Kapiti Financial Advice Limited – KiwiSaver and Investment

Tight market squeezes further house price growth in June

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Earlier this week the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) released property market data for June. It came as no surprise to see that the data continued to reflect a tight market, squeezing further house price growth in a very stretched market. The national median price crept higher to $820,000, from $817,500 in May. … Read more

House prices continue to rise in May, recording the highest annual percentage increase since records began

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Earlier this week the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand released house price data for May reporting the familiar and increasingly concerning theme that house prices continue to rise. The Auckland region hit a new record house price again, of $1.148 million. Auckland City, North Shore City, Manukau City, Rodney District and Waitakere City all … Read more

Housing prices must correct, but by how much?

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BNZ economists expect price growth to soften in 2022 and 2023, but the longer inflation remains at current elevated levels the greater the chance that the housing market will be forced into a major correction. They have observed that: Population growth has weakened considerably House prices are simply becoming beyond reach Both the Reserve Bank … Read more

Are you investing too much in KiwiSaver?

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This week, financial commentator Janine Starks wrote an opinion piece titled Why you’re probably investing too much in KiwiSaver: https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/opinion-analysis/300321717/why-youre-probably-investing-too-much-in-kiwisaver The question is raised because your savings are essentially locked-in until you turn 65 years of age. Special rules ensure KiwiSaver funds held through to retirement, with some exceptions around first home purchase and financial … Read more

Wellington was one of ten regions to hit record median prices in October

house in background with three piles of coins in the front.

Earlier this week the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand released their Monthly Property Report for the month of October in which Chief Executive, Bindi Norwell, commented that “October 2020 will go down in ‘housing history’ as being the point in time when Auckland region’s median house price hit the million-dollar mark for the first … Read more

Expect to see further downward pressure on bank lending rates

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A number of factors suggest that the Reserve Bank is backing away from further cuts in the Official Cash Rate next year, as had been previously foreshadowed. This doesn’t mean that bank lending rates are on hold, rather the Reserve Bank is putting more reliance on another transmission mechanism – the new Funding for Lending … Read more

Lower and lower interest rates feeding into higher and higher property prices

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Last week’s REINZ property statistics indicated that lower and lower interest rates are feeding into higher and higher property prices, with buyers taking advantage of low interest rates and serviceability to get into a market that some fear will keep rising. In short, fear of missing out is trumping any concerns that the full extent … Read more

Where are the brokers’ fees?

Annual fund charges published by KiwiSaver and managed fund providers allow investors to compare the cost of having your money managed by the respective providers. This stands in contrast to fees charged by share brokers and investment advisory firms, which can be difficult to calculate. Indeed, there can be multiple levels of fees which can … Read more

Property market supported by low interest rates and lack of listings

house in background with three piles of coins in the front.

Latest data from the REINZ revealed that the property market continued to surpass expectations in August, supported by low interest rates, the prospect of rates moving still lower, a lack of listings, ongoing post-lockdown demand, the removal of LVR’s and first time buyers trying to get into the market. Activity continues to be underpinned by … Read more

Wellington house prices maintain momentum in July

house in background with three piles of coins in the front.

Latest data from the REINZ revealed that the property market continued to defy “expectations” in July, supported by pent-up demand and perhaps post-lockdown relief. REINZ CEO, Bindi Norwell, noted that activity during July was underpinned by strong levels of interest and engagement from all buyer levels, including first home buyers, investors and families looking to … Read more