Entering the cooler months means leaving behind the backyard bounty of crops like tomatoes, berries, and cucumbers. Autumn also represents a time of slowing down, nurturing, and moving into more of a preparation or maintenance phase of our gardens. And whether you’re preparing your home for sale or simply want to bask in backyard bliss, it’s the perfect season to... The post Top gardening tasks to tackle this autumn! appeared first on First National Real Estate ..read more

With a rich history dating back to the late 1800s, in 1914, US President Woodrow Wilson officially declared Mother’s Day the second Sunday in May. Since then, it’s continued to evolve into a special day where, worldwide, we honour, celebrate, and appreciate the remarkable women who play a valued role in our lives. It’s a day to express gratitude for... The post Mum-approved ideas for celebrating this Mother’s Day appeared first on First National Real Estate ..read more

The art of volunteering has a rich history spanning thousands of years. While its roots may not lie in Australia, it’s deeply ingrained in our culture, particularly within our First Nations community, where it was viewed as a necessity for cultural survival and collective responsibility among people in their communities. Volunteering involves dedicating your time, effort, and skills for the... The post Make a difference this May and become a volunteer appeared first on First National Real Estate ..read more

Happiness is defined as a state of being happy, a state of wellbeing and contentment – and it’s something that we all seek to have more of in our lives. While we might not always feel like it, Australians and Kiwis are fortunate to be ranked among the happiest people on the planet. But that shouldn’t stop us from pursuing... The post Tips to a happier you! appeared first on First National Real Estate ..read more

The national rental index was up 2.8% in the March quarter, the fastest quarterly pace of rental growth since the three months ending May 2022 (2.9%), according to CoreLogic. Rental conditions do show some seasonal strength through the first quarter of the year, which helps to explain some of the renewed upwards pressure on rents. However, the annual trend in... The post Unit Rents Now Rising Faster Than House Rents appeared first on First National Real Estate ..read more

Housing values increased by 1.6% in the March quarter, adding around $12,000 to the value of each Australian home. CoreLogic’s national Home Value Index (HVI) rose 0.6% in March, on par with February’s increase, taking the current upswing in housing values through its 14th straight month of growth. Since declining -7.5% between April 2022 and January 2023, the national HVI... The post Average Home Rises Nearly $72,000 Since Last November appeared first on First National Real Estate ..read more

With the temperatures dropping and copper-hued leaves falling, autumn is the perfect season to lace up your hiking boots, get your steps in, and soak up some wilderness as you explore Australia’s finest trails. We’re spoilt for choice with thousands of kilometres of trails weaving through culturally significant sites, lush rainforests, rugged outback backdrops and breathtaking coastal scenery. Whether you’ve... The post The top autumn walking and hiking spots across Australia appeared first on First National Real Estate ..read more

Australia has been ranked one of the top 15 countries in the world to raise a family, and it’s hard to disagree. Our kids grow up in a place where good quality homegrown produce is the norm, crime rates are low, playgrounds and parks are around every corner, internationally admired beaches are on our doorstep, and, of course, Vegemite toast,... The post Most family-friendly suburbs and why? appeared first on First National Real Estate ..read more

Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, kangaroos, or a good old-fashioned sunset, we’re lucky to have plenty of enviable opportunities to scratch our adventurous itch just a road trip away. We’re talking twists, turns, scenic stops, rugged coastlines, red dust routes, cliffside vistas, and so much more. And best of all, no two journeys will be the same – you choose the... The post The Great Australian Road Trip and Routes You Must Try! appeared first on First National Real Estate ..read more

Growth in rental values has re-accelerated through early 2024 with the monthly pace of change rising to 0.9% in February, the highest reading since March last year, according to CoreLogic. This re-acceleration also saw the rolling quarterly change in rents rise to 2.4%, the highest since May last year. The pick-up in rents is mostly a seasonal phenomenon, with the... The post Renters Advised to Look to Units for Greater Affordability appeared first on First National Real Estate ..read more