by The Landlord
By Jonathan Underhill
Building approvals rose about 12%, seasonally adjusted, in February, climbing from a record low in January, according to Statistics New Zealand. Excluding apartments, the number of consents rose 0.3% last month. Dwelling consent were 40% from the same month of 2008.
Lower borrowing costs are offsetting the impact of rising unemployment in an economy mired in recession. The central bank lowered the official cash rate to a record low 3% this month and said further, smaller cuts are possible. Variable rate mortgages fell to about 6.45% this month from as much as 10.45% in October, according to the GoodReturns.co.nz website. Five-year fixed rates bottomed last month at an average 6.5%, from 8.89% in October.
« Home sales, prices revive in February | Falling interest rates making property more attractive » |
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