MK Summer News 23

NEWS SUMMER 2023/24

CELEBRATING OVER 3� YEARS OF SERVICE IN THE NORTH EASTERN SUBURBS The outlook for buying, selling and investing in 2023/24

WELCOME TO THE SUMMER EDITION OF T H E M O R R I S O N K L E E M A N P R O P E R T Y R E P O R T.

Market Report – Summer 2023/24 W

ith Melbourne’s early summer joy flatlining, the same cannot be said for the National rent values across Australia, which rose 1.6% in the September quarter. More to this, it is noted that the CoreLogic Property Market Indicator has found that house rents are now rising faster than unit rents, up 1.7% and 1.3% over the three months to September.

With this in mind, the ongoing shortfall in rental listings remains an important factor pushing rents higher, with the national vacancy rate recording a new record low in September (1.1%) and a rental shortfall of approximately -47,500 listings over the four weeks to October 1st. Hobart and Canberra continue to be the only capitals recording quarterly rental declines across both property types, with house rents falling -2.9% and -1.2% and unit rents recording milder -2.0% and -0.3% declines, respectively.

Worsening affordability continues to be a significant factor placing

Notable Local Writer: Skye Martin

downward pressure on the pace of rental growth. National rents have risen for 38 consecutive months, taking rental values 30.4% higher since July 2020. This surge has seen the median weekly rental value rise to $588, adding the equivalent of $137 per week to the median rent cost.

With 931 results collected to date, Melbourne’s preliminary clearance rate for October rose back above the 70% mark, increasing by 6.7 percentage points to reach 72.7%, while in October last year a final clearance rate of 62.2% was recorded.

With the rising cost of living adding additional pressure on renter’s balance sheets, it is likely the average household size has continued to rise as tenants seek to share the additional rental burden across larger households.

Facing the competitiveness of the buyer’s market and the scarcity of the rental market can be a daunting experience for anyone, which is why we at Morrison Kleeman encourage you to seek our personalised complimentary advice for the best chance at securing the property of your dreams.

In perhaps brighter news, auction activity across Melbourne rose back above the 1,000 mark for the fifth time in seven weeks, with 1,138 homes auctioned across the city in late October. The busiest auction week since early April, the volumes for the month were significantly higher than the 203 auctions held in mid-October and 53.2% above the 743 auctioned in October last year.

Marketing Coordinator: Laura Priddle

Don’t sit at home and continue to wonder what the current market means for your property value or the areas you wish to buy/rent in; come in and visit us at MK to receive tailored, professional advice to suit your needs!

Project Manager: Amanda McGibbon

Copyright Morrison Kleeman – Views expressed by contributors in this publication are not necessarily endorsed by Morrison Kleeman. No responsibility is accepted by Morrison Kleeman or the editor for the accuracy of the information contained in the text and/or the advertisements. The information contained within is general in nature only and should not be relied upon. Specific professional advice should be sought if the reader intends to consider the information provided further. No reproduction or transmission is permitted without the prior written permission of Morrison Kleeman. If your property is exclusively listed with another agent, please disregard this communication.

N O TA B L E L O C A L S P E O P L E A N D P L A C E S O F N O T E I N T H E D I A M O N D VA L L E Y

The Lollipop Margarets T

o the north-east of Melbourne’s CBD, there are two Margarets who stand at two separate school crossings, one in Watsonia Heights and one in Doreen, at the same time every day – rain, hail or shine. They are the first smile our children see as they enter their school, and the last one they see before heading home in the afternoon. But there is so much more to these women than their lollipops as you will see! name compared to ‘lollipop-lady’ in the writer’s opinion. If you attended Newlands Primary School in Coburg years ago and saw a young girl waving flags at the crossing, then you most likely saw a future lollipopwielding-Margaret in the making.

Margaret – Doreen After working for the State Bank for fifteen years and raising two sons, the school children and families within the Doreen community have been safer when crossing the road thanks to Margaret since 2016. For five days a week, countless times a day, Margaret holds out her lollipop sign to slow oncoming traffic, and guides members of her community safely to the other side of the street. It is a responsibility, she has told the writer, that Margaret does not take lightly – priding herself on knowing she is contributing to her community in a meaningful way.

It could be said though, that Margaret has more than six and a half years under her belt in ‘lollipop-experience’, although back when she was in grade six and volunteering for the job she was known as a ‘flag girl’ – which is a discernibly less delightful

The highlights of the job for Margaret are the numerous furry friends she has met, the children and families she has watched grow, the interesting chats she has with local Doreen-ians and the waves she receives from passing cars who would consider it odd not to see Margaret standing at the crossing as they drive through day in and day out.

One of Margaret’s favourite things about working in Doreen and living in the surrounding area, are the beautiful green places where she can enjoy her treasured hobby of birdwatching and wildlife photography. Travelling as far as Kyneton, Bendigo and Castlemaine, Margaret enjoys taking photos of derelict buildings, nature and picturesque wildlife to create her very own framed prints and photo books just for herself to look back over and appreciate. The fact Margaret found herself living on a street named after a duck, surrounded by other streets adorning bird-names makes her having found a home in the Doreen community simply meant-to-be.

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Margaret – Watsonia Heights When the school that Margaret has lovingly ‘lollipopped’ for many of her forty-one years as a crossing guard asked her to come and speak to the kids about the importance of road safety, she of course accepted the invitation. Between giggles, Margaret adoringly recounts her joy when she arrived and found a surprise eighteenth birthday celebration being held in her honour. As a fixture for her beloved school, it’s the ‘small’ things that mean a great deal to Margaret… like the high-fives she receives from the students she sees every day, the stories she hears from her community as they pass through her crossing and the fact the school brings her copies of their newsletter so she can congratulate the kids on their awards and ask them about school events.

continues…

It is stories like these that lead Margaret to confidently say, her community treats her like a “queen”.

After losing her second husband and then her daughter tragically two years ago, Margaret believes she would have been considerably lonelier were it not for the gift of getting up every day and returning to her crossing. In fact, it is fitting that Margaret be able to enjoy her days as a lollipop-lady surrounded by people who adore her after a long and sometimes difficult life.

Margaret was kind enough to share with the writer how she married her first husband at just twentytwo years of age in 1962, but he would tragically pass from a heart attack just two years later in 1964 whilst she was pregnant with their

daughter – who also sadly passed away from SIDS in 1965. With the loving support of her mother-in-law, whom she affectionately refers to as “mum”, Margaret went on to work as a calculator operator for three years before she met her second husband at a dance with whom she would have two more daughters with. It was her mother-in-law’s reminder that “life must go on” that has encouraged Margaret throughout her eighty-two years to always look ahead to new beginnings and the ever-present possibility of joy the future may have in store for you. Joy, like that felt in the moments when the students hand her loving notes as they pass through her crossing – or on one particular occasion when a little boy told Margaret that she was “old like his

grandmother” to which she chuckled, “I suppose I am” – and like many times before, this student surprised her by saying “I love my grandma, and I love you too Margaret”.

When not in her place at the crossing, Margaret can be found continuing on with the line dancing she and her husband did together at the Macleod YMCA and looking forward to their performance in November this year.

As a final note, Margaret would like to remind the readers to walk their bikes, stop at the yellow line, wait for two whistles before crossing, don’t run… but most importantly, always remember to look out for each other.

Notable Local Events:

I

n the glow of festive lights and the sweet aroma of freshly baked treats, we embark on a nostalgic journey through the melodies that define the very essence of the holiday season – Christmas Carols.

This year the Rotary Club of Eltham supported by Nillumbik Council presents to you a Christmas Concert in the Park!

On Sunday, December 17, the holiday spirit arrives in Eltham, featuring a complimentary evening Christmas Concert hosted by The Rotary Club of Eltham in Alistair Knox Park. Simultaneously, a charming twilight craft market in Library Place, organised by Diamond Valley Community Support Inc., adds to the festive atmosphere.

The Concert in the Park is scheduled to begin at 6:00 PM and continue until 8:30 PM, showcasing schoolchildren, choirs, accomplished entertainers, and engaging roving acts. The exciting arrival of Santa is expected at 7:00 PM. Concurrently, the craft market will open its doors from 4:00 PM, providing a delightful shopping experience until 8:00 PM. The Rotary Club of Eltham extends a warm invitation to families to bring along a chair or picnic rug and lend their voices to the festivities.

Additionally, a limited selection of food including a sausage sizzle, as well as coffee and ice cream, will

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be available at the park. To further enhance the experience for children, face painting will be available.

The Eltham Christmas Carols and Christmas Market is not just an event; it’s a symbol of togetherness, and a reminder that the most precious gifts we can give are love, compassion and the time we spend celebrating with those we hold dear. Here’s to a season filled with warmth, merriment and the cherished traditions that make this time of year truly special.

The highly anticipated Eltham Festival is set to make its return in November 2024. A successful festival was held in March this year after postponements last November caused by flooding.

For more information visit https:// elthamfestival.org.au/ or nillumbik. vic.gov.au/christmas-concert Facebook: Eltham Festival

Our Property Management Team Natalie Lamers

Lauren Giacomelli

Melissa Shine

HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED IN REAL ESTATE?

HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED IN REAL ESTATE?

HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED IN REAL ESTATE?

24 years.

BEST PART ABOUT BEING IN PROPERTY MANAGEMENT?

The difference we can make in someone’s life, whether it be leasing a Renter their home or securing an amazing Renter for our owners.

23 years.

BEST PART ABOUT BEING IN PROPERTY MANAGEMENT?

Helping people.

FAVORITE CUISINE?

Italian.

Building relationships with clients and helping them.

FAVORITE CUISINE?

Italian.

FAVORITE CUISINE?

Japanese.

Luke Betheras

Tanya Eiken

Sarah Barclay

HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED IN REAL ESTATE?

HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED IN REAL ESTATE?

HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED IN REAL ESTATE?

13 years.

BEST PART ABOUT BEING IN PROPERTY MANAGEMENT?

Listing new properties and securing quality Renters for my clients.

FAVORITE CUISINE?

Italian.

24 years.

BEST PART ABOUT BEING IN PROPERTY MANAGEMENT?

No two days are the same.

FAVORITE CUISINE?

Italian.

16 years.

I love building relationships with clients.

FAVORITE CUISINE?

Asian.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED IN REAL ESTATE?

Helping people find a property they can call home .

FAVORITE CUISINE?

FAVORITE CUISINE?

Ainsley Garth

Lauren Chambeyron

HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED IN REAL ESTATE?

HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED IN REAL ESTATE?

18 years.

BEST PART ABOUT BEING IN PROPERTY MANAGEMENT?

No two days are the same. Never stop learning.

FAVORITE CUISINE?

Japanese.

2 years.

BEST PART ABOUT BEING IN PROPERTY MANAGEMENT?

I love to help people and enjoy the variety of work.

FAVORITE CUISINE?

Asian.

Angela Button

Jessika Watkins

Elysha Mason

HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED IN REAL ESTATE?

HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED IN REAL ESTATE?

HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED IN REAL ESTATE?

15 years.

BEST PART ABOUT BEING IN PROPERTY MANAGEMENT?

BEST PART ABOUT BEING IN PROPERTY MANAGEMENT?

FAVORITE CUISINE?

FAVORITE CUISINE?

Interaction with Owners and Renters .

Delivering the service we provide and making clients happy. It makes me feel rewarded.

FAVORITE CUISINE?

South African.

4 Years.

16 years.

BEST PART ABOUT BEING IN PROPERTY MANAGEMENT?

European.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED IN REAL ESTATE?

Every day is different, I love the different challenges and working with people.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED IN REAL ESTATE?

18 months.

BEST PART ABOUT BEING IN PROPERTY MANAGEMENT?

Cathy Louw 21 years.

Hanna Omar

Sarah Olsen

Thai.

BEST PART ABOUT BEING IN PROPERTY MANAGEMENT?

Every day is different and the ability to help people find a home.

Japanese.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED IN REAL ESTATE? BEST PART ABOUT BEING IN PROPERTY MANAGEMENT?

7 years.

BEST PART ABOUT BEING IN PROPERTY MANAGEMENT?

FAVORITE CUISINE?

Ben Seivers

Japanese.

9 years.

BEST PART ABOUT BEING IN PROPERTY MANAGEMENT?

Helping clients with their property needs.

Dessert.

N E W S

3 years.

BEST PART ABOUT BEING IN PR.OPERTY MANAGEMENT?

Creating positive relationships and assisting prospective Renters to find suitable homes.

FAVORITE CUISINE?

Greek.

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SALES

A Selection of our Sold Properties

1 McCrae Drive, Doreen - $920,000

180 Doctors Gully Road, Doreen - $2,025,000

51 Narbethong Drive, Greensborough - $1,081,000

71 Buena Vista Drive, Montmorency - $2,323,000

50 Leane Drive, Eltham - $2,250,000

38 Kent Hughes Road, Eltham- $1,850,000

28 Covala Court, St Helena - $1,400,00

65 Hawkstowe Parade, South Morang - $1,260,000

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53 Gabonia Avenue, Watsonia- $950,000

138 Bonds Road, Lower Plenty - $3,375,000

37 Montpelier Drive, Lower Plenty - $2,250,000

12-14 Mayfield Street, Greensborough - $1,080,000

244 Flaxen Hills Road, Doreen - $965,000

8 Glencairn Court, Eltham North - $1,720,000

9 Russell Drysdale Place, Diamond Creek - $1,355,000

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1/9 Porter Street, Briar Hill - $1,100,000

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Craig Parker

Ciaran Brannigan

Rocco Montanaro

Peter Kleeman

Graham Morrison

Gayle Blackwood

Alvy Buffon

Lucas Peressini

Nick Dinakis

Sash Buncic

Sam Pope

James Morrison

Marilyn Mcgibbon

Luke El Moussalli

Malcolm Perkins

Mark Walker

Kate Cameron

Daniel Leibowitz

Eden Scaife

Sylvia Voelker

Julie Cortese-James

Samantha Kilby

Lucy Brocksopp

Phil Di Battista

Emma Costick

Amanda McGibbon

James Park

Shaun O’Rourke

Carla Baglieri

Laura Priddle

Town Square, 20 Commercial Place

2/86 Grimshaw Street

5/95 Hazel Glen Drive

ELTHAM VIC 3095

GREENSBOROUGH VIC 3088

DOREEN VIC 3754

Phone 9431 2444 Fax 9431 2650

Phone 9435 7666 Fax 9435 7677

Phone 9717 8780 Fax 9717 8816