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…
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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,…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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As we enter 2023, many owners will be thinking of redecorating to help maintain and even increase the value of their homes. There is nothing like a fresh coat of paint to make your place feel like new again, boosting your spirits in the process. If that idea appeals, you’ll be fascinated by the décor…
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Do you have big renovation plans for your new home, or do you want to make improvements before you sell? Now is a good time to make sure you protect yourself as building companies hit turbulent financial waters while they absorb increasing material costs. Leading industry researcher CoreLogic says construction costs jumped 9% in the…
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One of the most valuable and ambitious renovations before putting your home on the market is to rip out and replace your bathroom. A brand new bathroom can add tens of thousands of dollars to the value of your home and help it sell quickly. A bathroom is arguably the most complicated area of the…
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Did you know that switching from gas cooking to electricity can help save the environment? Research now shows that every time you ignite a gas ring, your stove will push out unburned methane that’s 86 times more potent than carbon dioxide (C02). And, according to a Forbes magazine report, the number of gas stoves being…
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Buying a home for the first time doesn’t have to be a daunting experience, if you know the basics before your start. It takes many puzzle pieces to ensure all your paperwork and lender funds are in order for settlement day, so preparation is the key to a successful transaction. One of the most important…
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