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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.
AI summary
The Kiwi dream of a doer-upper is fading, with buyers now favouring move-in-ready homes. A Trade Me survey shows 49% of buyers want a new or updated property, seeking to avoid rising building costs and budget uncertainty. Only 6% are actively looking for a fixer-upper.
This has created a "quality gap," as a lack of suitable properties is the top barrier for buyers. Sellers with modernised homes hold a significant competitive advantage in the current market.
Trade Me Property Spokesperson Casey Wylde
The quality gap
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