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House prices back on the rise By Alesha Capone Median house prices across Wyndham mostly increased in the December quarter last year, according to figures from the Real Estate Institute of Victoria. The REIV last week released data showing that median house prices for metropolitan Melbourne surpassed $850,000, between October and December 2019 (compared to $829,000 in the September quarter). The median house price in Tarneit rose 4.5 per cent (from $550,000 to $575,000).
The median house price in Werribee grew by 2.9 per cent (from $499,500 to $510,000). Point Cook houses recorded a 1.5 per cent median rise (from $660,000 to $670,000). Hoppers Crossing’s median house value remained steady at $532,000 between the September and December quarters. There were less than 30 house sales in Manor Lakes, Williams Landing and Wyndham Vale during the December quarter. Within this timeframe, Manor Lakes recorded a median house price of $552,500 (previously $541,500), Williams Landing
$737,500 (previously $690,000) and Wyndham Vale $472,000 (previously $460,000). Within metropolitan Melbourne, Port Melbourne recorded the highest increase in median house vales, rising 28.4 per cent to $1.67 million, followed by Strathmore with a 22.3 per cent increase to $1.46 million and Sunshine with a 22.2 per cent increase to $815,500. REIV president Leah Calnan said the December quarterly medians showed the long-term strength of the Victorian property market, returning to strong growth after a short period of uncertainty. “These are
outstanding figures; the Victorian real estate sector continues to soar and set new heights.” Ms Calnan said. “Buying in Victoria is a great investment, house and unit values are growing across the entire state.” The Housing Industry Association (HIA) also released a report into new home sales last week, based on a monthly survey of the largest volume home builders in the five largest states. The report said that new home sales in the three months to November last year were 2.8 per cent higher than in the previous three months.
Rallying for charity stickers will be affi xed to the Ford before the rally. Ms Green, a breast cancer survivor herself, has written the name of her uncle Joe – who died after being diagnosed with leukemia – upon a sticker. Another sticker bears the name of Mr Andrews’ father Daryl, who died after suffering blood cancer. The couple said their friend Tania, a Disney fan, had donated the Ford they will drive for the rally. The car is decorated with images the Frozen character Olaf and Mr Andrew has also installed orange lights on the vehicle “for fun”. Mr Andrew and Ms Green have also adopted the slogan “Trugin on for a cure”, as Ms Green is a member of the Truganina Fire Brigade. See https://autumn2020.shitboxrally.com. au/trugin-on-for-a-cure or www.facebook. com/truginonforacureshitbox2020/ for details. Alesha Capone
Brendan Andrew and Carmen Green will take part in the Shitbox Rally. (Damjan Janevski) 203200_01
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Brendan Andrew and Carmen Green are preparing for an automotive adventure across the outback. In May, the Werribee couple will take part in the Shitbox Rally’s autumn event, in which they will drive a 1993 Ford Laser more than 4000 kilometres to raise funds for the Cancer Council, starting in Alice Springs. Every year, hundreds of drivers join the Shitbox Rally, in which participants drive cars worth $1000 or less. Rally teams must also raise at least $5000. “People think we’re mad, but I think you have got to have a bit of madness to do what we’re doing,” Mr Andrew said. Mr Andrew and Ms Green have been busy fundraising since before Christmas, and are also seeking sponsors and donations. For every $20 donation, they will give donors a sticker on which to write the name of a loved one who has experienced cancer. All the
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8 WYNDHAM STAR WEEKLY Wednesday, 29 January, 2020