As Kiwis faced broad-based uncertainty as a result of the global pandemic, interest in the lifestyle property sector soared, underpinned by the flexible options afforded by larger, rural land sites and a growing push to self-sustenance.

While the surge of Omicron may well have peaked, New Zealanders are now grappling with lasting economic effects including inflation, which continues to deliver rising prices for goods and services.

By mid-year, Kiwis are expected to be paying some seven percent more for everyday items including food and petrol, causing some households to tighten the purse strings and look to their assets as a source of productivity.

For owners of lifestyle properties, Bayleys outlines some of the inventive add-value opportunities emerging as a result.

HORTICULTURE

New Zealand’s horticultural industry has remained strong despite the recent economic disruption of a global pandemic, with the sector reporting record export value growth.

New Zealand’s avocado, apple and kiwifruit sectors in particular continue to attract new investors thanks to a relatively affordable entry-level level for a home and small orchard when contrasted with other more established fruit varieties.

Generating some $200 million in sales last year and rising in value by more than 66 percent in the last decade, New Zealand’s avocado industry is set for big growth with budding orchardists taking notice.

Large commercial operators are working with local Iwi to establish agreeable industry settings, while a preferable growing climate, water supply and well-draining soil make for an ideal crop establishment in New Zealand’s northern regions.

SAFE HAVEN SITES

New Zealand’s stable political climate and ‘safe haven’ status have made a lasting impression on buyers based offshore, especially those seeking the land and lifestyle unavailable in large cities.

In its recent Global Buyer Survey, Bayleys’ strategic partner Knight Frank found that 39 percent of the expatriates surveyed have purchased a home in their country of origin since the start of the pandemic.

For Kiwis that have already returned home, the switch to more agile working environments following prolonged lockdown restrictions raises more questions about the need to live close to the city.

Expatriate Kiwis are returning home with a little more cash in their pockets, and after living in bustling cities some are finding better value for their children and families in a move away from city areas.

REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE

Practised by only a niche number of Kiwi farmers, the concept of regenerative agriculture is gaining momentum as a growing awareness of climate change and sustainable farm operations build traction around the world.

Farming practices that mimic natural systems including diversification of crops, the use of natural inputs, and more productive land use and management techniques are of growing interest to buyers across the lifestyle sales sector, with enquiry about forestry and carbon credit initiatives also on the rise.

In New Zealand, the organic and plant-based food market continues to experience strong growth, denoting a wave of support attracting government attention and growing calls for greater government investment into understanding and better utilising these practices.

For lifestyle property owners adopting principles of regenerative agriculture has the potential to future-proof their investment, while offering exposure to new agribusiness avenues and an approach to land management that is more sustainable and better for the environment.

HOBBY FARMS

The quest for more natural food sources in the wake of disrupted supply chains and extended lockdown restrictions has fuelled a push for hobby farming with beekeeping a popular and low maintenance route.

Now a $5 billion industry in New Zealand, lifestyle property owners are unlocking the potential of apiculture by purchasing beehives and utilising the valuable role they play in pollination to produce goods including beeswax for household items, cosmetics and honey.

Hive registrations with the Ministry of Primary Industries have recorded a sizeable uplift in recent years and there is an emerging market for professional beekeepers and hive management companies for those looking to develop a viable supplementary income stream essentially managed and maintained by an external operator.