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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 Kiwi dream of a 'doer-upper' is fading as buyers prioritise convenience and budget certainty. A Trade Me survey shows 49% of buyers want a new or updated home, while only 6% are looking for a fixer-upper.
This trend has created a 'quality gap', with 51% of buyers struggling to find suitable properties. Since most homeowners aren't renovating to sell, vendors with modernised homes have a significant competitive advantage in the current market.
Trade Me Property Spokesperson Casey Wylde
The quality gap
The myth of the summer slump
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