Inspired Living Magazine │ AUTUMN 2024 EDITION

FROM OPEN HOMES TO AUCTIONS – A GUIDE TO BUYING IN CANBERRA

5-STEP CHECKLIST:

PREPARE YOUR PROPERTY FOR THE COOLER MONTHS

MILLION PAWS

WALK CELEBRATES

30 YEARS

Welcome

Welcome to the Autumn 2024 issue of the Inspired Living Magazine. Brought to our community by Blackshaw to showcase and guide readers on current trends and topics surrounding homes, from the nation’s capital to the south coast region of Batemans Bay.

Inspired Living is all about discovering possibilities. Being inspired in life and in your home, and gaining insights into local causes and topics that matter. Providing our readers with a unique perspective from property enthusiasts and local talents. We are always on the lookout to present collections from local designers, artists and more.

Our Autumn issue is packed with exciting events to add to your calendar, from celebrating the 30th anniversary of The Million Paws Walk, to prepping your home for the cooler months ahead. We provide expert advice for cultivating a thriving garden and highlight some of the best neighbourhoods to buy in the Batemans Bay region. Additionally, we explore the continuing progress Canberra is making towards a more eco-friendly future. And for those looking to enter the Canberra market, we offer valuable insights on purchasing property through auctions or private treaty to help you make informed decisions.

Enjoy this complimentary magazine, become inspired and find endless possibilities to enhance your own inspired living.

Belinda Chamberlain, Corporate Director Blackshaw Real Estate

Photography by Raelle Gann

Green living in the capital

Whether it’s switching to solar energy, installing smart technology, or learning how to design and build an eco-friendly home, there’s so much you can start doing right away to reduce your property’s footprint. Here’s our guide to carbon-conscious living in the ACT.

Photography by Getty Images

SMART TECHNOLOGY

The term ‘smart home’ describes a home that uses technology to monitor, control and connect appliances, devices and electronics remotely using a web-enabled device. Using smart technology at home might not only make life more convenient and more secure, but it can also help you lead a more environmentally conscious lifestyle and reduce your home’s energy bill. For example, blinds can be programed to close during the hottest or coolest parts of the day to either keep the home warm or cool, depending on the season. Smart technology can also turn off a light that was accidentally left on, or for something even more advanced – a garden watering system that checks the weather forecast and automatically adjusts its schedule when rain is detected.

GREEN STAR

The Green Building Council of Australia has developed the Green Star standard for homes – a home that is designed to be comfortable, healthy and doesn’t cost the earth to run. To be a Green Star home, it must meet standards in three categories, each of which the council says plays an essential role to ensure homes are better, not just for today but for tomorrow. The three standards are:

- Positive: Fully electric, draught sealed, efficient, and powered by renewables;

- Healthy: Ventilated, comfortable and with products that are better for you; and

- Resilient: Water efficient and climate change ready.

Home builders such as Ingenia, Stockland, Mirvac, Metricon and Landcom build a range of Green Star homes, but if you already own or occupy your own home, there are three ways it can be made even better. Firstly, reduce air loss by improving your insulation. Secondly, install solar panels. And finally, go all electric. According to the council, Green Star homeowners may be financially better off from day one, with savings in energy costs of $90-$140 a month. More information about the Green Star standard can be found at gbca.org.au.

Photography by Proxima Studio

ECO-FRIENDLY NEIGHBOURHOODS

As we continue to see many new housing developments emerge around the capital, one community in Canberra’s north west is doing things differently. Ginninderry, which spans the ACT and NSW borders, was purposely planned to raise the bar for best practices in sustainability, design, construction and innovation. Ginninderry is attracting national and international attention for setting a new benchmark in the development of a highly liveable, sustainable community, and has even been named Canberra’s first Green Star Communities 6-Star rated development. The vision for the Ginninderry housing project was to:

- employ practices, processes and systems that embody innovation and design excellence;

- be sustainable over time, socially, economically and ecologically (with a low and reducing ecological footprint);

- respond to the local and global environment;

- provide for future beneficial change to occur in design, infrastructure and regulatory mechanisms;

- be cost effective, replicable and measurable; and

- act as a new model that others can follow.

In the next 30 years, around 30,000 people will one day call the area and its four suburbs home – its plan is for the community to grow at the rate of three or four hundred homes a year, to an eventual total of 11,500 homes. To learn more about the community and how it is inspiring a new way of living, visit ginninderry.com.

SOLAR POWER

In 2018, the ACT Government announced a target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 100% (net zero emissions) by 2045 and one of the many ways homeowners can work towards this target is by installing rooftop solar panels. In fact, more than 39,000 households and businesses in the ACT currently have solar panels and the number is growing every year. Solar is an extremely effective way to save energy without costing the earth. According to Solar Choice, in Canberra a typical 6kw solar system costs $5,850 including GST on average after deducting the STC rebate. While the installation cost isn’t a small outlay of money, over the long term this one-time purchase can save you thousands on future power bills, as well as add value to your home.

PASSIVHAUS

If you’re planning to build a new home, then have you considered the Passive House (Passivhaus) approach? The concept originated in Europe in the 1990s and is a voluntary, global standard that focuses on creating healthier, more energy efficient, and more comfortable homes and commercial spaces. The term ‘passive’ comes from the building relying on external and natural influences – such as shade, sun and ventilation. Each element is carefully considered in the design and tailored to the local climate and property’s surroundings. A Passive House design aims to reduce building energy use by 80-90% and keep the inside temperature in a comfortable range between 20-25°C without the need for heating and cooling systems. The design and construction principles are based on science and can be applied to buildings in any climate, giving you ultimate control of your environment and reducing your carbon footprint. For more information about the Passive House approach, visit passivhausassociation.com.au

Photography by Africa Images

From open homes to auctions –a guide to buying in Canberra

Purchasing a property is one of life’s biggest financial transactions and it’s essential that buyers understand how to navigate the market. Here’s our guide to open homes, private sales and auctions in the capital.

Photography by Blackshaw Real Estate

DO YOUR RESEARCH

When it comes to buying a home, it’s important to understand the market as best as possible. Try to find out the value of properties in your desired neighbourhoods, what is currently on the market, and what has recently sold. You only have to look into the past two or three years, but you’ll be in search of steady price growth as this indicates a stable area. Be mindful that a neighbourhood that suddenly increases in value probably might not remain popular for long.

OPEN HOMES

It’s obvious, but it’s crucial that you thoroughly inspect a property before buying it and an open home is your opportunity to do this. You not only need to carefully consider the size and location of the property, but all other house specifications. Be sure to make notes and ask lots of questions as small things can be missed that might cause delays or be costly at a later stage. A detailed and thorough inspection will also help give you an idea of the property’s value as you compare it to nearby properties that are on the market or have recently sold.

CONTRACTS AND REPORTS

If you’re interested in a property, be sure to request a copy of the contract first. If hoping to purchase a standard residential property in the ACT, the contract contains copies of the building, pest and energy reports. Contracts for some unit title properties, usually apartments and townhouses, will include an energy report and detailed body corporate records. It is advisable to go over these documents thoroughly so you are aware of any restrictions or particular conditions associated with the property. This will give you the opportunity to ascertain how much you would be willing to pay for the property to cater for any foreseeable costs or repairs in the future. If you are unsure about the contract or have any queries, have it examined by your conveyancer before any action is taken.

Photography by Natali Mis

Photography by Najkhetsamtip

Photography by Annika Wischnewsky

Sale by private treaty

Sale by private treaty occurs when a home is advertised for sale at a set price or within a price range and private offers are invited. Would-be buyers often don’t know whether anyone else is making offers, and negotiations can stretch over several days.

FINANCES

One of the first things you need to do before buying a home via private treaty is to make sure your finances are in order and that you know how much you can borrow and spend, taking into consideration your deposit, stamp duty and legal costs. It’s best to have a pre-approved loan before you start house hunting, so you are able to act immediately when you find the right property.

MAKING AN OFFER

Offers can be made verbally or in writing. Simply contact the selling agent and tell them what you’re willing to pay for the property, your preferred settlement period and whether your offer is subject to inclusions, changes or conditions. Once you have formally made your offer, the agent will inform the seller. You should usually receive a response from the agent within 24 hours. Don’t fret if your first offer isn’t accepted. This is not uncommon. If you can increase your offer, continue to negotiate further with the selling agent. Some agencies may require a small holding deposit when the offer is made which can help establish goodwill. If your offer is accepted, the exchange of contracts will be arranged in due course.

COOLING-OFF PERIOD

Sometimes, a sale by private treaty entitles buyers to a cooling-off period. The length of this period is determined by legislation and varies between the various states and territories. It also allows the parties to negotiate special conditions, which might include a sale subject to the buyer obtaining finance or selling their own home. If the conditions aren’t met, the buyer can pull out of the contract without penalty.

Photography by BigC Studio

Sale by auction

If a home is for sale by auction, all the bidding happens in a public forum. A licensed auctioneer will set a time and date for the auction, and interested parties turn up and bid. You need to be registered to bid at an auction. This can be done on or before auction day. Once you are registered, you will be given a bidding number that you will need to clearly display every time you bid.

FINA NCES

It is prudent to be well advanced in discussions with your lender prior to bidding at auction as there is no cooling-off period. It is important that you have your deposit ready for auction day. Be sure to discuss the deposit amount and payment options with your selling agent in case you are the successful buyer. In some cases, the owner may accept less than a 10% deposit.

BIDDING

If the property reaches reserve price and you are the final bidder, then you have purchased the property! All that is left to do now is to sign the contract and pay the 10% (or agreed) deposit. The deposit must be held by the seller’s real estate agent, conveyancer or legal practitioner in a trust account until the settlement date. If the property has not reached reserve price and you are the final bidder, you will have the first right to negotiate at the seller’s reserve price under auction conditions. If you do not wish to negotiate, the agent can then speak with other interested buyers. Should these negotiations be unsuccessful, the property will generally be placed on the market for private treaty at a price agreed to by the seller.

“If you have any questions, talk to the selling agent for any further details.”

Photography by NSW National Parks

SETTLEMENT TERMS

Well before auction day, be clear on your preferred settlement period and other terms and inclusions, including settlement length (e.g. 30, 60, 90 days), whether your offer is subject to inclusions (e.g. furniture), or other changes to the property (e.g. repairs or new work). Discuss these with the selling agent to ensure your needs can be met, or to see if there is room to negotiate. You may be able to negotiate and agree to a varied settlement period to that stated on the draft auction contract.

OFFERS PRIOR TO AUCTION

In some cases, the vendor may consider an offer prior to auction. As pre-auction offers are unconditional, all of your prepurchase due-diligence (finance, etc) should be completed in advance. A deposit and cooling-off waiver are normally required as part of the offer paperwork. Talk to the selling agent for further details.

Photography by Getty Images

Photography by 74 Images

Photography by Adam Kaz

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Million Paws Walk celebrates 30 years

The RSPCA’s Million Paws Walk is back for 2024, and this year is extra special – it’s their 30th birthday!

Photography by Lucky Images

The RSPCA is on a mission to fight animal cruelty, and this iconic event helps raise much-needed funds to directly help provide warmth and care for 20,000 dogs every year. Each step taken at the Million Paws Walk helps in the RSPCA’s fight to bring that number down.

Thousands of Australians and their pooches participated in this family-friendly walk in 2023, raising over $1.3 million – enough to care for 5,474 pups in shelters for an entire week. Even more Australians are expected to join the walk this year.

HOW YOUR FUNDRAISING DOLLARS HELP :

● $36 provides a dog with a warm bed, love and care for one day in a shelter.

● $58 can help a shelter dog learn to trust again with specialised training and affection.

● $90 can help transport injured and abused animals to get medical care.

● $252 provides a dog with a warm bed, love and care for one week in a shelter.

● $1,008 provides a mistreated, abused or abandoned dog with shelter for a whole month.

Photography by Andrew Schultz

Photography by jpfotograad

“More information can be found at www.millionpawswalk.com.au”

Million Paws Walk is ticketed so be sure to register to avoid missing out. Ticket sales go towards supporting the costs associated with delivering the events across the country, so participants are encouraged to fundraise to help raise much-needed funds to help animals in RSPCA’s care.

Walks will take place in every State and Territory during the month of May. For Canberrans, this year’s Million Paws Walk will be held on Saturday 28th May at Patrick White Lawns, just near the National Library of Australia.

Registration opens at 9am and the walk starts at 11am. After the walk, participants and their pooches can enjoy an entire range of delicious food, live music, retail stalls, games, prizes, raffles, and more.

Parking will be available at the National Library of Australia car park, the National Library of Australia (Flynn Place) car park, Questacon car park, and Parkes Place West car park. (parking fees may apply)

So, are you ready to be a hero for dogs in need? Register now and get your walking shoes ready for a good cause and a day of fun for all the family. Anyone can take part, with or without a dog!

More information can be found at www. millionpawswalk.com.au

Photography by Delphine Beausoleil

Photography by Nikolay Tchaouchev

Discovering hidden gems: The best neighbourhoods to buy in Batemans Bay

The NSW South Coast is one of the most beautiful regions in all of Australia, boasting 400km of coastline offering pristine beaches, secluded coves, stunning mountains and crystal-clear waterways. One of the area’s biggest drawcards is Batemans Bay, and it’s here that you’ll find some of the best neighbourhoods in which to buy. We’ve selected 5 of our favourites for you to consider.

Photography by Blackshaw Coastal

BROULEE

When it comes to the ultimate coastal lifestyle, then Broulee is hard to top. Known as the “Village by the Sea”, it offers excellent surfing, swimming and fishing opportunities. North Broulee Beach, Shark Bay and South Broulee Beach are all within walking distance of each other and protected by the landmark Broulee Island Nature Reserve. The reserve offers some great walks with panoramic views, and is brimming with native plants and birdlife. South Broulee offers anglers easy access to rock and beach fishing all the way down to Bengello Beach. The Broulee Surf Club is nearby and is a great spot for friends and family to gather for a drink or bite to eat.

MALUA BAY

Head 13 kilometres south-east from Batemans Bay and you’ll find the magnificent Malua Bay, one of the most popular and sought-after suburbs in all of the area. The sparkling patrolled beach attracts surfers, swimmers and families alike, with its large grassy reserve complete with picnic tables, barbecues, and kids’ play equipment, as well as local shops, supermarket, butcher, cafe and takeaway. The area has a number of protected coves, ideal for snorkelling and diving. Only a short drive away to the north, boating enthusiasts will find the Mosquito Bay boat ramp, and to the south, the semienclosed McKenzies Beach and the aptly named Pretty Point.

Photography by Blackshaw Coastal

Broulee

SURFSIDE

Nestled between Batemans Bay and Long Beach, on the north bank of the Clyde estuary, is the charming suburb of Surfside. So many homes here are not only blessed with some of the most commanding and awe-inspiring views in all of the region, but many are situated on absolute waterfront with direct access to the beach, or sit on the Cullendulla Creek waterways, the perfect spot to fossick for fresh oysters or jump into a kayak and paddle out to the ocean. The area offers a nearby convenience store, takeaway, boat ramp, parks, primary school, access to the Cullendulla Creek Nature Reserve, and is less than a 10-minute drive to Batemans Bay.

Surfside

Malua Bay

Photography by Blackshaw Coastal

Photography by Blackshaw Coastal

TOMAKIN

The suburb of Tomakin offers coastal living at its finest, and there’s no better way to soak up the area’s natural beauty than at the Melville Point lookout, located at the headland between Tomakin Cove and Barlings Beach. The lookout has sweeping views over the beach and a fabulous vista of Mossy Point, Broulee Island, Guerilla Bay and the Great Dividing Range to the west. The nearby Tomaga River connects Tomakin with the quiet haven of Mossy Point, an area surrounded by crystal clear waters, beautiful beaches, wetlands and the picturesque Candlagan Creek, all popular spots for swimming, surfing, boating, kayaking, paddle boarding, jet skiing and fishing. The area is serviced by local supermarkets, restaurants, cafes, takeaway shops and the ever-popular Tomakin Sports and Social Club.

SUNSHINE BAY

Located only minutes away from the centre of Batemans Bay, the ideally located Sunshine Bay is only minutes from pristine beaches, luscious bushlands and uninterrupted vistas overlooking its picturesque cove, the Pacific Ocean and beyond. This desirable suburb is not only home to some of the most stunning and iconic beachfront homes in the region, but is also close to schools, cafes, restaurants, supermarkets, sporting and recreational clubs, the Edward Street markets, and is just up the road from the summer-patrolled Surf Beach.

Photography by Blackshaw Coastal

Tomakin

Sunshine Bay

Photography by Blackshaw Coastal

How to create a beautiful garden this autumn

If the summer sun has taken its toll on your garden, then now is the perfect time to give your green space some TLC. Autumn is also a great time for planting new flowers and vegetables ahead of winter and spring. Here are some ways to create a thriving garden that will survive the cooler months and be ready for the spring season.

Photography by Michael Podger

CLEAN AND REFRESH

This autumn, dedicate a few hours to cleaning up your outdoor space after a long, hot summer. Activities such as weeding, mowing lawns, raking leaves, removing old or diseased plants, cleaning debris from garden beds, and giving flowers a prune can make a huge difference to how your garden looks, as well as the overall health of your plant life. Where you have soil, be sure to aerate it, then add some compost or manure to give it new life. Remember, healthy plants will be better equipped to resist the harsh cold weather and frosty Canberra mornings come wintertime, so make sure soil is well watered and fertilised regularly.

Photography by FarmVeld

Photography by Miskolin

Photography by Sandie Clarke

FLOWERS

If you want to add some fresh blooms to your garden this autumn, then opt for flowers that love the cooler conditions such as lavender, viola, snowdrops, pansies and jonquils. Before planting, be sure to choose the right location for your plants to thrive, making sure they have access to enough sun and water, and will have enough room to grow. If you’re not really a green thumb, then head to your local nursery for inspiration. Look for plants and flowers that are best suited for your garden to thrive in the cooler months and survive the winter frost, or seek out advice and recommendations from your local garden nurcery.

Photography by Raymond Klavins

Photography by Bibiann Avelar

LAWN

How’s the lawn looking after the hot summer? If the answer is dry and drab, then the cooler months are the perfect time to aerate and use a liquid fertilizer while the earth is still warm. If the lawn is past the point of repair, consider laying new turf if budget allows. The cooler months are an ideal time for new turf as there are no long periods of hot, dry weather, and the ground isn’t too wet or too frosty.

VEGGIE PATCH

Early-to-mid autumn is an opportune time to start or add to your vegetable patch as the days are long and the soil is warm. Early autumn is the perfect time to plant carrots, parsnips, swedes and beetroot, as well as parsley, coriander, baby spinach, globe radishes, silverbeet, garlic, onions and peas. Get ahead and plant vegetables now that will be ready for your spring harvest, such as broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts and cabbage. Don’t wait until late autumn when the frost has begun as the best growing days will have passed. Be sure to keep soil moist, and remember to weed and mulch regularly.

Photography by Markus Spiske

Photography by Zoe Schaeffer

FINISHING TOUCHES

To transform an outdoor space this autumn, think about landscaping and styling in addition to tending to the plant life. Depending on the budget, add a new garden path or pavers, decorative pebbles, a water feature, or some contemporary outdoor lighting. Inject some colour and texture into the garden with a variety of pots and planters, or consider a brand new furniture setting to entertain during those sunny autumn days.

Photography by Ronin

Photography by Markus Spiske

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5-step checklist: prepare your property for the cooler months

As the capital comes alive with the colours of autumn, it means frosty mornings and nearzero temperatures aren’t too far away, but is your home ready to face and survive the cold? Whether you’re an owner occupier or tenant, every home will benefit from ongoing minor maintenance to ensure a cosy, safe and warm winter season.

Photography by Clay Banks

HEATING

There’s no time like the present to check that your heating system is working efficiently before the temperature falls and the chill starts to set in. With either a ducted heating or reverse-cycle system, first remove dust and dirt from vents and filters and check that furniture, window furnishings and other household items are a safe distance away. Then, check that all vents open and close properly, and turn on system to check hot air is circulating as intended. Gas heating systems should be serviced regularly to ensure they are operating effectively and safely, and not leaking carbon monoxide, so be sure to have one scheduled every two to three years. With any electrical or oil heating appliances, check cords and plugs for cracks, fractures or faulty wiring and replace them if there are signs of damage or excessive wear. For wood-burning fireplaces, clean the chimney and flue of any old ashes and debris before use. If there are any signs that any heating systems or appliances are not working efficiently, call a professional to check and service.

INSULATION

Insulation in walls roof and attic should be checked regularly, particularly in and around doors and windows. According to ActSmart, cracks and gaps around your home account for 10–15% of air loss, leaving homes colder than it should be, and causing heating system work overtime to regulate the temperature, resulting to unnecessarily high energy bills. Take some time to reseal any visible gaps and cracks around windows by using a good quality sealant, and install weather strips to the bottoms of doors or use tubular draught blockers. Installing carpet or using rugs to cover cold flooring and installing thick, lined curtains and closefitting window blinds will also help to keep cold air out and warm air in. Quality insulation will also pay dividends by keeping the house warm during winter.

Photography by Banks Photos

Photography by Atlas Studio

Photography by Kislev

HOT WATER

“Quality insulation will also pay dividends by keeping the house warm during winter.”

Hot water systems also should be checked and serviced regularly. Before winter arrives, check the hot water system is in good working order. look for leaks in the unit, and take note of any changes, such as supply or pressure, or if water seems to be getting colder quickly, this warning may indicate a leak or an issue with the system itself. If something is amiss, arrange for a professional to come out and check the system to ensure it is working efficiently and safely, because no one enjoys a cold shower in the middle of winter! Regular ongoing maintenance will help prevent unnecessary and costly repairs and replacements, and also prolong the life of your hot water system.

Photography by Mirerva

Photography by Oleg Malyshev

WATERPROOFING

A home should be waterproofed and ready to resist all kinds of wild weather or heavy rainfall, but if that’s not the case for your home, then now is the ideal time to undertake some essential checks and maintenance. The build-up of twigs, leaves and debris on your roof and in drains and gutters can wreak havoc during extreme winter weather, causing overflowing water, blockages and leaks inside your property. Call a professional to clean your drains and gutters, and check for any broken tiles or roof damage. An expert is able to install guards and filters to keep your gutters clean and clear all year round. Also, pruning trees near the roofline as another preventative measure. Regular inspections and maintenance are the best way to prevent unnecessary and costly repairs and ensure longevity of your roof, drains and gutters. If you choose to undertake any maintenance yourself, make sure to take all safety precautions.

MOULD AND DAMP

The cooler months are the perfect breeding ground for mould, damp and condensation in your home due to reduced air ventilation and the constant clash of cold and warm air. One of the biggest problem areas is the bathroom, so it’s important that the extractor fan is in good working order. Leaving the fan on for a short period after showering will also reduce the circulation of moisture. It might be the last thing you want to do when it’s cold, but leaving windows slightly ajar on warmer days will help increase air flow around your home and reduce mould growth. A dehumidifier, which can be especially helpful during rainy periods, when drying laundry inside, or when it’s too cold to open the windows. If there is an existing mould or damp problem in your home, call a professional to assess it to prevent future spread.

Mould and damp not only present problems indoors, but outdoors too. Wooden furniture or timber decking needs protection from moisture, damage and rot, so with a coat of quality sealant or paint, this will help prolong its lifespan.

Photography by KB Wills

Photography by Ricardo Gomez

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