Tag: country_au

Top tips for buying a holiday home

Buying a holiday home is a wonderful ambition that creates visions of happy families and fun times that will stay with you forever.  Remember that this is an emotional decision, so try to keep in mind the practicalities as well.  Some owners love having a holiday home while others have found it more work than…
Read more

Making a statement with indoor plants

If you want to make a fashion statement in your home, indoor plants are a great way to do it, sassing up old or tired bathrooms and kitchens without going to the huge expense of a renovation. And they’re a fashion statement that can turn heads when selling your home. Indoor plants are in vogue…
Read more

How to shop for your dream home

Searching for your dream home can be an exciting experience: you get to explore different housing styles, check out new locations and think about the kind of decor you love. To help the process go smoothly, a great idea is to spend a little time and effort listing the features you want in a home,…
Read more

Price heat drops in regional property markets

If you hold a long-term dream of living in the country or owning a holiday home, the latest price trends in regional Australia are working in your favour. Whether you’re looking for a long-term investment or a place to relax, the red-hot prices commanded by regional centres and towns across Australia are coming off the…
Read more

Price trends offer upgraders opportunity to move

New data on Australia’s residential sales indicates the conservative nature of the market continues: and that holds lots of potential for owners looking to upgrade. The price focus that’s gripped media and industry researchers misses an essential element of buying real estate: the discount gain upgraders enjoy when they sell and move higher on the…
Read more

Report spells out demand for rental properties

A new housing report has found that rental accommodation is increasingly unaffordable because a dramatic supply shortage continues to push rents higher. While most Australians are aware of the current rental crisis, the annual Rental Affordability Index (released by SGS Economics, National Shelter, Brotherhood of St Laurence and Beyond Bank) clearly spells it out. Every…
Read more

Seven top features that make a home sustainable

An increasing number of homes are being advertised as “sustainable”, attracting potential buyers who are considering their domestic eco-footprint and its detrimental environmental impact. But what are the essential features that contribute to making a home sustainable? Energy ratings can be obtained from organisations such as the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme and Green Star,…
Read more

Benefits of installing a spa instead of a pool

Now we’re in the middle of summer, these warm days often invite homeowners to ponder the value of installing a swimming pool for next year. It’s not a simple decision, and you want to be careful not to be swept up in the romantic notion of waking up every morning and plunging into your pool…
Read more

Seven ways to give your home a fresh start to the year

The seasons of the year often inspire you to take specific actions when maintaining your home.  We’re all familiar with a spring clean, and many owners will also spend a little more time than average preparing their gardens for warmer summer days. But the new year is also a great time to give you home…
Read more

Experts reveal new season paint colours

Landmark annual events often subconsciously signal a change of season or a favourite time of year. The Melbourne Cup is a sign that summer is coming, and the first ball of the Boxing Day cricket test means the nation is officially on holiday. You also know the end of the year is fast approaching when…
Read more