EchoRealty’s purpose is to provide high-quality affordable properties for all Australians. Equipped with over 100 years of property expertise, our team is passionate about helping our clients achieve their property goals, whether it be through renting, developing or investing. Our unmatched customer care is embodied by respect, and our team believe that everyone deserves safe, stable and secure housing. We will work tirelessly to ensure our client’s property experience is as smooth, transparent and successful as possible.
EchoRealty acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land where we deliver our housing services. We acknowledge and pay our respects to all Elders past, present and future. We welcome all First Nations Peoples to our services, as we walk together towards reconciliation.
Artwork “Land, River, Home” by Sal Lavallee.
FINALIST
Lidcombe Rise
EchoRealty is an award-winning business renowned for its achievements across various sectors, including government, not-for-profit organisations, community housing, and the real estate industry. Our commitment to excellence has been widely recognised, and we take immense pride in our contributions to the community.
We are extremely proud to announce that our affordable housing development Lidcombe Rise is a finalist for the Excellence in Affordable Housing for the UDIA NSW & Urban Property Group award, a finalist in the 2024 Urban Developer Awards for Development of the Year — Social Infrastructure, and a finalist in this year’s Urban Taskforce Development Excellence Awards.
The affordable housing dwelling of Lidcombe Rise was purchased by our parent company Evolve Housing and is currently managed by EchoRealty at a reduced rent rate of 25–30%. The dwelling comprises 93 affordable housing units and includes 30 onebedroom, 42 two-bedroom and 20 threebedroom apartments.
The significance of Lidcombe Rise extends beyond just providing affordable housing, but rather defining a new way of life for our residents who, regardless of their income can thrive in a high standard of living as private market
housing, creating a sense of equality and community. The development is strategically located with easy access to public transport, schools, healthcare facilities, and recreational areas, ensuring that residents have all the necessary amenities within reach. The thoughtful design and planning of Lidcombe Rise also includes green spaces and communal areas that encourage social interaction and community engagement.
At EchoRealty, our residents and clients are at the heart of everything we do. We are dedicated to helping struggling Australians find a place they can proudly call home. Our mission is to provide affordable housing solutions that promote stability, security, and a sense of belonging within the community.
Our dedicated team works tirelessly to support our residents, offering a range of services and programs designed to enhance their quality of life and foster a supportive and nurturing environment.
EchoRealty’s partnership with Willoughby City Council
EchoRealty is proud to continue its strategic partnership with Willoughby City Council on the Lower North Shore, by managing their affordable housing portfolio for over six years.
This exciting initiative aligns with our commitment to provide high-quality, affordable living spaces for the community.
As part of a planning agreement with the developer Mirvac, the Council and EchoRealty have released 13 brand new apartments on the site of the former Channel Nine building on Artarmon Road, ranging from studios to spacious 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, and 3-bedroom units. An additional 12 apartments are set to become available soon.
This partnership is designed to cater to modern living needs, with amenities that create a sense of community and wellbeing, including pocket parks for play and relaxation, the vast green space of The Lawn with covered barbecues for outdoor dining, an accessible and inclusive play space known as Parabol Playground, and so much more.
EchoRealty and Willoughby City Council recognise the role that key workers play in society and are offering these homes at a rent that is 20% below the median for the Local Government Area (LGA). This affordable pricing ensures that key workers can afford to live in high-quality homes close to their workplaces, fostering a healthy work-life balance.
EchoRealty’s partnership with Willoughby City Council represents a forward-thinking approach to urban development, focusing on inclusivity, affordability, and community-centric living. By providing modern, well-equipped apartments at below-market rents, we are not only addressing the housing affordability crisis but also strengthening the fabric of our local community.
We are excited to see the positive impact this project will have on the Lower North Shore and look forward to welcoming our new residents.
Safeguard your home from mould this winter!
Winter has well and truly set in and there are many different things that could lead to mould in your home such as cooler temperatures, heavy rainfall, and even heaters. Safeguard your home with some of our mould prevention tips.
What is mould?
Mould is a form of fungus and is spread primarily by airborne spores that will develop and grow on almost any surface providing the following conditions are present:
• A relevant indoor humidity of 80% or higher
• Moisture, usually from condensation. Mould can develop in the absence of condensation, but its growth is accelerated by the presence of moisture
• A nutrient. Research shows that certain ingredients in most paints, household dust, and cooking fumes all provide excellent food for mould
Sooty mould, the most common type, leaves surfaces with a brown or black stain and usually occurs on the walls and ceilings of bathrooms, bedrooms and in cupboards. Untreated, this mould will spread to other rooms in the house. Green furry mould grows on organic or organic-bearing surfaces, such as shoes or clothes.
Condensation and mould
The winter season brings with it condensation and mould growth problems in houses, units, townhouses and villa homes. Condensation and mould can occur in any type of home construction, including weatherboard, brick veneer, solid brick, and brick veneer.
Condensation and its causes
When highly humidified air comes in contact with any cold surface such as a wall or ceiling, it chills and water vapour is extracted from the air, remaining as condensation on the cold surface. High humidity has an accumulative effect on absorbent materials such as clothing hanging in the cupboard or bedclothes, making them damp. Condensation will also cause rust on metal surfaces such as spring wire mattresses.
How to prevent condensation
Condensation cannot occur if humid, moist air is removed and replaced by dry air. This can be achieved
very simply through better ventilation in your home
Tips to improve ventilation in your home:
• Open windows and doors when weather permits to improve cross ventilation
• Room ventilators and exhaust fans should be kept clean. Normal house fluff can block or partly block wall or ceiling ventilators and exhaust fans and impede proper ventilation of the property
• Turn on exhaust fans, particularly when bathing, showering, cooking, doing laundry and drying clothes
Warm moist air
Warm air will not cause condensation on a cold surface, but warm moist air will. Warm moist air can be created by:
• steam from cooking
• washing dishes or clothes
• clothes dryers that are not externally vented
• steam from bathrooms
• drying damp clothes inside
How to reduce mould in the property?
Promote Air Circulation
• Open doors and windows, especially in bathrooms and during cool weather.
• Ensure proper ventilation in all rooms.
Maintain Dryness
• Keep bathroom surfaces, showers, curtains, and basins dry.
• Wipe away moisture on windows and walls regularly.
• Allow sunlight into the property, particularly in damp areas.
Manage Moisture Sources
• Dry damp clothes, shoes, and fabrics promptly.
• Leave wardrobe doors open for air circulation.
• Clean evaporation trays in appliances frequently.
Getting To Know EchoRealty Angela Mifsud
#MEETECHO gives you insight into who we are as your support team. In this edition, we interview Angela Mifsud, one of our experienced Property Managers, someone you may have spoken to on the phone regarding your property
How long have you been with EchoRealty?
I have been with EchoRealty for 11 months. It’s been an amazing experience with all the opportunities to immerse myself in various aspects of the real estate industry, gaining valuable experience and insights. My journey with EchoRealty has been incredibly rewarding, allowing me to collaborate with a team of dedicated professionals and contribute to several successful projects. Each day at EchoRealty brings new challenges and learning opportunities, and I am excited to continue growing and making meaningful contributions to the company.
What
was your previous job?
Before joining EchoRealty, I worked for 20 years in the private market real estate sector. During this time, I held various roles that allowed me to develop a comprehensive skill set and deep industry knowledge. I worked as a Leasing Manager, Business Development Manager (BDM), and Property Manager. These diverse roles provided me with a solid foundation in real estate, equipping me with the expertise and confidence to take on new challenges and contribute effectively.
What made you want to become a senior Property Officer?
My journey towards becoming a Senior Property Manager began when I started my career as a real estate sales personal assistant. Although I was in this role for three months, the experience helped me realise my true passion
lay in property management rather than sales. I love maintaining and nurturing relationships with tenants and owners - kind of like a marriage!
What is a typical day like for you?
While each day brings new challenges and opportunities, my general 9-5 routine involves managing the needs of tenants, landlords, and the properties they own.
What’s your favourite thing about your work?
My favourite thing about working for EchoRealty is the sense of community and belonging that I’ve experienced here, which is incredibly comforting, especially after transitioning from a family-run business where I spent 15 years and truly felt like part of the family. In the short time I’ve been with EchoRealty, I feel the same which is so comforting after making this leap into a large company the atmosphere here is warm, inclusive, and supportive. From day one, I’ve been welcomed and embraced by my colleagues, making the leap to a larger organisation much smoother than I anticipated. The team culture at EchoRealty has strong relationships and a collaborative environment, which mirrors the familial bonds I cherished at my previous job.
What inspires you?
My two little loves—my son (4yrs) and daughter (2yrs). My kids are my absolute world, and they inspire me daily to be the best mum and truly make me a better person.
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EchoRealty is a specialist in affordable housing and assists many Australians to live in quality homes in thriving and inclusive communities. Managing more than 2,000 dwellings, EchoRealty is one of the largest affordable housing providers within the NSW community housing sector.
As an affordable housing provider, EchoRealty provides properties at up to 20% - 25% reduced rent which enables our residents to achieve financial stability, relieving them from the financial and housing stress faced by many Australians in the private market.
The dedicated EchoRealty team believe that everyone deserves safe, stable and secure housing as they work passionately to help our clients achieve their property goals, whether it be through renting, developing or investing.
Winter can be a challenging season for energy consumption, but with a few smart strategies, you can keep your home cozy and your energy bills in check. Here are some effective tips to help you save energy this winter:
Heat the hub
Only heat up the room that you’re using to save on electricity.
Let the sun shine inside
Take advantage of the winter rays by opening your curtains and letting the sunshine warm up your home.
Cosy up with a heated throw
Keep extra warm this winter by investing in an electric heated throw which can be cheaper to run than heaters and can save you around $150 compared to other types of heating.
Residual heat
After cooking a delicious meal in the oven, simply leave the oven door open for the heat to warm up your home. Be careful of doing this around children.
CHECK YOUR SMOKE ALARM
With the colder months upon us, it’s important your smoke alarms are working. The increased use of heaters in winter raises the risk of fire, making it important that smoke alarms remain intact, and batteries are never removed.
Your safety is our top priority. Stay warm and safe this winter season!
Review our service
Did you know you’re able to review our service online? We encourage you all to take a minute to give us a review or a shoutout to your favourite employee! We’d really appreciate it.
From Fahim
“Maria Psiroukis from EchoRealty is an outstanding professional to deal with. I would like to express my sincere thanks for her exceptional service and unwavering professionalism.”
From Rajshree
“I [had an] excellent experience with Maral and Ashleigh at EchoRealty. Maral and Ashleigh are the property managers, they are very helpful and attentive throughout the entire my application. I highly recommend them for their excellent service and professionalism.”
From Jasmine
“So happy with my experience so far with EchoRealty. Francesco helped me get approved for my application and was very responsive to my emails, as well as keeping me updated on the progress. There are still a few steps to complete but I’m so excited to start the lease and move into my new home.”
From Matang
“I had a fantastic experience with Francesco at EchoRealty. As the Leasing Officer, he was incredibly helpful and attentive throughout the entire process. His dedication and responsiveness made our process smooth and stress-free. I highly recommend him for his excellent service and professionalism.”
We would love your feedback! If you would like to share any feedback or simply shoutout to any of the EchoRealty team for their services. We encourage you to scan the QR code or email us: ihear@echorealty.com.au
ACCESS TO YOUR TENANT PORTAL
As a client of EchoRealty, you have access to our Information Management System portal. The portal provides you with 24x7 online access to important information about your tenancy. Features include:
• Secure access to your information
• Accessible 24/7 from anywhere
• Customer-centric with an organized communication system
• Access your tenant portal via web browser or via app
• New maintenance & status requests including image download to support your request
• Access to upcoming events
• Access to your most recent receipts
• Rental information
• Ability to update your personal information
• Ability to retrieve your username and password access, or change your password
Please contact your Property Manager for information and login details to access this online portal, or contact us by phoning 1800 693 246 or emailing info@echorealty.com.au
To visit your tenant portal visit: echorealty.com.au/tenancyinformation/tenant-portal/
HOW TO REQUEST A REPAIR
Do you know how to request repairs or maintenance for your rental property?
For urgent repairs, call your state’s EchoRealty contact center (numbers listed below).
If you’re in NSW, please call 1800 693 246
If you’re located in Victoria, call 1800 324 684
If you’re in the ACT, please call 1800 324 622
REPAIR REQUEST PROCESS
Once received by EchoRealty, your repair request will then be passed along to your landlord or strata manager (if you have one) for their approval. Once approved, the repairs will be arranged. Urgent repairs Examples of urgent repairs include: gas leaks, sewer blockages, hot water not working, complete power failure, electrical danger (such as exposed wires, water leaking through the lights or power points), roof damage that allows water to get into the property, and waterlogged carpet.
If you have an urgent repair request, please call the EchoRealty call centre number for your state (listed above) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please note that if your repair is arranged out of hours but is not deemed urgent by EchoRealty, you could be charged for the repairs. For further information about urgent repairs, please visit: echorealty.com.au
If you, or a family member or friend, are interested in our properties, please contact us by emailing info@echorealty.com.au. You can find more available properties at: echorealty.com.au
