Cooks Hill Property Management
Cooks Hill is a charming inner suburb of Newcastle city in New South Wales, Australia.
This small suburb has about 3,621 people according to 2016 census. This suburb has beautiful Victorian roofed houses and timber cottages in tree lined avenues. This suburb grew from coal mines. It is a lovely entertainment and residential suburb with excellent real-estate options. Cooks Hill has good sporting facilities as it has National Park netball courts and Sporting Ovals. There is a fitness centre and also parks that provide recreational areas with play equipment. Cooks Hill is home to Newcastle High School and Newcastle Grammar School. It is accessible to City Library, the largest library in Newcastle. It has access to bus service on main roads. Darby Road is a major commercial street with many businesses including eateries, cafes and pubs. The suburb is also ho...
Create more storage space in your home
One of the hardest things about renting is that you can't change much about the property. And if you're living in an apartment or small place, lack of storage can be one of the biggest challenges to overcome. There are things you can do; however, that will create more storage space in your home. Here's our list of easy ways to create more storage in your home. Use space under your bed or buy a storage bed
To create extra storage space in your bedroom, you could buy a bed with built-in storage or use the space underneath your bed to store items you don't use all the time. You can buy a variety of under bed storage boxes from a range of stores to protect your items and keep them organised. Try a storage ottoman
If you are going to add an ottoman to your bedroom or living space, you could buy an ottoman with a storage compartment. This is a perfect place to store blankets, miscellaneo...
3 finance hacks investors should know
Whether you're strictly a property investor, or you have other investment holdings as well, understanding how to properly manage your money is crucial. The key principle that underpins effectively managing your money is making sure that once you've worked hard to earn your money that you put it to work for you. Here are three finance hacks every property investor should know to make sure your investments are working hard for you and not the other way around. Don't cross-collateralise your loans
If you have a number of investment properties through one lender, the loans on these properties may have been cross-collateralised to help secure the mortgage on your next property. Sure, this can be powerful in helping you to grow your portfolio, but if you sell a property, your lender may need you to pay down the debt on your other propert...
Carrington Property Management
Carrington is a suburb of Newcastle city in New South Wales, Australia.
This small suburb has about 2,000 people according to 2016 census. This suburb has residential, commercial and industrial development. It is physically separated by other suburbs and is accessible by Cowper Street Bridge over Throsby. It is pretty close to the CBD, port and harbour. It has many heritage-listed sites. Interestingly it was known as ‘wuna-r-tee” or the place of the mud crab by the Aborigines. This was a place for catching oysters and mud crabs in those days.
Carrington has many sporting facilities. It has Pat Jordan Oval and Connelly Park. There is a Rowing Club, Bowling Club and children’s play activities here. It is also a popular fishing spot along the Throsby Creek and Hunter River waterfront.
Carrington has a public school located on Young Street. It is close to Library branches at Hamilton and City Branch...
Broadmeadow Property Management
Broadmeadow is the geographical centre of Newcastle city in New South Wales, Australia.
This small suburb has about 1,600 people according to 2016 census. Various amenities here include the Broadmeadow Racecourse that hosts horse riding activities. There are local parks, tennis courts and a skate park here. There is the Energy Australia Stadium and International Sports Centre also located here. The suburb has its own schools. Merewether High School is located in Broadmeadow along with The Hunter School of Performing Arts. Two branches of Newcastle Region Library are at an easy access to the residents here. There is a commercial centre located at Nineways that has many shops and businesses. Broadmeadow along with these amenities has a good bus service. Real Estate in Broadmeadow
Homes here have a median selling price of...
Is it worth buying a budget property
With the rapid growth that occurred in Australia's property market throughout 2016 and 2017, many investors may have been priced out of the best investment markets in Australia. But what if you could find a bargain property somewhere just outside these markets to grow your portfolio? Not only would a cheaper property potentially increase your chances of securing finance, but you could be left with more money left over to make improvements to the property. There's a range of other benefits that come with buying a cheaper property beyond the affordability of your deposit and servicing your mortgage. For example, the land value of a cheaper property is likely lower than properties in hot locations. This means your council rates, water rates, land taxes and any other ongoing levies would be cheaper than those for more expensive properties. With a lower purchase price and...
Black Hill Property Management
Black Hill is a very small rural suburb located in the outskirts of Newcastle in New South Wales, Australia. It is 26 km. from the Central Business District (CBD) and is a part of city of Newcastle and City of Cessnock government area. It is situated just off John Renshaw Drive, and is only 10 kms. from Beresfield. This small suburb has a population of 560 people according to 2016 census. Most of the amenities like childcare, library and commercial centre are located in nearby Beresfield. There is a Black Hill Primary School here, and transport buses from Hunter Valley service this school. Most of the population comprises of senior residents. Real Estate in Black Hill
Median selling price for houses in Black Hill is $1,500,000. This is at an impressive growth rate of 21.7% compared to previous year. Median selling price of homes in...
Rental Vacancy Rates
According to Domain's monthly rental vacancy update, the numbers remain mixed around Australia's capital cities. To calculate the vacancy rate for each city, Domain takes into account the proportion of available, vacant rental properties compared to each city's total rental market. Decreasing slightly in each capital city from the vacancy rates reported in December 2018, the highest vacancy rates were reported in Sydney, Darwin and Perth.
The vacancy rates for Australia's capital cities in January 2019 were:
• Sydney - 2.8%
• Melbourne - 1.8%
• Brisbane - 2.6%
• Perth - 2.9%
• Adelaide - 1.1%
• Hobart - 0.4%
• Canberra - 1.0%
• Darwin 4.7%
• Newcastle 2.5% Up f...
Birmingham Gardens Property Management
Birmingham Gardens is located to the west-north west of Newcastle in New South Wales, Australia. It is 11 km. from the Central Business District (CBD and is a part of city of Newcastle government area.
This small suburb has a population of 2,376 people according to 2016 census. It is situated very close to University of Newcastle and other residential suburbs. Due to its proximity to the University, its population includes many students. There are a few families living here as well. It has a local park and a small cinema and is close to amenities in other suburbs. Real Estate in Birmingham Gardens
Median selling price for houses in Birmingham Gardens is $457,000. This is at a decline of 6.3% compared to previous year. Median selling price of homes in 2017-18 was $487,500. Total of 23 houses were sold in the period Apr 2018 - Mar 2019. Average rental for homes i...
Beresfield Property Management
Beresfield is a north western suburb of Newcastle in New South Wales, Australia. It is 22 km. from the Central Business District (CBD) and is a part of city of Newcastle government area.
This suburb has a population of 3,181 people according to 2016 census. It is situated on a low ridge that rises out of the floodplain and wetlands of the Hunter River. Beresfield is bisected by Anderson Drive (formerly Maitland Road) into northern and southern parts. The northern part includes a shopping centre and a railway station. The southern part includes a bowling club, swimming pool, sports oval, golf course and Newcastle Memorial Park cemetery and crematorium. Beresfield has schools, Churches, active Clubs, youth organisations and Sports clubs. Real Estate in Beresfield
Median selling price for houses in Beresfield is $405,000. This is a robust growth of 9.4% in 2018 co...
Off Market Property Sales
The growing trend of off-market property sales in Australia
As uncertainty in the property market in Australia continues, it can be hard to know where to start your property search and what's worth spending time on. If you've been an investor for a while, you've likely got some great contacts in the industry who keep you updated on the market and potential new investments. This is where you can greatly benefit from the growing trend of off-market property sales throughout Australia. According to the McGrath Estate Agents' 2017 McGrath Report, John McGrath found that off-market property sales were increasing in all price brackets. And while one of the main motivators of off-market sales is privacy for wealthy sellers and buyers, there are some great benefits of buying off-market for property investors as well.
One of the biggest benef...
Strong Rental Applications
There are lots of details you need to include in a rental application. While it may be tempting to simply fill out an online application or the real estate company's provided forms, adding a few extra details to make the property manager's life easier in assessing your application will help you to stand out and potentially increase your chances of an approval. Here's everything you need to include to put together a strong rental application. Sign-up with an online form
With an online form account, you can set up a renter's profile that allows you to use all of your information to apply for several properties.
This will help you to keep your options open. When you view listings, just make sure you double check if they accept an online form as some real estate agencies will need you to fill out their own application form. text-align: justify;...
Bar Beach Property Management
Bar Beach is an inner city suburb of Newcastle in New South Wales, Australia. It is 1.6 km. southwest of the Central Business District (CBD). There is a beautiful beach that runs along the eastern border of this suburb. A natural rock pool at the beach was named “The Bar”. This gave the suburb its name.
This suburb is quite small and has about 1,256 people as per 2016 census. This suburb is well-known for its heritage landmarks like Cooks Hill Surf Life Saving Club and Memorial, Reid Park Tennis Clubhouse and Tennis Courts and the Empire Park Bowling Club Fence. Many residential units in the Art Deco style are also listed as heritage units. Real Estate in Bar Beach
Due to heritage properties, median selling price for houses in Bar Beach is $1.15 million. This is a slump of -35.1% in 2018 compared to 2017. Median selling price of homes in 2017 was ...
Increase your chances of a loan approval
With credit tightening for property investors for well over a year now, making a strong case in your loan applications has never been more important. To make a strong case in your loan application, there are a few things you can do. Here's our list of what you can do to make the strongest case possible and increase your chances of a loan approval. Do your research and shop around
Make sure you research rates through traditional banking channels and mortgage brokers to find the best rate possible for your financial situation. Remember securing a loan isn't always about the interest rate. With credit tightening for property investors, your Loan to Value Ratio (LVR) will be crucial in determining your interest rate. To calculate your interest rate, the lender will divide the amount of the loan you require by the value of the property. Naturally, the greater the LVR, the higher...
Adamstown Heights Property Management
Adamstown Heights is a southern suburb of Newcastle in New South Wales, Australia. It is situated 8 kms. from the Central Business District (CBD). It is divided between City of Newcastle local government and City of Lake Macquarie areas. Adamstown Heights has a population of 5,299 people according to the 2016 Population census.
It is well connected by both buses and trains. It is located near two railway stations and on many bus routes. There are two good schools in this suburb. One of them is Kotara High School which was built in 1968. Real Estate in Adamstown Heights
Median selling price for houses in Adamstown Heights is $746,500. This is a growth of 5.1% in 2018 compared to the previous year. Median selling price of homes in the previous year was $710,000. Total number of homes sold was a good 66 in 2018. An average home in Adamstown Heights is rented out ...
Moving into a share house
Moving into a share house is an exciting milestone for many renters. Whether you're moving in with a group of friends or you've found your dream housemates on websites like NoBullRealEstate.com.au, there are a few things you'll need to buy before the big move. Here's our list of what you need to buy before you move into a share house. An indoor plant
It's probably best to buy this one after you've finished moving and you've checked your housemates don't have any allergies. An indoor plant is a great way to brighten up any space and filter the air in your home. You could buy an indoor plant for your bedroom or even check if your housemates would be ok with you adding a plant to one of the shared living areas in your place. Linen
There's nothing better than climbing into bed with fresh new linen. M...
Adamstown Property Management
Adamstown is a suburb of Newcastle in New South Wales, Australia. It is 6 kms. away from the Central Business District (CBD). Adamstown has a population of 6,044 people as per 2016 Population census.
It has its own railway station that opened in 1887. The town has many schools and Community support organisations. Adamstown Rosebud Football Club is very popular and has produced many high-quality Soccer players. This is a good suburb for families as well as for couples. It is quiet and has all good amenities while being so close to the CBD. Real Estate in Adamstown
Due to its good population and large town feel, median selling price for houses in Adamstown is $723,000. One can see a growth of 1.8% in home prices in 2018 compared to the previous year. Median selling price of homes in the previous year was $710,500. Total number of homes sold was 80 in 2018 which ...
Banking Royal Commission
The Final Report of the Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry was tabled in Federal Parliament on Monday 4 February after the close of the Australian stock market. The Report has a total of 76 recommendations in what Treasurer Josh Frydenberg called a "scathing assessment of conduct driven by greed and behaviour that was in breach of existing law, and that fell well below community expectations." The 76 recommendations in the Report aim to address each sector in Australia's financial services industry. For the mortgage broking industry, the recommendations of the Report indicate that mortgage brokers will have increased regulation. It has also been recommended that trail commissions end and limitations be put in place on upfront commission. Commissioner Hayne has recommended an end scenario where the borrower pays the broker instead of the lender. This...
Newcastle Property Management
Newcastle has the second largest population in New South Wales and Lake Macquarie local government area. It is located at the mouth of the Hunter river. It is a hub of development and industry. It is well known for its coal and is the largest coal exporting harbour in the world. The Port of Newcastle is the economic and trade centre for the resource rich Hunter Valley and for much of the north and northwest of New South Wales. Its real estate reflects its prominence and importance. Real Estate in Newcastle
With a big city feel, median selling price for homes in Newcastle is $1.48 million. There is an annual capital decline of 26.4% in home prices in 2018 compared to previous year. Last year median selling price of homes was $2 million. Total number of homes sold was 7 in 2018. An average home in Newcastle is rented out at $530 per week. Suburb rental yield is growing at 1.9...
Proposed negative gearing policy
One of the most widely publicised election policies the Australian Labor Party is taking to the next Federal election is its negative gearing policy. Met with a less than welcome reception from some Australian property investors and industry groups such as the Property Investors Council of Australia (PICA), the objective of Labor's proposed negative gearing policy is to "help put the Australian dream of home ownership back within the reach of middle- and working-class families." No matter which end of the political spectrum you sit on, Labor's proposed negative gearing policy is gaining a lot of attention, so it's important to understand exactly what has been proposed especially for property investors. As outlined on the Australian Labor Party's website, these reforms have two core components — changes to negative gearing and changes to capital gains tax discou...
Seahampton Property Management
Seahampton is a tiny suburb of the City of Lake Macquarie local government area north of West Wallsend. It is located 21 km. west of Newcastle’s Central Business District in New South Wales, Australia. Seahampton started out a coal mining town back in 1890. The coal mine shut down in 1932 during the Great Depression. It never reopened again. It is a pretty little town. It has clean mountain air, is surrounded by bush and situated atop a ridge. It is a wonderful place to escape city pollution and crowd. Real Estate in Seahampton
Seahampton is a tiny suburb that is growing at a small yet comfortable pace in terms of housing. This area is close to the city yet feels like a country town and hence its residents love it. Its real estate is reasonable. Median selling price for homes in Seahampton is $527,500. There is an annual capi...
Gross rental yields are at a 2½ year high
While national rents increased by just 0.4% in the 12 months to the end of January 2019, the recent drop in house values has resulted in a jump in rental yields. With national dwelling values dropping by 5.6%, gross rental yields increased by over 4% in cities around Australia. This is the first gross rental yield increase of over 4% since May 2016. The study, conducted by Core Logic, found that rental yields have increased in every Australian capital (excluding Hobart and Darwin) for the past 12 months. This comes after rental yields in Australia hit an all-time low in the growth phase that saw property prices skyrocket in Sydney and Melbourne. The lowest point for rental yields was 3.39% in August 2017.
Canberra had the strongest growth in rental yields in the past 12 months with yields growing by 5.6%. The rental yields of Australia's other capital cities for the 12 months to the...
Edgeworth Property Management
Edgeworth is a suburb in City of Lake Macquarie local government area. It is located close to Newcastle’s Central Business District in New South Wales, Australia. It is a small, cozy neighbourhood that has good residential housing, three schools, bowling club, Supermarket, Pub, restaurant along with some sporting clubs. It also has a nice aged care facility. Real Estate in Edgeworth
Edgeworth has been a suburb that is growing at a reasonable pace in terms of housing. As it has a good number of amenities like schools, recreation and good homes, its real estate is doing well. Median selling price for homes in Edgeworth is $463,000. There is an annual capital growth of 6.1% in home prices in 2018 compared to 2017. Total number of homes sold is 154 for the year. An average home in Edgeworth is rented out at $370 per week. Number of rentals leased stands at 81. Purchased a...
The importance of negotiation skills
Negotiating skills are essential to have in many situations particularly when you're navigating the purchase of large items or assets. With the high value that property transactions attract, knowing how to navigate the negotiation process is crucial. Not only can strong negotiation skills help you in other areas of your life, but it can save you thousands of dollars. Here are a few things to remember when you're negotiating your next property transaction. It's got to feel win-win
The negotiation process needs to feel like a win for both parties in a transaction. If you negotiate too hard with a seller, they may not take you seriously, and the sale won't proceed. Similarly, if the seller negotiates too hard, you may be inclined to walk away. The key here is finding the middle ground for both parties to be happy with proceeding.
Barnsley Property Management
Barnsley is a suburb of the city of Lake Macquarie. It is situated about 23 km. west of the Newcastle Central Business District (CBD) in New South Wales, Australia. The city has an area of 3.527 sq. km. It has a population of 1813 citizens with an average income of $723. It is a small city that is growing fairly well. Since Barnsley is very close to the CBD hence this suburb is at a perfect location to commute to work and also in close proximity to schools, sightseeing and other amenities. The suburb has a good mix of residential units and commercial ones. Hence amenities like shopping are close at hand while the neighbourhood is largely quiet and peaceful. Its location being so close to the CBD is a major advantage towards the development and prosperity of this suburb. This suburb offers quality residential housing that is suited for both older residents and young couples with families. There are many ...
Property market in 2019
With the New Year well underway, it's important to know what to look out for in the Australian property market in 2019. Whether your strategy is to grow your portfolio in 2019 or to simply hold your current properties, you'll need to know what to be mindful of throughout the year. As widely covered in the news and industry publications, the recent boom in Sydney and Melbourne appears to have peaked providing an opportune time to take a step back and assess the state of your portfolio. Other key drivers of change in the property market include the Royal Commission, a raft of macro prudential measures from APRA and tightened depreciation rules introduced in the last Federal budget. Beyond these changes, there are some additional things you need to be mindful of when it comes to property investing throughout 2019. text-align: justify;...
Warners Bay Real Estate
Warners Bay is a suburb of the City of Lake Macquarie in New South Wales in Australia. It is located on the eastern side of the picturesque Lake Macquarie. It has a great location just 15 kms. from Newcastle’s Central Business District, thus it is a thriving suburb both from the point of view of industry and tourism. Warners Bay has a population of 7,614 as per the 2016 census. History
The suburb owes its name to Jonathan Warner, the first settler in this area. There were a number of subdivisions carried out in this area in 1840, 1855, 1885 and 1927. The area developed at a very slow pace in the beginning of the 20th century and only became a popular residential area towards the last half of 20th century. The Warner family had built a farm and an orange orchard near their sprawling fami...
Split your household bills
Living with housemates has several benefits. It's an excellent way to meet new people and forge new friendships, and your living expenses are typically lower than if you lived on your own. One of the key challenges you may come across when you live with housemates is budgeting for common items and splitting household bills. As banking in Australia continues to become more technologically advanced, several apps have made it easier than ever to make sure everyone is paying their share of the household bills. Here are four apps that make splitting bills with your housemates quick and easy. Easyshare
Developed especially for housemates, Easyshare makes it easy to upload bills and keep everyone in the loop on what's owed. To use the app, users simply download the app, add their payment details and invite their housemates to join. When a bill arrives, you can add the bill to the ...
West Wallsend Real Estate
West Wallsend is a lovely Hamlet on the outskirts of Newcastle. It is located in the Lake Macquarie City Council Precint. Close to the M1 & Branxton Freeways, West Wallsend is a growing suburb because of its convenient location. With close to 400 new homes being completed soon, the area has a shopping centre, schools, transport, a golf course, a heated swimming pool to service the area. Enjoy the tranquility of living close to the hills, yet with public transport close enough to take you right into the heart of the city with ease. Local shops and supermarkets offer convenient shopping. The suburb also offers diverse living with ever changing streetscapes catering for both first home buyers right through to luxurious, up market living. Below is a breif history of West Wallsend. Name Origin:
After Wallsend on the River Tyne in Northumberland, in the United Kingdom. Also, Wallsend coal was the bes...
Fixtures and fittings in your property
How often fixtures and fittings should be updated and serviced in your properties.
Some of the things that start to show their age quickly in a property are fixtures and fittings. While some fixtures and fittings may need to be updated due to damage or a fault in the item, knowing when to update things in your home is important. This keeps your home in excellent condition before you need to make major updates. Another major benefit of keeping your fixtures and fittings updated? A home in great condition is more likely to attract great tenants. Here's our guide to when different fixtures and fittings should be updated in your properties. Firstly, if you're unsure about all of the fixtures and fittings in your property, take a look at the entry condition reports for your property or the sales contract. These documents may include notes on items you may have forgotten about. S...
Toronto Real Estate
Toronto town is situated within the city of Lake Macquarie in New South Wales in Australia. This town is very close to the central business district of Newcastle, and is a major commercial centre for the suburbs on the western side of Lake Macquarie. History
Toronto is named after its popular cousin in Canada -- Toronto. Edward Hanlan, a world champion sculler, visited Australia in the year 1884. In the same year, The Excelsior Company who were the developers in this area started subdividing the area. They named the subdivision Toronto in the honor of the place that Mr. Hanlan hailed from in Canada. That is how the town of Toronto got its name. Originally, Toronto had an Aboriginal mission called Ebenezer set up by Reverend Threlkend in the year 1829. Subsequently, Rev. Threlkend started a coal mine in this area at Coal Point...
Australian house prices in 2019
Where will Australian house prices go in 2019 As covered by comparison site Finder, the RBA's cash rate survey for December 2018 reported that 71% of industry experts and economists believe home values could continue to decline in 2019. On the extreme end, ANZ have forecasted a 15% to 20% decline from peak house prices in Sydney and Melbourne. Bear in mind, that some of these declines began months ago now. Dr. Shane Oliver, Head of Investment Strategy and Economics and Chief Economist at AMP Capital explained his stance on the RBA's current policy stance and how housing values will fair in 2019. “I have not been expecting a rate hike next year and have been forecasting a 20% decline in Sydney and Melbourne property prices top to bottom," he said. Predict...
Speers Point Real Estate
Speers Point
Speers Point is a suburb of the City of Lake Macquarie and comes under the local government area. It is situated just 17 km from the city of Newcastle in New South Wales Australia. Located on the northern shore of Lake Macquarie, Speers Point is situated near Cockle Bay and Warners Bay. It has a population of 3,313 as per the 2016 census with almost 85% people being Australian born. History
Speers Point was established in the year 1828. It is named after William Speer who bought land here in 1870. There were some aboriginal names associated with this place like Milloba and Biddaba when the Awabakal tribe of Macquarie inhabited this area. The name Speers Point has remained over time. Two subdivisions took place in 1902 and 1912. Some of the earliest ...
Rathmines Real Estate
Rathmines
Rathmines is a beautiful suburb of the City of Lake Macquarie located in New South Wales, Australia. Rathmines is on the western part of Lake Macquarie close to the towns of Toronto and Morisset. History
Rathmines is a town set up around the year 1840 when Europeans known as the Hely Family settled here. It was named by them after a town of a similar name – Rathmines in Ireland. Rathmines came about by a subdivision in 1920. The earliest industries in this area were vineyards and fruit orchards. There was a thriving cattle industry here as well, which was unfortunately destroyed due to an outbreak of the deadly pleuro-pneumonia in the 1960s. This completely wiped out the cattle industry around the Lake Macquarie region. Rathmines is perha...
Killingworth Real Estate
Killingworth
Killingworth is a small town located south of West Wallsend and west of the Sydney-Newcastle Freeway. It is part of the West Ward of the City of Lake Macquarie local government area and Ward D of City of Cessnock. Killingworth is a small town and has a population of only 679 as per the 2016 census. History
Killingworth owes the origin of its name to that of Killingworth in England or the town of a similar name in the USA, it is not certain which one. Initially, coal-mining activity began in the Killingworth colliery. The earliest settlers in this area were those who came to work in the coal mine. The earliest subdivisions happened in the year 1901. Coal mining activities began from the year 1888 till the Great Depression when the operations stopped for a short period of time. When the economy looked up, the mining operations ...
Holiday reading for property investors
Helpful holiday reading for property investors.
The holiday season a perfect time to catch up on reading. If you're typically a nonfiction reader, your reading time can be put to good use by learning more about property investment in Australia. Here's our list of property investment books that will help you learn while you recharge for 2019. From 0 to 130 properties in 3.5 years - Steve McKnight
Steve McKnight's From 0 to 130 Properties in 3.5 Years is an inspiring read that shows readers how McKnight and his business partner built their portfolio. The book includes details about the individual properties that make up their portfolio and an outline of the numbers on each property. If you're aiming to build a cash flow positive portfolio, this book will help you understand the numbers and Australia's property market, while sharing details about how to effectively manage your financ...
Popular areas to rent in 2018
The most popular areas to rent in 2018.
As regions around Australia change, the most in-demand rental suburbs change as well. Driven by factors such as employment growth, large construction and resources projects, and changing demographics, the most popular rental suburbs are usually located close to employment and transport hubs. In the last year, the most popular rental suburbs were mostly located within a 10km radius of their respective CBDs. The most in-demand rental suburbs in each state within 20km of their respective capital cities are as follows: NSW: North Narrabeen Queensland: Fortitude Valley South Australia: Unley (popular suburb renters and buyers) Victoria: Fitzroy Tasmania: Glenorchy ACT: Ngunnawal Western Australia...
Jesmond Real Estate
Jesmond
Jesmond is a suburb of the city of Newcastle. It is situated about 10 km west of the Newcastle Central Business District (CBD) in the Hunter Region of New South Wales, Australia. Its location being so close to the CBD is a major advantage towards the development and prosperity of this suburb. The area is both a commercial centre as well as a residential neighborhood. The profile of its residents is essentially multicultural, as the suburb caters to many international University students who attend University in the neighboring suburb of Callaghan. The suburb also offers good quality housing for the aged specifically with many such facilities located here.
Jesmond boasts of a number of good amenities that makes it very convenient for those residing here. According to the 2016 census, the population of Jesmond is 3045 people. History...
Getting to know your neighbourhood.
Getting to know your neighbourhood.
One of the biggest parts of settling into your new home after a move is getting to know your neighbourhood. As you get to know your area, by finding your favourite cafe or knowing the best place to order a pizza, you can quickly feel more at home. Here are our top tips for getting to know your neighbourhood. Go for a walk
Just like when you're travelling, walking around a new place is a perfect way to get to know your surroundings. To get to know your new neighbourhood, spend a relaxing weekend morning walking around your area. You could start with a coffee at a bustling cafe or walk to your local supermarket. Talk to the locals
When you're out grabbing your morning coffee or newspaper, talk to th...
Islington Real Estate
Islington
Islington is a suburb of Newcastle situated in the Hunter Region of New South Wales in Australia. It has a convenient location very close to Newcastle Central Business District (CBD), located just 2 miles from the CBD. Initially Islington started out as a residential area, but it now has an industrial area as well as is in close proximity to the Hunter Institute of Technology. Since it is located close to Hamilton and to the Hunter Institute of Technology, it does offer a more economical alternative to Hamilton in terms of cost of living. The population of Islington as per the 2016 census is 1,883 people. Currently, a lot of young professionals are making Islington their home. History :
Islington was established in the early 1870s as a primarily residential area. It is located on Maitland Road that later became a part of Pa...
Indicators for future growth
The most effective supply and demand indicators for future growth.
We all know the basic premise of value growth in most industries is supply and demand. For the property market, demand is a property investor's best friend. To understand the state of supply and demand across markets in Australia, there are specific indicators to keep an eye on as you research. Here's our list of some of the indicators that you can monitor to get a detailed idea of supply and demand in a market. Days on market (DOM)
The number of days that a property is on the market indicates how quickly properties are moving. As demand exceeds supply, the DOM will decrease, indicating a potential growth and in-demand suburb. Discount to the sale price
Monitoring the sold price of properties and comparing it to its listing price will indicate the disc...
Hamilton Real Estate
Hamilton Hamilton is a suburb of Newcastle in New South Wales, Australia. There are 4 suburbs here that bear the name Hamilton i.e. Hamilton South, Hamilton East, Hamilton North and Hamilton. All of them are located fairly close to each other. Except for Hamilton, all the others are predominantly residential areas. Hamilton is a commercial area located just 4 km from the Central Business District (CBD) of Newcastle. Hamilton is a cosmopolitan area and is largely multicultural in nature. The combined population of all of them according to 2018 census is 13,057 people. A prosperous business area located around Beaumont Street, Hamilton has a number of shopping establishments like restaurants, retail outlets, florists, hairdressers, cafes and restaurants, pharmacies and so on. Hamilton Business District Committee is actively involved in organizing events like Hamilton Music, Food and Wine Festival. ...
New home construction to fall in 2019.
The Housing Industry Association (HIA) recently stated that the recent slowdown in new home construction will continue as new home sales decline. The rate of new home sales has dropped by 27.1% since its high in April 2014. While this equates to a small decrease of 0.5% per month, the ongoing declines in this segment of the market indicate how established this trend is in the wider property market. Data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) supports the HIA's findings. ABS data released in October found that new house starts were down in July and August 2018 by 9.4% and 13.6% respectively. These are the lowest new home start figures since October 2016. This recent decrease in new home starts is likely to be driven by decreasing home values, tightened lending criteria and declining immigration figures. New apartment building starts have experienced a deeper decline than private detached housing starts. According to the ABS,...
Fennell Bay Real Estate
Fennell Bay
Fennell Bay is located in New South Wales in Australia. It is a lovely suburb of the City of Lake Macquarie. Fennell Bay is situated to the north of the town of Toronto. History
The name Fennell Bay came about due to its early settler, Richard Fennell, who started living here in 1847. The area was subdivided in 1882. Some of the early businesses in this area were a sawmill that operated in the year 1883 and a mine called South Stockton was also operational. Modern amenities came in the 20th century with a Post Office opening in 1947 followed by a Public School in 1959. The earliest bridge used for transportation was built from timber structures. The second bridge was built in 1967. Attractions
Fennell Bay is a unique place due to its fossil forests. It is located in the northwestern corner of Lake Macquarie. These fos...
Are you storm ready?
As the summer months approach, many areas around Australia will also enter storm season. There are a few things you need to do as a landlord to make sure your properties are prepared for storm season. Taking some time to prepare now will help in making sure your properties are well-maintained throughout the summer months. Here are our top tips for getting prepared for summer storm season. Make sure you have the right insurance
Having the right level of insurance coverage for your investment properties is crucial to make sure you're covered in the event of storm damage occurring at your property. You'll want to make sure you have coverage for things such as vacancy loss (in case your property needs to be vacant for extensive repairs) and flooding (even if you live outside a flood zone). If you're unsure of what kind of coverage you have, talk to your insurer and get any questions cleared up to make sure you have the right coverage ...
Fassifern Real Estate
Fassifern
Fassifern is a suburb of the City of Lake Macquarie in New South Wales in Australia. It is located close to the suburb of Toronto. Fassifern is located on the western shores of Lake Macquarie close to Fennell Bay, which has mangrove and she-oak trees along its shores. Fassifern has big expanses of native bush land towards its north and west regions. History
The earliest subdivision in this area dates back to the year 1888. Fassifern saw a spurt in growth due to the earliest industries that operated here. A sawmill was functioning here in 1883. Then in 1886, the Northumberland Land and Coal Company owned by the Croft family started a colliery here. The Railway Station opened here in the year 1887. This station was very close to the colliery. It was initially called Wyee and later the name was changed to Fassifern. No one knows how the name Fassifern originated. This railway ...
How to keep your property cool
How to keep your property cool in the summer months.
The warmer months are approaching and that means your home will be warmer too. Before you go running to turn on the air conditioning, you may be wondering what else you can do to keep your home cool. Here are our tips for keeping your home cool during the summer months. Keep your blinds closed
This is especially helpful for the south and west-facing areas of your home. By keeping your blinds closed in south and west-facing rooms, you can stop the harsh afternoon sun from heating up your home. Given this tip doesn't use any electricity, it's also a cheap and cheerful first step to keeping your home cool. Try blackout curtains
If your window coverings still let in a lot of light, you could try blackout curtains. Not only do blackout curtains keep out light but they also naturally insulate a room....
Elermore Vale Real Estate
Elermore Vale
Elermore Vale is a suburb on the western outskirts of Newcastle in New South Wales, Australia. According to the 2016 census, this suburb has a population of 5,526 people. History
The earliest industry in Elermore Vale was coal mining, chicken farming and cattle farming. It was only in the early 1900s that the area started becoming more of a residential area. A public school was established in the year 1960. Many other amenities were also developed in the mid 20th century that caused the population of this suburb to increase with more settlers moving in. Amenities
Elermore Vale has two public schools currently: Elermore Vale Primary and Wallsend South Public School. There are childcare facilities and three Preschools in this suburb namely Elermore Vale Pre School on Jubilee Road, Elermore Vale Early Learning Centre a...
Is it the right time to buy again?
Is it the right time to buy again? Median home values around Australia have been mixed across the major cities in 2018. We're taking a look at recent median home value figures and how property has performed in the year to date. Property prices around Australia's major cities have continued to decline in recent months. A recent CoreLogic report revealed that median home values around Australia decreased by 0.1% in late-August. This figure, coupled with continued decreases in median home values in previous weeks made recent decreases in home values hit 0.4%. In Sydney, prices decreased by 0.1% per week, while the same occurred in Melbourne and Brisbane. There was a more significant drop in median home values in Perth at 0.3%. In contrast, median home values in Adelaide increased by 0.2%. This has been attributed to the generally strong median home values across...
Cooks Hill Real Estate
Cooks Hill
Cooks Hill is an inner city suburb of Newcastle in New South Wales, Australia. History
Cooks Hill originated from the coalmines present in the area. The suburb developed through land sales from Brooks Street onto Darby Street. A large commercial centre was established at Darby Street bringing more prosperity to the suburb. Darby Street was originally named Lake Macquarie Road and was actually a public access road into the AA Company Coal mine land. Cooks Hill was severely damaged during the 1989 Newcastle earthquake when several buildings were badly damaged. Since then, the area has been rebuilt and has seen rapid growth. Cooks Hill has beautiful tree-lined streets, rows of Victorian terrace houses, turn-of-the-century timber cottages and corner pubs. It has a beautiful blend of houses available for purchase and renting. According to the 2016 census, Cooks Hill has a population of 3,6...
Avoid financial pitfalls
4 ways to stay focused and avoid financial pitfalls in your portfolio.
As a property investor, there's a lot you need to manage every day. While your property manager will likely take care of most of the everyday administration of the property, there are a few key things you need to do for your portfolio to be set up for long-term growth. Here are 4 things you need to do to stay focused and avoid financial pitfalls in your portfolio. Be diligent with maintenance
It may be tempting to hold off on replacing the old oven or dishwasher that continually breaks to save money, but it could turn into a costly problem later. When you purchase an investment property, set up a regular maintenance schedule with your property manager and/or accountant. Having a regular maintenance schedule for your included fixtures and furnishings, routine inspections and exterior property maintenance will keep your propert...
Coal Point Real Estate
Coal Point
Coal Point is a suburb located on the western side of Lake Macquarie near the town of Toronto in New South Wales. It is a suburb of the City of Lake Macquarie. History
Coal Point was named so because of the location of the first coal mine in the area. The town of Coal Point has an interesting history that is interlinked with the town of Toronto. Reverend Threlkend who started an aboriginal mission in the Toronto area started coal mining activities at Coal Point in 1840. Coal mining activities were conducted here from 1840 to around 1906. Thus, Reverend Threlkend set up the town at Coal Point with the original inhabitants being the workers engaged in coal mining activities. The initial subdivision done in 1887 of the Toronto Estate by The Excelsior Investment and Building Company and Bank Ltd. led to the formation of Coal Point. This area around Lake Macquarie is largely ...
Get your rental bond back
How to make sure you get your rental bond back Most rental properties in Australia require a bond to be paid at the start of your tenancy. The bond payable is equivalent to 4 weeks of rent. Providing there is no damage at your property at the end of your tenancy, your bond will be returned in full at the end of your tenancy. To get your bond back, you and your property manager need to complete the bond refund form relevant to your state. To make sure you get your bond back, follow the steps below. Take care of your property and report maintenance needs
Make sure you take care of your property throughout your tenancy. The most common reason tenants have money taken out of their total bond payment is because the property has been damaged and needs repair. If you report any maintenance and repair needs quickly throughout your tenancy, and take care of the property, it should be in good condition a...
Carrington Real Estate
Carrington
Carrington is a suburb of Newcastle in New South Wales in Australia. It is close to the harbour and the central business district, and it services the port. It is a suburb well separated from the other suburbs, and it can be reached by Cowper Street Bridge over Throsby Creek. Carrington is named after Lord Carrington, the governor of New South Wales in 1887 at the time when the area became a Municipality. According to the 2016 census, the population of Carrington is
1,929 with 50.8% being male and 49.2% being female with the median age being 35 History
The Aboriginals knew Carrington as “mud crab”. Earliest industry here was fishing and gathering oysters and mud crabs. To begin with, Carrington used to be under the water at high tide and evolved slowly by dumping activity of ships, which saw the island emerge out of the dumped mud. People started settling in ...
The rise of micro-apartments
The rise of micro-apartments
With the rapid increases in property prices in cities like Sydney and Melbourne in recent years, the need for affordable property is higher than ever before. Although property prices have softened in recent months, high density living, and the rise of micro-apartments is a potential answer to securing affordable property that's close to all of the amenities people want and need. Given the smaller property size, the sale price of micro-apartments presents a much lower entry point for property investors to gain exposure to the property market. Are micro-apartments a good investment though or are investors better off focusing on more traditional property types? One of the biggest challenges investors may face if they're interested in purchasing a micro-apartment is securing finance. Analysis by property research company, RiskWise found that banks enforce strict lending criteria...
Cardiff Real Estate
Cardiff Cardiff is a suburb of Newcastle in New South Wales in Australia. It is a part of the City of Lake Macquarie local government area. History Cardiff has an irregular shape. And, there are associated suburbs of Cardiff South and Cardiff Heights. Cardiff was originally known as Winding Creek after the creek, which originated in this area. Later, one of the early settlers in this area, Mr. James Edward, suggested that it be named after Cardiff in Wales after the place he originally belonged to. Thus, Cardiff was so named, and this name was officially approved in the year 1889. The earliest subdivision of this area took place in 1875 and subsequently in 1887. Coal mining activity was carried out in this area from the earliest days. The miners and their families were the earliest inhabitants of this area. Fruit cultivation in the form of peach and plum orchards was also carried...
Downsides to positive cash flow properties?
Positive cash flow investment properties are considered by some investors as gold in today's hot housing market.
Having a positive cash flow property provides you with another stream of income, while giving you the capital you need to pay off your loans faster than if your investment was negatively geared. Investment properties that provide positive cash flow are often located in regional areas where housing prices and stamp duty are lower than inner city areas These factors make properties in these areas perfect for first-term landlords and investors with a strict budget. The potential for the housing market to turn resulting in falling property prices means investment properties can fail to deliver strong capital growth. With cash flow positive properties, this risk can be counteracted with a regular return on investment. Like all investment models, however, there are downsides to positive cash flow investing. Below, we've detailed some ...
Callaghan Real Estate
Callaghan Callaghan is a suburb of the city of Newcastle in New South Wales in Australia. It is located 10 kms. from Newcastle’s central business district. The main campus of University of Newcastle, a premier University, is located in Callaghan. Origin Callaghan is named after Sir Bede Callaghan who was the Chancellor of University of Newcastle from 1977 to 1988 in recognition of his huge contribution to this area. Callaghan is synonymous with the University of Newcastle, which is among the top 10 Universities in Australia for many years and is renowned for its research facilities. The University has over 35,500 students on its rolls and has huge expansion plans. The place provides a great institution for studies and research for students far and wide. The University contributes tremendously to the amenities in the area. Most real estate here is residential with many units rented out to...
Booragul Real Estate
Booragul
Booragul is a suburb of the City of Lake Macquarie. It is located to the north of Toronto in New South Wales. Booragul in aboriginal means “summer” or “warm place.”
The history of Booragul dates back to the early 19th Century when in 1829, Madame Rens of Sydney received a grant of 914 acres in the Teralba Parish. She, however, did not develop it, thereby, the property reverted to the Crown. In 1830, it was granted to Captain James Ranclaud whose wife and son could not maintain it after his death in 1832, and they too lost it back to the Crown. It was then granted to Dr. James Mitchell in 1842. Subsequently, there were 4 subdivisions in the early 20th Century. His daughter, Margaret Quigley and her descendants helped in the development of Booragul.
The earliest industry in Booragul was a slaughterhouse. During World War II, the Defence Departmen...
How To Find A Great Housemate
HOW TO FIND A GREAT HOUSEMATE
Living with a housemate can have many benefits including shared living expenses and having someone to chat with when you get home from work. Finding a suitable housemate, however, can be a difficult process. While you may not end up being best friends with your housemate, you still want to make sure you're living with someone who contributes to a livable environment in your home. Here are our top tips for finding a great housemate. Check if your friends know anyone looking for a place.
Before you go listing your place on a housemate finder website, ask your friends to see if they know anyone looking for a new place. Having a recommendation from a family or friend helps to build trust from the start, plus it's easy to check with your friend if the person is a good fit to be your housemate. Meet a few times for inter...
Boolaroo Real Estate
Boolaroo
Boolaroo is a beautiful suburb of Newcastle located in New South Wales, Australia. It is situated close to Lake Macquarie and lies on the border of other towns like Toronto, Speers Point and Warner’s Bay. A small part of Boolaroo juts out into the Lake Macquarie and is a charming place to enjoy the natural beauty of the lake and to indulge in activities like fishing and boating. Boolaroo is an aboriginal word that means “place of many flies.” Though the history of Boolaroo extends way back to the early 19th Century, the town actually started flourishing in the 1890’s. The early industries in those days were transport and construction firm and a sawmill. In the early 20th Century, a Post Office, Public School, and a Railway Station opened in the town. Boolaroo had lead/zinc smelter operations till the year 2003. But, that has been completely cleared since the smelter oper...
Blackalls Park Real Estate
Blackalls Park Blackalls Park is a nice suburb in New South Wales situated on the western side of Lake Macquarie. It is a small community close to the towns of Fassifern and Toronto in New South Wales. It has a population of 2759 as per the 2016 census. Other statistics include Male 48.1%
Female 51.9%
Median age 42
Families 760 Average children per family for families with children 1.8
for all families 0.8 Housing All private dwellings 1,160
Average people per household 2.5 Financial Median weekly household income $1,139
Median monthly mortgage repayments $1,625
Median weekly rent $310 Transport Average motor vehicl...
Birmingham Gardens Real Estate
Birmingham Gardens
Birmingham Gardens is a suburb of the city of Newcastle in New South Wales in Australia. Birmingham Gardens is a residential area situated very close to the University of Newcastle and is a part of Newcastle’s central business district. According to the 2016 census, the population of Birmingham Gardens is 4,044. Most of the residents belonging to this suburb are people over 55 though due to its proximity to the University, a lot of younger people are making this place their home. History
The Birmingham Gardens area was first subdivided in the 1930s. The area developed rapidly subsequently due to the low cost of land available. Mr. T.M.Burke named the suburb after the English town of Birmingham. Mr. Burke had originally subdivided this area, which was initially owned by Newcastle Wallsend Coal Company and sold to Commonwealth Oil Refineries.<...
Beresfield Real Estate
Beresfield Beresfield is a suburb situated to the north west of Newcastle in New South Wales in Australia. It is located just 22 kms. from Newcastle’s central business district. And, it comes under City of Newcastle local government area. According to the 2006 census, Beresfield has a population of 3,116. It is a thriving suburb that has access to good amenities and has a well-developed real estate. Location
Beresfield is located on a low ridge that arises from the areas surrounding the wetlands and floodplains of the Hunter River. It is located close to the suburbs of Thornton, Tarro and Woodberry that have a similar location. Beresfield is bisected by Anderson Drive that was previously known as Maitland Road. Towards the northern part of Anderson Drive are located a shopping centre and a railway station. The part to the south of it has the Newcastle Memorial Park cemetery ...
Awaba Real Estate
Awaba Awaba is a picturesque and cozy town located in the city of Lake Macquarie in New South Wales in Australia. It lies to the west of the town of Toronto. It is a tiny and charming town with a population of just 350 as per the last census conducted in 2006. Awaba is an aboriginal word that means “a flat or a level surface.” The town was established in the year 1885. It has a peculiar old time charm associated with itself. The township came around after a timber depot opened here, and a Railway Station began functioning in the year 1887. The town also has coal mining activities, and the Awaba State Coal Mine was established in 1948. Awaba is a part of Awaba State Forest. Awaba also has a Fire Station, a Post Office and a Primary School. Awaba is a beautiful town that offers an opportunity of staying close to the nature. The beautiful Lake Macquarie with its lovely beaches and glistening waters is a sho...
Broadmeadow Real Estate
Broadmeadow Broadmeadow is geographically the center of Newcastle city in Australia. A bustling suburb, it has a population of 1,730 people as per the 2006 census. These days, Broadmeadow is very popular with young families due to its wonderful surroundings and proximity to amenities along with affordable real estate. History Broadmeadow developed around “Nineways ,” which as the name suggests is the convergence point of 9 roads or tramlines. Originally, Broadmeadow was a part of the Newcastle Pasturage Reserve of 648 hectares. The area developed around the Great Northern Railway, the road of Newcastle’s western suburbs and the construction of the Sydney to Newcastle Railway line way back in the 1880s. Nineways initially was just a green space in the center of the roundabout where the roads or tramlines intersected. Bu...
May
22 May 2019 | Cooks Hill Property Management
20 May 2019 | Create more storage space in your home
13 May 2019 | 3 finance hacks investors should know
10 May 2019 | Carrington Property Management
06 May 2019 | Broadmeadow Property Management
03 May 2019 | Is it worth buying a budget property
01 May 2019 | Black Hill Property Management
April
29 Apr 2019 | Rental Vacancy Rates
23 Apr 2019 | Birmingham Gardens Property Management
17 Apr 2019 | Beresfield Property Management
16 Apr 2019 | Off Market Property Sales
11 Apr 2019 | Strong Rental Applications
08 Apr 2019 | Bar Beach Property Management
05 Apr 2019 | Increase your chances of a loan approval
03 Apr 2019 | Adamstown Heights Property Management
01 Apr 2019 | Moving into a share house
March
28 Mar 2019 | Adamstown Property Management
25 Mar 2019 | Banking Royal Commission
18 Mar 2019 | Newcastle Property Management
15 Mar 2019 | Proposed negative gearing policy
12 Mar 2019 | Seahampton Property Management
08 Mar 2019 | Gross rental yields are at a 2½ year high
04 Mar 2019 | Edgeworth Property Management
February
25 Feb 2019 | The importance of negotiation skills
20 Feb 2019 | Barnsley Property Management
14 Feb 2019 | Property market in 2019
07 Feb 2019 | Warners Bay Real Estate
January
31 Jan 2019 | Split your household bills
23 Jan 2019 | West Wallsend Real Estate
18 Jan 2019 | Fixtures and fittings in your property
17 Jan 2019 | Toronto Real Estate
11 Jan 2019 | Australian house prices in 2019
08 Jan 2019 | Speers Point Real Estate
December
18 Dec 2018 | Rathmines Real Estate
11 Dec 2018 | Killingworth Real Estate
06 Dec 2018 | Holiday reading for property investors
03 Dec 2018 | Popular areas to rent in 2018
November
30 Nov 2018 | Jesmond Real Estate
21 Nov 2018 | Getting to know your neighbourhood.
13 Nov 2018 | Islington Real Estate
09 Nov 2018 | Indicators for future growth
07 Nov 2018 | Hamilton Real Estate
02 Nov 2018 | New home construction to fall in 2019.
October
29 Oct 2018 | Fennell Bay Real Estate
25 Oct 2018 | Are you storm ready?
22 Oct 2018 | Fassifern Real Estate
15 Oct 2018 | How to keep your property cool
11 Oct 2018 | Elermore Vale Real Estate
08 Oct 2018 | Is it the right time to buy again?
05 Oct 2018 | Cooks Hill Real Estate
02 Oct 2018 | Avoid financial pitfalls
September
26 Sep 2018 | Coal Point Real Estate
19 Sep 2018 | Get your rental bond back
10 Sep 2018 | Carrington Real Estate
06 Sep 2018 | The rise of micro-apartments
03 Sep 2018 | Cardiff Real Estate
August
31 Aug 2018 | Downsides to positive cash flow properties?
28 Aug 2018 | Callaghan Real Estate
20 Aug 2018 | Booragul Real Estate
13 Aug 2018 | How To Find A Great Housemate
03 Aug 2018 | Boolaroo Real Estate
July
27 Jul 2018 | Blackalls Park Real Estate
20 Jul 2018 | Birmingham Gardens Real Estate
12 Jul 2018 | Beresfield Real Estate