HOME-GROWN Autumn Edition

HOME-GROWN ALBURY/WODONGA & SURROUNDS

AUTUMN//EDITION

IN THIS ISSUE

Welcome to our autumn 2021 issue of HOME-GROWN. An Albury-Wodonga based Real Estate Magazine, keeping you up-todate with the latest listings and information as well as current local market statistics. In this Autumn issue, we have a great article on timeless interior design trends. We also have our quarterly results, advice for how to minimise waste in 2021 and some helpful tips in our property management feature. We hope you enjoy reading our eighth issue of Home-Grown as much as we enjoyed putting it together for you! Here’s to a great autumn.

AUSTRALIAN PROPERTY MARKET TO RISE TO RECORD HIGHS HOW TO MINIMISE WASTE IN 2021 TIMELESS INTERIOR DESIGN TRENDS QUARTERLY RESULTS NEW LISTING TENANT OF THE MONTH PROPERTY MANAGEMENT FEATURE LOCAL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT AUTUMN RECIPE DIRECTORS’ MESSAGE

P I C T U R E D O N F R O N T - 6 07 L I N D S AY A V E N U E , A L B U R Y

SOCIAL SNAPS

AUSTRALIAN PROPERTY MARKET TO RISE TO RECORD HIGHS THIS YEAR

4 3 8 M A C A U L E Y S T R E E T, A L B U R Y

AUSTRALIAN PROPERTY MARKET TO RISE TO RECORD HIGHS THIS YEAR Australian property prices are set to rise to record highs this year, driven by a heady cocktail of people seeking a post-Covid lifestyle change, ultra-low interest rates and recession-beating government stimulus, a slew of new data shows.

The biggest bounce-backs came in areas that saw the biggest Covid-induced declines, such as Kwinana in Perth (up 8.7%), Burnside in Adelaide (up 7.0%), and Brisbane’s Scenic Rim area (up 6.5%).

Sydney has already seen the median house price hit a new record high, according to data from Domain, as inner-city residents seize the opportunity presented by increased working from home provisions to seek out their dream lifestyles in outer regions such as the Northern Beaches and the Blue Mountains.

Despite the continuing tough economic conditions for many Australians, those who retained their jobs or were supported by the government’s job-keeper scheme were left in a relatively advantageous position. Mortgage holidays also helped but the Reserve Bank said in December that only 3% of housing and business loans were being deferred.

Other capital cities have also seen a strong recovery, with demand fuelled by first-time buyers taking advantage of 2020’s pandemic-induced dip in values and the government’s stamp duty holiday.

One recent report from the consultancy Riskwise estimated Melbourne would join Sydney in seeing an increase in capital growth of between 8-12% in 2021. Whilst Albury saw an 8.26% growth in 2020, up 3.21% from the average.

So from the depths of Australia’s first recession for 30 years, the economy stabilised and borrowers were offered mortgage rates starting with a two rather than a four or five.

HOW TO MINIMISE W A S T E I N 2 0 21

HOW TO MINIMISE WASTE IN 2021

In today’s world there’s no denying the importance of making sure you’re placing your waste where it’s supposed to go to minimise its environmental impact. However sometimes, even with the best intentions, it’s tricky to know which items are waste and which can be recycled.

To reduce waste: Shop smarter, consider if you really need something before you buy it. Plan your meals, make a shopping list and stick to it.

Buy things that are loose rather than packaged.

Avoid single use plastics and invest in a reusable coffee cup and drink bottle. Buy quality items that are longer-lasting. If you have a baby – use cloth Here we’ve put together some tips to assist you nappies – disposable nappies can take 500 years to with your waste disposal. break down in landfill. Purchase products that are concentrated, reusable, refillable or rechargeable To avoid food waste: When food waste breaks rather than disposable. And always buy recycled down in landfill it creates harmful greenhouse where possible. gases. Therefore, it’s very important to try to avoid food waste altogether. Ways to do this? Check your To recycle: Recycle your soft plastics through the fridge before you go shopping to avoid overbuying. REDcycle scheme through Coles and Woolworths.

Buy local and seasonal produce and avoid buying All paper, cardboard, juice cartons, cans, tins, foil, perishable items in bulk when they are on sale. aerosols, plastic bottles and hard plastic containers Once you get home, make sure you store your food can go in your recycling bin. You could start a correctly in the fridge or freezer. home compost bin to reduce food waste and help your garden, if you have a gardener, they may be To reuse: There are lots of nifty ways you can reuse able to offer assistance or advice. items rather than tossing them in the trash, like using yoghurt containers to grow seedlings. You can also fix clothing or electrical items, donate things to your local charity shop or hold a garage sale. Also buy used or second-hand items rather MW LIFESTYLE 2021 than brand new.

TIMELESS INTERIOR DESIGN TRENDS FOR EVERY SEASON

TIMELESS INTERIOR DESIGN TRENDS FOR EVERY SEASON “Your home is a reflection of you, and there’s nothing wrong with demonstrating your own personal sense of style through your home décor. “ Interior design, like all kinds of fashion, has trends that come and go. While it can be tempting to try and integrate every single new trend into your home’s décor, this can result in a messy and incoherent design aesthetic, lacking an overarching theme or concept.

1. Function over ‘flash’

Prioritise the functionality of your home over something that simply looks stylish. Put simply, a home that flows well, is easy to navigate and comfortable to relax in is always going to feel stylish and sophisticated. Over cluttering your Your home is a reflection of you, and there’s home with trendy furniture pieces or artwork is nothing wrong with demonstrating your own ultimately going to make the space harder to use personal sense of style through your home décor. and less pleasant to occupy.

However, there are some basic design principles that will ensure that your home looks fantastic, One way of heightening the functionality of no matter what’s in style. Here are some of our top your home is an open floorplan. Open floorplans tips for decorating your home to stand the test of encourage intuitive, easy movement throughout a home, and heighten the sense of connection time. between each distinct space. Homes with open floorplans also tend to take in more natural light and feel larger, further elevating the usefulness and functionality of the space.

2. Stick to neutrals

Decorative, ornate details shouldn’t be excluded entirely from your home décor. Small, ornate details can serve as stunning accents in a room – think of Victorian ceiling roses and cornices, tufted legs on a sofa, or a beautiful decorative lamp. However, these shouldn’t be centre pieces that draw the eye in an overly distracting way.

One of the easiest ways a home can look dated is through selecting a colour palette specific to a time period. The browns and orange colour palette favoured in the 1970s is instantly recognisable, while rose gold is instantly reminiscent of the early 2010s. Neutral colours, however, are not easily associated with any given time period, and therefore will give your home a timeless feel.

4. Aim for symmetry Neutrals are advantageous for other reasons as well: it’s much easier to construct a coherent aesthetic look for your home, as there’s a far wider selection of neutral options available for furniture and décor. Neutrals can also make a home look bigger, as they’re generally lighter colours like cream, beige and white, reflecting more light and making a space feel more open. You can use colour as accents in cushions and smaller furniture items, but with large pieces, it’s best to stick to neutrals.

The human brain is automatically drawn to symmetry. It’s been a classical beauty standard for centuries, in every aesthetic field from fashion, beauty and architecture. The same principle applies to achieving a timeless, elegant aesthetic for your home.

Think about the centre point of each space in your home, whether that’s the physical centre of the room or an object or piece that is the focal point, and use that as an anchor for all the other pieces.

It’s good to double up on items of furniture so that they can be placed at opposite points in the room, 3. Keep it simple creating a mirror image of each side. This will give When selecting furniture for your home, pieces each space a sense of balance and harmony. with clean lines with minimal ornate detail are the best for a timeless look. Anything overly fussy or If you prefer plants of a more practical nature, unconventional is likely to reflect the trends of the then an indoor herb garden is the perfect solution. moment, and therefore will detract from a sense Herbs such as mint, rosemary, parsley, basil and thyme can be grown successfully inside on a of timelessness. kitchen window ledge where they can be easily accessed for cooking.

MW LIFESTYLE 2021

QUARTERLY RESULTS

QUARTERLY RESULTS

AUCTION LACHLAN HUTCHINS 0457 888 212 JACK STEAN 0434 588 664

NEW LISTING Art Deco Stunner In Central Albury 6 07 L I N D S AY A V E N U E , A L B U R Y

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TENANT OF THE MONTH

Address: 16/15 Amp Lane, Albury Phone: (02) 6021 7088 alburypictureframers.com.au

We have an extensive range of local and imported framing products showcasing the best the industry has to offer. Our trained and experienced staff can guide you on the latest framing techniques along with the current trends in design to enhance your prized possessions.

All work is completed onsite and therefore technical advice and guidance for framing unusual and unique objects is always available.

Albury Picture Framers recognizes that every framing job has different requirements and with this in mind we carry a wide range of products to ensure that we are able to frame your artwork appropriately whether it be to a budget or to the Albury Picture Framers have been framing for highest archival standards available. the Albury-Wodonga region for more than 30 years from the same location - the historic T & G We are proud to also offer a unique range of Building in Amp Lane. artistic jewellery and giftware from around the world displayed in our store.

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT FEATURE: HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR GAS AND ELECTRICITY IN YOUR RENTAL PROPERTY

Whilst the set up of gas and electricity is usually something most only think about when first moving into a new rental, it’s important to be across what you need to be aware of throughout your tenancy when it comes to maintaining a safe and reliable space.

Recent changes to the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (Vic) and Residential Tenancies Act 2010 (NSW) have significantly increased safety and compliance obligations for owners. The Victorian changes are scheduled to come into effect in March 2021, whilst NSW changes came into effect in 2020.

To give more depth on what this means for owners and tenants, the regulations make it mandatory for owners to ensure their properties: • Have smoke alarm checks at least once every 12 months.

• Are required to meet new prescribed minimum standards to ensure they are fit for habitation.

In addition, Victorian rental properties also must have: • Gas and electricity safety checks of all appliances, installations and fittings at least once every two years • Detailed records of all safety checks retained and reports made available to tenants on request.

These new regulations are to ensure a safe tenancy for all Victorian and NSW tenants, and mitigate the risk to owners and tenants. Moving forward in 2021, tenants can feel at ease that their home by law will be adequately checked and tested regularly by a fully licensed trade professional to ensure nothing is out of place.

A regular annual or biennial check up of these connections can very easily ensure potential malfunctions are attended to before an accident is likely to occur. This new legislation is an important yet simply administered requirement to ensure the safety of all tenants.

What is required of a tenant under the new legislation?

A fully licensed electrician (not a handy man) will require access to inspect the physical property, and double check the function of all fitted appliances like smoke alarms (ensuring sound is in working condition, and new batteries are fitted), lights and power points. For gas, a fully licensed gas plumber will inspect all gas connections and appliances like stove, heaters and hot water systems.

The Property Management team at Stean Nicholls are here to offer their experience and advice when it comes to safely maintaining a property. We’re able to connect you with our trusted gas and electricity professionals to ensure your property is looked after and that you are fully compliant with the new regulations.

A simple notification from your property manager is all that’s involved to organise access for the appropriate yearly or biennial maintenance checks to occur as needed – and of course to report directly to your property manager if you suspect What’s involved in the process of a maintenance there could be an issue with a gas line or electricity outlet. check?

If you have any queries regarding property management or leasing, please contact the Stean Nicholls Property Management Team who will be happy to assist. For more information contact us on (02) 6021 5233.

LOCAL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

You will find The Tribe Store tucked away in a beautiful heritage building in the Albury CBD. The store is home to a carefully curated collection of homewares, apparel, wellness products & accessories; with the common thread of well made, natural fibres, and a simple, calming aesthetic.

We are very lucky to be the exclusive local stockists of favourite Australian & NZ labels Assembly Label, Olli Ella, The Lullaby Club, Sophie Store and Sage x Clare.

Thank-you to our wonderful community for showing us so much support over the years particularly the last 12 months!

493 Swift Street, Albury 0439 448 327 thetribestore.com.au

@tribestore_

CAULIFLOWER PARMIGIANA

Cauliflower makes for a low-cal, highfibre version of the pub favourite.

Serves 4

Ingredients 1 head cauliflower 1 small eggplant, cut into 1cm-thick rounds 1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 1 small red onion, finely chopped 1 small carrot, finely chopped 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced 2 vine-ripened tomatoes, finely chopped 400g can diced tomatoes 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar 1/4 cup fresh basil, torn, plus extra, to serve 90g bocconcini, drained, sliced Baby spinach, to serve

Method STEP ONE Preheat the oven to 200ºC/180ºC fan forced. Line a large baking tray with baking paper. Cut cauliflower into 1.5m-thick steaks (depending on the size of your cauliflower, you will get 4-6 steaks). Place steaks on the prepared tray and lightly spray with oil. Season.

Sprinkle with oregano. Bake for 10 minutes. Add eggplant to tray around the cauliflower and spray with oil. Bake, turning once during cooking, for 30 minutes or until vegies are golden and tender.

STEP TWO Meanwhile, heat the oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and carrot. Cook, stirring, for 5 minutes or until softened. Add the garlic and vineripened tomato. Cook, stirring, for 2-3 minutes or until softened. Add the canned tomato, vinegar and 60ml (1/4 cup) water. Simmer gently for 10 minutes or until the sauce is thickened. Stir through the basil.

STEP THREE Spoon the tomato sauce mixture over the eggplant and cauliflower stacks and top with bocconcini. Bake for 5-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden.

Serve with baby spinach leaves.

- TASTE.COM.AU

DIRECTORS’ MESSAGE

What a year it has been for the Albury Wodonga property market! Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the area has experienced exponential growth as people leave the capital cities in search of a new lifestyle with room to move. Local buyers and sellers have also re-evaluated their lifestyle as they seek new dwellings with a third living area or home office space, as working from home becomes more common.

Great buying conditions such as low interest rates, the home builders grant and the exemption of stamp duty for first home buyers has also fuelled the market as people pursue the Australian dream of owning their own home.

Generally, the area growth hovers around 5%-5.5%, however over the past 12 months, we have experienced growth towards 8.26%. Most of this growth occurred in the last quarter, with an estimated 7.27% jump.

The rental market has also experienced a surge due to movement of people to the area. Stean Nicholls has experienced almost a 0% vacancy rate of rental properties over the past 6 months. This increase in demand has seen rental prices begin to lift, with the median rent price now at $360 per week.

With the recent growth in demand and population, the Albury Wodonga area has now firmly established itself as a major regional hub. Great buying conditions as well as an ideal blend of work and life balance mean the area will continue to grow well into the future.

Lachlan Hutchins 0457 888 212 lachlan@steannicholls.com.au

Nicholas Clark 0439 215 293 nicholas@steannicholls.com.au

Jack Stean 0434 588 664 jack@steannicholls.com.au

Geoff Stean 0413 888 788 geoff@steannicholls.com.au

SOCIAL SNAPS

The team took part in a Yoga session at Ardor in Dean Street, Albury.

Congratulations on buying your first home Alysha.

A friendly echidna pays a visit at one of our open homes.

SOLD AT AUCTION - 6/616 Griffith Street, Albury

The smile says it all!

Congratulations on your new home Lachlan.

SOLD AT AUCTION - 501 Nathan Avenue, Albury

Home-Grown is a Stean Nicholls publication. All opinions are our own. Compilation of statistical data relies on information from a number of external sources.

Copyright ©

Unit 1, Suite 19, 669 Dean Street, Albury 02 6021 5233 www.steannicholls.com.au

/steannicholls @steannicholls