TwentyOne Magazine - Winter 2017

WINTER | 2017

CHILL OUT! TwentyOne takes on the freeze with ease

CHARLES TARBEY One country, many real estate markets

EMMA BLOMFIELD Warm up your winter interiors with her hot tips

MIGUEL MAESTRE Cooks up a storm with Paella a la Maestre

CENTURY 21 AGENTS. SMARTER. BOLDER. FASTER.

With compliments

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

PUBLISHER Century 21 Australia Pty Ltd

LIFESTYLE

PROPERTY

HOME IDEAS

WINTER | 2017 Home ideas

4

Interior Inspiration

6

Taking your fitness to new heights

18

How do I find that low-budget property?

20

Winter in the garden

24

One country, many real estate markets

10

Child proof your investment property

28

Vendors turning to Century 21 in buyers’ market

40

The depreciation deductions that often go unclaimed

44

Will property fall in value this year?

46

The very best of Asia

12

Paella a la Maestre

30

CONTRIBUTORS Charles Tarbey Geoff Barnett Cherie Barber Bradley Beer Hayley Cooper Emma Blomfield Keith Edwards Chris Gray Trish Miller Miguel Maestre Carolyn Parella Alex MacInnes EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES Rebecca Pratt T +61 (02) 9025 9590 rebecca@zmmgroup.com ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Marketing Department T +61 (02) 8295 0600 askmarketing@century21.com.au ART DIRECTION/DESIGN Thomas Felgueras T +61 (02) 8295 0600 askmarketing@century21.com.au PRINTER Excel Australasia T +61 (03) 9775 1411 info@excelaustralasia.com.au DISCLAIMER We have in preparing this information used our best endeavours to ensure that the information

A beginners guide to meditation

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Turangi 34

contained therein is true and accurate, but accept

no

responsibility

and

disclaim

all

liability in respect of any errors, inaccuracies or misstatements contained herein. Reproduction in part or full is not permitted without the

How to get wardrobe winter-ready

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express written permission of the publisher.

Century 21 Australia Pty Ltd

cannot be held

TECH

responsible for the accuracy of statements made

App review

16

Tech essentials

42

in advertising or editorial in this publication, nor the quality of services or products promoted.

The publisher excludes any liability for any loss or damage sustained by readers arising from, or in conjunction with , the supply or use of information in this publication through any cause.

Opinions expressed in this magazine

are of the writer or contributor and are not necessarily the opinion of Century 21 Australia and Century 21 New Zealand or its advertisers.

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HOME IDEAS

WINTER HOME IDEAS Warm up your living spaces with these great pieces from IKEA and Zanui.

STOCKHOLM 2017 THREE SEAT SOFA Many homemakers are tempted to adopt a monochromatic colour scheme when the months get cooler. This Stockholm 2017 three seat sofa from IKEA is a subtle way to add a bit of colour to your lounge setting. Inspired by the minimalistic Scandinavian design aesthetic, this piece combines form and function, ideal for adding to what you already have. $2199 AUD

ABAER GENUINE ICELANDIC SHEEPSKIN

PUDDA BASKET The PUDDA basket from IKEA is your simple and practical storage solution.

Keep everything from toys or magazines to hobby items neatly organised with this felt basket. Its neutral hue means it is stylish yet inconspicuous, and can be tucked away in any corner of the house. $14.99 AUD

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Add a touch of luxe to your home with the Abaer Genuine Icelandic Sheepskin from Zanui. This gorgeous plush pile is the perfect way to add warmth to your home. Use it as a throw or a floor rug in your bedroom so you never have to wake up with cold feet. The versatile ivory tone will complement the colour schemes of any existing dĂŠcor you have. $169.95 AUD

WINTER | 2017

STOCKHOLM 2017 CUSHION The Stockholm 2017 cushion from IKEA features a beautiful watercolour print in muted blue hues. For those who like subtle hints of colour, this is a great modern addition to the lounge or your favourite spot for sitting back and relaxing. $29.99 AUD

TIA THROW The best thing about winter is snuggling up on cold nights. The Tia Throw from Zanui will help you do just that, whether you’re kicking back with a tea and your favourite book, or waking up on a cold morning with a hot cup of coffee. The two tone design is modern, with the chunky texture adding a lush feel to the throw. $129.95 AUD

SANURA QUILT COVER SET Indulge with the luxurious Sanura quilt cover set from Zanui. For lovers of bohemian or coastal aesthetics, this textured set in its ivory tone is versatile to style, giving your bedroom that extra touch of chic.

From $179.95 AUD

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HOME IDEAS

INTERIOR INSPIRATION

Emma Blomfield shares her five hot tips for a cosy home.

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WINTER | 2017

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HOME IDEAS

S

lowly we are beginning our winter hibernation – no more outdoor barbeques with friends, bye-bye summer fruit platters and mimosas, and definitely no more swimming in the pool! It’s time to pull out the winter woollies, swap over your wardrobe and light the fire (or turn on the gas!)

So what do you need to do to prepare your home? Great question! There are a number of things to do decorating wise to make the cooler months more enjoyable, even if you don’t have an open fire to curl up next to. Switching out your doona and swapping your summer wardrobe to your winter wardrobe are obvious ones, but the little touches that are often overlooked are quick and easy enough to do on a lazy weekend afternoon to make your home a much cosier and comfy place to hang out in this winter.

TIP 1 Our homes get darker sooner in winter and the light levels are different during daylight hours. To help brighten up the room or add to mood lighting, install a couple of floor lamps or table lamps in your living spaces. Warm white globes are a great choice over the harsh cool white light globes and really add to the atmosphere. Candles are also an excellent addition to coffee tables, console tables or fireplace mantels.

TIP 2 Warm up cold tiles or floorboards with a plush rug. Wool is the best choice for

wearability, as well as softness. In the bedroom ensure your rug extends at least 60cm either side of the bed so you aren’t jumping out of bed onto the cold floor. You can also place sheepskin rugs or runners either side of the bed for the same effect.

TIP 3 Window treatments are often overlooked in winter time but installing a sheer curtain can filter sunlight, with a heavier curtain in front of that for block out in the evenings. Velvet makes for a sumptuous touch for winter.

TIP 4 Many of us have fireplaces that are no longer in use so make the most of the mantel shelf by displaying a wintery vignette. Think candle sticks, a collection of pinecones, deer antlers or pretty brass ornaments collected together to tell a wintery tale. Don’t forget artwork or a mirror centred to the middle of the mantel for symmetry.

TIP 5 Do you ever look at those beautifully styled beds in magazines and wish you could re-create the same look? Well with layers it’s easy enough to get the magazine worthy look at home. Think texture! Adding things like sheepskin rugs, knitted scatter cushions and upgrading your European pillows to feather inserts are easy ways to create a lush and comfy looking bed.

ABOUT EMMA BLOMFIELD Emma Blomfield is an interior stylist and homewares buyer.

Emma is passionate about making decorating affordable and accessible to all Australians.

Emma’s decorating services are available not only in the Sydney metro area but also rural and regional towns for people looking for a more hands on decorating approach. Emma runs regular decorating workshops around the country helping her students to become more empowered in their decorating choices. www.emmablomfield.com

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Getting a tax depreciation schedule through BMT meant that our $2,600 tax bill for last year became a $12,000 tax cheque.�

Tiana, Benowa Qld

Claiming depreciation on your investment property can significantly improve your cash flow and reduce your taxable income.

Visit bmtqs.com.au or call us on 1300 728 726 to find out more.

2016_AD055

PROPERTY

ONE COUNTRY, MANY REAL ESTATE MARKETS

Century 21 Chairman and Owner, Charles Tarbey, discusses the importance of managing different market dynamics across the country.

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WINTER | 2017

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n recent times, we have seen APRA, the Reserve Bank and Australian politicians continue to discuss concerns about the housing market.

Following the Reserve Bank’s April monetary policy decision to hold rates steady, Governor Philip Lowe emphasised the need for strong lending standards in order to manage the increasing risk of growth in household borrowing outpacing growth in household income. At the same time, many major banks have independently increased their interest rates.

My concern is how any legislative changes or independent movements in interest rates will play out in Australia with such disparate real estate market conditions from state to state, and even from one suburb to the next. What may be good for one market might not be good for the next, so regulators and politicians have their work cut out for them in both managing economic risks while also ensuring that the decisions they make are in the best interests of as many Australians, and markets, as possible.

Whilst some markets on the eastern seaboard could benefit from new lending restrictions or slight increases in interest rates, other markets such as Perth and Darwin could really struggle under such conditions.

A key issue in Sydney is population growth and the lack of sufficient supply to support this growth. I am not sure the runaway prices in Sydney can be fixed without addressing supply side issues.

Contrasting this market, the Victorian and South Australian state governments are good examples of state governments proactively responding to this need for supply. Measures to increase stock, such as creating new suburbs, have created a more balanced supply and demand situation in their respective housing markets and as such, markets more conducive to negotiation between buyers and sellers.

Another “hot button” regulatory issue is negative gearing. Negative gearing policies were a hotly debated topic in the lead up to the 2016 Federal Election, and many are continuing to question whether reductions in tax concessions for investors will really benefit first home buyers.

Negative gearing has been a long established policy, and there have been unsuccessful attempts to alter it in the past. I am of the view that it is not negative gearing that has led us to the current affordability situation in the housing market, rather supply side issues and low interest rates.

It must be questioned whether abolishing negative gearing will be a positive for the national housing market as a whole. Removing negative gearing could be deemed a knee jerk reaction, running the risk of causing more harm than good. Markets like Perth are already in decline and could very well experience further falls in prices if tax concessions are removed for investors without introducing other measures to encourage this group to continue to invest.

It is also important to consider the rental supply these investors are providing to those who are not in a position to purchase their own home, and the fact that any changes to negative gearing incentives may increase the reliance upon the government to provide housing alternatives.

While housing affordability needs to be addressed and strict lending standards maintained, our leaders must be careful to ensure they take into account the disparities in the Australian property market before introducing any new ‘solutions’ that will likely affect each market differently.

Despite this complex and volatile environment, there is still value in property as an investment providing it is approached with careful consideration and ideally, with long-term goals in mind.

This is demonstrated by the latest CoreLogic Pain and Gain Report, which showed that over 9 out of every 10 homes resold for more than their previous purchase price over the September 2016 quarter.

ABOUT CHARLES TARBEY Charles Tarbey is the Chairman and Owner of Century 21 Australasia, one of Australia’s largest and most diverse property groups. Charles has been actively involved in the property industry since 1972, and has trained and given advice to thousands of real estate agents, vendors and purchasers. He is also the author of two real estate books, Profit Driven Real Estate and Listing Rich. Scan the qr code below or head to www.charlestarbey. com.au to get your free copy of ‘Listing Rich’.

To protect yourself from changes in the Australian property market, Australians would be wise to maintain a level-head, stick to a predetermined budget when looking to secure finance and obtain the appropriate professional advice to help make an informed property transaction.

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LIFESTYLE

THE VERY BEST OF ASIA Top picks for your winter escape.

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WINTER | 2017

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LIFESTYLE

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here are many reasons why Aussie travellers flock to Asia. Not only is it close by, the continent is a paradise for travellers of all types. Whether you are a food lover or adventurer, or whether you crave pristine beaches, bustling metropolitans or a spa retreat, you don’t have to go far to find it.

is a city that overflows with culture and travellers can delight in cuisines from around the world including Korean, Indian, French and Italian as well as some of the best steakhouses in all of Asia.

Australia’s proximity to this vastly diverse continent means travellers can be walking on the white sandy beaches of the Philippines, devouring dim sum in Hong Kong or getting immersed in the history and culture of China after a relatively short flight and minimum jetlag.

Japan is a fascinating country with a culture that has been developed over thousands of years. Japanese culture is steeped in history and continues to evolve.

To find out all the highlights of Asia, the experts at Flight Centre have given TwentyOne the lowdown on this great region; explaining why it continues to surprise and mesmerise even the most seasoned traveller.

BEST FOR FOOD: HONG KONG Famous for its glittering high rises that flank the harbour, Hong Kong is a bustling city that is equally renowned as the food capital of Asia thanks to its stunning array of street food, Michelin Star restaurants and everything in between.

Speak to anyone who has visited Hong Kong and they will always mention the food first; whether it’s the delicious array of dim sum, dumplings and the soupy Xiao Long Bao, crispy roasted Peking Duck or the city’s ridiculously popular egg tarts.

Though it’s not just local cuisine and Chinese food that’s on offer, Hong Kong

BEST FOR CULTURE: JAPAN

Geishas, samurai, Zen gardens and Japanese tea ceremonies often spring to mind when it comes to Japanese culture, but it’s much more dynamic and distinct. Even the most jaded traveller can be overcome by the beauty of the country and its distinct culture, from the traditional to the evolving and contemporary.

Japan’s juxtaposition of old and new works in perfect harmony; from Kyoto’s Gion district where Geishas practice traditional song and dance, to Tokyo’s Harajuku and electronic districts that have embraced a kind of pop-culture that has to be seen to be believed.

BEST FOR BEACHES: PHILIPPINES With more than 7,000 islands and more beaches than you could ever dream of relaxing on, the Philippines have a beach to suit every taste and travellers who are craving pristine waters, white sand and tropical islands won’t want to look any further.

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Whether it’s surfing, partying, diving, tanning, swimming or island hopping; the Philippines has you well and truly covered for beaches. For those who crave the party island life and don’t mind crowds of tourists then Boracay is your bet. If you’re keen to get back to nature and be one with the ocean and its creatures, head to Palawan for an encounter with the majestic whale sharks. If you’re simply craving your own stretch of beach, Sipalay’s Sugar Beach offers Robinson Crusoe like isolation while Pagudpud offers travellers the whitest sand and bluest water after an exceptionally scenic drive.

BEST FOR CITY: SINGAPORE It’s the stopover destination that travellers have grown to love and over the years Singapore has reinvented itself as one of the best cities not just in Asia, but the world.

Spend any amount of time wandering through the city streets and travellers will find that there is not a place in the world more complex and addictive than Singapore. The city is a jungle of skyscrapers, luxury shopping malls and architectural masterpieces all backing onto actual jungle.

Travellers can experience the cultures and cuisine of the world just by walking down its streets, shop in some of the world’s largest malls or hunt down dusty antiques or dive into electronic store heaven and marvel in the almost sci-fi architecture that has popped up over recent years. Singapore is Asia’s city with it all.

WINTER | 2017

BEST FOR RELAXATION: THAILAND The locals in Thailand are some of the friendliest and most easy-going in the world, making it the best Asian destination for a spot of relaxation.

Abound with wellness and meditation retreats hidden away in tropical forests, among rice paddies or on isolated beaches, Thailand is a haven for all those who step foot on its shores. Thailand encourages travellers to refresh and relax not just through retreats and spas in the tropical surrounds but also through its deliciously fragrant, warm and refreshing cuisine.

Whether it’s relaxing on a sun soaked beach, meditating in a sacred temple, devouring delicious Thai food or enjoying a quintessential Thai massage in the resort spa; Thailand is the relaxation destination.

BEST FOR QUICK BREAK: BALI Just a hop, skip and a jump from many of Australia’s capital cities, it’s no wonder that Bali is our pick as the best place in Asia for a quick holiday escape.

By just uttering the word “Bali”, images of paradise automatically spring to mind and it’s a paradise that is right on Australia’s doorstep. It’s got beaches, lush tropical forests, rice paddies, more resorts and private villas than you could poke a stick at, and of course, the beautiful and smiling Balinese people.

Travellers can lose themselves in the chaos of Kuta, soak up the sun amongst the designer luxury of Seminyak, escape to Uluwatu or experience tranquillity in Ubud. Whatever the Bali break, travellers always leave in a chilled out mood and an urge to return and do it all again.

BEST FOR HISTORY: CHINA China is one of the world’s oldest continuous civilised countries, dating back more than 10,000 years. For travellers who are willing to pack their walking shoes and commit to some longdistance adventure, China’s history is there for all to see.

From the crumbling Great Wall, beautiful Buddhist statues, quaint villages and mountains topped with age-old temples; China has got oodles of history for those who are willing to look for it.

Travel through the country and uncover breathtaking countryside and China’s unique culture as well as antiquities and artefacts that have long been forgotten by the 21st Century.

BEST FOR NATURE: MALAYSIA There’s more to Malaysia than the glittering skyscrapers of Kuala Lumpur.

Malaysia has some serious flora and fauna experiences for nature-loving travellers.

Travellers can go off the beaten track in Malaysian Borneo to discover wild jungles filled with granite peaks, remote tribes, orangutans and pygmy elephants as well as some spectacular diving; head to Langkawi for its pristine beaches, bird-watching, jungle trekking or to swim under waterfalls.

In Malaysia’s Cameron Highlands, travellers will be refreshed with eucalyptus and views of the tea plantations that seemingly roll into the distance and strawberries ripe for the picking.

BEST FOR TOURS: VIETNAM Vietnam is a destination that quickly becomes addictive for many travellers and there is surprisingly a lot of ground to cover, which is why Vietnam is our pick for the best Asian destination to join a tour.

A diverse country with astonishing beauty, Vietnam can be a sensory overload for first time travellers and even the most seasoned can become overwhelmed by it. Many of the places travellers want to visit are spread out across the country and with trains, planes and automobiles tricky to navigate, joining a tour makes sense. Tours will give travellers the opportunity to soak up the country that has plenty of old towns to explore, seemingly unlimited waters dotted with limestone islands to sail, rural adventures to be had and a delicious, fragrant and fresh cuisine with the logistics of travel and transport already taken care of.

In Malaysia’s Cameron Highlands, travellers will be refreshed with eucalyptus and views of the tea plantations that seemingly roll into the distance and strawberries ripe for the picking.

ABOUT FLIGHT CENTRE Flight Centre is Australia’s leading travel retailer, offering cheap flights, holiday packages, cruises, ski holidays, last minute hotel deals, travel insurance and much more. Whether your trip is a short-stay domestic flight or a multi-country adventure in Europe, we deliver amazing travel experiences. Our consultants are highly trained experts dedicated to opening up the world to those who want to see.

View our latest hot deals, find a store or book your travel online at www.flightcentre.com.au

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TECHNOLOGY

APP REVIEW

Cook up a storm with these handy kitchen apps.

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WINTER | 2017

TASTE

THYME

JAMIE OLIVER’S RECIPES

This is one of the most versatile and handy apps for those who are short on time. In addition to an abundance of recipes (over 40,000!), you can also tailor everything to your taste or your family’s taste. As soon as you download the app it will ask you what sort of cuisine you like cooking so you can personalise all your future searches. There’s plenty of extras that will help you create the perfect meal, including an inapp timer, nutritional breakdowns, a saved recipes function, and it also allows you to download shopping lists to access offline.

Thyme is an award-winning timekeeping app created by a team in Norway. Simple and practical, this is the perfect app to help you avoid undercooking or overcooking.

And no, this isn’t a task that your iPhone stopwatch can do on its own.

What sets Thyme apart is it allows you to set a separate timer for each stove top or oven you’re using. The individual timers will notify you once the time is up – so you can ensure burnt food is a thing of the past.

This app has a wealth of recipes accompanied by mouth-watering photos of the dishes. If you choose to upgrade to the subscription version, you’ll also get access to video tutorials so you can cook just like the famous chef himself. The recipes are easy to follow, and the app also has a handy shopping list feature to help you out along the way. What really makes this app so unique is the beautiful graphics that accompany each step, so you have the added help of a visual guide.

Cost: $1.49

COST: FREE

Cost: $0.99/month

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HOME IDEAS

TAKE YOUR FITNESS TO NEW HEIGHTS

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or some, the thought of rock climbing as a sport could be likened to scaling Everest. It may seem physically tough, and even the thought of heights alone can make some quiver. However, the benefits of giving climbing a go and building your skills can quickly outweigh these concerns, providing you with a new and exciting way shake up to your fitness regime.

Alex MacInnes is the director of First Ascent; coaching and training athletes in climbing. Alex first started climbing in his early 20’s to try and overcome his fear of heights. “It’s working!” he says.

“While I still have a fear, I am much better at managing it and keeping myself calm when I am at heights.”

First Ascent came to be when Alex identified a small niche in the climbing market – indoor rock climbing competition athletes. “While many climbing facilities have training and coaching for beginners and those wanting to go outdoors, very few gyms provided coaching for their competition athletes. With a background in sport, a personal training qualification and a passion for working with super motivated individuals to help them achieve their goals, I started First Ascent Climbing.”

However, Alex says that climbing isn’t just for the super fit. “People always think you need to have a strong upper body to climb and while this is partly true the biggest thing to remember when you are climbing is to let your legs do the hard work to push you up the wall. As humans we walk around on our legs all

day long so they are incredibly strong.

Good climbing technique is about allowing your strongest muscles, your legs, to push you up the wall and try to minimise the amount of pulling your arms do as this will tire them out very quickly. In short, your arms should just hold you on the wall, your legs move you around it.”

The benefits in terms of fitness and strength are easy to see – however the benefits of climbing can extend beyond your physical form.

Like any new skill, starting with small and achievable climbs could build you up to these memorable climbs in the great outdoors before you know it. So if you’re feeling a little curious, and a little adventurous, you can get in touch with the team at First Ascent or a climbing centre in your local area to get your first taste of this unique sport. No experience necessary!

“As a personal trainer I often get quite bored lifting weights in a gym, but climbing develops a similar fitness outcome and a much more mentally stimulating experience. You need to assess the climb or “route” in front of you and figure out which moves you will need to do to achieve the “top”. As such it is a great mental workout as well as a physical one,” says Alex.

Whilst there is an abundance of indoor climbing centres around the country where you can try out the sport, Alex says that living in Australia means climbers are spoilt for choice when it comes to good places to climb outdoors.

“My personal favourite area so far is the Grampians National Park in Victoria, which is known for a particular kind of climbing (bouldering), where the climbs are only about 5-6 metres high and instead of ropes we use large crash mats for safety if you fall off. This is my favourite form of climbing and the Grampians has thousands of amazing climbs to try,” says Alex.

ABOUT ALEX MACINNES Alex first started climbing about six years ago and quickly became addicted to the sport.

After working in and managing his local gym, his passion led him to complete his Certificate IV in Fitness, making Alex a qualified personal trainer. Following this course, he realised climbers could be doing a much better job of training to develop specifically for their sport, and so began his pursuits coaching competitive athletes. Alex set up First Ascent Climbing to provide coaching services to climbing gyms, allowing their top athletes to work with him as a specialised competition coach, as well as providing group fitness classes, school programs, kids clubs and youth training programs, route setting services and competition management systems to climbing facilities as well.

To find out more, visit www.firstascentpt.com.au

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HOME IDEAS

HOW DO I FIND THAT LOW-BUDGET PROPERTY? Cherie Barber’s tips for enhancing your investment prospects.

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HOME IDEAS

W

hen people ask me, “How do you rate the property market at the moment?”, I always have to stress that there’s no single property market in Australia – there’s literally thousands of micro-markets scattered across the country. While capital cities like Sydney and Melbourne continue in boom mode, across the other side of the country, Perth is languishing in the doldrums post the mining boom.

The market is up and down, depending where you’re looking at any given time.

However, no matter what point in the property cycle an area is at – boom, plateau, slump – there are always pockets that promise good potential to make money. There are streets, within suburbs, within municipalities, within states… but it takes research, time and tenacity to find them. As they say, only fools rush in. That’s never truer than in the property market, where an impulsive, bad buy can cost you dearly.

If you’re getting frustrated trying to find a low-budget property, here are a few tips to think about.

1. BE REALISTIC ABOUT WHAT YOU CAN BUY

With the median price of houses now at $1million and $750,000 in Sydney and Melbourne respectively, they’re harder markets to break into at a low price point – but by no means impossible. For low-budget properties you’ll need to go to the outer ring and maybe regional areas. Some of Sydney’s humble outlying suburbs have gained 25 per cent in 12 months, so there’s the proof you’re not missing out on the action simply because you can’t afford the inner ring.

workshops on buying and renovating properties for profit, and there’s two words you’ll hear repeatedly: “due diligence”. That means due diligence on property prices, on suburbs you’ve shortlisted and on the properties you’re proposing to buy. This whole process will take anything from several weeks to several months, depending how many avenues of research hit a dead end and how wide you cast your net. I generally recommend zeroing in on one to three suburbs that show promising capital growth, a good crop of unrenovated properties, the necessary pricing disparity and solid infrastructure. Then hit those open for inspections.

4. TARGET THE RIGHT KIND OF UNRENOVATED PROPERTY

If funds are tight, then it doesn’t make sense to buy a renovated property, because you’re paying a premium for someone else’s astute upgrades.

For a cosmetic renovation of a dated property (think bathroom and kitchen revamp, new flooring, painting, etc), I recommend spending no more than 10 per cent of the total value of the property. So if you purchase a house for $500,000, your reno budget is $50,000 maximum, inside and out. So you want to avoid something that needs a whole lot of expensive, and largely invisible, repairs: things like restumping, a new roof, major plumbing or electrical

overhauls.

BEFORE

AFTER

2. STAY CALM AND FOCUSED I can’t emphasise this more. With hundreds of thousands of dollars at stake, you simply cannot afford to make a bad purchase simply through impatience, slackness or ignorance.

Don’t let desperation seep in either, no matter how many properties you miss out on in your hunt. If there’s one thing I’ve learnt from 25+ years in the property game, it’s that there is always another one around the corner.

3.RESEARCH,RESEARCH, RESEARCH This one is just as important as location, location, location. I run 3-day

This kitchen was cosmetically refreshed for a total of $1000, using specialty paints, benchtop surfacing, vinyl f looring and new lighting.

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WINTER | 2017

That will devour your budget in a few giant gulps. Get your property and pest inspections done so you know what you’re up for.

5. BE PROACTIVE, FLEXIBLE AND MOVE FAST

BEFORE

The great upside to all that research is that you’re probably knowledgeable when it comes to property values and you may be in a position to instantly recognise the good ones. It’s just a matter of snaring them before someone else does. In a slow market, you have time to negotiate and reflect. In a red hot market, someone else will have the contract signed, sealed and delivered by the time you’ve picked up the phone.

If the property is right, you need to be decisive and move at lightning speed to beat the competition.

Think outside the square to find properties before they officially hit the market. Network with agents so they alert you to upcoming listings; letterbox drop; door knock… do whatever it takes to find those gems before the crowds do.

AFTER

ABOUT CHERIE BARBER

Don’t be decieved by unruly appearances. You can transform a yard with a simple declutter, clean, paint job and very basic landscaping.

Cherie Barber is a public speaker, TV renovator on Network Ten’s ‘The Living Room’ and the owner of Renovating For Profit, a company that teaches everyday people how to buy and renovate properties for a profit. For information about Cherie Barber’s free masterclasses and Renovating for Profit workshops, Visit renovatingforprofit.com.au

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HOME IDEAS

WINTER IN THE GARDEN Keith Edwards walks us through his garden preparation.

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WINTER | 2017

W

hat happens in my garden in winter is determined by my walks through the garden spaces in autumn and the notes I take during these walks. My garden spaces will be treated differently because of what I have allowed them to become.

The front yard for instance, will be worked in winter in a totally different manner to that of the two sides and the back yard. These four ‘rooms’ require different attention, none of it less important than the other.

The front gardens are hidden behind a formal clipped cypress hedge that has just had its winter shave, ensuring that its base is wider than the top to allow light to the oldest part of the hedge at the bottom. The driveway enters through the middle of the hedge in two formal alcoves in which grow white oleanders, ready to have their autumn flowers clipped.

The gardens on either side of the drive are primarily long flowering perennials proven to provide flowers for months, and providing nectar and pollen for my newly arrived beehive. Certain plants in these beds such as Salvias, Agastache, Achilleas and Perovoskias (Russian sage) have already been pruned in late summer for a repeat flowering, enabling some of them to last until September

before the flowers of the ‘Skating Party’ iris will commence their show in early spring.

The main work in these gardens for winter will include the pruning of the old wood and flowering stems that need to be cut back to the newly formed basal growth on the perennials, a simple task that requires no explanation. The spent flower heads of the white Crepe Myrtles will be removed, and these branches will be cut back by a third to promote vigorous new growth in the spring.

All of these plants will be fed at this stage with a combination of ‘Blood & Bone’ and another complete organic fertilizer in a pellet form. The ‘Blood & Bone’, a mineral rock dust fertiliser, will take 10 -12 weeks to become available to the plants, while the other pelletised form will be ready for the plant at the first sign of spring. The organic forms will remain in the soil and will be used by the plants as required on commencement of sap flow, unlike the 90 per cent of chemical fertiliser that will wash into our waterways and damage the water quality.

The southern side garden has plants capable of surviving with very little sun and therefore the majority of these are ornamental plants such as Eupatoruims, Fuchias Thujas, Liriope, Cannas,

Clematis, Rhapiolepis and the only food producing plant, the macadamia.

All these plants will be pruned to accommodate their space and provide regrowth for their spring show. These shall also receive the same fertiliser afforded the front gardens. All the clippings from both the front and side and rear gardens will be gathered up and placed in the backyard in an area requiring mulching.

The northern side has a side fence and fence barrier which has two seedling varieties of passionfruit planted in early spring and showing a good amount of growth. It is beside these fences that houses the beehive, showing very little sign of production during this cold period. This side has two four-year-old avocados, an ‘A’ type Hass and a ‘B’ type Bacon. Both of these will require a small amount of ‘tip’ pruning, to encourage thick spring growth and late summer growth. Beside these are two varieties of pears that will require heavy top pruning to reduce their canopies and make it easier for fruit harvesting. A white sapote is next and I will also reduce this to make it easier for fruit picking. Filling out the rest of the side garden are two ‘Wild Granny’ apples due for a small winter prune (having had a summer prune), two apricots, three plums (all requiring a good prune) and an orange tree. All

century21.co.nz | century21.com.au | 25

HOME IDEAS

of these plants will be fed with ‘Blood & Bone’ and amounts of home-harvested compost. It is in this garden that I have removed some non-productive ornamentals and are preparing planting holes for some new additions of edible trees and more perennials for the bees in early spring.

The backyard is my most productive area, comprising approximately 300 square meters. In this area is a lawn, 140 lineal meters of hedging, a vegetable garden, two sheds and an additional 40 plus fruit trees, all requiring some form of winter activity. Referring to my autumn notes, I see that I will need to relocate a couple of multi grafted plum trees away from the huge fig tree and into a part of the garden with more sunlight, as well as the need to lift two plums and replant them within the same planting hole allowing two other plums to be grown in another space. This method I have used successfully in the past, where you plant two trees that require each other for pollination, into the same deep, well prepared hole.

The trees for this have been pruned back by about a third of all their branches (meaning I will forego any fruit this season), and with a sharp spade I will cut around the trunk about 300mm down deeply and then under. I’m not concerned with keeping any soil attached to the roots, and will wash off any remaining soil prior to planting so that I can prune up any damaged roots with my secateurs. Planting both trees into a huge, well compost-laden soil,

backfilling and staking makes this job sound and appear a quick easy task. I will provide no other additional fertiliser to any of these transplants possibly until late spring as the compost will provide these plants with all they require.

In the middle of my lawn are my raised vegetable beds which comprise of a long rectangle and three triangles. Two of the beds are in a sort of resting mode; that is, resting from growing anything other than ‘green manures’. These beds contain green manure crops, specially formulated to be planted in autumn and will be ready to be ‘dug’ into the soil profile when they start to flower (early spring). These manure crops will be fixing nitrogen into the soil, poisoning any disease in the soil and then adding an enormous amount of manure and organic matter. Perfect timing for growing my heirloom tomatoes over the next summer.

The other beds are currently growing my coming year’s supply of garlic and the winter crops of broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale and five coloured silverbeet.

Regular feeding of a complete organic fertiliser is applied every two weeks and a half handful of rock dust fertiliser every month will see that I receive a bumper crop of the most healthy vegetables, bug free, as reward for toiling through a cold and wet winter. Come on spring!

26 | century21.com.au | century21.co.nz

ABOUT KEITH EDWARDS Keith Edwards is a qualified Landscape Architect, having worked in the industry for 33 years.

He has worked for the Diggers Club in varying roles for the last nine years, from Retail Manager of the various outlets to Hardware Manager where his passion in soil, soil health products and organics grew. He has also worked in positions from National Sales Manager at various expos in most states, to delivering classes at universities and now to his current role as Landscape Consultant for the Club, travelling to all parts of the land, and now back onto the drawing board delivering unique designs for Diggers Members. garden tools.

WINTER | 2017

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Award Winning Landlord Insurance From $1 * a Day

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century21.co.nz | century21.com.au | 27

PROPERTY

CHILDPROOF YOUR INVESTMENT PROPERTY Why the safety of little ones should top a landlord’s priority list.

28 | century21.com.au | century21.co.nz

WINTER | 2017

A

ustralian landlords are being urged to “child-proof ” their investment properties to keep tenants safe and avoid legal liability risks.

According to leading landlord insurance specialist Terri Scheer Insurance, the safety of tenants, and children in particular, should be top of mind for anyone investing in property.

Figures from Australia’s child accident prevention foundation, Kidsafe, show that approximately 250 Australian children are killed and more than 50,000 hospitalised each year as a result of unintentional injuries.

More than half of the fatalities and injuries, in children aged up to four years, occur in their own home or backyard.

“Keeping children safe is a priority for any family, and landlords can help to play a role in this,” said Executive Manager of Terri Scheer Insurance Carolyn Parrella.

“When purchasing or building a rental property, landlords often think of the functional features that will appeal to tenants but can sometimes overlook the safety features – which are equally important.

“Providing a rental property that is free from hazards to children increases a landlord’s pool of prospective tenants, as it will attract families and couples with young children.

“However, it can also help reduce the likelihood of a landlord being held legally liable if a tenant or guest injures themselves at the property.

“Despite all the warnings and awareness campaigns, injuries and deaths of children in their own home seem to be as prominent as ever. The media is regularly reporting these tragedies.

“There are a number of ways a child can

injure themselves, or die, at home and in the backyard. However landlords can help to overcome these risks and childproof their investment property,” Ms Parrella said.

STRANGULATION

FALLS FROM HEIGHTS

“Recently imposed Australian Competition and Consumer Commission mandatory requirements ensure that corded window coverings cannot pose a risk to safety. Landlords that cannot abide by the guidelines should completely remove the window coverings and replace with newer units.”

Falls from balconies and windows are common ways for children to be injured.

“If your investment property has a balcony, the balustrade should run vertical so that it cannot be climbed and positioned close enough together that children can’t slip through. All windows should be fitted with heavy duty flyscreens that can resist the weight of a child when opened to stop them from falling through,” Ms Parella said.

She advises that landlords should also be receptive to tenants installing their own child-proof gates at the top of stairs, to prevent toddlers from falling.

DROWNING “Backyard swimming pools are a hotspot for child drownings,” Ms Parrella said.

“As per state laws, all swimming pools should be fenced and fitted with childproof locking mechanisms.

“It doesn’t take a lot of water for a child to drown. Water features and fishponds can also be dangerous to children, so consider leaving out these luxuries in family-oriented properties.”

PEDESTRIAN INJURIES “A child doesn’t have to be inside the car to be injured or killed in a vehicle accident,” Ms Parrella said.

“Unfortunately children can be run over by their own parents.

“Curtain and blind cords and pulleys pose a strangulation risk to small children,” Ms Parrella said.

CRUSH INJURIES “Large objects can fatally crush small children if they fall,” Ms Parrella said.

“This is a particularly prominent risk in fully-furnished rentals and short-stay holiday homes.

“Where possible, landlords should consider mounting televisions and fixing drawers and bookshelves to walls to stop children from pulling them down on themselves.”

Ms Parrella said landlords can give themselves peace of mind by having an appropriate landlord insurance policy.

“A specialised form of insurance can cover landlords for the risks associated with owning an investment property, such as legal liability,” she said.

“This means landlords may be covered for expenses incurred if a law suit arises as a result of a tenant suffering bodily injury at the property or damage or loss where the landlord is found responsible.”

“Landlords should consider installing gated fences to separate gardens and play areas from driveways and garages.

This can also help prevent children from running onto the road.”

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is intended to be of a general nature only. Terri Scheer does not accept any legal responsibility for any loss incurred as a result of reliance upon it. Insurance issued by Vero Insurance.

Read the Product Disclosure Statement before buying this insurance and consider whether it is right for you.

Contact Terri Scheer on 1800 804 016 or visit our website at www.terrischeer.com.au for a copy.

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LIFESTYLE

30 | century21.com.au | century21.co.nz

WINTER | 2017

PAELLA A LA MAESTRE Miguel Maestre shares his take on the classic Spanish dish.

EQUIPMENT

PROCESS

• • • •

To make the sofrito, place all ingredients in a food processor and process until chunky. If you don’t have a food processor then simply roughly chop the tomatoes and capsicums and finely chop the garlic and parsley and combine with other sofrito ingredients.

Paella pan and burner BBQ Gas bottle Food processor (transparent top) Chopping board

INGREDIENTS • • • • • • • • •

200g Bomba rice 4 large king prawn (u6) 10 black mussels (live) 6 pippies 4 large scallops 150 g baby calamari cleaned and scored 2 chorizo sausage, thinly sliced 50g fresh/frozen peas 1 lemon, cut into wedges, to serve

Sofrito • 2 large ripe oxheart tomatoes, roughly chopped • 2 large roasted red capiscums from jar (piquillo) • 4 cloves garlic, peeled • ½ bunch parsley • ½ bunch chives • 25ml Moro Extra Virgin olive oil • 1 teaspoon saffron threads • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika

Heat a 30cm fry-pan or paella pan on high heat, add chorizo and cook until golden brown.

Add sofrito and cook until tomatoes start to become juicy, 3-4 minutes.

Add chicken stock and bring to the boil. Stir in rice and seafood bring to a simmer. Continue simmering for about 10 minutes.

When rice is tender and liquid has almost fully reduced (there should still be some liquid in the fry-pan), add peas and cook for a further 2 minutes to achieve ‘soccarrada’ (crust on the bottom of the pan).

Season to taste with salt and garnish with chives. Squeeze over lemon juice just before serving.

ABOUT MIGUEL MAESTRE Having worked for many years in various kitchens around the world, Miguel Maestre is one talented Spaniard who has made Sydney his home.

Born in Murcia in the south of Spain, his love for food was pre-determined from a young age. Miguel’s passion for food and life is infectious, and he has developed a talent for incorporating Spanish ingredients and cooking styles into his Australian menus. It is Miguel’s co-hosting role on TEN’s Logie winning show “The Living Room”, that has catapulted him into the world of TV and he is the author of two best-selling Spanish books “Miguel’s Tapas” and “Spanish Cooking”.

To find out more, visit www.miguelmaestre.com.au

century21.co.nz | century21.com.au | 31

LIFESTYLE

32 | century21.com.au | century21.co.nz

WINTER | 2017

A BEGINNERS GUIDE TO MEDITATION TwentyOne learns how to unwind and chill out.

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iving in the modern world can be highly stressful. With technology permeating almost every aspect of our daily lives, it can often be difficult to switch off and fit in some time to unwind. Meditation is a great way to clear your mind because it’s simple, effective and doesn’t require much besides your concentration and a quiet room.

To find out more, TwentyOne spoke to Sydney Meditation Coach Trish Miller to understand the benefits of meditation and to get some tips on how we can try mediating at home.

Trish believes the purpose of meditation is to find the silence and the stillness in your being and to become consciously aware of one’s own mind.

“That is something that many people in today’s modern world find a challenge, and rightly so. In the attention economy, our minds are bombarded with more advertising messages than ever before.

Releasing daily stress is important so that your inner strength can rise naturally,” said Trish.

“It is an experiential practice, meaning that it’s impossible for those who have not engaged in it to truly understand the profound benefits of meditation.

“Daily relaxation and calming of the mind give you space, freedom, choices and better control over your life.

Long term it becomes a tremendous transformation of your life,” said Trish.

“Proven benefits of meditation include improved focus, mental clarity, reduced

stress and balanced emotions, the ability to manage pain, and better sleep.

“Meditation also allows for more right brain thinking which is the creative, where problems dissolve and synchronicities are more common for those who meditate regularly,” said Trish.

There are hundreds of ways to meditate, but Trish has provided TwentyOne with a simple exercise you can practise to get started.

WHAT TO DO Sit quietly in a chair with your spine erect.

Place your hands softly in your lap. Close your eyes and with your mouth closed, simply breathe in and out through your nose. Breathe deeply and slowly.

Focus on your breathing; feel the movement of your breath going in and out. Feel your belly rising and falling. You may have many thoughts and emotions pour forth and that is okay. However, simply observe them and let them gently pass.

Keep bringing yourself back to your breath and remain aware of the movement of your breath going in and out. Observe yourself becoming your breath. The most important thing to remember is not to expect anything to happen! The exercise will take care of itself. Continue this for 20 minutes twice a day.

“You will be surprised at how much of a difference this can make in the short and long term to your health, happiness and creativity!” said Trish.

ABOUT TRISH MILLER Trish Miller is a Quantum Field Practitioner.

Having been through four near-death experiences it was inevitable that she became a meditation teacher, hypnotherapist & Reiki Master. Trish has been practicing meditation in Sydney for over 15 years. Over that time has taught meditation courses & classes to many people in other countries via Skype, and she has also learned remote viewing and remote influencing.

You can learn more at SydneyMeditationCoach.com.

century21.co.nz | century21.com.au | 33

LIFESTYLE

34 | century21.com.au | century21.co.nz

WINTER | 2017

TURANGI

TwentyOne explores the ‘Trout Fishing Capital of the World’.

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iterally in the middle of New Zealand’s North Island and four hours from both Auckland and Wellington, the township of Turangi sits at the southern end of Australasia’s largest freshwater lake.

With its proximity to Lake Taupo, Mount Ruapehu, and with the famous Tongariro River running past it, Turangi ‘The Trout Fishing Capital of the World’ is also known for the nearby skiing, hiking, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, and boating.

Recently Century 21 Premier (Turangi) refurbished and re-launched its office, buoyed by the growing popularity of the area. As well as a facelift, the Turangi office has a new franchise owner, Wai Johnson.

“The local team at Century 21 are off to a great start, with more and more Kiwis waking up to the amazing opportunities Turangi presents. There are three and four bedroom homes selling for less than $150,000 which is only about a 10th of what similar homes in some parts of Auckland are selling for. It’s incredible value given Turangi’s proximity to so much,” says Century 21 New Zealand National Manager, Geoff Barnett.

Turangi’s homes were mostly built in the 1960s and 1970s to house those working on the Tongariro hydro-power scheme, many of them Italian workers. Once the hydro dam scheme was complete, the Ministry of Works sold off its housing stock in the 1980s and now many of those properties are coming back on the market again.

North Island. Plenty of accommodation and adventure tourism businesses are now based in the area and the town boasts a great selection of cafes.

Mr Barnett says with Taupo house prices gathering strength, many looking for a holiday house near Lake Taupo are now considering Turangi.

“And in all honesty, they should! The place is only getting better and better. An increasing number of prospective buyers are now solely holiday-makers. Century 21 agents are seeing more Aucklanders blown away by the fact that a holiday house may in fact be well within their financial reach.”

With a permanent population of approximately 3,000 people, Turangi is a completely planned town. It has some attractive tree-lined curving streets and cul-de-sacs, plenty of community amenities, and is quiet given it is well separated from SH1.

“Rents are increasing in the area as are property prices, yet it’s still so affordable, particularly given interest rates remain low. There are not many other locations in New Zealand, where you can purchase solid, quality homes at these prices and enjoy the lifestyle Turangi has to offer.”

The recent re-launch of the Turangi Century 21 office not only reinforces the company’s confidence in Turangi but is another example of the growth drive Century 21 New Zealand is currently on, says Mr Barnett.

Turangi is increasingly a beacon for international backpackers and is fast becoming a key tourism destination in the century21.co.nz | century21.com.au | 35

LIFESTYLE

36 | century21.com.au | century21.co.nz

WINTER | 2017

HOW TO GET YOUR WARDROBE WINTER-READY

N

ow is the perfect time to sort through your wardrobe and make it work for winter. Here are some easy-to-follow tips to help you declutter your current wardrobe and get it winter-ready.

1. SET TIME Sorting through your wardrobe takes time, it’s not a task you can start then leave for another day, otherwise you’ll end up with tangled clothes hangers and a mountain of clothes on the bed! I recommend setting aside 3 hours.

2. BE PREPARED Before you start, gather garbage bags, storage boxes and clothes hangers.

Label the garbage bags with “donate” or “bin” and put the items you aren’t keeping or selling straight into the bag.

Pack out-of-season items into storage boxes to protect them from damage while also freeing up extra space in your wardrobe.

Invest in ‘thin, wide hangers’ - these are tangle-free and will keep your clothes from sliding off.

3. SORT THROUGH EACH CATEGORY

simplifies the decision-making process and helps keep unnecessary items out of your wardrobe.

Be ruthless here; only keep items with a purpose in your wardrobe. Avoid the “when I lose weight” thought, you deserve to have a wardrobe of clothes you LOVE and enjoy wearing NOW.

KEEP: Items you love, wear often and FEEL GOOD in.

SELL: Expensive items or those you haven’t worn often.

DONATE: Pass items onto friends or family who would appreciate them more, or donate to charity.

BIN: Unwearable items with stains, holes and discoloured fabrics.

5. SORT THROUGH YOUR EXISTING WARDROBE If there’s not much left, make a list of items to add. Prioritise winter pieces that enhance wearability within your existing wardrobe because these will maximise your winter outfit options.

This winter, it’s all about layering with military inspired jackets, playing with textures and introducing fresh colours into your winter wardrobe –blush pinks, French navy, deep khaki’s and white denim to freshen up the traditional greys and blacks.

De-clutter by categories – tops, bottoms, dresses, and so on. This helps keep the process flowing and prevents feeling It’s a process, but an enjoyable one that overwhelmed by all the items. It’s an leaves your wardrobe winter-ready. ideal way to see what you actually own You’ll be left with a fresh space full of in each of the categories – there’s often items you’ll actually love to wear this season. some hidden gems you can wear again!

4. KEEP, SELL DONATE, BIN

ABOUT HAYLEY COOPER Hayley Cooper is a Sydney based Personal Stylist who launched her business over 6 years ago, after completing formal training in Sydney.

Since then, she has worked with hundreds of women on their personal style journey, hosted fashion workshops across NSW and worked on some of Australia’s largest television productions.

Hayley aims to help women discover their personal style, minimise fashion barriers and have fun with their personal style! She provides expert styling advice and how-to solutions to help women look and feel their absolute best.

The mission is simple - to create a style that works for YOU. To find out more, visit www.hayleycooper.com.au

Everything you take out of your wardrobe must fit into a category. This century21.co.nz | century21.com.au | 37

LIFESTYLE

SPOTLIGHT ON ME WAH 38 | century21.com.au | century21.co.nz

WINTER | 2017

T

he multi-award winning Me Wah Restaurant is a culinary gem in Tasmania. With two establishments – one in Hobart, and one in Launceston – Me Wah is run by the Tso family who pride themselves on showcasing traditional authentic Cantonese cuisine.

Me Wah’s head chef, Gordon Tso, is from Hong Kong and classically trained in the art of Cantonese cuisine, with more than 50 years of experience in the food industry.

In 1978, Gordon arrived in Sydney and became executive chef of numerous establishments such as the Mandarin Club, Dixon Restaurant and Choy’s Group.

Leaving Sydney in 1998, Gordon finally arrived in Tasmania where he began his journey as the owner and operator of his own restaurants. During this time, he received a wide range of accolades, from Savour Australia’s Tasmania’s Restaurant of the Year Award to Gourmet Traveller’s Best Wine List Award in Tasmania.

The popular fine-dining establishment boasts an expansive menu where it’s clear the seafood is the star of the show. From oysters, scallops, bugs, to abalone and an expansive selection of fresh fish, Me Wah’s food philosophy is all about sourcing the finest and freshest local produce in Tasmania and preparing it in their signature Cantonese style.

Some of their must-try dishes on the menu include the crispy Peking Duck, Tasmania’s Robbin Island Wagyu Beef and the Tasmanian Deep Sea Blue Eye Travella.

expect to sample what Me Wah likes to call “heart-warming” dishes using cooking techniques such as steaming, braising and stewing with the freshest Tasmanian produce.

When it comes to inspiration, the dishes on the Me Wah menu are inspired from Gordon Tso’s years of travelling throughout Asia, and his learning and understanding of the best cooking techniques that each country has to offer.

Along with beautiful food, Me Wah Hobart also has a resident sommelier, Damien Byrne, who will find you the best wine pairings to accompany the exquisite food on offer.

Me Wah Restaurant, Hobart 16 Magnet Court Sandy Bay TAS 7005 ph:+61 3 6223 3688

During the cooler months, diners can century21.co.nz | century21.com.au | 39

PROPERTY

VENDORS TURNING TO CENTURY 21 IN BUYERS’ MARKET

By Geoff Barnett, National Manager of Century 21 New Zealand.

40 | century21.com.au | century21.co.nz

WINTER | 2017

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eal estate remains relatively strong across New Zealand, but as predicted Auckland is becoming more of a buyers’ market.

As one of the fastest growing cities in Australasia, Auckland is struggling to keep up with the supply of housing. It has seen some phenomenal price hikes in recent years, but that growth is certainly softening with prices for the first quarter flattening at best.

This is testing many agents in the industry who have only ever worked in a sellers’ market. They’re finding out the hard way that it takes a lot more to sell a house than just putting it on the internet.

Vendors are now wanting to assess an agent’s ability to market, negotiate, and sell. That’s where Century 21 has been able to pick up more business – given our training, IT systems, and unbeatable global reach. Vendors want agents and agencies that have the best shot of still being able to secure a great sale price.

The days of quick sales and crazy prices have gone, but where there is a willing seller and a willing buyer we’re still seeing the negotiation of a price that everyone’s happy with. Auckland’s vendors are also becoming more realistic which is resulting in the asking price and the attained price getting closer.

Despite the softening, we’re going harder in Auckland. Not only did we open more offices in the region last year, but Century 21 is now making a deliberate play for Auckland’s central suburbs and CBD. Traditionally our focus has been in the North, South and East of Auckland, but more of our signs can now be seen centrally. Again, our international reach is a huge attraction for those wanting to sell high-end properties or wanting to attract some serious investors.

So far in 2017 much of the talk has been about our capital city. Our office in central Wellington, Century 21 First Choice Realty, won a number of our annual awards for 2016 and its presence in the local market is really increasing.

The latest monthly QV House Price Index revealed that house values in Wellington City are up 20.8% in the year to 31 March. The average value in Wellington City is now $716,613 with the wider region also performing well.

Nationwide, our residential listings

are well up on last year and are now at record levels. For Century 21 these are not languishing listings, but largely new ones. This also reflects some solid activity for us in the regions, with our Waikato and Central North Island offices particularly buoyant.

In New Zealand, the third and fourth quarter might get a little tighter with a General Election on 23 September and the increasing likelihood of raising interest rates also on the horizon. By the end of this year my expectation is that the nationwide market will have normalised somewhat.

Rest assured, driving growth on our side of the Tasman will continue.

Our business and brand in New Zealand are only getting stronger. We’re putting a determined effort into business development as well as lifting our profile in the marketplace. In addition to new franchise opportunities, we’re enjoying strong internal growth with many of our existing offices expanding and plenty of experienced and successful agents now joining us.

Following four new office openings in 2016, we’re also expecting more franchise openings this year.

Signs point to 2017 proving to be more of a buyers’ market. However, we see this is an enormous opportunity for Century 21 New Zealand. We’re successfully getting the message across to vendors that they need our international brand, expertise, and reach more than ever before.

ABOUT GEOFF BARNETT Geoff has been involved in the real estate industry for some 10 years. Prior to this he had over 30 years’ experience in business development and business management. Geoff has welldeveloped business networks and a thorough understanding of the day to day issues business owners face in running a successful business. Geoff is also very active in the community, as he is a member of his local Lions club, and current regional manager of Camp Quality Auckland Northland.

Camp Quality is an organisation which provides support for Children Living with Cancer and is a fully volunteer organisation. He is also a trustee of other community trusts.

century21.co.nz | century21.com.au | 41

TECHNOLOGY

TECH ESSENTIALS Take a look at this season’s latest products.

FUJIFILM X-T20 Take the super sleek FUJIFILM X-T20 with you everywhere this season. The compact and lightweight FUJIFILM X-T20 is complete with an updated sensor and processor. These boost the camera’s start-up time and AF performance, dramatically improving its ability to track moving subjects, while the tilting touchscreen LCD monitor enables users to shoot from a variety of angles with ease.

The X-T20 also has enhanced video functionality and is capable of capturing 4K movies with FUJIFILM’s popular Film Simulation modes. Staying true to the X Series functional design ethos, the X-T20 also combines an SLRstyle viewfinder and dial-based operation. The FUJIFILM X-T20 provides quality on every shot, is available from leading photographic stores.

RRP - $1799 AUD

D-LINK OMNA™ 180 CAM HD (DSH-C310) D-Link has launched the world’s first Apple HomeKit-enabled camera – Omna™ 180 Cam HD. The Omna™ 180 Cam HD provides an easy way for users to monitor their home for extra peace of mind. Omna’s HomeKit integration allows users to be “always home” and includes advanced security features with end-to-end encryption and authentication between the camera and an iPhone or iPad. When activity is detected, users will receive a rich notification on their lock screen, delivered via the Apple Home app, showing a live feed from the camera. Users can even access their Omna remotely to see what’s happening in their home in real time.

RRP – $329.95 AUD 42 | century21.com.au | century21.co.nz

WINTER | 2017

EPSON SURECOLOR P5070 PHOTOGRAPHIC 17” 10-COLOUR INKJET PRINTER Epson has launched its new 17-inch Epson® SureColor® P5070 which, by incorporating the latest imaging technologies, resets the standard for the desktop photography, fine art, graphic design, and proofing markets.

Leveraging the advanced printhead and UltraChome HDX® 10-colour pigment ink set, the SureColor P5070 delivers outstanding output with an increased colour gamut, higher-density blacks and superior running costs. A refined printer design incorporates improved dust and static control for reduced maintenance and increased durability and reliability, and reduced ink pricing delivers lower running costs.

RRP - $2695 AUD

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PROPERTY

THE DEPRECIATION DEDUCTIONS THAT OFTEN GO UNCLAIMED 44 | century21.com.au | century21.co.nz

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epreciation continues to be one of the most common deductions missed as research suggests that just 20 per cent of property investors maximise the deductions they can claim.

On average, an income producing property owner can expect to claim between $5,000 and $10,000 in depreciation deductions in the first financial year alone. These deductions play a vital role in helping property investors improve their available cash flow and reduce the costs of holding a property.

With such high numbers failing to maximise depreciation, investors often ask what items are most often missed or are rarely claimed, to avoid missing out on deductions in the future.

To assist investors, BMT Tax Depreciation compiled a list of the common assets

missed and more obscure assets rarely claimed, as shown below.

As the table shows, ceiling fans, door closers, garbage bins, smoke alarms and freestanding garden sheds are some of the assets commonly missed by property investors.

More obscure and less frequently found items that are rarely claimed include closed circuit television systems (CCTV), intercom systems, garden watering systems and spa bath pumps.

While many of the items in the table have a low depreciable value, the depreciation deductions for these items can add up to thousands of dollars for an investor.

surveyor. This will include a detailed site inspection of the property to photograph and note every depreciable asset found in the property. The quantity surveyor will then use their expert knowledge of depreciation and utilise methods such as immediate write-offs and low-value pooling to maximise the deductions that can be claimed for the investment property owner.

All of the deductions a property investor is eligible to claim will be outlined in a comprehensive depreciation schedule in a format that they or their accountant can easily follow and claim the depreciation benefits when they complete their annual income tax return.

To ensure that depreciation is maximised, it is recommended that investors seek advice and obtain a tax depreciation schedule from a specialist quantity

ABOUT BRADLEY BEER

The depreciation deductions within this table have been based on the diminishing value method of depreciation and are based on a first full financial year’s claim. *Assets which have a depreciation value of $300 or less can be written off as an immediate write-off in the first full financial year’s claim. **Those assets which have a value of $1,000 or less can be added to a low-value pool and depreciated at a rate of 18.75 per cent in the first year.

Bradley Beer (B. Con. Mgt, AAIQS, MRICS, AVAA) is the Chief Executive Officer of BMT Tax Depreciation. Bradley joined BMT in 1998 and as such he has substantial knowledge about property investment, supported by expertise in property depreciation and the construction industry. Bradley is a regular keynote speaker and presenter covering depreciation services on television, radio, at conferences and exhibitions Australia-wide. To seek advice on the depreciation deductions available for any income producing property, property investors can speak with the expert team at BMT Tax Depreciation on 1300 728 726 or visit www,bmtqs.com.au

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PROPERTY

WILL PROPERTY FALL IN VALUE THIS YEAR?

46 | century21.com.au | century21.co.nz

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ith much conflicting debate about whether prices will rise or fall this year, the question of when to invest in property poses a contentious issue for investors and experts alike. Several economists argue house prices will continue rising throughout 2017 before losing momentum and falling backwards.

The truth is, it’s impossible to accurately predict market movements. There is not one uniform property market in Australia. Each market is subject to the specific supply and demand of its locality and different levels of property affordability as a result of interest rate rises. While property in some areas might fall in the future, other areas could rise. For this reason, I never try and predict the short term ups and downs of the property market and make an investment based on the long term predictions.

If you choose to delay your decision and to wait for a potential crash and it doesn’t happen, property prices will probably be even more expensive and interest rates higher, making it more unaffordable to invest. Your ability to get a loan from the bank with increased serviceability criteria may also be harder if you put off investing until later on down the track.

During the GFC, some people chose not to invest due to limited growth prospects.

However, many property markets faired relatively well in the end and anyone who invested pre-GFC generally made a profit, provided they hung on to their property and didn’t sell. Throughout the GFC, I was able to buy better properties without paying inflated prices from the competition. I got every day of the growth cycle as the market continued to rise more than my break-even point of 1-3 per cent.

A novice investor typically tries to time the market perfectly (when you have high capital growth, low interest rates, high rental yields, plenty of property available; and, relative ease to borrow money from the bank). I’ve never known an instance when you get all of these factors at the same time.

My advice is to buy when (1) you can afford to invest in property and (2) you have the cash flow to hold on to it for the short term. It’s time in the market rather than trying to time the market that counts.

When it comes to the potential for a fall in price, there are a few areas that are more susceptible than others that you should be wary of investing in.

Areas with only one or two industries supporting the local area (e.g. holiday homes, mining towns, manufacturing towns) tend to be more at risk of price falls. Similarly, high rise blocks where every apartment is exactly the same can also be more subject to falling prices - if one person drops the sales price or the rent, they all get devalued. Finally, areas with large volumes of property or vacant land and limited demand can also have more potential to experience falling prices.

Areas with small volumes of property on the market and long queues of desperate buyers trying to get into the suburb usually have more potential for price increases, making them good investments. Boutique blocks where properties may not change hands for decades at a time and areas with multiple and varied industries supporting the local community (e.g. suburbs close to our main capital cities) also have more potential for price rises.

Something to be wary of is investing in the latest hotspot areas – those suburbs predicted to undergo massive capital growth. While these areas offer the potential for instant equity and strong gains in the short term, they run the risk of failing to take off and provide long term growth or, growing at a steady pace for a few years and then remaining flat for decades. It’s much safer to opt for a blue-chip suburbs, which offer a better guarantee of consistent growth.

When it comes to purchasing property this year, my advice is to buy in the best area you can afford, ensure you have the cash flow to support it for at least a decade (a property cycle) and make sure you purchase it at a good price.

Make the decision to enter the property market sooner rather than later, the cost of delaying your decision could be high.

ABOUT CHRIS GRAY Chris Gray is one of Australia’s leading independent property experts, hosting “Your Property Empire” on Sky News Business Channel, and previously the Financial Judge on Channel 10’s The Renovators and the Property Expert on Channel 9′s MyHome TV. Chris’s knowledge comes from being a qualified accountant, mortgage broker and buyers agent, but more importantly from having personally invested in property from the age of 22 and having semi-retired from the age of 31. He is the founder and CEO of “Your Empire”, a specialist property buyers agency which builds property portfolios for time-poor people – searching, negotiating, renovating and managing property on their behalf, providing a unique insight into market conditions and buyer and seller sentiment.

For more information or to download his latest book for Free, visit www.yourempire. com.au.

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