Morrison Kleeman News

NEWS AUTUMN 2018

CELEBRATING OVER 27 YEARS OF SERVICE IN THE NORTH EASTERN SUBURBS The outlook for buying, selling and investing in 2018

AUTUMN

MARKET REPORT T

WELCOME TO THE AUTUMN EDITION OF THE MORRISON KLEEMAN PROPERTY REPORT.

he Melbourne property market closed strongly in the last few months of 2017,

and despite REIV President Richard Simpson confirming parts of Melbourne moderated in the December quarter, he was excited to celebrate the year’s overall performance.

“While price growth slowed in the December quarter due to increased supply and reduced investor activity, 2017 was a record-breaking year for Melbourne’s property market,” he said.

Communicating what he perceived as the main causes of this exceptional annual property growth, Mr Simpson suggested “high levels of interstate and overseas migration, new Government initiatives for first homebuyers, and record low interest rates,” as the large growth drivers.

According to information released from the REIV, the house price median for middle, metropolitan and outer Melbourne grew more than 13 per cent for 2017. While this growth figure was a wonderful achievement for the collective Melbourne market, many of the suburbs contained within the Banyule, Nillumbik and Whittlesea shires, outperformed greater Melbourne.

These suburbs include Diamond Creek, Doreen, Mernda and Watsonia, which all achieved annual median house price growth of 14 per cent or more. In addition to this, Hurstbridge reported quarterly growth of 22.3 per cent for the December quarter, while Lower Plenty’s house price median grew an astonishing 63.8 per cent in the same timeframe. This caused both suburbs to have greater than 14 per cent annual growth. The strong median house price growth coupled with impressive annual median unit price growth for Greensborough and Watsonia, demonstrates significant buyer demand.

It’s a view shared by Mr Simpson, when addressing the significant median house

price growth that occurred in many outer

key categories of average days on market

Melbourne suburbs during 2017.

and auction clearance rate. Compared

“Strong price growth over the past year

to metropolitan Melbourne’s 32 average

has meant that houses within 20 km of

days on market for the December quarter,

the CBD are almost out of reach for many

Doreen, Diamond Creek, Hurstbridge

first homebuyers,” said Mr Simpson.

and Mernda were all less than 24 average

“These buyers are now looking for new

days, while Eltham, Greensborough

entry points to the market, especially in

and Montmorency were below 29 in the

established suburbs with infrastructure,

same timeframe. In relation to auction

amenities and services.”

clearance, while the Melbourne average

Along with significant median house and

fell to 71% during the December quarter,

unit price growth, suburbs within our

all of Doreen, Eltham and Greensborough

local community performed well in the

were well above this rate – Doreen

clearing an impressive 93.6 per cent during

Within this quarterly magazine, we not

this period.

only encourage you to take advantage

As we now move into 2018, on the back

of the many fantastic events that occur

of these astonishing results for 2017, the

regularly within our community, we also

market indicates little sign of slowing

encourage you to learn more about the

within the suburbs we represent. Whether

fantastic notable locals that are making

you’re looking at buying, selling, renting

a difference. For this edition, the Yarra

or investing, Morrison Kleeman agents are

Plenty Regional Library and the recently

here to deliver the best results for you. If

opened, Stix and Stones, are two such

you’re thinking about making a move, we

notable organisations.

here at Morrison Kleeman offer expert advice and are more than happy to help you with any of your local real estate needs.

Kind Regards, Peter Kleeman

NOTABLE LOCALS PEOPLE AND PLACES OF NOTE IN THE DIAMOND VALLEY

SOURCE REFERENCE: STIX AND STONES

STIX AND STONES

S

tix and Stones is another welcome entrant to the Diamond Valley.

Set on the location of the former Element Restaurant in Main Road, Lower Plenty, this new multipurpose dining and function space has already generated a buzz following.

“Every great restaurant has a concept which flows through the location, design, offering and even all the smaller areas right down to the cutlery and glasses you use,” says Sam Hasim, National Marketing Manager for Seagrass International.

“Having collected a few antiques and ones which were left behind during our takeover, a spark of ideas started to flow which ended with an exotic colonial theme to the location.” Seagrass, along with Kimberly and Marcus Hansen and Michael and Catherine Watts are the co-owners of Stix and Stones. For ‘Stix’, it is not only about creating wonderful restaurant service for their customers, there’s a focus on creating a holistic dining experience.

“We wanted to create a really relaxed, warm and welcoming venue space for the local community,” says Sam. “People like to see interesting concepts in the suburbs come alive and we really wanted to bring something unique to the area but also maintain a somewhat local feel also.”

Effectively utilising the natural surroundings, Stix and Stones combines the elegance of their ‘Main House’

restaurant with the flexibility of the distinctive ‘Container’ space. The Main House includes indoor and outdoor dining which face onto the sprawling garden and park area below. The flexibility of its location allows for effective staging of weddings, parties and corporate events, and with its expansive menu, there are plenty of delicious food and beverage options to choose from.

The Container Bar is a serviced walk up bar and food space where you can take advantage of the parklands by walking your food and drinks around with you. The takeaway-style bar is surprisingly a rigged up former ship container, which combined with the re-purposed industrial bobbin tables that surround an impressive central fire pit, is an impressive implementation of industrial recycling.

While Stix and Stones has only been open for a short time, it has already developed a loyal following. According to Sam, it is the

SOURCE REFERENCE: STIX AND STONES

support from locals that help inspire Stix to deliver a quality restaurant offering. It is this support that helps the owners create a festive dining experience.

“We are still settling our feet and appreciate the community being so supportive over the last eight weeks.

Whether you are going for dinner or casual drinks, the space doesn’t lock you into any one type of dining experience. You can even come, grab a picnic blanket and enjoy the outdoors while the kids play.”

Staff are friendly and welcoming in this wonderful, tropical-inspired venue, which is open for lunch and dinner Monday to Thursday, and breakfast, lunch and dinner Friday to Sunday. The renowned Container Bar is only open on the weekends at this stage, and there are also plans to open the restored, all-day dining ‘Darebin Cottage’, early in 2018.

Watch this space. https://stixandstoneslowerplenty.com.au/

SOURCE REFERENCE: STIX AND STONES

YARRA PLENTY REGIONAL LIBRARY

Y

arra Plenty Regional Library (YPRL) is a bedrock of the Banyule, Nillumbik and Whittlesea communities. Founded in the mid1960s when the former City of Heidelberg agreed to provide library services to the former Shire of Eltham, YPRL now comprises nine branch libraries at Eltham, Greensborough, Ivanhoe, Lalor, Mill Park, Rosanna, Thomastown, Watsonia and Whittlesea. There are also two mobile libraries (Mobile Library and the Outreach Vehicle), along with a home library service that meets the needs of housebound residents unable to visit the library. Connected with these services, over 230 volunteers across the YPRL community, generously give of their time to help in the running of this regional library service.

“In the age of Google, people go ‘oh, I don’t need the library because I can just google anything in 10 seconds,” says YPRL Marketing and Media Coordinator Marieclaire Baird. “But I think it’s more about teaching people how to find good information.

At the moment, I’m trying to focus on the home library service.

We have lots of volunteers but not as many recipients. Anybody who is housebound can be eligible, but trying to locate the people who would benefit from the service can be really difficult.”

“It’s another way of getting the library service out to the community,” agrees Liz Pidgeon. “The community is huge SOURCE REFERENCE: YARRA PLENTY REGIONAL LIBRARY and diverse. It’s different in so many ways and people have so many different expectations, needs and interests.” Liz in her role as Local and Family History Librarian for YPRL, is one of many staff members and volunteers that interact directly with the community. This interaction includes delivering presentations in the library branches and to various groups within the community.

Referring to the amazing variety of library activities, presentations and programs listed in the most recent edition of YPRL’s What’s On @YPRL Magazine, Liz and Marieclaire agreed that another challenge within the organisation, is communicating that the modern library is more than just books.

“Books are still a huge part of the library services, they are our point of difference,” says Marieclaire.

SOURCE REFERENCE: YARRA PLENTY REGIONAL LIBRARY “But we have had to evolve and now offer so much more. Libraries are about information, learning, creativity and free access. And of course this can be explored through books but also through programs, talks, activities, performances, workshops or cultural celebrations. And don’t forget the free wifi!”

“People come for the books and don’t realise all the resources we have. I encourage people to pop into their nearest library and see what else you can discover ,” added Liz. For those interested, see www.yprl.vic.gov.au. Alternatively, simply visit your nearest library, it might surprise you.

SOURCE REFERENCE: YARRA PLENTY REGIONAL LIBRARY

WHAT’S ON IN

THE NORTH EASTERN SUBURBS

A SELECTION OF THE MANY WONDERFUL EVENTS RUNNING IN THE LOCAL AREA OVER THE COMING WEEKS.

SOURCE REFERENCE: ELTHAM TWILIGHT EASTER MARKET

ELTHAM TWILIGHT EASTER MARKET

A

wonderful way to embrace the seasonal Easter festivities, is to come along to the Eltham

Twilight Easter Market. Not only can you bring along your own Easter Egg Basket to be a part of the hunt for Easter Eggs around Eltham, there is also a fantastic selection of Artisan market stalls that cater to all your market needs.

There is more family fun with free face painting and miniature train rides held throughout the evening, along with live music playing in Commercial Place and

SOURCE REFERENCE: ELTHAM TWILIGHT EASTER MARKET

the Town Square. Please come along to help celebrate the contribution of quality artists, musicians and small businesses to our community, and be sure to embrace the festive fun.

LOCATION ELTHAM TOWN SQUARE, ELTHAM DATE & TIME THURSDAY, 22 MARCH 2018, 4:00PM — 8:00PM COST FREE

LOCATION TERRACE LAWNS, CIVIC CENTRE 25 FERRES BOULEVARD SOUTH MORANG DATE & TIME SUNDAY, 18 MARCH 2018 10:00AM — 5:00PM COST FREE

CITY OF WHITTLESEA COMMUNITY FESTIVAL

T

here is so much to do at the City of Whittlesea Community Festival! From live theatre to guided storytelling yoga, disco dancing to a circus sky rig!

There is also a wide selection of music playing on the Harmony Stage, with performances by talented musicians from across the community.

For those with a crafty creative streak, in the Plenty Valley Arts Centre there is everything from robotics to traditional craft, backyard bee hotels to the cutting edge in technology. Step inside this hands-on maker space and be inspired by what you learn.

For the active and the foodies, you’re well looked after also. The sporting-minded can test their aim on ‘Archery Attack’ along with vaulting through the Parkour course.

Why not break for lunch to try some of the many locally sourced and on-site food truck options, and then return to the sporting arena to display some of your distinctive afl, baseball, soccer and taekwondo prowess.

SOURCE REFERENCE: ELTHAM TWILIGHT EASTER MARKET

CITY OF WHITTLESEA COMMUNITY FESTIVAL

SOURCE REFERENCE: ELTHAM TWILIGHT EASTER MARKET

TWILIGHT SOUNDS

T

wilight Sounds is another fantastic event this autumn. Set in the beautiful surrounds of Sills Bend, Warringal Parklands, this live music event is another great opportunity to socialise under the stars. The flagship music event for the City of Banyule not only includes a number of performances by talented local musicians, there is also plenty on offer for all the family. With market stalls, food and drink vendors, and even a craft tent for the kids, there is so much to experience within this wonderful musical atmosphere. Please come along to support this celebrated community event.

SOURCE REFERENCE: SHUTTERSTOCK

LOCATION SILLS BEND, WARRINGAL PARKLANDS, HEIDELBERG DATE & TIME SATURDAY 17 MARCH 2018 5:30PM — 10:00PM COST FREE

RECENT SALES A SELECTION OF SOLD PROPERTIES

11 Marconi Court Research $2,300,000

352 Ridge Road Christmas Hills $2,000,000

25- 27 Nyora Road Eltham $1,650,000

30 Sugar Gum Boulevard Greensborough $1,520,000

14 Punkerri Circuit Greensborough $845,000

1 Natasha Close St Helena - Undisclosed

2 Rushworth Street Watsonia $1,063,000

1/8 Tennyson Street Watsonia $847,000

2 Cooinda Place Eltham $1,560,000

6 Irene Court Diamond Creek $1,560,000

156 Elation Boulevard Doreen $715,000

39 Calrossie Avenue Montmorency $925,000

29-21 Zannon Crescent Doreen $1,272,500

1/15 Glenauburn Road Lower Plenty - Undisclosed

8 Brandon Court Briar Hill $1,092,000

19 Gridley Street Mernda $900,000

MORRISON KLEEMAN Introducing Ben Wynd to our Morrison Kleeman Team Agent Profile Ben Wynd An enthusiastic and determined individual, Ben has always had a passion for the property industry. With prior experience as a plumber and a carpenter, Ben has developed unique insights.

Always striving to meet and exceed the needs of his clients, Ben is an accomplished agent who provides both sellers and purchasers with tailored advice. A life-long Diamond Valley local, Ben possesses a wealth of neighbourhood knowledge that he happily shares with clients. He mentions that his favourite thing about working in real estate is having the chance to work with a range of different people all in one day. A friendly and hard-working people-person, Ben especially enjoys having the opportunity to help his clients in their progression through the property market.

In his spare time, Ben is actively involved in the local community. He has been a part of the Eltham Basketball Club since 2006 as a referee, coach, administrator and venue supervisor. Ben is also a travel enthusiast and had the opportunity to spend a snow season working at Nakiska Ski Resort in Alberta, Canada.

A valued and ambitious member of our Morrison Kleeman team, Ben looks forward to assisting you with your next property transaction.

BEN WYND

SALES CONSULTANT 0433 825 240 bwynd@morrisonkleeman.com.au

Home Loans – Aqua Financial Services Since 2003, AQUA financial services has been caring for homeowners in the Diamond Valley area. With dedication to finding the most competitive home loan rate to suit your specific needs, there is no wonder AQUA is a leading industry brokerage firm. Located in Eltham’s newly redeveloped Town Square, AQUA has been affiliated with neighbour Morrison Kleeman Estate Agents for more than 12 years.

In 2014, 2015 and 2016 Mortgage Professional Australia (MPA) ranked Director Daniel Hustwaite in the top 100 brokers Australia wide. With a thorough knowledge of the marketplace, as well as a philosophy to offer a personal experience, award winning AQUA Financial Services will take the stress away from your financing requirements.

At no cost to you, the team at AQUA will provide you with trustworthy and transparent information. You can also expect a personal experience, as well as an ongoing relationship to ensure that your selected lending package continues to meet your requirements throughout the life of the loan.

Daniel Hustwaite Aqua Financial Services.

Phone: ph: 1800 AQUAFS (278 237) Email: dhustwaite@aquafs.com.au 20A Commercial Place, Eltham VIC 3095

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Editorial by : Michael Fraser (Writer) Project Manager : Amanda McGibbon Cover image : Shutterstock Town Square, 20 Commercial Place ELTHAM VIC 3095 Phone 9431 2444 Fax 9431 2650 2/86 Grimshaw Street GREENSBOROUGH VIC 3088 Phone 9435 7666 Fax 9435 7677 3/101 Hazel Glen Drive DOREEN VIC 3754 Phone 9717 8780 Fax 9717 8816

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