The Reserve Bank (RBNZ) cut the Official Cash Rate (OCR) another 25 basis points in May and Economists expect the RBNZ to cut again at least one more time which is likely to be in August. So that has a flow-on where banks tend to follow suit. Fixed mortgage rates have fallen further and the 1 year rate is still the most popular. It also provides a short enough duration to quickly benefit if or when the RBNZ cut the OCR again as that’s likely to lower mortgage rates further. These lower rates naturally cause more demand in the property buying market and a further shortage of houses for sale. Plus now that Capital Gains Tax was not passed by the Government the Property Investors are feeling more confident of buying more rather than selling. That extra demand for buying can naturally shorten the supply and have house prices continue to increase. - We recommend home buyers and property investors call us today to arrange pre-approved lending before finding that suitable property.

Those who already have a mortgage that’s floating or heading that way soon can call us to negotiate a new fixed rate and assist with the structuring of the lending.  Lending can be split into two or more loans for those borrowers wanting stability. Part of the lending can on a longer term fixed rate or left floating to enable lump sum payments to reduce debt faster and save money on the interest charged. 

Mortgage Link in Taupo has just celebrated it's 25th birthday after Wendy & Glenn Yorke established the business in 1994. Thanks again to those of you who continue to support our business when buying more property or applying for top-up loans, re-fixes and especially for recommending us to others. We truly value your business and look forward to continuing to assist you and any friend or family member you refer to our service. Remember to tell them we do not charge them a fee and we endeavour to save them time and money with their lending requirement. We'll continue to send the Gift Vouchers to clients for referring new customers to our service.

Migration numbers are up across New Zealand, with a recent surge of arrivals leading to a strong net gain for the year ending April. Most long-term arrivals were Australian and New Zealand citizens, with people arriving on work, student, and visitor visas also up over the year. While more people arrived and departed New Zealand than they did in 2018, the number of people leaving the country was more muted. New Zealand is one of the most diverse nations in the world, with debate still taking place over what is sustainable for such a small and geographically isolated nation.

New Zealand's biggest housing market continues to fall, with other major centres softening but the regions still seeing healthy growth. According to May figures from Quotable Value, the average home value in Auckland fell by -1.9 per cent over the last six months, which is fairly consistent with recent declines at -2.1 per cent for the year. Other major centres were struggling but still up over 12 months, with regional centres experiencing stronger growth as New Zealand becomes a three-speed property market. 

Everyone wants to improve their situation and live their best possible life. Despite best intentions, however, making changes to your lifestyle can be extremely difficult. Inertia is a very real thing, with emotional and lifestyle ruts often leading to bad habits and addictions that can seem impossible to break. This is especially true when it comes to health and fitness, where the best intentions often lead to guilt and disappointment. Developing healthy habits is the key, with realistic goals and gradual shifts creating real sustainable transformations.    

Living with your relatives is common in many parts of the world, with financial and cultural reasons often bringing three of more generations together. While many Aussies and Kiwis live in share houses when they're young, the nuclear family is very much the norm later in life. Living trends are slowly changing, however, with people staying at home for longer and elderly parents sometimes moving back with their kids after they retire. While extended families and mixed generational homes are certainly not for everyone, intergenerational living can offer advantages to people at any stage of life.

It doesn't matter where you go or what you do, travel has the potential to transform your expectations and enrich your life. New perspectives and experiences can help you take a step back and look at your life through a new lens. While every holiday feels a little extravagant, there are some destinations and experiences that revel in their exclusive status. From million dollar resorts through to penthouse suites and holidays in space, let's take a look at the world's most lavish travel experiences.