning easy interior updates and you’ll be rewarded with a fun, flexible, hardworking and handsome room. Shelley Ferguson looks at 10 reasons you’re having relationship issues with your dining space. 1. It’s boring If your dining space isRead more

Updating your kitchen doesn’t have to cost the earth. A few clever tweaks can go a long way in making your kitchen look and feel refreshed. Here Shelley Ferguson’s weekend once-over tips. THE WEEKEND ONCE-OVER Cost $0-$1,000 Sort it out A good weekend clean and organise can make you feel like you have a newRead more

A simple moving day essentials kit can go a long way in helping your move go smoothly. You spend the better part of a day shifting box after box into your new home, excited to finally sit down and enjoy a dinner of pizza or fish and chips on the living room floor. Then someoneRead more