Heading into Christmas is always the sharp end of the rural and lifestyle market, and there is no question our vendors are on the market and have their own plans for the New Year.
We always need a willing buyer and a willing seller; this is exactly where we are now. For those sitting back and expecting to do a better deal in the New Year, you might be waiting a little while. Even with recent interest rate reductions and improvements in the commodity cycle, buyers still have limits.
Of particular interest in this edition is the volume and quality of lifestyle listings on offer, from our wonderful front cover property on SH50, Maraekakaho in Hawke’s Bay, to some stellar offerings in North Canterbury, two provinces with significant lifestyle reputations. However, for those looking to make their dollar go further and bring up a family with space and an executive home, it’s hard to go past some of our Tararua offerings in the lower North Island; the build cost alone in today’s dollars makes these assets look very affordable.
Meanwhile, back on the farm, a key theme this year for those looking to buy Hill Country is that values are very much back to pastoral farming levels, and the competition for these farms is much more aligned with those looking to make a living from traditional farming practices. Brilliant opportunities exist to purchase smaller-scale farm holdings near town and get on the ‘rural’ property ladder at realistic debt servicing levels. Feilding and Ashburton are two very established rural service communities offering great entry farm/ larger lifestyle options in this edition.
Brilliant opportunities exist to purchase smaller-scale farm holdings near town and get on the ‘rural’ property ladder at realistic debt servicing levels.
At the big end of rural real estate, our dairy listings continue to attract significant market interest, both North and South Island, and in this edition, we have a big showing from the South Island. The dairy market has been particularly strong this season in Mid-Canterbury, including support country. Still, for those prepared to consider further afield, it is hard to go past listings like Argyll Group (844ha) in South Otago. Equally for those considering a first farm, the West Coast has proven season on season to offer some of the best value for money in the country, and we have settled many very happy purchasers there in recent years. One observation we’d make this season is that we have genuine buyer interest, which is in stark contrast to last year. Still, purchasers are buying the soils, quality of infrastructure and the location, not the current payout, and we don’t perceive that sentiment changing too much in the New Year.
To close where we started, the market is definitely operating heading into Christmas. There are real opportunities to get on the property ladder at affordable prices this season. The market has support across all levels and where there is a willing buyer and willing seller, there is enough market strength to get the job done and done well. The key, as always, is a disciplined sales and marketing campaign so that parties can get to a position to agree on the final price on clear market evidence. We have a True Team that are very good at that.
Whether you’re looking to buy or sell your farm or lifestyle property, our True Team is here to exceed your expectations. With a perfect blend of energy and experience on your side, you can’t go wrong with Property Brokers.
