Welcome to this week’s property report. 

As we all try to decipher what level three announcements may mean for all of us next week, it will be great to see the Wanaka based tradies crack back into building and finishing off properties in the region. They make up a decent size of the workforce in town so I am looking forward to see them gearing up again.

This week, I spoke at length to an owner of a franchise build company who told me that over the lockdown period they had only lost one build contract but had confirmed another too. For a company that builds between 25-30 homes a year, I thought this was really positive news. Speaking to a number of tourist related businesses here in town, a common and shared opinion is for the Govt to open up our borders to Australia as a priority.

It is well documented that Australia makes up a significant proportion of the tourism market to both NZ and to Central Otago, so some form of travel between both countries could be a necessary step to enable the tourism sector to soldier through the tough times we are seeing. I read this morning that some airlines are undertaking blood tests before passengers board the plane too – measures like this are only going to give us more confidence with movement of people going forward. In regards to property, I

am been asked daily what is happening…?? 

Well under lockdown Ray White Wanaka has now sold four properties unconditionally, with my listing at 749 Aubrey Road selling this week. The team and I have seen a significant lift in internet traffic, emails and phone calls this week too.  I have fielded calls and emails from expats in London, Singapore, Auckland and from around NZ.

Buyer interest is up significantly as we hopefully see the country get back to some form of a workforce in the coming week or so. According the official Covid 19 guidelines for the real estate industry, moving to Alert Level 3 means that private viewings are again possible, with strict hygiene procedures of course being adhered to.

This is great as it means that I can be on a video call to buyers who cannot travel. No open homes at this stage but viewings of property is a big bonus. It also means that we can get several new properties photographed and online too. 

If you have any questions in regards to properties you might like to view please let me know. 

We have been taking the home schooling one day at a time with our kids and are being led by them in terms of what they want to do and how much. The technology that allows them to engage with their teachers and classmates is great and I have marvelled at the way online games and exercises are helping them to learn. There was definitely none of that in my day! 

I wish you all the very best as we steer through the next few weeks and months, please let me know if I can be of help. 

Best regards 

Mitch