M A R K E T
S U M M E R
P U L S E
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C21
PUBLISHER Century 21 Australia Pty Ltd
CONTRIBUTORS James Bell Chris Gray Tim Lawless Mobilia Group Connectnow Home Beautiful REI Super Terri Scheer Realestate.com.au
EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES Century 21 Australia (02) 8295 0600
WELCOME TO THE
SUMMER 2022 ISSUE OF
C21 MARKET PULSE
ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES 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 S U M M E R
CANSTAR WINNERS
02
2 0 2 2
INSURANCE SUPER
Rated No.1 for customer satisfaction
Why your life insurance cover needs to change as you grow
Century 21 Australasia CEO, James bell
REI Super
IS 2022 THE TIME?
04
SOLD HAMMER GAURANTEE
No more excuses
15 features that will sell your home
Your Empire CEO, Chris Gray
Home Beautiful
PROPERTY MARKET UPDATE
06
HOLIDAY RENTALS
Housing values continue to rise in November,
Protecting your holiday rental this summer
conditions diversify as stock levels rise and
Terri Scheer Insurance Distribution Channel Manager.
affordability pressures mount
Sarah Barton
12
15
16
CoreLogic Head of Research, Tim Lawless
POWDER ROOM POWER FESTIVE STYLING
09
Why you need a powder room Home Beautiful
Christmas styling tips Mobilia Group
FIRST TIME MOVERS
10
What to think about when moving out for the first time Connectnow
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CENTURY 21
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CANSTAR WINNERS
RATED NO.1 FOR CUSTOMER SATISFACTION
BY JAMES BELL, C E O, C E N T U R Y 2 1 A U S T R A L A S I A
Century 21 has moved into top spot in Canstar Blue's annual real estate agents review.
the most important factors when
Our wealth of experience and
choosing their real estate agent,
customer-oriented service
survey respondents stated the
continually brings people back to
following reasons:
Century 21. We're the experts in real estate and serve every one of
• Reputation: 25%
our customers to the utmost of our
Each year Canstar produces an
• Location: 22%
annual review of real estate agents,
• Was personally recommended to
to find out which are rated highest
me: 17%
We know that many people looking
by the people who know best, their
• Price, such as fees and
to buy or sell property can feel
customers.
commissions: 17%
stressed and confused at times.
They invited over 1,300 survey
• Range of properties: 12%
Century 21 agents will be there
respondents to share their
However, your own individual
experiences with some of the
circumstances will also influence
biggest real estate businesses
these considerations. For example,
in Australia, when it comes to
landlords were asked what they
important factors like problem
valued most from their real estate
resolutions, communications and
agents, with the results listed
advice and contract handling.
below:
In the most recent review,
• Finding quality tenants: 27%
Century 21 was rated best in
• Knowing they’ll manage issues
town, earning five-star reviews for
such as damage or non-payments:
communication, knowledge and
26%
Our state-of-the-art sales tools and
advice and contract handling, as
• Collecting rent and managing
technology are here to make your
well as overall satisfaction, being
requests from tenants: 26%
journey easier and more direct to
the only real estate agent chain to
• Managing repairs and
your final goal. When you come to
do so!
maintenance: 18%
Century 21, you'll be in control of
abilities.
when you need them most and will help to overcome any stressful situations that may arise. We're here to offer you valuable and honest advice, so that you can navigate the best path through the process. We know the marketplace, the buyers, sellers and neighbourhoods, but most importantly we know how to put our clients' needs first.
your sale, purchase or investment
HOW TO CHOOSE A REAL ESTATE AGENT
WHY CHOOSE C21?
When selecting a real estate
customers deserve the finest
agent, there are many elements
service offered by any real estate
to consider. As part of Canstar
organisation.
property and we'll help you get the
At Century 21 we believe our
To find out more about Century 21 and how we can help you, contact your local Century 21 office today.
Blue’s research, when asked about
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best result possible.
02
CENTURY 21
THANKS FOR RATING US NO.1 Thank you to all our clients who rated us No.1 in Canstar Blue’s 2021 Most Satisfied Customers – Real Estate awards. If you are looking to buy, sell or rent contact your local C21 Agent and experience the difference.
Visit: C21.com.au
IS 2022 THE TIME?
NO MORE EXCUSES
B Y C H R I S G R A Y, C E O, YO U R E M P I R E
We’ve had a very different couple of years in 2020 and 2021 with Covid 19, yet the excuses around not buying property and continuing to sit on the fence hasn’t changed. The same ones come round every decade. Many of our property markets
2019 – I can’t get a mortgage
au and www.domain.com.au to see
have had significant growth in the
because of the credit crunch /
what has actually sold and at what
last 12 months and some are now
Royal Banking Commission.
price. Try to just look to see what’s
changing. Prices are still rising, but it’s not as hot or competitive as it was a few months ago. So, these holidays could be the perfect opportunity to sit down with your partner, kids or parents and discuss which way could be the way
2020 – Covid will crash the market. 2021 – I’ve missed the boat as the market has already gone up too quick. In 2022 I bet a lot of people will be saying “the market is going to crash
forward in 2022.
/ interest rates are going to rise”.
I’ve been buying property for
There’s never a perfect time to buy
almost 30 years and have a pretty healthy portfolio which has seen some great gains. However, I still
valuation price.
on paper. What will a property cost
do around the strategy of buying a home, holiday home or investment property so you’re well educated by
will be on holidays but you may still find a few available and working (we’re still open!) and you might be able to sneak in a deal whilst everyone else is away.
it’s an investment and how much
Well done on getting through 2021
will a mortgage cost each month? I tend to budget around 1% - 1.5%
and I wish you all the best for 2022
of the property value for property management fees, maintenance,
get you through the next few years.
land tax etc but that will vary for
people each year and these have
and see what other reading you can
you, what rent might you get if
3) You have enough cash buffer to
I speak to literally hundreds of
4) Double check those numbers
5) Most agents and buyers agents
just yet, you should have more time
1) Put some basic numbers down
2) You can buy at a conservative
sell for in early 2022.
confident enough to fly overseas
I don’t try and time the market. My
mortgage.
get a good estimate of what it might
the time the market opens back up.
on your hands these holidays.
1) The bank will give you a
still need to add 5% - 10% extra to
and given many people still aren’t
don’t believe I’m that clever and so golden rule is to buy when:
sold in the last quarter and you may
houses/units, new/old and which part of the country you’re buying in.
ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTOR
been the excuses that I’ve heard as
2) Get on to a mortgage broker
Chris Gray is CEO of Your Empire, a buyers’ agency
to why others haven’t taken action.
to see how much the bank will
that buys homes and investments for time-poor
2017 – the market is peaking and about to crash. 2018 – why buy now as the market is going down and I want to pick the bottom.
lend you as it might have changed recently with the serviceability changes due to APRA.
properties on www.realestate.com.
04
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
3) Double check the recently sold
C21 MARKET PULSE
professionals – searching, negotiating, renovating
companies and major industry figures. Chris is a qualified accountant, buyers’ agent and mortgage broker. For more information, visit www.yourempire.com.au and follow Chris on Facebook: @ChrisGraySydney
CENTURY 21
P R O P E R T Y M A R K E T U P DAT E
HOUSING VALUES CONTINUE TO RISE IN NOVEMBER, CONDITIONS DIVERSIFY AS STOCK LEVELS RISE AND AFFORDABILITY PRESSURES MOUNT
BY T I M L AW L E S S , H E A D O F R E S E A R C H , CO R E LO G I C
Australian housing values were 1.3% higher in November marking the 14th consecutive month where CoreLogic’s national home value index recorded positive value growth. The November update takes national housing values 22.2% higher over the past 12 months, adding approximately $126,700 to the median value of an Australian home.
CoreLogic's Research Director Tim
Brisbane home values were up 2.9%
Lawless says the slowdown in the
in November (highest since Oct
pace of growth is due to a number
2003) while Adelaide values were
of reasons.
up 2.5% (highest since February
“Virtually every factor that has driven housing values higher has lost some potency over recent months. Fixed mortgage rates are
1993). In dollar terms that equates to a monthly rise of approximately $18,500 and $13,500 respectively based on median values.
rising, higher listings are taking
“Relative to the larger cities,
some urgency away from buyers,
housing affordability is less
affordability has become a more
pressing, there have been fewer
substantial barrier to entry and
disruptions from COVID lockdowns
credit is less available.”
and a positive rate of interstate
The capital city trends are showing greater diversity, with Brisbane and
migration is fueling housing demand,” Mr Lawless said.
Adelaide now recording the fastest
“On the other hand, Sydney and
pace of growth, while conditions
Melbourne have seen demand more
across Sydney and Melbourne have
heavily impacted from affordability
softest outcome since January
slowed more sharply.
pressures and negative migration
when values rose 0.9%. Since a
Brisbane and Adelaide are the only
cyclical peak in the rate of growth in
capital cities yet to experience a
March, when housing values rose at
slowdown, with the monthly rate
Different supply dynamics are also
2.8%, there has been a notable trend
of growth reaching a new cyclical
creating divergent trends across
towards milder price growth.
high across both cities in November.
Australian capital cities. In the
Although values are continuing to rise, the November result was the
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from both an interstate and overseas perspective.”
four week period to November 28,
with this trend most evident in
total stock available for sale across
the annual results. In the largest
Adelaide was -32.0% lower than the
capitals, Sydney house values are
five year average, and -33.9% lower
up a stunning 30.4% compared to
across Brisbane. Across Sydney and
a 13.6% rise in unit values, while in
Melbourne however, stock levels
Melbourne house values rose 19.5%
have become far more normalised
over the year compared with a 9.2%
in recent weeks, with Sydney total
gain in unit values. This trend is
listings sitting just -2.6% below the
less evident across regional areas
five year average, while stock levels
of Australia where the performance
across Melbourne are 7.9% above
gap between houses and units is
the five year average.
relatively small.
Houses have continued to outperform units, with capital
Click here to read the full article
city values up 1.2% and 0.7% respectively over the month. However, the quarterly rate of growth is now the narrowest it has been since October last year, with 1.6 percentage points between the two broad housing types. Unit markets have generally continued to record a lower rate of growth relative to houses,
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CENTURY 21
SUMMER OFFER! 1 -2 Bedroom Packages $2,000 3-4 Bedroom Packages $2,500 All Packages include: Bedrooms, 1 Living Room, 1 Dining, 1 Kitchen, 1 Outdoor, Rugs, Artwork & Accessories Valid until 21/01/2022
www.mobiliagroup.com.au
mobiliagroup
Deema 0450 493 166
FESTIVE STYLING
CHRISTMAS STYLING TIPS BY MOBILIA GROUP Christmas is just around the corner which means it is time to get into the festive spirit and transform your space.
feel to the space. Introduce this soft textile by using velvet cushions or furniture item.
4. MOODY LIGHTING Candles are a must have - they
We have listed ways to help you
create soft, moody lighting and will
decorate your interior space for
make your space feel welcoming.
Christmas.
You can't go wrong with scented candles. There are a variety of scents
1. ADD FESTIVE COLOURS
for everyone.
Emerald green is all about
Drape string lights around your
the Christmas spirit and is a
home. For example, on the wall or in
sophisticated and elegant colour.
your backyard for pretty lighting. It is
It fits perfectly into the season and
a great way to create a cosy feel.
ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTOR Mobilia Group was established in 2010, Mobilia offers clients a range of services,
adds a glamorous feel.
5. MAKE IT SMELL LIKE CHRISTMAS
including Furniture Hire, Property Styling,
timber features it truly becomes a
There are plenty of 'Christmas'
packages.
masterpiece.
fragranced oils and diffusers on the
With its fleet of trucks and their own
market, scents with wood and orange
warehouse and furniture, the Mobilia Team
2. DECORATE YOUR DINING TABLE
notes or a touch of cinnamon.
provides flexible and competitive packages,
Add accessories while setting up the
Another popular scent is the
dining table. Gold accents are very
combination of sandalwood and
popular this season. For example,
amber notes, which will set a unique
passionate Stylists, offers a range of styles
use gold cutlery or gold napkin rings.
mood.
tailored to suit contemporary and character
Paired with metallic accents and
Try adding greenery as a centrepiece. Patterned dining sets are another great choice to add character and interest.
3. USE VELVET
long term Rental Packages as well as Turnkey
in both Premium & Royal Series ranges. The Property Styling Division, with a dedicated team of experienced and
homes. Whether to sell or to live in, a Mobilia
The above decoration tips can also be used to decorate for New Years Eve. The colours and materials are a suitable for both events and will make your celebration even prettier.
Stylist can create a stylish, inspired interior for your property. In 2018, Mobilia Group launched their Projects Division which provides a ‘one stop’ shop for Selling Agents and vendors including a range of services. From renovations, to builds, our experienced team
With its soft and smooth feel, velvet
can assist across a vast range of repair and
is the right choice for this season.
maintenance services.
Velvet instantly adds a luxurious
For more information visit: mobiliagroup.com.au or call (02) 9553 1188 Images supplied by Mobilia Group.
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FIRST TIME MOVERS
WHAT TO THINK ABOUT WHEN MOVING OUT FOR THE FIRST TIME Moving out for the first time? Becoming independent and taking complete responsibility for your lifestyle, finances, and decisions is an exciting time in your life!
BY CO N N E C T N OW.
that you can have open and honest
maintenance. Working out how to
conversations so you can live
divide these tasks will help everyone
comfortably.
do their fair share.
ALLOCATING A BUDGET FOR SHARED COSTS
CONNECTING UTILITIES
If you’re sharing with flatmates or
about is connecting your utilities.
friends, be prepared to manage
With connectnow, you can arrange
But before you spread your wings,
living costs like internet, water,
your electricity, gas, internet and pay
it’s important to be prepared when
electricity, and gas bills. You may like
TV connections in a single phone
you move house, to make it as
to split costs of groceries, a cleaner
call, so the essentials are sorted for
easy and stress-free as possible.
or other shared household items
the day you move in. Plus, you can
Consider these tips to give yourself
too. Working out in advance how
organise cleaners and removalists
the best start.
you’ll split the costs will save you
too!
headaches later.
BUYING FURNITURE YOU NEED If you’re leaving the family home,
One thing you won’t have to worry
See more at: connectnow.com.au
MANAGE YOUR BELONGINGS
you’ll probably need furniture and
If you are leaving the family home,
ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTOR
appliances like a couch, fridge,
work out with your parents what you can and can’t store there for the
Connectnow is a free* utility connections
washing machine and more. If you’re on a budget, buying second-
time being. Perhaps they will hold
Australians by sorting their electricity,
hand goods can help you cut costs
on to your old school reports, ski
gas, internet, pay TV, and home phone
drastically.
gear or sports equipment until you have the space — best to have that
LIVING WITH FRIENDS It can be plenty of fun, but if you’re a neat freak and your friend isn’t, you might not be suited to living
conversation well ahead of time.
With over 19 years’ experience, connectnow works with a range of trusted service providers to deliver a quality home moving
www.connectnow.com.au
together. Carefully consider the
Beyond financial commitments,
friends you want live with and
someone needs to be responsible
whether you’ll cope with sharing a
for cleaning, checking the smoke
space with them. Choose friends
alarm, gardening, and general home
10
connections all in one simple call.
service.
SHARING HOUSEHOLD RESPONSIBILITIES
C21 MARKET PULSE
service that helps make moving easier for
CENTURY 21
*While their services are free to their clients, standard service provider connection fees and charges may still apply.
Your essential home moving needs sorted in one phone call. Help make your move easier with our free utility connections service*. Electricity
Gas
Internet
With over 19 years’ experience, we work with a range of trusted service providers to deliver you a quality home moving service. Visit connectnow.com.au or call 1300 554 323 to get things sorted today.
Pay TV
Home Phone
And more...
*While our services are free to you, standard service provider connection fees and charges may still apply.
Super was built to serve you and your industry. That means you get personal ng, long-term performance and tailored insurance which allows for commissions. INSURANCE SUPER
at reisuper.com.au/join-today
WHY LIFE INSURANCE COVER NEEDS TO CHANGE AS YOU GROW
B Y Runique E I identifier S U P76641658449129 ER Fund Pty Ltd ABN 68 056 044 770 RSE L0000314 AFSL 240569. REI Super ABN 76 641 658 449 and RSE R1000412 MySuper for the bers of REI Super. It does not take into account any member’s individual financial objectives, financial situation or needs. Members should obtain and read the Product Disclosu making any decisions and consider talking to a financial adviser before making an investment decision. Past performance is no indication of future performance. July 2021. R Sometimes we don’t think about our life insurance needs until it’s too late. Changing circumstances, rises or falls in income and whether or not
think ahead and make sure you can
the debt on your primary residence.
cater for those rising premiums as
The last thing you want is to leave
you get older. The last thing you
your family without a roof over their
want is to pay for a policy for 10 or 15
heads.
years, then have to cancel it and end up needing a benefit you don’t have
But you should consider other outgoings – school fees, car
the kids are still at home all affect
in place.
the amount of coverage we need.
Level premiums can change over
the primary wage earner and your
time but the increase isn’t affected
partner is the primary carer, you
by one’s age as stepped premiums
may want enough coverage so the
are, but the upfront cost is higher
children can be looked after until
and are often much more expensive
they’re old enough to fend for
than the stepped equivalent when
themselves.
JUST STARTING OUT : KICKING OFF A CAREER AND SAVING MONEY FOR YOUR LIFE GOALS So you’ve left school, completed a trade or a degree and started out in your progression. You might not be thinking about life insurance at this
payments and so on. And if you’re
you first take out cover. Level premiums may increase, but you pay a more consistent amount year on
stage of your life, but ensuring you
year.
have the right cover is something
Summary: A basic life insurance
you definitely need to consider.
cover will see you on the way to
As you’re starting out, you might
preparing for the rest of your life.
be thinking more about saving for a home, getting some holiday savings under your belt and enjoying life. But basic life insurance cover will
Summary: The bare minimum you want is to cover the debt on your primary residence. But you will also want to consider the outgoings –
However, this is a good time to think ahead and make sure you can cater for growing needs as you grow older.
school fees, car payments and so on.
THE GOLDEN YEARS : RETIREMENT AND BEYOND The kids have left home, your house is paid off and you may have investments or be considering
life.
THE PRIME YEARS : BUYING A HOUSE, MOVING IN WITH YOUR PARTNER OR HAVING CHILDREN
When you’re starting out with life
You’ve got a home (and probably a
taken care of in the event something
mortgage), as well as kids and all the
happens to you.
see you on the way to preparing for financial wellness for the rest of your
insurance, you need to think about the amount of premiums you might want to pay. Stepped premiums can be more popular for young people, as they start out low and increase year on year. But you will need to
costs that come with them, including school and medical fees. When you consider your coverage at this stage of your life, it’s likely that the bare minimum you will aim to cover is
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retirement. It’s at this stage that you might think about dialling back your coverage, as long as your partner is
In the golden years, including retirement, you may have enough income to live off and for your partner to survive on. But you should check your income and investments
carefully to ensure there’s going to be enough for someone to cover their expenses and have a healthy lifestyle. Summary: You can think about dialling back your coverage, as long as your partner is taken care of in the event something happens to you.
CHANGING LIFE EVENTS CALL FOR CHANGING INSURANCE COVER Life insurance changes as we get older and go through different life stages. It always pays to contact us or a financial adviser about your current life stage – and the coverage you may need. Use our insurance needs calculator to help you find out how much insurance you need.
Click here to read the full article
DISCLAIMER Future investment performance can vary from past performance, and you should not base your decision to invest in REI Super simply on past performance. Past earning rates are not an indicator of future earning rates. The investment returns of REI Super are not guaranteed, and the value of the investment may rise or fall. This article was brought to you by MetLife. The information contained in this article is of a general nature does not constitute financial product advice. However, to the extent that the information may be considered to be general financial product advice, REI Super advises that REI Super has not considered any individual person’s objectives, financial situation or particular needs. Individuals need to consider whether the advice is appropriate in light of their goals, objectives and current situation. Members should obtain and read the Product Disclosure Statement for REI Super as well as the Insurance Guide and consider speaking to a licensed financial advisor before making any decisions. REI Superannuation Fund Pty Ltd ABN 68 056 044 770 AFSL 240569. RSE L 0000314 REI Super ABN 76 641 658 449 RSE
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R1000412 MySuper unique identifier 76641658449129 October 2021.
CENTURY 21
We’ve just posted a Top Result
Switch to a Top 10 best-performing Australian super fund. REI Super has just delivered a historically high annual return to members. Our Balanced option has returned net 20% for the year ended 30 June 2021.
Switch now at reisuper.com.au/switch
REI Superannuation Fund Pty Ltd ABN 68 056 044 770 RSE L0000314 AFSL 240569. REI Super ABN 76 641 658 449 and RSE R1000412 MySuper unique identifier 76641658449129 for the general information of members of REI Super. It does not take into account any member’s individual financial objectives, financial situation or needs. Members should obtain and read the Product Disclosure Statement for REI Super before making any decisions and consider talking to a financial adviser before making an investment decision. Past performance is no indication of future performance. September 2021. REIS 7351
SOLD HAMMER GAURANTEE
15 FEATURES THAT WILL SELL YOUR HOME You don't need a home stylist to increase your property appeal. In fact, the features that most impress potential buyers might surprise you.
BY HOME BEAUTIFUL
that investing time, energy and if
value of a property, with buyers
necessary, cash, into presenting a
looking favourably on established
home as clean and tidy is essential
gardens featuring mature plants and
before bringing it to market.
trees.
After a year of being confined to
The research is taken from a wider
our homes due to the Covid-19
study into renovation and interior
pandemic, it can come as no
design trends and other surprising
Self-contained dwellings, loft
surprise that buyers are looking for
buyer turnoffs and demonstrates
conversions and open plan kitchen-
more available space in a new home
that it pays to put in the effort to
dining spaces were the top three
both indoors and out, with 29% of
present a property well for sale.
improvements buyers were looking
buyers wanting more outdoor space
for this year, along with properties
and 25% looking for bigger homes
being clean and well presented.
overall.
Newly-renovated kitchens and
THE RISE OF THE HOME OFFICE
bathrooms were also high on the wishlist, while outside it was new driveways, landscaped gardens, veggie patches and home offices that had buyers excited. But the biggest turnoff was dirty homes. Even if you are not planning to renovate or upgrade your home for sale, according to Rated People's recent Home Improvement Trends Report, a home that presents as unclean would stop almost half (43%) of buyers from inspecting it and of those who did view an unclean property, 61% would put in a lower bid to purchase it. Scuff marks, mould or cracks in walls, bad smells and dirty kitchens were all cited as off-putting to potential buyers. With a whopping 44% of homeowners planning to paint some part of their home by the end of this year, there can be no denying
These neglected home improvements detract the most buyers: • Signs of damp/mould
With the return to work being
• Cracks in walls
staggered and, in some cases stalled
• Mess and clutter inside
entirely, homeowners and potential
• Scuffed paintwork and marked
buyers alike are looking to improve
walls
their home office setup for the long
• No double glazing
term. 41% of those working from
• Peeling wallpaper
home confessed they still don't have
• Dirty bathroom
a proper home office desk and 39%
• Rubbish or debris in the front
are without a proper office chair. 29%
garden/in front of the house
of people working from home had
• Broken or missing fence panels in
to clear toys from their workspaces
the garden/outside space
daily, and 24% reported being
• Bad smells inside
embarrassed by their background on
• Dirty kitchen
video calls.
• Outdated decor
Outside, the addition of a swimming pool was by far the most valueadding garden improvement, with an outside home office, garden room or gym the next most desirable additions. Bi-fold doors with a view to the garden and outdoor entertaining area and decks were also high on the list to increase the C21 MARKET PULSE
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• Dirty/stained furnishings (carpet, curtains and sofas) • Overgrown garden • A dirty interior that hasn't been cleaned • Broken/damaged windows and fixtures such as kitchen cupboard doors
Click here to read the full article
HOLIDAY RENTALS
PROTECTING YOUR HOLIDAY RENTAL THIS SUMMER Holiday season is upon us and Australians right across the country are planning to take time off for Christmas and to bring in the new year. Renting out a holiday home can be a savvy investment option for some landlords, however people who rent their holiday homes on a short-term basis may expose their property
BY SARAH BARTON,
INSURANCE DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL MANAGER, TERRI SCHEER
HIRING A PROPERTY MANAGER When it comes to holiday homes, landlords are often handing over their keys to complete strangers so it makes sense to protect your investment. Hiring a property manager can help take the guess work out of owning a holiday home. They can carry out regular property inspections, respond to maintenance requests
Landlords will need to provide evidence of the damage and which guest caused the damage in order to make a claim.
KEEP YOUR PROPERTY SECURE Outside of peak seasons, holiday rentals might remain vacant for extended periods of time. Landlords should consider appropriate security measures to
and assist with claims if there is an
prevent potential break-ins.
insurable event at the property.
It may involve fitting the property
and legal liability issues arising from
In some instances, a property
with security alarm systems which
injuries.
manager or leasing agent may
to specific risks, including theft, malicious and accidental damage
The risks can be significant when you consider that a holiday home may be rented out a number of times a year. Most holiday makers do the right thing, but even the most
be able to ask for a larger bond to minimise the risk of property damage from a short-term rental.
REGULAR PROPERTY INSPECTIONS
can be monitored remotely. Installing deadlocks on doors and locks on windows may also reduce the likelihood of break-ins. Security screens fitted on accessible windows may also help deter
careful guests can unintentionally
Carrying out regular property
unwanted guests from breaking in.
damage property.
inspections helps to ensure the
If the holiday rental is furnished,
property is being looked after by
landlords should keep an inventory
guests.
of all items, including the make and
Check for signs of any potential
model number, to assist in the event
Theft from a holiday home which may be fully or partly furnished is also another potential risk. Property owners can safeguard their holiday homes by doing the following:
damage including soiled carpets,
they need to make an insurance
damage to gardens and fences.
claim for theft from the property.
Responding quickly to these issues
Purchase receipts, photos and
that affect a guest’s enjoyment of the property is vital.
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videos can also help to accurately determine replacement costs.
LANDLORD INSURANCE Look for landlord insurance policies that specifically cover holiday home rentals for tenant damage, theft, loss of rent and legal liability. Holiday rental insurance can provide peace of mind that a landlord won’t be left out of pocket if their holiday
ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTOR
home is damaged by a guest or robbed over the holidays.
Terri Scheer Insurance Pty Ltd ABN 76 070 874 798 (Terri Scheer) provides insurance cover for landlords, helping to protect them
For further information, visit
against the risks associated with owning a
www.terrischeer.com.au or
rental property. These include malicious
call 1800 804 016.
damage by tenants, accidental damage, landlord’s legal liability and loss of rental income. Terri Scheer acts on behalf of AAI Limited ABN 48 005 297 807 AFSL 230859 trading as ‘Vero Insurance’, the insurer which issues the insurance cover. Terri Scheer has not taken into account the reader’s objectives, financial situation or needs. If you are interested in any of Terri Scheer’s insurance products, the relevant Product Disclosure Statement should be considered first. It can be viewed online at www.terrischeer.com.au or obtained by calling 1800 804 016. Based in Adelaide, Terri Scheer services all states, territories and capital cities.
DISCLAIMER 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 Vero Insurance. Read the Product Disclosure Statement before buying this insurance and consider whether it is right for you.
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Contact Terri Scheer on 1800 804 016 or visit our CENTURY 21
website at www.terrischeer.com.au for a copy.
Australia’s Leading Landlord Insurance Specialist
1800 804 016 | terrischeer.com.au Insurance issued by AAI Limited ABN 48 005 297 807 AFSL 230859 trading as Vero Insurance (“Vero Insurance”). In arranging your insurance, Terri Scheer Insurance Pty Ltd ABN 76 070 874 798 AFSL 218585 acts under authority given to it by Vero Insurance. Read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement before buying this insurance. Go to terrischeer.com.au for a copy. The Target Market Determination is also available.
POWDER ROOM POWER
WHY YOU NEED A POWDER ROOM BY HOME BEAUTIFUL A powder room adds flexibility to your entire household – along with a little va-va-voom!
space your guests will remember more than others – good or bad so it's important to give it proper attention. Here are our 4 tips to a perfect
You might be wondering what
powder room:
you need one? Turns out they're not a new invention, simply a chic way of looking at an age-old convenience in your home.
Too much clutter can undermine the efficiency of a powder room, so be sure to avoid decor and items that get in the way of form or function. Assess your available space to
all the fuss is about with powder rooms? What are they and why do
4. KEEP IT SIMPLE
include a small basin, along with a
1. HAVE FUN WITH IT
surface for makeup and utility, good
Go all out with your decorating by
lighting and a generous mirror, and
bringing in wallpaper, statement
perhaps a potted plant or bud vase if
tapware, generous mirrors and a
space allows.
fabulous light fitting. In this small
A powder room is a smaller, second
space you can afford to splash out a
bathroom usually situated adjacent
little.
to your living area and without a shower or bath included in the space – essentially a toilet and vanity for quick visits and touchups – as you would use it at the theatre or a restaurant.
2. ADD PERSONAL TOUCHES A pot plant, candle, pretty dish to pop rings in whilst washing your hands, and your very best handtowels are all essential
Perfect for avoiding loo queues in
elements to add a little luxury and
a busy household, guests can also
make your powder room shine.
use a bathroom without trekking through your entire home – which means it pays dividends to have it looking lovely at all times, and to give it a little decorating love. In the same way you can tell a lot about a restaurant from its rest rooms, often forgotten in terms of decorating, your powder room is a
3. GIVE IT CONSTANT ATTENTION Keep a stash of cleaning cloths and products handy (yet out of sight) in your powder room. Guests to your home will almost certainly visit it, so a quick brush, flush and wipe down is all it takes in this small space to make a lovely lasting impression.
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A striking Hamptons-style powder room echoes the decor of the rest of this waterfront home. Photographer: Louise Roche | Stylist: Kylie Jackes
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