Around The Home ���������������������

Estates great and small

By the time many of our readers pick up a copy of Settling In they’ve already found a home of their own in our region. However, those dipping their toes into the local market before buying or building should take note of some recent developments and trends locally.

SMALL TOWNS, RISING PRICES

Housing stocks may be on the ‘up and up’, but so too are prices, especially in small towns and outlying suburbs of Auckland. In Papakura, for example, the asking price has more than doubled over the last ten years; a decade ago the average home went under the hammer at less than half a million dollars.

According to Vanessa Williams from realestate.co.nz, a ‘driving factor’ resulting in growing interest in homes on the Super City’s southern fringe has been rising prices in the central city.

House prices have also been increasing sharply in outlying suburbs and rural regions of New Zealand’s other urban centres, but Franklin’s burgeoning subdivisions prove that our area has become popular among those looking for suburban living and investors alike.

While Franklin’s urban areas have become a haven for commuters, who need to stay within reach of central Auckland workplaces, the popularity of lifestyle living is another reason urbanites have been looking further afield.

Although some parts of our region are best suited to professional farmers and (due to our rich soils) growers, there are still plenty of lifestyle blocks on offer, but prices for these are growing too.

BUILD IT… UP?

Efforts to save our most productive soil are seeing local towns grow up as well as out. Greater intensification in our suburbs and towns is resulting in more apartment blocks becoming par for the course.

Allowing for more housing at ‘greater heights and density’, plans appear set to enable the building of apartment structures of six storeys or more within walking distance (between 800 and 1,200 metres) of railways stations and express busways.

In addition, in line with changes to the Resource Management Act, housing built up to three-storeys in height can be constructed across most suburbs without resource consent.

IS LIFESTYLE THE NEW TRAVEL?

Why fly away when you could buy a home? An uptick in lifestyle property sales numbers and prices could be heralding a return to greener pastures in more ways than one. Brian Peacocke from the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) believes the pandemic has been, in part, responsible for increased lifestyle property sales.

While borders have reopened, the security of a home that can also provide more in the way of leisure while helping stock the fridge, it appears, is proving a drawcard for Franklin.

Details regarding everything from property prices to building consents and more can be accessed online via such sites as www.realestate.co.nz, www.reinz.co.nz and www.ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.

Home décor

Homeowners building new or updating an existing property will have a myriad of things to consider, from soft furnishings, paint colours, and new flooring through to wall art, occasional furniture and accessories of every description.

Whether revitalising just one room, contemplating a complete upgrade or outfitting a brand new build, it’s never an easy job bringing everything together. Getting the look right often requires expert assistance.

Franklin has many retailers, professionals and tradespeople who are qualified to help solve a myriad of interior design and home decorating problems, while sharing their top style tips. Whether looking for products, advice or services, key people are available to ensure a satisfactory outcome to your search. New residents may be living on the outskirts of Auckland, but the there’s no need to traipse miles for the best. Residents can find everything from cost effective do-it-yourself options through to custom made bespoke gems.

When it comes to protecting the investment you have made in your home by keeping up with ongoing maintenance, repairs and regular makeovers, various companies can and will get the job done for you, or help you to make the most of your own efforts.

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Flooring

Homeowners have a range of options for floors, including wood, carpet, vinyl, tiles, and more. Interior designers and store staff will be able to recommend specific solutions. Meantime, here are a few pointers to consider in advance: 1. FUNCTION Do you have children or pets? Do you exercise in a particular part of the home? If so, opt for practical flooring. For instance, while blonde hardwood and white marble floors are stylish, they may not be the best choice if you have a cat or dog with dark fur. 2. ATMOSPHERE Make sure to choose flooring that contributes to atmosphere you wish to create. For example, natural stone may provide a Zen-like ambiance, whereas blonde hardwood will add warmth to a space. Consider pastel terrazzo for that retro vibe, or dark laminate for a sophisticated look. Make sure to compare samples and seek advice; it’s a good idea to bring along photos of the rooms you’re renovating. 3. INSTALLATION Before you install, consider the subfloor. It may need altering if you have heavy flooring requiring extra support. It will also be necessary if you install wiring, plumbing or underfloor heating. 4. UPKEEP For some floors, more maintenance is required than sweeping or mopping. Porous flooring (such as unglazed tile, limestone and concrete) could need sealant applied periodically, for example, and hardwood may require sanding and varnishing. The amount of upkeep can vary greatly, so it pays to ask the experts.

Carpet Vinyl Laminate LVT Tiles

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Great outdoors

Steller spaces need not be restricted to our homes or rely solely on our DIY skills. Talented landscape designers and gardeners are on hand and prepared to roll up their sleeves. Whether helping envisage outdoor rooms or a major garden overhaul, designers can ensure, be it ever so humble, there’s no place like home.

Before digging in, take a good look around and decide which jobs require ‘outside’ help. Busy professionals may employ a project manager to source products, book trades and supervise the whole job. The newly retired or busy professionals may opt to do likewise if the job seems too big for them. On the other hand, those with more leisure time may enjoy sourcing their own materials.

With regards to lifestyle properties, don’t skimp when it comes to specialists! From fencers to arborists and pest control experts, only the best will deliver the best results.

Last, but not actually ‘last’, consider the time and expense involved with maintenance. There’s little point developing a splendid oasis of any scale if it then falls into rack and ruin. So, take note of which jobs you may tackle yourself and which ones will require the big guns make a return down the track.

WALKERS

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www.drillforce.co.nz Full After Sales Service Advice & Support Phone: 09 267 9100 Mobile : 021 842 475 Email: info@drillforce.co.nz

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