INSIDE
Home owners suffer soaring rates
FINDING A SOLUTION... Dale Jericho, of Kadina, was left with the decision of refinancing his home after facing a 3.4 per cent increase on his home loan. Home owners like Mr Jericho have been forced to scour the market for better deals amid rising rates.
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Home owners suffer soaring rates
Fin Hansen REPORT BYBOOMING interest rates have posed difficulties for locals attempting to pay off mortgages.
The Reserve Bank of Australia increased its cash rate by 0.25 per cent in both February and March this year, with the rate soaring to 3.6 per cent compared with 0.1 this time last year. Significant interest rate increases have driven Australia’s housing activity to its lowest level in 15 years, according to the Housing Industry Association.
“Housing activity will continue to decline as the full impact of the past nine months of rate increases continues to compound the decline in activity,” HIA chief economist Tim Reardon said.
“There are significant lags evident in the cycle and the full impact of higher cash rates will not be fully reflected in economic indicators until the second half of the year, at the earliest.
“By continuing to raise rates, the RBA will inflict further unnecessary pain on the housing sector.”
Yorke Peninsula home owners like
Unnecessary rate hike blamed
REAL Estate Institute of Australia president Hayden Groves said last month’s interest rate hike demonstrated the Reserve Bank of Australia’s disregard for the current market.
“The latest interest rate rise could push the economy into recession, and not one we had to have,” Mr Groves said.
“The January monthly inflation eased by one percentage point to 7.4 per cent for the year and Gross Domestic Product growth is slowing down.
“Lending for housing for both owner occupiers and investors is now nearly 30 per cent lower than a year ago.”
In announcing last month’s rate increase, RBA governor Philip Lowe said global inflation remained very high.
“It (inflation) is moderating, although services price inflation remains elevated in many economies,” Mr Lowe said.
“It will be some time before inflation is back to target rates.
“The monthly Consumer Price Index indicator suggests inflation has peaked in Australia.”
HAVE A LOOK...
Kadina’s Dale Jericho encouraged fellow home owners to weigh up their home loan options.
Dale Jericho, Kadina, have been forced to refinance their mortgages due to rising rates.
Mr Jericho said he purchased his home with a 2.4 per cent mortgage three years ago, before the rate rose to 5.8 per cent at the beginning of 2023.
“I noticed the rates were going up and thought I better get on the front foot,” he said.
“Rates started jumping pretty quickly about six months ago, so I looked at my options and refinanced at five per cent.
“If you can afford to change (home loans), it’s definitely worth a look
around to see what other loans are out there.”
AS Lending Co, Kadina, director and lending specialist Amanda Schultz said many of her clients haven’t been able to service their loans as comfortably as they had in the past.
“Most (home loan) rates have risen by five to six per cent, which has affected lots of people who’ve purchased recently,” Mrs Schultz said.
“A number of people locked in part of their loans at around two per cent for two or three years, and if that period is about to end, they’re looking at
much higher rates soon.
“It’s important to compare across the market and look at different rate options.”
Mortgage Choice Kadina broker Carlee Horsell said the increased rates had pushed the goal posts back for people who had been saving for their first homes.
“Lots of people looking to get into the market just can’t afford it now,” Mrs Horsell said.
“Borrowing capacity has been most impacted by the rates; when they go up, you may not qualify for the same loan as you first thought.”
Home Proper ty Guide
Rural prices booming after record season on peninsula
Michelle Daw JOURNALISTSHOWING the strong demand for rural land on Yorke Peninsula, an Arthurton property sold at auction for $13,761 per arable acre on Thursday, March 16.
The aptly named Golden Oasis, seven kilometres northeast of Arthurton, was sold as two non-contingent lots.
The first lot, comprising 179 hectares (443.1ac) sold for $13,761 per arable acre, totalling $6 million.
The second lot, 128ha (318ac) sold for $12,460 per arable acre, a total of $3.9m.
Wardle Co principal James Wardle said both lots were purchased by local farmers looking to expand their holdings.
He said prices per arable acre achieved for the Golden Oasis lots, along with Paradean South land at Yorke Valley, had set new price benchmarks for the area and highlighted the strong demand for quality farming land in the region.
“We have seen a significant increase in land values in the past three years, mainly due to the record low interest rates initially and the bumper harvest across much of the state in 2022,” Mr Wardle said.
The Golden Oasis auction, held at Arthurton Community Club, attracted 10 registered buyers and a crowd of more than 70 people.
“We held 13 inspections of the land during the (sale) campaign, with most of the interest coming from local farmers looking to expand within a reliable and productive cropping district,” Mr Wardle said.
Mr Wardle said YP’s unique geography meant the climate was more temperate than inland cropping areas, with a gentler finish to the cropping season.
Another recent rural sale of note was a 174.4 ha (436ac) property known as Franklins, in the Paskeville district, which sold for $4.15m total or $9787
per arable acre in early February.
Wardle Co sold Richards, 171.2ha (410 arable acres) at Mundoora for $2.3m late last month.
Bidding for Richards started at $1.6m and there were two active bidders of the four who registered.
Mr Wardle said the excellent 202223 harvest, plus consistent recent seasons and the ongoing strength of land values on YP, meant a reasonable number of local farmers were in a good financial position to expand.
He said his company was starting to provide quotes for potential rural leases
and sales in the upcoming spring selling season.
“Traditionally, the YP has been tightly held but more land has come up for sale this year than for many years,” Mr Wardle said.
“Some (farmers) are starting to get to retirement age but they haven’t got the next generation in the family coming up to replace them on the land.
“Rural land on YP has been a very good investment, so when farmers have got older and have got off the land, they have decided to lease because of the historically strong capital growth.”
ARTHURTON
Golden Oasis, Honner Road
Lot 1 — 179ha/443.1ac (436 arable acres) Sold at auction for $6m total, $13,761 per arable acre
Lot 2— 128ha/318ac (313 arable acres) Sold at auction for $3.9m, $12,460 per arable acre
PASKEVILLE
Franklins, Stenning Road
Total land size 176.4ha /436ac (424 acres arable). Sold at auction for $4.15m total, $9787 per arable acre
YORKE VALLEY
Paradean South, Smith Road
Total land size 256.8ha/634.3ac (630 arable acres). Sold at auction for $9.6m total, $15,238 per arable acre
Lot 1 — 95.71ha/236.4ac (234 arable acres)
Lot 2 — 161.1ha/397.9ac (396 arable acres)
MUNDOORA
Richards, Tancock Road
Total land size 171.2ha/423ac (410 arable acres) Sold at auction $2.3m total, $5609 per arable acre
The below are results of selected recent land sales by Wardle Co.
Home Proper ty Guide
change beckons at Stansbury
PACIFIC Estate Oysters, established at Stansbury in 2006, has grown to be a well-regarded operation, and is on the market.
“If you’re looking for a lifestyle change on the beautiful Yorke Peninsula and love the idea of being your own boss, and see your future in aquaculture, tourism or simply love oysters, this could be the chance you’ve been waiting for,” real estate sales specialist Troy Goldsworthy, of Nutrien Harcourts Minlaton, says.
“Stansbury was originally named Oyster Bay and had the reputation of producing the best native oysters in the state when it was settled in 1846.
“Now, Pacific Estate Oysters is known within the community for its farm-gate sales, supplying oysters to local hotels and markets, and participating in food events.
“Each year, the business supplies around 30,000 dozen to market and 300,000 as on-sellers, and it has strong relationships with Eyre Peninsula oyster growers.
“Expanding its tourism offering, the business has introduced a ‘Deckie for a Day’ experience, giving participants an insight into sustainably farming oysters,” Troy says.
Situated on a sand spit in the bay, the 10 hectare leasehold site has a good work-
Troy Goldsworthy
M 0488 128 801
P 08 8853 2255
ing height at most low to mid-low tides and is close to the Stansbury boat ramp.
The holding is licensed for a maximum 3000m of longline per hectare, equating to 3000 baskets per hectare or 30,000 baskets if the site was fully developed (around 30 per cent of the site is undeveloped, without posts or longline).
Currently, 5000 baskets hold about two million oysters of various sizes, which ensures a consistent output of mature product plus oysters suitable to on-sell.
Also included in the sale is Lot 3 Jones Road, Stansbury, a 6930 square metre block zoned rural aquaculture.
It features a 20m x 10m drive-through shed with 4.5m clearance, and there’s a sales area, cold room, bathroom and toilet.
Extensive plant is available for purchase, including hoppers, grading and sorting equipment, 5000 baskets, tractor, forklift and a 7.5m barge.
“The vendor will be able to on-sell enough oysters for a new owner to take over the leasehold more than adequately and place them in good stead into the future,” Troy says.
“They are also willing to negotiate mentoring for the new owner/s as part of the sale, to help a smooth transition into the industry.”
See nutrienharcourts.com.au, property ID L22092172.
troy.goldsworthy@nutrienharcourts.com.au
Nutrien Harcourts Minlaton RLA102485
Situated at the end of the street, surrounded by rural land, this exceptional home enjoys extreme peace and quiet. Built in 2011, it includes 3 large bdrms, 2 bthrms and multiple living areas – great for entertaining. 2072sqm block, with an abundance of room for your vegie garden and fruit trees, plus other well established garden areas, huge 12.8m x 9m shed, garden/wood sheds and over 120,000L RW storage. Within 850m of the beach, jetty and boat ramp. Includes central living and entertaining options. Outstanding kitchen with dual ovens, induction cooktop, island bench and loads of benchtop and storage. Raked ceilings in the main living/dine with combustion heating, flows to the main outdoor area with sea glimpses as well as formal living and indoor/outdoor area with northerly aspect.
Price $649,000 - $679,000 | View nutrienharcourts.com.au/L22095257
This 4-bedroom home has everything you could need – whether it’s retirement, permanent residence or holiday base/rental. Extremely well cared for, this large home has a flexible floorplan and exceptional sea views capturing beautiful sunrises over the St Vincent Gulf to Troubridge Island and beyond. Set on a low maintenance 601sqm lot. Ground floor features open plan kitchen/dining/living with those great views, as well as 3 bdrms, 1 with ensuite and WIR, office, laundry and bthrm. Upstairs has the master bdrm with 2-way bthrm and WIR, spacious living with kitchenette providing the parents retreat opening onto the balcony. Off-street parking through rear access from Thomas Street, with 3-4 space semi-enclosed carport. The backyard is fully fenced.
Price $690,000 - $740,000 | View nutrienharcourts.com.au/L22032641
$355,000 View nutrienharcourts.com.au/L22032641
Corny Point 89 Corny Point Road
Well elevated this 934sqm (21m frontage) block has potential to capture fantastic 180 degree sea views to the north with the construction of your new home while enjoying privacy being set back off of the road. Boat launching within just 400m while Berry Bay is just a 6km drive.
Price $218,000 View nutrienharcourts.com.au/L21539121
Hardwicke Bay 1 Progress Road
Set on the biggest block in Hardwicke Bay with spacious shop space and 5/6 bdrm home attached, giving buyers loads of options to consider. Reinstate as the town shop capturing the abundance of passing traffic, set up as a holiday rental or even reside. Also includes fully fenced yard with shedding.
Price $349,000 - $379,000
View nutrienharcourts.com.au/L21176517
The Pines 2 Scarlet Runner Road
This 700sqm corner block with shed and septic gives you a head start for the future. Perfect spot to keep your boat/kayaks and fishing gear for your weekend adventures within 300m to the beach/boat launching and many other fantastic beaches within short drive. Basic shed and toilet set up with potential to improve.
Price $159,000
View nutrienharcourts.com.au/L21723447
RLA102485
LOCATED in the popular Patrick’s View development and within walking distance or a short car ride of the Port Hughes beach, this well-maintained home is versatility plus, according to Blights Real Estate Yorke Peninsula’s Jade Greenslade.
“With four bedrooms, two bathrooms, large kitchen and two living areas, there is ample space for the whole family, and even extended family, to enjoy the home,” Jade says.
“This is where the versatility comes in — with the property currently tenanted with fantastic tenants until January 2024, you could look at purchasing it as an investment property or even as a holiday home.
“Imagine after spending the day fishing and then bringing your boat back to the large shed on site, sitting under the alfresco area with a nice cool drink to finish the day as the summer night breeze flows through the home.
“Once you have spent some time holidaying in the area, you may begin to start to think about relocating to Moonta Bay permanently.
“You can actually do this without hesitation, as the property would already be yours to make this decision, and you could move straight on in!
“Does this sound appealing to you?
“You may want to be quick, as this sought-after property won’t last long!”
Inspections are by appointment only.
Home Proper ty Guide
Online auctions the way of the future?
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YOU would be hard pressed to find a business which didn’t adopt new strategies during the peak of Covid-19.
Elders Real Estate Yorke Peninsula has been holding most of its property auctions online for the past two years.
What was started as a short-term solution to assist during public gathering limitations, has now given vendors a choice of either on-site or online auctions with vendors often opting for the online benefits for which Len and Matt Easther are now nationally recognised.
“During the past 18 months, we have held 32 auctions with 28 of them online via the Openn Negotiation platform, which has coincided with our office being recognised as a Master Agent being in the top 20 Digital Auctioneers in Australia,” Len said.
“When you take a look at our buyer profile on Yorke Peninsula, the majority of buyers are not local.
“What we have found is the convenience of the online method has enabled higher participation rates which has resulted in more competitive auctions.
“In the past few years, where auction results have regularly beaten market expectations, we understand why you
would be reluctant to waste four-plus hours on a weekend driving over to Yorkes to attend an on-site auction just to get blown out the water and turn around and head home disappointed.
“These are the type of buyers we are still able to capture and let them engage in the auction.”
Matt said bidders regularly participated from interstate, with a successful buyer recently bidding while on night shift after only seeing the property online for the first time a few hours beforehand.
“Naturally, there is sometimes some hesitation for people to try something new, particularly when it involves technology,” Matt said.
“But the feedback from both vendors and purchasers has been very positive — after participating nobody has said ‘that was too hard’ — we wouldn’t be doing it otherwise.
“In the first six weeks of 2023, we had three properties sell for more than $100,000 over reserve so there are still some very strong results being achieved in the local market.
“All the data has been showing regional South Australia is still experiencing growth in values and we are witnessing it first hand in our enquiry levels and sales results.”
Home Proper ty Guide
Enjoy luxury living without the stress
Advertising Promotion
BARUNGA by the Sea is a beautifully landscaped, pet-friendly retirement village for over 55s at Port Broughton.
The village provides a variety of architecturally designed two and three bedroom, solid brick homes.
It has a vibrant community centre equipped with a gym, indoor heated swimming pool and spa, library, pool table and function room.
The centre also has outside, semiundercover boat and caravan storage available.
Residents say friendship, security, less worry about household maintenance and more time to enjoy hobbies are just some of the reasons they chose to make Barunga by the Sea their home.
Each home, decorated in neutral tones, offers a blank canvas to make it your own and features lowmaintenance gardens, a spacious outdoor entertaining area, and has a single or double car garage.
The homes were designed to reflect a country lifestyle by offering more space between you and your neighbours to allow greater privacy.
Barunga by the Sea is located in the
tranquil seaside town of Port Broughton, 175 kilometres north of Adelaide.
The town offers services for your ageing needs — the local ambulance service, helipad, hospital, residential aged care home and medical clinic are centrally located, providing locals with immediate access to medical services and emergency care should the need arise.
By choosing to live at Barunga by the Sea, you will gain priority access to Barunga Village’s community and residential care services if required.
Port Broughton has great fishing, boat launching facilities, a community library, R-12 school, churches, sporting facilities, shops, cafes, caravan parks and a range of accommodation.
Wake up to the smell of the sea and the sound of seagulls, enjoy boating, fishing and beach walks and get involved in a small country town that really is a community — with active service, sporting clubs and social groups that will welcome you with open arms.
Learn more about Barunga by the Sea, visit barungavillage.com.au or contact retirement manager Jodie Webb on (08) 8635 0528 or retire ment@barungavillage.com.au.
On trend with Studio Envy
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COUNTRY Living Homes has been servicing South Australia with new homes for the past 17 years.
The company prides itself on being progressive — not only in terms of construction methods, but also in keeping up with interior and exterior design trends.
This is reflected within CLH’s design studio — Studio Envy, which is located within the Moonta head office.
Studio Envy has been expertly created and developed to provide clients with an in-depth experience when it comes to selecting finishes and fittings for their new homes.
“The studio comprises two bathrooms and two kitchens, so clients can gain a better understanding of what they can expect in their new home,” managing director Mark Ravenscroft said.
“Qualified interior designer Emily Casey works closely with clients to ensure their dream home goals are not only met, but exceeded.
“Keeping up with interior trends and products, Emily to offers clients expert ideas and advice and walks them through every room of the
house to ensure they are completely happy with their choices.
“Being on the front foot when it comes to trends is something we pride ourselves on.”
Emily said more and more clients are coming through Studio Envy with ideas and inspiration.
“We love that we can bring their ideas to life with an affordable, yet quality range of fixtures and fittings,” she said.
Country Living Homes has proudly partnered with a number of quality brands, including Australian brand Oliveri as their tapware supplier.
Oliveri produces a high-quality product and the CLH team is thrilled to offer it as part of the standard range.
The brand is at the forefront of trends, with its recent release of a brushed gold and gunmetal tapware range.
“We are also in the process of refreshing our kitchen cabinetry in Envy to feature a Hamptons inspired kitchen, which is very on-trend at the moment,” Emily said.
“We look forward to continuously updating Studio Envy to ensure our clients have access to on-trend products for their new homes.”
Home Proper ty Guide
Magnificent home for growing family
Sitting on a huge 5507 square metre allotment just a few minutes’ drive from the hustle and bustle of the town centre, this magnificent property is perfect for the growing family according to Ray White Yorke Peninsula’s David Bussenschutt.
“With features such as a swimming pool, games room, outdoor entertaining area and two living spaces — what’s not to love,” David says.
“The heart of home (aka the kitchen) has had a major face lift and is now equipped with soft close cabinetry, extra-large drawers for all the pots and pans, dishwasher, electric stovetop, double sink, a pull-out pantry plus a hidden walk-in pantry.
“There are downlights throughout the home, plus ducted evaporative air conditioning.
“The formal lounge features brand new carpets, a wall unit a/c as well as a combustion wood fire heater for the cooler months.
“New carpets have also been installed in the family room, which has direct access to the outdoor alfresco via sliding doors.
“Two of the three bedrooms have built-in wardrobes and ceiling fans, one also has a study nook.
“There is an internal laundry and bathroom with under vanity storage and a separate toilet.
“A double garage with roller doors is also under the main roof.
“Moving outdoors, the very generous outdoor alfresco area has been fitted with ceiling fans and a wall of weather blinds for year round entertaining.
“This overlooks the huge fully fenced backyard and swimming pool.
“The current owners have just installed a brand new chlorinator and pool vacuum for easy upkeep, plus there’s an outdoor shower and toilet.
“The outdoor games room features a built-in bar area with sink, dishwasher, power points, downlights and an enclosed barbecue area right next door.
“Just when you thought it could get any better, there’s more!
“Beyond the back fence is even more land with vehicle access via the right-hand driveway.
“The 6m by 9m lock-up shed has concrete flooring, power and, with two sliding doors, it is ideal for boat, caravan and vehicle storage.
“The remaining land offers a blank slate for the new owners, subject to council approval of course.
“This property is a must see for families looking to make the move to our little part of the world.”
Home Proper ty Guide
Not just for the farmers
Advertising Promotion
YP AG and NR AG are well known for their expertise in agronomy and supply of quality farm inputs on Yorke Peninsula and in the Mid North, but they service the local townships just as well.
“We have an extensive range of products in our stores,” a spokesperson said.
“These include best-selling Yeti products, gardening/outdoor products, a wide range of poly pipe and water fittings, fencing equipment, rainwater tanks, Onga/Pentair pumps, laundry detergents, dog and cat food, boots and safety wear.
“We have a large client base from within the townships, but many people believe we just service the farmers!”
Householders looking to spray weeds in their gardens, or spiders under their pergolas, and hobby farmers who have piping and fencing requirements, are just as welcome at their local YP AG and NR AG store.
“For the people on rural living blocks of
land, we can arrange Pioneer rural tanks, Bushmans rainwater tanks, fencing, animal shelters and portable stockyards to name a few things,” the spokesperson said.
“We stock a large range of rodent control products from traps to bait.
“Popular items that walk out the door include insect control products like Cislin, pet feeders and waterers, and everyday pet foods.
“We are all local people and are very community minded, sponsoring many local sporting clubs, local charities, and many other organisations.
“YP AG and NR AG at Jamestown are lucky to have a great rapport with our local town customers, and we look forward to continuing this into the future.”
For all your needs from pet products, to rainwater tanks to fencing, call YP AG Kadina 8821 4433, YP AG Maitland 8832 2812, YP AG Curramulka 8854 2041, YP AG Yorketown 8852 1636, or NR AG Jamestown 8664 1907.
Rural living supplies available to everyone
not just farmers!
EVERYTHING YOU NEED... YP AG stocks everything from Philmac fittings to Yeti coolers.