Gardening grows people’s outdoor imagination, creativity and joy as few other hobbies can. Better yet, both homeowners and renters who have never tried gardening before can succeed at this pastime with experience not always required for success. Green Thumb Lesson #1 Don’t be crushed by failures as even the wisest gardeners have them. Just like…
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A dream home can quickly become a nightmare if you have to cope with noisy, insensitive neighbours. Whether it’s late-night parties or barking dogs, there is literally no getting away from this issue. These tips may help you find a way to resolve your differences. Talk to difficult neighbours first Although it may be awkward…
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Interior designers are your key source of ideas and advice when organising a property renovation. They will examine spatial issues, recommend design and building improvements and work closely with your architect and other tradespeople. They should have a good understanding of building regulations and may also have access to trade discounts. Interior designers can provide…
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Investors will be heartened by the Reserve Bank of Australia’s recent decision to end its rate rise program and maintain the 4.65% cash rate. It gives investors and landlords breathing space to consider the continuing strength of the property market and whether the expansion of their portfolios will reap greater rewards. A recent report by…
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The four-year trend of house values outstripping those of units has continued according to the latest study from industry researcher CoreLogic. The gap between house and unit median prices is now 45.2%, the equivalent of $239,950. When the pandemic arrived in March 2020, the difference was 16.7%. City house values have increased 33.9% ($239,000) since…
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Predictions that coastal properties had their moment in the sun during the Covid-related property boom, and would experience price drops, appear to hold absolutely no water. New research has found that a third of Australia’s entire coastal property market has held on price, despite the 18-month period of interest rate rises designed to bring down…
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Australian property continues to record value growth as the year gets into full swing, offering an opportunity for sellers to capitalise on the upbeat mood. The decision by the Reserve Bank of Australia to leave the cash rate at 4.35% is a significant sign, creating the possibility that buyer concerns about mortgage costs will now…
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Asbestos is understandably a material that gives tradespeople, renovators and home buyers cause for concern. Exposure to this invisible hazardous material can cause fatal lung diseases with symptoms able to go undetected for decades. Asbestos was banned in Australia in 2003 and it is now banned in all other OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and…
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Backyard granny flats are facing a new future as state governments pull back on regulations around secondary dwellings to ease Australia’s housing shortage. With a naming history that stems from the fact they were originally built for and could only be legally used by the homeowner’s family members, granny flats have been given new government…
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Fly screens are a common fixture on many homes, but what if you have an awkward window or door you need to protect? Retractable fly screens are the perfect answer for extra-wide or unusual spaces in your home, such as bi-fold and French doorways or casement and awning windows. Retractable fly screens can also add…
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