Australia
September 2010
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) held their monthly board meeting on Tuesday and decided to keep official interest rates on-hold. Despite the stable rates decision, speculation persist that the increased cost in offshore funding will see banks lift interest rates independently of the RBA in the coming months.
Housing finance data was also released this week and it showed the total number of home loans to owner occupiers during July increased by 1.7% for the month. This increase was due to an increase in loans for the purchase of new dwellings (1.5%) and the purchase of existing dwellings (2.0%) however, loans for the construction of new dwellings fell by (0.7%). The total number of owner occupier home loan commitments are down -25.0% over the last year. The total value of investor finance commitments fell from $7.3 billion the previous month to $7.1 billion during July. Investor commitments now account for 34.0% of the total value of all housing loans during July, down from 35.0% in June, indicating that investor activity in the market may be slowing as value growth also slows.
Housing finance data also showed that across all owner occupier finance commitments, first time buyers accounted for just 16.1% of buyers. In terms of the total volume, first home buyer finance commitments are down -53.8% for the year to July 2010.
June 11th, 2010
The Gold Coast market seems to be continuing to lift. The run of sales in May from our marketing and continuing strong interest mean things look good for the Gold Coast going forward.
The economy is holding well and over the last few days the share market has shaken off some of the international fears. Clearance rates at Auction in Sydney and Melbourne have come off a little, however these markets have been running hot and some commentators are speculating that these cities have come into their winter recess and sales will again lift in their traditionally strong spring selling season.
The Australian Financial review supports our optimism for the Gold Coast market. "Regional coastal areas on the rise" was one recent headline. The article went on to say "sales of regional residential properties across most of Australia's east and south coast are looking healthy".
Given our recent sales we are now short of properties, so if you are interested in selling call our office on 07 5506 9600 and one of the team will be willing to assist in developing a strategy that will see your property sold.
Information provided by
Jay Carter (Click here to contact agent)
Coldwell Banker Carter Real Estate
February 12th, 2010
Southern Gold Coast Real Estate - What's Happening There?
The beachside Southern Gold Coast is undergoing a massive transformation. Anyone who flies out of the revamped Coolangatta airport and sees the $100 million expansion can only be impressed. The Airport is now a fully fledged international airport with direct daily flights to Auckland, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo and Osaka. The world is your oyster from there!
The new Southern Cross University campus has opened its doors adjacent to the airport and thousands of students, both international and domestic, are starting to head for Coolangatta, Kirra and Bilinga for the lifestyle and education facilities.
Just behind Coolangatta Airport the 5000 occupancy development at Cobaki Lakes is in its final approval stages. The new ‘mini city’ has been compared to Varsity Lakes and is only a few minutes drive to the beach.
The Southern Gold Coast has certainly changed over the last few years and with these major developments just com ing online the future is assured. What more do you need to be convinced of this potential of this great area.
January 28th, 2010
The Gold Coast property market is warming up. News out today shows good price increases nationally and we have noticed an increase in the number of properties on the market and more importantly the number of properties that are coming onto the market. This is a result of confidence returning to the economy.
Sellers who have been holding on for the last 2 years, not needing to sell, are now making the decision to sell.
There is good buyer interest however some are still looking to find the bargains, which are almost gone from the market as the competition from buyers increases.
Recent auction results confirm buyers are active in the market, but their offers are sometimes falling short of the owners expectations. The real test for the properties that have passed in at auction is to see if they sell within the next 2 weeks. These sales will occur because buyers realise that they need to pay a little more than their first offer to secure the property or sellers realise the market will only support a certain price level.
My advice for buyers is not to wait too long as we have seen a solid start to the year and the market looks to be gaining in strength. Sellers should be listening to the market feedback and making definite decisions.
Information provided by
Jay Carter (Click here to contact agent)
Coldwell Banker Carter Real Estate
November 26th, 2009
Sustainability Declaration - New Requirement for Queensland Sellers
There has been much made of this legislation and it is causing confusion and concern among agents and owners. From January 1st, legislation requires Queensland Sellers to compete a Sustainability Declaration prior to marketing their property. We view this new requirement similarly to the current Body Corporate Disclosure Statement, except the Seller must sign it and it needs to be completed before marketing commences.
Failure to comply with the new Declaration may result in fines of up to$4000 for Sellers and $10,000 for agents. With this in mind we are recommending Sellers contact Sustainability Reports, a local business established to help Sellers complete the Sustainability Declaration.
Buyers should be on the lookout for the new Declarations from January 1st. Sellers should contact Tim and his team from Sustainability Reports via their website http://www.sustainabilityreports.com.au/
Market Update
Right now the market is in a classic pre Christmas mode, sellers getting organized to go to market in January and Buyers deciding if they should buy now or wait until after Christmas for the January sales. However, the smart buyer who is serious knows that most agents already have their January listings in their sights and are speaking with agents to perhaps secure a pre Christmas opportunity before the rest of the market gets a chance.
Some Sellers are motivated to sell RIGHT NOW, to be out before Christmas. If they miss this boat they may not see a sale until after their January campaigns, with settlement in early March. For a seller under financial pressure this can be too long. So my advice to buyers is to keep an eye out and be prepared to make your move
Information provided by
Jay Carter (Click here to contact agent)
Coldwell Banker Carter Real Estate
September 23rd, 2009
What’s happening in the market? I liken this time in real estate to the breaking of a new day, as rays of sunshine start to touch the market there are still opportunities to be found in what remains of the previous night. Confidence is returning and you can secure properties at very good prices, as some sellers who have been on the market for a while are still looking to find their buyer.
Interest in the very top end of the market is increasing, buyers are no longer just enquiring, they are making offers on contract with deposits. This is a clear sign of positive things to come, as the very top end of the market is usually the professional person with investments and businesses that are now starting break out from the dark clouds of the Global Financial Crisis.
Don’t wait too long though, or all these opportunities will be gone!
Kind Regards,
Jay Carter
CEO
Listings^ top
Paradise Waters 30 Admiralty Drive
VENDOR ADJUSTS PRICE - GREAT LOCATION - DAZZLING VIEWS
This substantial classically designed residence is the epitome of sophistication from the marble floors to the grand chandeliers. Located on a sheltered section of the main river (6 knot zone) with a magnificent water vista to the glistening skyli... more detail »
PRICE $5,250,000
CALL Carol Carter 0414 760 305
Currumbin 57 Woodgee Street
WHAT AN OPPORTUNITY- RARELY AVAILABLE - THE ULTIMATE POSITION - ELEVATED WOODGEE STREET, CURRUMBIN - NORTH EAST ASPECT WRAPPED WITH VIEWS
A true masterpiece, designed by award winning architect Paul Uhlmann with space light and casual beach living in mind. Perfectly positioned on a large 733m2 block to take full advantage of the ocean views, awash with the luminous north east sunlig... more detail »
PRICE
CALL Carol Carter 0414 760 305
Fingal Head 10B Marine Parade
Private Beachfront Home - Beach, River & Mountain Views
Enjoy the lifestyle this beachfront home offers. Quality finishes including your own private lift and roof terrace offering 360 degree views make this home standout from the rest. This is truly and entertainers home. The 3 bedrooms, 2 separate ... more detail »
PRICE OFFERS SOUGHT
CALL Jay Carter 0414 728 643
Surfers Paradise 1/68 Sunrise Boulevard
VALUE $2.35m - North Facing Main River Villa
One of the most spectacular residential positions on the Gold Coast! The Owner has purchased just a few doors away and is anxious to move. A sense of "being home, it's time to unwind and relax" is yours immediately you pass through the front gate ... more detail »
PRICE POA
CALL Carol Carter 0414 760 305
Clear Island Waters 5 Istana View
Prestige Waterfront Living - The Epitome of Family Luxury
Owner's business commitments requires permanent interstate relocation Set in a blue ribbon secure gated estate you are minutes from landmark shopping centres and golden beaches. This luxurious modern home offers a flexible open floor plan with fl... more detail »
PRICE
CALL Ashley Callus, OAM 0414 710 447
Surfers Paradise 41 Watson Esplanade
OFFERS WANTED NOW. SIX UNITS PLUS MANAGEMENT RIGHTS
Villa Vera Resort is located on Watson Esplanade Surfers Paradise. The complex has an inground pool, is close to the river, and only a 5 minute walk to Cavill Mall. There are ten units in total, six of them are owned by one owner including the manage... more detail »
PRICE OFFERS WANTED
CALL Kim Shipway 0403527350
Surfers Paradise 224/74 Old Burleigh Road
"La Sabbia" Owner wants it sold now!
Seize this opportunity to secure an apartment in one of the most tightly held residential buildings on the Gold Coast, 'La Sabbia'. Sophisticated glamour sets the tone, while a perfect fusion with contemporary architecture provides functional space... more detail »
PRICE POA
CALL Carol Carter 0414 760 305
Bilambil Heights
- Luxury Hideaway On 2.5 Elevated Acres
Magnificent tri-level home set on 2.5 elevated acres overlooking the Terranora Broadwater. Built as a B&B/health retreat, this home has to seen to be appreciated. It is clear the owner poured heart and soul into this property, however work commit... more detail »
PRICE $1.9 Million
CALL Michael Kelly 0411 114 923
Sovereign Islands 9 Queen Ann Court
NORTH FACING IN DESIRABLE LOCATION
Sovereign Islands is a boat lovers paradise. This 700sqm north facing block has 21metres of waterfront. Positioned in a protected canal this is the ideal position for your new home. Contact Kim Shipway 0403 527 350 for details.... more detail »
PRICE $1,500,000
CALL Kim Shipway 0403527350
Main Beach
BEACHFRONT - MAIN BEACH
Totally redesigned to international standards this immaculate three bedroom two bathroom apartment is located in the northern most absolute beachfront building in Main Beach, enjoying resplendent views of surf, sand and verdant park land never to be ... more detail »
PRICE
CALL Carol Carter 0414 760 305
Kirra 701/2 Creek St
KIRRA'S NEWEST ADDITION- KIRRA SURF
You will be astounded by the position that this apartment has to offer, with only 2 minutes to Coolangatta's Airport, great views to Surfers and south to Rainbow Bay. This 3 bedroom apartment is very spacious with different views from each room. ... more detail »
PRICE $1,224,000
CALL
Hollywell 323 Bayview Street
URGENT SALE - BEACHFRONT PENTHOUSE ALTERNATIVE - MAKE AN OFFER!
IMAGINE WAKING UP TO THIS BROADWATER BEACHFRONT VIEW EVERY DAY, FOR LESS THAN YOU MIGHT EXPECT. OWNER MUST SELL BEFORE CHRISTMAS - TIME IS RUNNING OUT. If you are looking to live and invest in the brilliant Allisee development, but the remaining d... more detail »
PRICE MAKE AN OFFER!
CALL Melanie Stott 0419 648 616
Currumbin 828 Pacific Parade
Rock Resort - Large 2 Bed 2 Bath Unit Separate From Main Resort
A 2 bedroom unit perfectly positioned on the 3rd level in the adjoining building to the main resort. Full resort access and facilities without the hustle during holiday times. This unit overlooks beautiful Currumbin Beach and offers an excellent ... more detail »
PRICE $620,000 HOT PRICE
CALL Jay Carter 0414 728 643
Bilinga 3/80 PacificParade
Beachfront Bilinga Bargain
Any closer to the ocean and you'd get wet! Fabulous 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom groundfloor unit in a small complex of 12. This unit has had a total refit and renovation to bring it up to a class on it's own. The new kitchen features stainless steel appl... more detail »
PRICE $480,000
CALL Michael Kelly 0411 114 923
Properties for Lease^ top
Tugun 2/389 Golden Four Drive
SUMMER BY THE BEACH!
Available 7th September - Unfurnished. Discover the ultimate family lifestyle in this superb, near new, entire second floor apartment in a boutique building of only four, and only metres to the pristine sand and surf of Tugun Beach. Spacious livi... more detail »
PRICE $800pw
CALL
Palm Beach 20/1187 Gold Coast Highway
FABULOUS OCEAN VIEWS - "SEASCAPE"
As you enter this spacious 6th floor unit you will be impressed by the spectacular ocean and beach views from every room! This sunny, open plan unit comes unfurnished and features 2 generous sized bedrooms with built-ins and ceiling fans, 2 bathroom... more detail »
PRICE $420
CALL
Surfers Paradise
16th Level Circle On Cavill - Mountain & River Views - Phone To Inspect This Weekend
1 Bed + Study AVAILABLE NOW UNFURNISHED - BREAKLEASE. This one bedroom plus study unit on the 16th floor of the north tower is priced to go! Ultra modern unit with the kitchen including gas hobs, microwave and a single dishdrawer, spa bath in the... more detail »
PRICE $410 per week
CALL Jay Carter 0414 728 643
March 2009
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Information provided by
Azam Dabbagh (Click here to contact agent)
Coldwell Banker South West Realty
November 2008
Interest Rate News Will Be Good For Property
According to news reports NAB's Chief Economist Alan Oster has forecast a rate cut to 3.75% by March next year, with 0.75% of a cut due next month.
Macquarie Bank in their November 11 Economic Spotlight have a similar outlook saying "interest rates may need to fall below 4% in order to revive growth."
This will be good news for property nationally. But it is still a serious time in Gold Coast real estate. Serious for both Buyers and Sellers.
On the South East Queensland market, respected valuers Herron Todd White have said that Sellers are "living in a fools paradise if they believe that once it (their property) hits the market at their fantasy asking figure, all they need do is sit back and wait for the bidding war to begin."
Time To Get Serious
Sellers can't sit back and hope for a sale, it is time to get serious. Your property needs to be properly marketed and exposed to the buyers that are there. A strategy needs to be developed that fits with your needs and you need to signal to those buyers that you are serious about selling. Buyers have so much choice, without a strong signal of intent to sell, buyers will pass your property by.
It is also a time for Buyers to be serious. It is clear to me in this "buyers market" those that are serious are winning. Serious offers are on contract, have limited conditions and short settlement periods. Sellers are looking at these offers and making decisions, yes or no. The fewer conditions the more likely the offer will be seen in good light.
It's a great time to be buying right now.
Information provided by
Coldwell Banker Team (Click here to contact agent)
Coldwell Banker Property Australia
June 2008
Media and market reports
For the last few months we have seen some confusing messages from the media. Property is up, property is down. They can’t seem to make up their mind. Well, which is it?
Simply put, there are some “annual” figures that show growth over the last 12 months as being over 20%, while the current quarterly reports are flatter. When reading these numbers look at the time frame and remember that if it is annual data it will include results from before the election and before we knew what “Sub-Prime” really was.
Sales Market
This month has kicked off with a flurry of sales activity. 70% of our last crop of sales were previous auction campaigns that had been passed in and successfully negotiated in the following days. We are finding that a structured and professional campaign is drawing the buyers into action.
While the market has slowed over the last quarter, it is true there are some motivated sellers who are prepared to negotiate on their prices. There are also buyers in the market who recognise this and are prepared to act, the result being a sale.
Slowly, confidence is returning to the market and more buyers are venturing into making decisions. This will hold well for the next few months.
If you are thinking of selling contact one of the Coldwell Banker team and we will be happy to assist you.
Rental Report:
Last newsletter we covered the simple fact that there are more rental properties currently on the market than there has been. Using apartments in Q1 and Circle on Cavill as examples. A quick analysis of these properties from the end of April to now shows the number of apartments available for rent has doubled. (source: realestate.com.au)
This is contrary to some media reports, who tend to focus on Brisbane houses where vacancy rates are still low. Houses on the Gold Coast are renting reasonably well, as are units outside Surfers Paradise. I would suggest that the vacancy rates in Surfers Paradise are a little cyclical, as we move through winter we will see an improvement.
Information provided by
Coldwell Banker Team (Click here to contact agent)
Coldwell Banker Property Australia
January 2008
Property hotspots for 2008
Residex CEO John Edwards and Property Advisor Margaret Lomas join the TODAY Show to offer tips on how to snap-up a real estate bargain in 2008.
"There are several factors to take into consideration when looking for a property investment," says Ms Lomas. "Such as demographics of the area and whether you are looking to lease the property or to live in it."
Ms Lomas advises that the key aspect in real estate is choosing a suburb where demand in the future is likely to outstrip supply.
"Choose a suburb where there is good population growth and houses are comparatively affordable," she suggests. "Also take into consideration the demographics of the suburb, such as good facilities, schools, hospitals and public transport."
"It's all about choosing an area that is likely to be well sort after in the future," she says.
For Home owners:
"Buy only what you can afford to repay at two percent higher interest rate to accommodate for a rate rise in 2008," she says.
"Consider a basic home today which can easily be added to later," she says. "First home buyers often want everything so it is better to start with something which can be added to later."
"It may be cheaper in 2008 to rent a property but buy as an investor elsewhere," she suggests. "For many, property in the area they want to live will over commit them, with loan repayments rising to two-and-a-half times average rent. These people should rent but still get into the property market as investors in areas with higher yield and lower purchase prices."
For Investors in 2008:
"Become educated about how to invest," she suggests. "Have as little shortfall between what goes in and what comes out as possible. Property which costs you too much from your own pocket each week results in a low ability to leverage into more property, as you do not have the income to do so."
"Understand that high growth does not mean you have to buy in capital cities," she says. "There are an abundance of areas today with lower prices but great economic vibrancy which indicates potential good growth in years to come."
"It is important to buy an appropriate property for your area," she says. "Or you will have problems getting tenants to fill it or selling in down the track."
" Buy widely," she says. "Do not hold all properties in one area as property behaves in cycles, but not the same cycle all over the country. You must be involved in many diverse markets."
Residex CEO John Edwards reveals which locations will boom as popular real estate hotspots in 2008.
Sydney hot spots:
- Good performer - WATTLE GROVE
- First home buyer - WENTWORTH FALLS
Brisbane hot spots:
- Good performer - MANLY
- First home buyer - GRIFFIN
ACT hot spots:
- Good performer - HUGHES
- First home buyer - GORDON
Melbourne hot spots:
- Good performer - EAGLEMONT
- First home buyer - HILLSIDE
Hobart hot spots:
- Good performer - NORTH HOBART
- First home buyer - EAST LAUNCESTON
Adelaide hot spots:
- Good performer - GLENELG
- First home buyer - MOANA
Western Australia hot spots:
- Good performer - ATWELL
- First home buyer - PORT KENNEDY
Darwin hot spots:
- Suburb boom - PARAP
- First home buyer - DURACK
- TODAY Show
Information provided by
Coldwell Banker Team (Click here to contact agent)
Coldwell Banker Property Australia
Wattle Grove named as Real Estate Hot Spot for 2008
- CB MEDIA
Information provided by
Coldwell Banker Team (Click here to contact agent)
Coldwell Banker Property Australia
December 2007
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Information provided by
Coldwell Banker Team (Click here to contact agent)
Coldwell Banker Property Australia