Blog

Buyers are being warned not to succumb to temptation and borrow beyond their means. As record-low interest rates in Australia attract first-time buyers to the property market at their highest level in years, the Federal Government is relaxing the responsible lending laws in place since the global financial crisis of 2008. The free flow of...

The COVID pandemic and its extended lockdown periods have altered the way most people live and their must-have qualities when buying a property.  Expectations have drastically changed, resulting in conditions that were favourable to buyers but now are equally rewarding for vendors.  Careful research and advice from industry experts culminate in the top 10 qualities...

The COVID pandemic and its extended lockdown periods have altered the way most people live and their must-have qualities when buying a property.  Expectations have drastically changed, resulting in conditions that were favourable to buyers but now are equally rewarding for vendors.  Careful research and advice from industry experts culminate in the top 10 qualities...

Whether you’re bidding for a prized piece of real estate or rare work of art, auction results — on the surface — can be a triumph or travesty. The outcome should always depend on the financial discrepancy, rather than an emotional attachment. But how do you navigate the adrenaline-charged auction environment without overpaying, overplaying or...

The thought of exchanging the maintenance of a larger home for a hassle-free future full of travel, friends and newfound freedom is a common aspirant for downsizers on the move. Given the ideal replacement residence, more than half of Australians and New Zealanders aged over 55 are open to downsizing opportunities, according to Australian Housing...

The concept of strata or unit title is relatively new. Strata title came into being around 50 years ago and, according to the Strata Community Association (SCA), and other research, there are an estimated 270,000 such schemes encompassing more than 2 million land lots (with strata and community titles potentially closer to 3 million) in...

Vertical walls of decorative vegetation have been popular in Europe and other countries with high-density cities, where ground cover is at a premium, for years. Professional installations on a large scale — such as the 24-storey Tree House in Singapore, Patrick Blanc’s CaixaForum in Madrid, the towering green wall at One Central Park in Sydney...

Prevention is always better than cure, especially in the case of potential home burglaries. Are you planning an Easter getaway or a future holiday? If you’d prefer not to use a housesitter while you’re away, you should follow our home-security checklist.    For example, is your home-security system being used for the purpose it was designed?...

Real estate auctions across Australia and New Zealand operate year-round, but certain sales periods, including holiday seasons, can prove more beneficial for prices and property values.  When is the best time to sell? The Easter, Christmas and New Year periods are traditionally key times for taking a break. However, the property market rarely rests. Real estate calendar...

Dreaming of a chateau in the south of France, coastal villa in Italy or even a hideaway in neighbouring New Zealand? Investing in foreign property often evokes dream-like scenarios, but the reality can vary markedly from idyllic visions. Australians citizens are permitted to buy property in New Zealand, with around 60,000 Australians calling New Zealand...