6 Bookshelf Ideas
Although many homeowners have enjoyed some time in the last couple of months to get lost in home improvement ventures, there are still plenty of things you can do to upgrade stuff in your rental property as well. You can't, of course, rip your kitchen cabinets or paint the walls, but by reorganising and redecorating you can make little upgrades to your place. We'll outline six top tips for organising your bookshelves in this article. Take it all off the shelves
The first thing you need to do is take everything out of the cabinets, leaving a blank canvas for yourself. This method will help you put things back on the shelf that would not belong, plus the open room will inspire you to think about new fashion choices. Attach baskets to the shelf below
If you have a relatively large bookshelf, conside...
Edgeworth Real Estate
Edgeworth is a suburb of city of Lake Macquarie local government area in New South Wales, Australia. It is 18 km. west of Newcastle’s CBD (Central Business District). It has a population of 6,207 as per 2016 census. It was initially known as Cocked Hat Creek. In 1885. The name changed to Young Wallsend in 1885. A colliery was established in 1887 by Young Wallsend Coal Company. When it comes to amenities, Edgeworth is comfortably placed with a shopping mall, a senior-care facility, 3 schools, a bowling club, junior and senior soccer clubs and pubs. It is a fast-growing community suburb. It is a decent neighbourhood with good options to buy and sell homes. Real Estate in Edgeworth
Median selling price for houses here is $440,000. This is at an increase of -5.4% in the period April 2019 – March 2020 compared to last year. Median selling price of homes in the previo...
Whats the property market up to now?
The COVID-19 pandemic has seen many businesses affected, including real estate. Despite inspection procedures being modified to conform to the government's separation and social distancing steps, and some tenants and renters experiencing financial distress, it is a difficult period for families, understandably. When we step to the other side of COVID-19 it is top of mind for property owners and investors how the property market performs. Depending on what you hear, some economists think we might see an 11% fall in real estate prices across Australia. Some more bearish forecasts foresee house prices dropping by 32 per cent. Rather than getting too connected into the media hype about the potential for a decline in house prices, it is more liberating to understand what will drive real estate prices in Australia throughout the next couple of years. Below we have used an overview of the key factors that may affect...
Cameron Park Real Estate
Cameron Park is a suburb of city of Lake Macquarie local government area in New South Wales, Australia. It is 19 km. west of Newcastle’s CBD (Central Business District) and is close to Sydney-Newcastle freeway. It has a population of 7,995 as per 2016 census. The suburb was originally known as Estelville, named after a local politician. It was first subdivided in 1905. Cameron Park is considered good for its public transport, low cost of living, parks and recreation. It is ideally suited for those with families and retirees. It is a fast growing community suburb. There are many local schools, good sporting facilities and grounds, skate park and playground there. It is a decent neighbourhood with good options to buy and sell homes. Real Estate in Cameron Park
Median selling price for houses here is $618,000. This is at an increase of 2.7% in the period April 2019 &ndas...
4 Common property ownership structures
More than 65 per cent of buyers in Australia buy their property in their own name. However, depending on your goals with the property investments and how it fits into your broader portfolio, certain ownership structures can be right for you. Below we outline a few different structures of property ownership and when each structure may be appropriate. As an Individual
For a property the simplest ownership arrangement is owning the asset as an individual. This means that you are buying the assets in your name. Buying it in your name can be advantageous for a property that is your principal residence as you will be eligible for the capital gains tax exemption. It is also straightforward to obtain financing for a property purchased in your name, as you can use payslips and tax returns as proof of income. On the downside, if you are personally sued, buying a home in your name doe...
End of financial year is coming
The end of the tax year is almost here, meaning that it's tax time. Although it might be easy to delay organising until after 30 June, you should take some time to get organised to help you arrange your tax return as soon as possible. It is a perfect time to review your assets and all the related admin and ensure that you are set up in the most effective manner. Below are five things that you need to do to get prepared for the financial year to conclude. Organise all documents
Fingers crossed, you will be attending to this during the whole financial year. All of your records will need to be ready so your tax return goes smoothly. These records include bank accounts, invoices , receipts, insurance forms, your property manager's statements, rate updates and your tax depreciation plan. Comprehend what you can claim&nb...
Holmesville Real Estate
Holmesville is a suburb of Newcastle in New South Wales, Australia. It is 12 km. from Newcastle’s CBD (Central Business District) and is close to Sydney-Newcastle freeway. Its population is 1,365 as per 2016 with 50.2% male and 48.8% female population. Holmesville took its name from Joseph Holmes an early landholder and settler of the area. Farming and coal mining were the early industries here. A private railway ran to Holmesville from a junction at Cockle Creek. This line serviced the collieries of Seaham No. 1 and 2, in addition to some at West Wallsend. It is a decent neighbourhood with good options to buy and sell homes. Real Estate in Holmesville
Median selling price for houses here is $471,000. This is at a fall of -8.5% in 2019 compared to last year. Median selling price of homes in the previous year was $515,000. Total sales of homes was 12 in the period Apri...
Hygge: perfect time to embrace cosy
There's no denying that the last few months were challenging for people all over the world. With all that's going on and the fast-moving complexity of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, it can be easy to feel disheartened and disappointed with the new way we have to live for a while. Part of our "new standard" for most of us means spending a great deal of time at home. Coinciding with most of Australia's changing seasons, now is a great time to practise presence at home and enjoy a quality time. Or, as the Hollanders and Norwegians say, hygge. What is Hygge?
Since books like The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets To Happy Living by Meik Wiking was published in 2016, Hygge has become wider known. The word is of Danish and Norwegian origins and is a mood of comfort and happiness, as well as a feeling of well-being and satisfaction. Though in Danish and Norwegian the wor...
West Wallsend Real Estate
West Wallsend is a suburb and small town in the city of Lake Macquarie in New South Wales, Australia. It is near Newcastle's suburbs and is close to Sydney-Newcastle freeway. It is about 112 kms. from Sydney. West Wallsend came about after establishment of West Wallsend Coal Company in 1885.A small town developed around the colliery. A railway was established to transport the coal. The mine closed down in 1923 due to economic slump. West Wallsend High School opened in 1964. There is a football club too. It is a decent neighbourhood with good options to buy and sell homes. Real Estate in West Wallsend
Median selling price for houses here is $472,000. This is at a fall of -6.4% in 2019 compared to last year. Median selling price of homes in the previous year was $505,000. Total sales of homes was 51 in the period April 2019 – March 2020. Home sales peak in March, June, ...
Catch up on all your rental property admin
With the fast approaching end of the financial year now is a perfect time to catch up with all of your paperwork and documentation for your property assets. And with extra time at home due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the extra time you 're spending on getting organised now would give you something useful to do when you're leaving time until EOFY. Here are the administrative activities that you will now keep on top to get organised at EOFY and in the good hands of your accountant. Insurance reviews
Tax time is a perfect opportunity to check your property insurances. Yeah, it is a difficult job, but it will save hundreds or thousands of dollars every year. If a single insurer is affected by a significant incident (suc...
Argenton Real Estate
Argenton is a suburb of the city of Lake Macquarie in New South Wales, Australia. It is 16 km. to the west of Newcastle's central business district (CBD) in Lake Macquarie's West Ward. Its population is 1,351 as per 2016 figures. In 1898, lead smelting started here. The Cockle Creek Smelter later closed down leading to a loss of livelihood for 360 people. But it brought relief in the form of reduced pollution. First public school opened in 1897 which shut down after a few years. Another school opened in 1953. The Newcastle Mines Rescue Station opened in 1927. The Waratah Golf Club, the oldest golf club in Newcastle, was formed in 1901. Argenton is very small but distinctly known for its BMX Club, Soccer Club and an old Bakery that claimed to have the best meat pie in Australia. Since the opening of Glendale Supercentre within Argenton, more people transit through the suburb. Real Estate in ArgentonContinue reading
Four amazing books to explore right now
Tsundoku is a Japanese term that is 'the art of buying and never reading books.' But with people now being more and more at home, there's extra free time to read a decent book. Here's four fantastic books to enjoy right now if you've already made it on your bedside table from the unread collection. Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman - The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance and The Art of Living
Ryan Holiday wrote a number of books which make you think. The Stoic Diary will be no exception. Begin the book wherever you want, depending on the date, and embrace the daily insights and meditation across each page, . There is deep wisdom for every day of the year to share from the life lessons of the philosophers Emperor Marcus Aurelius, Seneca and Epictetus. Nicholas Carr - The Shallows ejf...
Bullet-proofing your investment property
It will take some time before we realise the full impact on the property market of the COVID-19 pandemic. As all the other items that are affected, which are basically all aspects of society, it can sound daunting to think of all the potential consequences. This is why reflecting on what you can do to care about yourself, your loved ones and the other major focuses in your life is especially important in the current setting. Your investment assets are probably a primary concern for you as a real estate investor. Here are a few crucial things to think about in order to ensure that your property remains a fantastic place to live for your existing tenants and a successful prospect future tenants. Painting inside and out
When you are considering upgrading the paintwork on your investment property, make sure that the consistency of the paint you are using is of a high...
Barnsley Real Estate
Barnsley is a township in New South Wales, Australia. It is 21 kilometres west of Newcastle’s Central Business District (CBD). It is a suburb of the City of Lake Macquarie local government area. The area was first settled in 1829 by European. Its name is inspired from Barnsley in South Yorkshire. First public school opened in 1865. In 1911 the population was 216. Today, Barnsley is a thriving suburb with homes available for sale and rent. Real Estate in Barnsley
Median selling price for houses here is $500,000. This is at a decent growth of 8.1% in 2019 compared to last year. Median selling price of homes in the previous year was $462,000. Total sales of homes was 20 in 2019. Home sales peak in November and from May to August every year. The median rent for homes is $410 per week at a growth rate of 4.3%. This is for 21 homes that went on rent in 2019. Barnsley is goo...
Mindsets keeping you from prosperity
Anyone who has done some research on personal growth or is reading a book on creating wealth would know how important it is to have a positive attitude. Is not only a winning mentality important in all facets of life, it's also especially important when it comes to debt reduction and wealth building. We've mentioned below two money mentality errors that hold you back from creating wealth, and strategies to turn your thinking around. This is the issue for me in future.
How many times did you feel turned off looking at your credit card statements and bank balances to get a clear picture of your net worth? When you do so regularly you can be in a process of avoiding keeping your financial house in order. There's no time like now to get serious about your finances. Take the time to analyse all of your loans, bank accounts a...
Awaba Real Estate
Awaba is a town in the city of Lake Macquarie in New South Wales. It is located inland from Toronto and has a population of 348 people according to the 2016 Population census. The town was established in 1885 and its name has aboriginal origins and means flat or plain surface referring to Lake Macquarie. In 1885 a timber depot was established in Awaba. The early settlers were timber workers. A large saw mail was established then. The railway station opened in 1887. Initially the small town was inhabited by railway contractors and those running small businesses. Awaba State Coal Mine was established in 1948. The town’s first public school was opened in 1891. Awaba is a quiet and peaceful small town in New South Wales suitable for both families and singles. Real Estate in Awaba
Median selling price for houses here is $790,000. This is at a whopping growth of 67.4% in 2...
Demand for apartments in 2020?
In Australia, the last 12 months have been a rollercoaster for real estate markets. The record-low interest rate environment persists, with the RBA in its March meeting cutting the cash rate by another 0.25 per cent, and the Sydney and Melbourne markets are seeing a fast recovery. Despite other risks including the coronavirus outbreak, the issue arises — how is Australia's apartment market fare going to be in 2020? We're looking at recent developments around the country to see if Australia's apartment market will continue to work for the rest of the year. Apartment's are here to stay
There is no denying that living in an apartment is staying here. One in every 10 ...
Cleaning to escape the flu
With the coronavirus now spreading across the world, making sure you're not only cleaning your house, but disinfecting stuff is a good reminder, so germs don't spread. According to the US Disease Control Center, the flu virus will live on hard surfaces for up to 48 hours-gross! Try our tips below to keep germs away to ensure your home looks not only spick and span but also germ-free. Using germ killing products
Cleaning products which kill germs are usually intense liquids and gels based on chemicals. If you aren't a fan of heavy, chemically charged cleaning products, look around to find a product that appeals for you. Many store lines are going to destroy germs without...
Arcadia Vale Real Estate
Arcadia Vale is a suburb of city of Lake Macquarie in New South Wales. It is located between the town centres of Toronto and Morriset and has a population of 1,381 people according to the 2016 Population census. Arcadia Vale was subdivided in 1922. During the Great Depression, many out-of-work miners and their families moved into boatsheds on the waterfront. The first school opened in 1958. This suburb is dominated by waterfront and water view properties. Its residents love its affordability and proximity to Newcastle and Lake Macquarie. It is preferred by those with families as well as senior residents. The local school is Arcadia Vale Public School. This suburb has good amenities. Real Estate in Arcadia Vale
Median selling price for houses here is $500,000. This is at a decline of -2.9% in 2019 compared to last year. Median selling price of homes in the previous year was...
4 Ways to maximise your rent in a crisis
We have never seen anything like COVID-19 in our lives and it is easy to think about your returns on investment when faced with uncertainty. So, whether you've been a property investor for years, or just bought your first investment property over the last couple of years, there are a few things to remember when you maximise your investment property rental returns during a crisis such as this. Assess your landlord insurance
Landlord insurance is something you never claim but you still want your investment property covered. You'll need to test your landlord policy in times of crisis. Gather details on how you are actually being secured and what you're eligible for.
You may want to contact the landlord insurance company to find out what action you're supposed to take if you're in a position to claim. Follow the insurance company's guidelines to ensure you can make...
Wickham Property Management
Wickham is a northwestern suburb of Newcastle in New South Wales. It is located 3 km. from Central Business District (CBD) and has a population of 1079 people according to the 2016 Population census. Wickham means village by the creek. It became a municipality on 27 February 1871. It is a sparsely populated residential suburb. It earlier had a railway station which shut down in 2014. Wickham has its local cricket team known as HamWicks (which is a combination of Hamilton and Wickham). It also has two rugby union clubs. Thus this suburb is big on Sports. It is also popular among young families, first time buyers and real estate investor due to its proximity to the harbour and cosmopolitan Beaumont Street. Wickham has received $650 million for government revitalisation projects in Newcastle. Thus, it is expected to grow and prosper in the coming years and is popular among homebuyers. Real Estate in Wick...
Does the value of my investment go down?
Investing's very idea entails risk and the returns should be proportional to the risk you take. Importantly, values aren't linear when it comes to property. Based on many variables, property prices change, and you can not always encounter years when your property goes up in value. When you have a long-term strategy and solid financial planning in place, your property experiencing negative growth for a time isn't too extreme to think about. What is average property market growth?
Properties can often decline in value; however, experience has shown that, if the purchase is made in an region of continued economic dev...
Waratah West Property Management
Waratah West is a suburb of Newcastle in New South Wales. It is 8 km. from Central Business District (CBD) and has a population of 2,988 people according to the 2016 Population census. It’s a small suburb very close to University of Newcastle thus making it popular especially with students. Waratah West has modern houses along with old brick homes. Braye Park is a large recreational area here. It has walking areas and picnic facilities. Morpeth Road Reserve and Thomas Percy Oval are recreational areas. Waratah West is close to the university, shopping, schools and other amenities. Real Estate in Waratah West
Median selling price for houses here is $507,500. This is at a rate of -4.8% in 2019 compared to last year. Median selling price of homes in the previous year was $533,000. Total number of homes sold was 48 in 2019. Home sales peak in February, May, June and Novem...
How to build savings and pay off debt
During the last few decades, Australia's household debt has grown rapidly. Driven by a number of factors like growing living costs, ever-increasing housing prices, slow wage growth and our consumer-driven society, it's easy to see how people end up in significant debt. For many Australians, their most important loans are the mortgages on their home or investment properties. We've included a few suggestions below that will give you some ideas on how to build up your savings while still paying off debt. Review your debt
As Scott Pape says in The Barefoot Investor,' the debt must be domino-ed ' What this means is that you need to review your loans to assess the highest interest points. Common debts that Australians have include debt from credit cards, personal loans, lending for cars, HECS-HELP loans and mortgages. While each of your debts will have minimal repayments, it's hi...
Being smart about your tax deductions
A case study by BMT Quantity Surveyors has disclosed the extra deductions that may be available with a report on split tax depreciation if you own your investment property with someone else. A split-depreciation report measures depreciation deductions for each owner based on the percentage of ownership of each owner for an asset. This increases effectively what you can invest on updates while optimising How do reports on split-depreciation work?
Under Australian legislation, an automatic write-off for assets worth $300 or less can be sought in the case of an investment property with one owner.
The proprietor may assert immediate write-offs for assets worth $300 or less for investment property with a 50:50 ownership share. That means the owners can now demand an immediate write-off in total value on products $600 or less. This increases the number of assets that...
Waratah Property Management
Waratah is a north-western residential suburb of Newcastle in New South Wales. It is 6 km. from Central Business District (CBD) and has a population of 4,491 people according to the 2016 Population census. Waratah once had a coal mine of the same name. Brick making was the main industry in the late 1800s. Then the Waratah Brickyard closed down in 1969. The suburb has come up a lot in the recent years and is now a preferred location for professionals and families. Waratah has excellent accessibility in terms of transport with a train line. There are public schools, Waratah Technology Campus of Callaghan College, pubs, shopping and sporting clubs. It has a major hospital, Calvary Mater. Waratah is highly sought after due to its excellent location close to CBD, over 150-year history, beautiful cottages and superb amenities. Real Estate in Waratah
Median selling price for house...
5 alternatives to a side table
Often incorporating an individual touch to your living room with purpose-built things like a coffee table, a sofa or side tables can be challenging. Although having a comfortable and relaxing couch is obviously important to most people, the accessories in your living room are where you can add an individual flair to your home. You need to think outside of the box to add some flair, and look at what other things might suit the bill for accessories like a side table. Below, we listed a side table with our top 5 alternatives. Try a bar cart
A mirror, a vase of flowers and any other knick-knacks you like to show can be used with the top shelf of a bar cart. If it's a design of two shelves, the advantage of a bar cart is that you can use the second shelf as another place to store items. If you have insufficient storage space in your house, try adding some small storage boxes for...
Decade ahead for Australia's cities
Numerous global and domestic factors will have an impact on how the property market will perform across Australia's capital cities over the next decade. Recently, Australia Property Investor, a property investment website, gathered input from a number of property professionals across Australia to look at recent market performance in each capital city and what people can expect to moving ahead. We've included assessment of general market performance and what people can expect in the near future throughout the housing markets in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Sydney
Current population: 4.6 million
Median value of property: $840,072
annual change in dwelling value: 5.3 per cent In December, property prices in Sydney increased by 1.7 per cent. Currently outperforming other states in December on a quart...
Warabrook Property Management
Warabrook is a northwestern suburb of Newcastle in New South Wales. It is located 8 km. from Central Business District (CBD) and has a population of 1972 people according to the 2016 Population census. Warabrook is mostly a residential suburb. It does have a shopping centre, a facility for seniors and light industry. It was originally an abattoir and cattle yard which was developed later. In 1997, Warabrook Railway Station opened primarily for the University of Newcastle students of Warabrook and Callaghan. There is rail connectivity to the CBD. There is bus connectivity here but not very good. Warabrook has a small shopping area with supermarket but most large shopping closeby in Mayfield. Real Estate in Warabrook
Median selling price for houses in Warabrook is $590,000. This is at a decline of -6.3% in 2019 compared to the last year. Median selling price of homes in the p...
The benefits of rentvesting
As the number of Australian investors wanting to enter the property market or continue to grow their portfolio of investment properties continues to grow, it is interesting to look at the benefits and motives of designing a lifestyle for rent investing. Rent investment as a real estate investor can be an excellent way for you to be on the property market when renting the home you live in. Following we look at a few of the factors that contributed to Australia's rent investing growth. Greater options in lifestyle
Rentvestors might live more close to the city or in attractive coastal areas with more opportunities for employment where renting is more economical than being a mortgage paying owner-occupier. ...
Wallsend Property Management
Wallsend is a western suburb of Newcastle in New South Wales. It is 11 km. from Central Business District (CBD) and has a population of 12,470 people according to the 2016 Population census. Wallsend was named after a coal mining township in England. Its early aboriginal name was Barrahinebin. It began as two mining towns, Wallsend and Plattsburg. Wallsend prospered more and developed into the hub of western Newcastle that offers both commercial and residential spaces. Wallsend area is home to Wallsend Park, Invermore Close Reserve, Federal Park, Wallsend Brickworks Park and some smaller reserves. Wallsend District Library is one of Newcastle’s largest libraries. There are many schools here and buses into the CBD and other suburbs. Wallsend has a large commercial district offering businesses, supermarkets and banks. Real Estate in Wallsend
Median selling price for hou...
Try these homemade floor cleaner recipes
Cleaning your floors is probably a big part of keeping your home clean, whether you have an all-carpet home, wooden floorboards or tiles. However, the trouble with some floor cleaners is that they can make you feel sick or leave annoying residue behind from harmful chemicals. Such recipes made from homemade cleaning product will help keep your floors clean without toxic chemicals. Plus, you will already have a lot of ingredients in your kitchen! Here are our favourite recipes for home made floor cleaners. All-purpose floor cleaner
This all-purpose floor cleaner is suitable to clean a variety of surfaces from timber floorboards, laminate, vinyl or tiles. Nonetheless, one thing to keep in mind is that vinegar can be hazardous to porous surfaces like marble or granite, so walk cautiously if you want to use this cleaner on your bench tops.
Combine the following ing...
4 items to transform your tiny kitchen
For rental properties, kitchens can be tricky spaces where you don't have the same freedom to recreate or personalise your space. If you live in a small kitchen property and are struggling to make it work for you, there are a few small storage items which will transform your room. Such products will not only help keep your kitchen more organised, but also provide creative ways to show your most treasured pieces of homeware. Here's our list of the four best things to help transform your tiny kitchen. Space underneath the sink
In a small kitchen, the garbage disposal and pipes usually take up a lot of the space in the storage cupboard under your sink. It leaves little room for keeping sponges and cleaning products, plus things can get ...
Tighes Hill Property Management
Tighes Hill is a northwestern suburb of Newcastle in New South Wales. It is a residential suburb. Tighes Hill has a population of 1,680 people according to the 2016 Population census. This suburb developed after construction of a bridge over Throsby Creek in 1877. Within three years the suburb had a school, post office, church and stores. Its tram line opened in April 1894 leading to further development. Today Tighes Hill is a thriving suburb with young professionals making it their home. It is a trendy inner suburb which provides housing close to CBD. In August 2010, a property in Tighes Hill was sold at a record breaking price of $950,000 for this inner city suburb. The Newcastle Campus of Hunter Institute of TAFE is situated here. This suburb is perfect for inner city suburb life.
Real Estate in Tighes Hill
Median selling price for houses in Tighes Hill is $702,500. This is at a decline...
Why you shouldn't buy a rental locally
Research recently examined by University of Tasmania and Sydney University economics experts showed that most Australian property investors purchase an investment property in their suburbs. The data was from 1,150,000 applications for mortgages between 2003 and 2009 and it showed that two-thirds of homeowners bought in their suburbs. There are a couple of reasons why you should think about buying in your suburb twice, and we have listed them below. Focused Threat
Although you may be partial to your suburb, after all, you are living there; it may not be the best investment decision, especially from a risk perspective. Investing in the same neighbourhood in which you live concentrates the possibility of a market downturn in one suburb. Investing in a different suburb, or even a different state, to where you ...
Stockton Property Management
Stockton is a suburb of Newcastle in New South Wales, Australia. It is located 600 m from Newcastle's central business district. It is the only residential suburb of Newcastle that lies north of the Hunter River. Stockton has a population of 4,160 people according to the 2016 Population census. Stockton is a peninsula with Hunter river to the south and Pacific ocean on its south-west side. It has marshes, beaches, sand dunes on the western and northern sides. It has many spots for recreational fishing. It has its own district cricket team, a soccer club and a Rugby league club. It has good shopping, churches, clubhouses, pubs, caravan park and a swimming pool. It also is home to Stockton Centre, a unit for people with developmental disability, has primary schools and good transport options. Of late, the real estate in the suburb is looking up. Real Estate in Stockton
Median...
6 Tips for Investing Success in 2020
It's a new year and this often brings with it a renewed sense of motivation and inspiration. It's also a time of year for many people, when work can be quieter than usual, and you have more downtime for reading and research. If you're planning your property investing for some time ahead of the year, here are six tips to help focus your thoughts and attention. Put a budget together
Whether you're looking to maintain your current portfolio or buy or sell assets in 2020, make sure you're making a budget that suits your needs. This is particularly important since there are periods when the lending climate remains unpredictable. Track all your expenses and profits, and decide if there's extra money you'd like to spend in 2020. Review all your existing tenancies
Check the leases across your proper...
Shortland Property Management
Shortland is a suburb of Newcastle in New South Wales, Australia. It is situated 11 kms. from the Central Business District (CBD). It comes under City of Newcastle local government area. Shortland has a population of 3,905 people according to the 2016 Population census. It is surrounded by wetlands. Shortland has two primary schools located on Sandgate Road. The 45-acre Hunter Wetlands Centre is situated between Shortland and Hexham Swamp. This provides habitat to many species of birds and wildlife. The Hunter Valley Private Hospital is the oldest hospital in the Hunter area. There are many parks and reserves here. Sandgate Road is the main transport thoroughfare. Shortland is well connected by buses and trains. Real Estate in Shortland
Median selling price for houses in Shortland is $430,000. This is at a decline of -4.9% in 2019 compared to the previous year. Median selli...
New Year decluttering ideas
In 2014, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, by Marie Kondo, took the world by storm. Since then, the trend of decluttering and minimalism has continued to inspire people to tidy and make peaceful sanctuaries in their homes. You may feel inspired to declutter your home with the start of the New Year. Here are our top tips for helping you plan your declutter and launch the New Year. First of all, know your clutter
You'd think decluttering would be the perfect way to jump in and get going. But, before you start throwing away and recycling things, take some time first to consider the clutter. You might have cluttered areas of your home because you've already forgotten your own things and end up buying two, or perhaps three! The category in which you may slip into is saving objects, because you may need them. Finally, for as long as you can remember, you may have h...
Become a better investor with these 4 tips
When you're a property investor, there are a lot of things you need to think about, such as maintaining your properties, vacancy rates and repairs. But, what else could you truly believe about becoming a better investor in property at a higher level? Here are four things to consider to help improve your confidence in the property for the year ahead. Stick to the plan
You need a property investment plan before you enter the property market and you need to stick to that plan. If you're not sure where to start, you can start by reading some books or talking to local property and finance experts to get an idea of where your efforts should be centred. Note that a plan isn't going to come together immediately. Take the time to do your research and think about exactly what your investment plan is looking for. Make your own decisio...
Financial advice for investment in property
Many financial aspects are crucial to property investing from wealth creation and retirement planning to tax benefits and financing safeguarding. There are many financial factors to consider, and with your investment, a few small tweaks can drive you forward. Reorganize debt with high interest
If you have a personal loan or credit card debt, typically these loans will attract the highest interest rate from any of your debts. Look into consolidating the debt so that you can pay it down as soon as possible to chip off high-interest debts efficiently. Hunt about for financing
Of course, being a loyal customer is nice, but it may decrease your ability to borrow. Make sure that when you're lo...
Make your home a peaceful sanctuary
Your house is a sanctuary. Somewhere to take it easy, refresh and appreciate your own space. And even though it's easy to slip into the habit of keeping things the same in your home, there are a few practical things you can do to keep your home a safe, peaceful place. Here are our top tips for calming and relaxing at home. Let fresh air stream through your house
On a gorgeous, sunny day, there's nothing better than opening your windows and doors to let fresh air stream through your house. Even if it's a crippling summer day, it's still possible to open the doors and windows earlier in the morning or at dusk to let fresh air into your house. Bonus, you can find that leaving different windows and doors open at each end of your home produces an active cross breeze to keep you cool on breezy days! Brighten up your house w...
Effectively setting goals for the new year
It's getting to that time of year; the time when new year plans are being drawn up by everyone. You may want to purchase another rental property, sell any of your homes, or finally build up to run in the full-marathon you've missed every year for a decade Whatever the emphasis for the new year, you need to set goals appropriately to give yourself the best chance of succeeding in the upcoming year. Here are our top goal setting tips for the new year. Do not fall into the comparison trap
It can be easy to fall into the comparison trap like a lot of things in life, think about what other goals someone else could set, or wonder what people would think about the goals you set for yourself. If you're inclined to compare yourself, try a long walk, listen to some of your favourite music, and get present to think about exactly what you're going to want for the coming year. ...
Rankin Park Property Management
The Newcastle Hospital Board bought "Lambton Lodge," Thomas Croudace's former residence, in 1923 to be used as a nursing home. Archie Rankin, chairman of the board, announced at the official opening in 1926 that a further 60 acres of land had been purchased for expansion. The plans stayed but a dream until a second war's nightmare came to the world. The government intended to build a hospital on the site in case of an emergency to care for evacuees. The Minister for National Emergency Services said on December 5, 1941, during a trip to Newcastle, that the hospital was "still in the planning stage." Two days later, Japan bombed Pearl Harbor and entered the war. Rankin Park is now a suburb of Newcastle in New South Wales, Australia. It is situated 11 km. west of the Central Business District (CBD). It has a population of 2460 as per 2016 census. The average income of residents here is $858. Houses in Rankin Par...
Things to do around home these holidays
With the festive season in full swing, you've probably spent some substantial time and money celebrating with your loved ones this year. Nonetheless, not everything you do during the busy holiday season has to be costly, and there are some cheap and cheerful activities you can do around your house, whether you're hanging out with your family or planning a holiday with friends. Here's our collection of cheap and cheerful stuff you can do this holiday season around your house.
Have a pool party
If you're lucky enough to have a pool at home or in your apartment complex (seriously, lucky you!), for some friends and family, you might throw a pool party. The casual nature of pool parties renders them a cheap way for everybody to cool off with a swim for some social time. You might even have a barbeque and make your favourite summer salad for everyone.
Play Boar...
Mount Hutton Property Management
Mount Hutton is a suburb of City of Lake Macquarie in New South Wales, Australia. It is located 14 km. from Newcastle’s CBD (central business district). It is an established residential neighbourhood. This suburb experienced good growth in the mid 2010s as home construction picked up due to its proximity to Charlestown metropolitan hub. It is home to the Lake Macquarie Fair shopping centre which is a large shopping centre. There are many stores, entertainment and shopping options here that add to the popularity of this suburb. From small starter homes to sprawling homes, this suburb has all popular property options. Most properties are 20-30 year old and new builds are constantly coming up. It has a population of around 3,529 as per 2016 census with a weekly household income of $727. This suburb is liked for its wonderful public transport and family-friendly neighbourhood.
Real Estate in Mount Hutton&n...
Buying Property with a Friend
Should you buy a property with a friend?
There are many benefits of entering the property market with someone. You have someone else to assist you with the responsibility of a deposit and repayments, and you may have complementary sets of skills and knowledge that supports the investment and management process. That's not to say that buying a property with someone, whether it's a spouse, business partner, or relative, is not downside. If you're considering buying an investment property with a partner, you'll need to do certain stuff to make sure you're both satisfied with the deal. Here are two important things to consider when buying a property with a friend. Thinking about the future
Buying a property is an investment in the long term. You need to find a property investment with your friend as a long-term investment with most loan terms...
Tips Every Renter Needs to Know
Whether you're a first-time renter who'd just made the move out of your parent's house or an experienced tenant who's tried out their fair share of neighbourhoods and houses, all renters need to know basic things. In this report, we detail the important things that every renter needs to understand in order to secure a house without much of a rental history, or to getting your bond back. If You've Never Rented Have Plenty of Information Available
If you have never rented, you may be worried that without a rental background it will be difficult to secure a spot. However, if you can show that you can afford the rent to your landlord or property managers, have reliable income, and you are a capable person who will take care of the property, you will have no problem obtaining a rental property. The best way to demonstrate to potential property owners an...
Morisset Property Management
Morisset is a suburb of the City of Lake Macquarie in New South Wales, Australia. It is located just off the Sydney-Newcastle Freeway. It has a population of around 25,309 as per June 2018. The population is growing steadily at an average annual growth rate of 1.8%. Morisset is named after Major James Morisset who camped here in 1823. The earliest settlement was at Cooranbong in 1826. Initially agriculture and forestry were the main occupations. Morisset came up as a sawmill town around the train station. Morisset Peninsula in the east of the town is where most residential settlement is currently. There are many schools in this suburb. Morisset has good bus and train connectivity. Houses here take an average of 63 days to sell while units take 35 days to sell.
Real Estate in Morisset
Median selling price for houses in Morisset is $561,000. This is at a growth of 4.9% compared to last yea...
Consumer Confidence is at a Four-Year Low
Consumer confidence has reached a four-year low, its lowest point since July 2015, according to the new Westpac consumer sentiment survey. It follows the third rate cut for the year by the RBA at its October meeting, which saw a 5.5% fall in consumer confidence in October. Well above the 0.3% fall in confidence expected for October, it indicates that there is widespread confusion in the economy of Australia. Australia's cash rate now stands at 0.75% after the October rate cut. As each rate cut took place in 2019, consumer confidence continued to decline. Consumer confidence dropped by 0.6%, 4.1% and 5.5% respectively in June, July and October, according to a Commonwealth Bank report. Although rate cuts are intended to do the reverse, restoring economic optimism as lending becomes cheaper, this year's rate of cuts appears to be worsening consumer sentiment and increasing volatility in the global economy.&n...
Co-Living is Providing New Living Spaces
The advantage of coexistence is that it provides versatility and increased protection compared to a typical share house for tenants. Co-living locations typically provide communal living spaces for a self-contained micro-apartment or studio-style room. The hope is that these locations provide enough space and amenity for a person to spend plenty of time comfortably in their self-contained room while providing the amenities they would enjoy in a regular home such as a full-sized bathroom, living spaces, and the ability to be social with their co-workers. The space for cohabitation created by UKO costs $525 per week. Whilst it may appear costly for Sydney residents who value privacy but who are willing to live close to the CBD, it's a trendy offer. Like other living areas in Australia and around the world, UKO offers self-contained studios of approximately 27 square metres. text-align: just...
Minmi Property Management
Minmi is a small outer western suburb of Newcastle in New South Wales, Australia. It is situated 19 km. from the Central Business District (CBD). It has a population of around 743 as per 2016 census. It is thought of as the last remaining mining village in Newcastle. Before white settlement, Minmi area was home to Pambalong people for approximately 40,000 years. Minmi started out as a cattle station in the 1830s. Coal mining commenced in 1850. This used to be a private town of J & A Brown. There was no local government till as late as 1938. It has two churches, a school in Minmi Public School and a courthouse. Minmi has a small sports ground with some tennis facilities. The closest commercial centre is at Maryland. There are limited transport options and most people use cars. Real Estate in Minmi
Median selling price for houses in Minmi is $592,500. This is at a growth ...
0% Interest Rates and Start QE
As the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) made its third rate cut for the year to 0.75 per cent, discussion about the potential for a 0 per cent cash rate and quantitative easing (QE) has become more common. QE is a monetary policy where a central bank buys Government and other securities to increase the money supply and foster a lending and investor-friendly environment. In short, newly created bank reserves are used to purchase the assets, and this provides banks with more liquidity. RBA Governor Philip Lowe has spoken in support of negative rates and QE as the monetary and fiscal policy tools available to strengthen the Australian economy become less effective. The efficacy of QE remains up for debate, especially in Australia, and some analysts have said implementing the measure in Australia could have dire consequences. In Europe and the USA, where QE was used to he...
Merewether Heights Property Management
Merewether Heights is a suburb of Newcastle in New South Wales, Australia. It is situated 6 km. southwest from the Central Business District (CBD). It has a population of around 1,400 as per 2016 census with an average income of $962. Merewether Heights saw good appreciation in house prices over the years. Houses sell off pretty quickly, staying only 21 days on an average on the market and units take even lesser time – just 16 days before they are sold. This suburb is close to excellent amenities and the city. Good schools, shopping, entertainment and offices are close by. The houses are a good investment if you are looking for long-term investment. Newcastle East Public School, Newcastle High School and University of Newcastle are all nearby. There is good public transport connectivity too. Real Estate in Merewether Heights
Median selling price for houses in Mereweth...
Splitting Rent & Expenses with Housemates
Moving in with housemates can be great fun. You have people to chat with after a long day at work, and there are people to share the cost of rent and household bills with throughout your tenancy. Before you move in with housemates, however, you need to make sure everyone is on the same page about splitting rent and bills. How the costs are split will vary depending on the property and what kind of arrangements you have with your housemates on things like electricity usage. Here are the things you need to talk about when you're splitting rent and expenses with your housemates. Work out How Much Rent Each Person Will Pay
Working out how much rent each housemate needs to pay will vary based on how the property is set up and which housemate has particular bedrooms and access to amenities. For example, the master bedroom with an ensuite is going to be more expensive than one of ...
Merewether Property Management
Merewether is the most populated inner city suburb of Newcastle in New South Wales, Australia. It is situated 3 km. from the Central Business District (CBD). It has a population of around 10,984 as per 2016 census. Merewether was established in 1890 and derives its name from Edward Merewether, owner of Burwood Estate that it was a part of. In olden times, coal mining was the biggest industry here. Merewether also once had extensive pottery works and brickyards. Merewether has Newcastle’s most popular beaches, Dixon Park Beach, Merewether Beach and Burwood Beach. Merewether Ocean Baths are the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. These beaches are a big attraction to both tourists and local residents. There are 3 schools here including Merewether Public School. Residents are close to shopping, clubs, parks, cafes and beaches. Merewether has good bus and road connectivity. Real Estate in Merewether...
Mayfield West Property Management
Mayfield West is a suburb of Newcastle in New South Wales, Australia. It is situated 8 km. from the Central Business District (CBD). It has a population of around 1,895 as per 2016 census. Here houses take an average of 42 days to sell on and the same for units is 70 days. Residents are close to pubs, coffee shops and restaurants. There are many bowling alleys and beaches with water at a short distance. Mayfield West Public School and Hunter Christian School are located here. There are good bus services to the CBD. Real Estate in Mayfield West
Median selling price for houses in Mayfield West is $535,000. This is at a decline of -6.7% compared to last year. Median selling price of homes in 2017-18 was $573,500. A total of 22 recorded house sales were made in the period of Apr 2018 - Mar 2019. Buying homes is a good investment here as property rates are at a low just now. The...
Rental Market Best Affordability in 11 Years
According to a study by the Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA), rental affordability around Australia has hit an 11-year high. The study found that the proportion of a household's income required to pay rent decreased to 23.8 per cent for the second quarter of 2019. This is a drop of 1.2 percentage points for the quarter and 0.3 percentage points for the year. In contrast, housing affordability declined in the second quarter due to increasing loan amounts. These rental affordability statistics are good news for property investors as people are still looking to renting instead of buying as housing affordability remains a challenge for many Australians. According to the REIA's study, loan amounts for the June quarter increased by between 0.2 per cent and 6.2 per cent across all states and territories. Further, the number of loans written increased by 6.6%. This is likely on the back of the RBA's recent r...
Strengthen your Investment Strategy
Lots of people say if you get your first property investment right, everything else will be smooth sailing in your property portfolio. The statistics, however, tell a different story. According to property investment expert, Michael Yardley, approximately 50 per cent of property investors sell their portfolio within the first five years. Of the other 50 per cent who remain in the market, 10 per cent never own more than two properties. To make sure you're setting yourself up for success in property investing, there are some key mistakes you need to avoid so you can strengthen your property investment strategy. Here are the mistakes you need to avoid to set yourself up for property investment success. Buying in the Wrong Location
The majority of your property's performance is hinged on its location. Therefore, it's important you get this step right when you're looking for the...
5 Steps to Get Your Rental Bond Back in Full
One of the most important things you'll want when you vacate a property is for your rental bond to be returned in full. To make sure you get your rental bond back in full every time you move, there are a few things you can do to be proactive. Here are our five steps to get your rental bond back in full. Check your Entry Condition Report
When you vacate a property, it needs to be in the same condition as when you moved in with the exception of reasonable wear and tear. Unsurprisingly, reasonable wear and tear will mean different things to different people, especially your property manager and landlord. This is why it's important to check your entry condition report to compare it to the state of your property when you're moving out. Your entry condition report will have a record of major faults in the property when you moved in, so you know where to focus your attention when ...
Mayfield East Property Management
Mayfield East is one of the suburbs of Newcastle in New South Wales, Australia. It is situated 5 km. from the Central Business District (CBD). It has a population of around 1,692 as per 2016 census. Houses here take an average of 28 days before selling and units take 40 days to sell. Residents are close to art galleries, festivals, museums and theatre district. There are many beaches with water sports as well. There are good bus services to the CBD. Real Estate in Mayfield East
Median selling price for houses in Mayfield East is $600,000. This is at a decline of -5.1% compared to previous year. Median selling price of homes in 2017-18 was $631,800. A total of 38 houses recorded sales were made in the period of Apr 2018 - Mar 2019.
Buying homes is a good investment here as property rates are at a low just now. The sale of homes here spikes in the months of Janu...
3 Key Steps for Property Investing Success
Like most other investment types, property investing is something that requires a long game vision. When you're buying, selling and renting properties, you're most likely not going to become an overnight millionaire, but you can create a sustainable, long-term investment portfolio by following a few steps to ensure your success. Here are our three key steps for property investing success. Identify Your Strategy
As you establish and build your property portfolio, you need to know your strategy. Are you looking to generate consistent cashflow? Maybe your expertise is more aligned with capital growth and renovation projects? Knowing your answers to these questions is crucial before you buy and sell properties. Once you've identified what strategy suits your goals and risk appetite, think about where you're likely to come up against ch...
Mayfield Property Management
Mayfield is one of the older suburbs of Newcastle in New South Wales, Australia. It has a population of around 9,314 as per 2016 census. The suburb was named after Ada May (born 1874) a daughter of the landowner there. The area encompasses Mayfield and Mayfield West, North and East. In the 1880s, rich Novocastrians settled here living in villas. Workers from the steelworks and other industries also made this their home. But pollution from the industries saw the rich leave the area. Today, Mayfield is a booming suburb. Home prices are on the rise and yet reasonably affordable here. Waratah train station, pubs, cafes, gym, parks and shops all pretty closeby. The beach is a 15-minute drive away. Mayfield area has many parks and reserves like Stevenson Park, Dangar Park and Litchfield Park. There are many sporting facilities her...
Is Australia headed for a 0% cash rate?
In mid-August, Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) Governor Phillip Lowe appeared before the Parliamentary Economics Committee. Discussing the state of Australia's economy and the levers available to stimulate the economy, Lowe's responses have flagged the potential for further rate cuts before the end of 2019. With the cash rate currently sitting at 1% following 25 basis-point cuts in June and July, Lowe said the RBA was running out of policy options to stimulate the economy. Lowe expanded further, saying that the RBA had lowered its forecasts of economic strength for Australia at least in the short-term. Putting the focus back on the Government to do their part in stimulating the economy, Lowe said the Government needed to increase spending if it didn't want the cash rate to go any lower than 1%. “It’s possible we end up at the zero lower bound although I t...
Maryville Property Management
Maryville is a suburb of Newcastle in New South Wales, Australia. It is located 4 km. from the Central Business District (CBD). Maryville has a population of around 1,419 as per 2016 census. The suburb was named after Mary Hannell and was earlier known as Smedmore. Houses in Maryville take an average of 112 days before selling and the average time for a unit to sell is 55 days. Maryville and Wickham suburbs are situated close to each other and separated by oil depot sites and large warehouses along and off Railway Street. Hamilton Public Library and Newcastle Region Library in Laman Street are the closest to Maryville. Maryville has good public transport with at least one medium frequency bus route to the CBD.
Real Estate in Maryville
Median selling price for houses in Maryville is $758,500. This is at a rise of 6.8% compared to previous year. Median selling price of homes in 2017-18 was $...
House or apartment? Which is better?
One of the biggest considerations you might make when you're looking for a rental property is whether to rent an apartment or a house. While it can be a difficult decision to make, having a think about your lifestyle and what you're looking for in a home is a good place to start. Here are some things to consider when you're deciding whether to rent an apartment or a house. How much space do you need?
Arguably the most common factor people think about when they're deciding between an apartment and a house is space. Naturally, a home tends to offer more space for furniture, storage and relaxing. So, if you're someone who enjoys having plenty of space to set up lots of furniture and a collection of your favourite knick-knacks like books, art collections, clothing and kitchenware, you may prefer a house. An apartment, however, can still work too if there are particular things you like your home to focus around. For example, you may ke...
Maryland Property Management
Maryland is a suburb of Newcastle in New South Wales, Australia. It is located 14 km. from the Central Business District (CBD). Maryland has a population of around 7,694 as per 2016 census. Maryland started out as an agricultural area. Residential development started only in the 1970s. Today, it is a residential suburb with an outlook on the wetlands. Maryland has two schools – Glendore Public School and Maryland Public School along with Bishop Tyrell Anglican College. Fletcher Park here has sporting fields and pony club. There are many Reserves here like Maryland Drive Reserve and Tumpoaba Reserves. There is a skate ramp as well. One drawback is a lack of transport options here.
The closest library for Maryland’s residents is Wallsend District Library in Wallsend. This suburb boasts of many good heritage properties. Real Estate in Ma...
Top Tips for Spring Cleaning your Home
With the coldest days of winter behind us, now is a perfect time of year to spring clean your property. Whether you're already a clean freak and your home is clean, or you know your place needs a bit of extra cleaning attention, there are a few simple things you can do to spring clean your home and make it feel fresh. Here are a few things you can do to spring clean your home and let the brightness of spring fill your place with new energy. Dust all surfaces
Dust builds up quickly in a home. To freshen up your space, dust all the little nooks and crannies you forget about when you're doing a regular clean of your property. One of the easiest ways to do this is with a microfibre cloth or dusting glove. Simply start around the highest points of your home on items such as ceiling fans and light fixtures and work your way down to the furniture, window sills and skirting boards....
Lambton Property Management
Lambton is a suburb of Newcastle in New South Wales, Australia. It is located 6 km. from the Central Business District (CBD). It started out as a coal-mining town. The coal mine closed in the late 1950s. It became a Municipality including the suburb of Jesmond on 24 June 1871. Lambton was the first municipality in Newcastle that was lit by electricity. Lambton has a population of around 4,909 as per 2016 census. The initial miner residents indulged in gambling and dog races.
Lambton was incorporated in the City of Greater Newcastle in 1938. The suburb has been important for sporting history having hosted the first soccer match played in Australia. It was also home to Newcastle’s oldest rugby league football club called Western Suburbs (NCLE) Rosella's.
Lambton boasts of Lambton Park in the town centre that is a big attraction. It has a children’s play area, cricket, soccer, rugby fields and tennis courts. It also ...
Fragile Conditions in Construction Sector
As Australia's property market has weakened over the last 18 months, so has Australia's construction sector. Based on recent data, the construction sector is experiencing its largest decline in almost six years. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the Australian Performance of Construction (PCI) index continued to fall in July 2019. Declining by 3.9%, the PCI currently sits at 39.1 in Australia. This marks the eleventh straight month of declines in the sector. Further, the employment rate in the construction sector has also softened by 7.7%, taking the PCI employment index down to just 35.9%. While concerning, these figures are to be expected given Australia's construction industry has been facing strong headwinds over the last year in particular. According to ASIC’s Australian Insolvency Statistics report released in July, there was an increase i...
Winter reading for the savvy investor
Winter is the perfect time to curl up in front of the heater or a fire with a good book. Below, we've listed our top picks for the savvy investor to read while it's cold outside. The Barefoot Investor 2019 Update by Scott Pape
If you're looking for simple ways to get your finances in order, The Barefoot Investor 2019 Update will get you on top of things. This updated edition, published on 1 July 2019, features recent updates that are relevant whether you're saving for your first investment property or you've built up an extensive portfolio. It includes information about the Banking Royal Commission, a look at Afterpay, recent federal budget changes, and managing your finances as property prices decline. Happy Money by Ken Honda
Happy Money by Ken Honda shares how to transform your relationship wi...
Kotara South Property Management
Kotara South is a suburb of Newcastle in New South Wales, Australia. It is located 11 km. from the Central Business District (CBD). Kotara South has a population of around 1,104 as per 2016 census. It was established in 1829. The suburb is named after an aboriginal word that meant ‘waddy’ or ‘club’. This is the name associated with Kotara, but is shared with Kotara South as well because of the size of the entire suburb.
Initially Sydney to Newcastle railway line provided transport. A platform was opened at Kotara in 1924 in preparation for a subdivision. Kotara has its own railway station now. A bus service to Newcastle started in 1955. Transport options in this suburb are good.
First post office opened in 1957. Kotara South has Kotara High School that opened in 1968. Kotara South Public School had opened in 1960.
South Waratah Colliery was closer to Kotara than to Charlestown yet the coa...
Freshen up your space in winter
The winter months can take a toll not only on our bodies but on our homes too. With cold days, foggy mornings and dark evenings abound, it can leave your home feeling damp and stuffy. Your home doesn't have to feel this way throughout winter, however, and there are a few easy things you can do to freshen up your space. Here's our list of things you can do to freshen up your space in the winter months. Open windows and doors
It's probably the last thing you want to do when it's cold outside but opening some windows and doors will provide so much needed airflow to your property. If you live somewhere that's very cold, opening some windows for just a few minutes while you're taking a hot shower will help. The fresh air will help to reduce moisture and dampness in your home while adding some oxygen to rooms that may be stuffy from heating. text-align: justi...
Power of buying in good school catchments
The provision of Government infrastructure, proximity to the CBD and lifestyle amenities and access to public transport are key factors that go into identifying potential areas to invest in the property market. One of the other most powerful drivers of property price growth, however, is school catchments. Often in built-up areas with limited ability to add new housing stock, homes in top school catchments have the potential to experience faster capital growth than properties outside these catchments. A recent report by Matusik Property Insights used Brisbane median house prices as an example to demonstrate the power of buying in top school catchments. The table below compares the 2013 and 2018 median house prices in Brisbane between the whole region, top 10 school suburbs and top 50 suburbs. As detailed below, median house prices grew faster in the top 10 school suburbs at a rate of 34.3%. Compared to a growt...
Kotara Property Management
Kotara is a suburb of Newcastle in New South Wales, Australia. It is located 9 km. from the Central Business District (CBD). Kotara has a population of around 3929 as per 2016 census. The name Kotara is an aboriginal term that means waddy or club.
Kotara has Kotara South Public School and a local Catholic School, St James Primary School, located on Vista Parade. Westfield Kotara is a shopping centre that has cafes, foodcourt, department store, two discount stores, apparel, supermarkets, homeware and others. This is your perfect shopping destination.
Kotara is also home to King Prawns, Kotara’s cricket champions.
Kotara has its own railway station established in 1924. The Australasia Coal Company operated a mine near Kotara but it closed down in June 1879. Kotara is largely residential now.
Real Estate in Kotara
Average median selling price for ...
How to dress up a drab bathroom
One of the hardest parts of renting is trying to dress up rooms that haven't had much love in previous tenancies. With some luxurious additions, however, you can dress up even the hardest rooms such as the bathroom. If you've got a drab bathroom that looks a little more yesteryear than modern, spa-like retreat, try our tips below to dress up your bathroom. Invest in quality linen
A quick, easy and affordable way to update your bathroom is through buying some quality linen. This doesn't have to cost a lot of money either. Some of the country's biggest department store stock luxurious bath sheets, hand towels and face washers at affordable prices. To give your bathroom a hotel feel at home, invest in linen in solid colours such as a crisp white, navy or charcoal. If you have open storage space in your bathroom, you could even roll up...
The Junction Property Management
The Junction is a small, inner city suburb of Newcastle in New South Wales, Australia. It is located 2.8 km. from the Central Business District (CBD). It became a suburb on 17 May, 1991. Originally it was a part of Merewether, which is reflected in the names of some of its establishments. The Junction has a population of around 1000 as per 2016 census.
The Junction has two schools that cater to Primary students. Mr. Edward Charles Merewether donated the land on with The Junction Public School was established in 1872. The school was extensively damaged in the 1989 Newcastle earthquake that lead to a lot of it being demolished.
The other school is St Joseph's Primary School in Farquhar Street and is a Catholic school that was established in 1885. Real Estate in The Junction
Median selling price for houses in The Junction is $1,450,000. This is at an ...
Another month, another rate cut
In its July meeting, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) cut interest rates by a further 25 basis points to 1%. This is the lowest cash rate in history in Australia. This follows a 25-basis point cut to 1.25% in June. While the Commonwealth Bank (CBA) and National Australia Bank (NAB) passed on the interest rate cut in full in June, the question of how much of this latest rate cut will be passed on by the banks is on everyone's minds. Since the July RBA meeting, the Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ) is the only bank that has said it will pass on the rate cut in full. CBA announced rate changes on some of their home loans as a result of the RBA's July rate cut. These changes came into effect on 23 July. Customers who are owner-occupiers and investors with principal and interest standard variable rate home loans received a 0.19% rate cut on their loans. The...
Jesmond Property Management
Jesmond is a suburb located about 9.5 km. west of the Central Business District (CBD) in Newcastle in the Hunter region. The suburb has a population of 3,045 people as per 2016 census. This suburb is very multicultural as it has a number of international students who attend University of Newcastle in neighbouring Callaghan. It has access to many schools like Heaton Primary, Jesmond Primary and the Jesmond Campus of Callaghan College. There are many shopping options and good transport options available too. Jesmond's Stockland Shopping Centre is on Blue Gum Road that includes major stores like Big W, Woolworths and so on. There are many aged housing facilities available here too. Jesmond Park and Heaton Park are the two major parks for any sporting activities here. Originally Jesmond had a number of orchards and steam saw mills. Once known as "Dark Creek", a vil...
Islington Property Management
Islington is a suburb located in Hunter region of Newcastle in New South Wales, Australia. It is 3.4 km. from the Central Business District (CBD). It was initially a residential suburb which today has a small industrial area and is adjacent to Newcastle campus of Hunter Institute of Technology. It also is home to Islington Public School. It is considered to be an affordable alternative to the more expensive Hamilton. It has its own railway station that it shares with the adjacent Hamilton. It has a population of 1883 people according to 2016 census. Islington has good bus services, shopping options and parks located on Maitland Road. Islington Park and Throsby Creek are recreational attractions in Islington. They have children’s play equipment, a cycleway and a skating ramp. Real Estate in Islington
Median selling price for h...
The Federal Election is over, now what?
On 18 May 2019, the Liberal National Coalition won the federal election. Campaigning on a policy platform focused on responsible economic management, strong borders and support for Australian businesses, the strong result for the Liberal Party surprised many following months of opinion polls placing Labor ahead of the Coalition. Regardless of your political views, having some certainty about the next three years is a welcomed sentiment particularly for the property market. In the lead up to the federal election, a lot of uncertainty in the property market centred around Labor's proposed changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax. With the Coalition forming Government, these policy changes are off the table and the nation's focus is again turning to whether current price declines across the market are coming to an end. ...
The Hill Property Management
The Hill is an inner city suburb of Newcastle city in New South Wales, Australia which is situated 1 km. south of Newcastle CBD (Central Business District). It is located in the Hunter River Region.
This suburb has a population of 1943 people according to 2016 census. The Hill is famous for its historic Victorian terraces and is coveted for its cosmopolitan lifestyle and gorgeous views of the coast as well as the city. The historic convict prison block is situated here. It was one of the earliest settled areas of Newcastle. In terms of amenities, The Hill is in close proximity to CBD and within walking distance of wonderful eateries, schools, the harbour and the beaches. The iconic King Edward Park is located here that is a wonderful picnic spot. The Obelisk here showcases a 360 degree view of the city and Newcastle's beaches. Real Estate in The ...
Multipurpose items for your home
With the rising popularity of minimalism in recent years, owning multipurpose items for your home can help you have a minimalistic approach to your lifestyle. Whether you're a fashionista, couch potato or a keen cook, there are multipurpose items that can be useful in every part of your home. Here's our list of the best multipurpose items for your home. Aluminium foil
A roll of aluminium foil has many uses. If you have pots and pans with stubborn stains, you can create a scrunched-up ball of aluminium foil to use as a makeshift scouring brush. Another way to use aluminium foil is as a bird deterrent. Birds don't like shiny objects, so you can place some pieces of aluminium foil around your garden to keep birds away. Finally, if you're having trouble ironing creases out of your favourite outfit, try placing a piece of aluminium foil...
Hexham Property Management
Hexham is an inner suburb of Newcastle city in New South Wales, Australia which is situated 15 km north west of Newcastle CBD (Central Business District). It is located on the banks of the Hunter River.
This tiny suburb has a population of 120 people according to 2016 census. Hexham was established in the 1820s. Almost all settlement exists within a narrow corridor between the Hunter River and the Main North Railway Line which is an are of 1.1 sq. km. only. In terms of amenities, Hexham has Hexham Park that has cricket pitch, rugby union field and other amenities. Hexham has its own railway station and offers a good connectivity via train to the CBD. Childcare and shopping options are accessible in Beresfield. Overall, it’s a tiny neighbourhood right on the banks of Hunter river with high density of population because the inhabited area is very sma...
How to make tax time go smoothly
Tax time is here again and that means many property investors are going through the process of completing their tax return, or having it completed by a tax accountant. To make sure your tax time goes smoothly, there are things you need to do throughout the financial year. Here's are the two most important things you need to do to save potential headaches when you complete your tax return. Consult a professional
This comes down to personal preference, but as soon as you have details other than PAYG income and a HECS-HELP debt to record on your tax return, it's probably time to consult a professional. Not only can a tax accountant help to make sure everything you're submitting to the ATO is correct the first time, they will also help you legally maximise your deductions. Having a professional complete your tax return and keeping in r...
Hamilton South Property Management
Hamilton South is an inner suburb of Newcastle city in New South Wales, Australia which is situated 4 km. west of CBD (Central Business District).
This suburb has a population of 3876 people according to 2016 census. Hamilton South is a high end residential suburb. It still has some late federation style housing with very impressive tree-lined homes. It has Hamilton South Public School established in 1933. There are a number of parks in the area including Learmonth Park, Darling Oval and Henry Park. The charm of this suburb lies in the fact that it is just a 5-minute drive to beaches, CBD or shopping centres. Real Estate in Hamilton South
Currently, median selling price of homes here is $1,050,000. There is a decline of -4.1% compared to last year but otherwise prices have been rising. Median selling price of homes in 2017-18 was $1,095,000. This is based on 32...
4 things when searching for a rental
Searching for a new home to rent can be a tedious process. Between scrolling through listings, attending inspections and putting your application paperwork together, it can be easy to be quickly exhausted by the whole process. However, with a specific list in mind of what you're looking for in a new home and understanding what's important to you, some clarity can be brought to the house-hunting process. Here's four things to consider when you're look for a new home. Location
The location of your new home is arguably the most important factor many people want to get right. Before you begin scrolling through property listings, make a note of your location preferences and situations where you're willing to compromise. For example, you may find a home you like but it's in the suburb next to your ideal location. In this case, you need to ask yourself if you'd prefer to prioritis...
ATO cracking down on deductions
Just in time for the end of the financial year, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) announced it would be sending letters to an increasing number of Australians who need to explain investment property deductions in their tax returns. The increased scrutiny of tax returns for Australians who make deductions for an investment property comes after significant growth in the amount of deductions Australians have been claiming each financial year. In the 2017/18 financial year, for example, 2.2 million people claimed over $47 billion of tax deductions. A large portion of these deductions came from work-related expenses and deductions for rental properties. As a result of the significant increases in deductions, the ATO announced it would double the number of audits on Australian taxpayers. For taxpayers who are audited, and a genuine mistake is detected, there are no pena...
Hamilton North Property Management
Hamilton North is an inner suburb of Newcastle city in New South Wales, Australia which is situated 4 km. from CBD (Central Business District).
This small suburb has a population of 869 people according to 2016 census. Hamilton North is a primarily residential suburb. It has good educational facilities including public schools. There is a bowling club in the area. The life here is peaceful and being close to CBD, the homes are in good demand. This suburb offers good access to employment, shopping, transport and parks. Business investment in Newcastle attracts many people to move here. Real Estate in Hamilton North
Currently, median selling price of homes here is $590,000. There is a decline of -11.9% compared to last year. Median selling price of homes in 2017-18 was $670,000. In Apr 2018 - Mar 2019, 14 houses were sol...
The case for renting over buying
For a lot of Australians, buying a home is still considered the bedrock of living the Australian dream despite the rapid growth in house prices in the past few years. And for some of those people who are laser focused on buying a property, they may consider rent "dead money." A recent report by Ernst & Young (EY), however, asks the question 'is renting really dead money?' It's a valid question, and one that many people have been contemplating as uncertainty in the housing market continues. Here, we're taking a look at the report and why, in some cases, renting can be better than buying for building wealth. Societal views on renting
In EY's report, the team surveyed Sydney residents to get their views on whether renting was a 'waste of money.' This survey returned unsurprising results with two out of three respondents answering ...
Hamilton East Property Management
Hamilton East is an inner suburb of Newcastle city in New South Wales, Australia which is situated 3 km. from CBD (Central Business District).
This tiny suburb has a population of 823 people according to 2016 census. Hamilton East is a residential suburb. It has many educational facilities with both private and public secondary schools in the area along with a TAFE campus. For the nature lovers, there are ample parklands and the Hunter River is just a small walk away. The suburb of Hamilton located closeby and is the commercial centre for this area. It is a huge business district and has a number of shopping and retail options along with sporting, schools, library and transport facilities. Real Estate in Hamilton East
Currently, median selling price of homes here is $1,350,000. This is at a growth of 2.2% compared to l...
New home approvals declined in 2019
According to data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) in May, the number of new dwelling approvals throughout Australia declined by 0.6% in March 2019. Based on dwelling approvals across Australia's states and territories, the numbers across Australia were mixed. Dwelling approvals fell most significantly in March across the Australian Capital Territory and Northern Territory declining by 4.8% and 3.9% respectively. In Western Australia, Queensland and Victoria, increases in dwelling approvals occurred. Approvals increased by 3.8%, 3.5% and 1.4% respectively across Western Australia, Queensland and Victoria. New South Wales recorded a slight increase of 0.8% as did South Australia on 0.4%, while approvals remained flat in Tasmania. The decreases in approvals are thought to have been driven by declines in approvals for private-sector houses. On a nat...
Hamilton Property Management
Hamilton is a suburb of Newcastle city in New South Wales, Australia which is situated 4 km. from CBD (Central Business District).
This small suburb has about 4,229 people according to 2016 census. Hamilton has some really good amenities including the commercial centre of the area. It is a thriving business district which is considered as the cosmopolitan capital of Newcastle.
There are many sporting parks and fields here. Gregson Park is popular with children, has picnic facilities, tennis courts and Bowling Club. Learmonth Park, Henry Park and Corona Street Reserve are some other parks here. There is a child care centre located in Denison Street. A branch of Newcastle Region Library is located close to Beaumont Street. There are 3 public schools here. Transport options are good. Good bus connectivity to CBD is there. Beaumont Street is Hamilton’s main street which has a multitude of shopping and other outlets. Hamilto...
Turn your place into a cosy winter home
Winter has officially arrived, and for many people around Australia, that means cooler days and nights are here to stay. As it gets more difficult to wake up on cold, dark mornings your living spaces may start to feel cold all the time. Fortunately, there are ways to keep your home warm throughout the winter months without immediately opting to switch on your heater. Here are our tips for easy ways to turn your place into a cosy winter home. Embrace blankets and cushions
If you live in a place where the summers are scorching, the last thing you probably want on your couch and bed are extra blankets and pillows. Winter, however, is the perfect time to embrace throw blankets and extra cushions. For the most warmth, look for blankets made of wool or heavy synthetic fabrics. The key here is finding a blanket that will keep you warm and comfortable without being too hot. And whi...
Georgetown Property Management
Georgetown is a suburb situated 6 km. from Newcastle Central Business District (CBD) in New South Wales, Australia.
This suburb is home to 2,300 people according to 2016 census. It is a residential suburb with families. Georgetown began as a residential area for workers from industries like the Copper Smelting Works. Today it is a comfortable residential suburb with access to good schools, transport and shopping. Georgetown has no schools but it borders Callaghan College, Waratah Campus. There are many buses that ply here and hence transport options are good. It is also located in close proximity to Waratah Park which is perfect for sporting activities and picnics. There is also a street of shops on Georgetown Road that links to Waratah commercial hub. Hence shopping options are plenty. Real Estate in Georgetown
Median...
Regional Areas Value Declines
SA3 regions are part of the Australian Statistical Geography Standard (ASGS). An SA3 region provides a more granular look at the performance of housing markets given that these areas generally have a population of between 30,000 and 130,000 people and in regional areas they represent the area serviced by regional cities that have a population over 20,000 people. Of the 148 regional SA3 areas, 62 of them have recorded an increase in dwelling values or no change over the year to April 2019. Four of the five regions with the greatest increase in values over the past year were in Tasmania with Huon-Bruny Island recording the fastest rate of growth (16.7%). Huon-Bruny Island along with North East Tasmania (11.5%) and Devonport (10.3%) were the only regions in which values increased at a double-digit rate over the year. Regional SA3 areas, annual change and change fr...
Time Spent On Property Research
How much time are you spending on property research? As a property investor, a large portion of your time, energy and thoughts probably go towards researching the property market. Whether you're looking to grow your portfolio or sitting tight in the current market, it's clear Australians love spending time researching property. According to new research by HSBC, Australians spend around 2.5 hours per week researching the property market. This research includes property sales websites, reading property news and attending property inspections. Confirming that Australians love to research property, the 2.5 hours per week on average that people are spending doing property research also outweigh some of the other activities a lot of us do throughout the week. For example, Australians spend an average of 1.08 hours at the gym and 0.88 hours talking with their parents.&...
Fletcher Property Management
Fletcher is an outer western suburb situated 16 km. from Newcastle CBD in New South Wales, Australia.
This suburb is home to 5,000 people according to 2016 census. It is a residential suburb and is home to families and younger population. Fletcher has been rated no. 1 suburb for families as per a report by Aussie Home Loans. The residents consider its quietness, the security, affordability, and access to the freeway and town as its best features. Fletcher has a small shopping centre with grocery stores, hair salon, liquor store and a few fast food joints like Dominos and Subway. Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College is located on Minmi Road. There are no public transport options here hence everyone is dependent on cars for moving around. In terms of sporting facilities, there is easy access to Oak Close Reserve. Real Estate in Fletcher ej...
Conversations with potential housemates
While moving into a place with new housemates can be an exciting change, there are some direct conversations you need to have with your potential housemates before you apply for a place. To make sure everyone is on the same page, we've listed the things you need to discuss with your potential housemates when you're looking for a place. Learn about each other’s schedules
One of the most important things to consider when you're looking for new housemates is everyone's schedules. If you're someone who works long hours, you may not want to be sharing with housemates who do shift work or students who stay up late. Make sure you ask your potential housemates what their schedule is like and that you share your schedule with them as well to make sure everyone is on the same page. Get an understanding of expectations&...
Elermore Vale Property Management
Elermore Vale is a suburb on the western outskirts of Newcastle city in New South Wales, Australia.
This small suburb has about 5,500 people according to 2016 census. This suburb became residential only at the turn of the 20th century. Before that cattle rearing, farming and coal mining were primarily done here. Today, it is a popular suburb especially with families having school going children. It also has a Retirement Village that attracts older residents. Elermore Vale has good access to schools and shopping. It has its own gymnasium. Sporting fields, parks and reserves provide good sporting and recreational facilities. It has two primary schools and three childcare facilities. Elermore Vale has limited public transport. There is only a limited bus service till 7 pm. It does have its own shopping centre with a good supermarket and other businesses.Continue reading
Lending to households has increased
Lending to households has increased slightly but will it continue? According to recent data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), new lending to households increased by 2.6% in February. While this isn't a huge number, it's an improvement from the 2.3% decline in new lending in January. Compared to the last five years of lending activity, however, these figures are quite flat. For example, lending for buyers to purchase owner-occupier dwellings is down 20% from its high in August 2017. Of course, these declines are expected given the property market has cooled across Australia over the last couple of quarters, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne. Nationally, lending for the purchase of owner-occupier dwellings increased by 3.9% in February. Lending for investment properties remained flat with a small...
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...
June
29 Jun 2020 | 6 Bookshelf Ideas
22 Jun 2020 | Edgeworth Real Estate
15 Jun 2020 | Whats the property market up to now?
12 Jun 2020 | Cameron Park Real Estate
10 Jun 2020 | 4 Common property ownership structures
04 Jun 2020 | End of financial year is coming
02 Jun 2020 | Holmesville Real Estate
May
29 May 2020 | Hygge: perfect time to embrace cosy
25 May 2020 | West Wallsend Real Estate
19 May 2020 | Catch up on all your rental property admin
13 May 2020 | Argenton Real Estate
11 May 2020 | Four amazing books to explore right now
05 May 2020 | Bullet-proofing your investment property
01 May 2020 | Barnsley Real Estate
April
25 Apr 2020 | Mindsets keeping you from prosperity
22 Apr 2020 | Awaba Real Estate
20 Apr 2020 | Demand for apartments in 2020?
14 Apr 2020 | Cleaning to escape the flu
09 Apr 2020 | Arcadia Vale Real Estate
07 Apr 2020 | 4 Ways to maximise your rent in a crisis
March
30 Mar 2020 | Wickham Property Management
25 Mar 2020 | Does the value of my investment go down?
17 Mar 2020 | Waratah West Property Management
12 Mar 2020 | How to build savings and pay off debt
09 Mar 2020 | Being smart about your tax deductions
05 Mar 2020 | Waratah Property Management
02 Mar 2020 | 5 alternatives to a side table
February
27 Feb 2020 | Decade ahead for Australia's cities
24 Feb 2020 | Warabrook Property Management
18 Feb 2020 | The benefits of rentvesting
14 Feb 2020 | Wallsend Property Management
12 Feb 2020 | Try these homemade floor cleaner recipes
07 Feb 2020 | 4 items to transform your tiny kitchen
05 Feb 2020 | Tighes Hill Property Management
03 Feb 2020 | Why you shouldn't buy a rental locally
January
30 Jan 2020 | Stockton Property Management
28 Jan 2020 | 6 Tips for Investing Success in 2020
20 Jan 2020 | Shortland Property Management
17 Jan 2020 | New Year decluttering ideas
13 Jan 2020 | Become a better investor with these 4 tips
07 Jan 2020 | Financial advice for investment in property
December
17 Dec 2019 | Make your home a peaceful sanctuary
13 Dec 2019 | Effectively setting goals for the new year
09 Dec 2019 | Rankin Park Property Management
06 Dec 2019 | Things to do around home these holidays
01 Dec 2019 | Mount Hutton Property Management
November
29 Nov 2019 | Buying Property with a Friend
25 Nov 2019 | Tips Every Renter Needs to Know
22 Nov 2019 | Morisset Property Management
20 Nov 2019 | Consumer Confidence is at a Four-Year Low
16 Nov 2019 | Co-Living is Providing New Living Spaces
09 Nov 2019 | Minmi Property Management
05 Nov 2019 | 0% Interest Rates and Start QE
01 Nov 2019 | Merewether Heights Property Management
October
30 Oct 2019 | Splitting Rent & Expenses with Housemates
23 Oct 2019 | Merewether Property Management
17 Oct 2019 | Mayfield West Property Management
15 Oct 2019 | Rental Market Best Affordability in 11 Years
11 Oct 2019 | Strengthen your Investment Strategy
08 Oct 2019 | 5 Steps to Get Your Rental Bond Back in Full
04 Oct 2019 | Mayfield East Property Management
02 Oct 2019 | 3 Key Steps for Property Investing Success
September
26 Sep 2019 | Mayfield Property Management
23 Sep 2019 | Is Australia headed for a 0% cash rate?
18 Sep 2019 | Maryville Property Management
16 Sep 2019 | House or apartment? Which is better?
11 Sep 2019 | Maryland Property Management
09 Sep 2019 | Top Tips for Spring Cleaning your Home
05 Sep 2019 | Lambton Property Management
03 Sep 2019 | Fragile Conditions in Construction Sector
August
30 Aug 2019 | Winter reading for the savvy investor
26 Aug 2019 | Kotara South Property Management
24 Aug 2019 | Freshen up your space in winter
20 Aug 2019 | Power of buying in good school catchments
18 Aug 2019 | Kotara Property Management
14 Aug 2019 | How to dress up a drab bathroom
12 Aug 2019 | The Junction Property Management
09 Aug 2019 | Another month, another rate cut
07 Aug 2019 | Jesmond Property Management
July
30 Jul 2019 | Islington Property Management
25 Jul 2019 | The Federal Election is over, now what?
19 Jul 2019 | The Hill Property Management
18 Jul 2019 | Multipurpose items for your home
15 Jul 2019 | Hexham Property Management
12 Jul 2019 | How to make tax time go smoothly
08 Jul 2019 | Hamilton South Property Management
06 Jul 2019 | 4 things when searching for a rental
04 Jul 2019 | ATO cracking down on deductions
02 Jul 2019 | Hamilton North Property Management
June
30 Jun 2019 | The case for renting over buying
24 Jun 2019 | Hamilton East Property Management
20 Jun 2019 | New home approvals declined in 2019
17 Jun 2019 | Hamilton Property Management
15 Jun 2019 | Turn your place into a cosy winter home
11 Jun 2019 | Georgetown Property Management
08 Jun 2019 | Regional Areas Value Declines
06 Jun 2019 | Time Spent On Property Research
03 Jun 2019 | Fletcher Property Management
May
29 May 2019 | Conversations with potential housemates
27 May 2019 | Elermore Vale Property Management
25 May 2019 | Lending to households has increased
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