HOME-GROWN Spring Edition 2021 by steannicholls

HOME-GROWN ALBURY/WODONGA & SURROUNDS

SPRING//EDITION

IN THIS ISSUE THE BENEFITS OF RURAL LIVING Welcome to our spring 2021 issue of HOMEGROWN. An Albury-Wodonga based Real Estate Magazine, keeping you up-to-date with the latest listings and information as well as current local market statistics. In this spring issue, we have some great tips on how to prepare your home for the spring

PREPARING FOR THE SPRING MARKET

market. We also have our quarterly results, a great article on the benefits of rural living plus a commercial property market update. We hope you enjoy reading our tenth issue of Home-Grown as much as we have enjoyed putting it together for you! Here’s to a great spring.

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT WORKING TOGETHER WITH SALES

QUARTERLY RESULTS NEW LISTING TENANT OF THE MONTH

LOCAL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT COMMERCIAL PROPERTY MARKET UPDATE DIRECTORS’ MESSAGE SOCIAL SNAPS

P I C T U R E D O N F R O N T - 6 3 0 O L I V E S T R E E T, A L B U R Y (Image: THREEFOLD STUDIO)

THE BENEFITS OF RURAL LIVING

With pressures from the pandemic coupled with the changing employment situations, more and more people are favouring country lifestyle homes as they look to escape crowded cities, and no longer have to work where they live. Since the beginning of 2020, the attention in the semi-rural lifestyle market has risen about 60%, a trend that is predicted to keep climbing as more and more people realise the benefits. While the city can provide more perceived amenities, it can be hard to enjoy these benefits as commute times, the cost of living and the recent, reoccurring lockdowns can restrict utilization. Imagine leaving work to wade through congested traffic for an hour on your way to pick up children from school, to then struggle through more traffic to take them to after school sport, pay for parking, then travel an extra 45 minutes home. All this before even thinking about what’s for dinner!

A rural lifestyle also allows adults as well as kids to challenge their creative side in a different environment. Imagine exploring outside, mountain biking and swimming after school and on weekends. A haven of creative and culinary treats are also at your doorstep. Imagine popping out to the renowned King Valley for the weekend to revel in the fantastic food and local wine and enjoy live music.

Affordable house prices allows people to sell their inner city 3 bedroom 1 bathroom home and exchange it for something on a few acres with all modern conveniences covered. Rural areas tend to have a lower, more consistent population growth. As such, the relative impact from the drop in net overseas migration, and its effect on Australia’s growth rate is expected to be minimal. Unlike other sectors of the economy who have greatly suffered due the coronavirus pandemic, primary industries and agriculture (the lifeblood of many rural areas) has been largely unaffected. Some rural areas are forecast to experience positive economic change and local employment One of those rare properties has just hit the local growth. As regional hubs such as Albury Wodonga market - 1277 Kiewa Valley Highway, Kiewa. continue to grow, the need for more professional Architecturally designed to capture natural light sectors such as medical grow with it. and the gorgeous surrounding landscape, 1277 The unexpected cause for the welcome spike in Kiewa Valley Highway has been tailored to suit demand is COVID-19, with the increase in property those looking for a tranquil lifestyle in a calming values across regional areas more than three times and relaxed setting. the growth rate in capital cities.

THE BENEFITS OF RURAL LIVING CONTD.

1 2 7 7 K I E WA V L A L L E Y H I G H WAY, K I E WA

Situated on approx. 8.7 acres, every element of this exceptional residence is immaculate. Comprising of three living zones, all taking advantage of the surrounding views, the central hub is the generous family and kitchen space. Comprising 900mm gas cooking, soft close cabinetry and generous island bench, the kitchen flows seamlessly to the partially enclosed alfresco space, perfect for year-round entertaining. The formal living zone is positioned next to the master suite, creating a parent’s retreat. With easy flow to the rear yard, the space is also perfect for entertaining, a home office arrangement or simply a private haven. A third living area serves well as a kid’s zone or games room. Accommodation includes four spacious light filled bedrooms with built in robes, plus an additional study which could be a fifth bedroom. The generously proportioned master offers a tremendous walk-in robe and ensuite providing practicality. The remaining bedrooms are serviced Contact Nicholas Clark on 0439 215 293 for more by the family bathroom with open shower, separate information. bath, and separate toilet facilities.

PREPARING FOR THE SPRING MARKET

8 0 3 F R A U N F E L D E R S T R E E T, N O R T H A L B U R Y

First Impressions Count

Style to Wow

Initial impressions are lasting so make sure the street appeal of your home invites further inspection. A fresh coat of paint or even a more contemporary colour scheme will add enormous value. Even just mowing the lawn, repairing any damage, trimming the foliage and planting for some spring colour will make a huge difference.

Clearing shelves and cupboards will get you so far but presenting a house for sale can require professional styling. You can give your home a quick makeover just by moving furniture and adding cushions, throws and plants. But there is a real art to styling a property. Searching the internet and property websites will offer plenty of inspiration if you are confident in attempting to style your home yourself, or contact one of our local stylists in Albury Wodonga.

Clean and Clear Presentation inside is key to creating that wow factor that will give your home an edge over the competition. Once you have given it a deep spring clean you will know whether a coat of paint is also required. While you are cleaning you will be able to begin the de-cluttering process. It’s amazing how much “stuff” we accumulate that we really don’t need. When you think you have de-cluttered enough you’ll need to de-clutter even more. The aim is to make the rooms feel and look more spacious and flow well.

Prestige Lawn Care for Spring Maintaining a prestige lawn takes a new turn in spring, and as home sales competition heats up, you’ll want your lawn to be in top shape. Your lawn might be looking a bit patchy after winter, but the good news is that with the right care and attention during these early Spring months, you’ll have a gorgeous green lawn before Christmas. Now daylight savings is here again and with the birds singing and the scent of flowers in the air, it’s a great time to show your lawn some love.

4 C H E S T E R C O U R T, H U O N C R E E K

Weeding

Fertilising

Right now is when you need to begin the battle against weeds like catsear, dandelion and plantain. Left to their own devices they’ll soon become an overwhelming foe. It is far easier to regularly eradicate them from your territory. Weeding is best done both before and after mowing. The emergent weeds can be more easily spotted before, and give a good amount of plant to grip. After mowing, is the best time to spot those pesky flatweeds who think they can beat you by laying low.

If you’re planning to fertilise your lawn in spring, it’s best left until the growth has really taken off. Fertilising too early will encourage top growth in grasses at the expense of the root system, ultimately making your grass less hardy when the very hot days of summer roll around. In Albury Wodonga we continue to have cooler days so liquid fertiliser is recommended then when the warmer weather arrives you can switch to granular fertiliser. Aerating

Mowing Like in autumn, now is a good time to be aerating Spring is the time to begin a serious mowing your lawn. This stimulates root growth and helps regime. The increased sunlight and spring rain achieve the right balance of water in the soil by mean that plants, especially grasses, grow quickly. allowing rain penetration but facilitating drainage. While it’s OK to mow your lawn in winter only Aerating can be done with a garden fork or a when it starts to look scruffy, in spring you have special aerating tool, available in most hardware to maintain a regular mowing schedule. Once a stores. Aerating sandals are another great way to fortnight works for most lawns. Adjust the blade treat your lawn while you get some exercise. height of your mower down slightly from where it was set in winter, but don’t set it too low or the topsoil will dry too readily when the weather really MW LIFESTYLE 2021 heats up.

QUARTERLY RESULTS

AUCTION JACK STEAN 0434 588 664 LACHLAN HUTCHINS 0457 888 212

NEW LISTING Luxurious Living In Central Albury 6 3 0 O L I V E S T R E E T, A L B U R Y

TENANT OF THE MONTH

F45 Training Albury Address: Level 1/495 Swift St, Albury NSW 2640 Phone: 0475 454 505 Scott Jones and Rohan Pearce, together with their wives Teneal and Brooke, took ownership of F45 Training Albury only a few months ago. All 4 of them had been training as members of F45 for many years prior to this opportunity. The F45 Training model has complimented their busy lives for the past 3 – 4 years and is one of the reasons they wanted to become further involved in the industry and F45 Training.

As a member of F45 Albury, you get access to the app which has workouts that everyone can do at home. Members have been using this daily and enjoying it. It seems that the highlight of everyone’s day during lockdown has been 615am and 530pm where F45 Albury hosts a live zoom workout. While the classes are scheduled for 45mins the engagement from all members before and after the workout usually pushes it out to over an hour. It is so important to keep moving and to keep engaged at all times and this is a movement F45 Albury is able to facilitate even during the lockdown.

If you would like to be part of the diverse and ever Having completed their Cert III in Fitness, they are growing community of F45 Training Albury, please looking forward to throwing themselves into a lot get in touch. With over 30 classes every week, no of further learning and training. Scott and Rohan two days are the same and no workout is the same. are down to earth, friendly guys and believe that if With the introduction of new workouts regularly, you haven’t had the pleasure of being one of their your upper body, lower body, agility and strength members yet then you’re missing out. F45 strikes of the mind and of the body will thank you for it. the perfect balance between helping people achieve their fitness goals while also creating a welcoming, Head to our Facebook or Instagram page and send community based environment to do it in. The icing us a message if you have any questions or would on the cake for Scott & Roh is their staff. They are like to know more. If you would prefer to chat to all a great representation of the essence of F45 someone on the phone, please call Scott (he’s old Training but in particular they are a highly skilled school) and loves a chat. He will be happy to answer and experienced team in their own achievements. any of your questions. Mention this advert or type in STEANNICHOLLS when you checkout using the Mindbody App to get 10% off any contract price.

STEAN NICHOLLS PROPERTY MANAGEMENT – WORKING TOGETHER WITH SALES

Stean Nicholls Property Management and Sales teams work hand-in-hand to look after you and your rental property at every stage of your real estate journey.

At Stean Nicholls, our Property Management and Sales teams are committed to working together to achieve the best outcomes for our common clients. This allows us to foster and maintain strong client relationships across both key areas of the business. In the last financial year, Stean Nicholls’ Property Management portfolio was boosted with a substantial number of successful referrals from the company’s Sales Agents. It is definitely beneficial for buyers who purchase an investment property to consider listing their rental with our Property Management team. We may be able to use the existing professional photography and marketing material to advertise the property as a rental, reducing the costs and getting the property online quicker. We can also promote it directly to our database of prospective tenants before it settles, which reduces the vacancy period.

Likewise, if a Residential Rental Provider (RRP) advises us that they wish to sell, we will suggest they consult a Stean Nicholls Sales agent. The benefit for the RRP is that we are able to offer Sales appraisals at the time of a routine inspection or when a rental property is vacant. This keeps owners up to date with the current value and what’s happening in the market.

The laws are complicated when a property that is rented is being offered for sale. Our Property Management team provides regular training – to keep the Sales Agents up to date with the requirements of the Residential Tenancies Act and the latest changes that could relate to their client. This covers matters such as gaining access or giving notice when the property is sold. If a property for sale is tenanted, Sales and Property Management must maintain close and regular communication throughout the campaign as there are some time-sensitive requirements about issuing the renter with notice.

We are mindful that many of our renters are also owners of properties or looking to become an owner after a successful purchase. As a company we regularly communicate to all our clients, vendors, purchasers, investors and renters to ensure we add value and provide information and service no matter what stage of their real estate journey. By optimising communication and knowledge sharing between the Sales and Property Marketing teams, we are able to optimise our service to all our clients – buyers, sellers, RRPs and renters. We like to refer to it as ‘the left hand always knowing what the right hand is doing’.

LOCAL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

NOMAD was originally an events company that quickly pivoted the business model at the start of the current pandemic. It’s main focus now is handcrafted bottled cocktails, small bespoke events and hospitality consulting. Owned and operated by Nick and Connie Bond, a husband and wife team with a true passion for the hospitality industry. If you haven’t yet ordered some cocktails from NOMAD you are missing out!

www.nomadevents.com.au

@nomad_event

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY UPDATE

Commercial real estate historically follows residential real estate trends by 12 to 18 months, but it’s still a very hot market. According to Core Logic Data, Albury alone has seen an enormous amount of growth in sales value, transacting $232,346,972 in the 2021 financial year compared to $57,657,177 in the 2020 financial year. These registered sales solidify that the Albury -Wodonga region is growing to be one of Australia’s finest regional hubs in the country. There’s a lot of pent-up demand now from companies and investors who had previously put their buying plans on hold during the pandemic so far. With interest rates low and investors looking for higher yields, even with this updated lockdown, we are seeing confidence increasing in the sales market. There is no denying that some businesses have been heavily impacted since the Covid-19 outbreak, whilst there are also many businesses that have been able to pivot and are trading well. On the other hand, there are industries that are booming, and the restrictions and lockdowns have created unprecedented amounts of trade and demand.

Kristian Hopwood M: 0473 888 821

At Stean Nicholls, we have sold a variety of commercial, retail, and industrial properties. This financial year, we have already surpassed 2020 commercial sales figures. There are buyers in the region that are prepared and ready to invest into this growing market. It is great to see the community support each other and we must continue to promote and spend locally at our small businesses. With landlords and tenants having a clear line of sight and the pent-up buyer demand, we predict that investment activity will pick up post-lockdown and will provide a strong finish to the year. The Albury – Wodonga region has experienced a surge of growth over the last 18 months. With that, the interest in commercial real estate remains strong, with the astute investor seeing the current opportunities in the market. If you would like to request any more information, please do not hesitate to contact me, Kristian Hopwood 0473 888 821. Kristian Hopwood, Commercial Manager at Stean Nicholls.

534-536 Olive Street, Albury Sold for $1,650,000 (Jun 21) Land size: 765m2 Sold by Stean Nicholls

806 Mate Street, North Albury Sold for $1,100,000 (Aug 21) Land size: 1530m2 Sold by Stean Nicholls

1/526 Macauley Street, Albury Sold for $1,100,000 (Jun 21) Land size: 958m2 Sold by Stean Nicholls

DIRECTORS’ MESSAGE

With the ongoing changes in the Australian and international real estate market, Albury is continuing to gain interest, with the median house price now at $645,000 (up from $622,500 just 3 months ago), and the average rent hovering at $380 per week.

As employment situations change and more and more people work from home, the home office, third living area and gym space has become a necessity to the average household. These requirements will likely have a direct bearing on future home designs as well as potential buyers’ decisions in future.

Recent results such as 459 Hovell Street which had 12 registered bidders and sold at auction for $1,265,000, 2/699 Kiewa Street which had 3 registered bidders and sold at auction for $860,000, 602 David Street which had 11 registered bidders and sold at auction for $1,190,000 and 5 Finch Court which had 7 registered bidders and sold at auction for $1,045,000, clearly demonstrate the competition in the market. As pricing is hard to dictate in such a fluctuating time, the auction method tends to prove as a useful tool to extracting the true value. The high demand of residential land has seen estates such as Ettamogah Rise Stage Six, and Chisholm Estate Stage Two sell out in just a week from release. The demand has been driven by an eclectic mix of people moving to the area from interstate in search of a different lifestyle, local buyers seeking to upscale and build their dream home, and investors building a home to add to the portfolio and take advantage of depreciation benefits.

Nicholas Clark 0439 215 293 nicholas@steannicholls.com.au

Lachlan Hutchins 0457 888 212 lachlan@steannicholls.com.au

Jack Stean 0434 588 664 jack@steannicholls.com.au

Geoff Stean 0413 888 788 geoff@steannicholls.com.au

SOCIAL SNAPS

Juddy is eagerly awaiting the return of “normal” open homes.

SOLD AT AUCTION - 192 Bernhardt Street, East Albury.

The entire team were so excited that Jack and Mads got engaged!

SOLD AT AUCTION - 225 Alexandra Street, East Albury.

SOLD AT AUCTION - A Fantastic result at 513 Hume Street, Albury.

Stean Nicholls held 5 online auctions in the last week of August with all 5 properties sucessfully SOLD.

Home-Grown is a Stean Nicholls publication. All opinions are our own. Compilation of statistical data relies on information from a number of external sources.

Unit 1, Suite 19, 669 Dean Street, Albury 02 6021 5233 www.steannicholls.com.au

/steannicholls @steannicholls