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Is this the death of the ‘doer-upper’? Why buyers are ditching the DIY dream
With the increasing cost of living and rising building costs, more Kiwi are putting down the tools.
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The classic Kiwi dream of a doer-upper is fading as buyers increasingly seek turnkey convenience. A recent Trade Me survey shows 49% of buyers want a new or updated home, while only 6% are looking for a fixer-upper, driven by a desire for budget certainty.
This has created a quality gap, with 51% of buyers struggling to find suitable properties. Sellers with modernised homes hold a significant advantage in the current market, especially as many homeowners are not renovating.
Trade Me Property Spokesperson Casey Wylde
The quality gap
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