Coastal Buys Magazine Nov-Dec 2024 by coastalbuysmagazine

Introducing the new Witheriff Group.

An interview with founder Nick Witheriff.

Q: Nick, what motivated you to make a change to the business?

A: I realised that the real estate landscape was evolving, and I wanted to create a company that truly prioritises the needs of our clients. I envisioned a team that not only sells homes but genuinely helps people find their ideal living spaces in the beautiful communities of Casuarina and Kingscliff.

Q: What specific changes did you implement?

A: I focused on building a boutique approach to real estate, ensuring we offer a tailored, personalised experience for each client. This meant assembling a dedicated team of local experts who understand the market inside and out, including myself and seasoned professionals like Brian and Denise Dangerfield, Jordan Brown, and Carol Witheriff.

Q: How do these changes enhance client service?

A: By emphasising transparency and communication, we create a comfortable environment for buyers and sellers. Our goal is to ensure that clients feel supported throughout the

entire process, whether they’re looking for a beachfront property or a stylish apartment.

Q: What changes can we expect to see with your new direction?

A: We have unlocked new expertise and will be focused on humble, data driven insights. Marketing is crucial. The new team have over 15 years of specialist marketing experience, we shifted our focus to innovative strategies that highlight our clients’ properties in the best possible light. This ensures we can help our sellers and buyers navigate the competitive market landscape and provide our clients with unique opportunities for success.

Q: In what ways do you believe these changes benefit clients?

A: Ultimately, our goal is to elevate the real estate experience. By combining local expertise, a personalised approach, and cutting-edge marketing, we empower our clients to make informed decisions and achieve their property goals with confidence.

Welcome to the November–December edition of Coastal Buys.

This edition marks one year since the launch of Coastal Buys magazine.

To celebrate, we have partnered with George’s Deli in Kingscliff to give readers a chance to win one of three $100 food and drink vouchers. See the entry details below.

We would like to thank everyone who has supported Coastal Buys over the past year, including our readers, advertisers and suppliers.

We are very grateful for the ongoing support and look forward to bringing you more exciting news about Coastal Buys next year, when it will become a quarterly publication.

CREDITS

Publisher

Alice & Co Media and Communications

Alice Coote - hello@aliceandco.com.au

Editorial & Advertising Enquiries

Alice Coote - info@coastalbuysmagazine.com.au

In this edition, we discover ‘Shanti’ on Cylinders Drive, meet Alasdair Baker from Omira Property Group, and explore the current market with an article by Adam Wallace-Harrison from Loan Market Excel.

We also have the latest news, CoreLogic statistics and a design feature by Lauren Devine from Tiles by Morrissey.

We hope you enjoy the upcoming Christmas and New Year holiday period.

Alice Coote EDITOR

Designer The Brandery

Melanie Hodge - mel@thebrandery.com.au thebrandery.com.au

House of the month photographer Open2view Tweed Coast Jacinta Harry and Ali Wright

Websites

coastalbuysmagazine.com.au coastalbuysaustralia.com.au

Socials

Subscribe to our YouTube channel @coastalbuys

Alice Coote trading as Alice & Co Media and Communications (ABN 74 019 034 865) is the publisher of Coastal Buys Magazine (the publisher, we, us, our). Some of our content may be provided by contributors and advertisers, and while we strive for accuracy, reliability, and completeness, we do not take responsibility for errors or omissions, or for the content and images within advertisements or any other content within Coastal Buys Magazine. Opinions expressed within do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher and the inclusion of content does not imply the publisher’s endorsement. All materials are subject to copyright provisions, and reproduction without written permission is prohibited. Coastal Buys Magazine is prepared for your general information and has not considered the investment objectives, financial situation or needs of any particular reader. Photography included within Coastal Buys Magazine may, from time to time, be edited or enhanced. You agree to indemnify the publisher for any resulting loss or liability from your reliance on Coastal Buys Magazine.

WIN 1 of 3

$100 food and drink vouchers

To celebrate one year of Coastal Buys, we’re offering you a chance to win one of three $100 food and drink vouchers to spend at George’s Deli in Kingscliff.

TO ENTER:

Follow @georges.kingscliff + @coastal_buys + @coastalbuysaustralia and tag three friends in the competition post on Instagram.

COASTAL ‘SHANTI’ ON CYLINDERS DRIVE

HOUSE OF THE MONTH

With a commanding beachfront position on the prestigious Cylinders Drive, this luxury home is the epitome of stylish and relaxed coastal living.

Embracing its unique location, ‘Shanti’ provides a peaceful setting through its functional open-plan design and premium materials, which are complemented by a coastal colour palette.

The inviting facade with elegant custom stonework, white cladding panels and established palm trees, is the first indication that a luxury beach home awaits.

The word ‘Shanti’, meaning peace, is carved into the timber front door, previewing an impressive level of detail and craftsmanship evident throughout this home.

The versatile and sophisticated residence, designed by Jayson Pate, is ideal for entertaining, offering ample opportunities to relax and unwind with family and friends.

Upon entering the home, a foyer leads through to a generous open-plan living, dining and kitchen area, which is filled with natural light.

Engineered oak timber flooring, three-metre high ceilings and a floor-to-ceiling Oslo stone wall exude relaxed, coastal vibes.

4 3 3

Address

75 Cylinders Drive, Kingscliff

Agency

Witheriff Group

Agents

Nick Witheriff

Carol Witheriff

Auction

13 November at 2.30pm (AEDT)

Ensuring a seamless flow and uninterrupted views, sliding glass doors connect these key living spaces to a covered outdoor alfresco living and dining area, which features a built-in kitchen with barbecue, as well as a stunning magnesium pool.

Sliding glass doors also open along the rear of the living areas, inviting the outside in and connecting to a rear paved deck area, which extends the entire length of the dwelling.

The luxe kitchen continues the stylish and practical touches with a Smartstone Davinci Blanco island bench, versatile bar or coffee preparation area, Gaggenau appliances and butler’s pantry.

The kitchen overlooks the dining and living areas, featuring a stone fireplace, and provides the perfect position to admire the alfresco space, outdoor deck and expansive yard.

The perfectly manicured yard, which has an outdoor shower and firepit area, is surrounded by established tropical trees and plants, providing a tranquil and private space.

The ground level also features a large bedroom with walk-in-robe and ensuite, a powder room, laundry, storage and two-car garage.

Venture to the upper level to discover two spacious bedrooms, complete with walk-in robes and a shared adjoining ensuite, a large family room and a luxurious master bedroom.

The master suite features a soaring pitched ceiling, walk-in robe, and modern ensuite with double vanities, a freestanding bath, shower and a unique steam room with a built-in bench seat.

A balcony off the master bedroom adds to the sense of relaxation, offering peaceful views of the rear garden and coastal vegetation, and the opportunity to enjoy the sounds of the ocean.

‘Shanti’ certainly creates the sense of peace that its name suggests, providing a relaxed ambience and a highly desirable coastal home.

MAKING WAVES

Coastal Buys talks to Alasdair Baker from Omira Property Group about the inspiration behind their key development projects and what he loves about the Tweed Coast.

What do you enjoy most about working in this industry?

The property development industry is constantly evolving, and I thrive on the challenges that come with it.

I enjoy seeing concepts come to life, from the design phase to construction, and finally seeing buyers connect with the spaces we’ve created.

There’s a rewarding sense of accomplishment in building communities and delivering quality homes that people love.

What inspired you to establish Omira Property Group?

I founded Omira Property Group out of a desire to create boutique, high-end developments that prioritise craftsmanship, quality, and the lifestyle of residents.

I wanted to focus on projects that offer more than just living spaces — they’re homes that blend seamlessly with their surroundings, especially in coastal regions like the Tweed Coast.

What projects is Omira currently working on?

Currently, Omira is developing three key projects: Kai Residences in Cabarita, Solis in Pottsville, and Mana in Ballina.

Kai offers luxurious townhomes focused on coastal living, Solis embraces seamless indoor-outdoor living with stunning views, and Mana in Ballina brings a fresh approach to coastal residential design.

Why did Omira select the Tweed Coast for some of its key projects?

The Tweed Coast offers a unique balance of natural beauty, lifestyle, and growth potential.

Its proximity to major hubs, like the Gold Coast and Brisbane, makes it attractive for those looking for a coastal escape without sacrificing convenience.

The area’s growing demand for high-quality, lifestyle-oriented homes made it a perfect fit for Omira’s vision.

What do you believe this area offers buyers?

Buyers on the Tweed Coast are seeking a relaxed, coastal lifestyle with access to pristine beaches, nature, and community amenities.

It’s an area where people can truly enjoy a balanced lifestyle, with the

“I

ENJOY SEEING CONCEPTS COME TO LIFE, FROM THE DESIGN PHASE TO CONSTRUCTION, AND FINALLY SEEING BUYERS CONNECT WITH THE SPACES WE’VE CREATED.”

benefits of a quiet coastal retreat, while still being close to major cities.

The region’s growth and potential make it an excellent investment for buyers.

What are your favourite things to see and do in the Tweed Coast region?

The Tweed Coast is full of natural beauty — from hiking trails in the hinterland to pristine beaches that are perfect for a morning surf.

I love exploring the local food and arts scene, which is vibrant and growing. It’s a place that offers a little bit of everything, from outdoor activities to cultural experiences.

To read Alasdair’s views on what the Tweed Coast offers buyers, visit coastalbuysmagazine.com.au

“Helping you turn renovation stress into lifestyle success”

Do you find the thought of renovating stressful? Are you wanting to renovate but don’t think you have the time with a busy life?

Not sure how to renovate to maximise the value of your property?

The Reno Agent can help you with these and many more of your renovation questions.

HOUSING UNDERSUPPLY DRIVES PRICE GAINS

Loan Market Excel Finance Broker Adam Wallace-Harrison explores the current market and predictions for property prices.

As the year draws to a close (I know, can you believe it?) it’s the perfect time to take a breath, reflect on the year that was, and glance ahead to what’s coming. Let’s kick back and dig into this year’s real estate trends, because if there’s one thing Australians love more than a good barbecue, it’s property.

A national obsession:

The $11 trillion milestone

Here’s a fun fact: CoreLogic’s data shows that Australia’s total residential real estate value has cracked the $11 trillion mark for the first time. Yep, in just 12 months, property values shot up by $900 billion. That’s nearly three times the value of our superannuation funds and over three times the value of all the shares on the ASX.

As Tim Lawless from CoreLogic puts it: “property is becoming almost a national pastime for Australians”. No kidding! More than half of our wealth is tied up in real estate, so even if you’re not a homeowner yet, chances are you’re keeping a close eye on those house prices.

After hitting a low in January 2023, national house values have surged by

14.3% in 20 months. And here’s the kicker: we’re seeing this boom despite high interest rates, record household debt, and rising living costs. It seems like nothing can slow down the Aussie property market.

What’s next for property prices?

So, what’s driving this unexpected rise? According to the experts, a big factor is the undersupply of new homes. When there’s not enough to go around, prices tend to hold steady or even climb. And with whispers of a run of interest rate cuts on the horizon, we could see a boost in consumer confidence and borrowing power, which may just keep this property party going.

A debate over mortgage stress tests

In the world of mortgage broking, there’s been growing discussion about the “stress test” applied to new home loans. Currently, lenders add a 3% buffer to the actual interest rate when assessing a borrower’s ability to make repayments if rates were to rise. For example, if the actual interest rate is 6.04%, lenders assess your loan at 9.04% (6.04% + 3%).

With the belief that we’ve reached the peak of the interest rate cycle, brokers are questioning whether this level of stress testing is still necessary. Some lenders have already reduced the

buffer to 1% for refinancing like-for-like loans. This change has made it easier for borrowers to qualify for refinancing, and many brokers are advocating for the same reduction to apply to first-time buyers and those looking to move into better financial situations.

Reducing the buffer could allow more first-time homebuyers to enter the market, as they are often the most affected by these high assessment rates. Additionally, with interest rates unlikely to reach the 9.04% levels that some lenders currently use for stress testing, it makes sense to revise the buffers and allow more creditworthy borrowers access to financing.

“IF YOU’RE IN THE MARKET FOR A NEW HOME LOAN OR THINKING ABOUT REFINANCING, WHY WAIT FOR RATES TO DROP? LENDERS ARE HUNGRY FOR YOUR BUSINESS.”

The rate debate

Now, let’s talk interest rates because we’re all watching them like hawks. Don’t wait for rates to drop – shop around now!

If you’re in the market for a new home loan or thinking about refinancing, why wait for rates to drop? Lenders are hungry for your business, especially after investing heavily in technology and staff during the pandemic. It is now a great time to shop around for the best deal.

To read Adam’s views on the RBA’s November rates decision,

KINGSCLIFF HOUSE SWAP DEAL

41 Cylinders Drive, Kingscliff

‘NANUKU’ on Cylinders Drive sells A luxurious Mediterranean-inspired home on Cylinders Drive in Kingscliff, has sold for $8.25 million as part of a rare house swap deal that saw more than $10 million worth of property exchange hands.

The buyers of the residence known as ‘NANUKU’, sold their home at 24A Nautilus Way, Kingscliff to the vendors of 41 Cylinders Drive, who required accommodation while they wait for an off-the-plan penthouse to be built.

The $10.25 million deal was facilitated by Witheriff Group Director, Nick Witheriff.

“Everyone was happy. It is really unusual and unique. In my career I don’t think I’ve seen a clean swap deal like this,” Mr Witheriff said.

“It was a great sale and a really positive outcome for the local area.”

The deal is the latest in a string of $8 million plus sales along Cylinders Drive. In June, 83 Cylinders Drive, Kingscliff sold via the Witheriff Group for $8.35 million, which also sold 37 Cylinders Drive, Kingscliff for $8.95 million in April, 59 Cylinders Drive for $8 million last September and 15-17 Cylinders Drive, Kingscliff for $8.97 million in 2022.

The luxury residence at 41 Cylinders Drive, Kingscliff, was featured as house

of the month in the July–August edition of Coastal Buys.

Visit coastalbuysmagazine.com.au for more information.

New luxury townhouse development launches in Cabarita region

A collection of seven newly-built, luxury townhouses has hit the market in Bogangar.

Known as Kai Residences, the townhouses are located at 10-12 Willow Avenue, Bogangar, and feature three and four bedroom dwellings.

Omira Property Group Director Alasdair Baker said he wants buyers to love where they live, and hopes to offer that with Kai Residences.

“One of our philosophies is we want to combine the best in global design with the best destinations, which is one of the reasons we decided to partner with C2 Architecture,” Mr Baker said.

“For me the Northern Rivers is a region that unlocks the door to this balanced lifestyle that so many people and families are looking for.”

The townhouses have been designed by C2 Architecture’s George Chambers, and Maddison Road’s Matt Nielsen is the selling agent.

Visit kairesidences.com.au for more information.

Housing management plan progresses

Tweed Shire Council has developed an Options Paper to explore housing and employment opportunities, and plan for future population growth.

The Options Paper, set to be finalised this year, was developed following extensive community consultation, which saw 635 submissions received and feedback from more than 1,200 people in-person and online.

Director Planning and Regulation

Denise Galle said the Options Paper will guide the development of the housing and employment land strategy.

“The process has provided invaluable insights into the housing needs and preferences of our residents.

“We are committed to listening to this valuable feedback and look forward to transforming it into a Draft Strategy early next year.”

Once adopted by Council, the final Options Paper will form the basis for the Draft Strategy, which will be exhibited for community feedback in 2025.

A townhouse at Kai Residences

TILE DESIGNS

Tiles by Morrissey Sales Consultant Lauren Devine explores how customers are transforming their homes with natural stone, terracotta and handmade tiles.

In the ever-evolving world of interior design, warmth and texture have become the benchmark of tile trends.

Whether you’re looking to revamp a kitchen, bathroom, or any living space, the incorporation of natural stone, handmade tiles, or terracotta can transform an area into an inviting space. These materials bring a sense of authenticity and craftsmanship, offering a tactile experience that is both visually appealing and comforting.

Natural stone

Natural stone concepts, with their unique veining and organic patterns, infuse spaces with an earthy timeless elegance. They are perfect for creating a serene ambience, whether used on floors or walls.

Handmade tiles

In a similar way to natural stone, handmade tiles, often crafted with artisanal flair, add character and depth with their slight irregularities and rich glazes.

Terracotta

Terracotta, with its warm, rustic hues, evokes a sense of timeless charm and Mediterranean allure.

For those seeking the aesthetic of natural materials with the durability and ease of maintenance of

porcelain, the market now offers porcelain tiles that beautifully mimic the look of natural stone, handmade tiles and terracotta, while still bringing warmth and texture into your space. These options provide the best of both worlds, combining resilience with the authentic appearance of their natural counterparts.

The versatility of these tile options makes them suitable for any interior design style, from modern minimalism to rustic charm. Their timeless appeal ensures they remain relevant, enhancing the beauty of your home for years to come. By incorporating these materials, you can effortlessly achieve a harmonious blend of warmth, texture, and timeless elegance in any space.

Tiles by Morrissey is a locally owned tile shop based in Tweed Heads South.

Call 07 5523 9910, visit their store at 1/2 Rivendell Drive, Tweed Heads South or follow them on Instagram @tilesbymorrissey

ON THE MARKET

Agents Greg Costello

Chris King

Agency Coastal Property Collective

Price Guide Contact agent Property

Agents Nick Witheriff

Carol Witheriff

Agency Witheriff Group

Agents Nick Witheriff

Carol Witheriff

Agency Witheriff Group

Agent Matt Nielsen

Agency Maddison Road

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