We are now in our second week of lockdown and the team and I wanted to reach out to see how you’re doing and offer any assistance you may require during these challenging times.

Our thoughts are with all those finding themselves in a position of insecurity as a result of the closures and we hope for a speedy improvement to the current COVID-19 situation. 

It certainly is a time that has presented many opportunities to reflect, assess and connect with all that we, at times, take for granted.  

That said, there’s no manual to get through this, no precedence, just a will to ensure each and every one focuses on the light at the end of the tunnel.

In addition, on the journey this is our chance to show compassion for our family, neighbours and community.  

For us here at The Agency and particularly in the real estate world, the start of Spring traditionally sees a significant increase in listings and activity for buyers and sellers.

When you combine that with the pent-up availability of property from lockdown, coming to market and the record low-interest rates, we believe this season will be the most anticipated Spring market ever.  

In fact, quite possibly the most anticipated seasonal market in recent history, as it slingshots on the back of the nation’s coronavirus recovery. 

We, along with buyers and sellers, have long circled the start of Spring as the date to watch closely, and this year won’t be any different.

If all goes to plan, the exit path from the COVID-19 pandemic will likely return life as close to pre-coronavirus as possible, barring international travel, by September. 

By most estimations the economy will be back firing by then and unemployment will be falling.

Interest rates are still at an incredible low and the ultimate health of the market will be realised setting up a strong Spring selling season. 

There are genuine factors pointing towards a strong recovery this Spring, in a market characterised by first home buyers taking advantage of the percentage of investors who choose to exit, and families activating with long-held plans for change. 

What we are already seeing and hearing in conversations is a reordering of clients’ priorities with their home at the top of the list as they gain clarity on what is most important.  

There are quite a few committing to improving their homes through refurbishment and many spending time considering what sort of home they want to live in now and researching future options. 

It really has been the strangest year, in particular the past few weeks.  Curfews, limited outings, closure of workplaces and an incredible shift in the way we all work.

The Way Forward 

For those contemplating a move this year, use this time to prepare.  

We expect the market to emerge from lockdown extremely healthy with pent up demand strong, and those quickest off the mark will reap the bigger rewards and face less competition of like for like homes. 

Based on New Zealand’s exit from lock down (see image), properties came to market in a huge way meaning supply rose quickly as did competition for buyers. 

Here at The Agency we are ready to assist you with the launch of your property should you be thinking of a move this Spring.  

In the short term we can offer virtual consultations and provide you with the very best in advice combined with the very best strategy to ensure a great result.

And if a move is not on the horizon, please feel free to reach out if I can help in any way.  

In the meantime, please stay safe and stay healthy.