HOME-GROWN Spring Edition 2020

HOME-GROWN ALBURY/WODONGA & SURROUNDS

SPRING//EDITION

IN THIS ISSUE PREPARING FOR THE SPRING MARKET Welcome to our Spring 2020 issue of HOMEGROWN. An Albury-Wodonga based Real Estate Magazine, keeping you up-to-date with the latest listings and information as well as current local market statistics. In this JAM-PACKED issue, we have included some great articles, in particular we discuss renting versus buying in the current market and how to support local businesses in an ever changing environment. We also provide our quarterly results, a spotlight on local business and some tips on preparing your home for a Spring market. We hope you enjoy reading our eleventh issue of Home-Grown as much as we enjoyed putting it together for you! Here’s to a great Spring.

PICTURED ON FRONT - 462 Guinea Street, Albury

RENTING VERSUS BUYING IN THE CURRENT MARKET SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESSES QUARTERLY RESULTS NEW LISTING TENANT OF THE MONTH LOOKING AFTER OURSELVES LOCAL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT GOVERNMENT INCENTIVES PROVIDE BOOST FOR LAND SALES DIRECTORS’ MESSAGE SOCIAL SNAPS

PREPARING FOR THE SPRING MARKET

PREPARING FOR THE SPRING MARKET

Some great tips on how to prepare your home for a Spring sale.

First Impressions Count

Style to Wow

Initial impressions are lasting so make sure the street appeal of your home invites further inspection. A fresh coat of paint or even a more contemporary colour scheme will add enormous value. Even just mowing the lawn, repairing any damage, trimming the foliage and planting for some spring colour will make a huge difference.

Clearing shelves and cupboards will get you so far but presenting a house for sale can sometimes require professional styling. You can give your home a quick makeover just by moving furniture and adding cushions, throws and plants. But there is a real art to styling a property. Searching the internet and property websites will offer plenty of inspiration if you are confident in attempting to style your home yourself.

Clean and Clear Presentation inside is key to creating that wow factor that will give your home an edge over the competition. Once you have given it a deep spring clean you will know whether a coat of paint is also required. While you are cleaning you will be able to begin the de-cluttering process. It’s amazing how much “stuff” we accumulate that we really don’t need. When you think you have de-cluttered enough you’ll need to de-clutter even more. The aim is to make the rooms feel and look more spacious and flow better.

- LIFESTYLE 2020 (MW)

RENTING VERSUS BUYING IN THE CURRENT MARKET

RENTING VERSUS BUYING IN THE CURRENT MARKET

It’s the perennial quandary facing many potential first home-buyers. Is it better to continue renting or to take the plunge and buy a property?

It’s the perennial quandary facing many potential first home-buyers. Is it better to continue renting or to take the plunge and buy a property? In normal times there are so many factors to consider, and in these unique COVID-19 times, there are even more unknowns and variables.

Now that interest rates are at historic lows and likely to stay there for some time to come, the costs of borrowing have been reduced. Add to lower mortgage repayments, the new Government subsidies including Homebuilder and the First Home Buyer scheme, buying a property has never been more affordable. After a period of price growth in the second half of 2019 and early in 2020, we are now seeing a number of good opportunities for first home buyers and investors. A number of long-term renters have taken advantage of these conditions to make a home purchase for the first time.

- LIFESTYLE 2020 (MW)

SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESSES IN TOUGH TIMES

SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESSES IN TOUGH TIMES

Throughout the course of COVID-19 restrictions, many businesses have had to close their doors or significantly adjust their delivery of services.

By backing local, we can stimulate the economy and support jobs, ensuring we recover as quickly as possible from the impacts of this global pandemic.

If you aren’t able to financially support a business, why not leave a positive review or drop your favourite places an encouraging email of support and solidarity?

Whilst restrictions have eased in NSW and our businesses recover from the impact of COVID-19, we encourage you to support our local business For those of us at home, we can source much of what we need right here in our region. So please, community when you can. if you’re lucky enough to be able to help, take a Whether it’s buying a coffee, a voucher, a new item look at the diverse options on offer and stay loyal of clothing or dining out on Dean Street, we can all to local. make a difference.

Life during COVID-19 restrictions doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy or support our local businesses and as we have grown and adapted, there are so many ways we can back the local businesses we know and love.

For those on the other side of the border in Victoria, things haven’t been so easy. With cafes and restaurants forced to go back to takeaway only and gyms and beauty salons closed all together, those south of the border will be feeling the stress of added restrictions.

Many businesses have adapted to the ever JOIN OUR LA MAISON POP UP MARKET changing environment by thinking of new ways to deliver their service or goods.

Alternatively, you can see us every week at Almar Organics for our pop-up market days on Friday 3 La Maison Restaurant on the causeway is one such 6pm or Saturday 9am - 12pm. business who has adapted well to the constant changes in restrictions.

The perfect opportunity to get your meals for the week/weekend and do your produce shopping with PICK UP YOUR MEALS FROM BOTH SIDES OF THE Almar.

BORDER We’re always stocked up with heaps of options for COVID-19 Can’t keep us down! We’re delighted to every taste, so be sure to stop by! share that you can order with La Maison online anytime. Victorian residents can collect their See you at 539 Nurigong St, South Albury. orders from our restaurant (40 Lincoln Causeway, Wodonga) between 10am - 3pm, Mon - Fri. NSW residents can collect their orders from Murray River Smokehouse (417 Tribune St, Albury) between 10am - 5pm, Mon - Fri (24 hrs notice preferable).

- ALBURY CITY COUNCIL, LA MAISON RESTAURANT

QUARTERLY RESULTS

QUARTERLY RESULTS

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FOR SALE: CONTACT AGENT JACK STEAN 0434 588 664 LACHLAN HUTCHINS 0457 888 212

NEW LISTING L u x u r i o u s To w n R e s i d e n c e 5 2 9 N O R T H S T R E E T, A L B U R Y

TENANT OF THE MONTH

Shop 2A, 463–467 Kiewa Street, Albury 0421 173 481 sally@selfpilates.com.au Our studio is open Monday to Sunday.

Check our timetable for classes www.selfpilates.com.au Self Pilates and Wellness is a locally owned and operated boutique studio in Albury’s CBD. Offering a range of services centred around a holistic approach to fitness and wellbeing.

Self offers Corporate Wellness programs and events, Private Sessions, an online self love store with beautiful gifts. Self has recently launched Self Online (a subscription service for classes on demand) visit https://online.selfpilates.com.au/ to Self has face to face small group classes of find out more.

Reformer Pilates, Mat Pilates, Yoga and a unique Class exclusive to Self called the Signature Self Self is a place where it all comes together, Experience, a perfect class to calm the mind and Pilates, wellness and community. We invite you to stretch the body. Each class is carefully curated experience OURself for YOURself. to client needs by highly qualified and passionate teachers. We offer classes 7 days a week, bookings are required and you can find more info via www.selfpilates.com.au.

LOOKING AFTER OURSELVES

During these uncertain and challenging times in our life, Love Me Love You (LMLY) have compiled some tips on looking after ourselves and keeping a positive wellbeing to help you feel a little better and give you a sense of control.

we all feel supported. Isolation from family and friends, particularly for those who live alone can result in feelings of loneliness and helplessness.

During these uncertain and challenging times in our life, LMLY are here to support us all. Going to sleep, going to work, going to gym, undertaking relaxation time and eating well, all within the confinements of our homes can have a significant Love Me Love You impact on our wellbeing. It’s important that Love Me Love You (LMLY) is a not for profit though times are certainly tough and we may have organisation that challenges the stigma heightened emotions, looking after ourselves is of surrounding mental health. LMLY was founded by the utmost importance. To help us feel a sense of former AFL footballer Lance Picioane who himself control during a very uncertain time LMLY have had suffered from depression before seeking the compiled some tips on keeping a positive wellbeing: help that he needed. Utilising the knowledge and expertise of psychologists and counsellors, Taking Care of Yourself LMLY have developed a number of programs and For many people the pandemic and the restrictions pathways to aid and support people who might be imposed have given us a sense that we no longer have control of our own lives, constantly adapting fighting their way through challenging times. to new challenges. Restoring some normality to Whilst the first time around there seemed to be our lives can help reduce the impact of negative a bit of a “novelty” element to the lockdown, we emotions. Below are some steps for taking care of may now feel a little differently after months yourselves. of changing routines and schedules, which has taken a toll on many people’s mental heath and Stay active: Set aside time during the day to wellbeing. The lockdown will of course impact complete a home workout. This can be anything people differently depending on their employment from yoga to HIIT training. Jump on Youtube and and living circumstances, but it is important that find something new every day.

Find your routine: If you are working from home it is best to set a schedule and stick to it.

Create structure similar to what you’d be doing in normal circumstances. Don’t allow work to take over. Get dressed for work and set your hours. Take regular breaks and move from your desk.

Put your chefs’ hat on:

Good nutrition is key to staying healthy. During stressful times this becomes increasingly important. For many people it may be challenging to get some ingredients at the moment. If you’re running low or not able to get certain things, that’s ok, keep it really simple or substitute (Google substitute items). Additionally, Connect with people: Make regular phone have your supplies delivered to help support calls or video calls to people you know. Set up a people’s business. virtual coffee catch up!

Think outside the box: Find things that keep Be zen: Focus some of your energy towards your attention. Start planning a holiday, sort out all meditation or mindfulness. These techniques can old photos/videos, learn a new language grab a 500 be very helpful in relieving stress and unwanted piece jigsaw puzzle or learn a new skill. It is a great negativity. time to learn new things.

Get some sun: If possible, get outside a couple

of times a day. Vitamin D is vital to healthy living.

If you have access to a garden, go out and enjoy it.

Only have a balcony? Sit out and read, meditate or listen to a podcast.

Self-indulge (you deserve it!):

Run a bath, put a face mask on or give yourself a pedicure. Take time to provide yourself with some TLC.

Knock off your household projects: Now’s

the time to knock off those household tasks that have been on your to do list. Set yourself a deadline and get those tasks done you have needed to do for a while.

Even with self-care in place it can get overwhelming.

Reach out to the Love Me Love You Support Pathway via their website www. lovemeloveyou.org.au and remember, no one travels their journey alone.

- LIFESTYLE 2020 (MW)

LOCAL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Meraki Produce is a locally owned business located at 2/449A Dean Street, Albury which started in a home kitchen in 2018. They provide convenient, healthy and nourishing food for time-poor yet health conscious people. All of their food is prepared from scratch, using fresh ingredients to provide individual meals or options for the whole family. They specialise in hiding vegetables in all of their meals! Meraki’s goal is to revolutionise the way you think about fast food by providing convenient, healthy and nourishing food that makes you feel good, without taking time away from what is important to you.

The four pillars to their business include online meal ordering, grab and go instore, catering and cooking classes.

Meraki Produce: 2/449 Dean Street. Albury. NSW. 2640 P: 02 60669001 E: merakiproduce@gmail.com W: www.merakiproduce.com.au

@merakiproduce

GOVERNMENT INCENTIVES PROVIDE BOOST FOR LAND SALES

The HomeBuilder grant has provided a boost to land enquiries, resulting in a number of sales across our current land estates.

This year we have seen the release of two new stages within Ettamogah Rise. Offering a semi-rural lifestyle, Stage 4 comprises blocks of approximately 1,500m2, whilst Stage 6 offers blocks of a substantial 4,000m2+ (1 acre). The generous proportions allow for plenty of room for the family home, pool and ample shedding (STCA). The community feel, outstanding views, NBN connectivity and easy connection to the central hub of Albury have also led the estate to being almost totally owner occupied.

The stimulus of the $25,000 HomeBuilder grant coupled with possible exemptions of stamp duty has boosted enquiry across each of our land developments, with over 60% of the blocks being sold in Stage 4 of Ettamogah Rise.

All types of vacant land have been selling fast including those in Chisholm Estate in Thurgoona of which we now only have a select few left. Those with investment property intentions have bought smaller parcels of land, whilst purchasers seeking to build their family home have taken up larger allotments.

For more information on the range of land that we currently have available please visit https://www.steannicholls.com. au/ or phone the office on 02 6021 5233.

And for further information on the current HomeBuilder Grant and to check your eligibility please visit: https://treasury.gov.au/coronavirus/homebuilder

DIRECTORS’ MESSAGE

Whilst 2020 has so far thrown the border and the nation a curve ball, there seems to still be a strong message in the Albury property market. So far, many investors, first home buyers and downsizers are turning to the faithful “bricks and mortar�, resulting in a consistent property market, if not a slight rise in the property market. The supply of available property in the Albury/ Wodonga area is down 26.7% from this time last year, so we are seeing the demand for properties drive and achieve fantastic prices. These circumstances combined with the building grant of $25,000 for new homes has seen Albury real estate thrive under the current economic climate. Agents have had to adapt to off market transactions, Private Auctions, Expressions of Interest and other methods of sale becoming favourable given restrictions on numbers of buyers at properties, whilst also making sure the health and safety of the community is paramount.

We believe the spring market will be busy given the lack of property that has been available since April, with many vendors choosing to hold off selling until the warmer months. Our advice to vendors has always been to beat the rush of properties that come on in the spring market.

Our landlords have enjoyed a 0% vacancy rate for four months in a row now, rental demand is at a level that we have not seen before and again a lack of property over the winter months has made it difficult for tenants to find the home they require. We have not been able to understand the reason for this, however given the building grants and large businesses entering Albury at the moment we believe job supply is buoyant in the region.

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

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

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

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

SOCIAL SNAPS

45 years ago Geoff Stean SOLD this home in Holmwood Cross to Mr & Mrs Haynes. 45 years later, he SOLD it again.

Adapting to changing times - Covid safe open homes.

SOLD - 699A David Street, Albury

SOLD BEFORE AUCTION - 344 Macauley Street, Albury

We love it when feathered friends are part of our open homes.

SOLD - 447 Hovell Street, 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 Š

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

/steannicholls @steannicholls