Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, but it also comes with a lot of legal paperwork and contracts that you may not have thought about when you were getting financial approval and finding a place. To make things a little easier, here’s a breakdown of the contracts and agreements you’ll encounter as a first-time homebuyer in Australia. The Sale Contract The sale contract is the foundation of any real estate transaction. It outlines the terms and conditions of the sale, including the property’s price, settlement date, and any special conditions. You’ll find details such as whether th ..read more

The spring selling season is underway and there has been a jump in listings in many parts of Australia. While you only need one person or couple to buy your home, if you want the best price, you need to have as many people as possible putting in offers. Frustratingly, Australian buyers can be incredibly picky. They usually have something very specific in mind and if a place doesn’t tick their boxes, they will put in a low offer. Before you put out the doormat for open home day, here’s an idea of what goes through prospective buyers’ heads when they come to have a look around, and how you can p ..read more

There is a lot of paperwork involved when you lease a home in Australia, but it’s worth signing a formal agreement to ensure your rights and the rights of the property owner are protected. Once you have handed over information to prove your identity and employment status, you’ll be expected to sign a lease / rental agreement. There are a few things that are important to know before you take this step. Here’s a handy guide to rental property contracts for tenants: Types of Rental Property Contracts In Australia, there are two common types of contracts/lease agreements: Fixed-term: Fixed-term a ..read more

The property market has been as fascinating as ever this year under changing economic conditions, rising interest rates and the construction industry slowdown. The following are some updates and statistics from the last quarter and twelve-month period. Overall property figures in Australia Did you know Australia has 11 million homes? With a population of 25.69 million, that means there are around 2.3 people per household. In the three months to July this year, average property prices in Australia rose by 2.9 per cent. If you split July figures by region/capital city, combined capital growth wa ..read more

First-home buyer incentives and grants are designed to help young buyers start their property ownership journey. However, these initiatives are different in every state, they change regularly and there always seem to be discussions about ways to do things better. Because of this, it can be difficult to know what is available and what you qualify for. First, it helps to be aware of the different incentives for home buyers, which generally include: Paying less or no stamp duty on homes under a certain value Receiving a grant to put towards buying or building a new home Accessing government ..read more

Depending on where you are in Australia, it is still very much a seller’s market. Stock is low and demand is high so most properties are selling quickly and auction clearance rates are holding strong. If you have just sold your home and are looking for your next place, you may be wondering if you will ever be the winning bidder. Here are some tips to give you an edge over other buyers. Tips for buying in a seller’s market Be prepared and pre-approved In a seller’s market, you must be able to act quickly. Doing your homework and especially getting pre-approval for a home loan means you can ma ..read more

While property prices have levelled off in Australia this year, limited stock means there is still competition amongst buyers, especially for quality apartments and family homes that are move-in ready. If you haven’t made a purchase in a while and you have pre-approval in place, you may be wondering how much money to put forward. It’s tempting to come in higher than the asking price so the vendor will accept and you’ll avoid a bidding war, but is this the right move? The truth is that sometimes it can be, but here are the do’s and don’t around making a high offer: Why bid over the asking price ..read more

When it comes to choosing between a house and an apartment, the answer depends on your financial circumstances. However, if you have the means to choose, there are certain factors that can guide your decision-making process. To assist you in making an informed choice, we have outlined the benefits and drawbacks of buying a house or an apartment. Benefits of Buying a House: A house is considered a status symbol in many cultures, providing a sense of security and peace of mind. With council approval, you have the freedom to level and redevelop the land, making a house a potentially stronger lon ..read more

Timing is everything in the world of real estate, and while you have the freedom to list your home at any time, spring is traditionally the busiest season for selling homes. To take advantage of the active buyer market during this time, it’s important to start taking action now. Here are some tips from the Professionals to help you prepare your home for a successful sale when the weather warms up and buyers are eager. Why choose spring for selling? Spring is the preferred season for selling homes in Australia for several reasons: Buyers are emerging after the colder winter months and are read ..read more

With interest rates rising repeatedly and many households cutting back on spending, it was forecast at the start of 2023 that property prices would fall in Australia. However, the opposite is happening, with recent reports saying that home values are now expected to go 4 per cent higher by the end of the year. Here is what is influencing the continued change in prices: Foreign Exchange Rates The foreign exchange rate has a massive influence on international buyers. The stronger the Aussie dollar is against their country’s currency, the less tempted international buyers will be by the Aussie pr ..read more