AUTUMN | 2017
TURN OVER A NEW LEAF
TwentyOne gets inspired for autumn
CHARLES TARBEY The year ahead in Australian real estate
CHERIE BARBER DIY renovations versus the pros
SIMON MARGHERITINI Fitness first timers
CENTURY 21 AGENTS. SMARTER. BOLDER. FASTER.
With compliments
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
AUTUMN | 2017
PUBLISHER
Century 21 Australia Pty Ltd
CONTRIBUTORS
LIFESTYLE
PROPERTY
HOME IDEAS
AUTUMN | 2017 Home ideas
4
Interior inspiration
6
Shibori
18
DIY renovations versus the pros
20
Autumn garden guide
24
The year ahead in Australian real estate
10
Property damage FAQs
28
2017 will be a year of two halves
40
Houses versus units
44
Top tips for entering the property market
46
Coffee connoisseurs
12
BBQ butterflied lamb leg w/chilli vegetable salad 30
Charles Tarbey Geoff Barnett Cherie Barber Bradley Beer Tara Bennett Emma Blomfield Malcolm Campbell Chris Gray Simon Margheritini Hugh McDonnell Jonette Wilton
EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES
Rebecca Pratt T +61 (02) 9025 9590 rebecca@zmmgroup.com
32
Spotlight on Post
34
Cable Bay Vineyards
36
App review
16
Tech essentials
42
12
ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES
Marketing Department T +61 (02) 8295 0600 askmarketing@century21.com.au
ART DIRECTION/DESIGN
Thomas Felgueras T +61 (02) 8295 0600 askmarketing@century21.com.au
PRINTER
Excel Australasia T +61 (03) 9775 1411 info@excelaustralasia.com.au DISCLAIMER We have in preparing this information used our best endeavours to ensure that the information contained therein is true and accurate, but accept
Fitness first timers
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18
20
no responsibility and disclaim all liability in respect of any errors, inaccuracies or misstatements contained herein. Reproduction in part or full is not permitted without the express written permission of the publisher. Century 21 Australia Pty Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of statements made in advertising or editorial in this
TECH
publication, nor the quality of services or products promoted. The publisher excludes any liability for any loss or damage sustained by readers arising from, or in conjunction with , the supply or use of information in this publication through any cause. Opinions expressed in this magazine are of the writer or contributor and are not necessarily the opinion of Century 21 Australia and Century 21 New Zealand or its advertisers.
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HOME IDEAS
AUTUMN | 2017
HOME IDEAS
MOHAIR FIREFLY THROW RUG This Mohair Firefly Throw Rug from Zanui is the perfect way to lend some soft, textural elements to either indoor or outdoor areas. The light fringing gives an added element of texture and detail, while the simple checked pattern in gorgeous bright hues makes it a great feature to throw on your couch or outdoor settings when guests arrive for an autumn barbecue.
Style your home with some autumn flair.
$219.95 AUD AUTUMN TREE WALL ART An easy way to introduce some colour into your home décor is by adorning your walls with some creative inspiration. This Autumn Tree Wall Art from Zanui is the perfect way to liven up your living spaces as the gorgeous autumnal shades can be easily incorporated into a variety of colour schemes. $149.95 AUD STOCKHOLM THREE SEAT SOFA Add a touch of luxury to your home with this neutral toned sofa from IKEA. This Scandinavian inspired piece features simple, clean lines, and thanks to its understated hues, will easily blend in with any existing décor you have in your home. $2199 AUD AUTUMN NICKEL TABLE LAMP
JASSA BASKET WITH HANDLES This wicker basket from IKEA is a versatile addition to any home. When the weather gets cool, you can place it outdoors to keep all your throws and rugs ready for entertaining. Alternatively, you can use it inside the home for anything, from laundry to organising your kids’ toys. $49.99 AUD
Want some mood lighting as you cosy up with a book on the cooler nights? The Autumn Nickel Table Lamp from Zanui will do the trick. Featuring an earthy landscape, this lamp will add a touch of ambience on quiet nights in. $84.95 AUD BATIK 20-PIECE DINNER SET This beautiful dinner set from Zanui is sure to impress your guests. The floral detailing in muted hues will give old world elegance to your dinnerware style. This set is ideal for dining in elegance every day, or lifting the look of your table for dinner parties and special events. $124.95 AUD
STOCKHOLM RUG This IKEA patterned rug is the perfect statement piece for any modern home. As the nights grow cooler, the splash of colour will give your home that extra cosy feeling. Use as an accent in your bedroom or home office to complete the look of the room. $499 AUD
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HOME IDEAS
AUTUMN | 2017
INTERIOR INSPIRATION Emma Blomfield’s tips for an autumn overhaul of your living spaces.
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HOME IDEAS
W
e were treated to some rather extreme weather this summer, so I’m quite happy to see the back of it as we wind down into the cooler months. I much prefer decorating for the cooler months. You have so much more freedom and flexibility when it comes to soft furnishings. Transitioning your soft furnishings from summer to autumn can be a tricky task, especially in Australia where our weather can jump around quite a bit in the space of 24 hours. Here are my five easy ways to prep your home for the cooler months.
and drape them over the arms of your sofa ready for snuggling in the evenings. Throw rugs are a great autumn accessory as they are not only comfortable, they also add texture and colour to your room so you can tie them back into your colour scheme. COSY UP THE BEDROOM Bedtime is one of the best times of the day during autumn. Hopping into a beautifully made bed with soft linens and lots of textural elements to snuggle up against makes bedtime heavenly. Switching your doona over to a heavier weight, adding some blankets, upgrading your decorative pillows or swapping your sheets to flannelette are all great ways to cosy up the bedroom.
truly here. Save yourself the shock and layer a couple of rugs in the bedroom or living room to warm up your floors. Sheepskins work wonders for the bedroom where as natural sisal or jute rugs in the living room layered with a patterned wool rug or cow hide will jazz things up nicely so you can happily walk barefoot through your home.
ADD SOME LIFE TO YOUR ROOMS I’m a huge fan of indoor plants, succulents and flowers however my black thumb gets in the way of fulfilling my dreams of living in a green house. Faux flowers have a similar effect on our spaces so adding some potted faux greenery to your room will keep the room feeling fresh and vibrant as things cool down.
GET YOUR SOFA READY In autumn and winter we swap the outdoor sofa for the indoor sofa. As it becomes a favourite hangout for the months ahead, it makes sense to cosy it up a bit. Wash your scatter cushion covers or head to the shops to refresh your colour scheme for autumn. Get your throw rugs out of the cupboard
Getting a tax depreciation schedule through BMT meant that our $2,600 tax bill for last year became a $12,000 tax cheque.”
CREATE THE COSY Warming up a room isn’t only restricted to soft furnishings. Candles add a beautiful ambience to a room as well as a soft scent. My favourite autumn inspired scents are fig, pear, bergamot, tobacco and rose. Candle light is a lovely welcoming flicker so turn down the overheads and light a couple of lovely candles to enjoy the evening. LAYER YOUR RUG CHOICES Floorboards and tiles are a horrible reminder each morning as you hop out of bed and make your way to the kitchen that autumn/winter is well and
Tiana, Benowa Qld
ABOUT EMMA BLOMFIELD Emma Blomfield is an interior stylist and homewares buyer. Emma is passionate about making decorating affordable and accessible to all Australians. Emma’s decorating services are available not only in the Sydney metro area but also rural and regional towns for people looking for a more hands on decorating approach. Emma runs regular decorating workshops around the country helping her students to become more empowered in their decorating choices. www.emmablomfield.com
Claiming depreciation on your investment property can significantly improve your cash flow and reduce your taxable income. Visit bmtqs.com.au or call us on 1300 728 726 to find out more.
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PROPERTY
AUTUMN | 2017
A
New Year heralds a fresh start and for many it is seen as the time to make changes in many different aspects of our lives. We make resolutions about health, fitness and breaking old habits, commencing new careers or business ventures and eagerly plan out our short-term and long-term objectives for the year ahead. Change not only occurs in our own personal lives; it also appears to be affecting the Australian real estate market. As we come off a strong year in real estate, there are many signs showing markets around the country will likely experience changing dynamics in 2017. Conditions look to be stabilising this year, however I believe this is not necessarily a thing to fear. We are likely returning to a ‘true’ real estate market where negotiation can more effectively occur between buyers and sellers to reach a positive outcome for both parties. Last year, factors such as lower stock levels, access to cheap finance and strong demand for property seemed to create a sense of urgency for buyers in many markets. We saw prices moving into higher territory, where one could argue they should have slowed, as available stock was quickly snapped up by hungry buyers.
THE YEAR AHEAD IN AUSTRALIAN REAL ESTATE
This urgency may begin to cool off and with supply levels starting to fill in many areas, conditions may change for buyers as they may encounter increased opportunities for negotiation when purchasing property. Stabilising market conditions may mean buyers may be placed in a better position to make an offer, rather than having to rush in and purchase in order to place their foot on the property ladder.
In particular, discussion of unit supply continues and over the coming months we will see the completion of many apartment complexes in various parts of the country. Whilst some would likely still prefer to purchase a house and land, apartments can provide more affordable opportunities to enter the market. Vendors in some parts of the country may need to be more open to the offers of buyers and more willing to align their expectations with changing market conditions (instead of the conditions existing in what was arguably a seller’s market last year). However, in saying this the outlook still appears to be relatively buoyant for many capital city markets, with demand remaining strong.
This shows that what is true of one market may not necessarily be the same for another. By talking to local experts and familiarising yourself with readily available property data, you may be better equipped to understand how to make the most of a property transaction in your desired area. Whilst no one has a crystal ball to tell how 2017 will play out in real estate, as always, preparation and due diligence will help to place you in a better position to navigate the highs and lows of the real estate market.
When looking to sell this year, a key consideration for vendors should be choosing an agent with strong negotiation skills in order to effectively facilitate a meeting of the minds and achieve the best possible results for their property. In light of changing dynamics, it will remain crucial to investigate the market on a state-based and even suburb-based level when looking to transact property this year. We are sitting in a country that has a diverse group of real estate markets operating at the same time, so change is going to be very different in each of these markets. CoreLogic analysis shows the disparity between markets across Australia’s capital cities, as the annual change in dwelling values for 2016 ranged from -4.3% in Perth to 15.5% in Sydney, with Melbourne and Hobart also showing annual capital gains higher than 10%.
ABOUT CHARLES TARBEY Charles Tarbey is the Chairman and Owner of Century 21 Australasia, one of Australia’s largest and most diverse property groups. Charles has been actively involved in the property industry since 1972, and has trained and given advice to thousands of real estate agents, vendors and purchasers. He is also the author of two real estate books, Profit Driven Real Estate and Listing Rich. Scan the qr code below or head to www.charlestarbey.com.au to get your free copy of ‘Listing Rich’.
By Charles Tarbey, Chairman and Owner of Century 21 Australasia.
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LIFESTYLE
AUTUMN | 2017
COFFEE CONNOISSEURS
TwentyOne seeks to unveil the story behind your favourite cuppa.
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LIFESTYLE
C
offee – not just any ordinary cuppa, but good coffee, has become a pervasive part of Australian culture. We drink it religiously before work or for a pick-meup when the 3pm lull sets in. We catch up with friends, both new and old, and even seek romance over a coffee date. We have our favourites and our drink of choice, and love to chat about where to find the best brew. To find out more about how coffee culture has become a quintessential part of Australian life TwentyOne spoke to Jonette Wilton who is the founder of Smudge, a publishing house dedicated to high-end culinary travel books and Hugh McDonnell who is the head trainer at Single O, a specialty coffee house in Sydney. THE ORIGIN OF A COFFEE CAREER Jonette says she accidentally fell into a career in coffee and like many before her, became addicted.
AUTUMN | 2017
edition of Coffee Encounters, which includes Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, India and Papua New Guinea. “Travelling to origin makes you realise how much goes into that little cup of coffee we consume every day – and the passion that is passed from hand to hand during the process,” said Jonette. Hugh started working in cafes when he was 15, and consistently refined his coffee making skills throughout various roles and barista competitions. He went on to work at a roastery, which he says was a turning point for him in pursuing a career in the industry. “It really marked the change from seeing coffee as something people drink to thinking “woah” there’s a huge world out there,” said Hugh of the coffee industry. From there his obsession grew, and after travelling overseas, Hugh came back to settle down into his role at Single O educating people about using great coffee and equipping them with the skills to make the most of its flavours.
“One of our clients asked us to produce a little book about specialty coffee and invited us to go to ‘origin’ with him. I had no idea where coffee was being grown or how it was processed but once word got out that we were heading to Colombia to do a book, we were approached by 18 of Australia’s best roasters to include their origin story as well.
HOW TO TELL THE GOOD FROM THE BAD There’s certainly no shortage of coffee in any Australian city. With so much choice, how can we tell a good coffee from an average one?
“We travelled to most coffee-growing countries in Central America, South America and then to Indonesia on the way home. This was nearly four years ago! We have just published the second
Working with coffee day in, day out has certainly abetted an appreciation of what makes a good brew but Hugh says a great coffee will differ from person to person.
“For me, I would say a really spectacular coffee is something where I can taste the hard work that a farmer has put in to producing an excellent product and that those flavours have been preserved through roasting,” he said. Then, if the person brewing the coffee has done it justice, you’ll be able to get “something that is unique and delicious and that you want more of.” THE BUSINESS OF THE BREW A large part of Hugh’s role involves understanding the trade of coffee and what it means to buy the best. As a commodity, there is not only the factor of taste to consider but price, life and freshness and the rating of the coffee as well. This trade is approached in different ways by specialty roasters and commodity and commercial roasters. Most commercial roasters buy their beans from a broker who acts as a middle man getting the coffee from its source to the roaster in Australia. Specialty roasters tend to place a bigger emphasis on the story behind the coffee beans and sourcing them ethically. “Single O makes a commitment to buying coffee from places that are transparent. For us personally, our coffee buyers visit the majority of the farms we are buying from. We can say that we know that this is grown in an area that is ethically sourced and we are trying to build a relationship with those farms,” said Hugh. When it comes to the flavour, Hugh explains that commercial and commodity roasters generally tend to roast a little darker, whereas specialty roasters will tend to roast a little lighter. “Dark roast can mask defects, but if you roast it light you can taste everything that’s going on. With ethical, traceable coffee, we can know as much about it as possible and then try to pass on that information [through a light roast] to our customers and make sure that everyone is appreciating that,” he said. AUSTRALIAN COFFEE CULTURE The coffee culture in Australia has a colourful history, and has developed and changed over the years. “In the 1950s, we were lucky enough to attract immigrants from Italy and Greece who brought all sorts of wonderful food cultures with them. Coffee was one of them,” said Jonette.
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“Landing in a foreign country with only one suitcase, there were many of these people who brought produce to make sure they could enjoy something from home in the new country. Coffee was an obvious stand out import, with some immigrants bringing beans, utensils and even small roasters.” She explains that in Australia, our taste preferences have changed over the years, to enjoy a lighter roasted bean, and not such a “burnt” or “bitter” taste that is typical of Italian coffee. Not only this, the Australian coffee palate has becoming increasingly sophisticated and specialty brews are now more widely available. Jonette says one of the current trends is filter coffee. “Filter coffee has had a resurgence, especially in Melbourne, due to the ability to easily create clean flavours within your cup. It also makes it easy to experiment with specialty beans at home,” she said. “Two types of specialty brewing which often get mistaken for one another are cold brew and cold drip coffee. Cold brew is a full immersion brewing technique. Precise ratios of coffee and water are simply left to brew for hours, as the grounds gently release their true flavours. “Cold drip, on the other hand, requires specialty equipment; another one of those intimidating-looking towers. As the name suggests, water slowly drips over several hours from the top chamber of water, onto ground coffee until the coffee is saturated. It then slowly drips into the bottom chamber as a rich, bold and syrupy beverage,” she said. HOT COFFEE TIPS FROM THE EXPERTS Finding good coffee in Australia is not hard. Jonette says good questions to ask
your barista are “whose beans do you use?”, “is that specialty coffee” or “where is that based?” “Never drink a latte that has a cup that is too hot to hold. It means the barista has burnt the milk – and then it doesn’t matter how good the beans are, the milk will spoil the end result,” advises Jonette. If you’re a home brewer looking to make the perfect cuppa, Hugh’s advice is simple – use good equipment, be clean, and be meticulous. “Invest money in a good grinder because that dictates the flavour of your coffee and fresh ground coffee is super important.
ABOUT JONETTE WILTON With a whirlwind career in journalism and marketing, Jonette Wilton is now at the helm of Smudge Publishing. She has travelled far, written on most topics and, now, brings her passion about food, wine, coffee and travel to the table, producing over 25 travel books about cities and other destinations throughout the world. She has put together numerous e-books and is delighted with the progress of Smudge’s digital platform and newsletter – SmudgeEats.com.au.
“Clean your equipment, because it doesn’t matter what you are brewing with, if it’s dirty then your coffee is not going to taste as good as it should. “Also, invest in a pair of scales and weigh out what you’re doing and write it down when you’re experimenting. You wouldn’t bake a cake without measuring flour and sugar and expect to get the same results,” said Hugh. Using the same amount of coffee and same amount of water each time can ensure “a repeatable tasty cup” at home.
ABOUT HUGH MCDONNELL
A JOURNEY IN A CUP It’s clear there’s plenty that goes into each cup of coffee, and plenty of coffee to discover all around the globe. Finding out more about the origin, the process of roasting and making the perfect brew will undoubtedly enhance your coffee journey. So next time you grab a coffee on the go, or sit down to enjoy a calm cup, perhaps delve into the story behind it and your appreciation will be sure to grow.
Hugh McDonnell is the head trainer at Single O, a Sydney based coffee house specialising in sourcing, roasting and blending specialty coffee. With ten years of experience in the hospitality industry, Hugh’s role at Single O is looking after wholesale clients - ensuring anyone that buys their coffee creates the best brew. To find out more, visit singleo.com.au.
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TECHNOLOGY
AUTUMN | 2017
VSCO
TINYBEANS
YOU DOODLE
This is easily one of the most popular photo editing apps favoured by Instagram users around the world. Its simplicity makes photo editing simple for beginners and experts alike. With beautiful filters and an expansive selection of image adjustment tools to help enhance your photos, it’s a great app to make your snaps look polished and professional. The best part about the app is the subtlety of the effects – you can adjust the filters, brightness and exposure incrementally so that they don’t overpower the original image.
For all the mums and dads, this is the perfect app to share your newborn’s milestones with family and close friends. It’s a secure way for you to share all those memories with the people who matter. Any photos shared are private and will only be available to the family and friends you have invited to be part of your “Nurture Network.”
If you’re looking for a more creative outlet to share your snaps, try You Doodle. This app lets you add text, stickers and other clipart to your photos. There’s a wide selection of brush and fill tools, with a myriad of colours and fonts for you to personalise your photos. You can even create your own collages by blending multiple images together. Along with all the bells and whistles, it also includes all the standard photo edits such as filters, cropping tools and frames. Share your final product on all your social networks including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and more.
COST: FREE
COST: FREE
COST: FREE
APP REVIEW
Try these apps to add fun to your photo sharing.
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HOME IDEAS
AUTUMN | 2017
I
SHIBORI
Add some colour and culture to your living space.
f you’re wondering how you can update your décor without breaking the bank but still keep some originality, then put some rubber gloves on as I am going to run you through how to Shibori dye your pillow cases, napkins, linen tea towels or any plain white textiles you have around. For those of you that aren’t familiar with Shibori dying, it’s an old Japanese technique that is quite similar to tie dying. However, Shibori usually involves a lot of folding and binding the fabric in indigo, so when it’s removed from the dye, those sections of fabric bound will remain white. There is an abundance of ways to Shibori dye but our favourite is Arashi - the Japanese term for “storm”. This is also known as the pole-wrapping technique.
YOU WILL NEED: pre-washed fabric (a cotton or linen is best) Rubber gloves Long durable twine A plastic PVC tube Natural Indigo Dye, Thiourea Dioxide, soda ash (for beginners you can purchase an Indigo Dye Kit online that contains these things) Tub or bucket with lid for your vat Warm water A wooden spoon or stick to mix White
STEP 1. Fill the tub with warm water. Add an equal amount of Indigo as Thiourea Dioxide and soda ash. Give it a good mix until the powders are all dissolved. You will start to see a foam or “flower” as they call it on top. Once this appears place the lid on and leave for around 15 mins. STEP 2. While waiting for your dye vat to be ready, get your plastic tube and wrap the fabric tightly around it. Next, take your twine and at one end tie a double knot. Start wrapping the twine around the tube and once you have about 6 times, pull the twine tight and scrunch the fabric and drag it down so it bunches up. Continue to do this until you reach the other end and all the fabric is compact. STEP 3. Put on your rubber gloves. Remove the lid of your dye vat and give it another stir, pushing the “flower” to one side. Next, slowly dip in your tube until it’s submerged in water. I like to massage the dye into the fabric a little to ensure it goes through all the layers.
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STEP 4. Remove the tube (you will see that it’s actually a green-ish colour). With Indigo dye, the longer it’s out in the air the darker it will go so repeat the process of submerging it in the dye and removing it until you’re happy with the colour. Bear in mind, the fabric will always look darker when wet and will fade a bit when washed for the first time. STEP 5. Cut the twine and unravel it. Take the fabric off the tube and rinse under cool water until the water runs clear. You will see your Shibori pattern through the fabric. Hang up to dry. ABOUT TARA BENNETT Provider is an online destination specialising in things for the home, with an influence from Japanese design. Founded by Tara Bennett, most of what you find on Provider is either handmade by herself, or by local and international creatives. Each piece is crafted under the “slow made” principles, where wastage is minimal, the process is ethical and the experience is unique. providerstore.com.au
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HOME IDEAS
AUTUMN | 2017
DIY RENOVATIONS VERSUS THE PROS Cherie Barber weighs up who should tackle your next renovation project.
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HOME IDEAS
I
f there’s one great myth in the renovation world, it’s that do-ityourself is the path to easy riches. The reality is often just the opposite. Apply your novice skills and gung-ho approach to the wrong job and it could cost you dearly. Just ask any tradie – Monday is when the inevitable calls come from weekend DIYers who have botched a job and need urgent assistance.
AUTUMN | 2017
deck with footings and you don’t have a decent tool kit, that’s a significant cost to consider. Bunnings lists 10 tools you’ll need to buy for a deck project. Then you have the cost of the timber and other materials on top of this. This is before you’ve even decided if you have
the skills (and hopefully helpful mates) to do the job. An easy option for DIYers is modular timber decking that doesn’t require footings; you just lay it straight over any strong substrate. However, it’s not cheap.
4. COSMETICALLY RENOVATING A KITCHEN OR BATHROOM By this I mean, you’re not going to be touching any plumbing or electricals; you just spruce up and update. There are lots of products by companies like White Knight and Rust-Oleum designed specifically for this purpose: tile paint, cabinetry paint, benchtop resurfacing kits, bath and basin epoxy resurfacing, appliance paint, etc. If everything is in good structural condition, then just giving the whole lot a modern makeover can work miracles. This is a great DIY project, done with care and according to the manufacturer’s instructions. (Note: the before and after image of the kitchen is a facelift done for $1000).
Of course, a lot depends on your skill level. A proficient DIYer may have years of handyman-type experience, a complete kit of tools and maybe even a proper man cave to tinker away in. Someone else may have zero experience and none of the kit required, which means all tools and materials will have to be purchased for a job that might turn out to be a one-off.
5. SHELVING Whether it’s part of a kitchen, in a kid’s bedroom or a display feature in the living room, shelving can be a great addition to a place. It’s a job any handy person with an electric drill, spirit level and measuring tape should be able to pull off. Just make sure you’re not drilling into any electricals, gas or plumbing pipes. Ensure you have the right materials and know-how, depending upon whether it’s a stud, hollow or brick wall. Knowledge is power when it comes to DIY.
Here are some things to weigh up if you’re thinking you might cut your teeth on one of these common renovation projects. 1. PAINTING Okay, this is one I reckon most people can safely tackle, with the proviso you apply abundant patience, meticulously prepare the surfaces to be painted and read up on painting tips (YouTube is also packed with videos) that will ensure you get a professional-looking finish. A paint job is liquid gold in terms of adding value to any property, but not if it looks like you painted it with a blindfold. The websites of major paint companies, such as Dulux, Wattyl and Taubmans, all have useful tools and information for helping you to choose the right colour palette. 2. INSTALLING A FLAT-PACK KITCHEN Assembling the cabinets might be okay, especially if you’ve had experience with IKEA’s self-assembly brain teasers. However, I would definitely not recommend installing the kitchen unless you’re highly experienced at such things. It takes a lot of skill to get all the levels exactly right and a professional finish. A kitchen that looks like it’s been caught in a landslide is not going to add value. And, it goes without saying, anything to do with electricals and plumbing must be done by those trades. It’s illegal to attempt any sparkie or plumbing work yourself. 3. INSTALLING A DECK First up, make sure you have the necessary planning approval – if it’s required. If you’re doing a traditional 22 | century21.com.au | century21.co.nz
BEFORE
AFTER
BEFORE
AFTER
ABOUT CHERIE BARBER Cherie Barber is a public speaker, TV renovator on Network Ten’s ‘The Living Room’ and the owner of Renovating For Profit, a company that teaches everyday people how to buy and renovate properties for a profit. See www.renovatingforprofit.com.au
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HOME IDEAS
AUTUMN | 2017
A
utumn is a pretty forgiving season for tidying up a garden to present for sale. Here are a few considerations that will save you a lot of effort and money. When applying nutrients to a lawn or to hedges, climbers and shrubs, apply water soluble fertilizers rather than organic as these water soluble nutrients are much more readily available to plants than organic pellets that take a long time to break down. With nights getting cooler, the growth potential is even lower. On hedges and shrubs spray the foliage at night or late afternoon, especially in Adelaide and Perth where daytime evaporation rates are high and reticulated water quality is poor. The nutrient/water mix can lead to leaf burn if applied in bright sunlight that concentrates the salts, which is what water soluble plant nutrients are made of.
AUTUMN GARDEN GUIDE
You need specially formulated fertilizers for lawns, where the typical analysis is usually low in phosphates but high in nitrogen and potassium. The potassium is essential for fungal resistance in autumn. Potassium bulks up the cell walls and provides a rapid thick leaf growth that is less prone to fungal infestation. I usually add iron chelates to the potassium too as that assists the turf to turn a deep green; always a winner and not just at the MCG!
On alkaline soils, like Adelaide mostly has, down the Mornington Peninsula in Melbourne as well as most Fremantle to Rockingham coastal gardens in Perth, you need to add iron in the form of EDDHA iron chelates, rather than the EDTA form that all the garden centres sell. The EDDHA form is the only form of iron that is taken up rapidly on alkaline soils. It also works equally well on acidic soils, but the EDTA form is quickly ‘locked up’ and becomes unavailable to needy plants after just a few days on alkaline soils. I sell an imported EDDHA from Spain, as it is not made in Australia. Used as a soil drench on any yellowing citrus trees, it turns them bright green in 4-6 days in summer and autumn. Best of all it does not leave a salt residue so you cannot overdose plants by using it regularly. If you expect a long listing before sale of your property and if autumn rains may hinder viewers, I suggest spreading gypsum at the rate of 300 grams per square metre over all lawn areas, established on heavy clay-loam soils. It dramatically improves soil drainage within 1 hour. Just spread it using a gutter scoop that takes about 300 grams and visually sum up square metre quadrants to make the spreading easier. It sounds like a lot per square metre but when you water it in, it disappears. Anything less than 300 grams per square metre is useless. Market
Malcolm ‘Greenfingers’ Campbell prepares your garden for the cooler months.
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I suggest a few garden seats spread around your garden for open days too, even if you have to borrow them from friends. These days, potential buyers turn up with an iPad under their arm, loaded with information from their broker about your property and they need somewhere private without stress to access and assess it. The garden seat outside is perfect. Last of all for those seeking to spruce up their garden for an autumn sale; I suggest using an online horticulturalist to provide some shortcuts in your region. We all have a few tricks and the cost of online gardening advice is quite modest. You cannot beat local knowledge to make your garden look its best. Even if you engage a gardening task force, your comprehension of what needs to be done, will always get a better outcome!
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Clip hedges, trim roses lightly and spray foliage with Eco-Oil. That provides fungal and insect protection and it smells nice too. If you have any Westringia hedges or roses growing in shaded areas, these are prone to mite infestations at this time of year in many areas. The tell-tale evidence of mite attack is that the small grey leaves on Westringia look dead and you may detect a very fine web amongst the leaves on roses. If you have a handheld magnifying glass, you will see the tiny red mites (called red spider in some states) scurrying about on the underside of the leaves. Control of mites requires a foliar spray with Microfine (also sold as wettable sulphur). Apply the sulphur spray at night as an unseasonably warm day in autumn of just 25°C can result in leaf burn.
I had a two-stroke fuel spill on a terracotta pavement in a garden that I attended recently and I couldn’t find any solvent to remove it, so I resorted to evenly ‘spilling’ two-stroke fuel over all the pavers, so they all stained in the same way. Good weed control too! Most pavers can be cleaned with an industrial grease remover, sold at Bunnings stores but the porous nature of terracotta pavers presents another challenge. I have had to rebuild a few stone walls over the years and the new stone seldom matches the older lichen covered stone, even when sourced from the same quarry. I have found that if you spray the new stone with full cream milk and some yoghurt that has been left opened in the sun for a week, mixed with 5 parts of tank water, not reticulated chlorinated water, it creates a great mould in a few weeks that makes the stone decidedly aged to look at. I mention this as it works on some pavers too, where they have become covered in lichen growths.
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gardeners use it at 5 tonnes per hectare (that’s 500 grams a square metre) but that is hard to wash in; easy to cultivate but you can’t do that with your lawn!
AUTUMN | 2017
Award Winning Landlord Insurance From $1 * a Day O
HOME IDEAS
Terri Scheer is Australia’s leading landlord insurance specialist, offering protection for your rental property from risks that standard building and contents insurance may not cover. ABOUT MALCOLM CAMPBELL Malcolm Campbell is a professional horticulturalist who lives in Adelaide. He spent over 40 years as a television presenter of gardening topics for ABC television and is still presenting a weekly talkback gardening program on Sundays’ ABC radio 891 and the 8 SA-NSW regional radio stations from 10.30-11.30am after some 45 years. He works in a range of private gardens on a regular basis as well as providing consults to private gardeners on how they might manage their gardens better. Malcolm maintains an online website at www.greenfingers.com. au, selling a premium range of fertilizers, insect traps and Swiss made garden tools.
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Malicious and accidental damage by tenants Theft by tenants Fire, flood, storm and water damage
Damage by pets May be fully tax deductible
PLUS protection against loss of rental income due to: Absconding tenants Untenantable property
Tenant hardship Prevention of access
Call 1800 804 016 or visit terrischeer.com.au
Australia’s Leading Landlord Insurance Specialist *Across Australia, 82% of Terri Scheer customers paid $1 or less a day for their Landlord Insurance policy. Premium is based on all Terri Scheer Landlord Insurance policies purchased or renewed in the 24 months to 01/01/15 – 31/01/17, inclusive of taxes. Conditions and eligibility criteria apply. Consult your tax advisor in relation to tax deductibility of premium. Insurance issued by AAI Limited ABN 48 005 297 807 AFSL 230859 trading as Vero Insurance. In arranging your insurance, Terri Scheer Insurance ABN 76 070 874 798 AFSL 218585 acts under authority given to it by Vero Insurance. Read the Product Disclosure Statement before buying this insurance and consider whether it is right for you. Call 1800 804 016 for a copy.
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PROPERTY
AUTUMN | 2017
PROPERTY DAMAGE FAQS O
ne of the unfortunate realities of investing in real estate is the damage that can occur to your property, and the unexpected expenses that arise as a result.
accidentally drop a heavy object, which causes a crack in the tiles.
Even good tenants can accidentally damage your property, and whilst it’s not possible to prepare for every possible damage risk, it is possible to prepare yourself by being aware of what could eventuate.
A. Deliberate damage is not accidental, but is not performed maliciously or out of spite. An example of this is knowingly painting a feature wall, or hammering a nail into the wall to hang a picture up – without permission.
Furthermore, a good landlord’s insurance policy is an essential form of risk mitigation, as it helps ensure you’re not left out of pocket by thousands (or tens of thousands) of dollars due to someone else’s mistakes.
Q. IS TENANT-RELATED DAMAGE COVERED UNDER STANDARD BUILDING AND CONTENTS INSURANCE POLICIES?
What are some of the biggest real estate risks and what kind of protection can landlords expect? This property damage FAQ highlights some of the most common questions landlords have. Q. WHAT IS MALICIOUS DAMAGE? A. Malicious damage refers to damage to your property that your tenant or their guests purposefully cause, out of spite or malice. An example would be a tenant punching a hole through the wall or intentionally smashing a window. Q. WHAT IS ACCIDENTAL DAMAGE? A. Accidental damage refers to damage that your tenants have caused by mistake. They might spill red wine on the carpet during a dinner party, or
Q. WHAT IS DELIBERATE DAMAGE?
A. Tenant-related damaged, categorised as malicious, accidental or deliberate, may not be covered under standard building and contents insurance. It is a good idea to carefully read over your policy paperwork to learn what you are covered for. A landlord’s policy will help ensure that you have protection for a range of damage claims, including malicious, accidental and deliberate events. Q. DO STANDARD BUILDING AND CONTENTS POLICIES COVER WATER DAMAGE? A. Insurers may opt not to cover water damage in certain circumstances, such as due to tenant accidents. It’s up to you as the landlord to weigh up the risk and decide whether protection against flood, storm and general water damage is important to you. If so, speak to your insurer so you’re 100% clear about what your policy covers and excludes.
Q. IS PET DAMAGE COVERED UNDER A LANDLORD’S POLICY? A. Because every policy varies, your particular policy may not cover pet damage. Before allowing pets inside your investment property, check with your insurer to confirm what coverage you have. Q. IS THERE A WAY TO MINIMISE THE RISK OF PET DAMAGE? A. The decision to allow tenants to keep pets at your property requires much consideration. On one hand, allowing tenants with pets makes your property more desirable. On the other, pets are more likely to cause damage, both inside the house and out. If you do decide to allow pets, an effective way of minimising the risk of pet damage is to enforce an agreement with the tenant that lays out rules for their pets. It may indicate that pets aren’t allowed inside or on carpeted areas, with these conditions written into the lease. Be sure to conduct inspections if you suspect that a pet is secretly being housed at your property without permission. It’s also important to maintain a good, open and honest relationship with your tenant, as this will result in issues being discussed before it’s too late and tenants following your pet policy more closely.
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. Contact Terri Scheer on 1800 804 016 or visit our website at www.terrischeer.com.au for a copy.
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LIFESTYLE
AUTUMN | 2017
BARBECUED BUTTERFLIED LAMB LEG WITH CHILLI VEGETABLE SALAD A butterflied leg of lamb is prepared from a boneless leg. Perfect for the barbecue or grill, the increased surface area of this cut makes it much quicker to cook than the whole leg. Preparation – 15 minutes Cooking – 35 minutes Serves 4
INGREDIENTS 1 butterflied leg of lamb, trimmed
(approx. 1.5kg)
1 clove garlic, crushed 2 tablespoon light soy sauce 1 teaspoon sesame oil 2 tablespoon mirin 1 long red chilli, deseeded, finely
chopped
CHILLI VEGETABLE SALAD 1 tablespoon olive oil 250g Japanese pumpkin, peeled, cut
into 4cm pieces
250g baby chat potatoes, quartered ½ cauliflower head, cut into florets 1 small broccoli head, cut into florets ½ teaspoon chilli flakes ½ teaspoon ground cumin ½ teaspoon ground coriander 1 small bunch of English spinach,
trimmed, roughly torn ¼ cup hazelnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
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COOKING TIPS 1. A butterflied leg of lamb helps it to cook faster and more evenly; just ask your butcher to do it for you when you buy the leg of lamb. 2. If you can’t find a butterflied leg try using a butterflied shoulder or a boned and rolled shoulder.
METHOD 1. Pre-heat a lightly oiled barbecue or chargrill pan over medium high heat. Combine garlic, soy, sesame oil and mirin in a small bowl. Rub marinade over lamb and season. 2. Cook lamb for 12 to 15 minutes on each side, brushing with marinade, or until cooked to your liking. Set aside to rest for 10 minutes and thinly slice.
It’s a well-known fact that Australians love their lamb – a dish that always brings people together, we have a passion for celebrating and bonding together over lamb, however it doesn’t only have to be for the Sunday roast or Easter weekend. When the unexpected happens, you’ll always find a way to make everything work out with lamb. Lamb always provides a simple and delicious way to create something that everyone will love. Featuring cuts such as leg, rump, shoulder and mince, the team from www.beefandlamb.com.au share some of their favourite lamb dishes, perfect for when friends and family pop by for lunch or dinner.
3. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 200°C (180° fan-forced). In a large roasting pan lined with baking paper, place the pumpkin, potatoes, cauliflower and broccoli. Drizzle with the olive oil, and sprinkle with the spices. Season and toss to coat. Roast vegetable for 30 to 35 minutes, turning once, or until golden and tender. Add spinach to the pan, toss and sprinkle with hazelnuts. 4. Serve lamb with roasted vegetables.
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LIFESTYLE
AUTUMN | 2017
W
e all know exercise is important and going to the gym is one of the most common and convenient ways to do it. However, for some of us, it can be an intimidating place full of crazy contraptions and heavy things that we have no idea what to do with. Simon Margheritini, owner of Go & Get Fit Personal Training, believes that going to the gym is all about “training smart, not hard”. We spoke to Simon about his best tips for those who are keen to get into the gym but don’t know where to start.
WARMING UP
Starting with a warm up is essential to prepare your body for exercise and to reduce your chances of getting injured. Simon suggests around five minutes on a rowing machine at a medium pace as a great warm up for those who are new to the gym and working out by themselves. It’s quick, easy and you can work your upper and lower body at the same time, but make sure to keep your back straight when doing it and avoid putting pressure on your lumbar.
CARDIO
FITNESS FIRST TIMERS
TwentyOne learns how to transition from gym rookie to gym junkie.
Some newcomers to the gym may be unsure of how to get the most out of cardiovascular exercise. Simon says this really depends on your goals, but for many starting out, the goal tends to be focused on weight loss. In this case, he suggests cardio exercise at a pace “where you can’t hold a conversation”. You should be slightly puffed out – able to move but unable to chat. For the first few sessions, maintaining a level of about 50 per cent intensity will help your body get used to the training and then you can start to pick it up. “After about four to five weeks, your body will start to adapt and once it does, move to intense exercise such as a spin class where you can go hard in short bursts. “It’s the law of diminishing returns – when you see results they start to slow down so it is important to mix up your exercise,” said Simon.
WEIGHTS
When it comes to weights, it is important to consider which muscles you exercise. Simon suggests an “agonist and antagonist” 32 | century21.com.au | century21.co.nz
For example, working your quads means working your hamstrings or working the chest means also working your back. Try the chest press machine and then a pulling exercise such as a back extension to complement it.
It may be worth considering a personal trainer to help show you the ropes and to encourage a good routine. Many local gyms offer these services, or you can track down a personal trainer close to work or home at the click of a button online. Even if it’s just for a few sessions to learn how to use the equipment safely and effectively, Simon highly recommends it.
When choosing your weights, avoid attempting to lift the heaviest ones right off the bat. Simon says he often hears of the pain and resulting demotivation caused by going too hard, too fast in the first session – people will say, “I went once and didn’t recover for four days” or they go to a boxing class and say, “It was good but I couldn’t get out of bed the next day!”
The gym need not be intimidating with these simple tips, and once you ease yourself into it, confidence will grow with each session. Let this year be the one that you stick to your resolutions of fitness and health. Grab your water bottle and towel, lace up your sneakers and take your fitness journey one step on the treadmill at a time.
approach, so think about the muscle you are working and the muscle that is supporting you.
Weights will be most beneficial if you allow yourself to get the idea of the movement and adapt your muscles to what you will be doing in later weeks when you can increase the intensity.
NUTRITION
Nutrition is a crucial component to enhance your efforts at the gym, however when it comes to the ‘right’ time to eat, Simon believes it’s all about personal preference. Some people train early in the morning and can’t eat at all, however there are others that need to before they workout. Thinking about what you eat during the week leading up to a workout is just as important. “If you’re doing a morning session, the night before it is important to have a carbohydrate meal because that stores energy in your muscles,” said Simon. Rice or pasta will provide your body with the energy needed to get up and embrace a bright and early morning workout. Otherwise, Simon suggests a banana and some Greek yoghurt as a great preworkout feed to give your body a hit of protein and some sugar for quick energy.
CONSISTENCY
Getting into a routine with regular workouts will help to maintain motivation and ensure your workouts attract maximum benefit. “Avoid rollercoasters – your body won’t like it. You will see better results through a consistent effort,” said Simon.
ABOUT SIMON MARGHERITINI Simon Margheritini has been helping people achieve their fitness goals for more than 20 years. He started his fitness career in 1999 finishing his Cert IV in Personal Training, business and nutrition. In 2000, Simon worked at Body Xpress Bondi Beach and then in 2002 he was the founding manager for Healthwise Global, looking after 2500 Flight Centre employees. Today Simon runs a private personal studio in Waterloo, Sydney called ‘Go & Get Fit’ and has worked there for 10 years. Simon has been a regular contributor to The Australian and Network fitness over the years and has also been featured in a number of articles by Huffington Post. For more information, visit www.goandgetfit.com.
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LIFESTYLE
AUTUMN | 2017
SPOTLIGHT ON POST TwentyOne visits one of Perth’s dining hotspots.
N
amed after the original Perth General Post Office in the State Buildings, Post is a modern Australian bistro helmed by award winning Head Chef, Kim Brennan. Located within COMO The Treasury in Perth, the restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner using local seasonal produce with a French twist. Brennan, who grew up in Bunbury, WA is passionate about showcasing some of the finest produce his hometown has to offer. Of the food philosophy at Post, Brennan says “our philosophy is simple – seasonal, fresh produce, treated simply and cooked simply. We highlight the freshest West Australian produce and our menus change frequently to reflect the season’s bounty.” The seasonal menu features locally sourced, nutritious ingredients from fields, rivers and oceans close by. If you are finding it difficult to pick from the delicious offerings, Brennan recommends the market fish. At the moment, it is Spanish mackerel which comes in fresh from the
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clear waters of Exmouth and is served with baby leeks, pancetta, asparagus, and smoked mussel veloute. Post’s menu also includes lighter alternatives from the COMO Shambhala Cuisine, which uses raw ingredients with an emphasis on health and wellness. Options from the COMO Shambhala Cuisine include energising fresh juices, broths, vitamin boosts, yeast-free breads and dishes with low salt and little sugar. So what can diners expect to sample in autumn? Brennan says, “In autumn we turn to braises and slow cooks. Things like pot roasted lamb shoulder, which we lightly salt, cure overnight then pot roast old school style for around 6 hours. The menu will also have a 12 hour confit pork neck cooked in duck fat, as well as a lot of root vegetables as garnishes as well.” COMO The Treasury 1 Cathedral Avenue Perth WA 6000 Tel: +61 8 6168 7822
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LIFESTYLE
AUTUMN | 2017
CABLE BAY VINEYARDS The perfect wine to enjoy this autumn.
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LIFESTYLE
F
rom the west coast of Waiheke Island in Auckland, New Zealand, the sweeping views from Cable Bay Vineyards are a stunning complement to the awardwinning wines that have been produced there for over ten years now. Cable Bay’s first vineyard was established on Waiheke Island in 1998 with Chardonnay and Bordeaux varieties, along with a second location in New Zealand’s Marlborough region which allows them to grow more than 10 different varieties across New Zealand including Syrah, Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc. Cable Bay proudly combines an old world approach with new world techniques to
AUTUMN | 2017
effectuate their winemaking philosophy. This centres on hand-crafted wines with their own unique and individual personalities that capture the drinker’s imagination and tell a story of the land from which they came. This philosophy has helped to attract international recognition of Cable Bay, as their very first Chardonnay produced in 2002 won the gold medal at the prestigious International Wine Challenge in London, in a competition involving more than 40,000 bottles of wine from around the world. Visitors can expect to receive an authentic vineyard experience at Cable Bay. Sample the delights of the vineyard’s offerings at the Cellar Door, which overlooks the
winemaker’s workspace below, then spend the afternoon relaxing with drinks and small plates at The Verandah. or in the stylish Dining Room. For a more relaxed experience, a bean bag on the lawn will be the perfect place to perch, savour great wine and great company and take in the stunning coastal vista that stretches from the Hauraki Gulf to Auckland City. Here are some of Cable Bay’s top picks to enjoy this season. Cable Bay Vineyards 12 Nick Johnstone Drive Oneroa, Waiheke Island, New Zealand Ph. +64 9 372 5889 E. info@cablebay.co.nz
CABLE BAY SYRAH 2015 VINEYARD: This Syrah is produced from low-yielding vines, just across from our winery, located at the Western end of Waiheke Island. TASTING NOTE: Black cherry, plum, rose, barbeques, and cinnamon sticky buns. Sumptuous sums up the vintage well, certainly the best of the decade for reds. The palate is full bodied, with fruit and spice paving the way to a great big mouthfeel and sculpted tannin structure. It has great integration, even in its infancy, it’s harmonious, the length prodigious. CELLARING POTENTIAL: This wine will reward cellaring for up to 15 years, or will be thoroughly enjoyable upon release.
CABLE BAY CHARDONNAY 2015 VINEYARD: Two vineyard sites located at the Western end of Waiheke Island hold the plantings that grew this wine, with the vines managed using traditional viticultural techniques. TASTING NOTE: A departure in style from what is traditionally thought of for our Waiheke Chardonnay, this wine is a stand out from the fantastic 2015 vintage. Almond, blood orange, white peach and a struck match type flintiness embellishes the nose. Delicate and juicy acidity forms the building blocks of a charming palate. There is great phenolic texture which gives the wine incredible length and persistence. CELLARING POTENTIAL: Up to 10 years, and drinking well now.
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CABLE BAY FIVE HILLS 2014 - MALBEC / MERLOT VINEYARD: This wine is produced from grapes grown on five hillside vineyards located at the Western end of Waiheke Island. The sun drenched slopes and clay soils provide the ideal terroir for producing ripe, flavoursome Bordeaux variety grapes. TASTING NOTE: Rich plum pudding, blackberry, cedar and dark cherry aromas wholeheartedly fill the nose. This is a powerful, complex beauty. The palate is rich, with great tannin structure and a marvellous juiciness which persists through to a lengthy and nourishing finish. CELLARING POTENTIAL: This wine will reward cellaring for up to 10 years, or will be thoroughly enjoyable upon release.
CABLE BAY ROSÉ 2016 VINEYARD: The Merlot grapes for this wine are grown at the Western End of Waiheke Island. The clay soils provide wonderful structure and texture in the resulting wine; attributes which are beautifully expressed in this Rosé. TASTING NOTE: An elegant Rosé with evocative flavour and lovely balance. Fresh strawberry, rose petal, peach and cardamom aromas lightly mingle on the nose. The palate is bone dry, with almost a chalky texture, supported by juicy plum and pink grapefruit flavours. This wine is light bodied and low in alcohol. It has lovely structure, with a long, dry finish. CELLARING POTENTIAL: Best enjoyed upon release and over the next 2 years.
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PROPERTY
AUTUMN | 2017
N
ew Zealand property commentators would generally agree with Century 21 Chairman and owner Charles Tarbey’s observations that the property market is returning to ‘true real estate’. After recent years of strong growth and huge demand, New Zealand’s 2017 real estate marketplace is set to normalise.
Not surprisingly things eased back in the last quarter of 2016 as investors were hit with the further restrictions aimed at slowing down the investor market in Auckland. However we know people soon get used to new rules and just work with them, and from our observations the investors have moved focus to other markets.
New residential listings were down across our market in the latter part of 2016, with auction clearance numbers generally falling, average selling times lengthening out, and median house prices not rising as steeply particularly in Auckland.
Our capital city Wellington was hit with the effects of the November earthquakes, but would appear to be recovering and I again expect to see a slow recovery in the first quarter with the market returning to a more normal market in the second quarter.
This was always inevitable particularly when you consider October’s much tougher loan-to-value ratios (LVRs) by our Reserve Bank hitting the likes of property investors and having an almost immediate effect. However, we’re already seeing some resurgence in the first half of 2017.
However, I do think it will be the General Election which could have the largest impact on the New Zealand story for 2017. Elections usually have a slowing effect on listings and sales, but for this election perhaps even more so. Things have become a whole lot more interesting and arguably closer after popular Prime Minister John Key resigned in December.
I expect to see continuance of a strong regional market with Auckland easing in the relentless upwards price movement. Nonetheless, it is cushioned by the fact that our largest city by far continues to enjoy and endure very strong population growth. Rest assured Auckland will keep trucking along. We’re generally seeing buyers now setting the price, with vendors starting to get a bit more realistic. I doubt that the Reserve Bank or the Government will be looking at implementing any further restrictions such as loan-toincome ratios at the stage as the current ones are having the desired effect.
2017 WILL BE A YEAR OF TWO HALVES By Geoff Barnett, National Manager of Century 21 New Zealand.
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I believe this year in New Zealand we won’t see any major market shifts. Rather, if there are any corrections they’ll be moderate and sustainable, helped by housing supply improving particularly in Auckland and interest rates slowly rising. While 2017 may not reach the giddy and record-breaking heights of previous years, it’s still looking strong with consumer and business confidence solid as is population growth. However, let’s not forget that this year is also an election year, so after some summer and autumn marketplace resurgence, I suspect the second half of 2017 will be a bit quieter than usual as people, for whatever reason, keep their hands in their pockets.
have seen an increase of sales agents across the network. This increase in agents has come about by offices attracting experienced people who are looking for new and better opportunities, as well as a number of new people to the industry being trained through the active Century 21 cadet programme. We are placing a lot of emphasis on business development and we’re currently seeking expressions of interest from qualified and ambitious industry professionals for new franchise opportunities. Subsequently, we’re expecting more franchise openings this year. Rest assured after much growth in 2016, Century 21 New Zealand is committed to growing an even bigger slice of the real estate pie nationally in 2017.
Despite a few high profile apartment projects being cancelled, with deposits being returned to buyers, apartments remain a more affordable entry point for first home buyers. Apartments have become an attractive alternative in Auckland where prices are still the biggest challenge facing this sector of the market. Admittedly, some renters are still having to leave the more central areas to buy further out in the new developments or established homes in what were once considered the be the outer suburbs. It seems that more people are now more willing to accept a long commute if it gets them on the property ladder. Century 21’s offices in peripheral Auckland will tell you for free that more ‘city kids’ are coming out every day. So overall, we’re not expecting an exceptional 2017 but a year where we return to a more normal market which will be strong in parts. We will see willing sellers and willing buyers still able to achieve very satisfactory results in the New Zealand property market. Century 21 New Zealand has seen its own growth over the past 12 months both with the number of Franchise Offices and also the number of salespeople employed across the franchise network. We opened five new offices in 2016 and
ABOUT GEOFF BARNETT Geoff has been involved in the real estate industry for some 10 years. Prior to this he had over 30 years’ experience in business development and business management. Geoff has welldeveloped business networks and a thorough understanding of the day to day issues business owners face in running a successful business. Geoff is also very active in the community, as he is a member of his local Lions club, and current regional manager of Camp Quality Auckland Northland. Camp Quality is an organisation which provides support for Children Living with Cancer and is a fully volunteer organisation. He is also a trustee of other community trusts.
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TECHNOLOGY
AUTUMN | 2017
TECH ESSENTIALS
Take a look at this season’s latest products.
FUJIFILM X-PRO2 Going away on an Easter break? Bring the Fujifilm X-Pro2 with you! Taking performance to new heights, the Fujifilm X-Pro2 offers the world’s only Hybrid Multi Viewfinder and features a brand new 24MP X-Trans III sensor. The unique Hybrid Multi Viewfinder allows instant switching between optical and electronic finders, while the updated image sensor and processor dramatically improve image quality. By combining these features with the ultra-high image quality of award-winning Fujinon X-Mount lenses and the colour reproduction technology accumulated through more than 80 years as a photographic film manufacturer, the Fujifilm X-Pro2 delivers the best ever results from an X-series camera.
EPSON ECOTANK ET-4550
RRP: $2699 AUD LEXAR HIGH ENDURANCE MICROSD CARDS Lexar’s High-Endurance microSD cards leverage UHS-I (U1) technology to capture crisp 1080p full-HD video, ensuring security cameras and dash cams can record their surroundings in crystal-clear detail. Available in 32GB and 64GB capacities, the cards can reliably record thousands of hours of video, and offload recorded content at speeds up to 40MB/s. This premium solution from Lexar facilitates 24/7 video recording or motion-activated video capture.
Epson has revolutionised household and home office printing in Australia and made it incredibly convenient by launching its EcoTank printer range. The range comes with up to two years of ink included, so this means no regular trips or orders to buy ink and the knowledge that, paper aside, most of the costs associated with printing are already taken care of. The Epson EcoTank WorkForce ET-4550 is a wireless all-in-one printer with integrated high-capacity ink systems, ideal for busy homes and home offices who are looking to cut their printing costs and make producing quality documents a hassle-free experience. RRP: $699 AUD
The cards come with a UHS-I adapter for easy video file transfer, and include a lifetime copy of Image Rescue® software. Additionally, all Lexar product designs undergo extensive testing in the Lexar Quality Labs, facilities with more than 1,100 digital devices, to ensure performance, quality, compatibility and reliability. RRP: from $44.95 AUD
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PROPERTY
AUTUMN | 2017
O
ne question we’re often asked by investors is ‘will a house or a unit provide better depreciation deductions?’’ This is a frequent question asked during the pre-purchase stage and a range of factors will be considered by a specialist Quantity Surveyor when calculating depreciation deductions. This includes: • Construction method and materials; • The age of the property and construction commencement date; • Any renovation work that has been completed since original construction; • The plant and equipment assets found in the property and, in the case of apartments or units, common property assets found in shared areas. Investors often think they can claim more deductions for a house due to its larger floor space. However, usually the extensive amount of infrastructure involved in the construction of a residential unit can result in a higher construction cost, increasing the overall depreciation claim for these properties.
HOUSES VERSUS UNITS ATO ruling makes common area claims less complex.
While houses, units and apartments all contain a significant number of plant and equipment assets, larger development complexes also entitle their owners to claim deductions for shared areas classified as common property. Examples include lifts, passages, common gardens, pool areas, gyms, common laundry areas, driveways and stairways. Recently, changes outlined under Tax Ruling (TR) 2015/3 have meant that more owners of apartments or units can claim deductions for common property assets. TR 2015/3 relates to strata title legislation and provides further clarification on how common property should be treated for tax purposes. This is because strata title legislation on a state-by-state basis was unclear and inconsistent between the states, particularly in relation to how common property is held by the body corporate either as an ‘agent’ or in trust. Prior to TR 2015/3 it wasn’t always clear how owners in the Northern Territory, South Australia and Tasmania could claim common property. In some circumstances, the body corporate could prepare a tax return
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and claim the depreciation. However, paragraph 95 of TR 2015/3 outlines that despite the differences in the state and territory legislation, the Commissioner will apply a consistent treatment across all strata schemes. This means that proprietors in strata schemes can return income and claim deductions on the basis that they hold the legal and beneficial ownership of common property. When calculating deductions for a unit or an apartment complex, a Quantity Surveyor will assess the unit entitlements found on the Strata Plan, Plan of Subdivision (PS) or on the Building Unit Plans (BUPs) to accurately calculate the percentage of ownership for common property assets. The table above provides an estimate of the deductions available for a three bedroom house, unit and townhouse all purchased for $620,000 and constructed in 2012. We also included an example of a property purchased for $550,000 constructed in 1990. The eligibility to claim common property items mean owners of stand-alone townhouses and units may receive higher deductions. Depreciation deductions vary depending on the quality of the finish and the assets found within a property. Investors can request a depreciation estimate for any
property they are considering purchasing by visiting bmtqs.com.au/estimate.
ABOUT BRADLEY BEER Bradley Beer (B. Con. Mgt, AAIQS, MRICS, AVAA) is the Chief Executive Officer of BMT Tax Depreciation. Bradley joined BMT in 1998 and as such he has substantial knowledge about property investment, supported by expertise in property depreciation and the construction industry. Bradley is a regular keynote speaker and presenter covering depreciation services on television, radio, at conferences and exhibitions Australia-wide. Please contact 1300 728 726 or visit www.bmtqs.com.au for an Australia-wide service.
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PROPERTY
TOP TIPS FOR ENTERING THE PROPERTY MARKET THIS AUTUMN
AUTUMN | 2017
H
ow do you make the switch from renting to owning a home? It’s a question asked by many budding home buyers eager to make their move into the property market. While rising house prices in many parts of Australia have made home ownership more difficult in recent times, with the right strategy, careful financial planning and plenty of persistence, you can make the transition to home ownership. There are several benefits in home ownership, including increased privacy, the freedom to renovate to your taste and the opportunity to hold a safe, solid asset that will continue rising in value over the long term. While renting can be a more affordable option in the short term, as the saying goes, rent money is dead money unless rental funds are invested elsewhere. When it comes to entering the property market, keep in mind that making a profitable investment takes considerable time and effort and does not happen overnight. While making the transition to home ownership can be challenging, the long-term financial benefits to be gained far outweigh the shortterm sacrifices involved. Regardless of whether you choose to buy a home and live in it, or buy an investment and continue renting, entering into the property market should provide you with lasting rewards. TIPS FOR GETTING INTO THE PROPERTY MARKET 1. ESTABLISH A GOAL. Work out the exact type of property you would like to purchase and the ideal suburbs you want to invest in. Having a clear objective to work towards will save time and set you on the path to home ownership much sooner. Generally, it’s best to invest in properties located within 1km from the heart of the suburb, a close walk to schools, leisure facilities, public transport and beaches. It’s also a good idea to aim for properties with two or more bedrooms and a lock up garage, as these attributes will help attract potential tenants in the future.
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2. START SAVING NOW. Develop a realistic savings plan, as the sooner you get in the routine of taking money from your wages before you spend it, the better. Property rises quicker than you can save and consequently you need to commit as much as you can into the plan. Home ownership comes with additional expenses to renting and taking a first step into the property market requires a deposit of at least five per cent, as well as stamp duty, ongoing mortgage repayments and maintenance fees. Even with tenants in an investment property, there will be a difference between the rent and the mortgage that will need topping up from your salary. 3. DON’T FEAR THE GEAR. Taking out a mortgage is a daunting prospect, but if you never take the risk, you’ll never own a home. Instead of viewing debt as a disadvantage, focus on the positives. Manageable debt can provide you with the stepping stones to long term financial security. Rent money is dead money, but investing your money into an asset will provide long term benefits. 4. DO YOUR RESEARCH. Pick two or three suburbs and then inspect at least 50 – 100 properties across the area, comparing them based on price and offerings, before making a purchase. The more research you do, the more idea you’ll have of what is good value. Sites like RP Data and Residex can give you reports on average values for a suburb and potential yields, and your local council can provide an idea on current area trends and demographics. It’s worth consulting a buyers agent as they can remove a lot of the legwork and research involved in sourcing a property and will be able to provide specialist market knowledge to help ensure a profitable investment. 5. GET AN INDEPENDENT PROPERTY VALUATION. Property is one of the most expensive investments you will make in your lifetime and it’s important to purchase at the best possible price. When it comes to property, many buyers are inclined to
make an emotional purchase decision, especially if they plan on living in their investment. Before any property purchase consult a professional valuer to ensure you are paying a fair purchase price. A valuer is not emotionally involved in the purchase and will be able to provide you with an accurate idea of a property’s worth today and in the immediate future.
ABOUT CHRIS GRAY Chris Gray is CEO of Your Empire, a buyers agency which builds property portfolios for time-poor people – searching, negotiating, renovating and managing property on their behalf. Chris’s team buys one to two properties a week and often spends $5m+ a year renovating on others behalf, providing a unique insight into market conditions and buyer and seller sentiment. Chris hosts “Your Property Empire’ each Monday on Sky News Business channel, where he interviews various heads of property research companies and major industry figures. Chris is a qualified accountant, buyers’ 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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PROPERTY
AUTUMN | 2017
THE REAL ESTATE NETWORK
RATED NUMBER ONE SA TIS
O T S
M
ST
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MO
S
BY CUSTOMERS
FIED CU
REAL ESTATE SMALL BUSINESS - 2015
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CENTURY 21 AGENTS. SMARTER. BOLDER. FASTER.