"There's not going to be an opportunity to get property at this price and lock those interest rates for two to three years."
He said the last time housing looked so promising was in 2003, and he encouraged anyone who was sitting on the fence to strike while the iron was hot.
"Back in 2003 we had someone who made an offer for $200,000, the client wanted $202,000, that house sold in 2008 for $400,000 - he's still looking - my advice to people is don't be that person, buy it now while you still can."
With the real estate market being flat for so long, Bayleys salesperson Rex Lorigan said the market was starting to look more hopeful.
"People are getting a bit frustrated, owners are expecting as much as they were, they are not giving their houses away, but they want to move on with life. I think that you can get a good buy now for your money."
Most of the sales Bayleys experienced were up to the $350,000 level, but they were also seeing some high-end growth.
"We have had a few sales over the $1 million mark, some up to the $600,000, $700,000, $800,000 mark.
"There are more Aucklanders looking to buy, which is a good sign and there's always Wellingtonians who want to find their place in the sun."
While some people believed a home was out of reach, Mortgage adviser and owner of Mortgage Link Hawke's Bay Judy Steiner said repayments could cost as little as a rental.
"We look at what they are paying in rent, with what a mortgage would cost, technically you could be paying as much for your own house as it is to rent. "There's no better time to buy than right now."
While it may be a feasible option, she urged people to consider whether now was the right time to settle down and take on added responsibility.
3"The thing you need to understand is, it's not something where you can give a few weeks' notice and move out, you are looking at 30 years of rates, house insurance, maintenance and inflation."
Falling in love with a property was one thing, but to avoid purchasing a "lemon", there were a few simple steps to follow.
"I always say to people, you are about to commit a quarter of a million dollars, I want them to know what they are getting is a good home without any issues that could come back and bite them in the ass.
"Pace yourself, get a builder's report, work with an adviser who will hold your hand through the whole process, and don't sign anything without having it checked over by a lawyer."
Before taking on a mortgage Ms Steiner advised paying off all short-term debt such as credit cards, personal loans, GE cards and overdrafts.
"When people fail in their mortgage - and it's very rare - it's usually because they have too much short-term debt."
All things taken into account, owning was a fantastic investment for the future and meant having a place to call home in your retirement.
"Financially it's more expensive, but they will have their own home, the other thing with a mortgage is you are not going to be putting up with rising rents, you can hold that [fixed interest rate] and say 'that's all I'm going to pay for the next six years'.
"The benefits are security - you can't be kicked out because the landlord wants to move back in, you don't have someone coming around for inspections every three months - you have joined the homeowners' team, it raises your sense of well-being, and you won't be renting on the super."
House prices are up slightly on last year after changes to Reserve Bank rules, but it is still a prime time for purchasing property.
"Interest rates were in the fours, now it's a little bit more restrictive for first-home buyers, the last time it was this good was in the mid 2000s but values were rising then."
When choosing between fixed and floating interest rates, it came down to individual circumstances.
As a general rule: "If you have to know, fix, if you don't care, float, or do half and half - people that can stand rises float as it's cheaper than fixed."
Those looking to get a foot in the property market should always weigh up their options with the help of a professional, Ms Steiner added.
She said mortgage advisers could offer impartial advice.
"Some people think that they can't afford their own home, I had a couple in last week who felt it wasn't possible, but when we worked it out, they walked away feeling positive."
Insight, p10-11
