Editorial: Houses drive growth in Bay

Property growth is drawing people to the Bay.

My husband and I are looking to buy our first home - and the thought of it is exciting and daunting.

I'm glad I'm not battling the masses in Auckland but the market in Tauranga certainly has its challenges as well.

In the six weeks we've been looking we've found only one house that will work for us.

We were fully prepared and headed along to the auction last month but the bidding was fierce and it quickly hit a price we weren't willing to pay. The real estate agent told us it went for about $30,000 more than even she expected.

Yesterday we reported that the number of properties sold in Tauranga in March rose 45 per cent year on year. Tauranga Harcourts general manager Nigel Martin says sales across Tauranga, Papamoa and Mount Maunganui are the strongest in years and reflect market confidence.

While the busy market may make it more difficult for first-home buyers, such as us, to find a house, that's fine because a buoyant market is great for the city. The city council approved almost 20 per cent more residential building consents last month compared with the previous March, which meant building companies are taking on more staff.

I'm pleased to see the city growing and moving ahead.

It means more opportunities for young Tauranga residents to get into work, to lure others to the region and eventually push wages up. Not to mention, the more houses built, the more available for buyers.

Paul Bloxham, HSBC chief economist for Australia and New Zealand, recently reiterated his claims New Zealand has a "rock star" economy.

While Auckland and Christchurch may be the main drivers of that, Tauranga is definitely benefiting.

More Aucklanders are looking to move to the Bay for a better lifestyle and cheaper housing. This means more people spending their money in the Bay.

A booming economy gives people confidence and encourages spending.

I'm all for anything that will help grow our city and make it an even better place to live.

Meantime, we will keep looking for a home that suits us - and keep saving.