I was interested to read in the Press on Saturday the latest update of home price growth in Christchurch (Click Here to read full article). Obviously the premium suburbs hold value and can be predicted, but it was great to read that the less popular eastern and southern areas around the city are now being accepted as great first home buying options. Looking at the greater rebuild of the city and suburbs the quality of many renovated homes and rebuilds in most cases, there is some fantastic buying. Hearing that the prices are raising doesn’t help first home buyers unless they have actually purchased, however many of these areas were not even considered before and now are offering really good solid investments at affordable levels that give first home buyers a start. On top of this, because these are appreciating areas buyers will experience capital growth quicker. Add to this “Kiwi Saver and the Welcome Home Loan” incentives, seems like a great time to invest in a first home. Wanting value for money and quality of living? Prepared to travel 30-35 minutes twice per day to get to and from work? I have a lifestyle property in North Canterbury and I love it! From the moment I leave the northern motorway the stress of the day and the city vanishes and a feeling of real relief takes place. Living in North Canterbury takes a lot of beating with the commute to the city, but it’s already 20-30 minutes no matter where you live. The rewards of living in the country far outweigh the negatives of weekly traffic into Christchurch. Dependant on choice 2,000 square metres to 10 acres or more, your chunk of New Zealand can give you a sense of pride you really value. The space is clean and the air is clear with thousands of stars you can see most nights. The silence every evening, the solitude and peace experienced at day break is a lifestyle that’s priceless. I’ve experienced first-hand the wonderful family values a life out in the country brings: room for footy posts, extra pets, huts or even room to fatten a few sheep or cattle. Perhaps one of you has green fingers and the vege garden flourishes. Not to mention the ability to light your own bon fires in season and use a chain saw at will. Okay, some will say it’s a life sentence and sure you have lawns to mow (ride on lawn mower) and a hedge or two to trim, but you will find this a small price to pay for privacy, clean living, happy children and space to spread out. On top of all this, country living represents unbelievable value versus city buying, the value of land measured in acres and hectares not square metres and a home will more than likely be of a larger size with extended outdoor living. Plus, the sheds and barns that allow for the extra storage and opportunities the small residential section always restricted. Heaven is only a 20 minute daily commute, a truly wonderful life experience, I’ve had 20 years of it and am still convinced I made the right decision. |
James Twiss
Licensed Business Owner of Harcourts Four Seasons Realty 2017 Ltd Greg Roberts
Licensed Business Owner of Harcourts Four Seasons Realty 2017 Ltd Archives
September 2020
|