Front Cover: 104 Foott Road, Beaconsfield Upper
Not only has the push for climate change made its mark on the streets of Australian capital cities but suburban and regional real estate markets are now seeing the force of climate change consciousness with an influx of First National Real Estate Neilson Partners home buyers and renters seeking environmentally responsible and sustainable houses for their families to live in.
The cost of living in Australia today and the impact it is having on households is proving to be a massive strain on communities so rather than focusing on the things we cannot control we can look towards change closer to home.
Considering simple sustainable features when building, buying, or renting can provide a more comfortable and healthier living environment while being kind to your pocket. Before we look at changing our environment, let’s look at changing our habits. Things like turning lights off when we leave a room, setting your heating or cooling to an optimum temperature; 26-27 degrees for cooling in summer in Victoria and 20 degrees for heating in winter, using ceiling fans rather than air conditioning where possible and only boiling one cup of water in the kettle if you’re only making one cup of coffee will all help to save on your energy bills, plus count towards a more sustainable home. There are many other considerations for sustainability in the home too.
Consider natural light when designing, buying, or renting your home and use efficient lighting. Living areas positioned on the north side of the home can take advantage of natural light and the winter sun, therefore saving on the cost of lighting and heating. Avoid west or east-facing windows unless they are well shaded and remember that any windows on the south side of your home won’t get any winter sun.
Double glazed windows will also reduce heat loss and gain throughout the changing seasons.
Draughts can equate to up to 25% of heat loss in winter and warm air in summer so draught proofing your home is essential to your energy efficiency.
Seal gaps and cracks and install proper insulation in your ceiling, floor, and walls. When you eliminate the draughts in your home you not only create a more comfortable environment, you will be more energy efficient and save on cost too.
Opt for appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers, and washing machines with high energy star ratings. This is represented by the Energy Rating Label in Australia and has been around for over 30 years. You can use it to compare the energy efficiency when purchasing different appliances.
Solar power is better for both the environment and your pocket. It will cut your energy costs and generate green energy for the planet.
If you’re unsure where to begin, and the costs involved in installing a solar PV system at your home choice.com.au have some great tips. You may also be eligible for a rebate for the installation of a solar system. Solar hot water rebates are also available. Please visit solar.vic. gov.au/solar-panel-rebate to learn more.
Sensible water use will save you money and help to ensure that your grandchildren and their children have access to clean potable water. Consider water recycling systems and water-saving fittings for showers, taps, and appliances. The biggest water users in the household are washing machines, showers, taps and toilets.
Opt for energy-efficient heating and cooling systems and install doors throughout the home to easily close off areas and rooms that are not being used.
It is important when installing heating and cooling systems that they are the right size for your needs and the space they are climate controlling. For further information about creating a sustainable home visit sustainability.vic.gov.au.
Berwick has many drawcards that make the suburb that lies 47km’s from Melbourne’s CBD so popular for couples, families, downsizers and retirees looking to relocate to the area.
Leafy green streets and historic buildings, cafes, restaurants and boutique shopping, beautiful parks and recreation areas, quality schools and easy access to transport are just some of the reasons we love Berwick.
Open for breakfast and lunch, dine in or takeaway. Mr Black Juicery’s enire menu is plant based and gluten free. Serving delicious coffee, smoothies, smoothie bowls, and vegan, gluten, dairy and refined sugar free coconut soft serve ice cream.
1 Blackburn Square, Berwick 03 9707 5142
@mrblackjuicery
FRAMING TO A T
The Base Yoga Studio in Berwick offer yoga classes for all levels including Power and Slow Flow, Yin, Restorative, Prenatal, Mums and Bubs plus workshops, beginner courses and retreats.
2/12 Langmore Lane, Berwick 0499 913 533
@thebaseyoga_berwick
Quality framers located in the heart of Berwick Village. Specialising in custom picture framing, framed art, TV mirrors, interior design and art curation. Every piece is handcrafted by expert framers with quality materials.
16 Gloucester Avenue, Berwick 03 9769 8686
@framingtoat
81 TAPHOUSE
Located at the top end of Berwick’s bustling High Street, 81 Taphouse is your go to for live music, great bistro food and Australian craft beer and wine. Open for lunch and dinner Friday to Sunday and dinner Wednesday and Thursday.
BERWICK
MEDIAN HOUSE PRICE
$855,000
MEDIAN HOUSE RENTAL $510PW
23 Days on market (average) 8,092 Buyers interested
MEDIAN UNIT PRICE $640,000
MEDIAN UNIT RENTAL $442PW
35 Days on market (average)
1136 Buyers interested
Images from
@mrblackjuicery @framingtoat @81_taphouse
@thebaseyoga_berwick
81 High Street, Berwick 03 9768 9555
@81_taphouse
RENTAL YIELD
3.3% House, 3.7% Unit
Source: PropTrack for realestate.com.au
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First National Real Estate Neilson Partners honour the inspiring women who have made significant contributions to the company and local real estate by demonstrating exceptional leadership, innovation, and success. The women of First National Neilson Partners represent 2/3 of the entire team across various roles within the company from sales, property management, administration, and management. These women have showcased exceptional leadership qualities, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to success. They have all proven to be invaluable assets to the Neilson Partners team and serve as an inspiration and empowerment to women across the Real Estate Industry.
We proudly shine a well-deserved spotlight on this outstanding and diverse group of talented women from different industries and backgrounds. As we celebrate these women, we recognise that the future of business is brighter and more promising when everyone is given the opportunity to thrive.
Self-managing your rental property comes with a range of legal and financial responsibilities, so it’s important you’re clear on how much work you want to put in to being a Rental Provider and what elements of renting out your property might be better outsourced.
As much as we’d love to show you all the advantages we bring to the table, we’ve outlined in this article the most common mistakes we see that bring Investors to First National Real Estate Neilson Partners for help.
1. Inadequate selection and screening of potential renters. Background checks and reference checks, employment situation and rental history are all critical elements when selecting a renter.
2. Neglecting to implement a customised lease and condition report. A customised lease and condition report that is signed by all parties and agreed upon as the status quo at the time of the tenancy commencing is your only security when it comes to property damage, maintenance and care.
3. Insufficient processes around bond and rental income. Before a Renter moves into a premises a bond must be secured, so in the event of the tenancy ending, any miscellaneous damages can be dealt with using this bond as collateral.
4. Failing to obtain landlord insurance. Landlord insurance contains features which are applicable to you as a Rental Provider, such as cover for damage caused by loss of rent, damage by renters, liability, rent default or clean-up costs associated with illegal drug production.
0.61%
29,750
AVERAGE VACANCY RATE ONLINE VIEWS APPLICATIONS RECEIVED
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