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nelsonalexander.com.au Autumn 2015
inSide:
01 02 03 04
market review making an outdoor area work
page
reiv award winners
03
2014 Sales highlights
Refinancing in 2015
market review
T
he number of properties Nelson
Coburg was 32 per cent and 41 per cent
one in three properties to sell by auction,
Alexander sold in 2014 surged by
in Fitzroy.
with the remainder being sold by private
18 per cent, from 2090 in 2013 to
2464. This high volume of transactions is a result of our network strength, where we quickly provide up-to-date leads and insights into the marketplace, utilising our database of buyers to provide a competitive edge to our clients and is reflected in our significant market share across our business footprint. Statistics compiled by realestateview. com.au, indicate we transacted 42 per cent of all sales in Brunswick in the 2014 June quarter, whilst our share of sales in
In addition to our significant market share
treaty.
we clearly outperformed our competition
Sales Director Arch Staver said Nelson
in the second half of 2014 by achieving
Alexander’s 13 wholly-owned offices
an industry-beating auction clearance
which span east to west across the north
rate of 77 per cent. This was well up on
of Melbourne, with directors and staff
the Victoria-wide clearance rate of 71 per
working as one connected team to drive
cent for the same period.
buyers and tenants to properties, is the
Our auction success rate is all the more impressive because we used this method of sale in two out of every three of the 2464 properties we sold in 2014. The Melbourne industry standard is for
key to our success. “We’ve seen strong price growth and an increase in buyers in the past 12 months and we expect many competitive auctions this year”.
alfreSco addS valUe
foUndation daY applicationS now open participation in community service and
n melburnians love relaxing in the great outdoors. that means
fund raising events for worthwhile local
that a property with a practical
causes.
and thoughtfully planned outdoor
Since its inception in 2005, the Nelson
entertaining space is incredibly
Alexander Charitable Foundation has
attractive to buyers.
been a resounding success and has distributed over $1.5 million dollars. If you know of a local community group
n foundation day is the day that we do something special: it’s the day that each of our thirteen offices donates
A
ny outdoor space, even a very small one, can be made more inviting through clever gardening,
appropriate lighting, and shelter from the elements. Here are some tips for creating an outdoor space that adds value to a property. 1. go low maintenance Consider paving or pebbles and opt for native plants or succulents that will look good without needing too much attention. 2. lighting is crucial An outdoor space with suitable lighting can be used long into the night. Clever lighting will help create atmosphere. 3. work with water
or organisation that would benefit from Foundation Day, we are now accepting applications. Please see our website for
the professional fee from one of their
criteria and how to apply.
auctions to the local community. Foundation Day is an initiative of the
foundation day
Nelson Alexander Charitable Foundation,
saturday May 30th 2015
which was established, and continues to
applications close april 7th 2015
be managed by staff – maximising their
nelsonalexander.com.au
SUBUrB profileS
Abbotsford Median Age
Average 35
Separate house
528
Semi-detached (row/terrace)
729
Flat,unit or apartment
576
Other
10
Monthly loan Repayments $2,200 Weekly Rent $391 Weekly Individual Income $858 Weekly family Income $2,237 Weekly Household Income $1,793
Water features add a sense of tranquillity to any outdoor area, and small fountains don’t take up a lot of space. 4. maximise small spaces Creative use of small outdoor areas help inspire buyers who might feel limited by compact courtyards and balconies, consider a vertical garden to add greenery. 5. shade and shelter A roof covering makes an outdoor space
Reservoir Median Age Separate house
Average 38 12,970
Semi-detached (row/terrace)
2,386
Flat,unit or apartment
2,719
Other
52
Monthly loan Repayments $1,733 Weekly Rent $275 Weekly Individual Income $434 Weekly family Income $1,157 Weekly Household Income $972
useable in all conditions, from harsh sun be used throughout the year is far more
Moonee Ponds
appealing than one that will sit empty for
Median Age
to heavy rain. An outdoor area that can
months at a time. A carefully considered outdoor area that combines style and function is a powerful lure for buyers. Think about how you can overhaul yours when it’s time to put your property on the market.
Separate house Semi-detached (row/terrace) Flat,unit or apartment Other
Average 37 3,247 703 1,291 23
Monthly loan Repayments $2,167 Weekly Rent $321 Weekly Individual Income $763 Weekly family Income $2,189 Weekly Household Income $1,608
commUnitY wedge
excellence iS oUr Standard
T
he 10th anniversary of the Herald Sun | Citylink Run for the Kids will take place on Sunday 22
March, and promises to be the biggest and best yet. It’s a great course for a great cause. Run the 15.5km super course through the Domain Tunnel and over the Bolte Bridge or the family friendly 5.4km course which will for the first time also travel through the Domain Tunnel. last year the event raised close to $2 million for the Royal Children’s Hospital and this year hopes to raise even more for the kids. enter now before entries sell out!
n last year we were recognised by the reiv as having set the benchmark for excellence, receiving both the large residential agency of the Year and community Service awards. So, how does this benefit our clients? 1. Our 13 office network spanning east to west across the north of Melbourne, working as one connected team to drive more buyers and tenants to your properties.
better showcase and sell your home. 4. employees who undertake regular training, who stay up to date with legislation and who can continually add
run for the kids 22nd March 2015 enter at: www.runforthekids.com.au
more value to the relationship. 5. The Nelson Alexander Charitable Foundation helped over 90 local recipients last year and we hope to see this grow in 2015. We take immense pride in providing our clients with real estate service excellence whilst also supporting our
2. The ability to use scale to our advantage while still being able to keep it personal.
local community through our Charitable Foundation. A huge thank you to all our staff and clients both past and present for
3. Industry leading offline and online
making Nelson Alexander what it is today,
marketing products including video to
an Award Winning Real estate Agency.
SaleS highlightS
kew 2 Walpole St Sold $621,000 This tiny shop in the heart of Kew has been a cobblers for 120 years, selling exceptionally well with four bidders and $51k over reserve.
Strathmore 7 Magdala Ave Sold $1,707,000 A seemingly quieter auction but with intense heat as two committed bidders were relentlessly out bidding one another to achieve $100k over reserve.
eaglemont 87- 89 Studley Road Sold $2,090,000 Grand ‘Highbury’, constructed in 1925, occupying a stunning double block offered an unprecedented opportunity to update and create an executive residence with unrivalled views.
coBUrg 17 Sheffield St Sold $770,000 A fabulous fusion of old and new, selling at well over the median price for a single fronted property in Coburg.
from the managing director
l
ast year was a year of expansion
Another highlight last year was
and continued market success
breaking the $2.1billion mark in sales
for Nelson Alexander. As we
transactions - the highest turnover
move into a new year, I’ve never felt
in our 43 year history. Our Property
more confident of our team’s ability to
Management department goes from
again set the benchmark for exceptional
strength to strength - properties under
results and service in the real estate
our care have increased from 7,500 to
industry.
around 11,000 and we now have one of the largest, and I believe, best managed
A special highlight was the Real estate
portfolios in Victoria.
Institute of Victoria’s 2014 Awards for excellence which saw us awarded the
Recently, we’ve been busy investing in
grown even stronger. Combine this with
coveted ReIV large Residential Agency
technology. We have put a lot of time
last month’s RBA interest rate drop and
of the Year (which we also won in 2010)
and effort into upgrading our award-
the autumn property forecast is looking
and the Community Service award for
winning website. We know the value our
as strong and sunny as ever!
a record sixth time. Both awards are
website delivers to our clients, so watch
testament to the quality of our people
this space as we make some industry-
Please get in touch if you are
and our company’s culture of supporting
first changes and innovations to the site
considering selling or leasing in the
the local community.
from early 2015.
near future.
We’re also finalists in the Real Estate
Autumn is traditionally an excellent time
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Institute of Australia’s National Awards
to sell in Melbourne, and this year is
in both categories and look forward
shaping up to be no exception.
paUl lUnardi
to representing Victoria at the awards
The depth of buyers and sales strength
Managing Director
ceremony held in Perth later this month.
that we’ve seen throughout summer has
0419 461 107
BoRRoweRs in the Box seat to Refinance in 2015 n last year was a buoyant year for
If official interest rates drop a further
borrowers $1000 or so to cover costs
housing. Interest rates did not move and
0.25 per cent this year, as many
associated with leaving an existing
lenders provided some of the cheapest
economists are predicting, it’s likely there
lender.
financing deals ever seen in Australia.
will be a positive impact on house prices, auction competition and lender deals for refinancing. lenders are competing hard to offer tailored deals, often discounting their advertised variable rates to get new business through their doors.
It’s important not to rush into refinancing. Borrowers need to seriously think about their long-term plans and level of job security. It’s crucial to do the sums. If the closing costs on an existing loan are $1,000 but your monthly savings will be $100, you
Prospective buyers who have substantial
will break even in 10 months. It is also
equity in a home or in investment
important to be aware that starting the
properties are in a strong position to
loan term again may mean paying more
negotiate a good deal. Financial services
interest over the lifetime of the loan.
comparison website RateCity says banks will discount their advertised rates to retain customers.
Dealing with only one lender can be a mistake as it limits the options and benefits that competition brings. A buyer
Apart from lower rates, lenders offer
should speak with a quality mortgage
sweeteners such as the waiving of
broker who can offer a helicopter view of
application fees. Some will even pay
the finance market.
please visit nelsonalexander.com.au/newsletters for editions in other neighbourhoods we serve.