Industry Articles

Why do Chinese builders still choose finance companies despite their high interest rates? (Construction lending series, part one)

Should you approach a bank or a finance company for a construction and development loan? Conventional wisdom tells us banks offer lower interest rates, have greater financial resources and provide more security. Yet in recent years, some New Zealand builders have preferred to borrow from finance companies. What explains this? We invited professionals from Huarong Finance to shed some light.

28/08/2020

Think doors and windows in rooms and extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms meet ventilation standards? Think again! (Healthy Homes Standards explained, part three)

With everyone spending much more time at home these days, how can we maintain adequate airflow and make our homes more comfortable in cold, damp weather? Today we continue our detailed look at ventilation under the Healthy Homes Standards, referred to below as the Standards.

27/08/2020

An event not to miss: New Zealand industry leaders discuss property investment opportunities

The coronavirus pandemic has continued to intensify downward pressure on the global economy. Governments, businesses and organisations worldwide have found it essential to strengthen their analysis of international economic conditions and develop targeted policies and measures promptly. NEXT Salon was created in response.

26/08/2020

From an empty site to a move-in-ready home in 18 hours: could New Zealand housing be this simple in future?

Early in 2020, the extraordinary speed of construction at Leishenshan and Huoshenshan hospitals on the outskirts of Wuhan allowed the world to witness the enormous potential of prefabricated buildings online. Half a year later, prefabricated homes caused another sensation with an astonishing live demonstration.

25/08/2020

Do portable electric heaters fail to meet heating requirements? Healthy Homes Standards explained, part two

Just when it seemed New Zealand’s winter was receding, persistent rain returned alongside the pandemic. Under Level 3, people are once again working and studying from home, and the cold, damp weather has brought household comfort further into focus. Today we continue our detailed explanation of the Healthy Homes Standards (the Standards), this time looking at heating.

21/08/2020

Affordable, energy-efficient and warm: could the first Chinese prefabricated homes to reach New Zealand help solve its housing crisis?

Yesterday, several major New Zealand media outlets reported on a batch of new homes prefabricated in Guangzhou and shipped to Auckland. Could these homes, which can be assembled like cars in just a few hours, offer first-home buyers an ideal, affordable option? Could their efficiency solve the housing crisis that has troubled New Zealand for years? Industry opinion remains divided.

20/08/2020

How can the world's latest housing designs and technologies be adapted for New Zealand? Industry experts from China and New Zealand share their views

The annual Shenzhen International Turnkey Home Exhibition will be held at the Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Centre from 20 August to 23. The New Zealand Chinese Building Industry Association is honoured to be one of the exhibition's official international partners.

19/08/2020

Election postponed and new support announced — New Zealand can save its economy without disregarding lives!

Economists estimate that Level 3 restrictions will reduce Auckland's economic activity by around 20%. Today, Prime Minister Jacinda Arden also announced that New Zealand's general election would be postponed until 17 October. With Auckland set to remain under Level Three lockdown for at least another 10 days, the Government and experts have offered their views on how to address the potential economic impact of a second wave.

17/08/2020

150,000,000 lost in three days! Does keeping Auckland at Level 3 mean prolonged pain or short-term pain?

At a press conference that has just ended, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced that Auckland would remain at Level 3 for another 12 days, until 23:59 on 26 August. The rest of the country will remain at Level 2.

14/08/2020

It may no longer be 'too early' to discuss Level 4 — can New Zealand's economy withstand another lockdown?!

Where did this sudden community transmission begin? How long will the second wave last, and how severe will it be? Will Auckland become another Melbourne? Can New Zealand's economy withstand another nationwide lockdown? These questions have been weighing on every New Zealander's mind in recent days.

14/08/2020

The ‘hidden corner’: what you need to know when building a home in New Zealand…

Did you know? Most homes in New Zealand are built with timber frames, but this ‘hidden’ corner is often overlooked during construction. Read on to see whether this sounds familiar! The ‘hidden corner’: what you need to know when building a home in New Zealand…

13/08/2020

The toughest tenancy law yet is about to take effect. Can being a landlord in New Zealand still be enjoyable?

Just last week, on 5 August, Parliament passed a major amendment making substantial changes to the Residential Tenancies Act 1986. The Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill 2020 now needs only the Governor-General’s signature before it begins taking effect. It will have a significant impact on landlords and tenants alike, and many landlords are even considering changing their investment plans. Let us look at the changes to residential tenancy rules and their consequences:

12/08/2020