A P R I L
M A R K E T
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P U L S E
C21
PUBLISHER Century 21 Australia Pty Ltd
CONTRIBUTORS Kathryn Madden Tim Neary Tim Lawless Chris Gray Terri Scheer Landlord Insurance On The Move Bradley Beer Laura Barry
EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES Century 21 Australia (02) 8295 0600
ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES
WELCOME TO THE
APRIL 2019 ISSUE OF
C21 MARKET PULSE
Century 21 Australia (02) 8295 0600
DISCLAIMER We have in preparing this information used our best endeavours to ensure that the information contained therein is true and accurate, but accept no responsibility and disclaim all liability in respect of any errors, inaccuracies or misstatements contained herein. Prospective buyers and sellers should make their own enquiries to verify the information contained herein. All information contained in the CENTURY 21 Australia Pty Ltd website is provided as a convenience to clients. All links to property prices displayed on the website are current at the time of issue, but may change at any time and are subject to availability. For more information on our Privacy Policy please refer to: www.century21.com.au/privacy
C O N T E N T S A P R I L
STAY FINANCE SAVVY
02-03
2 0 1 9
MOVE SMARTER
5 savvy finance tips for homebuyers and
Confessions of a serial mover.
property owners.
On The Move
10-11
Home Beautiful Magazine Editor, Kathryn Madden
WHY A QUANTITY SURVEYOR? EXPANDING NETWORK
04
What is a quantity surveyor? BMT Tax Depreciation, Bradley Beer
C21 opens in high-profile Melbourne suburb. Real Estate Business Journalist, Tim Neary
HOUSING CORRECTION
AVOID BUYER’S REMORSE 05
buy property.
Corelogic Head of Research, Tim Lawless
Home Beautiful Magazine Editor, Laura Barry
06-07
Century 21 from right around Australia.
Your Empire CEO, Chris Gray
PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY
OPEN HOMES A selection of properties for sale with
It’s not all about price.
08-09
Top 5 tips for landlords. Terri Scheer Landlord Insurance
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4 things most people forget to check when they
Housing downturn loses some steam.
THE PRICE OF HAPPINESS
12
01
CENTURY 21
15-23
S TAY F I N A N C E S AV V Y
5 savvy finance tips for homebuyers and property owners. BY K AT H R Y N M A D D E N ,
EDITOR, HOME BEAUTIFUL MAGAZINE
Because your mortgage may be the biggest fiscal commitment you ever make. First-time homebuyer; seasoned renovator; keen investor… whatever your property prowess, chances are you’re looking for the best deal when it comes to financing your home. Here’s how to get more bang for your buck while progressing your real estate dreams towards reality.
1. LEARN YOUR LOAN LINGO Before you borrow from a bank or lender, brush up on your vocab: a fixed rate home loan locks in your interest rate for about five years,
promising consistent repayments
to your name, you may find it harder
(ideal for those on a strict budget).
to obtain approval. The key here is to
A variable loan – the most popular
project towards the future – if you’re
option in Australia – will vary in line
looking to purchase a property next
with movements in market interest
year, now’s the time to work out a
rates, while a split loan combines
payment strategy (and contact your
the best of both worlds and wins a
credit provider for assistance if
vote from Charles Tarbey, Chairman
you’re struggling).
of Century 21 in Australia. “In the current market, it’s often best to take a loan that has a part fixed
3. ENLIST THE EXPERTS
component to protect yourself
We call on real estate agents to
against interest rate rises,” he
show us the hottest properties, and
explains.
interior designers to deck them out, so why wouldn’t we engage
2. DEAL WITH DEBT
an expert to help us find the right
To maximise your chances of
research the market, compare bank
securing a home loan, get your
rates and do the heavy lifting (read:
finances in order first. If you already
negotiating with lenders) for you.
have a large debt or bad credit rating
“With so many options on offer, a
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home loan? A mortgage broker will
CENTURY 21
broker – representing a number of institutions – can give you unbiased
5. READ THE CLIMATE
choice,” says Charles. But do your
The property market always ebbs
research and choose a professional
and flows, but every once in a while
you can trust: brokers earn a
an event has a radical impact. Case
commission from signing you up to
in point: the recent Royal Banking
a home loan, and may be swayed
Commission. The inquiry into
towards certain lenders.
Australia’s major banks revealed the institutions had been lending
4. REASSESS AND REFINANCE
to customers who couldn’t afford
So you’ve nailed steps one to three
seeing a serious tightening in
and have been living the great
lending criteria. Explains Charles,
Australian dream of home ownership
“Homebuyers have been greatly
– but don’t get stuck in a rut. If
impacted as the banks look more
you’re unhappy with your current
closely than ever into the lifestyle
lender, looking to fund a renovation
of the potential borrower.” It’s not
or hoping to reduce mortgage
all doom and gloom though –
repayments, it may be time to
while securing a loan will take due
refinance your loan. You can go one
diligence in the current climate,
of two ways, either negotiating a
declining house prices are providing
new home loan with your current
new opportunities to purchase.
repayments; as such, we’re now
financial institution, or switching to a new one altogether (often smaller lenders serve up competitive deals). That said, there may be substantial exit costs involved in changing providers (especially on a fixed rate loan), so be sure to crunch all the numbers before making any decisions.
Article Link: https://www.homebeautiful.com.au/financetips-for-homebuyers-and-property-owners
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EXPANDING NETWORK
C21 OPENS IN HIGHPROFILE MELBOURNE SUBURB Century 21 has expanded its Victoria network, opening in one of Melbourne’s most prestigious and sought-after suburbs.
B Y T I M N E A R Y, JOURNALIST AT R E A L E S TAT E B U S I N E S S
for various groups.
“The new logo pays homage to
“With in excess of 20 years’ experience in real estate, Gilbert is more than ready to take his next challenge of managing his own C21-branded
the iconic nature of the Century 21 brand across the world but also points to the future with a fresh and vibrant outlook.” Mr Tarbey also said
business. Century 21 has opened an office in
“It’s great to
Balwyn, Century 21 Reach, to be led
have someone
by principal Gilbert Ng.
of Gilbert’s
Mr Ng said that he and his “highly qualified” team will offer sales and property management services throughout metropolitan Melbourne.
calibre join our family, and we’re confident our extensive
that the new
“...the whole team is committed to providing our local community with the very best services to help them with their property needs.”
campaign with
joined Century 21, and the whole
Seven West Media will
team is committed to providing
contribute to their success as a
our local community with the very
C21 office.”
property needs,” Mr Ng said. “Century 21 Reach will specialise in both residential and commercial property and is located in a highprofile office in Balwyn.” Century 21 Australasia owner and chairman Charles Tarbey said that Mr Ng is set up for success.
logo is designed to project a modern image and better reflect how consumers describe the brand.
marketing
“We are very pleased to have
best service to help them with their
shortened C21
“It was also pleasing to see that the logo will be shortened to C21, as other businesses have had a great deal
Century 21 overhauled its brand and logo last year to reposition the network for the new era after nearly
of success shortening their names and capitalising on how consumers describe their businesses.”
50 years of operating. Chairman Charles Tarbey said at the time that the new identity was a part of the brand’s evolution in the region. “The new brand is built around our new standard of defying mediocrity
He said that Mr Ng is “very active”
and delivering extraordinary real
in his local community and
estate experiences to consumers.
frequently conducts charity actions
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The story C21 opens in high-profile Melbourne suburb, first appeared on Real Estate Business (REB). Article Link: https://www.realestatebusiness.com.au/ breaking-news/18405-c21-opens-in-highprofile-melbourne-suburb
HOUSING CORRECTION
HOUSING DOWNTURN LOSES SOME STEAM BY T I M L AW L E S S , CO R E LO G I C H E A D O F R E S E A R C H
Although the CoreLogic national hedonic index series trended lower in March, the actual rate of decline has been easing over the past three months. In fact, Mr Lawless confirmed that the 0.6% drop in March was actually
fall in values; the exceptions being
fallen by a cumulative 27.5% and
regional Tasmania (+0.5%) and
18.1% respectively since peaking in
regional South Australia (+0.3%).
2014. Mr Lawless said, “The silver
The quarterly trend in dwelling values is showing a similar pattern, with six of the eight capitals recording a fall in values over the March quarter, led by Darwin
0.5% in October last year.
months and have fallen by a
more geographically
Dwelling values were down across six of the eight capital cities, with Canberra values holding
cumulative 7.4% since peaking in October 2017. Despite the broad based weakness, the national index remains 15.9% higher relative to five years ago, highlighting that most property owners
widespread.”
remain in a strong equity position.
“While the pace of falls has slowed in March, the scope of the downturn has become more geographically widespread.”
Markets where values peaked much earlier have shown a more substantial downturn. In
firm while Hobart values were 0.6% higher. Most of the ‘rest of state’ regions, which comprise the areas outside the capital cities, also recorded a
of the country.”
noted that dwelling values remain
been trending lower for seventeen
of the downturn has become
more active relative to other areas
Sydney (-3.2%).
month declines since values fell by
falls has slowed in March, the scope
buyers are proportionally much
On the other hand, Mr Lawless
National dwelling values have
Lawless said, “While the pace of
very affordable and first home
(-3.9%), Melbourne (-3.4%) and
the smallest of the month-on-
Commenting on the results, Mr
lining here is that housing is now
Darwin and Perth, where weak housing market conditions were driven by post mining boom weaker economic and demographic conditions, dwelling values have
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at record highs across Hobart and regional Tasmania, and only marginally lower in Canberra (-0.2%), Adelaide (-0.5%) and Brisbane (-1.6%), as well as regional Victoria (-0.8%). Although housing market conditions remain relatively healthy in these regions, conditions have noticeably softened over the past twelve month with values either slipping or the pace of growth slowing materially.
THE PRICE OF HAPPINESS
IT’S NOT ALL ABOUT PRICE B Y C H R I S G R A Y, C E O, YO U R E M P I R E
Any successful and experienced salesperson, from any industry, will tell you that when someone sells something, it’s not always about accepting the highest offer they are given. For those of you that are looking at buying a home or investment, this is true in property too.
1. SELLING TO A ‘NICE’ PERSON
2. LENGTH OF SETTLEMENT
Your home is your castle and it’s
you typically have six weeks to
been where someone’s family has
come up with money and the vendor
grown up over the last 30 or 40
has six weeks to move out of their
years. Many owners will be very
property and into their next home.
sensitive about who is going to take
For those in financial stress or in
over their home and what they are
desperate need of raising cash
going to do with it. They’re much
quickly, if you have the ability to
more likely to sell to a ‘nice’ young
settle within a week or two, this
family than they are a renovator
could make you the most unique
or developer that’s likely to tear it
buyer in the market. Conversely,
down.
if someone needs more time to
Once you exchange on a property
find sort out their belongings that they’ve hoarded for decades,
The vendor of a property isn’t
offering them a 12 or 16 week
always 100% motivated by money and so it’s really important to talk to the real estate sales agent and find out as much as you can about the property and the vendor. You may well be able to secure a property for less than you thought, even if a competing buyer is willing to pay more.
“Many owners will be very sensitive about who is going to take over their home and what they are going to do with it.”
extension could be just what they’re looking for.
3. ABILITY TO REMAIN IN THE PROPERTY AFTER SALE Depending on the market that you are transacting in, it can be hard to know how long it could take for
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a vendor to find a new home and
properties are coming up for sale
Many of these motivations above
many are cautious about buying,
and if the vendor would be open
maybe completely illogical
before they know what their home
to taking an offer prior to listing. It
especially when you put your
will actually sell for. Rather than
can be harder to negotiate a much
accountants or bankers’ hat on, but
offering a longer settlement, a buyer
lower price in this situation, but at
so much of the property market is
could always offer a vendor the
least you get to buy the property
based on emotion rather than facts
ability to rent the property off them
you really want and at a fair price,
or figures.
after settlement until they manage
rather than having competition push
to secure their next property. This
it higher.
property for a better price, then
would save a vendor from having to move multiple times, which everyone knows can be a major emotional hassle and uncertainty.
If you’re keen to buy a better
5. SAVE MONEY ON MARKETING AND AUCTIONS Taking a property to market, running
4. NOT LETTING THE NEIGHBOURS KNOW
an advertising campaign and going
Not all vendors want to let the
some vendors maybe open to taking
neighbours or community know that
an offer prior to listing. Also, if a
they are selling, especially if they
property doesn’t sell at auction it
are going through financial stress
becomes ‘stale’ and the price could
or divorce. This is when selling a
drop further – another reason why
property before it comes on the
accepting a fair offer before listing
market, often known as a silent sale,
could be just what the vendor is
can be very advantageous. Speaking
looking for.
working hand in hand with a sales or a buyer’s agent can be the key to achieving that goal and asking more questions could save you literally tens of thousands of dollars
to auction can be an expensive process and another reason why
to a sales agent about what future
ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTOR Chris Gray is CEO of Your Empire, a buyers’ agency that buys homes and investments for time-poor people – searching, negotiating, renovating and managing property on their behalf. Chris has spent over 10 years as the host of ‘Your Property Empire’ on Sky News Business channel, where he’s interviewed various heads of property research companies and major industry figures. Chris is a qualified accountant, buyer’s agent and mortgage broker. For more information visit www.yourempire.com.au, www.chrisgray.com.au and follow Chris on Twitter: @ChrisGrayEmpire.
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PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY
TOP 5 TIPS FOR LANDLORDS BY TERRI SCHEER LANDLORD INSURANCE Property investment is a long-term game. Finding and financing a good property are just the initial steps. To succeed, you need to plan for all possible contingencies. Here are five tips on how to protect and grow your investments:
1. APPOINT AN EXPERT PROPERTY MANAGER If you don’t have time and the right expertise, it’s wise to let an agent manage your property. In addition to their fees being tax deductible, a good agent will have a firm grasp on how much rent it is acceptable to charge, be able to sort out maintenance issues promptly and cost-effectively, and arrange regular inspections of your property. The best agents will also be experienced in finding and scrutinising good tenants, conducting reference
checks and ensuring they pay on
sure the right kind of tenants apply
time, thereby guaranteeing a reliable
by ensuring the rental price is in
income stream.
line with similar properties in your
An expert property manager will also be thoroughly versed in their responsibilities. This will alleviate any concerns a landlord might have with regards to complying with regulation.
area. This is another area where the benefit of a good property manager becomes obvious. Less reliable tenants will be filtered by the thorough vetting process conducted by the best property managers. Once you’ve found good tenants,
2. FIND AND RETAIN GOOD TENANTS
you need to keep them; you don’t
You want reliable, long-term tenants
who are less responsible. As an
that pay their rent on time and take
experienced landlord, you don’t want
care of your property. Securing
to pay more than you have to for the
responsible tenants will significantly
costs of advertising or vetting.
want your property to sit empty for long periods or risk taking on tenants
reduce the financial risks associated with investment property and make it less likely that you will have to endure the time-consuming and potentially costly task of replacing undesirable tenants.
Quality tenants will expect your property to be well maintained, so ensure you have a sound budget for maintenance and repair. Remember that a good tenant/ landlord relationship goes some
Because of this, it is important not
way to retaining tenants, so keep the
to skimp on advertising, and to make
lines of communications open and
sure your listing is disseminated as
consider your tenant’s requests.
widely as possible. You can make
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3. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS AND YOUR TENANTS’ RIGHTS
across states. For instance, when a
Remember, under current tax laws,
tribunal is deciding whether a rent
the cost of landlord insurance is tax
increase is excessive, it will consider
deductible.
Be up-to-date on both your rights
factors such as rent for similar
and your tenants’ rights so that you
premises in similar areas, the length
don’t unwittingly find yourself in
of time since the last rent increase,
breach of the law and can quickly
and what the tenant had been
resolve any issues that arise. The
paying previously.
legislation passed at the state level. All states will have something in place. Tenancy laws in each state or territory are generally similar, but it is still important for landlords to familiarise themselves their own state’s regulations. It isn’t necessary to labour through the text of the act itself to do this; the rights and obligations they set out will be
4. BE AWARE OF TAX BENEFITS TO WHICH YOU ARE ENTITLED There are many tax rules that must be followed in order to claim income and expenses properly on an investment property. You need to know what you can claim, what documents you need to provide and to have a good system for safeguarding these.
explained through factsheets and
The Australian Tax Office’s
guides published on each respective
website is a good starting point
government website. Good
to understanding what you can
examples include the Consumer
claim. However, your accountant
Affairs Victoria website and
or tax agent will advise on issues
Queensland’s Residential Tenancies
that relate to your specific
Authority website but it’s important
circumstances. Ensure you
you find the relevant document for
understand all implications
the state in which your properties
regarding negative and positively
are located.
geared property, as well as capital
Common areas of potential conflict range from rental bonds, rental increases, rental arrears, repairs and maintenance to locks, security, access, privacy and end agreements. If a conflict cannot be resolved, the issue will go to your state’s civil and administrative tribunal. There will usually be fees associated with this. Queensland’s and Victoria’s civil and administrative tribunals offer good examples of what you may pay if a dispute reaches this stage.
your employment income to cover the interest cost and expenses of your investments, it’s prudent to check whether you have adequate
rights and obligations of landlords and tenants are formalised through
Also, if you are relying on part of
gains tax.
income protection insurance in case you find yourself unable to work for whatever reason. If you have an investment apartment, don’t assume that the body corporate insurance provides coverage for everything. While common areas like lifts, gardens, foyers, building wiring and so on will typically be covered, it is always important to check the policy the body corporate has purchased. Some risks, such as liability within your apartment or units for example, may not be covered. Insurance policies can be quite complex and unintended gaps can occur in your coverage if the policy isn’t thorough enough. That’s why it’s wise to receive professional advice and undertake the necessary research prior to entering into new arrangements.
5. DON’T ASSUME YOU ARE COVERED FOR EVERYTHING In addition to building insurance, you will need landlord insurance to manage other risks associated with renting property. Landlord insurance can cover financial loss
ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTOR The information contained in this article is intended to be of a general nature only. Terri Scheer does not accept any legal responsibility for any loss incurred as a result of reliance upon it. Insurance issued by
incurred from a variety of quarters,
Vero Insurance.
which includes, but is not limited to:
Read the Product Disclosure Statement before
water damage; the sudden death
buying this insurance and consider whether it is
of a tenant; tenants who can’t pay
right for you. Contact Terri Scheer on 1800 804 016
As with state legislation, tribunals
rent due to financial hardship and
or visit our website at www.terrischeer.com.au
will treat particular issues using
tenants who abscond from the
methodologies that are similar
property.
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for a copy. https://www.terrischeer.com.au/
09
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MOVE SMARTER
CONFESSIONS OF A SERIAL MOVER BY ON THE MOVE It’s said that moving house is one of the most stressful life events (no. 3 behind death and divorce apparently). There is a group of people who, whether for work, adventure or other circumstances, find themselves relocating regularly, sometimes internationally. On The Move had a chat with some of these serial shifters to find out their secrets behind a stress-free move.
1. THROW A DINNER PARTY
At the same time trundle out the boxes marked for donation, and give
3. ZIPLOCK BAGS
your friends first crack at the items.
Most of our frequent moving
Just make sure you take out anything
customers are fans of ziplock bags.
they might have given you!
Particularly for: cables, chargers and remotes.
2. PLASTIC TUBS
When you unplug your tv, coil up the
A common suggestion, especially if you end up having to go into temporary accommodation in transit or are moving for a short time and don’t want to have to unpack and repack. Those large plastic storage boxes are a fantastic idea because : • You can start putting things away
in the tubs in advance.
cables and shove them in a ziplock together with the remote. We’ve all experienced the time when the TV remote got separated somehow and you don’t find it for months. Call it a first-world problem, but it’s really hard to channel surf when you have to get up and walk to the TV! It may sound strange, but you can store your shoes in ziplock bags.
• The clear nature means you can
It means that at the other end you
to family and friends, it’s a great way
can find both sides quickly, and if
to get through the contents of your
• You can keep the items in the
Yes, really. Besides saying goodbye
pantry and freezer, use up those half opened bottles of sauce. It also gives you the opportunity to get really creative with your menu and have your own Masterchef Mystery Box challenge.
see where you’ve put everything.
tubs at the other end while
you wait for the furniture to
arrive, and some things can
stay in there permanently
without worrying about items
getting wet or boxes being
damaged.
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you pack them together in a storage tub then you’ve got an instant shoe cupboard!
4. PACK FOR A WEEKEND AWAY By the time you get to moving day,
and everything has arrived, you are
keeping a few favourite dog-eared
like On The Move. Firstly the service
probably an emotionally drained
tomes)
is free, and also they can do multiple
exhausted wreck who just wants to lie down.
It’s a great space saver - especially for international moves where they
The smart movers have learnt
charge by the volume - and you’ll
to pack a small case of clothes,
be able to find everything easily.
toiletries etc that would keep you
Plus you can bring 6 books on the
going for 2-3 days. It just means
journey without sacrificing any
that you don’t have to worry about
luggage space.
tackling your boxes for a couple of days while you get settled.
services, so that’s one phone call and it’s all sorted. Plus these days there are no lock-in contracts so you’ve really got nothing to lose.
Just make sure you back up regularly!
And also if your truck is late there’s less of a panic.
5. GO DIGITAL This one is controversial and not everyone agrees, but everyone knows those books and DVDs wear a ton and take up a lot of room. You can digitise everything, storing music and movies in a hard drive, and even moving to ebooks (just
6. GET HELP WITH CONNECTIONS
ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTOR On the Move is Australia’s leading service
And of course the last thing
connections specialist providing a one-stop service for electricity, gas, phone, internet, pay TV and
you want to deal with are your
insurance.
connections – especially if you end
Since 2004 On The Move has partnered with Real
up rocking up late in the evening,
Estate agencies and other organisations to give
you need to be able to get lights on
their customers a convenient and seamless move-in,
and you’ll want a hot shower. Take
lights-on experience.
advantage of connections services
https://www.onthemove.com.au/
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WHY A QUANTITY SURVEYOR?
WHAT IS A QUANTITY SURVEYOR? BY BRADLEY BEER, B M T TA X D E P R E C I AT I O N
Investment property owners often rely on a range of professionals to ensure they are receiving the maximum return and are not overspending where unnecessary.
of tax depreciation. The values
registration and regulation of tax
we provide are unique: they’re not
agents ensuring compliance with
a market value or a replacement
the Tax Agents Services Act 2009
cost. Instead, construction costs
(TASA). Quantity Surveyors need to
are estimated using today’s values
be registered tax agents to complete
and then historically indexed to the
tax depreciation schedules for
year of construction. Meanwhile, we
investment properties.
value plant and equipment items (commonly known as fixtures and
A Quantity Surveyor is a
fittings) to reflect their potential to
professional who specialises in
contribute to a property’s ability to
estimating the value of construction
produce income.
costs and other assets. Quantity Surveyors may get involved at various stages: prior to construction, during construction and postconstruction. We use our skills to determine the cost of building works and fit-out, whether we’re looking at a residential property or any of the structures and assets within the vast spectrum of commercial properties. Quantity Surveyors are one of the few professionals recognised by the Australian Taxation Office to have the appropriate skills to calculate the cost of items for the purpose
BMT Tax Depreciation are Quantity Surveyors who exclusively specialise in property tax depreciation. We have the complex skills and over twenty years of experience to ensure
When choosing a Quantity Surveyor,
that our depreciation schedules
it is important to check that they are
maximise deductions for investors,
members of the Australian Institute
unlocking the full cash flow potential
of Quantity Surveyors (AIQS). The
of their property.
AIQS is an industry body that assists its members to maintain compliance with industry regulations and Australian Standards ensuring a high quality of service. In addition to being accredited by
ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTOR
the AIQS, it is also important to
Article provided by BMT Tax Depreciation. Bradley
check that your firm are registered
Beer (B. Con. Mgt, AAIQS, MRICS, AVAA) is the Chief
tax agents with the Tax Practitioners
Executive Officer of BMT Tax Depreciation.
Board (TPB). The TPB is the
Please contact 1300 728 726 or visit
national body responsible for the
www.bmtqs.com.au for an Australia-wide service.
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AV O I D B U Y E R ’ S R E M O R S E
4 THINGS MOST PEOPLE FORGET TO CHECK WHEN THEY BUY PROPERTY
B Y L A U R A B A R R Y,
E D I TO R , H O M E B E AU T I F U L M AGA Z I N E
Buying land, a house or an apartment is likely to be one of the biggest investments you will ever make. Property isn’t cheap, and its takes a lot of hard work, dedication and sacrifice to save up that deposit. So, if you have reached the property inspection stage of your firsthome purchase, there’s a few things you need to check – which most people forget about.
1. CHECK THE WORK STATIONS
you can work from home? Do you
situation, the noise situation, and
need a garden or are you happy
if it has facilities such as a doctor,
with a courtyard or balcony? These
dentist, supermarket and chemist
A house needs the essentials: a
are all important questions to keep
within easy reach. It also pays to
bathroom, kitchen and laundry.
at the forefront of your mind when
double check if there are any new
However, if you’re visiting multiple
viewing a property, because a one-
areas of development happening in
properties it can be easy to
bedroom unit with a small balcony
the suburb, because you don’t want
skip over a careful analysis of
might suit your life now, but it isn’t
to pay more for a beach view, only
those rooms. If you’re looking at
going to cater to a couple with a
to find that beach view will soon be
apartments, then the laundry can
child and a dog. Try to future-proof
obscured by an apartment building
be particularly illusive. Make sure
your investment so it can grow and
or shopping centre.
to check the exact location of the
adapt as your life changes.
laundry, that there’s enough room in the kitchen to be functional and the layout of the bathroom.
2. KEEP THE FUTURE IN MIND Although you may just be buying your first property, are you planing to have children? Or planning to get a pet? Do you need a space where
4. DO YOUR RESEARCH
3. SPEND SOME TIME IN THE AREA
If you plan to buy an apartment
You don’t want to move into your
report and familiarise yourself
brand-new home, only to discover
with any levy fees, past, current or
it’s under a flight path, the suburb
future issues, future plans for the
has heavy traffic or is slated for
building and any maintenance or
development. Spend some time
repairs that need to be done. It’s
getting to know the suburb and
important to know what money you
familiarise yourself with the traffic
might be expected to cough up.
C21 MARKET PULSE
14
be sure to get a strata inspection
CENTURY 21
C21 MARKET PULSE
13
CENTURY 21
FE AT U R E PR OPE R T Y
Paid advertorial supplied by Century 21 Australasia Pty Ltd. All rights reserved.
Using history to create an opulent paradise. ‘ H E X H A M ’ I S W I D E LY C O N S I D E R E D T O B E O N E O F B A L M A I N P E N I N S U L A ’S M O S T S P E C TAC U L A R H I S T O R I C RESIDENCES, AND FOR GOOD REASON. An incredible Victorian Italianate manor in Balmain, Sydney NSW has recently hit the market boasting elegance, style, comfort and above all a swift 4km from Sydney CBD.
The six-bedroom home is listed with Century 21 Northside and features exceptional formal entertaining rooms, large dining areas (yes, plural dining areas) and our favourite feature; the rooftop garden with sparkling pool and stunning water views across Sydney Harbour. C21 agent Monty Thompson describes the property as a ‘one-of-a-kind residence that honours the heritage and excellence of a bygone era and supported by all the contemporary comforts of today including enviable proximity to all Sydney has to offer.’
Built in 1897 for the founder of Soul Pattinson chemists and once home to a notable doctor, the original owners named the manor ‘Hexham’ after the hometown where they migrated from – Hexham, Northumberland in England. Exquisite period details are retained throughout with such modern enhancements that include a CCTV monitored eight-car garage, billiards room with wet bar and a sleek Calacatta marble kitchen. Our only question is – when can we move in? Featured property: 447 Darling Street, Balmain Contact: Monty Thompson 0414 526 266 Jason Roach 0448 455 556
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