TwentyOne Magazine - Spring 2016

SPRING | 2016

SPRING FORWARD

The ultimate spring style guide

FLORIADE IN FULL BLOOM Canberra springs to life

CAITLIN STEWART Winning race day style

KEITH EDWARDS Get growing in the most important season of all

CENTURY 21 AGENTS. SMARTER. BOLDER. FASTER.

With compliments

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

PUBLISHER

Century 21 Australia Pty Ltd

CONTRIBUTORS

HOME IDEAS

SPRING | 2016 Spring style

4

Interior inspiration

6

Selling the dream

20

Get growing

24

Repairs or renovations?

42

PROPERTY

Australian market update 10 Spring has sprung 28 Tickled pink 34 Main centre growth 38 Living the high life 44

Emma Blomfield Charles Tarbey Caitlin Stewart Cherie Barber Keith Edwards Helena and Vikki Moursellas Lynne Trevail Chris Gray

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

LIFESTYLE

We have in preparing this information used our

Floriade in full bloom

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Winning race day style

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best endeavours to ensure that the information 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

Kassandra bread salad 30 Out with the old 32

permitted without the express written permission of the publisher. Century 21 Australia Pty Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of statements made in advertising or editorial in this publication, nor the quality of services or products

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promoted. The publisher excludes any liability for any loss or damage sustained by readers arising

TECH

from, or in conjunction with , the supply or use of

App review 16 Tech essentials 40

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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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SPRING | 2016

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HOME IDEAS

SPRING STYLE Give your home new life with these great pieces from Bunnings.

CHAPALA LARGE BBQ PIZZA OVEN This hand-made clay pizza oven exudes a rustic charm, and will fill you with the delights of traditional wood fired pizzas.

In around five to seven minutes, the oven can cook two small pizzas infused with a delicious, smoky flavour. Perfect for entertaining, the oven also creates a warm ambience for your guests to enjoy. $549.00 AUD

MATADOR ARTISTE 4 BURNER KITCHEN For the serious barbecue masters amongst us, the Matador Artiste will be on their wish list. It is a total kitchen experience in one appliance – including a wok burner, a teppanyaki plate, a rotisserie and rear radiant burner for temperature control, a fingerprint free finish and Grillsmart™ Technology for healthier cooking, reduced flare ups and easy cleaning. Outdoor entertaining just got a serious upgrade. $1,899 AUD

BRILLIANT ROXBURY COACH EXTERIOR WALL LIGHT As spring nights get warmer, its time to embrace our outdoor areas again. The Roxbury light will brighten your space in style, with a stainless steel exterior coach and six clear glass panels. They are also compatible with energy saving CFL and LED bulbs. $37.26 AUD

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SPRING | 2016

MIMOSA AVANI CORNER LOUNGE W/PILLOWS The Mimosa Avani Corner lounge is a fun and funky addition for outdoor entertaining as the weather warms up. The timber contrasts beautifully with the UV protected polyester seating, and the patterned throw pillows complete the lounge, ensuring your guests are always comfortable and cosy. $1,399 AUD

MARQUEE 4 PIECE MANOR SELECTIONAL SOFA SETTING It doesn’t take much effort to spruce up your outdoor spaces for spring with the Marquee aluminium sofa setting. Lightweight and easy to move, and all contained in one package, it is hard to fault in its style and simplicity. The setting includes four pillows in a durable outdoor fabric and an ottoman table for extra comfort. $799 AUD

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HOME IDEAS

INTERIOR INSPIRATION Emma Blomfield gives us some tips for spring decorating.

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SPRING | 2016

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HOME IDEAS

T

he end of winter signals the beginning of so many great things ahead – warmer weather, weekends in the sun with friends, Christmas fast approaching, summer holidays and just a general upbeat feeling.

The minute we feel the seasons changing we all start planning new wardrobe additions, so we can easily extend this to our homes with a little thought and effort. Sometimes you don’t even need to spend much money to achieve this either.

My five tried and tested tips for injecting a little spring cheer into your home are simple and easy to achieve.

REASSESS YOUR COLOURS Has your home fallen into a drab colourless space during the depths of winter? It’s time to spruce it up in preparation for the warmer months ahead, whilst also sprucing up your own mood!

Colour has profound effects on us, so take the change in seasons as the opportunity to consider a new colour palette for your living space. Opt for three to five new colours to work back with the larger neutral pieces in the space.

ADD A TOUCH OF NATURE Look to the garden for inspiration and start snipping some fresh spring blooms to arrange in a pretty vase for the coffee table or sign up to a floral subscription service for a weekly bouquet delivery.

It’s impossible to say fresh flowers don’t affect our mood in a positive way, so even if you aren’t lucky enough to be growing a garden full of wild flowers, a $20 bunch of flowers from the local florist or supermarket can have the same impact.

PATTERNS AND PRINTS An easy way to signal spring has sprung is to pop a floral printed cushion on the sofa as the new inspiration for your spring makeover. Large print flowers are a great choice for a look that will blend with your existing space. Add a solid colour throw rug to compliment the cushion and introduce some more colour to the space for spring.

UPDATE YOUR KITCHENWARE Host a spring luncheon and use it as a great excuse to buy some new dinner plate sets, napery and glassware. Colour coordinate your plates and glassware to the spring blooms on the table and keep enjoying the new dinnerware for the rest of the season.

Serving a home cooked meal on beautiful china is a satisfying feeling.

TRY SOME DIY PROJECTS If you’re feeling arty, try your hand at some watercolour painting. You don’t need to be a qualified artist to give this a go – an afternoon spent with friends and some wine makes for a fun opportunity to create homemade art that you can frame up and hang in a hallway, bathroom or study. Or maybe you could try experimenting with flower arrangements, by threading the heads of a sturdy flower like a rose or carnation through some string and hanging it along your mantel for a bit of fun. 

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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PROPERTY

AUSTRALIAN MARKET UPDATE

Charles Tarbey gives his insight into the 2016 market and beyond.

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SPRING | 2016

O

ver the past few months, there has been plenty of activity in the Australian property market.

Despite various international and local economic events, I believe real estate remains and will continue to remain an appealing, long-term investment opportunity for many.

SUPPLY AND DEMAND Growth is still evident in the Australian market, with the CoreLogic July Home Value Index reporting a 0.8 per cent rise over July. This took capital city dwelling values 6.3 per cent higher over the first seven months of 2016.

Over the March quarter of 2016, CoreLogic analysis of property sales also reported that around one third or 31.9 per cent of homes resold for more than double their previous purchase price.

However, this does not mean market conditions are identical across Australia.

While values are still rising, four of Australia’s eight capital cities recorded a fall in dwelling values over July.

Simultaneously, the rate of growth across the combined capitals aggregate index slipped back a notch after bouncing higher in April and May. It is important to remember that conditions may vary significantly from state to state, and even suburb to suburb.

This is due to disparities in supply and demand in different markets. We have an interesting phenomenon where some markets are experiencing buoyant conditions and hot demand for the little available stock, while other markets are moving more slowly.

present a struggle if there is not much stock available. However, if you are considering selling to downsize or to relocate to a new suburb, or even state, you may find yourself in a better position to negotiate a great price.

It will be prudent to research the dynamics of supply and demand in your local area to make the most of the spring property market.

APARTMENT BOOM Over the past few months, there has also been lots of discussion about the increasing number of apartments entering the market in some areas. Unit construction is reaching record highs in many areas. The Australian Bureau of Statistics analysis of building activity for the March 2016 quarters shows that over this period, 29,987 units commenced construction nationally. CoreLogic data released at the end of July predicts that there will be around 92,000 new units constructed over the next 12 months.

In light of the construction activity and subsequent expected supply, buyers should carefully consider unit purchases. It will be crucial to weigh up the prospective location and the level of supply in the area, as well as local amenities and any future changes or planned infrastructure. This will help to evaluate whether an apartment purchase may be both a good option for downsizing and a good investment.

However, if you are planning to hold property for the long run – which is always Century 21’s preferred strategy – these considerations may be less important.

This dynamic between supply and demand that exists in many markets could mean the outlook for the spring market could be a little different to what is usually expected of the season.

The end of winter would usually be the time that properties are being prepared for listing and begin to filter into the market for a spring sale. However, we have seen that stock levels have been lower than usual and according to CoreLogic data, the number of homes listed for auction across the combined capitals at the end of July was around 20 per cent lower compared to the same time last year.

For those looking at selling up and buying in the same area, this could

rates. Borrowing more may be tempting, but depending on your circumstances, a wiser decision could be to try to pay off your current mortgage quicker or to save more.

Whatever your property goals may be, as always, I encourage those Australians wishing to transact property to carefully consider all their options and financial circumstances, and seek advice about the best way to achieve success in the real estate market. 

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 Living Rich.

Scan the qr code below or head to www.charlestarbey.com.au to get your free copy of ‘Listing Rich’.

INTEREST RATES This year, we have seen interest rates reach record lows, as the RBA most recently lowered the cash rate to 1.5 per cent. I believe Australians should carefully assess how they utilise these low

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LIFESTYLE

FLORIADE IN FULL BLOOM Canberra springs to life as Floriade festival returns for its biggest year yet.

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SPRING | 2016

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LIFESTYLE

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here is no greater celebration of spring than flowers that blossom to life again after a long winter hibernation. Each year, Canberra plays host to Floriade – a festival that heralds the arrival of the warmer months with a riot of colour and a visual treat of over one million flowers on display.

Beginning in 1988 as a grand, one-off floral tribute to mark Australia’s Bicentenary and Canberra’s 75th anniversary, Floriade has become Canberra’s most iconic annual tourism event, with interstate and international visitors enjoying the floral frenzy each year.

The Floriade team has carefully cultivated the displays throughout the year and they are ready to welcome close to half a million people to what promises to be their biggest event yet at Commonwealth Park, from 17 September to 16 October 2016.

the first Floriade festival in 1988. His first festival as the head gardener was in 1997 and he has been doing it ever since.

Andrew believes there would not be many people who can say that they have been a part of Floriade from the beginning.

TwentyOne: What is the general timeline for planting and preparing all the flowers? Did you face any challenges during this process?

Andrew: The design is completed by the Floriade design team around 18 months before the event starts. The bulbs and annuals are ordered around November, then once we get the plans in late February, we start marking out the design to build the paths and garden beds. Planting begins in early April and continues throughout the year until the end of May or early June.

TwentyOne spoke to Andrew Foster, the festival’s head gardener and Laura Raine, the Floriade program coordinator, to learn about all the hard work, dedication and the talented green thumbs behind the festival.

After the festival wraps up, we cut the flowers and send them to nursing homes and hospitals around Canberra.

Volunteers who work at Floriade get to have a dig around a selected area after the festival finishes on the Sunday night, and the rest of the bulbs we take to parks around Canberra to naturalise them.

Andrew Foster began at Floriade as an apprentice in 1987, when the Floriade trial was conducted at Yarralumla Nursery. In his third year as a horticulture apprentice he worked on

In terms of difficulties – definitely the birds! The waterbirds and cockatoos are always a challenge, so we set up fences and bird nets around everything until just before the opening day.

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TwentyOne: What are some of the flower bed designs we can expect to see this year?

Andrew: This year we have quite a bit of change in the park, with gardens positioned in different areas, and designed quite freely. Without a theme, the designs have come through more as the event programming took shape. We do have an amazing feature garden bed specifically designed by StrathAyr for Floriade, which contains 104 flower bed planted boxes creating a beautiful base for a floral design.

TwentyOne: What is the best part about being involved each year?

Andrew: Watching the bulbs and annuals being planted, and then seeing them grow into beautiful flowers. I enjoy seeing the reactions from the people who come to see the beauty of all the flowers in full bloom.

TwentyOne: What are some of your best gardening tips for TwentyOne’s readers?

Andrew: Good quality potting mix is key – buy the ten dollar bag rather than the five dollar one! Also, have a mix of bulbs and annuals growing in your garden to allow for continual flowering over a longer period.

SPRING | 2016

Floriade isn’t just a spectacular garden display. There are plenty of events over the course of the festival to educate and entertain guests, including competitions, awards and Floriade’s ‘NightFest’ which features spectacular lighting designs, music, entertainment, and comedy acts, headlined by internationally renowned and Aussie favourite, Jimeoin. Laura Raine is behind the festival’s many exciting events.

TwentyOne: How did you come to be involved in the festival, and what brings you back each year?

Laura: I have been involved with Floriade since I accepted an opportunity for an internship to further my events and festival understanding. Initially, I worked alongside the logistics team, however when presented with an opportunity to be part of the program team, of course I said yes!

I have been involved with Floriade since then, and this year’s event will see me to my sixth consecutive Floriade festival from an organiser’s eyes. I have admired the change from year to year, learning an abundance of new things along the way.

I love the festival and I love its ability to grow (pardon the pun!). I would say, amongst many reasons, these are the two that definitely draw me back each year.

TwentyOne: Can you tell us a little about the decision not to have a theme this year? What has it been like working without one?

Laura: Working without a theme has actually been a dream. This year was the first year the team has had full creative flexibility to bring Floriade audiences

new and differing experiences, and has put the focus back on the essence of Floriade, which is life in bloom. Our vision was to really celebrate the beauty of spring, and re-engage the horticultural element of the event that our visitors know and love, with a few quirky popups along the way.

TwentyOne: What are some of the program highlights this year?

Laura: A highlight for the 2016 program will definitely be seeing Adriano Zumbo creating mouth-watering treats in The Kitchen Company Tasting Plate. As a special delight, visitors may even have the chance to take home their very own Zumbo inspired goodie. In addition to this, a new venue will be popping up at Floriade this year, The Parlour.

The Parlour will house an enchanting program to explore the dark, the exotic and the unfamiliar.

There is also NightFest. This will include a local Market Place, full of delicious food and wine samplings. Amongst the illuminated garden landscapes, visitors will stumble upon larger than life wandering entertainment, from lit real working clock faces to garden bugs on stilts. A line up of top Australian standup comedians and live music will also feature in the program.

TwentyOne: So where will we find you at Floriade? What is shaping up to be your favourite exhibit?

Laura: The Floral Emporium, basking in the vibrant atmosphere of the indoor displays. You can never see and sniff too many flowers, right? I may even try my hand at a floral workshop or two.

TwentyOne: Finally, what are your best tips for people organising a trip to Floriade?

Laura: Plan your trip early, and ensure you leave plenty of time to stroll through Commonwealth Park at your own pace.

To get the most out of your experience, plan your dates around the NightFest, ensuring you see the magic of the gardens coming to life in the evening as well. And remember, bring your camera!

KEY DATES FOR THIS YEAR’S FESTIVAL FLORIADE (17 SEPTEMBER – 16 OCTOBER 2016) 9am – 5pm Mon - Fri 9am – 5.30pm Weekends NIGHTFEST (28 SEPTEMBER – 02 OCTOBER 2016) 6.30pm – 10.30pm Wed - Sun NightFest is a ticketed event.

Tickets can be purchased from Ticketek.

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TECHNOLOGY

APP REVIEW

Organisation is easy with these handy apps.

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SPRING | 2016

SORTLY APP

SWIPES

TRELLO

Sortly isn’t called the ultimate organiser app for no reason. Sortly allows you to create a visual inventory of all your items using photos, QR labels, tags and notes. It makes moving and packing extremely easy, because you’ll always know exactly where everything is, even items you’ve lent to others. One of the app’s best features is that it allows you to synchronise everything to all devices automatically. Users can easily manage, search and categorise all their items – it’s the perfect app for those who want to stay organised.

Voted one of the best productivity apps, Swipes is here to help you manage all your tasks and todo lists. This app allows you to collect tasks from your email, notes, calendar and more, and prioritise them according to personal preference. Swipes helps you plan each day according to what’s important, and is designed to help users improve organisational habits and create successful workflows. If you’re looking for that extra guidance when it comes to organising and managing daily tasks, Swipes will help you by breaking down big jobs into small jobs so it sounds less daunting. Use the app to help keep procrastination at bay.

Trello helps you organise everything from your personal projects, work to domestic duties. Trello is the perfect accompaniment for those who like to stay organised, because it keeps you on top of all your tasks. You can add ideas as your project develops and grows. Personalise the way you manage each project, as the interface allows you to change how you want to see your work, whenever you want. Trello is a powerful project management tool that not only allows you to self-manage, it also aids online collaboration and allows you to be flexible in the way you can work.

COST: FREE

COST: FREE

COST: FREE

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LIFESTYLE

WINNING RACE DAY STYLE Caitlin Stewart gives TwentyOne her best style advice for the spring carnival.

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SPRING | 2016

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cross Australia, the spring season heralds the start of the racing carnival. A day spent trackside is enjoyed by many with some bubbles, good friends and a flutter on the horses.

However, it isn’t just the equine prowess on show. The sartorial stakes are high for racegoers, with the bar raising the closer the calendar creeps to the famous Melbourne Cup Day. Choosing a winning outfit can be tricky, however stylist Caitlin Stewart reminds us of some simple tips to ensure your race day style is on point. Seasonal choices, an aura of elegance and trending pieces describe her inspiration for racegoers this year.

Headpieces are one of the most traditional pieces of a lady’s race outfit.

Whether a hat or a fascinator, it has long been the norm to wear something on your head. If you are planning on entering ‘Fashions on the Field’ competitions, this will be an essential part of the criteria.

red tie or printed pocket square. Pink, purple and crisp white are also great matches. If a charcoal suit is your choice, consider pairing it with pink, maroons or fresh greens.

For the gentleman who really wishes to make his mark, modern pin stripes or window pane checks are statement options. You will be sure to turn heads if matched with the right accessories, such as pocket squares, floral lapel pins and belts and shoes that match perfectly in colour and leather tone.

Remember classic comfort, with some elegant and on-trend pieces and your outfit will be sure to lead the style stakes during the spring carnival. 

Spring headwear should match the lighter, breezier season – think fun feathers, raffia, jute or straw. More recently, headbands are reigning supreme as they give a hint of understated elegance whilst still meeting tradition.

Matching your headwear to your outfit is crucial. As the sun is shining, let the bright, fun colours and summer florals or prints of your outfit pop. Knee-length dresses will be the most appropriate choice, avoiding anything too flashy or ‘blingy’ and beach style dresses that are too casual. Ladylike looks will be the standout, showing polish from head to toe. Consider a light shawl or pashmina for days that may get a little breezy.

A long day on your feet also calls for the right footwear, so look for a comfortable heel height that you can easily walk in. Wedges or thick heels will be most suitable when standing on the grass to avoiding sinking in.

A stylish gentleman will ensure he has a well fitted jacket or blazer at the very least. For spring racing, black suits can be a little dark so it’s great to mix it up with a softer tone. Charcoal and navy suits are great options that act as a blank canvas for mixing up shirt colours and accessory options, as well as remaining a classic option for seasons to come.

Caitlin suggests styling a navy suit with a shirt in a soft baby blue tone, and a

ABOUT CAITLIN STEWART Caitlin is a Personal Stylist, Image Consultant, Corporate Presenter and Media Wardrobe Stylist based in Sydney. Caitlin has trained and worked in Fashion in Milan Italy and in addition to her large database of personal clients, she works with major shopping centres styling and presenting fashion stage shows, lectures at a prominent fashion business college and styles wardrobe for key media talent across Foxtel channels and Network Ten. She is head of wardrobe for the lifestyle show, The Living Room on Network Ten. Her passion is working with real bodies embracing key season trends and interpreting them to individual clients. Caitlin’s key objective is to continue to develop tailored image solutions for her clients with a modern edge whilst solving personal image challenges with creativity and understanding.

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HOME IDEAS

SELLING THE DREAM Cherie Barber equips us with some spring styling power.

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SPRING | 2016

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HOME IDEAS

S

pring is traditionally when buyers come out of hibernation, emerging from weeks of inspection-free weekends, gung-ho about finding the right property before Christmas. Sellers enthusiastically spruce up their property, ready to capitalise on the rush. After the cold winter months, gardens inevitably need a new lease of life and anything susceptible to damp will need to be cleansed of musty odours, so everything looks and smells fresh and inviting. A good declutter and spring clean always reaps dividends.

However, the real master stroke when it comes to presenting your property in the best possible light is styling.

Real estate veterans will tell you that an expertly styled property can add an extra 10 per cent to the sale price.

To have a place professionally styled may cost anywhere between $2,000 and $7,000, depending on the size and property value. However, if that can deliver tens of thousands of dollars extra come sale day, it can be a pretty astute investment.

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The main aim when you’re presenting a property for sale is to reach the maximum number of buyers. You want to create an atmosphere that people walk into and immediately imagine themselves living in, surrounded by their own furniture and prized possessions. That’s going to be tricky for them to visualise if they’re surrounded by furniture and colours they hate, photos and personal memorabilia they can’t relate to and odd-shaped rooms or sprawling spaces they don’t know what to do with.

SPRING | 2016

Styling camouflages, highlights and flatters, all at the same time. A professional eye can quickly see the flaws that need concealing and the good points to play up.

They can make a dead space functional, turn a spare room into a slick home office, make a tiny bedroom look much larger than it actually is, and turn a cavernous, cold space into an inviting, warm one.

Simply by correct furniture selection and placement, a professional stylist can control how people move around a room, where they look and to a large extent, how they feel in that space.

A typical hotel lobby is a good example of how design and styling come together to present a very precise look and mood that captures a specific market and the “flavour” of the hotel. A boutique hotel might go for warmth and intimacy; a five-star hotel will probably be big on wow factor and glamour; an ubercool hotel with a niche market might experiment with the latest trends; and a budget hotel will likely settle for something unpretentious and neutral.

In the same way, an experienced stylist knows how to tap into your target market – be it families or young professionals – and create a look that the majority of people in that market will feel at home with. First, they’ll declutter and

de-personalise, then through a carefully chosen combination of furnishings, colour combinations, strategically placed artworks, mirrors, lamps and objects, they’ll sell the dream.  FIVE STYLIST TRICKS OF THE TRADE 1.

Focal points are an effective way to divert attention away from something you don’t want people to focus on. It might be a stunning urn in a courtyard with an ugly fence.

2. Mirrors are a great way to make any space feel larger, whether it’s at the end of a hallway or hanging in a small room.

3.

Spend money on quality bed linen - a beautifully dressed bed can make an average bedroom look amazing.

4. Rugs can help define “zones” in an open-plan space, such as the dining area versus lounge area.

5. Open the doors and windows before an inspection to air out the property and ensure they are no lingering odours.

ABOUT CHERIE BARBER Cherie Barber is a public educator and TV renovator on Network TEN’s The Living Room and host of 5 Day Flip in the USA. To enrol in Cherie’s in 3-day renovating workshop, visit: www.renovatingforprofit.com.au Cherie is also teaming up The Living Room stylist James Treble to create Interior Design for Profit (IDFP) online course.

For more information, visit : https://renovatingforprofit. leadpages.co/idfp/

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HOME IDEAS

GET GROWING

Keith Edwards tells us why spring is the most important season of all.

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SPRING | 2016

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pring is one of the four seasons that apply to the Australasian temperate zones, which includes all of New Zealand, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, the South-Eastern corner of South Australia, the SouthWest of Western Australia, and the areas south of Brisbane, officially starting on the 1st of September, finishing on the 30th of November.�

For me, this is the most important season of all, more so today than in the previous years of my life.

As a landscape architect and garden consultant, any season was important and any consultation and commission was part of my livelihood. This all changed back in 2007/8 when I hung up my pens and put away the tracing paper, embarking upon a new career with Australia’s largest gardening club, The Diggers Club.

My role for the club was as a Retail Manager and, through the business, I learnt about the amazing heirloom varieties of trees, shrubs and vegetables that Diggers championed, rescued and resurrected and then showcased in their amazing gardens of Heronswood, in Dromana and St Erth, in Blackwood, both in Victoria. My association with Diggers changed the way I saw gardens, starting firstly with my own and then a

little later, with other gardens I designed and re-designed.

For me, I looked at my garden in a total new light, and it is here that I am so markedly reminded of the seasons and the importance of spring.

Even for a very structured garden, (roughly 300 square meters) with an abundance of hedging, topiary, clipped lawns, beautiful flowering specimens, rare and unusual plantings, old fashioned roses and climbers, conifers providing structure, and sweeping borders for pleasure, change was now just a spade away. I wanted a return from my garden, not just in visuals but in victuals.

I replaced much of the plantings with tree and shrub varieties that would provide a return on the space they existed in, so flowering camellias gave way to avocados, laurels to citrus, and ornamental flowering trees to edible old heirloom varieties of apple. Some of my other favourites include Williams pears, St Dominique figs, Stella cherries and Victoria plums, as well as olives for oils and others for eating. Some other unusual plants include Babaco, which is a cold climate paw paw, white sapote, bananas and macadamias.

In spring, the abundant floral and perfume display from these plants sets

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

HOME IDEAS

me up for a wonderful return from the redesign of the garden, without the loss of its impact. My lawn remains, but much of it has given way to a raised vegetable garden that exudes a riot of colour from its many heirloom plantings.

Plants that give their best display in spring are the amazing Brassicas such as Red Drumhead cabbage, the Tuscan Black kale with the curly Red Russian kale, the beautiful spiralling lime green heads of Romanesco broccoli, Purple of Sicily cauliflower and the ruby coloured Brussels sprouts.

All of this would not have been made possible, nor achieved, without a strict adherence to gardening with organic practices.

Not only is the season of spring so important to the plants, but so it is to the soil. I have nourished the soil, not with manmade synthetic chemical fertilizers full of toxic heavy metals, but with nature’s compost, created by those unseen microbes and the flora and fauna we give little precedence to.

My soils are fed not only with nature’s compost, but with ‘Rock Dust’ which adds to the soil up to 90 trace elements and minerals that have long vanished from our soils over time. These elements are absorbed by the trees, shrubs and vegetables and packed back into their fruits, for us to receive. Added to the soils are applications of microbial fungi (Australia has just 10 per cent left of these valuable soil components). They will have a beneficial symbiotic relationship with plant roots allowing them to deep mine way down into the soil structure with their mycelium, absorbing minerals and moisture that would otherwise be way out of their reach.

Additions of BioChar (charcoal created by burning oxygen deficient fertilized organic substances, heated to 635 degrees Celsius) to the soil structure can allow for greater moisture holding capacity and can act as a slow release fertilizer that will last a thousand years.

I finally add mulch to cover, preserve and protect our valuable soils from erosion by wind and water, whilst suppressing weeds and protecting the flora and fauna that makes our soils rich and fertile. I rotate mulch varieties each spring to bring the soil different components.

Today, I provide consultations and designs that will provide not just a spectacular spring display, but one that creates a journey in your garden throughout the whole year. 

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

ABOUT KEITH EDWARDS Keith Edwards is a qualified Landscape Architect, within 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 as National Sales Managers at various expo’s 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.

With RentCover, things are never as bad as theySPRING seem. | 2016 With RentCover, things are never as bad as they seem.

Property Manager Property Hi Terry, sorry to tell you Manager this but your tenants have done a runner! And they Hi Terry, sorry to tell you this but your already owe 3 weeks rent... tenants have done a runner! And they already owe 3 weeks rent...

You’re kidding!

You’re kidding!

Couldn’t have come at a worse time. I’ve got so many bills...

Couldn’t have come at a worse time. I’ve got so many bills...

And I think they had a leaving party...the place is pretty smashed up!

And I think they had a leaving party...the place is pretty smashed up!

Seriously? I can’t afford this!

Seriously? I can’t afford this!

You know there is some good news...

You know there is some good news...

Yeah, sure there is.

1800 661 662 | F: 1300 794 773 | enquiries@rentcover.com.au | www.rentcover.com.au Elkington Bishop Molineaux Insurance Brokers Pty Ltd | ABN 31 009 179 640 | AFSLN 246986 | Est 1975 1800 661 662 | F: 1300 794 773 | enquiries@rentcover.com.au | www.rentcover.com.au Elkington Bishop Molineaux Insurance Brokers Pty Ltd | ABN 31 009 179 640 | AFSLN 246986 | Est 1975

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

RERCCU043-160929

Are you covered? Call us today 1800 661 662 Are you Call us today 1800 661 662 orcovered? visit www.rentcover.com.au or visit www.rentcover.com.au

RERCCU043-160929

Yeah, sure there is.

I’ve already submitted a claim on your RentCover landlord insurance policy.

I’ve already submitted a claim on your They’re generally settled within 5 days, RentCover landlord insurance policy. so we should have a cheque by next They’re generally settled within 5 days, week. so we should have a cheque by next week.

PROPERTY

SPRING HAS SPRUNG 28 | century21.com.au | century21.co.nz

SPRING | 2016

S

pring is a great time to do a few things around your investment property. Whether you don the overalls yourself or hire professionals, there are a number of spring cleaning jobs and easy repairs that you can knock over fairly quickly to improve the look of your property and keep your tenants happy.  N ew

lick of paint – keep the colour palette neutral and remember to prep surfaces properly before repainting or touching-up chips and scratches.

Your hard work will look better and last longer.

 R eplace

tapware, cupboard handles and fixed fittings and furnishings (e.g. curtains, blinds, lighting) – an easy way to give your property an up-to-date look.

 H ave curtains professionally cleaned.  I f

your property is air-conditioned, check the units and, if necessary, get them serviced before summer arrives.

 S team

clean tiles and hard surfaces such as countertops (don’t forget the grout).

 P olish

stainless steel benchtops and appliances.

renovating. While you’re doing the “spring cleaning”, it’s also a good time to review your insurance policies and update your cover. Ensure your insurance policy is still the right one for you and that it provides the best and most relevant cover for your investment property.

Whether you are a landlord with a portfolio of properties or own just a single property that you wish to rent out, landlord insurance is vital. Having a sound policy in place will help protect and safeguard your property in the event of any calamity or disaster, as well as in the event of unpaid rent. Remember that standard home insurance does not generally cover a property occupied by tenants, so in order to have effective protection, landlord insurance is required.

EBM’s RentCover General Manager Sharon Fox-Slater said EBM appreciates this is typically a hectic period for landlords but it’s important to take the time to make sure you’re adequately covered with the right insurance.

Remember if you’re comparing different policies, don’t just consider the price. You need to look at what is actually covered.

“From time-to-time we hear of unfortunate scenarios where clients inadvertently let

their policies lapse, leaving themselves vulnerable should an incident occur.

“I’d like to remind all our clients to check their landlords’ policy end dates and the cover included,” said Ms Fox-Slater. “If there are policies that are nearing expiry it is an ideal opportunity to ensure the cover they have in place is adequate for their needs.”

If you already have a RentCover policy here are a couple of things to check: Units / Townhouses: Typically the RentCoverUltra policy is used for strata-titled and similar properties. It automatically includes up to $50,000 against defined events as well as tenantrelated damage and loss of rent in almost every situation.

Houses: RentCoverPlatinum is designed specifically for single dwellings such as houses. It includes all the tenant-related features of RentCoverUltra, as well as a defined events building policy at discounted rates.

Short term letting properties: RentCoverShortTerm is designed specifically for properties let for short periods such as holiday homes and corporate leasing. 

If you would like to discuss your landlords’ insurance needs please contact us on 1800 661 662 or visit www.rentcover.com.au.

 M ake sure overhead fans and exhaust/

extractor fans are working well.

 F ix

leaking taps, loose hinges and screws (especially on handrails and stairs), sticking windows and jamming doors, torn flyscreens, broken tiles, cracks, damaged paths and driveways.

 C heck

that door and window locks and security systems work properly.

 U se

a high-pressure hose to clean outdoor areas.

 I f

your property has a pool or spa, make sure the water is treated and that fences and gates are working properly.

 G ive

the garden a once over – mow, weed, prune, mulch and fix watering systems.

For a few hours’ work you can often give your investment property a clean new look without the cost of redecorating or century21.co.nz | century21.com.au | 29

LIFESTYLE

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

SPRING | 2016

KASSANDRA BREAD SALAD Try Helena and Vikki Moursellas’ traditional spring salad.

Kassandra is at the westernmost tip of Halkidiki, and is where our Yiayia Koula was born and bred. You will find this salad in most restaurants in Greece. We love using rye bread as it soaks up all the gorgeous oils and juices at the bottom of the bowl beautifully.

Serves 4-6

INGREDIENTS         

1 small rye bread roll 8 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 100g Danish feta 100g pitted mixed black and green olives ½ red onion, thinly sliced 2 tomatoes, cut into quarters 2 tablespoon red wine vinegar Salt, to taste A few springs dress dill, finely chopped

METHOD

ABOUT HELENA AND VIKKI

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C.

Helena and Vikki Moursellas appeared on My Kitchen Rules in 2014 and quickly became fan favourites on the show, watched by millions. Embracing their Greek heritage, they are known for cooking up a storm with traditional flavours and dishes, whilst infusing a modern twist. This recipe has been extracted from their book, from ‘Taking You Home’ by Helena and Vikki Moursellas, Hachette Australia, $39.99.

2. Tear apart the rye bread and place on a baking tray. Drizzle with 2-3 tablespoons of the olive oil and toast in the oven for 10 minutes.

3.

Crumble the feta into a mixing bowl and add the olives, onion and tomato. Add the rye bread and dress with vinegar and 4-5 tablespoons of olive oil.

4. Toss to combine all the ingredients and add salt to taste. Garnish with the chopped dill.

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LIFESTYLE

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SPRING | 2016

OUT WITH THE OLD Lynne Trevail gives us some spring cleaning tips and tricks.

A

s we move into spring, it’s time to shed our winter layers and begin a spring clean. This gives us a chance to clear out the old and begin with the new. Spring is when change takes place, and what better place to start than in the home.

Having too much stuff is the malaise of the 21st century. We are the generation of upgrade. Whether it is our technology, clothing or furniture, we are adding to our list of belongings, often without removing the stuff we no longer use.

This can create anxiety and a feeling of drowning in stuff. Time is wasted never being able to find what we are looking for, and money is wasted replacing the stuff we can’t find. It is time to take a stand against clutter and lighten the load – both physically and emotionally.

So where do we start?

My advice to clients is always begin small. Often people have grandiose ideas of decluttering the whole home in one fell swoop. This will only lead to overload and exhaustion, with a high probability of giving up halfway through.

Start with one drawer at a time. This should take no more than 15 minutes.

The time spent is minimal, however the result can be seen immediately.

Begin somewhere that isn’t emotional, like the bathroom. It is easy to make a

decision about out-of-date medicines and almost empty shampoo bottles.

night? Find the reason that motivates you, and let the spring clean begin. 

When tackling more emotional areas, like the wardrobe, ask yourself these questions. Do I use it? Do I need it? Do I love it? If your answer isn’t yes and you haven’t worn it in two years, it is unlikely you will wear it again.

A couple of handy tips regarding your wardrobe. Firstly, follow the rule of one in, one out. If you buy a new t-shirt, throw out an old one.

Secondly, have a charity bag by the front door so you can throw away the old t-shirt, and ensure it doesn’t end up back in the wardrobe. Once filled, this can go straight to donation.

Decluttering is very much like going to the gym. Small and often will yield greater results than one long session, once.

Often we need someone to guide us, so we can make the best use of the session, rather like a personal trainer. If you don’t think you can motivate yourself, get a professional organiser to help so you can kick start the decluttering process.

And lastly, work out your why.

Do you want to find your keys in under 30 seconds? Do you want to be able to eat dinner at the dining room table every

ABOUT LYNNE TREVAIL As a teacher, life coach and professional organiser, I have the privilege of helping people on a daily basis. My aim is to assist people to do things more efficiently. When working with clients to declutter, the idea is to create a space for them that embodies the items they need, want and love, while clearing away the things that are causing chaos and confusion. The purpose

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

PROPERTY

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SPRING | 2016

TICKLED PINK Century 21’s famous gold jacket turns pink again in October.

T

he world’s most recognised real estate jacket is turning pink for the month of October in an initiative aimed at raising awareness and funds for Cancer Council’s ‘Pink Ribbon’ campaign.

Pink themed charity golf days, charity auctions and awards dinners will be held in each Australian state and in addition, the Century 21 website and marketing collateral will also be making the switch to pink.

For the third year running, Century 21 agents across Australia and New Zealand will be seen at auctions, open homes and around their local communities wearing limited edition pink jackets, complemented with pink accessories such as scarves and ties.

“Cancer Council is proud to partner with Century 21 in support of Pink Ribbon to help beat women’s cancers.

This year it is estimated that 20,000 women will be diagnosed with a breast or gynaecological cancer and sadly, around 12 Australian women will die from women’s cancers each day,” said Professor Sanchia Aranda, CEO of Cancer Council Australia.

“Each day, over 50 Australian women are told that they have breast or gynaecological cancer,” said Charles Tarbey.

“Cancer has such a devastating impact on so many Australian lives and our network wanted to play a small part in supporting the valuable work of Cancer Council.

“Our offices embrace the chance to get creative in planning events and activities to rally the support of their local communities behind the Pink Ribbon campaign.

“Regardless of whether you are interested in real estate or not, we hope to see as many people as possible attend the fundraising events and have some fun supporting such a worthwhile cause,” said Charles Tarbey.

“Century 21 are raising vital funds and awareness to help Cancer Council continue its work in areas such as research, prevention programs and support services,” said Professor Aranda.

Australians can also show their support for Cancer Council and Pink Ribbon Day in October by purchasing items from the Pink Ribbon Day merchandise range, including an enamel pin ($5) and pens ($6), at stalls near local shopping areas, train and bus stations and other major locations on Pink Ribbon Day. Pink Ribbon Day events can also be hosted in October.

Visit pinkribbon.com.au for key dates and further information. 

Last year, Century 21 staff proudly raised over $120,000 and the company is striving to better this result in 2016.

During auctions and open homes in October, Century 21 agents will be collecting donations, selling pink merchandise and hosting many exciting fundraising events in their local communities. century21.co.nz | century21.com.au | 35

LIFESTYLE

SPOTLIGHT ON ROOTS RESTAURANT One of New Zealand’s most unique dining experiences.

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SPRING | 2016

G

uests who sit down for a degustation at Roots in Lyttleton, New Zealand, can always anticipate a surprise. They should not expect to peruse a traditional menu – Roots doesn’t believe in a piece of paper that limits the creativity and evolution of their offerings. Rather, as the seasons change, so does the menu. As the offerings mimic the cycle of nature, the seasonal ingredients are ever-changing so they can be savoured at their freshest, during their peak of highest quality.

At Roots, the experience isn’t just about eating. Roots places value upon the stories behind the food when presenting food to their guests – highlighting where it is from and how it has been sourced. The offerings become more personal this way, with a meal becoming a more interactive experience for guests, allowing a greater understanding of the food they consume and the potential to change perceptions about what flavours they will enjoy.

Opened in November 2012, Chef Giulio Sturla and his wife Christy have committed to creating all of their dishes from scratch, using only the freshest ingredients New Zealand can deliver. In all of the five, eight and twelve course degustation menus on offer, the produce is sourced from family-owned producers and suppliers, biodynamic farms and their own extensive herb garden.

“Our dedicated team and friends in the community are constantly foraging in and around Canterbury, which is deeply rooted in our restaurant philosophy,” said Restaurant Manager, Manuel Hesse.

The philosophy of Roots also emphasises the importance of sustainability in sourcing locally. Rather than searching far and wide for ingredients that will inevitably suffer in their journey from source to plate, they seek to embrace the myriad of things that can be used in one’s own surrounds.

“We believe that sustainability is the only way that we can maintain our quality of food and preserve it for the future, not only for us, but for everyone else in New Zealand and the world,” said Hesse.

With spring upon us, and nature awakening after a long winter hibernation, guests can look forward to ingredients that are coming to life once again. Baby vegetables, shoots and flowers are just a tease of the tastes to come from dishes that will always maintain their inspiration from the offerings of Mother Nature.  Roots Restaurant 8 London Street, Lyttelton +64 3 328 7658 restaurant@rootsrestaurant.co.nz

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PROPERTY

38 | century21.com.au | century21.co.nz

SPRING | 2016

MAIN CENTRE GROWTH WILL SEE MORE SMALL TOWN COMMUTERS

By Century 21 New Zealand National Manager, Geoff Barnett.

T

he latest Quotable Value figures show house values rising by 5.6 per cent nationwide in New Zealand over the last three months.

This is the fastest three-month increase in 12 years, and may see many country towns and districts in proximity to New Zealand’s increasingly expensive centres becoming the next hot property.

“In the last couple of years we’ve seen the halo effect take hold around Auckland with the likes of Hamilton and Tauranga really heating up. My money is now on the small towns and districts surrounding our main centres being the next to enjoy some good price growth,” said Century 21 New Zealand Manager, Geoff Barnett.

Mr Barnett has long predicted 2016 will be relatively strong across New Zealand and this is proving to be right when you consider real estate in many of the regions is performing well, interest rates remain low, and Auckland’s relentless population growth continues.

Across the board there has been some strong growth in annual values - with

the likes of Auckland (up 16.1 per cent in 12 months), Hamilton (29 per cent), Tauranga (23.6 per cent), Queenstown (25 per cent), and Wellington (12.4 per cent).

“Our capital city is now going pretty well after some quiet years with values for the Wellington region well up. This has been helped by the likes of Auckland property investors switching to Wellington for much better rental yields, while also enjoying strong capital gains,” said Mr Barnett.

Another noticeable trend is the continued growth of Auckland’s outlying areas which continue to perform strongly and are increasingly popular.

“Plenty of people are taking advantage of the low interest rates while they last, with more and more trading in their central convenience for a bit more time in the car. However, no longer is that mainly an Auckland phenomenon. Expect to see more commuters living outside our other main centres and travelling back and forth every day,” concluded Mr Barnett. 

century21.co.nz | century21.com.au | 39

TECHNOLOGY

TECH ESSENTIALS TwentyOne checks out Apple’s latest gadgets.

THE 9.7-INCH iPAD PRO Weighing only 500 grams, the 9.7-inch iPad Pro is conveniently portable – making it perfect for work and for play. The new generation iPad is incredibly fast and easy to use, allowing users to be more productive and more creative. The technology has been upgraded with a new Retina display, four-speaker audio system, an incredibly fast A9X chip, as well as a 12-megapixel iSight camera and 5-megapixel FaceTime HD camera. For those who’ve been considering a switch from a PC to an iPad, perhaps now is the time.

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

SPRING | 2016

MACBOOK The newest Macbook just got an update with the latest Intel processors. With better graphics, faster flash storage and additional battery life, this is the thinnest and lightest Mac yet. Featuring a stunning 12-inch Retina display, a highly responsive full-size keyboard and a Force Touch trackpad, it is available in four slick colours.

The latest version even comes in a beautiful rose gold finish. There are no moving parts or vents - this MacBook is completely fan-less, so users can enjoy silent, efficient performance.

iPHONE SE This is Apple’s most powerful 4-inch display iPhone. Unbelievably compact, its exterior has had a slight update with matte-chamfered edges and a colour matched stainless steel Apple logo – available in four metallic finishes.

This iPhone packs a punch with longer battery life, a 12-megapixel iSight camera, live photos and faster LTE and Wi-Fi. It’s a smaller phone with all the goods. One of the biggest improvements is the camera capability with Focus Pixel Technology, an Appledesigned image signal processor, advanced noise reduction and third-generation local tone mapping and better face detection. The results? Sharper, more detailed photos, just like those shot on an iPhone 6.

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HOME IDEAS

42 | century21.com.au | century21.co.nz

SPRING | 2016

REPAIRS OR RENOVATIONS? Work completed can spring up unknown tax deductions.

W

e often spring clean our homes, but how often do you think about whether your investment property could do with a touch of TLC? Spring is a great time to consider whether to carry out repairs and maintenance to your property or even to consider a renovation. However, before you get out the hammer and nails, it’s important to be aware of how any work you complete could impact the deductions you can claim in the future.

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) provides clear definitions to explain the difference between repairs, maintenance and capital improvements which can occur when completing work to a property.

will process these claims for you when you complete your annual income tax return.

However, any work which improves the condition or value of an item beyond its original state at the time of purchase will be considered a capital improvement.

Owners of investment properties must be particularly careful when claiming deductions for work that may be deemed as a capital improvement, as the ATO clearly outlines that these must be claimed as capital works deductions or plant and equipment and depreciated over time.

Repairs are classed as work completed to fix damage to or deterioration of the property. An example might include replacing part of the guttering damaged during a storm.

Any structural additions or renovations, such as adding an internal fall or a verandah, removing and replacing the kitchen cupboards or even building a new retaining wall will result in capital works deductions. Simply removing an old oven or a dishwasher and replacing it with a new one will also affect the deductions for plant and equipment assets.

Maintenance, on the other hand is work completed to prevent deterioration of the property. This sort of work might include oiling the deck or having a plumber ensure that hot water systems or taps are in good working condition.

Owners of investment properties should be aware of these rules and if they decide to complete work, they should seek advice from their accountant and specialist quantity surveyor before they begin.

Expenses for both repairs and maintenance can be claimed as a deduction in the financial year in which the expenditure occurs. An accountant

When renovating a property, both the removal of items and newly installed structures and assets can affect the depreciation deductions available.

Prior to starting renovation work, it is recommended to ask the quantity surveyor to complete a site inspection to identify existing assets and structures. A process known as scrapping also allows owners to claim any remaining undeducted depreciation available in the year of an items removal.

When renovations result in capital improvements, existing depreciation schedules should be updated to capture new structures and assets added.

Failing to claim repairs and maintenance or capital improvements correctly can impact investors in a few ways:  Th ey

may miss out on immediate deductions available for repairs and maintenance by not claiming them in the year the expense is incurred;

 Th ey

may risk being audited by the ATO if capital improvements are claimed incorrectly as repairs and maintenance costs.

Seek advice before you start any changes or improvements to avoid springing up any unwanted tax implications when completing work on your property.

Your accountant has a wealth of information and the expert staff at BMT Tax Depreciation can assist with any questions relating to the depreciation deductions available. 

century21.co.nz | century21.com.au | 43

PROPERTY

44 | century21.com.au | century21.co.nz

SPRING | 2016

LIVING THE HIGH LIFE Chris Gray’s tips for investing in apartments this spring.

A

s apartment numbers in some areas skyrocket across the country , buyers might have a smorgasbord of choice and far less competition when it comes to buying up. With this in mind, spring could be the perfect time to consider investing in an apartment.

For new market entrants like first home buyers, apartments provide a more affordable and low maintenance option than a home. They are also a good option for busy professionals who don’t want to concern themselves with garden maintenance and enjoy being close to the city.

So, with an influx of apartment offerings expected to be on the market this spring, here are the most common questions I am asked, and my recommendations.

SHOULD I PURCHASE OFFTHE-PLAN, NEWLY BUILT OR AN ESTABLISHED APARTMENT? This alone is one of the most important factors when looking at an investment and there are a variety of pros and cons associated with each. There’s no right or wrong when it comes to newer versus older properties - it all depends on the property in question, and price.

One of the main advantages of buying off-the-plan is that you might be able to pay today’s price at a later date and take ownership of the property when it’s worth a higher value. The downside of purchasing off-the-plan is that if the market price decreases significantly during the building process, you could end up paying more than the property is worth. My advice is to consult an independent valuer to assess the price

being charged and then do some independent research to get an idea of where the market is heading. Before signing any off-the-plan contracts, you should also check for clauses to ensure the size and design of your apartment will not be significantly altered in any way during the building process and that the developer can’t purposely delay completion to get out of the contract if the property values have risen.

Newly built apartments are exactly that – new. They are very attractive to prospective renters and they will usually sell at a higher price in comparison to an older apartment that hasn’t been updated. However, don’t discount older buildings as they are usually larger in size and tend to be more affordable in price, giving you more for your money.

HOW SHOULD I COMPARE DIFFERENT APARTMENTS? When starting your apartment search, be sure to keep track of the properties you have viewed. Seeing 10 open houses a day can be overwhelming and confusing when you’re looking back at the details a few weeks later. Construct a simple spreadsheet and compare what the agents were quoting to what it finally sold for. To ensure you get the best deal possible, it’s a good idea to compare ongoing apartment costs over time – such as body corporate, strata fees, etc.

When you go to inspections, make sure you also get the size of the property (internal and external), the anticipated rental return and other important numbers to ensure you’re comparing like with like. You should also get an independent valuation of any property you purchase to ensure that you are paying a fair price.

century21.co.nz | century21.com.au | 45

PROPERTY

WHAT HIDDEN COSTS SHOULD I LOOK OUT FOR?

inform you of building insurance records and activity over the past few years.

When purchasing an apartment, be wary of fancy amenities such as a lift, a gym, swimming pool or 24-hour concierge.

While an attractive draw card for potential tenants, these amenities often incur expensive strata fees. In my experience, tenants are rarely prepared to pay more for amenities like these. However they may be essential if you’ve bought a holiday, leisure or CBD type investment.

WHAT’S GOING TO BE THE EASIEST TO SELL A FEW YEARS DOWN THE TRACK?

It’s integral that you know ‘the whole story’ about a property before you purchase to help prevent unexpected costs popping up down the track. Before purchasing any apartment, you could purchase the strata report for the building to confirm the strata fees you’ll have to pay each month and

Apartments located close to the CBD and leisure facilities, schools, public transport and beaches always make great investments. When the market’s up, they are more likely to gain value, and when the market’s down, they’re less likely to lose value.

Apartments in smaller blocks are safest, since they usually attract lower strata fees than bigger blocks, which often require extra maintenance expenses and rarely give you any more rent or capital growth.

Properties that are in smaller blocks are

unique since there’s usually less available for rent or sale at any one time. By contrast, in big blocks, as soon as someone else more desperate than you knocks down the rent or reduces their price for a quick sale, every other property on the block drops in value.

WILL A BUYER’S AGENT GET ME THE BEST DEAL? Viewing a succession of properties can be time consuming and disheartening, to say the least, especially when you are juggling everything else on your plate. A buyer’s agent will take much of the stress away through managing the property hunt, negotiation and purchase process for you. Using a buyer’s agent is a great way to leverage your time and quickly find the investment property that’s right for you. 

ABOUT CHRIS GRAY Chris Gray is CEO of Your Empire, a buyers agency which builds property portfolios for time-poor people – searching, negotiating, renovating and managing property on their behalf. Chris’s team buys one to two properties a week and often spends $5m+ a year renovating on others behalf, providing a unique insight into market conditions and buyer and seller sentiment. Chris hosts “Your Property Empire’ each Monday on Sky News Business channel, where he interviews various heads of property research companies and major industry figures. Chris is a qualified accountant, buyers’ agent and mortgage broker.

For more information, visit www.yourempire.com.au, www.chrisgray.com.au and follow Chris on Twitter: @ChrisGrayEmpire

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

SPRING | 2016

Helping Australians achieve the dream of homeownership for over 50 years Find out how at genworth.com.au

Genworth Financial Mortgage Insurance Pty Limited • ABN 60 106 974 305 • ® Genworth, Genworth Financial and the Genworth logo are registered service marks of Genworth Financial, Inc and used pursuant to licence • © 2016 Genworth Mortgage Insurance Australia Limited. All rights reserved. TOSM102016.

century21.co.nz | century21.com.au | 47

PROPERTY

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RATED NUMBER ONE

BY CUSTOMERS

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SPRING | 2016

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REAL ESTATE SMALL BUSINESS - 2015

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CHOOSE CENTURY 21 FOR BUYING, SELLING OR PROPERTY MANAGEMENT TO WIN A SUNSHINE COAST APARTMENT*

If you’re looking to sell your home, buy your next one or find a reliable expert to manage your investment property, talk to the local market specialists at CENTURY 21.

Once we’ve provided you with either a FREE market opinion on your property, registered your details at one of our open homes or assisted you with buying, selling or property management services, you’ll go into the draw to win this amazing Sunshine Coast apartment in Queensland!

Positioned in the brand new ‘Ocean Verge’ complex within walking distance of Kings Beach in Caloundra, this modern two bedroom apartment is the perfect place to enjoy the laid-back lifestyle, beautiful pristine beaches and many restaurants, cafes and shops the Sunshine Coast has to offer. Combining function, comfort and luxury, this stylishly designed apartment could be yours to live in, rent out or sell.

LIVE BY THE BEACH KEEP AS A HOLIDAY HOME SELL FOR CASH RECEIVE A RENTAL INCOME

FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN, VISIT

C21WIN.COM.AU OR C21WIN.CO.NZ * Conditions apply. See full Terms and Conditions at c21win.com.au/terms or c21win.co.nz/terms