Echo Property Magazine #10 – May 2024

111 OCEAN DRIVE

Elegant Coastal Grandeur: A Premier Luxury Residence

AUCTION 1ST OF JUNE, 10AM ONLINE AND ONSITE

THIS PROPERTY PRESENTS A RARE OPPORTUNITY TO OWN A SIGNIFICANT PIECE OF EVANS HEAD’S LUXURY REAL ESTATE MARKET.

With its thoughtful design, high-end amenities, and unbeatable location, this home is a true jewel on the Northern NSW coast. Interested buyers are encouraged to act swiftly to secure their own piece of paradise. For a private viewing and to explore this magnificent home further, please reach out to Brody or Emma today. Experience first-hand the unparalleled lifestyle that awaits at this luxury coastal haven. The open home will be for preregistered viewers only, please call us today to register.

North facing with breathtaking dual views of the Evans River and Pacific Ocean. Two grand staircases with extravagant chandeliers adding to the home's elegance.

Luxurious heated tile flooring and towel rails in the kitchen and upstairs bathrooms.

Sandstone and marble detailing with gold accents throughout for a timeless look. Tinted windows complimented by electric curtains throughout for additional privacy.

Two hot water systems and dual ducted air conditioning units zoned separately. Comprehensive security camera system accessible from your phone. Enter via an electric security gate with an intercom system throughout the home.

A large basement with unique amenities such as a fish filleting station Large solar array with dual inverters and 32 panels.

Bisque are designers, importers and retailers of fine furniture, lighting, homewares and ladies fashion. We have moved our entire retail operation into our space in the Byron Bay Industrial Estate and sadly closed our Bangalow store. On display we have a much larger range of products including outdoor furniture and ladies fashion.

We are also offering a complete interior design and styling service. We can arrange full project management, sourcing builders, materials and a full client consultation service.

We are also providing furniture rental and styling service for home sales, where we use our classic Bisque luxe range to bring your property to the next level. All pieces are also available wholesale. See our comprehensive range at www.bisquetraders.com.au

3-4/60 Centennial Circuit, Byron Industrial Estate Phone: 0424 225 059 | Mon–Fri 11am to 4pm www.bisquetraders.com.au | Insta: @bisque_

Understanding the importance of quality landscaping

Eve Jeffery

If you’ve ever prepared a house for sale you know the importance of making everything look clean, bright, spacious and FABulous.

Keeping in mind that ‘first impressions last’, the first thing that a prospective buyer is going to see when they arrive at your property is your beautiful landscaped garden!

The possibilities are endless in terms of the directions you can go with landscaping. Themes are very popular: formal gardens, desertscapes, Japanese gardens, edible gardens (my favourite), Mediterranean, tropical, woodland, xeriscapes (planting drought-tolerant and slowgrowing varieties of plants), beach themes, art gardens, and Chinese gardens are just a few of the ideas and options.

Real estate agent Guy Ethell from Ethell Property, says that in his experience landscaping plays a pivotal role. ‘Improved kerb appeal leads to increased marketability which in turn gives your property a competitive advantage compared to other properties for sale,’ he says. ‘And this leads to potential value addition. The key is to keep it as low maintenance as possible while still being attractive enough to inspire an emotional connection with potential buyers.’

So what would be best for your garden, and even more important, what will be best for the people who are going to buy your garden?

Nicole and Phil from Gold Leaf Landscaping and Earthworks agree a well-designed garden with thoughtful landscaping can add both value to your home, and ensure that you and your family enjoy your outdoor spaces.

‘With the trends going towards usable outdoor spaces and outdoor living, it is worth engaging the services of a professional landscaper to

ensure that your garden does what you want it to,’ they explained.

‘Landscaping is simply the art of designing and constructing a garden. There are two elements to landscaping – hardscaping and softscaping. Hardscaping refers to the inanimate parts of the garden such as retaining walls, decks, water features and so forth. Softscaping is the living part of the garden – the plants, trees, shrubs, etc.’

The first thing that a prospective buyer is going to see when they arrive at your property is your beautiful landscaped garden

construction or renovation project can be. ‘A landscape improvement project is no different,’ he said.

‘In fact, throw in the challenges of our unique local climate and the broad skillset required to manage a vast array of required contractors and consultants, and the challenges can be overwhelming.’

Nicole and Phil say there are several things to consider before landscaping and gardening.

‘There are things that will affect the way that your garden is designed and planted. These include: if you have pets, if you have children, if you want to entertain or simply relax, if you need a pool or spa, the usability of your garden (growing vegetables and herbs, etc), the amount of maintenance you’re prepared to undertake, and the budget that you have.’

Gold Leaf believes that because the costs of a landscaping project can be quite considerable, a good rule of thumb is to not spend more than ten per cent of the total value of your house and land on the garden.

‘This amount of money includes all of the elements of the garden, not just the plants. If you have a limited budget initially, try to spread the project out over a number of years, as your budget allows.

‘A new garden is a big outlay – try to keep the design as simple and classic as possible, so that it will be lasting and timeless.’

Paul Attwood from Gracewood Landscapes says many people know how challenging a

Paul says the aim is to balance aesthetics with the realities of the land. ‘We look at every project with a “big picture” lens, ensuring that it is future-proofed and has the considerations required to flourish.

‘Your landscape deserves to be beautiful and that beauty deserves to endure.’

Paul says the most underrated aspect of any garden is maintenance. ‘Proper and regular landscape maintenance will see your property (and its value) achieve its full potential.’

‘The rich soils, reliable rainfall and long growing season here in the Northern Rivers can be a blessing or a curse. Our maintenance philosophy is simple – “a little bit, often”. Regularity is the key to keeping overall maintenance costs down and aesthetic quality up.’

At the end of the day, if you are landscaping for yourself, go with something you are happy to live with and something that you have the capacity to maintain. If you are landscaping to make your property more appealing to buyers, it is well worth consulting an expert who will have the latest information on trends and upkeep. Hopefully with a little help, landscaping will be a lot of fun!

Photo: Kristi Blokhin/Shutterstock

Echo Property Magazine is a monthly magazine, inserted and distributed with all 24,700 copies of The Echo, on the first Wednesday of each month.

Echo Property offers the best value and most effective reach for property advertisers in the region. Spanning the Byron, Ballina, Lismore and Tweed shires, The Echo has the largest circulation by far.

Advertising properties for sale across the Northern Rivers, Echo Property Magazine offers a go-to real estate guide for readers each month. It will also feature on The Echo’s highly trafficked website www.echo.net.au as a digital magazine which will include hyperlinks to your website. The Echo online averages 137,500 unique visitors monthly!

Elegant coastal grandeur: a premier luxury residence

111 Ocean Drive, Evans Head

Discover a grand, elegant retreat situated at the perfect vantage point between the tranquil Evans River and the expansive ocean. This prestigious home, set in the serene coastal town of Evans Head, combines architectural elegance with innovative luxury across four bedrooms, four bathrooms, and extensive living spaces.

Step through the grand entrance where a stunning chandelier and marble floors welcome you to a world of sophistication. The foyer leads to a grand marble staircase alongside a serene water feature and coat room, setting the tone for the rest of the home.

The upper level opens to a vast, open-plan living, dining, and kitchen area with breathtaking views of both the river and ocean. The gourmet kitchen overlooks the ocean with curved glass windows, boasting a dumbwaiter, granite countertops, a walk-in pantry and high-end appliances, including a built-in deep fryer, heated tiles and a self-cleaning oven. With a large island stone bench including an instant boiling and chilled tap for added convenience.

The main living space is designed for enjoyment of the panoramic ocean to the north and river to the south, with two balconies purposely positioned at each end. The living area also boasts a custom bar area overlooking the river; featuring a unique South American fossil benchtop, a dishwasher and a skylight. Just off the living room, a study offers built-in desks and ample storage with views over the Evans River. The luxurious master suite features a walk-in wardrobe, a private balcony overlooking the ocean plus a large ensuite with stone benchtops, a spa bath and skylight. A second bedroom, with river views, includes a walk-in wardrobe and balcony access. The family bathroom features Persian onyx countertops, a large spa bath, shower, and separate toilet.

The lower level features a spacious, additional lounge with kitchenette and 10 foot ceilings-ideal for relaxation or entertaining. It includes a large bedroom with built-in wardrobe and courtyard access, plus a fourth bedroom with built-in wardrobes. The large laundry includes ducts for two dryers, a laundry shoot, access to the clothes line and a substantial walk-in storage room. A full bathroom with luxurious marble benchtops and a separate guest toilet complete this floor.

Moving outside, the home’s backyard is an entertainment paradise featuring a covered dining area with an outdoor BBQ kitchen set behind tinted glass for privacy. A heated saltwater pool with an electric Vergola and chic water feature enhances the atmosphere, surrounded by raised garden beds filled with fresh herbs and vegetables. Additionally, a convenient poolside bathroom and a spacious 4-car garage with epoxy flooring provide all the amenities needed for

upscale living. A large basement, housing the solar inverters, both hot water systems, air conditioner units and pool equipment with a substantial stainless steel workbench.

Key features include:

• North-facing with breathtaking dual views of the Evans River and Pacific Ocean.

• Two grand staircases with extravagant chandeliers adding to the home’s elegance.

• Luxurious heated tile flooring and towel rails in the kitchen and upstairs bathrooms.

• Sandstone and marble detailing with gold accents throughout for a timeless look.

• Tinted windows complimented by electric curtains throughout for additional privacy.

• Two hot water systems and dual ducted air conditioning units zoned separately.

• Comprehensive security camera system accessible from your phone.

• Enter via an electric security gate with an intercom system throughout the home.

• A large basement with unique amenities such as a fish filleting station.

• Large solar array with dual inverters and 32 panels.

This home is not just a residence but a statement of luxury and meticulous design. Each element from the sandstone tiles to the sophisticated stone accents throughout, reflects a commitment to quality and elegance. Living here offers not just comfort but a picturesque experience, with each window framing stunning coastal views. The ambience of Evans Head, known for its pristine beaches and vibrant community, complements the home’s luxurious feel, making it a perfect escape or a splendid full-time residence.

This property presents a rare opportunity to own a significant piece of Evans Head’s luxury real estate market. With its thoughtful design, high-end amenities, and unbeatable location, this home is a true jewel on the northern NSW coast. Interested buyers are encouraged to act swiftly to secure their own piece of paradise. For a private viewing and to explore this magnificent home further, please reach out to Brody or Emma today. Experience first-hand the unparalleled lifestyle that awaits at this luxury coastal haven.

Contact:

Brody Alexson 0428 661 402 Emma Waterhouse 0481 986 365

Investor confidence is growing

Aslan Shand

The impact of increasing interest rates, inflation and cost of living has many people looking at how they can increase their income and reduce outgoings. As interest rates have stabilised it looks like investor confidence is building and people are looking to build both cash income and long-term wealth in the property market.

‘Interest rates are a big factor for investors who are looking for return on investment,’ Tim Miller, from Tim Miller Real Estate told Echo Property. ‘They also have some effect broadly speaking on general market sentiment and confidence.’

Oracle Advisory Group say that ‘According to the ABS lending indicators report for October, new loan commitments for investors increased

by five per cent in one month, up 12.1 per cent over the year… as market conditions slowly improve, vacancy rates remain extremely tight, and interest rates are tipped to fall later this year.’

Key elements that are supporting a strong property investment market are undersupply, the cost of building materials and labour, and strong population growth supported by migration according to Michael Yardney’s Property Update (propertyupdate.com.au/ australian-property-market-predictions).

Elements that are supporting a strong property investment market are undersupply, the cost of building materials and labour, and strong population growth

moved through the bottom of the cyclical downturn early in 2023 experiencing a V-shaped recovery making the 2022 downturn one of the sharpest but shortest in history,’ he said in his article Latest property price forecasts for 2024 revealed. What’s ahead in our housing markets in the next year or two?

‘It is now clear that our housing market has defied the many doomsday forecasts and has

‘I feel investors have seen rental prices shift dramatically upward, and in combination with a stabilisation in interest rates, this has allowed them to be more confident when planning longer term investment strategies like purchasing real estate,’ said Guy Ethell from Ethell Property.

Investing in property – it’s an urban jungle lout there. Images: Shutterstock

‘An undersupply of rental and sale listings is ensuring there is demand which has a stabilising effect on the market.’

Are investors prioritising increased cash flow or long-term capital growth? Guy says that on a ‘small scale non-professional investors are chasing long-term capital growth as a means to secure their future financial security whereas more sophisticated investors are more likely chasing cash flow from multi-dwelling residential properties or commercial properties.’

The Oracle Advisory Group emphasise that investors need to look carefully at their financial situation and decide which approach will work best for them.

‘Deciding which strategy would work best for your personal financial circumstances is crucial and planning should start well before the house-hunting does. By creating a detailed budget, you can ensure your investment aligns with any future income expectations. Crunch the numbers to find out what the personal pros

and cons could be for either strategy.’

Tim Miller reminds investors that ‘real estate investment should be thought of as a mediumto long-term wealth generation strategy, not a short-term investment.’

‘As far as timing – there’s plenty of experts out there with opinions – like most things sooner rather than later, if you are in a position to do something, is generally better. Action is better than inaction. A person needs to assess their own capacity for risk vs reward. Anecdotally, I meet very few people who bought many years ago in our area that regret doing so. They mostly have a lot of financial security today.’

However, considering the potential costs of an investment is crucial: they include the risk that a property might remain empty for a period of time, council rates, possible interest rate rises, insurance and strata costs.

‘We have seen an uptick in investor enquiry since the last quarter of 2023 and that has continued into 2024 but they are still facing stiff

competition from the owner-occupier market,’ explained Guy.

‘The three main factors which need to be considered looking forward:

1. The cost to borrow money, if this changes dramatically the market will face further turbulence but the feeling in the marketplace is we won’t see so many consecutive rate rises again as we have experienced since the RBA began its hiking cycle.

2. Housing supply is only going to get tougher in the short term.

3. People are going to continue to migrate to the area because of how desirable and beautiful the local area is.’

Tim agrees saying that investment in the Northern Rivers has ‘always remained positive. We have just moved into a more normal part of the real estate market cycle. We are still way ahead in terms of capital growth than prior to the Covid-influenced boom.’

Property Business Directory

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“Vicki deserves awards for best communicator, most organised, gets things done like I’ve never seen before. Excellent handling of complex matters. She never once dropped the ball. As a business person myself, I learned a lot from the way Vicki operates. I’ll honestly miss the very productive and regular catchup calls with her. Highly recommend.”

vickicooper@atrealty.com.au www.vickicooper.com

VICKI COOPER 0418 231 955

vickicooper@atrealty.com.au www.vickicooper.com

NP CONVEYANCING

We offer sound advice to property buyers and those looking to develop. Our advice includes providing you with the potential for development opportunities, restrictions on title, pre-purchase inspections, facilitating design and approval processes, managing construction contractors to completion.

Contact Craig Adams 0411 575 991 craig@cacm.net.au

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