| 21 T T Bernadette Cooney An attractive option Shawn Gibbon: “We’re incredibly lucky in Taranaki.” Collective First National New Plymouth: Rata St REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT The recent decision by the Reserve Bank to lower the Official Cash Rate (OCR) by 50 basis points to 3.75% has injected fresh energy into investment and real estate sectors, and Taranaki in particular, is well placed to enter a new phase of growth, says Collective First National New Plymouth owner, Shawn Gibbon. Lowered interest rates, abating inflation and renewed enthusiasm were drawing investors and first-home buyers into the real estate market, says Shawn, and the Taranaki region offers exceptional value. “Over the last two to three months we’ve seen a clear change in the market. We believe we’ve hit the bottom, and the market is now on a recovery in sale volume and prices. We can see this year as an opportune time for investors and homebuyers alike. “So, it’s a positive market, and more investors will come into the market as it’s not really worth leaving money in the bank any more, with the interest rates being so much lower,” Shawn says. With the possibility of further OCR reductions later this year, Taranaki’s real estate market is on the upswing. “It’s all positive for investors over the next 12 months, and I think over the next two years it’s going to be quite substantially better, where they can expect solid returns and capital appreciation,” says Shawn. Collective First National has the largest real estate team in Taranaki, with approximately 70 licensed agents across four office locations at Hawera, New Plymouth, Stratford and Opunake. “We have qualified and skilled agents across every division: residential, property management, commercial, lifestyle and farming properties,” says Shawn. “Whether you’re buying or selling a farm, a lifestyle block, an investment property or first home, we have locally placed specialists to guide you through the process.” The Taranaki real estate market has remained relatively stable, due to the region’s strong employment landscape and an economy anchored by major industries, including dairy farming, meat processing, engineering, and manufacturing. Companies such as Fonterra, Silver Fern Farms, and Yarrow’s the Bakers provide consistent employment, ensuring economic resilience. “We’re incredibly lucky in Taranaki. We have steady employment and a diverse economy, which protects us from the extreme highs and lows seen in cities like Auckland and Wellington,” says Shawn. This stability makes Taranaki an attractive destination for homebuyers relocating from Auckland, Wellington and Tauranga. “People can sell their homes in Auckland or Wellington for two or three million and buy a much nicer property and lifestyle here for half the price,” says Shawn. “We have a mountain that’s only 20 minutes away, and surf only 20 minutes away, and we have job security, so why wouldn’t you want to live in Taranaki?” Building enquiries and section sales are picking up. Local buyers, who previously found it cheaper to buy existing homes, are now seeing the viability of building new, thanks to eased section prices and renewed confidence in capital gains. Next Generation Real Estate 0800 32 37 55 New Plymouth l Stratford l Hawera l Opunake www.fntaranaki.co.nz Licensed REA 2008
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