GOOD MARKET VIBES

There’s been a sea change in the housing market. Gone are the grey days of flatlining sales volumes and declining prices. The vibe these days is very different. Market activity has picked up, confidence is rising and real estate agents are busy.

In the most recent data, there’s little divergence from the general theme: the market is rebounding and Auckland appears to be starting a new growth cycle. Some commentators expect the growth to slow as the year goes on, while others are not so sure. At this stage only the potential impact of coronavirus could throw a spanner in the works.

But there’s two sides to every coin – and as the market heats up again, so too do issues around affordability. Given the country’s ongoing housing crisis, it could be affordability constraints that reign in