Advice

First Homebuyers

For Buyers

Good news for first home buyers! 


It was announced in this year’s federal Budget handed down by Treasurer Josh Frydenberg on Tuesday night that the First Home Loan Deposit scheme will be extended.


The scheme allows first home buyers to get into the market with a deposit as low as 5 per cent while avoiding lenders’ mortgage insurance, with the federal government acting as guarantor on the loans.


The expanded scheme will be available to an extra 10,000 first home buyers this financial year with property price caps for new homes also lifted.


Mr Frydenberg said: “This builds on the 20,000 first home buyers we are helping to purchase a home this year.”


The measure is set to stimulate activity in housing construction and is estimated to generate an additional $800 million in economic activity.


Extended First Home Loan Deposit Scheme Price Caps


<table><tbody><tr><td>State/Territory</td><td>Capital City/Regional Centre</td><td>Rest of State</td></tr><tr><td>NSW</td><td>$950,000</td><td>$600,000</td></tr><tr><td>VIC</td><td>$850,000</td><td>$550,000</td></tr><tr><td>QLD</td><td>$650,000</td><td>$500,000</td></tr><tr><td>WA</td><td>$550,000</td><td>$400,000</td></tr><tr><td>SA</td><td>$550,000</td><td>$400,000</td></tr><tr><td>TAS</td><td>$550,000</td><td>$400,000</td></tr><tr><td>ACT</td><td>$600,000</td><td>N/A</td></tr><tr><td>NT</td><td>$550,000</td><td>N/A</td></tr></tbody></table><figcaption> Source: Housing Minister and Assistant Treasurer</figcaption>


Previously Sydney first home buyers needed to buy properties costing less than $700,000 and up to $450,000 for the rest of the state to be eligible to buy under the scheme.


The First Home Loan Deposit Scheme complements the government’s recent overhaul of the responsible lending laws, reducing the regulatory burden on lenders and borrowers. The reforms will reduce the time it takes to apply for credit and simplify the application process, unlocking housing demand.


Overall, the scheme is anticipated to give first home owners a better opportunity of getting into new property at an affordable price, which will especially appeal to younger demographics. Experts also predict that property activity for the remainder of the year will be stronger than it was pre-COVID.


To learn more about the First Home Loan Deposit Scheme visit: <a href="https://www.nhfic.gov.au/what-we-do/fhlds/">https://www.nhfic.gov.au/what-we-do/fhlds/</a>


We're here to help 
We're always happy to help first home buyers looking to get into the property market.&nbsp;
And if you're particularly tired of house-hunting, we've even partnered with buyer advocates who can <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyer-assist/">check out homes for you</a> and organise sales assessments and negotiations.
Our off-market and pre-market marketplace gives you VIP access to properties so you can get in first.
Just sign up at <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/" target="_blank" title="Listing Loop website">Listing Loop</a> or download our app.

<title>Off Market Properties For Sale | Australia's No 1 | Listing Loop</title>

First Home Loan Deposit Scheme Extended

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Downsizing

Sell

<h2>How to have a smooth downsizing experience</h2>


The decision to downsize signals a new chapter in your life. Perhaps you’ve joined the ‘empty nesters’ club. Or perhaps you’ve recently retired or separated from your partner. Alternatively, you might simply want a smaller place that’s easier to afford. 


Whatever your situation, there are some key considerations you must be aware of when downsizing your home. 


<h3>1. Start the process early</h3>


When do you intend to move to a smaller home? In a few months or a few years? Planning the process as soon as possible is key to keeping your stress levels to a minimum. 


Write down the criteria you’re looking for in your next home. Consider your budget, location, accessibility, and bedrooms. If you’re an empty nester, be mindful of your future requirements. While you don’t have kids taking over the couch anymore, you might still need a place big enough for ever-growing family gatherings! 


<h3>2. Don’t handle the process alone</h3>


Selling your family home and seeking the next step can be an emotional process. However, this is a period of your life where you need rational-thinking. 


If you don’t have a partner to support you, seek feedback and guidance from other family members, close friends, and/or a financial advisor. They’ll offer a fresh pair of eyes to review your situation, financials, future needs, and fine print. 


Also ensure you have a support person with you on moving day. Especially if you’re leaving behind a house with decades of fond memories. 


<h3>3. Look at all your options</h3>


Why are you downsizing? 


If you’re just looking for a cheaper place to rent or buy, an apartment or townhouse could be the best option. They are usually low-maintenance and more secure. Consider the suburb, transport, schools and amenities nearby. 


If you’re a retiree and empty nester, a retirement village might be suitable. Just be aware that most Australian retirement villages operate under ‘Deferred Management Fee’ (DMF) schemes. This means there’s a fee incurred for each year of occupation. When you leave, the DMF is paid from the re-sale proceeds. So you won’t have the same money from the sale as a freehold unit or townhouse. 


<h3>4. Sell your current home first</h3>


Before you even think about moving, make sure you’ve secured a sale on your current property. After the sale, you’ll know exactly how much money you’re working with. 


Don’t assume a quick sale as you could put yourself under unnecessary stress. It’s better to purchase with confidence!


<h3>5. Be open to letting things go</h3>


One of the hardest aspects of downsizing is letting go of much-loved accumulated momentos. However, what do you really need? 


Yes, keep the photo albums and favourite artworks. But you must sell, give away, or throw out the over-loved furniture or dusty bicycles. Having family around to <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/decluttering-your-home-the-konmari-way/">help you to declutter</a> and downsize your possessions can be both helpful and therapeutic. 


We hope you have a smooth experience when downsizing your home and enjoy the next stage of life!
<h2>We’re here to help</h2>
Ready to downsize to a smaller place? Our team is always happy to help with all the dramas and stressors of house buying and selling, which is why we’ve brought the services you need altogether, under one roof.
Listing Loop is a marketplace for off-market and pre-market properties for sale but we’re also an end-to-end property transaction platform helping to remove friction from the buying, financing, and selling processes.
For those buyers who require extra support, for a small fee, our <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyer-assist/">Buyer Assist</a> service provides them with the opportunity to work with one of <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/buyers-advocates-can-they-access-to-information-unavailable-to-public/">our buyer’s advocates, who, not only have access to information unavailable to the public</a> but also the requisite experience and expertise to remove a large chunk of the stress from the buying process. We can also help you <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/how-to-navigate-change-in-a-choppy-property-market/">navigate this choppy market</a> we're currently experiencing, as well as support you with <a href="https://lendingloop.com.au/a-guide-to-refinancing-a-home-loan/">refinancing</a> through our sister company, <a href="https://lendingloop.com.au/">Lending Loop</a>.
<a href="https://listingloop.com.au/propertyhub/#/signup" target="_blank">Sign up</a> to become a member today for FREE and take advantage of our exclusive member property services.

5 things to consider when downsizing

List and sell your property with confidence

Lifestyle

<h2>Is now a good time to sell my house?</h2>


Deciding when it’s the right time to sell your house can be difficult. 


Is the market likely to be slower in the extreme conditions of winter or summer? Is it better to sell in spring when your garden is looking top-notch? What about autumn?


If you’re unsure, we suggest thinking big picture and considering the trends in the market. We’ve put together a seasonal guide to give you an idea of how the real estate industry is impacted throughout the year. 


<h3>Winter</h3>


Winter is often a quiet time of year in the real estate market. However, this could be beneficial as a seller as it also means less competition around. 


The number one focus when selling in winter is producing warmth and creating an inviting space. Set up the fireplace or ignite the thermostat. No one can focus on a property’s beautiful spaces if they’re shivering! Consider adding rugs and blankets and lighting candles to create a cosy atmosphere. Open the blinds and curtains to let in the luxurious sunlight.


Winter is also the time of year when mould and leaks become apparent. Before putting your house on the market, ensure everything is in the best possible condition. 


<h3>Spring</h3>


When the weather starts warming up again, so does the property market. And yes, this means the competition among sellers is likely to rise once more. 


Open up your windows and let in some fresh air after the ‘boarded-up’ cold weather. Also check for any visible signs of mould.


Make your property stand out by enhancing your garden with bright vibrant flowers and luscious greenery. You can spruce up the rooms by bringing the flowers indoors as well. 


<h3>Summer</h3>


Selling in Australia’s summer can be effective as it coincides with the Christmas and New Year school holidays. This means many buyers are off work and have more time for house hunting. It’s also that time of year when people are experiencing or considering fresh starts. So they’re ready to relocate for education or work - and discover your home. 


On the other hand, many people go away during this time. Also, if your house is on the market from early December, the stresses of impending Christmas and New Year celebrations could slow down the proceedings - for both you and potential buyers. 


With those factors in mind, temperature and outdoor lifestyle are two key elements to consider when selling in summer. 


To keep inspections pleasant in the extreme heat, ensure the air conditioning is working well and provide refreshments. Also, aim to make your outdoor areas as impressive as possible. Set the outdoor dining table. Put umbrellas up. Place inflatable lilos and armchairs around the pool. Make the backyard shine. 


<h3>Autumn</h3>


According to a <a href="https://www.news.com.au/property-news/autumn-is-the-most-popular-time-to-buy-property-not-spring/news-story/57cecc62b4875bc7fcc4ab5da3ed4ba7">2017 Corelogic study</a>, Autumn is the best time of year to sell.


This is based on the average number of sales by month and season over the last 30 years, with 27% of all sales being transacted in March, April and May. March is actually the most popular month. 


This could be due to the pleasant house-hunting weather. Or that people are in a calm and focused headspace following the new year break.


Whatever the reason, the autumn period is likely to attract increased competition from other sellers. So your home could potentially be overlooked.


Keep in mind that autumn weather can be unpredictable. So you need to be prepared with proper heating and cooling methods. Fallen wet leaves can also make a mess of your yard - so ensure you rake them all up before inspections!
<h2>We're here to help</h2>
Listing Loop started as a marketplace for off-market and pre-market properties, however along the way we recognised more opportunities to help more people in their property journey. We’ve evolved into an end-to-end property ecosystem that removes friction out of the buying, financing and selling processes. 
We’re pleased to offer our members choice when it comes to selling their property. There’s the traditional and proven method of selling with an agent. If you’re not sure where to start, our free <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/seller-assist/" target="_blank">Seller Assist</a> service can help by recommending the best local agent to sell your property.
If you’re up for giving it a go yourself, Listing Loop can guide you through the process of <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/sell/" target="_blank">selling privately</a> which includes a listing on Listing Loop and the option to have marketing products such as a For Sale signboard and a property brochure.
If you’re interested in selling, but not ready to fully commit, you can <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/sell/">Test the Market</a> for free. List your property unofficially to determine buyer interest. You can do this without even revealing your address or contact information.
Explore Listing Loop’s <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/sell/" target="_blank">options for selling</a> and importantly, list and sell your property with confidence.

A seasonal guide to selling a property

Neighbourhood Guide

Off-market

Suburbs with affordable housing, low crime, and lower costs of living can offer many options to a growing family. 


In recent years, growing families in Australia have been moving within the same state to seek affordable housing in a family-friendly environment. In 2019, Queensland recorded the highest internal migration in the country with 23,000 new residents.


With exciting and diverse properties for sale, QLD continues to attract buyers and investors from all over.


If you’re considering owning a piece of real estate in QLD, sign up to a marketplace like <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/">Listing Loop</a> to help guide you through your search. Alternatively, our <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/faq/">Frequently Asked Questions</a> will help you make a quick assessment of your needs. 


To get you started, you first need to understand the features that define a family-friendly suburb. 


Related: <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/family-friendly-home/">What to look for when buying a family-friendly home</a>


<h2>What Does a Family-Friendly Suburb Look Like?</h2>




The needs of a growing family are quite different from those of a couple with no children or an empty-nester.


Key questions to ask about the suburb include:


<ul>
<li>What is the community atmosphere like?</li>
<li>Does the suburb have easy access to public transport?</li>
<li>Are good school options available?</li>
<li>What is the crime rate in the area?</li>
<li>Does the suburb offer recreational activities and parks to entertain all ages?</li>
<li>Can the house prices suit different budgets?</li>
</ul>


It’s important to know whether the suburb you are considering ticks all the right boxes whether you’re a buyer, investor or tenant.


With this in mind, real estate in QLD can be broken down into four major regions: 


<ul>
<li>Brisbane </li>
<li>Gold Coast </li>
<li>Sunshine Coast </li>
<li>Townsville</li>
</ul><figure><img src="https://images-cdn.listingloop.com.au/images/Real-Estate-QLD-Best-Suburbs-for-a-Growing-Family-2.jpg" data-image="77389" alt="Real Estate QLD: Best Suburbs for a Growing Family" style="opacity: 1;"><figcaption>Same as the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast is an area with stunning hinterland, peaceful suburbs and pristine beaches.</figcaption></figure>


<h2>The Best Brisbane Suburbs for Families</h2>


The liveable city of Brisbane is ideal for families of all sizes thanks to its suburbs with a range of real estate options, and a pleasant climate ideal for outdoor recreation and a relaxed lifestyle.


A report by <a href="https://www.pwc.com.au/important-problems/cities/citypulse/seq.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">CityPulse SEQ</a> categorised the top suburbs in Brisbane by three criteria—live, work, and play—all of which favour a growing family.


Bearing these qualifiers in mind, here are the top five family-friendly suburb picks in Brisbane:


<ol>
<li>Heathwood</li>
<li>Victoria Point</li>
<li>Paddington</li>
<li>Holland Park</li>
<li>Indooroopilly</li>
</ol>


<h3>Heathwood</h3>


Ranked the number one family suburb in Brisbane by <a href="https://www.corelogic.com.au/reports/top-performing-suburbs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">CoreLogic</a>, Heathwood is located in the outer southwest side of Brisbane’s central business district.


With about one in three homes occupied by families, the little-known suburb is a popular choice for growing families. 


Heathwood’s position as a top family-friendly suburb is down to its many wonderful features such as great schools, recreational amenities, and shopping venues.


Thanks to a zoning change, Heathwood and the surrounding suburbs have in recent years attracted interest from developers. 


Related: <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/buy-off-market-properties-for-sale-in-brisbane/">Buy off-market properties for sale in Brisbane</a>


<h2>The Best Gold Coast Suburbs for Families</h2>


When it comes to living and raising a family, the Gold Coast has much to offer.


Growing families from big cities such as Sydney and Melbourne are attracted by the generously sized lots, sandy beaches and family entertainment the Gold Coast has to offer.


Home to exemplary schools, hospitals, and theme parks such as Movie World, the Gold Coast offers the perfect place to raise children.


Here are the top five family-friendly suburb picks in Gold Coast:


<ol>
<li>Bundall</li>
<li>Broadbeach Waters</li>
<li>Molendinar</li>
<li>Coombabah</li>
<li>Helensvale</li>
</ol>


<h3>Bundall</h3>


Located in the heart of the Gold Coast, Bundall has everything from shopping venues to outstanding schools, theme parks and even a famous cultural precinct.


Properties for sale in the area are a mixture of both old and new houses and units. Homes are only a short distance away from modern amenities. 


Bundall ticks all the right boxes in location, amenities, and recreation facilities. The best part about this suburb is that it’s easy to navigate thanks to a modern public transport system. 


Growing families appreciate the excellent child care options available and proximity to one of the most reputable TAFE colleges (technical and further education), in the Gold Coast.


<h2>The Best Sunshine Coast Suburbs for Families</h2>


With a population of over 330,000 residents, the Sunshine Coast is roughly two-and-a-half hours drive north of Brisbane.


Same as the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast is an area with stunning hinterland, peaceful suburbs and pristine beaches.


Sunshine Coast can be broken down into three sub-regions:


<ul>
<li>North Sunshine Coast — Comprises the Hinterland and Noosa</li>
<li>South Sunshine Coast — Encompasses the area around Caloundra</li>
<li>Central Sunshine Coast — Includes the Maroochydore area</li>
</ul>


Here are the top five family-friendly suburbs that rank well in Sunshine Coast:


<table style="border: 1px solid #ccc; margin-bottom: 20px;" width="100%">
<tbody>
<tr style="vertical-align: top; background: #222222; color: white; line-height: 35px;">
<td style="width: 30%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">Rank</td>
<td style="width: 30%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">Suburb</td>
<td style="width: 30%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">Households with children</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">1</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Mountain Creek</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">55%</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">2</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Peregian Springs</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">53.7%</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">3</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Mooloolah Valley</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">51.9%</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">4</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Kuluin</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">51.4%</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">5</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Meridan Plains</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">50%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>


<h3>Mountain Creek</h3>


Thanks to the convenient location between Buderim and the Mooloolah River, Mountain Creek offers a great investment choice. Properties for sale in the area tend to attract more mum and dad investors thanks to the available modern amenities.


Easy access to Mountain Creek Shopping Village, and the beaches of Kawana Waters and Mooloolaba is a plus.


Real estate in the area has high demand by families seeking to live near the Mountain Creek school catchment area as well as a university campus within 10km.


With 6,000 properties, the average block size for the suburb is 580 square metres. The median house price is around $600,000, while the rent amount is approximately $525 per week. 


<h2>The Best Townsville Suburbs for Families</h2>


Townsville is located midpoint between Mackay and Cairns, on the northeastern coast of Australia. Real estate in Townsville puts you and your family in the perfect spot to enjoy a seaside lifestyle next to pristine beaches.


Considered the unofficial capital of North Queensland, Townsville is home to over 180,000 residents.


Top attractions and points to note in the region include:


<ul>
<li>The Great Barrier Reef</li>
<li>A Guinness Book World Record for being the home to a Texas Longhorn steer with the longest horns</li>
</ul>


Here are the top five family-friendly suburbs that rank well in Townsville: 


<table style="border: 1px solid #ccc; margin-bottom: 20px;" width="100%">
<tbody>
<tr style="vertical-align: top; background: #222222; color: white; line-height: 35px;">
<td style="width: 30%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">Rank</td>
<td style="width: 30%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">Suburb</td>
<td style="width: 30%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">Households with children</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">1</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Alice River</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">92.3%</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">2</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Mount Low</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">89.8%</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">3</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Bushland Beach</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">89.8%</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">4</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Rangewood</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">89.3%</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">5</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Gumlow</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">88.6%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>


<h3>Alice River</h3>


Thirty minutes drive from the central business district, Alice River is a widely popular family-friendly suburb.


It's home to gorgeous properties for sale as well as big blocks of land with excellent yield in value.


Its reputation as a safe community for families and a direct line to exemplary schools such as Holy Spirit Catholic School and Ryan Catholic College make it an attractive residential option.


What’s more, Alice River boasts plenty of modern conveniences, including a bowling alley, a sports complex, a shopping centre, parks, cinemas, and restaurants.


<h2>Verdict: The Best Suburbs for a Growing Family in QLD</h2>


When choosing the perfect suburb to reside in, it’s important to prioritise what matters most to you and your family. 


The suburbs mentioned above are full of unique character, yet offer a safe and relaxed lifestyle in a fantastic location for you to thrive.


If the idea of buying real estate in QLD interests you, consider entrusting your property search to <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/">Listing Loop</a>. 


Identifying the ideal property is only one part of the puzzle, and we’re here to ensure you make the right decision.
<h2>We're here to help</h2>
We're always happy to help with all the dramas and stressors of house buying and selling in QLD and Australia-wide.
And if you're particularly tired of house-hunting, we've even partnered with buyer advocates who can <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyer-assist/">check out homes for you</a> and organise sales assessments and negotiations.
Our off-market and pre-market marketplace gives you VIP access to properties so you can get in first.
Just sign up at <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/" target="_blank" title="Listing Loop website">Listing Loop</a> or download our app.

Real estate QLD: Best suburbs for a growing family

House Buying

Interest rate rises

Real Estate

Real Estate Agents

So you want to buy a home and you know the basics of buying.
You house hunt every weekend, you get your finances organised, you give and take with some agents, and maybe go to an auction or two.
Then, you see your dream home, buy it, move in and yes, while it's all a bi stressful, well, it's all pretty straightforward and doable, right? 
Right?
Um, nope.
<h2>Nobody told me there'd be days (and months) like this</h2>
Don't get me wrong - buying a home is an excellent idea <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/how-old-is-too-old-to-buy-your-first-house/">at any age</a>.
As a very experienced and smart friend highlighted to me just this week: "You never really lose money on property".
Another great friend, who bought her first home during COVID, also told me recently that she doesn't regret her purchase - and that's despite considerable buying stress - because she'll be able to one day retire with a roof over her head and no one can kick her out.
Both trains of thought have really stuck with me - but so have all the multiple stressors that come with buying.
Second, third or fourth-time buyers will find the buying journey easier but for <a href="https://lendingloop.com.au/home-loans/first-home-buyers/">first-time buyers (FHBs) </a>like me, the going is tough.
Indeed, when I realised this week that it was only seven weeks to Christmas, all I could think was, "Oh no! I don't have time for Christmas when I'm house-hunting."
This, and other similarly depressing moments, are the reason I knew I needed to write this blog - to help me, just as much as you! 
<h2>How to beat the house-hunting blues</h2>
<ul><li>Expect high stress and pressure</li></ul>
I've always had some idea buying was tough which is why I've held off buying for a long time.
But I'm now going to sleep and waking up worrying about buying issues - and not just because I'm a great worrier.
I know how important is it to keep calm about <a href="https://lendingloop.com.au/rba-cash-rate-canters-to-new-lead-again/">rising interest rates</a> - after all, they were bound to go up sooner or later and they're still far lower than they were <a href="https://lendingloop.com.au/why-were-interest-rates-so-high-in-the-1980s/">in my folks' buying times</a>.
But they're still a worry when you're in the thick of buying.
It's also hard not to worry about the rising cost of living including increased <a href="https://blog.movingloop.com.au/news/budget-2022-23-why-will-my-power-bill-be-higher/">energy bills</a>.
Then there's the pressure from real estate agents eager for a great sale while in Brisbane at least, properties are being snapped up within a week of being listed. 
And in more good news for FHBs: we're competing against people who have cash in hand (from a former sale), so even before entering the buying ring, we're a big step behind. 
<ul><li>Prepare for a long journey </li></ul>
It's tempting to buy the next house you see so you can put all this stress and pressure behind you.
One word: don't.
As another great friend told me recently (and she's bought and sold in both Brisbane and Melbourne, including being a landlord):
"You're going to make a lot of offers and lose a lot of houses you want before you finally buy.
"So, be ready for a long haul as this buying journey could take a year or two."
Not surprisingly, this was a very daunting, hide-beneath-the-bed moment for me - but one I need to know, all the same.
<ul><li>Aim for persistence, calmness, and confidence </li></ul>
If you have a cautious real estate agent warning you that you must make an offer within 24 hours or you've lost your chance to buy a property (it has happened to me), you're definitely allowed to say, 'no thanks'. 
The same goes with Sunday afternoon text messages from&nbsp;agents (although a friend has since told me that good agents do ring around potential buyers on Sundays, as those who wait until Monday can lose buyers to their opposition). 
There's no need to be snarky in such moments but it's OK to be firmly quiet and calm about where you stand with a particular property or buying situation. 
<ul><li>Get your ducks in a row before making an offer</li></ul>
This is a big one - and follows on from the above point.
Your most important ducks - even before making a verbal offer - are pre-approvals, conveyancing, and building and pest inspections.
Or, in other words, all of these people and points must be organised and ready to rock and roll BEFORE making an offer.
Once you make an offer, all hell essentially breaks loose with real estate agents urging you for an as-high-as-possible offer from you - while you wait with bated breath and chewed-down nails for a positive vendor reply.
At the same time, you'll need to:
<ol><li>check the sales contract with your conveyancer</li><li>organise to have the house inspected for building and pest issues and </li><li>obtaining unconditional approval on your home loan via your mortgage broker or lender </li></ol>
<ul><li>Set up a support network</li></ul>
Support networks are crucial, especially for FHBs, who will be at the mercy of their online research and savvy property people without one. 
Have a few people in your support network who have bought or sold a property recently (ie within the last few years) and who know you well.
Don't be ashamed to throw them every question imaginable, including the stressors that make underneath the bed look highly tempting.
It's helpful if your networkers live in the area or city where you want to buy as they will then have a good idea about local property practices and rules - but it's not compulsory.
It's also just fine if your network includes people who know nothing about the market, as long as they have patience and love enough to listen to you cry and complain.
Just remember to offer all of your networkers forever free accommodation, coffee, wine, and meals in your new home!
My network has definitely proved absolutely invaluable and I know without a doubt I couldn't do this journey without their patience, experience, and general smarts. 
One friend alone has been incredibly encouraging, with such words as:
"You will find something you will become attached to and love, I promise.
"I know it's stressful but it will all work out, you'll see."
<figure><a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyer-assist/" target="_blank"><img src="https://images-cdn.listingloop.com.au/images/House-Hunting-blues-2.jpg" data-image="74168" alt="How to cope with the house-hunting blues."></a><figcaption>If you're particularly tired of house-hunting, we even have partnered with buyer advocates who can check out homes for you and organise sales assessments and negotiations.</figcaption></figure>
<ul><li>Give yourself time out</li></ul>
Another great one - but still hard for me, as per my earlier Christmas thoughts!
It's hard, I know, especially when your buying To Do list is growing daily but it's definitely worth it, even if you can only manage a Sunday afternoon off.
Girls, don't go house-hunting, or even think of buying, when you've got PMT (apologies to our male readers as this may be too much for you!)
But in good news: this advice means you're giving yourself a week off every month from buying stressors, and even guys will appreciate this rule of thumb.
Talking Christmas, I've already promised myself that I'm going to give myself three weeks off from all house-buying issues over this time, including the New Year. 
Needless to say, I can't wait!
<ul><li>Fix your eyes on the light at the end of the tunnel</li></ul>
Yet another big one - and like your support network, it will keep you encouraged and inspired to keep on keeping on.
A good example (from just this last weekend): I finally saw a property I'd like to buy and that evening, I imagined myself buying a puppy and some pretty plants for the garden.
Then I imagined adding all my fixtures and fittings to the home and not having to climb up and down stairs to the laundry.
Plus, walking said puppy to the local shops and playing with him in the gardens and nearby park.
Even though I won't be making an offer on this particular property, every little light at the end of what often seems like a very dark tunnel helps.
Another great friend from my network said on the weekend:
"Having a home that's yours and that you can change, or do anything with, is amazing.
"I know it can be stressful but keep looking and inspecting and you'll get the 'This is it' feeling when you walk into the right property." 
<h2>We’re here to help</h2>
We're always happy to help with all the dramas and stressors of house buying and selling.
And if you're particularly tired of house-hunting, we even have partnered with buyer advocates who can <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyer-assist/">check out homes for you</a> and organise sales assessments and negotiations.
Our off-market and pre-market marketplace gives you VIP access to properties so you can get in first. 
Just sign up at <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/" target="_blank" title="Listing Loop website">Listing Loop</a> or download our app.

How to cope with house-hunting blues

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Market value

Calculating market value

Off-market properties

Private treaty sale

Listing price

Asking price

Off-market listings

Selling a property

Buying a Property

Property News

Whichever way you decide to sell, the market value of your property will be determined by what buyers are prepared to pay for it rather than your asking price. One of the benefits of <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/7-less-known-reasons-why-many-property-owners-sell-off-market/">selling off-market</a> is greater control over price, but ultimately, success necessitates a comprehensive understanding of current market conditions.
<h2><a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/housing-market-update-boom-bust-or-back-to-a-new-normal/">Current market conditions</a> determine the market value of your property</h2>
Your property is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. However, the asking price you agree with your agent is the best indication to buyers of where it sits in the market, and because with a <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/private-treaty-sales-the-many-benefits-to-buyers-and-sellers/">private treaty sale</a> your sale price is likely to come close to it, you must be as accurate as possible. 
<h2>So, how do you decide on your asking price? How do you give your property its best chance of success on the market?</h2>
Below are our recommendations: 
<ol><li>Keep your eye on any real estate news in the press for any predictions in terms of changes to market conditions or market value.</li><li>Attend as many local open for inspections and auctions in the area. They will give you a clearer indication of the market value of your property and your competition. Even when the land size and floor plans of other properties are similar to your own, it is important to take into account other factors as well, like the overall finish of the property. You may think details like whether there is a garage or a carport, or a large or standard-sized deck are minor, but they can make a difference to the price.<a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/how-does-seller-assist-work/"> </a></li><li><a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/how-does-seller-assist-work/">Pick the right agent</a> – <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/why-leading-agents-sell-properties-off-market-two/">There are many reasons why your agent will be your best friend during</a> your sales campaign, but the main one is they know the market conditions of your area, which will ultimately determine your listing and sale price. The comparative market analysis your agent does for your “appraisal” provides you with invaluable information about local trends. </li><li>Find out the current "auction clearance rate", because this is a good indication of the current level of demand. The “discounting percentage” is also an invaluable tool, as is knowing how many days properties in the area are sitting on the market before they sell.</li><li>Do your own research. Compare properties that have sold recently in your street with yours. Compare the list of specifications below and if they measure up, you can be confident that you are comparing apples with apples in terms of the market value of your property meaning you may sell within a similar price range.<ul><li>Land size </li><li>Position in the street - high or low side</li><li>Number of bedrooms/bathrooms</li><li>Fixtures and fittings </li><li>Style and finish of the exterior </li><li>Finish and condition of the interior</li><li>Any special features such as a view, pool, school district, local amenities etc </li><li>And don't forget about any unique features that may add value to the property or make it stand out on the market, such as views, renovations, improvements, or even a pool</li></ul></li><li>And finally, be honest with yourself - The research your agent brings to the table will start your discourse around the price of your property, but obviously, your input is invaluable because you have lived in the property and the area and understand its pros (and cons). But be honest with yourself. Ultimately, you must decide if your property is superior or inferior to the ones you are comparing it to. NB. For effective comparison, you should only look within 1km of the property and at sales over the previous 6 months. Don’t include properties that haven’t sold yet as their listing price may be unrealistic. </li></ol>
<figure><a href="https://listingloop.com.au/propertyhub/#/signup"><img src="https://images-cdn.listingloop.com.au/images/Market-value-of-your-property-2.jpg" data-image="47718" alt="How to calculate the market value of your property"></a><figcaption>Current market conditions determine the market value of your property. A combination of local research and finding the right agent will help.</figcaption></figure>
<h2>Research is key</h2>
Understanding as much as you can about current market conditions will help you determine the market value of your property. And so long as you use reliable sources for information in your research – rather than online estimators, which should only be the first step - you can rest assured you have carried out your due diligence.
<h2>Work with your agent</h2>
Your agent and stylist (if you hire one) may also make suggestions in terms of repairs or improvements to maximise the price of your property before you list it - <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/selling-your-home-off-market-why-neutral-paint-colours-sell-homes/">cosmetic renovations such as a new coat of paint</a>, carpet or blinds, or larger-scale renovations such as a new bathroom or kitchen – and they will also provide advice about presentation. However, it is always prudent to carry out your own research to ensure a return on your investment. 
<h2>Try to stay objective </h2>
It is natural to be emotionally attached to a home, which can make it hard to acknowledge any negatives, but if you price your property out of the market and it doesn’t sell quickly, potential buyers will wonder why. Under-price it, and you may lose out on some of its potential profit.
Listen to your agent and discuss the price with friends and family who know the area before you make your final decision. 
If you have decided to sell, our <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/seller-assist/">Seller Assist</a> service will help you find the right agent - one who understands the market conditions in your area and who has a history of successful sales behind them. And if you want to check out our <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/propertyhub/#/signup">latest off-market listings</a> and the market value of any properties, many of the above recommendations will also apply to you.
Keep up-to-date with our latest listings on our marketplace or download the Listing Loop app. Not yet a member? No worries. You can sign up <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/propertyhub/#/signup">here</a> today for free.

The Best Ways to Calculate the Market Value of Your Property

RBA Cash Rates

Interest Rate Decision

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) this week accelerated the cash rate by a mammoth 0.50%, or 50 basis points (bps), to 0.85%. 
It's the first time in 22 years that the RBA's monthly cash rate has increased by more than 0.25% and follows the first increase in 18 months to <a href="https://lendingloop.com.au/rba-cash-rate-spikes-to-0-35/">0.35% in May</a>.
Last month's decision was also the first interest rate hike in a decade.
As with the RBA's May decision, today's announcement was unsurprising but still a much higher than expected hike.
Economic experts' opinions were mixed on how far the RBA would continue to increase cash rates this month, but general predictions were for an 0.25-0.4 percentage point hike.
Coupled with dramatic recent increases in petrol and <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/perfect-time-for-energy-comparison-as-power-prices-surge/">energy prices</a>, today's decision is expected to make the already tough cost of living become even tougher. 
<h2>Jumbo interest rate spike will be worth it </h2>
In today's cash rate announcement, RBA governor, Dr Philip Lowe, didn't shy away from the fact that inflation has increased significantly and is expected to increase further.
However, he maintained that today's jumbo cash rate hike was necessary given current inflation pressures in the economy and the still very low level of interest rates.
He pointed to both global and domestic factors for the larger than expected increase, with the latter including a tight labour market and higher energy and petrol prices. 
Dr Lowe also acknowledged the pressure that greater inflation and interest rates would place on household living costs, with just how household spending would evolve being a "source of uncertainty about the economic outlook."
But he was confident this pressure would be worth it in the long term with a "central scenario" for strong household consumption growth this year while he expected inflation to drop to around 2%-3% next year as global supply issues and commodity prices stabilised. 
"Today's increase in interest rates will assist with the return of inflation to target over time," Dr Lowe explained.
"Housing prices have declined in some markets over recent months but remain more than 25 per cent higher than prior to the pandemic, supporting household wealth and spending. 
"The household saving rate also remains higher than it was before the pandemic and many households have built up large financial buffers." 
Dr Lowe maintained his confidence in Australia's resilient economy, which he said had grown by 0.8 per cent in the March quarter and 3.3 per cent over the year. 
"Household and business balance sheets are generally in good shape, an upswing in business investment is underway and there is a large pipeline of construction work to be completed," he said. "The labour market is strong, employment has grown significantly and the unemployment rate is 3.9 per cent, which is the lowest rate in almost 50 years."
<h2>Cash rate heavy lifting = tough double whammy</h2>
CoreLogic research director, Tim Lawless, concurred that the RBA would continue to increase interest rates throughout 2022 and into 2023 as underlying inflation moved sharply upwards to 3.5% over the year.
This hike would mean tough times for both prospective borrowers and mortgage holders, Mr Lawless said.
The former group will see their borrowing capacity lowered and their household savings and balance sheets tightening sharply, resulting in a negative effect on serviceability assessments.
Mortgage holders in the meantime should expect variable mortgage rates to increase over the coming week to around 3.16%. 
 "This will add approximately $200 per month in additional repayments on a $500,000 mortgage, compared with mortgage rates in April," Mr Lawless explained.
Mr Lawless added that for already indebted or struggling households, today's jumbo cash rate hike would add to financial woes.
"The additional cost of debt comes as non-discretionary inflation rises at more than twice the pace of prices for discretionary goods," he said. "Higher costs for food, fuel and finance are likely to see household savings continue to taper as families funnel more of their income towards servicing their mortgage and funding essential costs of living."
However, there was some good - or not so bad - news from today's RBA announcement.
 Mr Lawless said the new 0.85% figure is only somewhat to blame for the softening property market.
"Home values were already easing well ahead of the rising cash rate," he said.
"A combination of higher fixed mortgage rates, lower consumer sentiment, tighter credit conditions and worsening affordability have all played a role in the slowdown to date."
Mr Lawless also maintained his opinion that the effect of rising rates on the property market would depend on how fast and how high interest rates move and normalise, along with the performance of the broader Australian economy and labour market. 
"A stronger economy, along with the tightest labour market conditions in a generation, should help to ensure the ensuing housing downturn remains orderly," he said.
<h2>We’re here to help</h2>
If you're selling, <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/7-less-known-reasons-why-many-property-owners-sell-off-market/">the off-market approach</a> can save you thousands in property advertising fees. Our free <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/seller-assist/">Seller Assist</a> program helps you sell for the best price and with the least stress. 
If you're in the market to buy, you can get in first. Avoid competing buyers by snapping up an off-market or pre-market listing.
If you're a homeowner, we encourage you to contact your lender soon to check where your interest rates will trend from here, particularly if you have a variable rate home loan. 
Whether you’re a <a href="https://lendingloop.com.au/home-loans/first-home-buyers/">first-home buyer</a> or <a href="https://lendingloop.com.au/home-loans/property-investors/">property investor, </a>you may also want to consider <a href="https://lendingloop.com.au/want-to-switch-home-loans-here-are-some-top-tips-for-refinancing/">refinancing</a> your loan to achieve the best possible deal.
Rest assured, we’re your biggest supporter. Our sister company, <a href="https://lendingloop.com.au/">Lending Loop</a>, can help you find the best possible deals from <a href="https://lendingloop.com.au/about-us/">more than 40 of Australia’s biggest banks and specialist lenders.</a> Give our expert team a call today at 1300 215 335 and get a free <a href="https://lendingloop.com.au/home-loan-health-checks-and-why-theyre-important/">home loan health check</a>.
The RBA’s <a href="https://www.rba.gov.au/monetary-policy/int-rate-decisions/2022/">next monthly cash rate announcement</a> will be on Tuesday, July 5 at 2.30pm AEDT.

RBA cash rate soars to hefty 0.85%

Broadband Internet

Energy Comparison

Internet Connection

For all intents and purposes, the internet - along with social media, mobile phones and other technological joys - is here to stay and we're now far beyond the days of dial-up internet connections of the 1990s.
(Hands up if you can still remember that irritating buzzing-ringing dial-up tone, let alone the oh-so-slow connection process, to say nothing of not being able to use your landline phone while on the internet?). 
Enter: broadband and enter: what to consider when deciding which broadband connection will work best for you and your home.
Read on to find out more.
<h2>Consider your everyday household needs </h2>
When it comes to deciding what kind of broadband you, your household and your everyday life require, internet speed and data limits are crucial.
So, ask yourself and your household the following questions before choosing which provider and deal are best for you: 
<ol><li>How often is each of you at home?</li><li>Does everyone in the home need an internet connection?</li><li>Do you work from home?</li><li>How often do you use the internet?</li><li>What do you use the internet for?</li></ol>
If you work at home every day, you'll need high speed, very reliable broadband connections and high, or unlimited, data - as opposed to someone who works in an office full-time and only uses their home broadband system for basic Google browsing and emails.
If you have a lot of kids who each have a computer (very common in this day and age!) and love their computer games on top of this, then plan for extra high-speed connections and unlimited data.
The same goes for people who love their regular Netflix and Stan - and lots of it - or who download big data files and 4K videos. 
<figure><a href="https://www.movingloop.com.au/"><img src="https://images-cdn.listingloop.com.au/images/What-to-consider-when-comparing-broadband-2.jpg" data-image="44947" alt="What to consider when choosing an internet provider"></a><figcaption>Internet speed and data limits are crucial to consider when choosing a broadband supplier</figcaption></figure>
<h2>Consider how much you can afford</h2>
With so many providers offering so many broadband plans, it probably won't take you long to pick a plan that best suits you and your household.
But don't forget the most important point: money.
Do not press 'send' until you're positive you can afford - and/or are happy to pay for - your perfect plan.
High speed and high data plans are all very well but they can easily affect the plan prices.
<h2>Consider your ideal contract </h2>
While considering your cash, you should also think about contract types and options.
Most providers will offer a month-by-month or fixed-term contract with plan prices differing depending on which term you choose.
There are pros and cons to both types of contracts with the former type ideal for those who want to "test" a new provider and change to someone else if need be.
On the other hand, long-term contracts will often result in a cancellation fee if you back out of them early.
But the good news is that you mightn't have to pay set-up and other fees, which you would with a month-by-month contract.
As well, you might enjoy some nice bonuses.
<h2>Consider how life could change in the future</h2>
If you're planning on moving house, welcoming new friends or family members to your household or life just changes and suddenly, you find yourself working from home - sound familiar, COVID? - keep all these points in mind when deciding on a broadband plan.
At worst, you may have to back out of a contract before it expires and pay a cancellation fee.
But on this note: before you back out, try chatting with your provider about what other plans they can offer you and chances are, they'll win you over with a great new deal.
If not, there are plenty more providers and plans in the broadband sea.
<h2>We're here to help</h2>
If you're still not sure where to head next with your broadband connection, the <a href="https://www.movingloop.com.au/">Moving Loop</a> team can help you with your decision.
This goes for your <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/what-is-a-solar-feed-in-tariff/">solar</a>, gas and <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/do-electricity-rates-change-during-the-day/">electricity</a> details too and any other <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/will-i-lose-power-when-i-switch-energy-suppliers/">energy provider problems</a> you might be grappling with. 
Energy comparison is the bee's knees to us and we're best buds with a range of Australia's leading energy providers. 
We also love taking care of all your removalist stresses from finding and co-ordinating the ideal removalist, to helping you pack up. 
And we've saved the best news to last - all our services are free! Visit <a href="https://www.movingloop.com.au/">Moving Loop</a> to compare, switch and start saving.

What to consider when comparing broadband

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Off-market sales

Saving money

Dream home

Satisfied Customers

Sales reviews

customer satisfaction

Customer Service

5-Star Service

<a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/buying-your-dream-home">There are many factors to consider when you begin your search for your dream property</a>. It can be a time-consuming job, especially in an unpredictable market like the one we are currently experiencing. 
<h2>Many companies offer the same promises, which makes it hard to distinguish between what is true and what is just spin </h2>
That's why so many customers rely increasingly on reviews to help them make up their mind about which services to employ. Customer service informs the level of the reviewer's customer satisfaction and tells them exactly what they need to know about the integrity of a business.
<h2><a href="http://www.listingloop.com.au">Listing Loop</a> is not in the business of pretending to deliver something we can't. That's why we like to our share feedback from our customers</h2>
 We aim to deliver on our promises.
And the best way to demonstrate how we do that is to let you hear it straight from happy customers like Clinical Nursing Educator, Christina McGowan.
Fortunately, Christina discovered our service at exactly the right time in her property search and our off-market listing led her to her new home.
“Listing Loop was free and easy to use,” she says. “The listing showcased our (new) home and meant in uncertain times that we didn’t miss out on a great off-market listing. We were easily linked in with the listing real estate agency and able to view the house ASAP. We made an offer and secured the property the next day.”
<h2>In other words, her experience was seamless</h2>
And why shouldn't it be? Why shouldn't every buyer's experience be the following simple 5-step process that Christina experienced? 
1. Discover new off-market listings by being matched to the most relevant properties for your needs by <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/">Listing Loop</a>
2. Contact the real estate agent to find out more
3. View the property 
4. Make an offer
5. Secure the property 
<h2>Christina's 5-step buying process ensured our 5-star review</h2>
But sadly, her experience is not always the case. The buying process can easily get over-complicated when too many people become involved.
That's where <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/">Listing Loop</a> comes into the equation. When you buy <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/7-less-known-reasons-why-many-property-owners-sell-off-market">off-market</a> you avoid competing with hundreds of other buyers. 
<h2>“The house-hunting experience becomes a lot more personalised where you can arrange private viewings rather than squeezing into full open for inspections” (Listing Loop)</h2>
There are many reasons why <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/off-market-sales-surge-in-popularity">off-market sales are surging in popularity,</a> and though Christina has pointed out some of the <a href="https://lendingloop.com.au/why-selling-off-market-is-always-awesome/">obvious benefits of buying off-market</a>, here's why so many buyers are using Listing Loop to access off-market listings:
<ul><li>You get first dibs on new property listings. Think of it as VIP access where you get to jump the queue and discover the newest properties for sale before everyone else.</li></ul>
<ul><li>You get matched to properties that suit your specific needs rather than doing all the searching yourself. Listing Loop alerts you when there's a new listing that matches your property search criteria. Get it first!</li></ul>
<ul><li>You get a free personalised digital property hub where all of your property matches are housed, where any communications with agents is saved and from where you can update your property search parameters anytime. </li></ul>
<ul><li>You get the option to use the <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyers">Buyer Assist</a> service to turbo charge finding your next property. </li></ul>
Christina was so thrilled with our service, she has “recommended Listing Loop to numerous friends.” 
<h2>And as anyone knows, referrals from happy customers are key to the success of any business</h2>
We'd love you to be a happy buyer too. Check out our off-market listings by signing up via ListingLoop.com.au or by downloading the Listing Loop app to get property alerts while on the go. <h2>We’re here to help</h2>
Wherever you live, and whoever you are, we're always happy to help with all the dramas and stressors of house buying and selling.
And if you're particularly tired of house-hunting, we've even partnered with buyer advocates who can <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyer-assist/">check out homes for you</a> and organise sales assessments and negotiations.
Our off-market and pre-market marketplace gives you VIP access to properties so you can get in first.
Just sign up at <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/" target="_blank" title="Listing Loop website">Listing Loop</a> or download our app.

Buying Off-Market: A 5-Star Review From One of Our Satisfied Customers

Home buyer

First home buyer

You've spent years thinking about that dream first house you're planning to buy.
But within all these thoughts, don't forget to consider the following crucial details as without doing so, your dream may always be just that. Financial details
<a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyers/">Searching through websites</a> to find your ideal home and going to open house inspections can be fun, but it's the time consuming part of buying your first property.
However, before you even do this, we suggest you talk to a wide range of<a href="https://lendingloop.com.au/home-loans/buy-a-home/"> property lenders</a> because let's face it, how can you buy if you don't know exactly how much you can spend?
Talk to your lender as well about pre-approvals, also known as conditional approvals or approval in principle, with such details assuring sales agents that subject to conditions, you're financially A-OK to purchase a home.
Lenders with <a href="https://lendingloop.com.au/home-loans/first-home-buyers/">first-home buyer experience</a> are particularly helpful when it comes to advice on which loan to choose.
For example, no-deposit or low-deposit home loans may sound great but you will have to pay a one-off lenders mortgage insurance (LMI) with such loans while other <a href="https://lendingloop.com.au/upfront-costs-to-buying-a-home/">often forgotten fees </a>include stamp duty and legal costs.
Talking fees: there are ongoing future home charges to keep in mind too such as yearly council rates, insurance, and regular repairs and maintenance.
Once you know exactly how much you can borrow, you can focus solely on the homes you can actually afford, rather than those far beyond your budget. 
Advice and research, reason and logic
We agree that these concepts aren't terribly exciting but at the same time, they're incredibly important when it comes to buying your first home.
You simply can't spend enough time researching all the issues and details involved with purchasing a property.
As well, it's all too easy for first-home buyers to get caught up in the emotional excitement of purchasing a property, rather than remaining logically wary.
So, talk to people similar to yourself in terms of budget and house factors such as family and obtain advice from them on how best to buy.
Take such friends with you when you go house hunting or simply someone who will tell you their advice first up and can pull you back when you fall in love with an unsuitable home.
While in the serious house hunting stage, consider important, long-term points such as a property's location, nearby transport and amenities.
But don't be too bothered if the <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/trending-interior-colours-for-2022">home needs an update</a>, either inside or out, as such details are often fairly easy to fix. 
<h2>Who better to help you?</h2>
We're not ashamed to own that helping people buy and sell homes in an easier and simpler way is our favourite bread and butter.
It really is what gets us up every morning so don't be afraid to take advantage of our Listing Loop member services whether you're a <a href="https://lendingloop.com.au/home-loans/first-home-buyers/">first-home buyer</a>, <a href="https://lendingloop.com.au/home-loans/property-investors/">property investor</a> or similar.
If you're<a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyers"> looking for a new property</a>, get it first before other buyers by accessing off-market, pre-market and secret listings.
Log in to your personal property hub, or if you're not a member yet sign up for free at <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/" target="_blank">Listing Loop</a> or download our app.

Common first home buyer mistakes

Moving

Utility bills

Seller

Buyer

We're all guilty of setting and forgetting our utility providers but there's nothing like moving house to make you rethink your power supplier.
But there's no reason to wait until a stressful moving day to make a utility change.
While energy suppliers' true colours often come out to play around moving day with mixed-up reconnection dates and final meter readings, we don't suggest you wait until moving day to discover your providers' best and worst moments.
Instead, make a regular date in your diary to review your energy bills.
Here are some extra encouraging reasons to do so.
<h2>Recent rules and reforms = better bank balance </h2>
You may have heard about energy deregulation and we agree that it doesn't sound exciting - but the results of this recent change could easily help your bank account.
There are good and bad points to energy deregulation particularly having private companies setting their own prices which may soar above the costs that governments may have set before loosening their grip on gas and electricity suppliers. 
At the same time, competition between energy providers is now stronger than ever with companies keen to provide both attractive prices and an extra edge via discounts and promotions. 
As well, switching energy providers is now much swifter thanks to new reforms introduced by the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) late last year, in which providers must only take two business days to transfer the change, as compared to up to three months. 
<h2>Where do I start?</h2>
Grab a cup of strong coffee, close your office door and plunge into the utility fray with no holds barred. 
Head to <a href="https://www.movingloop.com.au/">Moving Loop </a>where our energy bill comparisons will help you with your utility move.
Bear in mind that if you're on a fixed-term contract with your current provider, you may need to pay an exit fee.
But this is a good reason why you should aim for a flexible contract with your new provider or at the very least, double-check their early exit rules while realising these details are often hidden in the fine print.
<h2>What should I look for with a new supplier?</h2>
Start with looking at your energy needs including heating and air conditioning if you live in extreme weather areas. 
Do you have solar panels or are you planning to install them in the future?
Does the supplier you're considering offer both gas and electricity options?
What are their supply and usage charges and their connection fees (again, this information is often hidden in the fine print)?
Do they have smart, efficient customer service?
Don't be afraid to ask lots of questions and take your time with a possible supplier move.
Also, if you do decide to make the move, don't be surprised if your former supplier contacts you in the near future to entice you back with a better deal.
<h2>We're here to help</h2>
As well as helping you compare and switch, <a href="https://www.movingloop.com.au/">Moving Loop</a> can assist soon-to-be-movers with utility disconnections and reconnections. 
We're also highly useful when it comes to finding the best possible removalists for your needs.
Then there's other ways we can keep you in the 'loop', such as <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/">Listing Loop</a>, which can ensure you enjoy first access to pre-market, off-market and secret property listings, while <a href="https://lendingloop.com.au/">Lending Loop</a> can give you competitive rates from <a href="https://lendingloop.com.au/about-us/">more than 40 of Australia’s biggest banks and specialist lenders</a> along with plenty of great loan advice and tips.
Whatever you need when it comes to getting a better deal, moving, buying, selling and loan advice, we've got your back. Let <a href="https://www.movingloop.com.au/">Moving Loop </a>start by getting your energy bills sorted.

Reasons to review your energy bill

Cash rate

Refinancing

Not unexpectedly, Australia's record low 0.1% cash rate figure will continue for the 16th month in a row with the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) <a href="https://www.rba.gov.au/media-releases/2022/mr-22-05.html">announcing Tuesday</a> that the country's inflation isn't consistently high enough to warrant an increase.
Instead, RBA governor, Dr Philip Lowe, is holding onto his long-held view that patience is the key to the best possible cash rate outcome for the country - despite the fact that inflation has picked up more quickly than he had expected.
"However, this inflation remains lower than in many other countries," Dr Lowe said.
"It's too early to conclude that it is sustainably within the target range (so) the RBA board will not increase the cash rate until actual inflation is sustainably within the 2 to 3 per cent target range."
Dr Lowe also admitted that a global COVID recovery had resulted in a far more resilient Australian economy and an increase in spending, even after the latest Omicron variant caused havoc across the country.
"Household and business balance sheets are in generally good shape, an upswing in business investment is underway and there is a large pipeline of construction work to be completed," Dr Lowe said.
He added that increasing the country's positive outlook is the labour market's 4.2% unemployment rate, which is its lowest rate in 14 years and according to the RBA's central forecast, could fall to below 4 per cent later in the year and continue at this rate until 2023.
However, these positive points were balanced out by the negativity of Russia's devastating invasion of Ukraine late last week, which resulted in a major increase in the world's energy prices and a disruption to supply chains.
"The prices of many commodities have increased further due to the war in Ukraine," Dr Lowe said. 
He added that higher petrol prices from global developments would see consumer price index (CPI) inflation rates surge upwards.
"How long it takes to resolve the disruptions to supply chains is an important source of uncertainty regarding the inflation outlook, as are developments in global energy markets," he said.
"Wages growth also remains modest and it is likely to be some time yet before growth in labour costs is at a rate consistent with inflation being sustainably at target."
<h2>What's the outlook for property?</h2>
Industry experts across Australia were largely unsurprised about the RBA's immovable decision.
The 0.1% rate hasn't changed since November 2020 when the RBA slashed it from an eight-month stint of 0.25%.
A growing number of financial experts now believe a rate increase will occur in August or September, or at least sometime this year.
CoreLogic research director Tim Lawless is one such expert, <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/rba-remains-unmoved-by-cash-rate-rumours">explaining after February's RBA cash rate announcement</a> that rates could still increase in 2022, despite the RBA consistently confirming this won't happen before 2023.
After this month's cash rate announcement, Mr Lawless commented that the enduring 0.1% rate was nonetheless having an effect on the property market.
As <a href="https://lendingloop.com.au/wheels-in-motion-rba-paves-the-way-for-early-cash-rate-rise/">Lending Loop mentioned after RBA's November 2021 rate announcement</a>, lenders are already raising their rates in a bid to head off a cash rate increase, and Mr Lawless concurred this week that this was continuing to happen in a less affordable housing world.
"Credit policy has (also) tightened and lenders are likely to be more cautious in lending decisions," Mr Lawless said.
At the same time, Mr Lawless explained that while the RBA was "sanguine" about housing market trends, it would certainly welcome less heat in the market.
"A strong housing market has buoyed the household sector and supported the economy through the pandemic," he said.
"But worsening affordability and higher household debt levels are the downsides to the housing market upswing."
Mr Lawless said the property was already slowly beginning to cool down with <a href="https://www.corelogic.com.au/news/growth-australian-housing-values-continues-lose-steam-sydney-records-first-decline-17-months">CoreLogic’s national Home Value Index (HVI)</a> released Tuesday showing a broad-based slowdown in the rate of value growth.
"While housing values are generally rising, the pace of growth in the national index has trended downwards since April last year," Mr Lawless explained.
"February’s growth of 0.6% marks the lowest monthly growth reading since October 2020 and is down from 1.1% in January and a cyclical peak of 2.8% in March 2021.
"This is the slowest monthly rate of growth since September 2020."
He said that for now, the cash rate's forecast depended largely on Australia's unemployment rate, with the RBA keen to see a more significant lift in wages while also realising this growth would be gradual.
"But this lift is the missing piece of the puzzle," he said.
"It's clear the RBA is firmly focussed on inflation outcomes along with labour market conditions and wages growth, to guide their policy decisions."
<h2>What should I expect as a property buyer?</h2>
Firstly, take a breath and be encouraged that for now at least, the 0.1% cash rate remains the same.
Also, take heed of Mr Lawless' thoughts on a potential rate increase.
He believes that while there are downside risks to this possibility for the housing sector, other factors should help to offset a significant downturn
"As the economy strengthens and labour markets tighten, the risks around mortgage stress or default should lessen," he said.
"Open international borders will help to support demand, initially from a rental perspective, but longer-term for home purchasing as well."
On the other hand, bear in mind that lenders may escalate their interest rates before an RBA cash rate announcement, and as we earlier noted, this is particularly significant if you're planning to organise a fixed rate home loan.
So, regardless of whether you’re a <a href="https://lendingloop.com.au/home-loans/first-home-buyers/">first-home buyer</a> or <a href="https://lendingloop.com.au/home-loans/property-investors/">property investor,</a> you may want to consider <a href="https://lendingloop.com.au/want-to-switch-home-loans-here-are-some-top-tips-for-refinancing/">refinancing</a> your loan to achieve the best possible deal, or at least, pay off your mortgage sooner rather than later. 
If you're looking for your next property, get it first before other buyers by accessing off-market, pre-market and secret listings. Log in to your personal property hub, or if you're not a member yet sign up for free at <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/" target="_blank">Listing Loop</a> or download our app. 
<a href="https://lendingloop.com.au/"></a>
The RBA's <a href="https://www.rba.gov.au/monetary-policy/int-rate-decisions/2022/">next monthly cash rate announcement</a> will be on Tuesday, April 5 at 2.30pm AEDT.

Song remains the same: RBA immovable on 0.1% cash rate

buyers

sellers

Interest rates

Both nervous first-home buyers and accomplished investors have similar goals: a strong financial future via a property that will give back in spades.
One of the best ways to secure this future is by purchasing a property in a hotspot, otherwise known as inconspicuous places, often close to more popular, blue-chip locations which stand every chance of performing well.
Finding a hotspot takes plenty of savvy research and property perception but here are some easy tips for you. 
Infrastructure and industry 
A property's potential for capital growth relies in big part on its current and upcoming infrastructure and industry, including anticipated employment and population growth.
We recommend researching federal, state and local council projects to help you answer this point.
At the same time, however, too many cooks - or cranes, in this instance - can definitely spoil your property broth with abundant development cranes on the horizon often signalling possible property oversupply.
Also, beware of towns relying on just one or two industries, such as mining, for employment. 
While such areas can initially offer great short-term capital growth, we don't recommend relying on these few industries for market success.
Location, location, location 
This brings us to the most recognised script in real estate - and there's a good reason why it is!
A property close to plenty of amenities especially schools, shops and transport routes will invariably outperform those in the middle of nowhere.
Aim for a place no more than 30 minutes from the CBD with at least one popular shopping locale close by.
Population growth 
Similar to the last two points, considering the population, including the demographic, of an area is crucial to property success.
If a locale's population is shuddering to a halt for whatever reason, it's unlikely to be a long-term, if any, hotspot. 
On the other hand, a suburb soon to gentrify, or welcoming large numbers of intra, interstate or international migrants, will change an area's hotspot possibilities for the better, allowing you to enjoy higher demand and prices.
A good example of this situation is that of Australia's regional areas with our <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/regional-property-continues-country-mile-growth">25 largest non-capital city regions enjoying extraordinary growth</a> during the past few years as COVID restrictions had people of all ages fleeing the cities. Cheap as chips - or is it?
Cheap doesn't equal a hotspot.
Focus instead on how much comparable properties are selling for and attend auctions in person to see for yourself the depth and range of interest in the area.
Research days on the market and median prices over a solid length of time.
In short, do your due diligence and bury yourself in details, statistics and research of the market.
Last but definitely not least....
In amongst all your due diligence, we maintain that the best way to get in first on the property market and succeed from the get-go is by purchasing off-market.
And we're (not exactly!) biased when we say this with the <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/off-market-sales-surge-in-popularity">current, extremely hot market</a> attracting more and more buyers and sellers to this increasingly unhidden secret.<a href="https://listingloop.com.au/how-it-works/"> </a>
<a href="https://listingloop.com.au/how-it-works/">Listing Loop's off-market sales listings</a> allow you to get in early to prime locations and snap up properties before anyone else has even arrived.
We like to think of it as <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyers">VIP access </a>to some of the best properties in the country - and this first dibs service is also all for free with new pre-market, off-market and 'secret' listings added to Listing Loop every hour.
Our home loan connections at <a href="https://lendingloop.com.au/">Lending Loop</a> can also give you a hand with your borrowing <a href="https://lendingloop.com.au/home-loan-calculators/repayment-calculator/">budget,</a> <a href="https://lendingloop.com.au/home-loans/refinance/">refinancing</a>, and much more.
So, whether you're planning to <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyers">buy</a>, <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/sell-your-property">sell </a>or <a href="https://lendingloop.com.au/home-loans/property-investors/">invest</a> in property, sign up to become a <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/" target="_blank">Listing Loop</a> member for free. Sign up via <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/">ListingLoop.com.au</a> or download our app.

How to jump the hotspot queue

Finance

The recent interest rush in the off-market property approach is only proving what marketplaces such as Listing Loop already know: it's a great way to both buy and sell a property.
This method of buying and selling has always been available but it's only fairly recently that large numbers of people are turning towards it.
The once industry-only term has now become a very well-known one with more and more people aware of this approach. 
Home-buyers are also encouraging their potential home-buyer friends to go to dedicated off-market sites such as<a href="https://listingloop.com.au/"> Listing Loop </a>first, rather than waiting for a For Sale sign to go up.
But what has spiked this change? 
<h2>No longer behind the eight ball</h2>
We're experiencing an extremely hot market with property and rent prices skyrocketing and the latter sector also experiencing plunging vacancies. 
Then there's our <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/rba-remains-unmoved-by-cash-rate-rumours">15th consecutive month of 0.1% record low interest rates </a>and an inflation rate of 3.5% over the year to December, with the recently released trimmed mean figure of the last quarter at 2.6%, <a href="https://www.corelogic.com.au/news/rba-well-ahead-its-forecasts-so-can-we-expect-same-property-market?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&utm_campaign=20220207_propertypulse">according to CoreLogic</a>.
As a result, keen buyers and sellers don't want to be left behind and are snapping up on-market properties virtually overnight. 
In comparison, off-market sales are an (almost) hidden secret - in the best of ways.
<h2>Why off-market? </h2>
With off-market sales, sellers can save money on advertising and similar costs, avoid the hassle and stress of auctions and enjoy some privacy - both financial and in terms of minimising sticky beaks looking through their home.
Buyers can beat the ever-increasing rush to find their dream home and enjoy less competition.
We don't like to sound biased but we think it's little wonder that people are turning towards off-market sales.
While there are few statistics and data to confirm how many properties sell in this way, sales agents are now selling 5%-35% of their properties this way, according to our research.
Yes, there are still risks to buying or selling this way with off-market sales sometimes believed to achieve a lower purchase price than an on-market one. 
But in today's very exciting market, this is unlikely to be the case with chomping at the bit buyers eager to cut to the chase. And, a good agent will never allow a property to undersell!
<h2>How off-market works </h2>
Firstly, there are two kinds of off-market sales: pure off-market sales, when properties are not being advertised anywhere, now or in the future, and pre-market sales, when a property is officially for sale but is not mass advertised anywhere as yet.
This could be because the sales agent is busy preparing professional photos, signboards and similar details. 
But both types of off-market sale periods are a perfect time for you to <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/how-it-works/">get in and snatch up</a> the property before anyone else sees it on mainstream real estate websites.
<h2>Don't miss out! </h2>
Helping raring to go <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyers/">buyers get in first</a> and stop missing out is why Listing Loop exists.
We offer you a chance to relax while we do all the searching for you, matching you to properties that fit your criteria - and all for free.
We've also made it simple and much cheaper for <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/about/">sales agents</a> to sell their properties. 
They can take photos of their property using their mobile phone and then start marketing it immediately with Listing Loop. 
So, give us a call today at <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/" target="_blank">Listing Loop</a>.

Off-market sales surge in popularity

It seems slow and steady is still winning the race when it comes to the cash rate, with the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) announcing this week that the record low 0.1% figure was on hold for the 15th consecutive month. 
The central bank's first cash rate announcement for 2022 comes on the back of plenty of rumours about when it will increase the record low rate.
But in his <a href="https://www.rba.gov.au/media-releases/2022/mr-22-02.html">Monetary Policy Decision</a> statement, RBA governor Dr Philip Lowe maintained patience was key to ensuring the best possible outcome for Australia's economy.
Dr Lowe said while inflation had picked up faster than the RBA had expected, it still remained lower than in many other countries and was being affected by the recent COVID Omicron outbreaks, higher prices for petrol and newly constructed homes, and supply chain breakdowns.
"The headline CPI inflation rate is 3.5% (but) in underlying terms, inflation is 2.6%," Dr Lowe explained.
"The central forecast is for underlying inflation to increase further in coming quarters to around 3¼ per cent, before declining to around 2¾ per cent over 2023 as supply-side problems are resolved and consumption patterns normalise."
Dr Lowe reiterated that with all these points to consider, the RBA Board wasn't prepared to increase the cash rate until actual inflation sat sustainably within its 2%-3% target range.
"While inflation has picked up, it is too early to conclude that it is sustainably within the target band," he said.
Dr Lowe was pleased with the state of Australia's labour market, which he said had recovered strongly, as well as the unemployment rate, which dropped to 4.2% in December. 
"The RBA's central forecast is for the unemployment rate to fall to below 4% later in the year and to be around 3¾ per cent at the end of 2023," he said.
<h2>Property experts cautiously positive </h2>
The real estate industry is generally satisfied with the RBA's first cash rate decision for 2022.
Dr Lowe admitted that while housing prices have risen strongly, the rate of increase has eased in some cities.
CoreLogic research director Tim Lawless concurred, explaining that while housing values continued to rise, the pace of this growth was gradually softening across most capital cities.
This is despite a <a href="https://www.corelogic.com.au/news/january-results-surprise-upside-sydney-and-melbourne-growth-rates-stabilise?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&utm_campaign=au-res-hvi-2022-feb">small uptick in housing values last month</a> when CoreLogic's national measure of housing values rose by 1.1%.
While this figure was an increase of 10 basis points compared to December when the national index was up 1%, five of our eight capital cities recorded only a slight upward change to their monthly growth rate.
"Values are still broadly rising, but nowhere near as fast as they were in early 2021," Mr Lawless said.
He pointed to the cost of new housing and higher rents as the key drivers of the higher core inflation reading over the December quarter.
However, this data was an indication of a stronger than forecast economic environment in 2022, he said, with the RBA itself acknowledging that key measures of the economy were performing better than expected.
"We could see the RBA’s inflation and labour market mandates being met earlier than expected," Mr Lawless explained.
He added that cash rates could still increase in 2022, despite the RBA's insistence in December that this was unlikely to happen before 2023.
"A growing chorus of economic commentators are forecasting a rate rise later this year and financial markets have the first lift fully priced in by mid-year," Mr Lawless said.
Even the chance that the cash rate may rise sooner than expected is a "downside risk to housing", he said.
"Previous analysis from CoreLogic shows a strong inverse correlation between movements in the cash rate and housing values, albeit with the strongest correlation based on a lag," he explained.
"But other factors are also likely to influence the trajectory of housing values."
These factors include credit policy, which may tighten later this year, and housing affordability, Mr Lawless said.
"Also, although labour markets have tightened substantially, there is little evidence of a material flow through to wages growth," he explained.
However, Mr Lawless added that several possibilities could help to offset a significant downturn in the property market as the result of a cash rate increase.
"As the economy strengthens and labour markets tighten, the risks around mortgage stress or default should lessen," he explained.
"Open international borders will also help to support demand, initially from a rental perspective but in the longer term, for home purchasing as well.
"Additionally, housing inventory levels remain remarkably low across most jurisdictions which is adding some support for housing values."
<h2>What's next for property buyers?</h2>
Firstly, with low interest rates potentially continuing well into 2022, there's never been a better time to snap up your dream home.
As <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/how-to-buy-a-house">Listing Loop recorded a few weeks ago</a>, your purchase can be completed by following just a few easy steps 
For that matter, there's never been a better time to <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/sell-your-property">sell your current house</a> with the typical Australian home now worth $131,236 more than it was a year ago, <a href="https://www.corelogic.com.au/news/january-results-surprise-upside-sydney-and-melbourne-growth-rates-stabilise?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&utm_campaign=au-res-hvi-2022-feb">according to CoreLogic</a>.
Brisbane vendors alone enjoyed the highest annual property growth rate of all our capital cities, with housing values up 29.2% or approximately $159,763.
Finally, remember that<a href="https://lendingloop.com.au/looking-back-while-looking-forward/"> as we said at Christmas</a>, no one has a crystal ball to ensure the future holds great things for you and your loan.
Even when the cash rate starts rising, your new home loan won't change overnight with Mr Lawless explaining that it will take time for interest rates to normalise once they start rising.
This in turn will provide a low cost of housing credit for awhile.
And we can give you great advice on what road to take when buying a new home in 2022. 
Regardless of whether you're a <a href="https://lendingloop.com.au/home-loans/first-home-buyers/">first-home buyer,</a> <a href="https://lendingloop.com.au/home-loans/property-investors/">property investor</a> or someone struggling with a badly wobbling <a href="https://lendingloop.com.au/home-loan-calculators/repayment-calculator/">budget,</a> rest assured, we're your biggest supporter.
We won't even insist you stop buying a morning coffee!
<h2>We're here to help</h2>
We're always happy to help with all the dramas and stressors of house buying and selling.
And if you're particularly tired of house-hunting, we've even partnered with buyer advocates who can <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyer-assist/">check out homes for you</a> and organise sales assessments and negotiations.
Our off-market and pre-market marketplace gives you VIP access to properties so you can get in first.
Just sign up at <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/" target="_blank" title="Listing Loop website">Listing Loop</a> or download our app.

RBA remains unmoved by cash rate rumours

You want to buy a new home, but where do you start?
It can be really confusing. Do you take a home loan first then get a house, or is it the other way around?
Buying property is probably one of the most life-changing decisions you’ll ever make. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned investor, don't jump into the homeowner process without doing your homework first—research, research, research!
That's why we've put together this guide to help you get a head start when buying property in the land Down Under. From planning to budgeting and inspection, we’ve got you covered.
<div style="width: 65%; border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; background-color: rgba(21, 31, 53, 0.09); margin-bottom: 10px; border-radius: 5px;">
<h2>Table of Contents</h2>
<a href="#plan-for-the-investment">Plan For the Investment Property You Want to Buy</a>
<ul style="padding-left: 2%; margin-top: 13px;">
 	<li><a href="#determine-your-budget">Determine Your Budget and How Much You Can Borrow</a></li>
 	<li><a href="#inspect-the-investment">Inspect the Investment Property You’ve Chosen</a></li>
 	<li><a href="#join-the-loop">Join the Loop to Get a Head Start When Buying a Home</a></li>
 	<li><a href="#faq">FAQs About Investment Properties in Australia</a>
<ul style="padding-left: 3%;">
 	<li><a href="#is-property-good-investment">Is Property a Good Investment in Australia 2021?</a></li>
 	<li><a href="#how-do-you-negotiate">How Do You Negotiate With Real Estate Agents in Australia?</a></li>
 	<li><a href="#how-much-does">How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Good Property Manager?</a><a id="plan-for-the-investment"></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h2>Plan for the Investment Property You Want to Buy</h2>
<figure><img class="wp-image-9317 size-full" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/listingloop-off-market-properties.jpg" alt="A young couple planning to buy an investment property" width="953" height="452" data-image="knzufgms0ikf"></figure>
 <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/off-market-properties/">Off-Market Properties: Financing Options for Young Couples</a>
The saying goes, “Look before you leap,” which is especially true when buying a property. Before you start looking for your dream home, take a deep breath and ask yourself some questions.
Why do I want to buy a property? Am I tired of paying rent, or am I looking for a family home?
What investment property do I want to buy and where?
You also need to work out what property type you want. Are you looking for an apartment or a house?
What features are most important for your lifestyle? Do you need a home with a car space? Maybe an outdoor space? Or do you want to buy an investment property while still renting?
Homes are costly, so you should only get one if you believe it’ll benefit you in the long run. Don't feel compelled to buy a house because of the perceived social status of living the "great Australian dream."
Whatever your motive for buying, your first priority is to figure out your long-term plan.
The more research you do now, the easier everything else becomes.
For example, extra costs account for approximately 5% of the purchase price when buying a home. This often depends on the value of the property and where it’s located.
As you plan, factor in the following fees:
<table style="border: 1px solid #cccccc; margin-bottom: 20px; height: 446px;" width="903">
<tbody>
<tr style="vertical-align: top; line-height: 35px;">
<td style="width: 30%; border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 15px;">Stamp duty</td>
<td style="width: 50%; border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 15px;">Depending on the state, it ranges from 3.5 to 5.5%.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Legal fees</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Depending on the type of property, it might range from $800 to $2,500 AUD.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Land tax</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">The tax varies based on the state where you buy your land.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Property inspection fees</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Depending on the type of property, it’s usually between $450 and $800 AUD.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Loan establishment fees</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Depending on the lender, it might range from 0 to $1,000 AU.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Other ongoing costs</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Water rates, building insurance, council rates, maintenance costs, etc.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Fortunately, Listing Loop gives buyers VIP access to properties that real estate agents have listed for their sellers. We provide you with a head start for <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/featured-off-market-properties/">off-market properties</a>, so we’ve shortened the research process for you.
Off-market properties (or secret listings) are usually up for sale but aren’t advertised publicly through mainstream real estate channels. With Listing Loop, you can jump the queue and get in before everyone else.
To simplify your planning process, <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/propertyhub/#/signup">sign up</a> today to get free access to newly listed properties.
You can also watch the video below for more information:<a id="determine-your-budget"></a>
<figure><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Y-1bs4_AAK0" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure>
<h2>Determine Your Budget and How Much You Can Borrow</h2>
While planning, you should work out your budget—the most important step before buying a property.
Having a solid budget helps you know exactly how much money you have for saving, paying the deposit and mortgage repayments.
To help you out, here are the current median house prices in each of Australia’s capital cities:
<table style="border: 1px solid #ccc; margin-bottom: 20px;" width="100%">
<tbody>
<tr style="vertical-align: top; background: #222222; color: white; line-height: 35px;">
<td style="width: 50%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">City</td>
<td style="width: 50%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">Median House Price</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Adelaide</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">$599,706</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Brisbane</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">$632,999</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Canberra</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">$927,577</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Darwin</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">$554,295</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Hobart</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">$601,567</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Melbourne</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">$974,397</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Perth</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">$578,612</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Sydney</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">$1,309,195</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">National</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">$899,509</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
When taking out a mortgage, it’s a good idea to get a home loan pre-approval—this is slightly different from a full home loan application but gives you an idea of how much you can borrow.
To get pre-approval, you’ll need to provide some basic information about your income, expenses and a rough idea of the amount you need to borrow.
The amount you can borrow varies from lender to lender, and many include online calculators to help you figure out how much you qualify for.
Alternatively, you can contact a service like <a href="https://lendingloop.com.au/">Lending Loop</a>, who compares loans from over 35 lenders to help you get the best deal. They'll land you a great loan with low-interest rates so you can achieve your financial goals.
To avoid paying for lenders mortgage insurance (LMI), it's often best to have a house deposit of at least 20%.
For example, if you were to buy the average house in Canberra, you'd need a deposit of at least $185,515. If this is out of your price range, you may need to explore cheaper alternatives.
There are exceptions to this for first home buyers. According to <a href="https://finance-matters.info/2020/07/16/1-lenders-mortgage-insurance-for-eligible-first-home-buyers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Finance Matters</a>, eligible first-time home buyers with a Loan to Value Ratio (LVR) of up to 85% will have their LMI reduced to only $1.
Another reason for figuring out your borrowing power is, even if you have a 20% deposit, lenders may not be ready to give you the money you need to buy the property.
Why?
The lenders check your credit history, income and expenses to assess how much you can borrow. If your record is poor, they may not award you a considerable sum.
Also, if you have children, the amount you can borrow decreases significantly (in some instances, by up to $50,000 per child) because banks are well aware of the costs of raising kids.
That said, look for ways to increase your borrowing power. Did you know that having a high credit card limit impacts how much you can borrow?
Consolidating your credit cards into one new low-rate card can help cut your credit limits and improve your overall financial position.
Finally, apply for a copy of your credit report and make sure you pay all your debts. It might not be ideal for you to buy a home if you have bad credit.<a id="inspect-the-investment"></a>
<h2>Inspect the Investment Property You’ve Chosen</h2>
<figure><iframe src="https://www.instagram.com/p/CIE7w5GlCW6/embed" width="400" height="490" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></figure>
Now that you’ve organised your finances and found a great property, don’t sign anything just yet. You’ll need professionals to inspect the building.
Inspections are one of the most critical (yet often overlooked) steps in the home-buying process. If you want a home that’s worth the money and time you've put in to securing it, you need to do this step well.
Pest and building inspection lets you know about any nasty surprises, such as a termite infestation or a structural problem with the building.
The inspections are likely to cost between $450 and $800 AUD but don't be put off by the price. After all, buying property without these inspections is like buying a car without taking it out for a test drive (but with much worse consequences).
When performing a home inspection, here are some of the most important things to look for:
<ul>
 	<li>Dampness</li>
 	<li>Wall cracks</li>
 	<li>Electrical issues</li>
 	<li>Plumbing issues</li>
 	<li>Cabinet and drawer defects</li>
 	<li>Termite activity</li>
 	<li>Wall plastering</li>
 	<li>Roof quality</li>
 	<li>Drain holes</li>
</ul>
It's important to note that home inspections aren't necessarily a pass or fail situation. Instead, they’re typically done to provide you with a clear picture of what you can expect from a property.
Ultimately, regardless of the drawbacks, it’s up to you to decide if it makes sense to add the cost of repairs to the buying price or to walk away from the deal altogether.<a id="join-the-loop"></a>
<h2>Join Listing Loop to Get a Head Start When Buying a Home</h2>
It’s essential to do your research and take home buying step by step. As this is one of the most significant purchases you’ll ever make, you need to make a careful and informed decision.
To get a head start when buying a property, use a trusted marketplace like <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/how-it-works/">Listing Loop</a>. Here’s what one user said,
<blockquote>“Very Prompt and Professional service.”- Sabina Luthra</blockquote>
You just have to sign up for the Listing Loop service via your computer or download the free app and choose the type of property you're looking for.<a id="faq"></a>
<figure><iframe src="https://www.instagram.com/p/CS8eTa3lFG2/embed" width="400" height="490" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></figure>
<h2 id="is-property-good-investment">FAQs About Investment Properties in Australia</h2>
<h3>Is Property a Good Investment in Australia in 2021?</h3>
Property is one of the most obvious no-brainer investments in the current Australian market. Real estate may not have the pace of cryptocurrency or stocks in capital growth, but it’s the best option available to produce consistent results over time.
With this in mind, mortgage brokers should educate their customers about the potential to expand their property portfolio and reap the benefits in the long run (as price growth doesn’t appear to be slowing anytime soon).<a id="how-do-you-negotiate"></a>
<h3>How Do You Negotiate With Real Estate Agents in Australia?</h3>
Negotiating with a real estate agent can be difficult, especially if it's your first time.
We've put together a few pointers to help you put your best foot forward:
<ul>
 	<li>Do some research</li>
 	<li>Make sure you have pre-approval</li>
 	<li>Know your bargaining strength</li>
 	<li>Know your limit</li>
 	<li>Don’t appear too keen<a id="how-much-does"></a></li>
</ul>
<h2>How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Good Property Manager?</h2>
The answer is, “It depends.” Property management companies differ significantly, and a lot depends on the extent of the agreement.
The cost may vary depending on:
<ul>
 	<li>Location</li>
 	<li>Type of property</li>
 	<li>Estimated person-hours involved</li>
</ul>
<h2>We're here to help</h2>
We're always happy to help with all the dramas and stressors of house buying and selling.
And if you're particularly tired of house-hunting, we've even partnered with buyer advocates who can <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyer-assist/">check out homes for you</a> and organise sales assessments and negotiations.
Our off-market and pre-market marketplace gives you VIP access to properties so you can get in first.
Just sign up at <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/" target="_blank" title="Listing Loop website">Listing Loop</a> or download our app. 
<a href="https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/broker-showing-real-estate-object_6766542.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Photo</a> by Pressfoto / <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">CC BY</a>

How to Get a Head Start When Buying Property in Australia

Selling a house in Australia’s competitive home market is favoured by having a functional, attractive home. A place where buyers can settle in immediately without any initial repairs.
These kinds of homes usually sell faster and have the highest value.
How exactly do you get your house ready for the market, and how do you increase its value before listing?
Simple. All it takes is the right knowledge and a bit of elbow grease.
If done right, you'll increase your return on investment and expand your audience of potential buyers.
Here are our top picks for how to increase the value of your house before listing.
<h2>Table of Contents</h2>
<a href="#value-addition">Value Addition: Some Basic Guidelines</a>
<ul style="padding-left: 4%; margin-bottom: 3%;">
 	<li><a href="#visible-improvements">Visible improvements Add More Value</a></li>
 	<li><a href="#know-your-potential-buyer">Know Your Potential Buyers</a></li>
 	<li><a href="#keep-it-neutral">Keep it Neutral</a></li>
 	<li><a href="#strive">Strive for a High Valuation</a></li>
</ul>
<a href="#tip-1">Tip #1: Maximise Your Street Appeal</a>
<ul style="padding-left: 4%; margin-bottom: 3%;">
 	<li><a href="#give-your-exterior">Give Your Exterior A Fresh Coat of Paint</a></li>
 	<li><a href="#invest-in-garden">Invest in Garden Maintenance</a></li>
 	<li><a href="#fix-up-the-roof">Fix Up The Roof</a></li>
</ul>
<a href="#tip-2">Tip #2: Create Internal Appeal</a>
<ul style="padding-left: 4%; margin-bottom: 3%;">
 	<li><a href="#get-rid-of-the-wallpaper">Get Rid of The Wallpaper</a></li>
 	<li><a href="#revive-your-hardwood">Revive Your Hardwood Floors</a></li>
</ul>
<a href="#tip-3">Tip #3: Update Your Kitchen</a>
<ul style="padding-left: 4%; margin-bottom: 3%;">
 	<li><a href="#revamp-the-cabinetry">Revamp the Cabinetry</a></li>
 	<li><a href="#update-your-kitchen">Update Your Kitchen Lighting</a></li>
</ul>
<a href="#tip-4">Tip #4: Revitalise Your Outdoor Area</a>
<ul style="padding-left: 4%; margin-bottom: 3%;">
 	<li><a href="#install-a-patio">Install a Patio or Entertainment Area</a></li>
 	<li><a href="#update-your-driveway">Update Your Driveway</a></li>
</ul>
<a href="#get-the-right-buyer">Get the Right Buyer For Your Property</a><a id="value-addition"></a>
<h2>Value Addition: Some Basic Guidelines</h2>
Before we dive in, let’s outline some basic guidelines. That way, you don't spend money on your property that you won't recoup in value.<a id="visible-improvements"></a>
<h3>Visible Improvements Add More Value</h3>
As a general rule, you’ll add more value to the things that are seen. These include cosmetic upgrades, kitchen or bathroom remodels and street appeal.
Unseen improvements, on the other hand, like restumping and reblocking often cost more but don't immediately wow potential buyers.<a id="know-your-potential-buyer"></a>
<h3>Know Your Potential Buyers</h3>
For maximum benefit, understand your target market—which often depends on two things:
<ol>
 	<li>Your area</li>
 	<li>Your property</li>
</ol>
Different areas and properties will attract different buyers. Consult a local real estate agent to find out what people are looking for in your area and the type of property.
That way, it’s easier to focus on improvements that appeal to that specific audience.
Related: <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/family-friendly-home/">What to Look For When Buying a Family Friendly Home</a><a id="keep-it-neutral"></a>
<h3>Keep it Neutral</h3>
A great way to appeal to a larger audience is to go neutral, especially in your choice of paint colour and designs.
The goal is to let your potential buyer imagine themselves living in the space.
Bold colours and designs may put off some buyers or make it harder to envision themselves there.<a id="strive"></a>
<h3>Strive for a High Valuation</h3>
Banks often minimise their risk by undervaluing properties.
Make sure that your bank values your property at the highest amount.
A surefire way to ensure this is by following our tips on improving the value of your home.<a id="tip-1"></a>
<h2>Tip #1: Maximise Your Street Appeal</h2>
<figure><iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FListingLoopAU%2Fposts%2F3088575711244698&show_text=false&width=500" width="500" height="498" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure>
First impressions count; there’s no way around it.
You want to encourage any potential buyers to want to own your house before they even see the inside—and the only way to do this is through street appeal.
Street appeal influences the feelings and imaginations of your potential buyers. If attracted, they imagine sparkling interiors and will be willing to pay more from the start.
If the exterior is unappealing, they likely won't even bother visiting the house, let alone buy it.
Here are a few things to improve street appeal:<a id="give-your-exterior"></a>
<h3>Give Your Exterior A Fresh Coat of Paint</h3>
Refreshing your home’s exterior with a new paint job can expand your market and attract a whole new demographic.
It’s relatively inexpensive to do but promises a massive boost in value. Remember to stick to neutral colours that complement the house and its surroundings.<a id="invest-in-garden"></a>
<h3>Invest in Garden Maintenance</h3>
<figure><iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FListingLoopAU%2Fposts%2F2533158543453087&show_text=false&width=500" width="500" height="498" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure>
Your front garden contributes to the overall look of your house from the street. Make it look clean and well taken care of.
Contract the help of a professional landscaper to help tidy up and maybe even add a few low maintenance flowers.<a id="fix-up-the-roof"></a>
<h3>Fix Up The Roof</h3>
If your roof looks a little worse for wear, your potential buyers will assume it needs some work done, and roofs can be expensive to fix.
Paint your roof and replace any missing or broken tiles. Your prospective buyers will notice and appreciate it, further pushing up the value.<a id="tip-2"></a>
<h2>Tip #2: Create Internal Appeal</h2>
While external appeal might get a buyer through the front door, it’s the inside that’ll close the sale.
Internal appeal pulls on your buyer’s heartstrings, evokes attachment, and gets them to sign on the dotted line.
Here are a few of the things that create internal appeal and boost the overall value of your home:<a id="get-rid-of-the-wallpaper"></a>
<h3>Get Rid of The Wallpaper</h3>
There once was a time when bold feature walls and decorative wallpaper were en vogue. That time has passed.
If you’ve got wallpaper, take it down and give your walls a new coat of paint.
Remember to stick to neutral shades when interior painting. You want to make your property appeal to as many buyers as possible.<a id="revive-your-hardwood"></a>
<h3>Revive Your Hardwood Floors</h3>
<figure><iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FListingLoopAU%2Fposts%2F2858295000939438&show_text=false&width=500" width="500" height="498" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure>
Dirty old floorboards and carpets indicate a property hasn’t been well looked after.
Interiors like this leave the buyers wondering, “what else is wrong?”
You want to avoid this at all costs.
Thankfully there are ways to revamp your floors and increase property value without breaking the bank. These include:
<ul>
 	<li>Deep Cleaning - Give your floors a thorough clean and remove any built-up dirt and grime.</li>
 	<li>Sand and Refinish - Sometimes, a simple clean won't cut it. In this event, you’ll want to sand and replenish your floors with a wax or lacquer finish.</li>
 	<li>Buff and Polish - If your floors don’t need a thorough workup after cleaning, a quick buffing and polishing will work magic.<a id="tip-3"></a></li>
</ul>
<h2>Tip #3: Update Your Kitchen</h2>
Updating your kitchen is one of the fastest ways to increase the value of your property dramatically. Most of the time you won’t need to rip out the entire kitchen and spend a fortune.
Here are a few cost-effective tricks to revamp your kitchen and boost value:<a id="revamp-the-cabinetry"></a>
<h3>Revamp the Cabinetry</h3>
Retain your existing cabinets, but replace the doors and handles with modern options. You should also re-paint them to freshen things up a bit.
If you choose to go this route, consider consulting an interior designer on current trends for maximum valuation.<a id="update-your-kitchen"></a>
<h3>Update Your Kitchen Lighting</h3>
<figure><iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FListingLoopAU%2Fposts%2F3676754312426832&show_text=false&width=500" width="500" height="498" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure>
Update old light fixtures and increase natural light to make your kitchen look more inviting.
Lighting is also an excellent opportunity to highlight and show off other features in the kitchen.<a id="tip-4"></a>
<h2>Tip #4: Revitalise Your Outdoor Area</h2>
Investing in outdoor areas could make all the difference in your home. The Australian weather makes outdoor space living very valuable.
Here are our top tips to easily revamp your outdoor areas to add value to your home:<a id="install-a-patio"></a>
<h3>Install a Patio or Entertainment Area</h3>
Depending on your budget, outdoor entertainment areas can be simple or extravagant. No matter the size of your project, these areas should include:
<ul>
 	<li>Comfortable outdoor furniture</li>
 	<li>A hard, flat surface</li>
 	<li>Protection from the weather</li>
 	<li>Green areas</li>
</ul>
With patios that offer additional living space, install attractive lighting over the entire area.<a id="update-your-driveway"></a>
<h3>Update Your Driveway</h3>
The driveway is your first opportunity to make a lasting impression on a prospective buyer. Old, cracked concrete can reduce perceived property value and how much a buyer is willing to pay from the get-go.
Thankfully, there are affordable options you can take advantage of to spruce up your driveway.
Pavers are a brilliant and affordable way to revamp your driveway. They come in different colours and styles that allow you to get creative. They also work well with other materials like grass and gravel.
Related: <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/real-estate-gold-coast/">Factors That Increase the Value of Real Estate in Gold Coast</a><a id="get-the-right-buyer"></a>
<h2>Get the Right Buyer For Your Property</h2>
Selling your house can be a monumental task—from adding value to your home to finding the right agent and possibly vacating your place for open-for-inspections.
It need not be this challenging—this is where <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/">Listing Loop</a> comes in.
Listing Loop is a real estate marketplace for off-market and pre-market properties that connects buyers, sellers, and agents.
What exactly does this mean, and how does it help you get the right buyer for your property?
Off-market listings, sometimes referred to as secret listings, are properties on sale that are not advertised on mainstream real estate websites.
With the off-market approach, a seller can avoid expensive advertising fees while maintaining their privacy.
Related: <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/benefits-of-selling-off-market/">Top 3 Benefits of Selling Off Market</a>
<a href="https://listingloop.com.au/about/">Listing Loop</a> is Australia's leading marketplace for off-market properties and secret listings. With a broad and ever-increasing buyer database and the use of intelligent technology, Listing Loop identifies and pairs the most suitable buyer and property.
It's a new take on the traditional method of property searching with real-time property match alerts.
<figure><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Y-1bs4_AAK0" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure>
Additionally, a seller that lists their property on Listing Loop through their agent enjoys:
<ul>
 	<li>A fast, discreet sale at a great price (often above market value)</li>
 	<li>Access to a database of over 100,000 pre-registered buyers</li>
 	<li>Immediate listing with no fuss</li>
 	<li>No expensive upfront marketing fees.</li>
</ul>
<h2>We're here to help</h2>
We're always happy to help with all the dramas and stressors of house buying and selling.
And if you're particularly tired of house-hunting, we've even partnered with buyer advocates who can <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyer-assist/">check out homes for you</a> and organise sales assessments and negotiations.
Our off-market and pre-market marketplace gives you VIP access to properties so you can get in first.
Just sign up at <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/" target="_blank" title="Listing Loop website">Listing Loop</a> or download our app.
 
 
 <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/_TPTXZd9mOo" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Photo</a> by Ярослав Алексеенко / <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">CC BY</a>

How to Increase the Value of Your Australian House Before Listing

Buying a home is a huge financial decision. As such, it is easy to second-guess yourself.<a id="how-to-know-the-value"></a>
After closing a sale, many buyers find themselves plagued with doubt and remorse. They may have questions like, “Did I pay too much?” or “Is my home loan too costly?”
Sellers also struggle with determining the value of their homes before listing. Set the price too high and scare off potential buyers, resulting in your property sitting on the market for too long. If the asking price is too low, you may lose out on potential financial gains.
The problem can be especially pronounced with selling and buying <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/featured-off-market-properties/">off-market properties</a>. These are properties that have not been listed across mainstream real estate channels.
Knowing how to determine the value of a home is, thus, a valuable skill for buyers, sellers, and agents.
Below are four practical ways to determine the value of an Australian property reliably:
<h2>Table of Contents</h2>
<ul>
 	<li><a href="#how-to-know-the-value">How to Know the Value of Your Home in Australia</a></li>
 	<li><a href="#use-an-online-property-value-calculator">Use an Online Property Value Calculator</a></li>
 	<li><a href="#analyse-local-property">Analyse Local Property Sales Data</a></li>
 	<li><a href="#inspect-property-surrounding">Inspect the Property and Its Surroundings</a></li>
 	<li><a href="#get-property-value-estimate">Get a Property Value Estimate From an Expert Appraiser</a></li>
 	<li><a href="#get-the-best-deal">Get the Best Deal With Your Next Purchase</a></li>
 	<li><a href="#frequently-asked-questions">Frequently Asked Questions About Valuing a Property</a></li>
 	<li><a href="#why-should-know-the-value">Why should I know the value of my home?</a></li>
 	<li><a href="#how-does-one-determine">How does one determine how much their home is worth?</a></li>
 	<li><a href="#what-factors-can-impact">What factors can impact the value of my property?</a><a id="use-an-online-property-value-calculator"></a></li>
</ul>
<h2>Use an Online Property Value Calculator</h2>
The market value of your property is constantly fluctuating, thanks to changes in the Australian housing market.
Today, the value estimate of your house is probably not what it was five years ago—or even a year ago! Therefore, basing your asking price on what you bought a home for is not the way to go.
One of the quickest ways to get a reasonable property value estimate is utilising online home value calculators.
A quick search on Google will show you countless websites with property value estimators.
Fortunately, many of these automated valuation tools are <a href="https://ratecomparison.com.au/blog/10-free-websites-for-judging-your-propertys-value" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">free</a>. They also tend to be relatively quick and user-friendly.
Online value calculators make their predictions based on factors that include:
<ul>
 	<li>Local listing prices and recent sales data,</li>
 	<li>Public property records, including property transfers, rental history, deeds of ownership, and tax assessments.</li>
</ul>
The downside is that the property <a href="https://thenewdaily.com.au/finance/property/2019/04/29/property-estimate-online/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">value estimates</a> these tools provide can vary greatly. An estimate on one site can be wildly different from another. Sometimes, the difference can be in the tune of thousands of dollars.
The estimated value by an individual tool may be way over or under the actual market price.
An online tool isn't able to inspect properties. It can’t tell if a property has been recently renovated, fitted with high-end finishings, or if it has stained carpets.
Use online value calculators only as rough guides on what a property is worth. Take into account information and data from other sources to create a more accurate property valuation.<a id="analyse-local-property"></a>
<h2>Analyse Local Property Sales Data</h2>
<figure><img class="wp-image-9214 size-full" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/listingloop-office-business-meeting.png" alt="analysing housing base data in Australian capital territory data" width="900" height="550" data-image="6gjfkq4xgkie"></figure>
 <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/real-estate-agents-mornington/">Real Estate Agents Mornington: 5 Tips to Making the Best Choice</a>
Another great way to know how much your house is worth is by looking up and analysing current local property sales data.
The housing market changes rapidly. One adverse event in the suburb can send a booming market on a downward spiral.
Using outdated data will yield unreliable property valuation.
Browse websites such as <a href="https://www.corelogic.com.au/news" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">CoreLogic</a> and <a href="https://reia.asn.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">REIA</a> for accurate land and property information and real estate market reports.
Take a look at local transactions involving comparable properties. Don’t cast the net too wide—limit your search to nearby homes with the same facilities as the subject property.
You can get a list of property sales for any suburb or postcode from <a href="https://www.corelogic.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">CoreLogic RP Data</a> or similar websites. Remember to narrow down your search to the specific suburb and similar dwellings.
Pay attention to sold homes with these attributes:
<ul>
 	<li>Within 1 km of the property in question</li>
 	<li>Sold in the last 6 months</li>
 	<li>Similar to the home you’re trying to value</li>
</ul>
Of the properties identified, focus on those most similar to yours. In particular, consider these factors:
<table style="border: 1px solid #ccc; margin-bottom: 20px;" width="100%">
<tbody>
<tr style="vertical-align: top; background: #222222; color: white; line-height: 35px;">
<td style="width: 20%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">Attribute</td>
<td style="width: 50%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">Consideration</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Location</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;"><ul>
 	<li>How far is the property from amenities/transport?</li>
 	<li>Are both streets similar in appearance</li>
</ul></td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Size</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;"><ul>
 	<li>How big is the property?</li>
 	<li>Is the land size similar?</li>
 	<li>What about the living space?</li>
</ul></td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Rooms</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;"><ul>
 	<li>Do the properties have the same number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and car parking spaces?</li>
</ul></td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Quality</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;"><ul>
 	<li>Do both properties have the same general standard?</li>
</ul></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
If convenient, consider physically checking out similar properties that have been sold. It might give you valuable insights.
Make sure that the properties you use in your comparison are median-priced. Outliers aren’t going to help determine your property’s estimated value range.<a id="inspect-property-surrounding"></a>
<h2>Inspect the Property and Its Surroundings</h2>
<figure><img class="wp-image-1164 size-full" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/ListingLoop-living-in-a-cul-de-sac.png" alt="comparing homes for a home loan" width="953" height="452" data-image="0wvzifnv8gtf"></figure>
 <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/benefits-living-in-a-cul-de-sac/">5 benefits of living in a Cul De Sac</a>
Before buying or selling a house, you must do your homework. Learn all you can about the property and the suburb where it is located.
Look up the planning restrictions and <a href="https://www.rba.gov.au/publications/rdp/2018/pdf/rdp2018-03.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">zoning regulations</a> as they can significantly impact the property value.
You can get up-to-date information on any suburb by:
<ul>
 	<li>Interacting with local agents</li>
 	<li>Comparing the results of property transactions</li>
 	<li>Taking a look at council records</li>
</ul>
It also pays to study the home’s immediate surroundings. Ask yourself the following questions:
<ul>
 	<li>What is the reputation of the area?</li>
 	<li>Does the home face a busy street?</li>
 	<li>Does it have noise or security concerns?</li>
</ul>
After studying the property’s surroundings, don’t forget to look within. To get a good picture, think of a home as different components rather than a whole.
Look at these components:
<table style="border: 1px solid #ccc; margin-bottom: 20px;" width="100%">
<tbody>
<tr style="vertical-align: top; background: #222222; color: white; line-height: 35px;">
<td style="width: 20%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">Component</td>
<td style="width: 50%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">Consideration</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Size</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">What is the size of the entire property and its dwelling space?</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Layout</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Is the home on a slope? 
Is the house positioned in a way that maximises land use?</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Presentation</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Does the home have good street appeal?</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Facilities and improvements</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">What extra facilities and upgrades does the property have to offer?</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Age</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">How old is the home, and what is its condition?</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Rooms</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">How many bedrooms and bathrooms does the home have?</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
While at it, beware of being too emotionally attached to a home.
Buyers can get so attached to a property that they end up giving an offer that is above market value.
Similarly, a seller who is too attached may expect their house to fetch more than it is worth in the market.
Whether you’re the seller or the buyer, try to stay objective about the property.<a id="get-property-value-estimate"></a>
<h2>Get a Property Value Estimate From an Expert Appraiser</h2>
<figure><img class="wp-image-1309 size-full" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/agents-img.jpg" alt="Property appraiser or real estate agent to analyse market data" width="850" height="566" data-image="50ovo648ea35"></figure>
 <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/how-it-works/">How does Listing Loop work?</a>
Does researching how much a particular home is worth sound like too much work?
Consider hiring an expert appraiser.
Bear in mind that appraisal and valuation mean slightly different things when it comes to property.
<ul>
 	<li>Valuation: A formal report completed by an accredited property valuer. It is a detailed and legally binding document.</li>
 	<li>Appraisal: A document that is not legally binding. It includes property information that serves as a guide to determine its value. It is not as accurate as a valuation.</li>
</ul>
Getting your home appraised by an expert will give you a good idea of its worth. Ensure that your appraiser is registered and experienced with your area and property type.<a id="get-the-best-deal"></a>
<h2>Get the Best Deal With Your Next Purchase</h2>
<figure><img class="wp-image-1549" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Guy-fist-pumping.jpg" alt="excited home buyer property sales information" width="900" height="600" data-image="5487ftjjm0ee"></figure>
 <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyers/">Listing Loop Buyers</a>
Knowing what your home is worth is invaluable in determining the right asking or buying price.
Sellers get to determine an asking price that is both attainable but leaves room to make a profit. On the other hand, it gives buyers confidence that they’re not paying too much for a property.
One of the best ways to ensure that you get the best deals in the market is by keeping an eye out for off-market properties.
These are properties that are not listed across typical mainstream channels. It often takes 7 to 10 days for agents to prepare a home for on-market campaigns. During that period, the property is considered off-market. It is available for sale, even though it hasn’t been advertised on property sites.
<a href="https://listingloop.com.au/">Listing Loop</a> is the first place savvy buyers go to find off-market properties. Listing Loop matches buyers with the most suitable properties in real-time.
By downloading the <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.loop.listing&hl=en&gl=US">Listing Loop</a> app and signing up as a buyer, you will have access to listings before they’re available on mainstream real estate websites.
<a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyers/">Sign up</a> today to get a headstart in the search for your ideal home<a id="frequently-asked-questions"></a>
<h2>Frequently Asked Questions About Valuing a Property</h2>
Do you have more questions? These are some of the most commonly asked:<a id="why-should-know-the-value"></a>
<h3>Why should I know the value of my home?</h3>
Knowing the value of a home is essential when you are buying or selling. It also comes in handy in cases such as when applying for a home loan, leasing the property, and dissolving a partnership.<a id="how-does-one-determine"></a>
<h3>How does someone determine how much their home is worth?</h3>
There are various ways to determine the value of any home in Australia. These ways include:
<ul>
 	<li>Analysing location data on property sales: You can use data provided by a quick property search online or from a local land authority.</li>
 	<li>Using online tools: These automated tools will assess available data and the property details. They then give you a free report estimating your home’s value.</li>
 	<li>Taking a closer look at the home and its surroundings: Gives you insight beyond the information supplied through direct marketing.</li>
 	<li>Hiring an expert appraiser: The appraiser will take into account local sales of comparable properties, house prices in the local area, rental history, and market conditions to provide you with an accurate report on how much your house is worth.<a id="what-factors-can-impact"></a></li>
</ul>
<h3>What factors can impact the value of my property?</h3>
Various factors can impact the value of your property. These factors include local market conditions, zoning regulations, and its size and location. Other factors such as street appeal, number of rooms, and renovations are also important.<h2>We're here to help</h2>
We're always happy to help with all the dramas and stressors of house buying and selling.
And if you're particularly tired of house-hunting, we've even partnered with buyer advocates who can <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyer-assist/">check out homes for you</a> and organise sales assessments and negotiations.
Our off-market and pre-market marketplace gives you VIP access to properties so you can get in first.
Just sign up at <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/" target="_blank" title="Listing Loop website">Listing Loop</a> or download our app.
 
 <a href="//unsplash.com/photos/KQPEhYweLrQERTLINK" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Photo</a> by R ARCHITECTURE / <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">CC BY</a>

How to Know the Value of Your Home in Australia

When you decide to put your property up for sale, you want to make sure you get it on the market with the least cost and sell it for the highest price possible.
With property trends constantly evolving, you have to stay sharp and on your feet, ready to get the best deals.
To do this, you need to put your A-game on, which means:
<ul>
 	<li>Proper planning</li>
 	<li>Having the right team on your side</li>
 	<li>Strategically placing your property up for sale on the right platforms</li>
 	<li>Making your property look so great it screams; “buy my place now!”</li>
</ul>
Let’s dig a little deeper and find out how you can put your best foot forward to get the premium deal on your property.
<h2>List Your Property on Listing Loop</h2>
<figure><img class="alignnone wp-image-10159" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/listingloop-hornsby-nsw.jpg" alt="buy my place selling privately" width="500" height="523" data-image="lv5xv8m0st09"></figure>
Over the years, owning property has become a popular trend, and as a seller, this gives you an upper hand on the negotiating table.
A recent survey of about 1000 participants revealed that owning a home was a top priority ahead of parenthood, with <a href="https://thepropertytribune.com.au/buying-selling/buying-a-home-2-achievement-before-parenthood/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">45% intending to achieve this milestone</a> before having kids.
That said, deciding to sell your property marks a new chapter in your life. You may find the journey exciting, scary, or downright stressful.
<ul>
 	<li>How do I start the whole process of getting prospective buyers to buy my place?</li>
 	<li>How much will it cost me to get the word out on the market and pay an agent?</li>
 	<li>How long will it take me to get a home buyer?</li>
 	<li>Will I be able to negotiate a good deal?</li>
</ul>
The list of questions on your mind may be endless.
Enter <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/">Listing Loop</a>, and lo and behold, selling your property is easier than you thought.
Let’s walk you through the essentials of selling your property on <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/why-leading-agents-sell-properties-off-market/">Listing Loop</a>. 
<h2>How to Register on Listing Loop</h2>
Listing Loop is an online platform that allows you to put your property on the market via a simple registration process through your real estate agent.
Buyers who sign up on the online marketplace input the specifications of the property they want to purchase.
Once a property that matches those specifications comes onto the market, the buyer gets a real-time notification via email or by the mobile app, which you can <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.loop.listing&hl=en&gl=US" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">download</a> to your phone.
<figure><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-10137" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/listingloop-download-our-app.jpg" alt="buy my place own property" width="526" height="526" data-image="8h8wckhcz2cq"></figure>
To get your property listed for sale, ask your real estate agent to <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/agents/">register on the platform</a>. The process is straightforward and it takes them only take a few minutes.
Alternatively, find an agent who already uses the marketplace.
Here’s why getting your place on Listing Loop is a distinct advantage.
<h3>Why Choose Listing Loop</h3>
<a href="https://listingloop.com.au/">Listing Loop</a> is not just another online marketplace; it’s a platform that prides itself in dealing with pre-market or off-market properties.
It gives buyers a head start to view the latest homes and allows sellers to potentially move their property in no time at all.
In today’s real estate scene, innovation is the name of the game. Save yourself time and advertising costs and get that residence swooped up in no time by getting in the Loop.
Getting your property into the Loop ensures that:
<ul>
 	<li>It will be visible to buyers in a matter of minutes</li>
 	<li>Buyers will be directed as per match to your property</li>
 	<li>You don’t have to pay for marketing upfront, keeping money in your pocket for longer</li>
</ul>
<h4>Comparison Between On-Market and Off-Market Property</h4>
You’re probably wondering if a property is off-market, how can it be for sale, right? Well, this is just real estate terminology, and the property is, in fact, up for sale.
The on-market scenario involves a comprehensive and often expensive marketing campaign to selling your property.
The marketing will include efforts like:
<ul>
 	<li>Putting up a “for sale” sign</li>
 	<li>Advertising on the agent’s website</li>
 	<li>Putting the property up on different media channels</li>
</ul>
On the other hand, off-market selling, also known as a pre-market or secret listing, is a targeted selling approach. The objective is to show the property to a select range of the best buyers instead of the entire market.
<table style="border: 1px solid #ccc; margin-bottom: 20px;" width="100%">
<tbody>
<tr style="vertical-align: top; background: #222222; color: white; line-height: 35px;">
<td style="width: 30%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">Selling approach</td>
<td style="width: 30%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">Advantages</td>
<td style="width: 30%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">Disadvantages</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">On-market</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;"><ul>
 	<li>Casts your net wide</li>
 	<li>A complete marketing campaign for visibility</li>
</ul></td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;"><ul>
 	<li>Costly</li>
</ul></td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Off-market</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;"><ul>
 	<li>Costs less to advertise</li>
 	<li>Attracts serious buyers due to targeted approach</li>
</ul></td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;"><ul>
 	<li>Exposed to a narrower market</li>
</ul></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h2>Prepare Your Home for Sale</h2>
Now that you’re in the loop, make the first impressions count. Put your best foot forward and make your house appealing to potential purchasers. A new coat of paint or a touch-up of your garden will go a long way in making your property eye-catching.
Expert Tip: Research contemporary trends and preferences and incorporate them when you set up your home.
Do some market research on property values in your area. You want to go into the sale as prepared as possible and have realistic expectations of how much you’ll get for your home.
<figure><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-10158" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/listingloop-benowa-qld.jpg" alt="paying for a house in Queensland" width="516" height="540" data-image="a555z0kqmndf"></figure>
<h2>Choose the Best Agent</h2>
Getting a real estate agent that understands your needs and works smartly to sell your property will make the process easier.
When you have established that you want to sell your property off-market, get an agent confident in secret listings. <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/">Listing Loop</a> has a comprehensive list of leading agents that will help you seal the deal.
<figure><img class="wp-image-10157 size-full" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/listingloop-choose-the-best-agent.jpg" alt="call agents a second time to identify a positive property, not a lease" width="837" height="524" data-image="ozwg3996syrh"></figure>
 <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyers/">Buyers</a>
From the get-go, agree with the agent on the following essentials:
<ul>
 	<li>Agent fees or agent commission</li>
 	<li>Duration of contract</li>
 	<li>Rights and duties of each party</li>
 	<li>Dispute resolution</li>
 	<li>Find the right person to buy my place</li>
</ul>
<h3>Lights, Camera, Action</h3>
Within minutes of signing the authority, your agent can take real-time pictures of your property, upload them onto our site and start selling. You are officially ahead of the game in securing serious buyers who will be immediately alerted of your property.
Now you can sit back, relax, and let the games begin.
<figure><img class="wp-image-10156" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/listingloop-lights-camera-action.jpg" alt="agent process not for rent" width="900" height="272" data-image="smevfssc0hye"></figure>
 <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyers/">3 Simple Steps for Buyers</a>
<h2>Frequently Asked Questions</h2>
Now you know the benefits of off-market selling, no doubt you have more questions. We’ve answered the top ones for you here:
<h3>Are All Properties on Listing Loop Off-Market?</h3>
Although Listing Loop is designed to give buyers access to pre-market properties, some real estate agents may choose to market properties they’re authorised to sell on other mainstream media channels.
While advertising elsewhere may widen your net, Listing Loop offers a hyper-targeted approach by matching property buyers with the most relevant properties suited to their specific needs. 

<h3>Will I Achieve a Premium With a Secret Listing Sale?</h3>
As demand for properties is currently more than the supply on the market, buyers are often willing to quickly seal a purchase deal and pay a higher price than they would usually choose to.
You’re likely to get a reasonable price for your home, even one considerably greater than you anticipated.
<h3>Is My Personal Data Protected?</h3>
As a homeowner intending to sell your property off-market, your security and privacy are of our utmost concern. Your details or those relating to your property will not be available in online searches.
Only registered buyers logged into our system and meeting the criteria of your property in their search will be matched to your listing.
<figure><img class="alignnone wp-image-10155" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/listingloop-kew-vic.jpg" alt="be thrilled to buy property a second time, not for renting" width="500" height="524" data-image="sn0f4dxthdrn"></figure>
 <h2>We're here to help</h2>
We're always happy to help with all the dramas and stressors of house buying and selling.
And if you're particularly tired of house-hunting, we've even partnered with buyer advocates who can <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyer-assist/">check out homes for you</a> and organise sales assessments and negotiations.
Our off-market and pre-market marketplace gives you VIP access to properties so you can get in first.
Just sign up at <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/" target="_blank" title="Listing Loop website">Listing Loop</a> or download our app.

Sell your Property: How to Get Your Property in the Loop

Real Estate News

<article id="post-5084" class="post-5084 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-mortgagebrokers category-uncategorized post-number-1">
<div class="entry-content">

Most of Australia may be a seller’s market right now, but there are still a few dozen suburbs around the country where there’s more housing stock available than in previous years. Today we’ll check out which 33 suburbs are still offering plenty of options for buyers.&nbsp;</div><div class="entry-content"> </div><div class="entry-content">
One key factor that’s resulted in the current “seller’s market” across the majority of Australia is the low level of housing stock available for sale.&nbsp;</div><div class="entry-content"> </div><div class="entry-content">
In the three months to May, CoreLogic <a href="https://www.corelogic.com.au/news/which-suburbs-are-better-buyers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">estimates</a> that around 164,000 dwelling transactions took place across Australia, while just 136,000 new properties were added to the market.

And as we all know, when demand outstrips supply, that naturally results in strong price increases.

 
<h2>So where do home buyers have more housing stock to choose from?</h2>
Rest assured some suburbs still have plenty of supply. CoreLogic has <a href="https://infogram.com/which-suburbs-are-better-for-buyers-1h7g6k0jgjpl02o" target="_blank" rel="noopener">crunched the numbers</a> and identified 33 suburbs across the country with listing volumes higher than the five-year average in May.

Some of them are famously trendy too, such as Fortitude Valley in Brisbane (pictured), Randwick in Sydney, and South Yarra in Melbourne.&nbsp;</div><div class="entry-content"> </div><div class="entry-content">
Better yet, all 33 suburbs below have experienced less dwelling value growth over the past 12 months than their local region:&nbsp;</div><div class="entry-content"> </div><div class="entry-content">
NSW: Macquarie Park (44 listings higher than 5-year May average), Lidcombe (33), Rockdale (30), Randwick (29), Westmead (25).&nbsp;</div><div class="entry-content">
VIC: Melbourne (140 listings higher than 5-year May average), South Yarra (73), Hawthorn (60), Carnegie (56), Port Melbourne (53).&nbsp;</div><div class="entry-content">
QLD: Fortitude Valley (15 listings higher than 5-year May average), Bowen Hills (10), Mulambin (8), South Townsville (7), Park Avenue (7).&nbsp;</div><div class="entry-content">
WA: Nickol (10 listings higher than 5-year May average), Nedlands (9), Crawley (8), Baynton (6), Inglewood (5).&nbsp;</div><div class="entry-content">
SA: Para Hills West (5 listings higher than 5-year May average), Bowden (4), Kilburn (4), Bedford Park (4), Everard Park (4).&nbsp;</div><div class="entry-content">
ACT: Phillip (14 listings higher than 5-year May average), Latham (3), Dickson (3), Richardson (2), Higgins (2).&nbsp;</div><div class="entry-content">
TAS: Hobart (4 listings higher than 5-year May average).&nbsp;</div><div class="entry-content">
NT: The Gap (2 listings higher than 5-year May average), Wanguri (1).

 
<h2>Where would you like to buy?</h2>
<div class="entry-content"> </div>Sure, understanding market trends and identifying outliers can help give you an advantage, but if you’ve got your heart set on somewhere else, they’re not the be-all and end-all.

Everyone has different preferences, purchasing power, circumstances and dreams, all of which will influence their “top suburb” in this hot market.

So if you’ve been researching a suburb and have an eye on your next property, get in touch today. We’d love to help you arrange finance for it.</div>
<h2>We're here to help</h2>
We're always happy to help with all the dramas and stressors of house buying and selling.
And if you're particularly tired of house-hunting, we've even partnered with buyer advocates who can <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyer-assist/">check out homes for you</a> and organise sales assessments and negotiations.
Our off-market and pre-market marketplace gives you VIP access to properties so you can get in first.
Just sign up at <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/" target="_blank" title="Listing Loop website">Listing Loop</a> or download our app.
 <div class="entry-content">
<h6> </h6><h6> </h6><h6>Disclaimer: The content of this article is general in nature and is presented for informative purposes. It is not intended to constitute tax or financial advice, whether general or personal nor is it intended to imply any recommendation or opinion about a financial product. It does not take into consideration your personal situation and may not be relevant to circumstances. Before taking any action, consider your own particular circumstances and seek professional advice. This content is protected by copyright laws and various other intellectual property laws. It is not to be modified, reproduced or republished without prior written consent.</h6>
</div>
</article>

33 suburbs where buyers still have the upper hand over sellers

We’ve all dreamt of having a place of our own. Yet buying a house is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make, whether it’s for your primary residence or as an investment property.
Australia is a hot property market, and thanks to the current economic climate, real estate has seen a surge in prices.
Getting a house in Australia is a challenge. With low interest rates on home loans, homebuyers have flocked to the market, increasing demand. As the laws of supply and demand work, there are limited properties for sale.
To top it off, unlike most international markets where the agent works for the home buyer, Australian real estate agents work for sellers, making it more challenging to secure a listing.
However, <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/">Listing Loop</a> provides a platform where buyers get access to secret properties, also known as pre-market/off-market properties.
Off-market properties are those that may be unavailable on mainstream real estate websites. On the Listing Loop platform, buyers get first priority access to new properties for sale. Agents list their properties as soon as they close with the seller, even before preparing marketing materials.
There’s a lot that goes into buying a house before you can officially own it. Getting a property that suits you is just the first step.
We’ll give you a step by step guide on how to buy a house in Australia, from budgeting to signing a contract of sale to moving into your new home.
<h2>Table of Contents</h2>
<a href="#create-a-budget">1. Create a Budget</a>
<a href="#determine-your-borrowing-limit">2. Determine Your Borrowing Limit</a>
<a href="#find-mortgage-offers">3. Find Mortgage Offers in the Market/ Mortgage Broker</a>
<a href="#how-choose-home-loan">4. How to Choose a Home Loan</a>
<a href="#term-period">Term Period</a>
<a href="#interest-rates">Interest Rates</a>
<a href="#flexible-mortgage-repayments">Flexible Mortgage Repayments</a>
<a href="#get-mortgage-approval">5. Get a Mortgage Approval</a>
<a href="#find-your-home">6. Find Your Home</a>
<a href="#conduct-home-inspection">7. Conduct a Home Inspection</a>
<a href="#make-an-offer">8. Make an Offer</a>
<a href="#do-the-legal-work">9. Do the Legal Work</a>
<a href="#legal-team-duties">Legal Team Duties</a>
<a href="#wait-for-settlement">10. Wait for Settlement</a>
<a href="#faq">Frequently Asked Questions</a>
<a href="#how-much-deposit">How Much Deposit Do I Need to Buy a House in Australia?</a>
<a href="#hard-to-buy-house-in-australia">Is it Hard to Buy a House in Australia?</a>
<a href="#can-buy-house-in-australia">Can I Buy a House in Australia Without Residency?</a><a id="create-a-budget"></a>
<h2>1. Create a Budget</h2>
<figure><img class="wp-image-9214 size-full" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/listingloop-office-business-meeting.png" alt="analysing housing base data in Australian capital territory data" width="900" height="550" data-image="o9f0025dc1fk"></figure>
 <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/real-estate-agents-mornington/">Real Estate Agents Mornington: 5 Tips to Making the Best Choice</a>
The first step before making any major financial decision is drafting a budget. A house is a huge expenditure, and there are a few factors you need to consider when drafting a budget.
<ul>
 	<li>Your income</li>
 	<li>Your expenditure</li>
 	<li>Your job security</li>
</ul>
You have your ideal house in mind, great. Can you afford it? What's the purchase price relative to your financial situation? How much do you save every month?
When demand is higher than supply, you’ll need to offer the seller a higher amount than the asking price to increase your chances of securing the deal. Keep in mind, all figures in the budgeting stage are tentative.
Track your income and weigh it against your expenses. How much do you need to set aside for the initial deposit? Can you afford the monthly repayments?
Job security is important, too, especially when you get into a huge commitment such as buying a house. Do you have a plan in case you lose your current source of income?
With a reasonable budget, you can now get down to the logistics.<a id="determine-your-borrowing-limit"></a>
<h2>2. Determine Your Borrowing Limit</h2>
<figure><img class="wp-image-9317 size-full" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/listingloop-off-market-properties.jpg" alt="Buyers calculating their borrowing limit" width="953" height="452" data-image="yw0sg1hiw8lh"></figure>
 <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/off-market-properties/">Off-Market Properties: Financing Options for Young Couples</a>
Now that you know how much to save for a down payment and what to set aside for monthly mortgage repayments, you need to work out your borrowing limit.
First, let’s look at the factors that affect your borrowing capacity:
<ul>
 	<li>Full purchase price</li>
 	<li>Your income and other financial commitments</li>
 	<li>Your assets</li>
 	<li>Living expenses</li>
 	<li>Credit history</li>
 	<li>Property down payment</li>
 	<li>Loan amount</li>
 	<li>Home loan type</li>
 	<li>Terms of repayment</li>
</ul>
Reach out to a mortgage broking firm like <a href="https://lendingloop.com.au/">Lending Loop</a> to help you figure out your borrowing power based on your financial situation.
There are online tools to help you calculate what your limit is. However, the figures you get will differ depending on the lender.
The calculated results are just figures to guide you and don’t serve as a quote or home loan offer.
This <a href="https://www.yourmortgage.com.au/calculators/how-much-can-i-borrow/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">affordability calculator</a> will give you a rough estimate of the amount you can borrow and other costs you’ll incur depending on the state you reside in.
A home loan <a href="https://www.yourmortgage.com.au/calculators/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">calculator</a> will give you an estimate of the monthly repayments based on the amount you request, the loan term period and interest rate.
Keep in mind; there are <a href="https://www.savings.com.au/home-loans/home-loan-fees" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">other costs</a> aside from the purchasing costs, which are:
<table style="border: 1px solid #ccc; margin-bottom: 20px;" width="100%">
<tbody>
<tr style="vertical-align: top; background: #222222; color: white; line-height: 35px;">
<td style="width: 25%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="width: 25%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">Upfront costs</td>
<td style="width: 25%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">Ongoing fees</td>
<td style="width: 25%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">Exit fees</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Definition:</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Costs incurred at the start of the mortgage</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Costs incurred during the buying process, excluding the buying costs</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Costs incurred should you breach the agreement</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Type of fees</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;"><ul>
 	<li>Application</li>
 	<li>Property valuation</li>
 	<li>Conveyancing fees</li>
 	<li>Government charges</li>
 	<li>Legal</li>
 	<li>Mortgage registration</li>
 	<li>Search processing</li>
 	<li>Lenders mortgage insurance</li>
</ul></td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;"><ul>
 	<li>Monthly service</li>
 	<li>Annual</li>
 	<li>Redraw</li>
 	<li>Late payment</li>
 	<li>Switching</li>
 	<li>Portability</li>
</ul></td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;"><ul>
 	<li>Home loan exit fees</li>
 	<li>Discharge fees</li>
 	<li>Early exit fees</li>
 	<li>Fixed-rate break costs</li>
</ul></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
When requesting financing, it's important to have all these figures in mind (including stamp duty fees) to plan accordingly.<a id="find-mortgage-offers"></a>
<h2>3. Find Mortgage Offers in the Market/Via Your Mortgage Broker</h2>
<figure><img class="wp-image-9005" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/listingloop-noosa-real-estate-agents.jpg" alt="real state agent talking with couple" width="900" height="427" data-image="fibrujc6n1dh"></figure>
 <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/noosa-real-estate-agents/">Market Secrets From Noosa Real Estate Agents</a>
Finding offers is challenging, but you have to <a href="https://lendingloop.com.au/home-loans/buy-a-home/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">explore your options</a> before signing anything.
Do your research. The more you know about the home loan market, the better equipped you’ll be upon negotiation.
Ask your mortgage broker about the different loans on offer and identify what best suits your financial situation. With high competition in the home loan market, you need strong negotiation skills to get a great deal.
Expert tip: Before you accept any offers, ensure your lender is accredited by the Australian Credit Licence to avoid being scammed.<a id="how-choose-home-loan"></a>
<h2>4. How to Choose a Home Loan</h2>
Home loans have different features, depending on the lender. There are three important <a href="https://lendingloop.com.au/home-loans/tips/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">factors to consider</a> when reviewing a loan offer.<a id="term-period"></a>
<h3>Term Period</h3>
Loan offers with shorter-term periods reduce the total amount you’ll pay to your lender. However, it’s important to note that longer-term periods provide lower interest rates.<a id="interest-rates"></a>
<h3>Interest Rates</h3>
When it comes to interest rates, the lower, the better. Choose a mortgage with a lower interest rate so that you won’t have to stress out when it comes to repayment.
Expert tip: Find out if you can get a variable rate loan. Variable-rate loans charge you interest on a reducing balance. The interest repayments are charged on the outstanding balance and not the amount already paid.<a id="flexible-mortgage-repayments"></a>
<h3>Flexible Mortgage Repayments</h3>
Flexible mortgage repayments are like insurance policies. However, as much as you plan for the future, you can never really know what might happen.
Home loans with flexible repayments allow you to overpay or underpay so that you don’t default in a financial emergency.<a id="get-mortgage-approval"></a>
<h2>5. Get a Mortgage Approval</h2>
<figure><img class="wp-image-1549" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Guy-fist-pumping.jpg" alt="excited home buyer property sales information" width="900" height="600" data-image="fm9hz77qw358"></figure>
 <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyers/">Listing Loop Buyers</a>
Once you’ve selected a deal, next is the mortgage application process. Most lenders conduct interviews, so have all the necessary documents prepared for your lender.
After your lender has reviewed your qualifications, they’ll issue a pre certificate on conditional approval. The financing takes place once you find a property. You’ll then sign pre-approval loan contracts.
One of the conditions for loan pre-approval is for the lender to conduct a home valuation to ascertain the house’s value before property purchase.
Loan approvals have a validity of 6-12 months, after which you’ll need an extension or reapplication.<a id="find-your-home"></a>
<h2>6. Find Your Home</h2>
<figure><img class="wp-image-9257 size-full" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/listingloop-homebuyer-shop.jpg" alt="Property matching" width="900" height="550" data-image="bman0jjb9r7h"></figure>
 <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/sydney-property-market/">Sydney Property Market: How to Find Hidden Treasures</a>
The fastest way to start getting matched to properties that suit you specific needs is by downloading the free <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/listing-loop/id1564207020">Listing Loop app</a>.
<blockquote><a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.loop.listing&hl=en_CA&gl=US&reviewId=gp%3AAOqpTOG6UXroZWPuLsx9VjZ46lVcWWqTSX7JguqGzLK6YJdafbrQCyFtVC2C19HQ1OUCJcU742RvmZsndsv3eQc" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Huw Roberts</a>

“Great app for properties, haven't had an issue with the team based on the Peninsula, they are great. Strongly recommend the app and the service.”</blockquote>
When you sign up as a homebuyer, to help you <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/listing-loop-for-buyers/">find a home</a>, nominate the location and type of house you are looking for.
The other house-hunting option is to sign up through a real estate agent who will be your contact point in the home buying process.
Did you know? Properties are updated in real-time on Listing Loop, making it easier to find the hottest and newest property listings.
Once you select a home that interests you, organise a viewing.<a id="conduct-home-inspection"></a>
<h2>7. Conduct a Home Inspection</h2>
<figure><img class="wp-image-1145" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/ListingLoop-increase-value-of-home.png" alt="How-to-increase-the-value-of-your-home" width="900" height="427" data-image="892rewoqhryt"></figure>
 <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/increase-value-of-home/">5 ways to increase the value of your home</a>
Besides property valuation, homeowners should organise a building and pest inspection. Here’s an inspection checklist:
<ul>
 	<li>Damp issues</li>
 	<li>Wall cracks</li>
 	<li>Faulty wiring</li>
 	<li>Faulty plumbing</li>
 	<li>Wall plastering</li>
 	<li>Cabinets and drawers</li>
 	<li>Roofing</li>
 	<li>Drainage system</li>
 	<li>Pest activity</li>
 	<li>Renovations and extensions</li>
</ul>
The inspection fees range between $200 to $600. If you factor in the repair costs to the buying costs, and it’s too high, you can drop the deal and find another property.<a id="make-an-offer"></a>
<h2>8. Make an Offer</h2>
Once you’re satisfied after inspection and have settled for a house, the next move is yours. Make an offer to the seller’s agent, and don’t be inflexible to avoid being outbid.
There are three ways to make an offer:
<ul>
 	<li>Private sale offer</li>
 	<li>Bond deposit</li>
 	<li>Exchange of contracts</li>
 	<li>Bidding at auction</li>
</ul>
Once the seller has accepted the offer, you enter into a contract of sale, stating the terms and conditions for the property sale.<a id="do-the-legal-work"></a>
<h2>9. Do the Legal Work</h2>
<figure><img class="wp-image-9334 size-full" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/listingloop-act-real-estate.jpg" alt="Homeowners making a deal dealing with a conveyancer" width="953" height="452" data-image="yrukxniccokf"></figure>
 <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/act-real-estate/">ACT Real Estate: Pain Points and Positives for Homebuyers</a>
First, if you have a lawyer, go through the contract of sale to make sure all bases are covered and that there are no legal surprises.
If you don’t have a lawyer, read the contract down to the fine print. When you’re satisfied with the terms, proceed to sign and exchange the contracts.
If there are any changes to be made to the contract, this is the time to do so.
After signing the contract, you have a cooling-off period of up to 5 days where you can back out without legal repercussions. The cooling-off period only applies to private sales.
Next is conveyancing―transferring the property title from the seller to you. You can hire a solicitor or do it yourself to save on costs.
Note that conveyancing costs do not include stamp duty.<a id="legal-team-duties"></a>
<h3>Legal Team Duties</h3>
The next part of the legal work is for your team, who will conduct a property survey and get approval from government departments and the local council. The process takes about 6 weeks.<a id="wait-for-settlement"></a>
<h2>10. Wait for Settlement</h2>
<figure><img class="wp-image-8636" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/iStock-1152807322.jpg" alt="Happy homeowners moving in after settlement" width="900" height="581" data-image="9dosi9oh0op7"></figure>
 <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/first-home-loan-deposit-scheme/">First Home Loan Deposit Scheme Extended</a>
The settlement process is where the property is legally transferred from a seller to the buyer after the terms of the contract of sale are fulfilled.
Many lenders hold on to the title and require you to have home and contents insurance for security purposes.
The settlement period can take between 30 -90 days before you officially move into your dream home.
Congratulations on the successful purchase of your new home!<a id="faq"></a>
<h2 id="how-much-deposit">Frequently Asked Questions</h2>
<h3>How Much Deposit Do I Need to Buy a House in Australia?</h3>
Lenders and financial institutions recommend having at least 20% of the property value as a down payment.<a id="hard-to-buy-house-in-australia"></a>
<h3>Is it Hard to Buy a House in Australia?</h3>
If you don’t know where to look and without the right tools, it can be difficult. Download the Listing Loop app to get connected to off-market properties in real-time.<a id="can-buy-house-in-australia"></a>
<h3>Can I Buy a House in Australia Without Residency?</h3>
Yes, you can, but you’ll first need approval from the Foreign Investment Review Board.
<h2>We're here to help</h2>
We're always happy to help with all the dramas and stressors of house buying and selling.
And if you're particularly tired of house-hunting, we've even partnered with buyer advocates who can <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyer-assist/">check out homes for you</a> and organise sales assessments and negotiations.
Our off-market and pre-market marketplace gives you VIP access to properties so you can get in first.
Just sign up at <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/" target="_blank" title="Listing Loop website">Listing Loop</a> or download our app.

How to Buy a House in Australia: 10 Basic Steps

Dream Homes

Buying your dream home is one of the most important decisions you'll ever have to make. It's also likely to be the most expensive purchase of your life.
That’s why you'll need to research, plan and exercise patience if your purchase is to be successful.
Regardless of the type of home you seek, you’ll want one that meets your specific needs. Your dream house should be one that your family will be happy to occupy for the long term. You shouldn’t hesitate to be picky until you find the perfect dream home.
Although everyone’s taste differs, certain factors are more or less constant. Keeping these in mind will make it easier for you to narrow down your search. They’ll also significantly reduce the hassle associated with locating your perfect home.
There are many factors you should examine, but we’ll go through 4 of the most important. These include:
<ul>
 	<li>The qualities of the home you desire</li>
 	<li>The cost of purchasing your dream house</li>
 	<li>The financial assistance available to you</li>
 	<li>The dream house’s impact on your present and future financial status</li>
</ul>
<h2>Table of Contents</h2>
<a href="#the-type-of-home">1: The Type of Home You Want to Buy</a>
<a href="#the-size-of-the-house">The Size of the House</a>
<a href="#what-do-you-want">What Do You Want Your Exterior to Look Like?</a>
<a href="#your-ideal-yard">Your Ideal Yard</a>
<a href="#the-cost-of-buying">2: The Cost of Buying Your Dream House</a>
<a href="#down-payment">Down Payment</a>
<a href="#mortgage-rates">Mortgage Rates</a>
<a href="#consistent-income">Consistent Income</a>
<a href="#what-kind-of-assistance">3: What Kind of Assistance is Available to You</a>
<a href="#grants-for-first-time-owners">Grants for First Time Owners</a>
<a href="#get-no-deposit-loan">Get a No Deposit Loan</a>
<a href="#the-family-home-guarantee">The Family Home Guarantee</a>
<a href="#the-purchases-impact">4: The Purchase's Impact on Both Your Current Financial Life and Financial Future Money Pit.</a>
<a href="#youll-require">You'll Require a More Significant Emergency Fund</a>
<a href="#your-ongoing-expenses-will-increase">Your Ongoing Expenses Will Increase</a>
<a href="#youll-be-eligible-for-more-affordable">You'll be Eligible for More Affordable Borrowing Options</a>
<a href="#begin-by-getting-into-the-loop">Begin By Getting Into the Loop</a>
<a href="#faq">Frequently Asked Questions</a>
<a href="#what-are-secret-properties">What are secret properties?</a>
<a href="#whats-the-cost-of-using-listing">What’s the cost of using Listing Loop’s services?</a>
<a href="#are-off-market-properties">Are off-market properties really on sale?</a><a id="the-type-of-home"></a>
<h2>1: The Type of Home You Want to Buy</h2>
Knowing the home you want is one thing. Finding the house is a different thing altogether.
Finding your desired home can be a complicated process since you may not see it on property listings. Did you know that you can actually find a home before it’s listed?
<a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyers/">Listing Loop</a> is a marketplace for off-market properties where agents list their properties first to provide you with a headstart in your property search.
<figure><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-10371" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/listingloop-the-property-tribune.jpg" alt="The Property Tribune’s news update on the Listing Loop app" width="441" height="169" data-image="mqrjcq1w9z7t"></figure>
You have to know what you’re looking for first.
By the time you decide to purchase a home, you’ll likely have a rough idea of what you want. Purchasing a home can be a very emotional process and if you let your emotions control your decisions, you may make multiple mistakes.
There are various factors to consider.<a id="the-size-of-the-house"></a>
<h3>The Size of the House</h3>
The size of your dream house largely depends on your personal preferences and needs. Even as you determine your preference, always keep your goals in mind.
Your supreme objective is to invest your money in a home that you love. It should also be a home where the cost falls within your budget. It should represent your short- and long-term interests.
Your preference will also depend on the number of people who’ll live with you in the home.
If you have a large family, you'll probably prefer a big home. You'll probably also want a house with a large living room and extra bedrooms and bathrooms.
<figure><iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FListingLoopAU%2Fposts%2F2679576612144612&show_text=false&width=500" width="500" height="498" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure>
If you live alone, on the other hand, a smaller house makes perfect sense.
Looking at the advantages and disadvantages of a big or small home can also help you make this choice. A large home means plenty of room for you and your guests. However, a smaller home is cheaper to maintain and keep clean.
Sometimes, a larger than average home can negatively impact family cohesion, yet your cosy small house can quickly feel cramped when people visit.<a id="what-do-you-want"></a>
<h3>What Do You Want Your Exterior to Look Like?</h3>
Even as you scrutinise the outside, it's essential to ensure that your own home has a sturdy exterior. Knowing what you desire can help you identify the home faster.
Here’s what to examine while inspecting the exterior.
<table style="border: 1px solid #ccc; margin-bottom: 20px;" width="100%">
<tbody>
<tr style="vertical-align: top; background: #222222; color: white; line-height: 35px;">
<td style="width: 30%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">Section</td>
<td style="width: 50%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">What to look for</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Roof</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Any signs of damage, leakages. An old roof isn’t necessarily bad.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Foundation</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Cracks, jamming windows and doors are signs of a damaged or sinking foundation.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Cladding</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Peeling paint, rotting wood and cracked walls.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Left unchanged or unchecked, these damages can cost you dearly later.<a id="your-ideal-yard"></a>
<h3>Your Ideal Yard</h3>
<figure><iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FListingLoopAU%2Fposts%2F3527620970673501&show_text=false&width=500" width="500" height="498" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure>
The type of yard you desire in a home also shapes your personal preference. Do you love low-maintenance landscaping, or do you prefer sprawling acreage?
You'll also have to consider the type of features you want in your front and back yards. Homes on sale can have all sorts of human-made and natural elements. Pools, water features and outdoor entertaining spaces are a few of these functional and attractive features.
Don't forget to find out if you'll have room for modifications to suit your taste.<a id="the-cost-of-buying"></a>
<h2>2: The Cost of Buying Your Dream House</h2>
The cost of your dream house is one of those uncomfortable yet necessary issues to ponder. If you don't plan your expenses, your dream home may gradually become a burden.
Before you even begin shopping for your dream home, you should know your price range. It's advisable to get pre-approved.
Purchasing your dream house will likely involve more than the purchase price.
You'll also have to pay for:
<ul>
 	<li>Mortgage application fees</li>
 	<li>Home inspection fees</li>
 	<li>Home valuation fees</li>
 	<li>Lands office charges</li>
 	<li>Closing costs</li>
 	<li>Government taxes</li>
 	<li>Legal fees</li>
</ul>
It's a bad idea to purchase a house that will likely leave you in a financial mess. Setting a spending range and sticking to it will ensure you don't strain to buy your home.
Your repayments may take 30 or more years to complete. Therefore, you'll need to ensure that you're comfortable with all mortgage-related costs before you commit.
What cost factors should you consider?<a id="down-payment"></a>
<h3>Deposit</h3>
Deposit requirements could quickly become an obstacle to your dream to own a home. Recessions and economic hardships make it challenging to save for the <a href="https://www.commbank.com.au/articles/home-loans/how-much-can-you-borrow-for-a-home-loan.html#:~:text=The%20minimum%20required%20deposit%20is,duty%2C%20moving%20costs%20and%20insurances." target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">10% to 20%</a> deposit.
Your savings should play a role in dictating your dream home's budget.<a id="mortgage-rates"></a>
<h3>Mortgage Rates</h3>
Interest and mortgage rates typically change according to the government's monetary policy. Although you may not have any control over these rates, low rates mean less spending. It'll help if you apply for a mortgage when the interest rates are low.
You’ll likely be interested in the best mortgage rates in town. <a href="https://lendingloop.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">An expert</a> can help you compare and settle for the package you’ll be comfortable paying.<a id="consistent-income"></a>
<h3>Consistent Income</h3>
Since mortgages take a long time to settle, you need a consistent income source. Always keep in mind that situations such as employment status may change with time. Your bank will still need you to pay even if you retire or lose your job.
To avoid foreclosure, you may need to have a backup financing plan.<a id="what-kind-of-assistance"></a>
<h2>3: What Kind of Assistance is Available to You</h2>
You'll need plenty of money before you can finally own that dream house. Don't look at your bank account balance and give up. Even if you've only been employed for a few years, you can qualify for financial assistance.
Interestingly, some even target first-time homeowners.
What are the options?
Let's look at a few of the most popular.<a id="grants-for-first-time-owners"></a>
<h3>Grants for First Time Owners</h3>
The New South Wales government now gives a <a href="https://www.revenue.nsw.gov.au/grants-schemes/first-home-buyer/new-homes" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">$10,000 grant</a> for eligible applicants. You’re eligible for this loan if:
<ul>
 	<li>You're aged over 18</li>
 	<li>You apply as an individual and not a trust or company</li>
 	<li>If you're a permanent resident of Australia or a citizen</li>
 	<li>If you or your spouse haven't co-owned or owned a residential property in the country</li>
 	<li>You mustn't have previously received a concession or exemption under the scheme</li>
</ul>
The government even sweetens the deal by allowing you to apply for a reduction or exemption of transfer taxes.<a id="get-no-deposit-loan"></a>
<h3>Apply For a No Deposit Loan</h3>
Although many financial institutions require home deposits, some are willing to finance your new home 100%.
These financial institutions will likely require that you meet strict conditions. Some of these include:
<ul>
 	<li>You must have a high credit score</li>
 	<li>You must have a stable income from employment</li>
 	<li>You must have demonstrated a responsible repayment history<a id="the-family-home-guarantee"></a></li>
</ul>
<h3>The Family Home Guarantee</h3>
You’re eligible for this option if you're a single parent with dependents. Under this <a href="https://www.nhfic.gov.au/media-resources/media-releases/update-from-the-australian-government-family-home-guarantee/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">scheme</a>, you'll begin your homeownership journey with as little as a 2% deposit. The scheme is not restricted to first-time owners.
Moreover, the scheme can finance you to build or purchase a home.<a id="the-purchases-impact"></a>
<h2>4: The Purchase's Impact on Both Your Current Financial Life and Financial Future Money Pit.</h2>
Purchasing your dream home—primarily through mortgage or grants—is a long-term project. It’ll likely affect your future in the long term—financially speaking.
Here are some of the financial adjustments you'll have to make as a first-time homeowner.<a id="youll-require"></a>
<h3>You'll Require a More Significant Emergency Fund</h3>
It's always advisable to have an emergency fund for three to six months of your monthly expenses. Loss of employment or an illness in the family can significantly affect your life financially. These savings can help you settle your bills for a few months as you generate a financial recovery plan.
Once you own a home, you'll have more to worry about. You'll need an emergency fund that can also cover unexpected house expenses. For example, your roof may start leaking and require cash for urgent repairs.<a id="your-ongoing-expenses-will-increase"></a>
<h3>Your Ongoing Expenses Will Increase</h3>
If your current house is a rental property, your primary concern is paying rent. You can always call the landlord to report any problems in the house that need repairs or replacements. It’s their responsibility to cover these expenses.
Once you’re a homeowner, your lifestyle and expenses will undergo an enormous change. You may have to adjust your spending to accommodate these home improvement and maintenance expenses.<a id="youll-be-eligible-for-more-affordable"></a>
<h3>You'll be Eligible for More Affordable Borrowing Options</h3>
It's common to find yourself in a position where you need a loan. Financial institutions offer various types—both secured and unsecured. Generally, unsecured loans attract higher interest rates than secured ones.
As a homeowner, you can use your dream home as equity for low-interest loans. The bank may also be willing to provide you with flexible repayment plans.
Buying that dream home is one of the most satisfying life goals. However, it has many consequences, both positive and negative. You can significantly reduce the negative impacts by making informed decisions.<a id="begin-by-getting-into-the-loop"></a>
<h2>Begin By Getting Into the Loop</h2>
These four factors will help you know when a house you're viewing is right for you. However, locating that home can be a little more complex than you'd anticipated.
How?
The homes you find on property listing websites are snapped up fast by competitive buyers.
The number of property listings available however will improve gradually. CoreLogic estimates that the housing market recorded a <a href="https://www.corelogic.com.au/sites/default/files/2021-07/210701_CoreLogic_July_HomeValueIndex.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">7.9% increase</a> in property listings compared to the previous five-year averages.
<a href="https://listingloop.com.au/">Listing Loop</a> hopes to provide a solution to this problem by supporting buyers and real estate agents.
<figure><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-10369" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/listingloop-bogues-property-tip-of-the-week.jpg" alt="A Listing Loop user’s testimonial on the app’s efficiency" width="490" height="124" data-image="exk0s4bb35x7"></figure>
Knowledge about <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyers/">secret properties</a> will give you a promising headstart towards locating your dream home. This will help you grab your dream home before anyone else.
Don't let someone else get your dream house before you. Download and install the <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyers/">Listing Loop</a> app today to get started.<a id="faq"></a>
<h2>Frequently Asked Questions</h2>
Do you have more questions? Here are the most commonly asked:<a id="what-are-secret-properties"></a>
<h3>What are secret properties?</h3>
Secret properties are houses that are for sale but they may be listed off-market meaning they are not advertised and may not appear on mainstream real estate websites.<a id="whats-the-cost-of-using-listing"></a>
<h3>What’s the cost of using Listing Loop’s services?</h3>
It’s free for property buyers to use Listing Loop's services.<a id="are-off-market-properties"></a>
<h3>Are off-market properties really for sale?</h3>
Yes, they are. They are properties for sale that may not be advertised. <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyers/">Listing Loop</a> brings off-market properties for sale from real estate agents Australia-wide together in the one place. Simply register for free, specify what you're looking for and then allow Listing Loop to match you to the most suitable properties in the Loop.<h2>We're here to help</h2>
We're always happy to help with all the dramas and stressors of house buying and selling.
And if you're particularly tired of house-hunting, we've even partnered with buyer advocates who can <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyer-assist/">check out homes for you</a> and organise sales assessments and negotiations.
Our off-market and pre-market marketplace gives you VIP access to properties so you can get in first.
Just sign up at <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/" target="_blank" title="Listing Loop website">Listing Loop</a> or download our app.
 
 <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/2d4lAQAlbDA" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Photo</a> by Ralph (Ravi) Kayden / <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">CC BY</a>

4 Factors to Consider When Buying Your Dream Home

Market Research

The Gold Coast has plenty to offer. Think of Surfers Paradise with the long breathtaking sandy beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see.
Plus, economic opportunities that have brought the city to the top of the charts for internal migration.
The city’s housing market also offers top-notch rental yields and rising housing market prices.
Bottom line: the thriving property market and business environment make the city a fantastic investment destination.
Today we’ll take a deep dive into property investment in the Gold Coast region to help you make a more informed decision.
<figure><img class="wp-image-10142 size-full" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/listingloop-property-investment-in-the-gold-coast.jpg" alt="Gold coast Surfers Paradise, a major city with a significant increase in home owners" width="900" height="550" data-image="7lqo4o8m58xl"></figure>
 Source: <a href="https://pixabay.com/photos/australia-gold-coast-beach-5075328/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Pixabay</a>
<h2>The Upside of Investing in the Gold Coast Property Market</h2>
The Gold Coast housing sector is a potential win for investors. Here are some of the reasons why.
<h3>The Gold Coast's Vibrant Economy</h3>
According to <a href="https://migration.qld.gov.au/regions/gold-coast/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Government statistics</a>, the Gold Coast comes in at sixth position when comparing Australia’s largest cities. It has a growing population of close to 600,000 people.
These statistics also show that it’s one of the leading cities to experience internal migrations as more Australians relocate to the coastal destination.
The Gold Coast contributes about 10% to Queensland’s total GDP based on 2020 <a href="https://www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/business/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">data</a>.
The city also boasts a vibrant film industry and is a major hub for education with universities such as Griffith that attract international students.
The rising population growth and lifestyle has spurred the Government to increase investment in capital projects. <a href="https://s3.treasury.qld.gov.au/files/gold-coast.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Records</a> show that the Queensland government has dipped into their purse to fund over $1 billion in investments.
Some of the projects currently underway include:
<ul>
 	<li>Upgrades on the Pacific motorway (M1). This project will rehabilitate and upgrade roads in several areas like Pimpama, Varsity Lakes and Yatala South.</li>
 	<li>Projects to improve the safety and upgrade standards of living on the Spit. For instance, upgrades to the Moondarewa Spit and the Southport Yacht Club superyacht berth.</li>
 	<li>The extension of the light rail, which stretches from Broadbeach to Burleigh.</li>
</ul>
All of this investment means that the city will benefit from the ripple effects of investment. Put simply, if you pump more money into the economy, it means more jobs, more spending, more savings, higher standards of living and higher property demand and prices.
<h3>High Rental Yields</h3>
The Gold Coast has impressive rental yields. According to data from <a href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/property-rental-yield.php?sfx=®ion=qld::Gold+Coast+Hinterland&t=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">SQM Research</a>, houses have a rental yield of between 4.5% and 4.7%. Units and apartments show a yield of about 5.8%.
The rental yields are particularly impressive when you compare them to interest rates and the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The Reserve Bank of Australia <a href="https://www.rba.gov.au/statistics/interest-rates/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">statistics</a> show that interest rates average about 3%, and the <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/economy/price-indexes-and-inflation/consumer-price-index-australia/latest-release" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">CPI</a> (which measures the inflation rate) is estimated at 3.8%.
So, this means you’ll earn a significant return if you rent out your property.
Note: rental yields measure the actual income you’ll receive from property rentals after accounting for costs.
<h3>Favourable Property Prices</h3>
<figure><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-10141" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/listingloop-mudgeeraba.jpg" alt="get funding with low interest rates for buyers with affordability issues" width="514" height="540" data-image="02avn2jvd0o3"></figure>
According to data aggregated by <a href="https://www.corelogic.com.au/research/monthly-indices" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">CoreLogic</a>, the property values index on all dwellings in the Gold Coast area showed strong growth of 17.31 points to a total of 129.90 at the end of July 2021.
The median house price was about $749,000, a growth of over 15% from the previous year’s house prices.
These figures point to high returns on investment.
In simple terms, investors who purchased a Gold Coast property last year gained a 15% increase in housing equity in a period of one year. 
<h2>Risks That Gold Coast Property Investors Should Know</h2>
It would be remiss to invest without full knowledge of the risk factors. So, let’s take a look at the downside risks of the Gold Coast property market.
<h3>Tourism Reliance</h3>
<figure><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-10140" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/listingloop-tourism-reliance.jpg" alt="tourism is one of the main factors for record highs in lifestyle improvements" width="900" height="550" data-image="h1box987ru7h"></figure>
The Gold Coast is heavily reliant on tourism to boost its economy. <a href="https://economy.id.com.au/gold-coast/tourism-value" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Records</a> show that the tourism sector contributes close to 20% of the city’s economy. Thousands of the city’s key businesses are directly or indirectly involved in tourism.
This means the economy took a substantial hit due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Government projections, however, indicate that economic recovery is <a href="https://www.dtis.qld.gov.au/covid-19/tourism-industry-support" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">projected</a> after support and intervention programs.
<h3>Cyclical Nature of Real Estate</h3>
Generally, the property market tends to follow a cyclical pattern. One year the market can shoot upwards, and in another, prices can tumble.
The Gold Coast property market is no exception. There‘s always the risk of losing some value in a bad market. However, if you carefully plan your investment strategy and get the right property at the right price, you can lower the risk significantly.
Side Note: If you decide to dip your toes into the Gold Coast’s housing or apartment market, why not explore some of the <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/why-great-prices-can-be-achieved-with-off-market-sales-2/">secret listings</a> that are on offer.
These secret off-market listings give you a crack at getting access to some of the best properties first - before other buyers can go on a bidding spree.
<h2>How to Invest in the Gold Coast Property Market</h2>
<figure><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-10139" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/listingloop-arundel-gold-coast-property.jpg" alt="median house price for capital cities in the Gold Coast accessible to first home buyers" width="519" height="540" data-image="258xkxxh9jcx"></figure>
Here are the steps to landing a lucrative investment.
<h3>Create an Investment Plan</h3>
The first step to securing your investment property on the Gold Coast is to sit down and map out your investment plan. Investing without goals can interfere with your success.
Ask yourself questions like:
<ul>
 	<li>Do I want to buy a house, unit or apartment?</li>
 	<li>Am I looking for a rental property, or do I plan to sell when the house price is favourable?</li>
 	<li>How long do I plan to pay back the loan, and how will it affect my financial situation?</li>
 	<li>Is there a possibility of converting the rental home into my family home?</li>
</ul>
The answers to these questions will help you decide on the type and location of the property you want.
When you settle on a possible property choice, arm yourself with information about the area. Knowing the local trends can help you avoid selecting underperforming properties.
For instance, if you’re well versed with local trends, you’ll know which types of properties appeal more to tenants.
Then, calculate how much you’ll potentially gain out of the investment minus the costs. The benchmarks will help you determine if your property investment is doing well.
<h3>Secure Funding</h3>
The next step is to apply for the funds through a bank or financial institution to cover the house price.
Banks will typically ask for a deposit of 20% of the total price upfront. If you already own a home, you can put down the equity on your house in place of the deposit.
Remember to take into account add-on costs like stamp duty, legal fees or inspection fees when you calculate how much to apply for. Talk to an <a href="https://lendingloop.com.au/home-loans/property-investors/">expert</a> to help you with the funding aspects of your investment.
<h3>Hunt for a Property</h3>
<figure><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-10138" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/listingloop-hope-land-qld.jpg" alt="Record high demand, close proximity to Palm Beach" width="513" height="540" data-image="q206npc3eff4"></figure>
Once everything is in order, it’s time to find a suitable Gold Coast investment property with high return potential.
Get in touch with a real estate agent who knows the area. Remember to aim to cap your costs as much as possible so you can maximise your returns. This is where secret listings and off-market <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/house-for-sale/">property</a> sales shine.
If you go off-market, there may be the opportunity for your agent to negotiate with the seller for a better price instead of competing with other buyers on price when the property is listed on-market.
Plus, you can select the right location that meets your investment criteria at a good pace.
<figure><img class="alignnone wp-image-10137 size-full" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/listingloop-download-our-app.jpg" alt="access to other markets before listings go public" width="526" height="526" data-image="ow83es5eo1au"></figure>
Choose <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/">Listing Loop</a> to help you find the best property.
Listing Loop’s off-market real estate site matches you to properties that meet your requirements. All you have to do is register, and you’ll get an alert when there’s a matching property. 
<h2>We're here to help</h2>
We're always happy to help with all the dramas and stressors of house buying and selling on the Gold Coast.
And if you're particularly tired of house-hunting, we've even partnered with buyer advocates who can <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyer-assist/">check out homes for you</a> and organise sales assessments and negotiations.
Our off-market and pre-market marketplace gives you VIP access to properties so you can get in first.
Just sign up at <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/" target="_blank" title="Listing Loop website">Listing Loop</a> or download our app.
 
 <a href="https://pixabay.com/photos/buildings-coast-skyline-city-690364/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Photo</a> by Free-Photos / <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">CC BY</a>

An Investors’ Guide for the Gold Coast Property Market

Owning a home is the ultimate dream for most people.
When preparing to buy a home, you likely already know the main costs involved especially the deposit and mortgage repayments.
There are, however, a vast array of hidden costs that come with buying your home that you may not be prepared for.
Let’s bring some of these unexpected expenses to your attention today.
<h2>Table of Contents</h2>
<a href="#property-taxes-and-transfer-duty">Property Taxes and Transfer Duty</a>
<a href="#conveyancing">Conveyancing and Legal Fees</a>
<a href="#vast-array-of-maintenance-costs">A Vast Array of Maintenance Costs</a>
<a href="#building-inspection-fees">Building Inspection Fees</a>
<a href="#building-and-homewares-insurance">Building and Homewares Insurance</a>
<a href="#other-hidden-expenses">Other Hidden Expenses</a>
<a href="#be-the-first-to-know-about-properties-for-sale">Be the First to Know About Properties for Sale</a><a id="property-taxes-and-transfer-duty"></a>
<h2>Property Taxes and Transfer Duty</h2>
<figure><img class="wp-image-8979 size-full" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/listingloop-house-for-sale.jpg" alt="strive to buy a home and complete the paperwork before moving in" width="953" height="452" data-image="9jl8hsaefm3z"></figure>
 <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/house-for-sale/">Off-Market House for Sale: Buyer Guide</a>
When you buy a home, you’ll need to pay property taxes quarterly.
Although you’re exempt from paying <a href="https://taxpolicy.crawford.anu.edu.au/sites/default/files/uploads/taxstudies_crawford_anu_edu_au/2020-12/tax_fact_16_2020.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">land taxes</a> on your primary home in Australia, you still need to pay property taxes to your local city council.
The <a href="https://www.ato.gov.au/General/property/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">rates</a> vary from council to council and they include:
<ul>
 	<li>General rates</li>
 	<li>Utility rates</li>
 	<li>Special rates</li>
</ul>
Councils use these payments to fund public goods and services such as roads, bridges, parks, gardens, and so on.
You’ll also need to pay stamp duty or transfer duty which varies by state but is <a href="https://www.pwc.com.au/tax/assets/stamp-duty/australian-stamp-duty-and-land-tax-maps.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">roughly 3 to 5%</a>.
Note: Stamp duty is what you pay to the government when property changes ownership.
You’ll get an exemption from paying stamp duty if you’re a first-time homebuyer buying a <a href="https://stampduty.calculatorsaustralia.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">property below a certain threshold</a>, depending on your state.
You can use a <a href="https://stampduty.calculatorsaustralia.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">stamp duty calculator</a> to see how much you’ll need to pay.<a id="conveyancing"></a>
<h2>Conveyancing and Legal Fees</h2>
While it’s possible to handle the purchase of your house yourself, it’s usually advisable to have the help of a conveyancer or solicitor to avoid costly mistakes.
The legal team will advise you and help prepare all the necessary documents to complete the purchase. They also review the sales contract for any red flags and conduct a search, which costs upwards of $250 to determine if the seller legally owns the property.
Conveyancing service providers <a href="https://leadconveyancing.com.au/conveyancing-fees/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">charge</a> from $800 up to approximately $1,500 depending on which city you’re in.
<h3>Comparing Conveyancing Costs By City</h3>
<table style="border: 1px solid #ccc; margin-bottom: 20px;" width="100%">
<tbody>
<tr style="vertical-align: top; background: #222222; color: white; line-height: 35px;">
<td style="width: 30%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">Location</td>
<td style="width: 30%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">Search cost($)</td>
<td style="width: 30%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">Professional fee($)</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Brisbane</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">350–500</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">1200–1450</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Melbourne</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">270–350</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">600–800</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Sydney</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">350–450</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">750–1000</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Remember, the fee will also vary depending on the size of the home. You’ll only know how much you’ll have to pay when you consult the legal team. Be prepared for these expenses, so you aren’t caught unawares.<a id="vast-array-of-maintenance-costs"></a>
<h2>A Vast Array of Maintenance Costs</h2>
<figure><img class="wp-image-9120 size-full" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/listingloop-what-are-off-market-properties.jpg" alt="large range of houses available on Listing Loop" width="900" height="550" data-image="89975ua4g6to"></figure>
 <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/house-for-sale/">Off-Market House for Sale: Buyer Guide</a>
In the excitement of buying a house, many forget to plan for the cost of utilities, maintenance, repairs and renovating. Some regular upkeep costs may include:
<ul>
 	<li>Electricity, gas and water bills</li>
 	<li>Garden maintenance</li>
 	<li>Cleaning the house</li>
</ul>
As a rule of thumb, set aside at least 1% of the cost of the property every year for maintenance. For instance, if the property is worth $1 million, you should strive to set aside around $10,000 every year.
If your house comes with attractive amenities like a swimming pool, you’ll need to plan for higher maintenance costs. For instance, it can cost you over <a href="https://www.canstarblue.com.au/electricity/how-much-energy-does-a-swimming-pool-use/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">$800 per year for pool maintenance</a> alone; that’s even before you consider the electricity bill.
Keep these costs in mind when you choose the right property for your budget.<a id="building-inspection-fees"></a>
<h2>Building Inspection Fees</h2>
<figure><img class="wp-image-727" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/ListingLoop-Off-market-family-home.png" alt="strive to bring a different look with fireplace after renovating or moving" width="900" height="427" data-image="x3zligmfqu8a"></figure>
 <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/benefits-of-selling-off-market/">Top 3 benefits of selling off-market</a>
It’s necessary to inspect the home you’re buying to make sure you’re not inheriting any problems.
An inspection can save you lots of money for upgrades and give you some peace of mind knowing your newly acquired house is in good shape before you close the sale.
Inspectors will check for:
<ul>
 	<li>Plumbing issues</li>
 	<li>Safety hazards</li>
 	<li>Illegal additions and renovations</li>
 	<li>Stability of the roofing</li>
 	<li>Integrity of gutters</li>
 	<li>Structural problems that warrant renovations</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://hipages.com.au/article/how_much_does_a_building_inspection_cost" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Building inspection costs</a> vary, but typically you’ll pay:
<ul>
 	<li>$200–300 for small homes</li>
 	<li>$400– 500 for a medium-sized house in regional areas</li>
 	<li>$800–1000 in capital cities and metros</li>
</ul>
You’ll also need pest inspection to ensure that your home-to-be has no rodents, termites and other pesky infestations that can cause sickness and significant damage. You’ll pay roughly $100 to $150 for pest inspections.
You can’t pinpoint with certainty how much you’ll pay beforehand, so keep it at the back of your mind to leave room in your budget for all necessary inspections.<a id="building-and-homewares-insurance"></a>
<h2>Building and Homewares Insurance</h2>
<figure><img class="wp-image-1535" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/ListingLoop-how-to-budget-like-a-pro.png" alt="Save-for-a-house-deposit" width="900" height="427" data-image="43wlawjmx6gk"></figure>
 <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/5-ways-to-save-for-a-house-deposit/">5 ways to save for a house deposit</a>
From the moment you sign the ownership deal, you want your home insured.
Anything can happen and it’s too risky to wait until you move into the property before you insure the house.
You’ll need <a href="https://www.westpac.com.au/personal-banking/insurance/home-insurance/understanding-home-insurance/how-much-home-insurance-cover-do-i-need/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">several insurance covers</a> to protect your home, such as:
<ul>
 	<li>Building insurance</li>
 	<li>Title insurance</li>
 	<li>Landlords insurance</li>
</ul>
Depending on the risk factors associated with your location, it will cost you anywhere from $1,000 to over $25, 000 in premiums to get the <a href="https://sumsure.cordell.com.au/#/products/7/profiles/131" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">cover you need</a>. For example, you’ll pay more in areas with a high risk of cyclones like North Queensland.
Communicate with your insurers to get a quote before you conclude the deal.
Once you complete the purchase, you’ll also need to insure the contents of your home.
Home contents insurance covers a wide range of homewares such as:
<ul>
 	<li>Carpets</li>
 	<li>Curtains and blinds</li>
 	<li>Washing machines</li>
 	<li>TV and entertainment systems</li>
 	<li>Kitchen appliances<a id="other-hidden-expenses"></a></li>
</ul>
<h2>Other Hidden Expenses</h2>
The expenses we’ve discussed are important costs you should strive to factor in when planning to purchase a house in Australia, but the list is not exhaustive.
Here’s a table with other expenses you’ll need to take into account.
<table style="border: 1px solid #ccc; margin-bottom: 20px;" width="100%">
<tbody>
<tr style="vertical-align: top; background: #222222; color: white; line-height: 35px;">
<td style="width: 50%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">Unexpected Expenses</td>
<td style="width: 50%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">What You're Paying For</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Mortgage Expenses
<ul>
 	<li>Mortgage registration fee</li>
 	<li>Mortgage insurance</li>
</ul></td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;"><ul>
 	<li>Mortgage registration fee registers the property as security for the loan.</li>
 	<li>Mortgage insurance covers your lender for losses in case you can’t settle your loan.</li>
</ul></td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Loan Application Fee</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;"><ul>
 	<li>Charged by banks and financial institutions to cover the cost of processing and admin.</li>
</ul></td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Property Valuation</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;"><ul>
 	<li>Lenders pay an independent valuer to assess the property.</li>
</ul></td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Homeowners association fees</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;"><ul>
 	<li>Depending on the location of your property, you may be required to join an association.<a id="be-the-first-to-know-about-properties-for-sale"></a></li>
</ul></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h2>Be the First to Know About Properties for Sale</h2>
<figure><img class="wp-image-8776" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/buyer_page_header_х1.jpg" alt="large range of houses for buying or renovating" width="900" height="417" data-image="mp1au1kodsu8"></figure>
 <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyers/">Get first dibs on pre-market and off-market property listings</a>
Once you know what to expect in costs, it’s time to dive into the market and make your purchase.
With many people racing to buy property, how do you position yourself to get your dream home before everyone else?
Enter Listing Loop.
At <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyers/">Listing Loop</a>, we help make sure that you get wind of properties that are up for sale quickly and easily.
We specialise in <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/why-leading-agents-sell-properties-off-market/">off-market</a> or secret listings, meaning homes for sale are available the moment they're for sale - well before they hit mainstream real estate markets.
No need to spend your weekends pouring through house listings. All you need to do is register and give us the criteria for your dream home.
When a property that matches your preferences comes up for sale, we’ll let you know about right away.
<h2>Frequently Asked Questions</h2>
<h3>Are Listing Loop Properties Listed on Other Sites?</h3>
Some properties are exclusive to the platform but others aren’t. It depends on the seller's strategy.
<h3>When Will I Be Notified of a Match?</h3>
You’ll receive an instant notification via the Listing Loop app and an email as soon as a match comes up so you can get in touch with the selling agent as early as possible.
Don’t wait. <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/propertyhub/#/signup" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Sign up</a> or <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.loop.listing" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">download</a> the free Listing Loop app to get access to off-market properties to fulfil your dream of becoming a home owner.
<figure><img class="wp-image-10355 size-full" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/listingloop-testimonial-from-huw-roberts.jpg" alt="testimonial about the app for property search- Listing Loop" width="960" height="173" data-image="m8w4gamplxrr"></figure>
 Testimonial from | <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.loop.listing" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Huw Roberts</a>
<h2>We're here to help</h2>
We're always happy to help with all the dramas and stressors of house buying and selling.
And if you're particularly tired of house-hunting, we've even partnered with buyer advocates who can <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyer-assist/">check out homes for you</a> and organise sales assessments and negotiations.
Our off-market and pre-market marketplace gives you VIP access to properties so you can get in first.
Just sign up at <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/" target="_blank" title="Listing Loop website">Listing Loop</a> or download our app.

House to Home: 5 Unexpected Expenses

Interior Design

Organise and Declutter

Small Spaces

So, you've decided to put your house up for sale? Congratulations are in order.


However, did you know that staging, or styling houses ready for sale has the potential to add 5–10% to the final sale price?


Not only does this help you attract top dollar, but staging a house before inspection also has the potential to reduce the time your property stays on the market.


With a little planning, you can get your property picture-perfect ready for potential buyers to view — and we’re here to help.


<a href="https://listingloop.com.au/">Listing Loop</a> works with real estate experts Australia-wide that help sellers <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/increase-value-of-home/">increase the value</a> of their property for sale and to ensure they reap maximum profits.


Before we dive into the tips and tricks, let’s take a look at the cost of staging properties and the do’s and don’t in home staging. Short on time? Jump straight to our tips.


<h2>The Cost of Staging Properties for Sale</h2>


Before opening the doors for the first inspection, homeowners need to consider the cost of staging a house. 


A recent study by <a href="https://iahsp.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Accredited Staging Professionals</a> (ASP) discovered that 95% of real estate staged by professional home stagers sell, on average, in 35 days or less and for near the asking price. Whereas non-staged homes took 140 days or more.


Consider this: in order to sell faster, most sellers tend to reduce the selling price by 10% after a month on the market. 


Thus for a $700,000 house, the first price reduction is $70,000. 


However, to achieve success with home staging, even with a professional’s help, there are some do’s and don’t you need to be aware of.


<h2>The Do’s and Don'ts in Home Staging</h2>


Before you set up for an inspection, it’s important to anticipate that the home staging strategy you choose will need to align with the lifestyle the buyer wants to visualise.


<table style="border: 1px solid #ccc; margin-bottom: 20px;" width="100%">
<tbody>
<tr style="vertical-align: top; background: #222222; color: white; line-height: 35px;">
<td style="width: 50%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">Do's in Home Staging</td>
<td style="width: 50%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">Don'ts in Home Staging</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Focus on street appeal</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Get emotionally attached</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Declutter and neutralise</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Be afraid to team up with a professional</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Refresh walls, rugs and windows treatments</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Leave anything broken</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Brighten and add warmth</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Invest in costly renovations or furniture</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Make it shine</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Go bold with odd colours</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>


Display a daily lifestyle — a real lifestyle — in your home inspection, so that buyers that can imagine themselves living there.


Also, consider these tips and tricks.


<h2>Tips and Tricks to Stage a House for Sale in Australia</h2>


<h3>Hire a Property Stylist</h3>


If your house is staged professionally, it could make it easier for your real estate agent to sell your home or help them get a better price for it.


The cost of employing a professional to <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/style-your-home-to-suit-personality/">style your home</a> starts from around $2,000 for a basic six-week package for a small property. The cost can rise to over $10,000 plus for a fully furnished decorated home. 


<h3>Draw Up A Budget</h3>


Prior to staging your house, you’ll need to draw up a budget that involves:


<ul>
<li>Agents's fees</li>
<li>Marketing costs </li>
<li>Conveyancer/solicitor fees</li>
<li>Lender fees</li>
<li>Auction fees</li>
<li>Home staging fees</li>
</ul>


If your budget allows, you can choose to do a partial or full stage which involves acquiring furniture to refurnish certain rooms.


TIP: By scouring retailers and marketplaces such as <a href="https://www.ikea.com/au/en/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Ikea</a>, <a href="https://www.templeandwebster.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Temple and Webster</a>, <a href="https://www.gumtree.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Gumtree</a> and Facebook Marketplace savvy homeowners can style their homes with nifty finds. 


<h3>Start with the Exterior</h3>


If you want to see potential buyers parking in your driveway during the inspection. don’t exclude the exterior of the home.


Fantastic street appeal will enhance your home's best features and give potential buyers a sneak preview of the lifestyle they want.


With that in mind, these exterior staging tips are worth remembering:


<ul>
<li>Wash all exterior surfaces.</li>
<li>Freshen up your home's exterior paint including exterior walls, windows, and fences.</li>
<li>Revamp your front entrance with a stylish welcome mat and eye-catching pot plants.</li>
<li>Install new hardware such as light fixtures, doorknobs, and mailboxes.</li>
<li>Tidy up your landscape including the pool area.</li>
<li>Renovate your driveway or parking area.</li>
<li>Stage your outdoor living area.</li>
</ul>


<h3>Stage the Entryway</h3>


The entryway is the first room that buyers will likely see, so you must stage it to grab their attention. 


Regardless of your entryway's size, you want a simple decor to create a warm welcoming space for buyers to fall in love with at first sight. 


Set the right tone by using multiple light fixtures to provide accent and general illumination throughout the space.


An entryway should be able to include all the daily items of arrival and departure including shoes, coats, and bags without blocking the halls. Declutter this space to allow an easy entrance and exit. 


TIP: Place a console table strategically in the entryway to provide a surface for placing your keys and mail. See how you can style it in the image below. 


<figure><iframe style="float: right; margin-left: 15px;" src="https://assets.pinterest.com/ext/embed.html?id=12596073948177947" width="345" height="618" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></figure>


<h3>Stage the Living Room</h3>


The living room is the busiest room in the house, as this is where family and friends spend time together relaxing, visiting, and entertaining. 


Staging the living room with neutral paint colours, furniture, and fun accessories will create that special room buyers are looking for. 


Windows should always be played up, streamlined, simple, and call attention to the amount of light coming through. Even if there's no view, it's better to show off the window rather than hide it behind heavy drapes or curtains.


Declutter shelves by stacking books horizontally or vertically for visual balance. 


You should also remove all photos and personal mementos from the living area. You want prospective owners to visualise themselves living in the home, and not be distracted by your photos of a family reunion, wedding or holiday.


TIP: Instead of buying fresh flowers before every open for inspection, cut down your costs by buying potted plants or have tree branches in vases of water. 


Related: <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/style-your-home-with-plants/">Style your home with plants</a>


<h3>Stage the Bedrooms</h3>


When staged correctly, bedrooms can feel like a peaceful retreat in the Hunter Valley or Bellarine Peninsula.


Dark rooms look drab and uninviting. Maximise the room's natural light by opening blinds or curtains, and place mirrors opposite a window to reflect light to a dark corner of the room.


Play up the bed as it’s always the focal point of bedrooms. Remember to ditch bulky nightstands and remove large dressers.

<figure><img class="wp-image-9560 size-full" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/listingloop-stage-the-bedrooms.jpg" alt="Luxury bedroom interior with minimal decor" width="900" height="550" data-image="u7tykmtpfzs9"></figure>
 Source: <a href="https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/luxury-bedroom-interior-with-minimal-decor-loft-style-gm1224096526-359786777" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">istockphoto</a>

TIP: If you have a small bedroom, you can make the small space appear larger by using furniture that is scaled to the room and fits the space. 


Related: <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/maximise-small-living-space/">How to maximise a small living space</a>


<h3>Stage the Kitchen</h3>


You can do wonders to the kitchen with a few low-cost changes. To get you started, clean, clean, clean. Kitchens are some of the most-used spaces in the home, and they tend to build up dirt and grease over time.


Cluttered benchtops, fridge magnets, and notes create a visually unappealing kitchen. Put such items out of sight if you want to maximise the sense of space in your kitchen.


If the kitchen is spacious, accentuate it by adding an informal dining area. But if the space is too small for a dining table, a breakfast bar with seating will do. 


TIP: Scrub the grout clean by sprinkling it with baking soda and a spray of vinegar.


<h3>Stage the Bathroom</h3>


You want potential buyers to be able to visualise themselves relaxing in the bathroom. 


Create the look and feel of a five-star hotel bathroom by going for neutral and popular colours that are likely to have a wide appeal. 


Find inspiration for your decor in the video lookbook below.

<figure><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dHFcNpS4wpY" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure>


And for that spa-like experience, invest in some luxurious bath oils, fragrant soaps, candles, natural loofahs, and even shells. 


It's important your bathroom is spotless and shiny, as few things put a buyer off as the idea of someone else's dirt. 


Generate light and space by cleaning the windows and installing high-wattage bulbs. You can even make the room appear larger with an additional mirror.


TIP: Remember to remove the bathroom scales, and keep any overflow of toiletries in simple wicker baskets.


<h2>Give Visitors Something To Remember</h2>


First impressions should work in your favour. This is because most buyers make the decision to buy a house within the first 30 seconds of entering the property.


The combination of these house staging details can create a cohesive and inviting space that buyers will emotionally connect with when shopping for a <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/family-friendly-home/">family-friendly home</a>. 


<h2>We're here to help</h2>
We're always happy to help with all the dramas and stressors of house buying and selling.
And if you're particularly tired of house-hunting, we've even partnered with buyer advocates who can <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyer-assist/">check out homes for you</a> and organise sales assessments and negotiations.
Our off-market and pre-market marketplace gives you VIP access to properties so you can get in first.
Just sign up at <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/" target="_blank" title="Listing Loop website">Listing Loop</a> or download our app.
 


<a href="https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/scandinavian-concept-of-living-room-interior-with-design-sofa-coffee-table-plant-in-gm1251694108-365378070">Photo</a> by FollowTheFlow / <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">CC BY</a>

8 Tips and Tricks to Stage Houses for Sale in Australia

Property Market Australia: The Good, Bad and Must-Haves

Architectural Design

Exclusive listing

Luxury Living

Basketball star Andrew Bogut is exclusively listing his much-publicised ‘forever’ home for sale on <a style="color: #04b2e2;" href="https://listingloop.com.au/">ListingLoop.com.au</a> after deciding to move on to another project.
This one-of-a-kind property, proudly listed by Eleisha Doherty from Kay & Burton Bayside, has the unique option to retain the existing four-bedroom home, which Bogut purchased in 2015, or to develop the spectacular beachside residence that the former NBA champion envisioned. Approved council plans and architectural renderings are included in the deal.
At just under 2,400m², the property includes the original residential block and an adjacent block of land that is a rare find in the prestigious Bayside suburb.
The existing 401 Beach Road Beaumaris home reflects a modern Hamptons style that maximises bay views and beachside living, as well as the inclusion of a boutique hotel-style round shaped pool.
<figure><a href="https://buyer.listingloop.com.au/buyer/#/property-preview/IKtl339ekAdxVZ7HQ4ve"><img class="alignnone wp-image-10561" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/KB-401-Beach-Road-Beaumaris-062-300x158.jpg" alt="" width="486" height="256" data-image="h5drihmerix7"></a></figure>
Enjoy the home as Bogut purchased it in 2015.
<figure><a href="https://buyer.listingloop.com.au/buyer/#/property-preview/IKtl339ekAdxVZ7HQ4ve"><img class="alignnone wp-image-10562" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/KB-401-Beach-Road-Beaumaris-017-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="485" height="323" data-image="rs3qeycwrp6x"></a></figure>
The signature round-shaped pool at 401 Beach Road, Beaumaris.
Or, if the new property owners want a home like no other, the proposed new residence is next level…an architectural masterpiece, a showpiece of modern design and all the amenities that you can dream of.
<figure><a href="https://buyer.listingloop.com.au/buyer/#/property-preview/IKtl339ekAdxVZ7HQ4ve"><img class="alignnone wp-image-10563" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/A-beachside-architectural-masterpiece-300x223.jpg" alt="" width="483" height="359" data-image="simy90jnk852"></a></figure>
A beachside architectural masterpiece, retreat and entertainer’s dream like no other.
<figure><a href="https://buyer.listingloop.com.au/buyer/#/property-preview/IKtl339ekAdxVZ7HQ4ve"><img class="alignnone wp-image-10564" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/The-proposed-exterior-at-401-Beach-Road-Beaumaris-300x213.jpg" alt="" width="501" height="356" data-image="j7ei4pez80d3"></a></figure>
The proposed exterior of 401 Beach Road, Beaumaris, VIC.
The home was designed by award-winning Melbourne architecture firm, Finnis, celebrated for their A+ rating from the Australian Institute of Architects, the highest honour given to any firm. Finnis designed the home with the utmost attention-to-detail and importantly, to complement the local area. The design features 70 per cent open space with 5,500 plants and 50 canopy trees included in the landscaping.
 
<figure><a href="https://buyer.listingloop.com.au/buyer/#/property-preview/IKtl339ekAdxVZ7HQ4ve"><img class="alignnone wp-image-10565" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Architectural-rendering-produced-by-Finnis-300x79.jpg" alt="" width="501" height="132" data-image="bejtdp101120"></a></figure>
Architectural rendering produced by Finnis.
In architectural terms, the property is a neo classical design, with arched geometries, monolithic forms, natural stone details and bespoke lighting pieces.
<figure><a href="https://buyer.listingloop.com.au/buyer/#/property-preview/IKtl339ekAdxVZ7HQ4ve"><img class="alignnone wp-image-10566" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Morning-latte-or-cocktail-hour-perhaps-240x300.jpg" alt="" width="305" height="381" data-image="imp2t5i4fp9q"></a></figure>
Morning latte or cocktail hour perhaps?
But it’s the amenities within Bogut’s dream house that gets us most excited. Naturally, the design includes a half-sized basketball court for the new owners to channel their inner Andrew Bogut or to elevate their casual pickup games.
Maintaining fitness is key and it’s made easier by having everything conveniently accessible within the home fitness centre. Bogut designed the space to be fitted out with the latest TRX systems and TechnoGym, resistance training and boxing equipment.
High-impact workouts call for rest and recovery. There’s a steam room and sauna to rejuvenate and the “therapy room” for massage and beauty treatments.
<figure><a href="https://buyer.listingloop.com.au/buyer/#/property-preview/IKtl339ekAdxVZ7HQ4ve"><img class="alignnone wp-image-10567" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Rest-and-relaxation-are-key-features-of-the-design-198x300.jpg" alt="" width="302" height="458" data-image="sjunas82m7e4"></a></figure>
Rest and relaxation are key features of the design.
Forget the Icebergers. If you live at 401 Beach Road Beaumaris, start the day with some laps in the Olympic-sized lap pool. When the sun’s out, relax and lounge poolside while socialising with guests staying in the “Summer House”.
Days can be ended on the private rooftop terrace or in the subterranean wine cellar and tasting room. Or…kickback and enjoy a flick in the plush home cinema.
<figure><a href="https://buyer.listingloop.com.au/buyer/#/property-preview/IKtl339ekAdxVZ7HQ4ve"><img class="alignnone wp-image-10568" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Beaumaris-or-Bordeaux-you-decide-300x199.jpg" alt="" width="439" height="291" data-image="rv45fdelehhu"></a></figure>
Beaumaris or Bordeaux? You decide.
Anyone that knows Andrew Bogut knows that another great love of his is cars. If you have a sizeable car collection this is YOUR home. With eight parking spaces, the basement also has the option to include eight car lifts, offering the opportunity to accommodate 16 cars, instantly doubling the number of cars securely stored.
401 Beach Road Beaumaris, VIC is exclusively listed for sale by Eleisha Doherty of Kay & Burton Bayside on <a style="color: #04b2e2;" href="https://listingloop.com.au/">ListingLoop.com.au</a>.
<a href="https://listingloop.com.au/propertyhub/#/signup/">Sign up</a> or <a style="color: #04b2e2;" href="https://listingloop.com.au/propertyhub/#/login">login</a> to Listing Loop to learn more.
<a style="color: #04b2e2;" href="https://buyer.listingloop.com.au/buyer/#/property-preview/IKtl339ekAdxVZ7HQ4ve" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-cke-saved-href="https://buyer.listingloop.com.au/buyer/#/property-preview/IKtl339ekAdxVZ7HQ4ve">Click here to view the property</a><h2>We're here to help</h2>
We're always happy to help with all the dramas and stressors of house buying and selling.
And if you're particularly tired of house-hunting, we've even partnered with buyer advocates who can <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyer-assist/">check out homes for you</a> and organise sales assessments and negotiations.
Our off-market and pre-market marketplace gives you VIP access to properties so you can get in first.
Just sign up at <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/" target="_blank" title="Listing Loop website">Listing Loop</a> or download our app.

Former NBA player and 3 time Olympian, Andrew Bogut, is selling his one-of-a-kind Beaumaris property

Property investment to use for personal or commercial reasons (or as an investment) has long been considered one of the best stepping stones to building lasting wealth.
<blockquote>“Ninety percent of all millionaires become so through owning real estate. More money has been made in real estate than in all industrial investments combined. The wise young man or wage earner of today invests his money in real estate.”
Andrew Carnegie, Billionaire Industrialist, 1835–1919</blockquote>
However, if you don’t read into the market correctly, there’s a chance you could lose out significantly on your investment property.
So, to make the best choices that will help grow your wealth, it’s important to get a handle on housing prices, as well as current and future trends of the Australian property market.
Today, we’re delving into a fact-finding mission to uncover the latest trends and projections about Australia's real estate market, to help you make more informed decisions.
<h2>Australia Property Market Overview</h2>
<figure><img class="wp-image-10200 size-full" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/listingloop-australia-property-market-overview.jpg" alt="many members can access property listing for inter city moves" width="758" height="416" data-image="3umqntvyc4xg"></figure>
 <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/">Featured Off-Market Properties</a>
According to CoreLogic’s <a href="http://reports.corelogic.com.au/CL-HOUSING-MARKET-UPDATE/CL-HOUSING-MARKET-UPDATE-756A861D.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Housing Market Update</a>, the real estate sector continues to be a significant contributor to the Australian economy.
As of August 2021:
<ul>
 	<li>54.3% of the wealth held by households was in housing-related assets</li>
 	<li>The total real estate value of residential and housing units was $8.8 trillion</li>
 	<li>The commercial real estate sector stood as a value of $978 billion</li>
 	<li>Unpaid mortgages amounted to $1.9 trillion</li>
</ul>
These strong growth metrics are an indicator of a firming market.
Numbers crunched by research firm <a href="https://propertyupdate.com.au/total-property-listings-fall-in-may/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">SQM research</a> showed that buyers far outstripped sellers, which is a key contributing factor to the booming Australian house prices.
In all the major cities like Sydney and Melbourne, fewer people listed their properties for sale.
<h3>Comparison of Property Listings In Major Cities</h3>
<table style="border: 1px solid #ccc; margin-bottom: 20px;" width="100%">
<tbody>
<tr style="vertical-align: top; background: #222222; color: white; line-height: 35px;">
<td style="width: 25%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">City</td>
<td style="width: 25%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">2020</td>
<td style="width: 25%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">2021</td>
<td style="width: 25%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">Change(%)</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Sydney</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">30,059</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">27,440</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">-3.5</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Brisbane</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">28,812</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">23,519</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">-7.1</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Melbourne</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">38,447</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">37,915</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">-7.4</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Adelaide</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">15,317</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">12,033</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">-7.1</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Canberra</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">4,153</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">3,250</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">-9.7</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">National</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">304,210</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">245,953</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">-6.3</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
As fewer sellers came to the party, buyers pushed prices, causing a strong growth in property values which can be attributed to:
<ul>
 	<li>Lowering mortgage rates and borrowing costs</li>
 	<li>Increased consumer confidence</li>
 	<li>A trend towards property-owning among the younger population</li>
</ul>
The onset of the pandemic also caused a dent in nominal house prices.
KPMG <a href="https://assets.kpmg/content/dam/kpmg/au/pdf/2021/covid-impact-australia-residential-property-market.pdf">reports</a> show that with the exception of Canberra, all major cities felt a slowdown in prices. For instance, prices in Melbourne dropped 2.8%.
Targeted government intervention helped plug price declines.
For instance:
<ul>
 	<li>The introduction of the HomeBuilder program helped individual property investors, including first-time homebuyers, by providing grants for building and renovating houses. These grants caused an increase in the housing stock, preventing a downward price spiral.</li>
 	<li>Monetary policy interventions such as the Term Funding Facility and cash rate reduction to 0.1% caused a decline in mortgage rates. These lower mortgage rates contributed to price growth.</li>
</ul>
All in all, the Australian property market remained resilient despite the pandemic. CoreLogic data <a href="http://reports.corelogic.com.au/CL-HOUSING-MARKET-UPDATE/CL-HOUSING-MARKET-UPDATE-756A861D.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">revealed</a> that:
<ul>
 	<li>Auction volumes remained strong at approximately 74%, only showing signs of decline during the extended lockdown period</li>
 	<li>2021 consumer sentiment is high, with properties taking only 29 days to sell compared to 51 days in 2020</li>
 	<li>Listings remained lower than 2020</li>
</ul>
 Overall reduction in advertised stock
<table style="border: 1px solid #ccc; margin-bottom: 20px;" width="100%">
<tbody>
<tr style="vertical-align: top; background: #222222; color: white; line-height: 35px;">
<td style="width: 50%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">Area</td>
<td style="width: 50%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">2021 Housing Stock Decline</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">National</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">-27%</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Capital cities</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">-17.4%</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Regional</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">-37%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h2>Australian Rental Market</h2>
<figure><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-10199" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/listingloop-hawthron-vic-1.jpg" alt="march quarter saw higher per cent increase of property price in Australia than a year ago" width="514" height="540" data-image="t1g8jnrent1o"></figure>
SQM Research <a href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/media.php" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">figures</a> showed a significant increase in rental rates reaching a 12-year high of 5.6%.
<a href="https://www.afr.com/property/residential/rental-affordability-worsens-as-housing-supply-dwindles-20210616-p581ee" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Reports</a> show that households now spend between 30% and 50% of their income on rentals.
Rental property shortages, lowering vacancy rates, and record price hikes in rental rates are putting pressure on tenants in the expensive capital city and regional Australia.
Note: Vacancy rate refers to the number of houses ready for occupation but sitting idle, without tenants.
<blockquote>“Rental supply was a big challenge for the regions which were experiencing large population inflow from interstate or from the cities.”

Louis Christopher, SQM Research Managing Director</blockquote>
Landlords are also feeling the pinch despite rising rates as yields have also shown a negative downturn the past year.
<h3>Australian National Rental Yields Per Year</h3>
<table style="border: 1px solid #ccc; margin-bottom: 20px;" width="100%">
<tbody>
<tr style="vertical-align: top; background: #222222; color: white; line-height: 35px;">
<td style="width: 50%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">Year</td>
<td style="width: 50%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">Rental Yield</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">2015</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">4.1%</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">2016</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">4%</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">2017</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">3.8%</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">2018</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">3.9%</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">2019</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">4.2%</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">2020</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">3.8%</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">2021</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">3.4%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
All projections indicate that the ripple effects of the pandemic will continue to harm the rental market.
In the absence of international students in all significant education hubs, housing units will remain empty for longer driving up rental rates.
For first-timers in the housing market, the record highs in rentals coupled with the current record low-interest rates are a cue to turn from rental property to becoming first-time home buyers.
This is because if rates keep rising, you will pay more in rentals over the long run than you would be paying for mortgage costs.
To overcome housing affordability issues, the government has several economic recovery projects you can take advantage of. Depending on the scheme you qualify for, you will only be expected to raise a small fraction of the deposit to buy or build your home.
Some of the grant schemes run by the Government and the <a href="https://www.nhfic.gov.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation</a> include:
<ul>
 	<li>Homebuilder <a href="https://www.wa.gov.au/service/community-services/grants-and-subsidies/australian-government-homebuilder-grant" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">grant </a></li>
 	<li>First home loan deposit <a href="https://www.nhfic.gov.au/what-we-do/support-to-buy-a-home/first-home-loan-deposit-scheme/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">scheme</a></li>
 	<li>Family home <a href="https://www.nhfic.gov.au/what-we-do/support-to-buy-a-home/family-home-guarantee/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">guarantee</a></li>
</ul>
Once you’re approved for a grant, find a way to get your hands on the most cost-effective properties. For example, off-market and secret listings are some of the best ways to get access to properties before other buyers.
Getting first dibs on homes before other purchasers start the bidding process will help you lock in a great house at a reasonable price.
With the reserve bank tying interest rates down to boost economic growth post-pandemic, off-market listings are your best bet to secure your next home.
To do this, use a reputable marketplace like <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/how-it-works/">Listing Loop</a>. You only have to <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/propertyhub/#/signup">register</a> or download the Listing Loop app and specify the type of property you are looking for.
<figure><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-10137" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/listingloop-download-our-app.jpg" alt="buy my place own property" width="526" height="526" data-image="nzhvjlgxv26r"></figure>
Once a property matching your specifications comes to the market, you will get a notification, and you can start negotiations before other buyers get wind of the property. It’s hassle-free.
<h2>What to Expect From Australia’s Property Market</h2>
<figure><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-10198" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/listingloop-what-to-expect-from-australia.jpg" alt="Sydney Australia record prices in property, increases across Australia at the same time" width="960" height="320" data-image="ffselp2lgl24"></figure>
Australia’s regional and main metropole property strategists <a href="https://business.nab.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/NAB-Residential-Property-Survey-Q2-2021.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">project</a> that property prices will continue to firm going into 2022. The firming house prices are backed by strong demand for housing as a result of:
<ul>
 	<li>Low-interest rates</li>
 	<li>An increase in home loans as more investors enter the market</li>
 	<li>Stronger growth in the economy resulting in a drop in the unemployment rate</li>
 	<li>General optimism about buying property</li>
 	<li>The vaccine rollout and response to the pandemic which inspires confidence in economic improvement</li>
 	<li>A significant number of first-time buyers owing to government new homeowner initiatives</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>“Buyer demand is mostly being fuelled by a surge in owner-occupiers rather than investors looking to take advantage of historically low interest rates, generous government incentives and an increased state of normality.”

Tim Lawless, Head of Research, CoreLogic</blockquote>
The National Australia Bank (<a href="https://business.nab.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/NAB-Residential-Property-Survey-Q2-2021.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">NAB</a>) has tipped housing price growth for 2021 to close the year at 18.5%. NAB’s predictions indicate a national property index of 71 in 2021 and 72 in 2022.
The bank’s reports also point to slowing growth in the real estate market in 2023.
<a href="https://assets.kpmg/content/dam/kpmg/au/pdf/2021/covid-impact-australia-residential-property-market.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">KPMG</a> research signals firming house and rental prices going into 2022 and 2023, after which prices will slow down and return to an equilibrium point based on the average experienced over the years.
As the predictions confirm, property values tend to follow cyclical patterns where prices rise and fall regularly. This means a slowdown is inevitable, but demand will begin to pick up again as the cycle continues.
With the Summer Olympics coming to Australia (Brisbane) in 2032, Brisbane prices and surrounding areas are expected to continue on an upward trajectory. The ripple effects will also be felt across the entire country’s real estate market.
In short: House prices will dip but they will rise again.
<h2>Buy or Sell Your Property In Australia</h2>
<figure><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-10197" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/listingloop-norman-park-qld.jpg" alt="unit values expected worsening affordability in Brisbane due to Olympics" width="521" height="540" data-image="5c8hy44i2j5p"></figure>
If you’re on the side as a seller, the strong demand currently being experienced is an excellent incentive to sell your property before prices start to dip.
For those looking to purchase, as property values rise, the goal is to keep your purchase price at the lowest possible.
<h2>We're here to help</h2>
We're always happy to help with all the dramas and stressors of house buying and selling.
And if you're particularly tired of house-hunting, we've even partnered with buyer advocates who can <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyer-assist/">check out homes for you</a> and organise sales assessments and negotiations.
Our off-market and pre-market marketplace gives you VIP access to properties so you can get in first.
Just sign up at <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/" target="_blank" title="Listing Loop website">Listing Loop</a> or download our app.
 
 <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/tVzyDSV84w8" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Photo</a> by John Fornander / <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">CC BY</a>

Facts, Figures and Projections for the Australian Property Market

The Brisbane 2032 Olympics may be years away. However, Australians will feel the impact of the event on the Queensland property market in the next decade leading up to it.
The event could bring economic and social benefits of about $8 billion to Queensland and $17 billion to Australia. Yet it will not happen without some spending from the government.
We expect major projects will influence housing market conditions in Brisbane, including:
<ul>
 	<li>Key infrastructure upgrades</li>
 	<li>An improvement in transport efficiency</li>
</ul>
There will be an increase in social and retail outlets in the area and increased job opportunities. It will promote interstate migration and influence Brisbane’s population growth.
Almost every real estate enthusiast will tell you now is the time to <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/investment-property/">invest in this property market</a>. We will show you how to put your foot into this market.
<h2>Table of Contents</h2>
<a href="#choose-a-location">Choose a Location</a>
<a href="#pick-a-buying">Pick a Buying Strategy</a>
<ul style="padding-left: 2%; margin-top: -11px;">
 	<li><a href="#rent-while-investing">Rent While Investing</a></li>
 	<li><a href="#rent-with-the-intention">Rent With the Intention to Own</a></li>
 	<li><a href="#renovate-older-property">Renovate an Older Property</a></li>
 	<li><a href="#invest-with-someone">Invest With Someone</a></li>
</ul>
<a href="#get-into-brisbanes">Get into the Brisbane's Property Market With Listing Loop</a>
<a href="#faq">Frequently Asked Questions</a>
<ul style="padding-left: 2%; margin-top: -11px;">
 	<li><a href="#which-areas-are-set">Which Areas Are Set to Boom in South East Queensland?</a></li>
 	<li><a href="#will-brisbane-olympics">Will Brisbane Olympics Affect Brisbane Property Prices?</a></li>
 	<li><a href="#will-the-housing-boom">Will the Housing Boom Last?</a></li>
 	<li><a href="#what-the-best-way">What’s the Best Way to Get Into the Brisbane Property Market?</a><a id="choose-a-location"></a></li>
</ul>
<h2>Choose a Location</h2>
<figure><img class="alignnone wp-image-1671" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Brisbane-photo.jpg" alt="Brisbane properties" width="900" height="427" data-image="wmq8rcolo6ma"></figure>
Brisbane prices are likely to have the highest growth rate in the suburbs closest to upcoming projects and infrastructure development.
"The Gabba" stadium in Woolloongabba, for instance, is set to be the heart of Olympic activity.
Woolloongabba already has a high housing market demand for its:
<ul>
 	<li>Proximity to Mater Hospital and Princess Alexandra Hospital</li>
 	<li>Easy access to Brisbane’s Central Business District—the major commercial hub in Brisbane City</li>
 	<li>Closeness to local universities</li>
</ul>
There will be a billion-dollar rebuild of the stadium in addition to the upcoming Cross River Rail Station that will revitalise the suburb. It will cause a rise in the desirability of Woolloongabba and the surrounding areas.
The main <a href="https://www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/industry/brisbane-olympic-and-paralympic-athletes-village" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">athletes’ village</a> will be in Northshore Hamilton. It’s prime waterfront real estate.
Construction of the village will turn it into a lifestyle zone with housing diversity.
Added to its transport connections, the Northshore Hamilton housing demand will be high even after the 2032 Games.
It’s hard to predict how well housing will perform after the Olympics. A smart move is to go for Brisbane suburbs close to major infrastructure upgrades. They’ll carry better long-term growth prospects.
Expert Tip: Due to the high housing demand (that is likely to get worse with the upcoming Olympics), it’s wise to go for off-market property.
Off-market property is a property that is not yet publicly advertised. It also goes by the names pre-market and secret property.
Agents of these secret listings rely on a closed marketplace like Listing Loop to match their property with suitable buyers.
As a buyer, you get to learn about the property before it hits the public, and this means less competition. You’ll also avoid the hassle of running around to find the right property in your preferred location.
All you have to do is download the Listing Loop app. You’ll get an alert every time an off-market property that matches your needs is available.
<figure><iframe src="https://www.instagram.com/p/CSn8eZfFJox/embed" width="400" height="490" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></figure>
Expert tip: Stay informed on the latest news to get updates on upcoming infrastructure developments.<a id="pick-a-buying"></a>
<h2>Pick a Buying Strategy</h2>
<figure><img class="alignnone wp-image-971" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/faq-og-meta.jpg" alt="Property co-partners" width="900" height="601" data-wp-editing="1" data-image="4jps7herr1fe"></figure>
The hot Australian residential property market keeps getting hotter. The market rose to <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/economy/price-indexes-and-inflation/residential-property-price-indexes-eight-capital-cities/latest-release" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">$8,293.2 billion</a> in the first quarter of 2021, a $449.9 billion rise from the last quarter of 2020.
According to <a href="https://www.corelogic.com.au/reports/chart-pack" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">CoreLogic</a>:
<ul>
 	<li>The residential real estate value had risen to $8.8 trillion by July 2021.</li>
 	<li>Sales volume for the 12 months ending in July increased by 42.2%.</li>
 	<li>Housing stock fell by 27.1% following a decline in new listings.</li>
</ul>
To top this up, the super-low interest rates are making borrowing easier for buyers.
It has caused a high competition among buyers, making house prices grow faster.
However, getting a piece of Brisbane ahead of the Olympics does not need to be nerve-racking, especially if it’s your first time investing in properties. Here are a few methods you can use.<a id="rent-while-investing"></a>
<h3>Rent While Investing</h3>
If you don’t plan on moving to Brisbane or the timing is not right for a relocation, rentvesting could work for you.
It involves living in a rented home in any location and renting out your Brisbane investment property to someone else.
It’s a chance to get into the Brisbane property market and still live where you want.
The benefits of rentvesting are:
<ul>
 	<li>You’ll gain from the growth in house values in the Brisbane market.</li>
 	<li>The rental income can offset some of the property expenses and part of the mortgage payments.</li>
 	<li>You’ll build up your equity.</li>
</ul>
Expert tip: Pay attention to the potential increase in value of the property and not just the potential rental yields.<a id="rent-with-the-intention"></a>
<h3>Rent With the Intention to Own</h3>
Rent-to-own is an agreement you make with a seller to lease from them until a specific time in the future where you’ll buy the property.
The agreement states the buying price and the timeline.
In most cases, you’re required to pay some non-refundable ongoing fee on top of the monthly rent. It’s known as the “option to buy”.
It keeps the owner from selling to someone else. The amount offsets part of the buying price.
The agreement also states who should handle maintenance of the property during the rental period.
Rent-to-own is good in that:
<ul>
 	<li>It helps if you have bad credit or need time to get your finances in order. You can move into the house without forking out sizeable upfront fees.</li>
 	<li>Setting the future buying price early enough protects you from future spikes in Brisbane house prices.</li>
 	<li>If it’s a lease-option contract, you get a feel of the location before buying. You can change your mind without further obligations. A lease-purchase contract, however, requires you to buy the property at the end of the period.</li>
</ul>
Expert tip: Take caution not to fall behind on rent payments. You could lose the option to buy the property at the end of the agreed period.<a id="renovate-older-property"></a>
<h3>Renovate an Older Property</h3>
The most important factor in investing in Brisbane's housing market is location. You want to own land in a position that has the most growth potential.
For this reason, find land in the best location with an older-style property.
We know that an old property may not sound ideal, especially when it’s in a prospective Olympic city. But these advantages could change your mind:
<ul>
 	<li>It will be more affordable. Unlike older properties, new properties are often sold at a premium.</li>
 	<li>You can renovate the house to meet your standards and<a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/increase-value-of-home/"> increase its value</a>. Besides, these expenses are tax-deductible.</li>
 	<li>An older house has already proven that its structure can stand the test of time.</li>
</ul>
Expert tip: An older house could have unexpected maintenance and repair costs. Set some money aside for these costs.<a id="invest-with-someone"></a>
<h3>Invest With Someone</h3>
Investing in real estate is tough, especially with the current high prices in the Australian property market. If you’re financially strained, property co-ownership is an option.
Property co-ownership means pooling money with one or more people to put a deposit down on a home. You can also combine your borrowing power to get a better mortgage. There are plenty of Australian banks that offer property share mortgages.
Australia has two forms of co-ownership.
<table style="border: 1px solid #ccc; margin-bottom: 20px;" width="100%">
<tbody>
<tr style="vertical-align: top; background: #222222; color: white; line-height: 35px;">
<td style="width: 50%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">Type of Co-ownership</td>
<td style="width: 50%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">Description</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Tenants in common</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;"><ul>
 	<li>Each partner owns a specific number of shares in the property.</li>
 	<li>Partners can transfer their share of the property to someone else in their will.</li>
</ul></td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Joint tenancy</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;"><ul>
 	<li>Partners own the property equally.</li>
 	<li>The share of any partner who dies goes to the surviving partners.</li>
</ul></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Property co-ownership comes with perks, such as:
<ul>
 	<li>Shared upfront fees and other expenses like stamp duty. You’ll spend less on the buying process.</li>
 	<li>More people means a bigger budget, and you can buy a better property.</li>
 	<li>You and your partners will split the cost of running the home. It means more money will be available for upgrades and renovations.</li>
</ul>
Expert tip: It’s important to have a contractual agreement before partnering up to make an investment in the housing market.<a id="get-into-brisbanes"></a>
<h2>Get into the Brisbane's Property Market With Listing Loop</h2>
<figure><img class="alignnone wp-image-1379" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/listing-loop-phone-1.jpg" alt="popular searches personalised advertising, group ltd rea:asx rea, operated by asx listed" width="900" height="601" data-image="e7nb1xi4plc9"></figure>
It’s time to get into the Brisbane property market. But you need to brace yourself for tough competition with other homebuyers.
You don’t have to spend hours in auctions or open for inspections with a million people targeting the same houses as you.
Take these steps:
<ol>
 	<li><a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyers/">Sign up</a> on Listing Loop or download the Listing Loop app.</li>
 	<li>Pick a location, provide the size of the house you want, and other details.</li>
 	<li>Wait for the latest secret properties that match your needs to land in your dashboard.</li>
</ol>
Be the first to know of the best properties available.<a id="faq"></a>
<h2 id="which-areas-are-set">Frequently Asked Questions</h2>
<h3>Which Areas Are Set to Boom in South East Queensland?</h3>
It’s best to go for areas set to thrive from the major infrastructure upgrades in Greater Brisbane and beyond. A few examples are:
<ul>
 	<li>Woolloongabba</li>
 	<li>Northshore Hamilton</li>
 	<li>Kangaroo Point, East Brisbane, and Dutton Park suburbs for their closeness to Woolloongabba</li>
 	<li>Albion, Newstead, Ascot, and other areas that neighbour Hamilton</li>
 	<li>Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast. It could result from the speeding up of the Bruce Highway and the Pacific Motorway M1 programs.<a id="will-brisbane-olympics"></a></li>
</ul>
<h3>Will Brisbane Olympics Affect Brisbane Property Prices?</h3>
The Melbourne 1956 and Sydney 2000 Olympics changed the property markets in these capital cities. We expect the same from the 2032 Olympics. It could:
<ul>
 	<li>Bring economic growth.</li>
 	<li>Impact the median house price in Brisbane housing and the surrounding suburbs.<a id="will-the-housing-boom"></a></li>
</ul>
<h3>Will the Housing Boom Last?</h3>
The infrastructural projects predicted to cause a housing boom will begin happening before the Olympics. Their impact will be felt most in the decade leading up to the Games and not during or after the Games.<a id="what-the-best-way"></a>
<h3>What’s the Best Way to Get Into the Brisbane Property Market?</h3>
You want to take advantage of the potential capital growth a Brisbane housing could bring. For this reason, invest in areas set for major upgrades. They’ll have the highest increase in value.<h2>We're here to help</h2>
We're always happy to help with all the dramas and stressors of house buying and selling.
And if you're particularly tired of house-hunting, we've even partnered with buyer advocates who can <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyer-assist/">check out homes for you</a> and organise sales assessments and negotiations.
Our off-market and pre-market marketplace gives you VIP access to properties so you can get in first.
Just sign up at <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/" target="_blank" title="Listing Loop website">Listing Loop</a> or download our app.
 <a href="https://www.publicdomainpictures.net/en/view-image.php?image=35301&picture=brisbane-city" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Photo</a> by Michael Stirling / <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">CC BY</a>

Brisbane Property Market: How to Get In Before the Olympics

<header>
<h4>Almost 33,000 Australians bought their first home four years sooner thanks to two federal government schemes that give first home buyers a leg up into the property market. Could you, or someone you know, be eligible?</h4>
 

</header>
<div>

We love a feel-good news story around here.

And hearing that so many first home buyers got a leg up into the property market much sooner than they ever dreamed makes us feel pretty warm and fuzzy.

This week the federal government released <a style="color: #04b2e2;" href="https://www.nhfic.gov.au/media-resources/media-releases/nhfic-releases-2020-21-fhlds-data-and-trends/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">figures</a> on the popular First Home Loan Deposit Scheme (FHLDS) and New Home Guarantee (NHG) initiatives.

The data showed that the two initiatives supported 1-in-10 first-time homeowners during the 2020-21 financial year.

And on average, the schemes allowed those first home buyers to bring forward their home purchases by four (FHLDS) to 4.5 years (NHG).

 
<h2>Hold up, what are these first home buyer schemes?</h2>
The <a href="https://www.nhfic.gov.au/media/1684/first-home-loan-deposit-scheme-fact-sheet-19-june-2021.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">FHLDS</a> allows eligible first home buyers with only a 5% deposit (rather than the typical 20% deposit) to purchase a property without forking out for lenders mortgage insurance (LMI).

This is because the federal government guarantees (to a participating lender) up to 15% of the value of the property purchased.

Not paying LMI can save buyers anywhere between $4,000 and $35,000, depending on the property price and deposit amount.

The <a href="https://www.nhfic.gov.au/media/1685/new-home-guarantee-fact-sheet-19-june-2021.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NHG</a> scheme is very similar but is only for new builds – such as house and land purchases or a land purchase with a contract to build.

Another key difference is that the NHG property price caps are higher (<a style="color: #04b2e2;" href="https://www.nhfic.gov.au/media/1683/media-release-new-property-price-caps-for-first-home-loan-deposit-scheme-and-family-home-guarantee.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">see here</a>) to account for the extra expenses associated with building a new home.

 
<h2>So who’s using the schemes?</h2>
Mostly younger buyers!

According to the latest stats, 58% of all buyers under the schemes are aged under 30-years-old.

NSW (11,000 residents) and Queensland (9,000 residents) make up nearly two-thirds of the scheme’s recipients.

And it turns out that most first home buyers who secured a spot in one of the schemes used a mortgage broker (56%).

But for the NHG scheme specifically, brokers originated the vast majority of government guarantees (72%).

 
<h2>How to secure a spot</h2>
We’ve got good news. And a bit of not-so-good news.

The good news is that for the NHG, only 2,443 of the 10,000 spots had been secured as of October 6 – so there’s still the opportunity for eager first home buyers wanting a new build.

The not-so-good news is that spots in the FHLDS are almost full for the latest round released on July 1.

Figures <a style="color: #04b2e2;" href="https://ministers.treasury.gov.au/ministers/michael-sukkar-2019/media-releases/more-50000-homebuyers-enter-market-under-home" target="_blank" rel="noopener">show</a> that 7,784 of the 10,000 spots have already been secured, and word is that participating lenders have waiting lists for many of the remaining spots.

That said, if you’re a single parent there’s a third, similar scheme called the <a style="color: #04b2e2;" href="https://www.nhfic.gov.au/media/1686/family-home-guarantee-fact-sheet-19-june-2021.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Family Home Guarantee</a> (FHG), which allows eligible single parents with dependants to build or purchase a home with a deposit of just 2% without paying LMI.

Only 1,023 of 10,000 spots have been secured in the FHG, for which you don’t need to be a first home buyer.

Last but not least, it’s worth noting that the FHLDS is an annual scheme with new spots expected to be available from July 2022 – and previously the federal government made a surprise announcement to release 10,000 additional spots in January.

So if any of the above schemes are of interest to you, get in touch with us today and we can run you through everything you need to know about them so that you’re ready to apply when the time comes.</div>
<h2>We're here to help</h2>
We're always happy to help with all the dramas and stressors of house buying and selling.
And if you're particularly tired of house-hunting, we've even partnered with buyer advocates who can <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyer-assist/">check out homes for you</a> and organise sales assessments and negotiations.
Our off-market and pre-market marketplace gives you VIP access to properties so you can get in first.
Just sign up at <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/" target="_blank" title="Listing Loop website">Listing Loop</a> or download our app.<div>

 
<h6> </h6><h6>Disclaimer: The content of this article is general in nature and is presented for informative purposes. It is not intended to constitute tax or financial advice, whether general or personal nor is it intended to imply any recommendation or opinion about a financial product. It does not take into consideration your personal situation and may not be relevant to circumstances. Before taking any action, consider your own particular circumstances and seek professional advice. This content is protected by copyright laws and various other intellectual property laws. It is not to be modified, reproduced or republished without prior written consent.</h6>
 

</div>

How 1-in-10 first home buyers cracked the market 4 years sooner

Melbourne has a thriving housing market. Ranked 8th on the World Liveability Index, the city is home to beautiful landscapes, rich culture and unique biodiversity.
The Melbourne metropolitan area offers a wide range of options for both real estate owner-occupiers and investors. Let’s take a closer look at Melbourne's property market.
<figure><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-9786" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/listingloop-melbourne-property-market.jpg" alt="australia, melbourne" width="953" height="452" data-image="uqmjlnjj2ue4"></figure>
<h2>Melbourne Property Market Trends</h2>
Melbourne metropolitan area statistics by the Real Estate Institute of Victoria (<a href="https://reiv.com.au/market-insights/victorian-insights?__cf_chl_captcha_tk__=pmd_flRXHnc4hfBb2Y6pRAwmuRFh7c1t_K9d0fOXkKwsFvI-1629883574-0-gqNtZGzNAxCjcnBszQdl" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">REIV</a>) show that:
<ul>
 	<li>House prices sold at a median house value of $1.01million</li>
 	<li>Median rentals averaged $480</li>
 	<li>Rental property yields were 2.6%</li>
 	<li>Houses took an average of 34 days to sell</li>
</ul>
Melbourne Metropolitan Average House Prices
<table style="border: 1px solid #ccc; margin-bottom: 20px;" width="100%">
<tbody>
<tr style="vertical-align: top; background: #222222; color: white; line-height: 35px;">
<td style="width: 50%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">Number of Bedrooms</td>
<td style="width: 50%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">Price ($)</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">2 Bedrooms</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">980,000</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">3 Bedrooms</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">846,000</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">4 Bedrooms</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">1,040,000</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
The real estate market in Melbourne has steadily increased in value over the years. House prices were valued at $9,400 in 1966!
<h3>Melbourne Property Prices Historical Values</h3>
<table style="border: 1px solid #ccc; margin-bottom: 20px;" width="100%">
<tbody>
<tr style="vertical-align: top; background: #222222; color: white; line-height: 35px;">
<td style="width: 50%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">Year</td>
<td style="width: 50%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">Value ($)</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">1966</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">9,400</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">1970</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">12,834</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">1980</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">39,675</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">1986</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">82,573</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">2000</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">199,282</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">2012</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">481,117</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">2018</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">719,929</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">2020</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">875,980</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">2021</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">1,010,000</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Even accounting for the <a href="https://www.macrotrends.net/countries/AUS/australia/inflation-rate-cpi" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">inflation rate</a>, property returns have proved to be consistently high.
SQM Research data reveals that <a href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/asking-property-prices.php?region=vic-Melbourne&type=c&t=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">asking prices</a> have also followed a general upward trend as confidence in the sector increases.
The city’s population is growing in leaps and bounds. McCrindle Research figures that by 2050, <a href="https://mccrindle.com.au/insights/blog/sydney-vs-melbourne-rivalry-infographic/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Melbourne will overtake Sydney</a> as Australia’s biggest capital. Forecasts show that the city’s current five million-odd population will grow to eight million in the next 30 years.
National Australia Bank forecasts predict that Melbourne property values and housing prices <a href="https://business.nab.com.au/nab-quarterly-australian-residential-property-survey-q2-2021-47734/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">will go up by 17.6%</a> up to the end of 2021 and a further 3.5% in 2022.
These shifting population trends and optimistic forecasts mean:
<ul>
 	<li>Investors can make substantial returns in the real estate market</li>
 	<li>Homeowners can grow real equity</li>
</ul>
<h2>Well-Performing Property Types In Melbourne’s Housing Market</h2>
Considering how much the population is expected to grow in the coming years, housing affordability will decline.
The high expected prices are all the more reason why strategic, tailored financial planning, which involves buying the best real estate now, is essential.
Here’s some strategic property advice on what to buy so you can position yourself for an investment that cushions your future.
<h3>Inner Melbourne Housing Market Townhouses</h3>
<figure><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-10191" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/listingloop-thornbury-vic.jpg" alt="get housing loans for investment grade property with a high monthly growth rate" width="515" height="540" data-image="syl6kvbi2bdp"></figure>
Townhouses are medium-density homes that accommodate more families than stand-alone houses. These dwellings are usually multiple-story buildings that are often terraced and, at times, semi-detached.
The appeal of townhouses comes from their more efficient utilisation of land, especially in capital cities. They are relatively cheaper, which is a draw factor for first home buyers.
While they may not have much in the way of backyards, they appeal to the younger demographic.
They have the potential for higher price growth as the population increases in the inner Melbourne housing markets.
<h3>Melbourne Housing Market Units</h3>
<figure><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-10190" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/listingloop-kew-vic.jpg" alt="make strategic property plan for new housing loans available for investment unit stock" width="507" height="540" data-image="vohfsc2itwiu"></figure>
Units are small stand-alone dwellings that usually have a small backyard. They are typically built side by side (not high rise).
These homes are set to continue being popular with young couples and small families, keeping their unit values and property prices strong.
<h2>Low-Rise Apartments</h2>
<figure><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-10189" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/listingloop-hawthron-vic.jpg" alt="housing demand to increase with net interstate migration reaching million-dollar median values" width="514" height="540" data-image="dfsuqpeo73nv"></figure>
Research by Charter Keck Cramer estimates that close to <a href="https://charterkc.com.au/property-services/market-research/national-apartment-database/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">14,000 apartments went up</a> in the Melbourne metropolitan area in 2020. In 2021, 10,400 apartments began construction. However, only 5,400 lower-rise apartments were launched or approved.
These statistics point to the diminished appetites among buyers for high-rise Melbourne CBD towers.
Buyers have tended towards lower-rise apartments suited for families leading to excess housing supply in tall apartments. That’s why low-rise apartments are more likely to experience capital gains appreciation.
<h3>Melbourne Houses</h3>
<figure><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-10188" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/listingloop-melbourne-houses.jpg" alt="get unbiased property advice for first-time buyers to overcome affordability constraints in the Melbourne economy" width="640" height="531" data-image="kpxwnj8u7eq0"></figure>
Freestanding homes remain viable investment property options that continue to experience price growth due to factors like:
<ul>
 	<li>Aesthetic beauty</li>
 	<li>Their functionality</li>
 	<li>Land value</li>
 	<li>The sentimental value of owning a house for first home buyers</li>
</ul>
<h2>Where to Buy Property In Melbourne</h2>
There are bargains to be found all over the Melbourne metropolitan area, we’ve broken it down into areas for you.
<h3>South Eastern Suburbs</h3>
<figure><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-10187" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/listingloop-elwood-vic.jpg" alt="property management to choose a home in combined capital cities and regional Victoria" width="519" height="540" data-image="81xh88xpziay"></figure>
The city’s south eastern side is made up of mostly freestanding homes and units, and tends to attract families looking to build communities.
The most important considerations to make before making a property investment in these areas are:
<ul>
 	<li>The strength of amenities</li>
 	<li>Safety of the neighbourhood</li>
</ul>
Unsafe neighbourhoods with unfavourable liveability factors have lower prices and tend to gain the least value.
<h2>CBD and Immediate Inner-City Region</h2>
<figure><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-10186" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/listingloop-south-melbourne-vic.jpg" alt="first-time buyers can access lower interest rates and higher per cent house values" width="513" height="540" data-image="6cydy11izeuq"></figure>
The central part of Melbourne has a substantial population of close to 30,000 people. It’s also the hub of developments, especially in the apartments and townhouse arena.
The CBD and inner-city areas often experience higher value rises and are usually the most expensive areas to buy.
These central areas offer a promising investment opportunity, especially as population growth increases.
<h3>Eastern Suburbs</h3>
<figure><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-10185" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/listingloop-glen-waverley-vic.jpg" alt="home ownership in affluent melbourne" width="526" height="532" data-image="ggj7dm4hl0a7"></figure>
On the east side of Melbourne, in areas like Glen Waverley, Ringwood or Lilydale, property values tend to be based on the affluence factor.
The eastern side of the city attracts higher net worth individuals who earn over $1,000 per week.
When buying on the east side, focus on details like spaciousness and the aesthetic appeal of the surroundings.
The lower the affluence factor of the area, the lower the property values.
<h3>Western Suburbs</h3>
<figure><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-10184" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/listingloop-werribee-south.jpg" alt="interest key contributing factor to high market average" width="526" height="532" data-image="5tfafvhq5iup"></figure>
The western side is a predominantly blue-collar area. To choose a property in these places, consider factors such as transport, connectivity or schools.
Examples of worthwhile locations for a home or investment on the western side are Sunbury, Melton or Werribee because:
<ul>
 	<li>They are close and well connected to the CBD</li>
 	<li>Prices are affordable</li>
 	<li>They have steady and growing populations for rental income</li>
 	<li>Property growth rates are about 9%</li>
</ul>
<h2>Buying Property In Melbourne</h2>
When choosing a property in the Melbourne area, bear in mind the generally high standards expected in the area. Steer away from substandard dwellings as they are likely to lose you money in the long run.
Areas closer to the CBD tend to appreciate faster, giving higher capital gains and rental income than areas further away.
It helps to determine the <a href="https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/knowledge/valuation/intrinsic-value-guide/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">intrinsic value</a> before you buy.
If a house is priced lower than intrinsic value, you stand to gain. However, if the price is higher than the intrinsic valuation, it will depreciate.
You should also do your research on an area’s income levels, safety, and appeal before you buy.
With all these considerations, it’s plain to see that buying real estate under pressure can cost you. You won’t have the time to do your calculations or research adequately.
Let <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/">Listing Loop</a> help you to find the best property—minus the pressure.
We specialise in off-market listings, giving you access to houses and units before they get into the public eye. That way, you have more time to ponder your decision before you have to worry about other buyers putting higher bids. But on the flip side, it's best to get in quick and enquire before someone else snaps the property up.
The difference between on and off-market listings is that the latter is exclusively available to a select range of buyers—like yourself—making the purchase process smoother, faster, and less competitive.
<figure><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-10137" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/listingloop-download-our-app.jpg" alt="buy my place own property" width="526" height="526" data-image="cyuba2xekaaq"></figure>
The process is simple:
<ul>
 	<li>Register on <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/">Listing Loop</a> or download the app</li>
 	<li>Input your specifications for the house you are looking for</li>
 	<li>Receive a notification when you get a match</li>
 	<li>If the property ticks all the right boxes, your journey in the Melbourne real estate market begins.</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://listingloop.com.au/propertyhub/#/signup/">Register</a> on Listing Loop today for free for the simplest way to find the best off-market properties in Melbourne.<h2>We're here to help</h2>
We're always happy to help with all the dramas and stressors of house buying and selling.
And if you're particularly tired of house-hunting, we've even partnered with buyer advocates who can <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyer-assist/">check out homes for you</a> and organise sales assessments and negotiations.
Our off-market and pre-market marketplace gives you VIP access to properties so you can get in first.
Just sign up at <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/" target="_blank" title="Listing Loop website">Listing Loop</a> or download our app.
 <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/01fDADro0PU" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Photo</a> by Alexis / <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">CC BY</a>

Property Market Melbourne: Expert Insight and Analysis

Thinking of living in the Sydney suburbs?
Sydney offers proximity to well-paying job opportunities and desirable modern conveniences.
The Sydney inner suburbs have a vibrant social scene, a diverse community with picturesque scenery, and fast internet—everything that a young person will love.
As experts in the real estate industry in Australia, we’ll get you in on the loop on where to find your dream home in the inner city suburbs of Sydney.
<a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyers/">Listing Loop</a> is a free online platform that connects buyers with properties, making buying a home less tedious and smooth.
When you sign up, you get notified almost immediately after a new matching property hits the market. So many beautiful homes are posted daily on the platform by real estate agents Australia-wide.
Living in an inner-city suburb means you can work in the Sydney CBD and commute daily. All of the inner suburbs have an excellent public transport system that makes this easy.
Here, we’ve summarised three inner city suburbs that are most suitable for young people planning to live in Sydney. This is based on the quality of life, housing supply and property prices.
Young people will enjoy living in:
<ul>
 	<li>Paddington</li>
 	<li>Darlinghurst</li>
 	<li>Redfern</li>
</ul>
Let’s explore why these are the best inner-city suburbs for young people.
<h2>Paddington NSW</h2>
<figure><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-10228" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/listingloop-paddington-nsw.jpg" alt="Paddington NSW" width="900" height="550" data-image="u39v0zuj6zsm"></figure>
Paddington is one of Sydney’s eastern suburbs. It’s a 3km walking distance from the Sydney CBD.
When you walk through the suburb of Paddo, as the residents affectionately know it, you’ll immediately notice the beautiful heritage buildings.
Paddington is serviced by an excellent bus network. It’s perfect for young people who want to work and live in Sydney.
<h3>Paddington Lifestyle</h3>
Paddington has a very vibrant city lifestyle.
If you enjoy eating out, going shopping or clubbing, this is the place to be. There are numerous fashion stores located in the suburb and it offers a great social scene for young people.
Singles and young professional couples will enjoy living in Paddington.
Here are some of the best places you’ll enjoy as a young person living in Paddington.
<ul>
 	<li>Oxford Street - Entertainment and fashion.</li>
 	<li>Centennial Park - Walking and cycling.</li>
 	<li>Bondi Beach - only 4km away.</li>
</ul>
<h3>House Prices in Paddington</h3>
Most of the houses in Paddington are Victorian terrace houses.
Most houses have a courtyard—perfect for BBQs and enjoying the sunny Sydney weather. Paddington is ideal for <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/family-friendly-home/">young couples</a> who are thinking of starting a family.
Due to the record low interest rates, the demand in the Sydney housing market has gone up despite the extended lockdown period.
As the demand increases, Sydney property prices have gone up. Rental property in Paddington is also in very high demand as more people move to areas that offer excellent lifestyles.
Buyers and property investors are rushing to enjoy the low-interest mortgage rates of less than 4% set by the Reserve Bank. There’s also a limited supply of properties for sale in the market.
If you wish to get updates on secret property in the Paddington area, or any other place in Australia, download the free Listing Loop app. Also, check out Lending Loop for how you can get <a href="https://lendingloop.com.au/home-loans/buy-a-home/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">funding</a> for your dream home.
The table below shows the median house prices for 2021:
<table style="border: 1px solid #ccc; margin-bottom: 20px;" width="100%">
<tbody>
<tr style="vertical-align: top; background: #222222; color: white; line-height: 35px;">
<td style="width: 30%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">Buy/ Rent</td>
<td style="width: 30%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">House</td>
<td style="width: 30%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">Unit</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Buy</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">$2,800,000</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">$965,000</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Rent</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">$1,100 per week</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">$450 per week</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h2>Darlinghurst</h2>
<figure><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-10227" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/listingloop-darlinghurst.jpg" alt="Darlinghurst" width="900" height="550" data-image="wekqvx5tl44h"></figure>
Darlinghurst is located in the inner eastern area of Sydney. It’s only one kilometre from the CBD.
For those looking for real city life where everything is within reach, this is the place to be. It’s a beehive of activity with a high population of young people.
Around 100 years ago, Darlinghurst was viewed as a less desirable suburb. That has changed significantly in the last century.
Constant renovations and new developments continue to change the face of the suburb. Its popularity makes it one of Sydney’s best places to live for young people.
<h3>Darlinghurst Lifestyle</h3>
Darlinghurst is a very diverse suburb; as such, everybody fits in. There’s a community feel and general acceptance for people from all walks of life.
Gyms and parks are a common sight in Darlinghurst, making it suitable for fitness enthusiasts and young families.
Due to the multicultural society in Darlinghurst, you’re going to find plenty of diverse food options especially Thai restaurants, Italian pizzerias and sushi bars. For those who love to eat out, there’s so much to choose from.
There are frequent bus services to Darlinghurst. A walk from the CBD is only one kilometre as you enjoy the view of this beautiful suburb.
Young professionals and couples will definitely enjoy this suburb.
Here are some fun places in and around Darlinghurst:
<ul>
 	<li>Taylor Square - Fashion, pubs and restaurants.</li>
 	<li>Hidden bars and restaurants - you may even need a password to get in.</li>
 	<li>Some of the best beaches in the world are only 7km away.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Property Prices in Darlinghurst</h3>
With everything being remodelled, real estate prices have gone up in Darlinghurst.
Despite the property price growth experienced all over the city, Darlinghurst is still much more affordable than other suburbs. The quality of life is excellent, and it’s extremely popular with young people.
Property investment in Darlinghurst would be a wise move as many young people cannot afford to buy and prefer to rent.
Below are the median house value and rental prices.
<table style="border: 1px solid #ccc; margin-bottom: 20px;" width="100%">
<tbody>
<tr style="vertical-align: top; background: #222222; color: white; line-height: 35px;">
<td style="width: 30%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">Buy/Rent</td>
<td style="width: 30%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">House</td>
<td style="width: 30%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">Unit</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Buy</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">$1,900,000</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">$1,093,000</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Rent</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">$863 PW</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">$495 PW</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h2>Redfern</h2>
Redfern is located three kilometres south of the Sydney CBD.
The Redfern railway station is located at the western edge of the suburb and is one of the major junctions in Sydney. It’s one-stop away from Sydney Central station.
Frequent trains servicing the area and a convenient bus network make the area suitable for young professionals working in the Sydney CBD.
<h2>Redfern Lifestyle</h2>
If you want a place that’s safe, affordable and with a community spirit, then Redfern is where you should be.
Redfern has a vibrant art scene and is home to many Sydney artists. It’s also home to many indigenous communities with high importance placed on cultural heritage.
People living in Redfern also enjoy close proximity to the airport, only 6km away.
The Sydney City Council has worked on the streets and landscaping, and the gardens are well kept making it very pet and cycling friendly.
With close access to bars and restaurants, Redfern offers city life convenience without the hustle and bustle. This is suitable for young professionals, couples and singles.
The suburb offers the best of both worlds, with everything within reach and a calm and green area with beautiful houses.
Some lovely places to see in Redfern include:
<ul>
 	<li>Redfern Park - Green area that is serene and with beautiful trees.</li>
 	<li>Redfern Street - If you love art, this is a great place to enjoy a free exhibition.</li>
 	<li>Yoga Centre East Redfern - Home to some of the world’s leading yoga teachers.</li>
</ul>
<h3>House Prices in Redfern</h3>
The predominant Redfern style of housing is Victorian terraced housing, similar to Paddington. Like Darlinghurst, Redfern has also experienced gentrification and remodelling by the local government.
The remodelling is aimed at eradicating poverty and increasing the population, which has worked. The area is now very popular with young people.
Redfern has shown increased growth in commercial development. Despite that, the prices are still affordable.
Here are the median house prices for Redfern.
<table style="border: 1px solid #ccc; margin-bottom: 20px;" width="100%">
<tbody>
<tr style="vertical-align: top; background: #222222; color: white; line-height: 35px;">
<td style="width: 30%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">Rent/buy</td>
<td style="width: 30%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">House</td>
<td style="width: 30%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">Unit</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Buy</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">$1,600,000</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">$950,000</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Rent</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">$ 775 PW</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">$550 PW</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h2>Find Your Dream Home in Sydney</h2>
<figure><img class="alignnone wp-image-378 size-full" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/woman-on-ground-iphone-buyer-section_x1.jpg" alt="sites realestate.com.au is owned, mar 2 00pm" width="524" height="360" data-image="evkcjze30r90"></figure>
What if your dream house is out there but not listed on the major websites?
You could spend months and months trying to find it. Frustrating, right?
At Listing Loop, you’ll find houses <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/property-matching/">before they’re listed</a> anywhere else. You can find your dream house before anyone sees it, as buyers are notified every time there's an off-market property listed that matches their needs.
An off-market property is a property that’s ready to be sold without any advertisement. The idea is to find the right buyer—like you—instead of the property being listed on mainstream real estate websites for everyone to see, including the time wasters.
For <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/benefits-of-selling-off-market/">sellers</a> who’d love to have their house listed, consult with your agent to join Listing Loop. There are thousands of agents Australia-wide registered on the platform.
Agents stand to find a serious buyer faster when they post the house for sale on Listing Loop. It helps save time and is a smooth process for all the parties involved.
Whether you’re thinking of living or investing in any of these suburbs, all you need is your phone. Download the app and <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/propertyhub/#/signup/">sign up</a> to join the community.
Get in the loop now before someone else snaps up your dream home.<h2>We're here to help</h2>
We're always happy to help with all the dramas and stressors of house buying and selling.
And if you're particularly tired of house-hunting, we've even partnered with buyer advocates who can <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyer-assist/">check out homes for you</a> and organise sales assessments and negotiations.
Our off-market and pre-market marketplace gives you VIP access to properties so you can get in first.
Just sign up at <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/" target="_blank" title="Listing Loop website">Listing Loop</a> or download our app.

Property Market Sydney: The Best Inner City Suburbs for Young People

Owning a home is a dream for many Australians. Sadly, with a single income and dependants to care for, the ballooning property prices can sometimes lock single parents out of the property market.
The government has offered a lifeline to single parents across Australia through the Family Home Guarantee Scheme.
The scheme will run over four financial years, from January 2021 to June 2025. Let's take a closer look at what this first home owners grant has to offer.
<h2>What Does the Family First Home Owner Grant Guarantee Scheme Cover?</h2>
The Family Home Guarantee Scheme is a home owners grant scheme to help single parents purchase homes. Under the scheme, the Australian government will avail 10,000 guarantees on deposits to single-parent families to buy a residential property in the country.
Beneficiaries of the first home owner grant for singles will be able to build or buy new homes with deposits of no less than 2%. The scheme will work in a similar way to the First Home Loan Deposit Scheme.
Instead of putting up 5% under the Family Home Guarantee Scheme, you’ll only be expected to raise 2% for deposit. The government will guarantee the remaining 18% obligation.
The scheme also helps single parents to get a full exemption on lender’s mortgage insurance.
<h2>Who Qualifies for a First Home Owner Grant for Singles?</h2>
<figure><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-10149" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/listingloop-pimpama.jpg" alt="home owners may be eligible to pay stamp duty on total value by settlement date for residential home" width="514" height="540" data-image="6chzluv8je1u"></figure>
To qualify for this grant, you have to be a single parent over 18 years of age. You must prove that you’re a natural parent or have legally adopted your child in compliance with the <a href="http://classic.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/ssa1991186/">Social Security Act</a> of 1991.
You’ll also be required to prove that you’re responsible for the care of your child.
Note: If you’re separated but not divorced, you won’t be eligible to apply for this home owner grant.
Some of the basic eligibility requirements include:
<ul>
 	<li>You must be an Australian citizen. You won’t be considered if you’re a permanent resident or have applied for a permanent residency permit.</li>
 	<li>Your taxable income must be less than $250,000 per annum. If you receive child support, it won't be added to your aggregate income.</li>
 	<li>As a single parent, only your name must appear on the home loan and the property’s title.</li>
 	<li>Your child must be a dependant. Under Australian tax law, a dependant child should be under 21 years old. If your child is between 21 and 24 and you can prove that they’re a full-time student, they’ll also be considered legally dependant.</li>
 	<li>You shouldn’t currently own a home to qualify for this home owner grant. However, it doesn’t have to be your first time buying a home. If you’ve previously owned property, you can still qualify as long as you can prove you’re no longer a homeowner.</li>
</ul>
Find out more about the eligibility criteria from the <a href="http://www.nhc.gov.au/what-wedo/family-home-guarantee/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation.</a>
<h2>What Obligations Do You Have Under the First Home Owners Grant for Single Parents?</h2>
The first home owners grant is limited to residential property. You can’t apply for a loan to fund the purchase of a commercial or investment property.
You’ll be expected to live in the residential property as your principal place of residence. Exceptions will only be made for members of the Defence Forces who may have to live elsewhere on duty.
You won’t be allowed to change the purpose of the property.
Most importantly, you’ll be obligated to pay your monthly home loan instalments for the duration of your loan, which shouldn’t be more than 30 years.
<h2>What Types of Properties Can You Buy Through the Singles’ First Home Owner Grant?</h2>
<figure><img class="alignnone wp-image-10148 size-large" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/listingloop-types-of-properties-972x1024.jpg" alt="at least one applicant can buy with first home owner grant fhog for a continuous period, not a company property" width="640" height="674" data-image="ovzge5elm42d"></figure>
Under the first home owner grant, you can get:
<ul>
 	<li>An already built house, apartment, or townhouse</li>
 	<li>Land and house combo</li>
 	<li>Vacant land then get a stand-alone contract for home building</li>
 	<li>An off the plan townhouse or apartment</li>
</ul>
The grant will cap the price of the home you can buy or build at different limits depending on which part of the country you want to buy the property. The caps will also depend on whether you want to build or buy an existing home.
<h3>First Home Owner Grant for Singles Limits Per State</h3>
<table style="border: 1px solid #ccc; margin-bottom: 20px;" width="100%">
<tbody>
<tr style="vertical-align: top; background: #222222; color: white; line-height: 35px;">
<td style="width: 20%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">Territory / State</td>
<td style="width: 30%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;" colspan="2">Capital City</td>
<td style="width: 30%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;" colspan="2">Rest of the state</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;"></td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Buy existing home ($)</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Build new home($)</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Buy existing home($)</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Build new home($)</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">VIC</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">700,000</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">850,000</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">500,000</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">550,000</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">NSW</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">800,000</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">950,000</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">600,000</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">600,000</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">QLD</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">600,000</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">650,000</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">450,000</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">500,000</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">WA</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">500,000</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">550,000</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">400,000</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">400,000</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">SA</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">500,000</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">550,000</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">350,000</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">400,000</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">TAS</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">500,000</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">550,000</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">300,000</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">400,000</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">ACT</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">500,000</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">600,000</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">–</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">–</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">NT</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">500,000</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">550,000</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">–</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">–</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h2>How Do You Apply for the First Home Buyer Grants?</h2>
Each first home owner grant will be overseen by the National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation (NHFIC) through an approved bank or financial institution.
There are 27 approved mortgage brokers and financial institutions for the 2021 financial year. To apply, find a <a href="https://www.nhfic.gov.au/what-we-do/family-home-guarantee/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">lender</a> or approved agent near you and submit your supporting documents.
You won’t be expected to pay stamp duty or any extra costs for the grant, but as mentioned before, you’ll be obligated to pay off your home loan.
Note: The NHFIC doesn’t directly accept home owner grant applications.
<h2>What If You Have More Money Saved up for the Deposit?</h2>
The first home owner grant for singles will guarantee the difference for a deposit of up to 20% of the property’s market value.
They don’t actually pay up the balance. This means as far as your bank or financial institution is concerned, you’ll be getting a loan at a 2% deposit which translates to higher repayments.
<table style="border: 1px solid #ccc; margin-bottom: 20px;" width="100%">
<tbody>
<tr style="vertical-align: top; background: #222222; color: white; line-height: 35px;">
<td style="width: 25%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">Deposit %</td>
<td style="width: 25%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">Loan extended($)</td>
<td style="width: 25%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">Monthly payments($)</td>
<td style="width: 25%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">First-year repayments($)</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">2</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">490,000</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">2,037</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">24,444</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">5</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">475,000</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">1,975</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">23,700</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">10</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">450,000</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">1,871</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">22,452</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">15</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">425,000</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">1,767</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">21,204</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
(Figures based on a $500,000 home purchase)
So, if you have more saved up, pay a higher deposit and let the government guarantee the difference. (If you pay a 6% deposit, the NHFIC guarantees the 14% difference). That way, you will pay less in instalments to pay back your loan.
Remember that if you already have a 20% deposit saved up, you don’t qualify for the singles’ first home owner grant.
<h2>What Next After Your Loan Has Been Approved?</h2>
<figure><iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FListingLoopAU%2Fposts%2F3351956124906654&show_text=false&width=500" width="500" height="498" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure>
Once you’ve been approved for funding under the first home owner grant for singles, it's time to secure your property at market.
Get in touch with your agent to find the best property within the budget allowed by the home owner grant. Alternatively, register on one of the top off-market listing sites like Listing Loop.
<a href="https://listingloop.com.au/">Listing Loop</a> can help you identify potential homes that fit within your first home owner grant.
How?
You’ll get access to the best properties before other buyers get wind of those listings allowing you to choose the best home for your budget. Plus, you can make your choice without the pressure of other buyers outbidding you.
<figure><iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fandrewmbogut%2Fposts%2F351089949708635&show_text=false&width=500" width="500" height="498" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure>
So, register on <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyers/">Listing Loop</a> to find your perfect property match.<h2>We're here to help</h2>
We're always happy to help with all the dramas and stressors of house buying and selling.
And if you're particularly tired of house-hunting, we've even partnered with buyer advocates who can <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyer-assist/">check out homes for you</a> and organise sales assessments and negotiations.
Our off-market and pre-market marketplace gives you VIP access to properties so you can get in first.
Just sign up at <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/" target="_blank" title="Listing Loop website">Listing Loop</a> or download our app.
 <a href="https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/loving-mother-having-fun-dancing-with-preschooler-daughter-new-home_11072714.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Photo</a> by PCH.vector / <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">CC BY</a>

First Home Buyer Grants for Single Parents in Australia

With interest rates at record low levels, the number of homeowners refinancing skyrocketed to an all-time high in July. Today we’ll run you through why so many people are refinancing, and why you should consider doing so too.
We’re currently seeing more people refinance their home loans than ever before, and the latest <a style="color: #04b2e2;" href="https://www.abs.gov.au/media-centre/media-releases/refinancing-reached-all-time-high-july" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ABS figures</a> out this week prove we’re not imagining things.
Refinanced home loans reached an all-time high of $17.2 billion in July, which is a 6% increase in June.
It’s also more than double the value that was refinanced exactly two years prior in July 2019.
 
<h2>So why are homeowners refinancing in record numbers?</h2>
For starters, the <a style="color: #04b2e2;" href="https://www.rba.gov.au/statistics/cash-rate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">RBA cash rate</a> is at an all-time low of 0.1% following six rate cuts in three years.
As such, competition amongst lenders is fierce, with many offering record-low home loan rates in a bid to win over as many customers as possible.
In fact, <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-09-07/banks-slash-variable-interest-rate-as-reserve-bank-stays-on-hold/100440848" target="_blank" rel="noopener">RateCity reports</a> the number of variable rates under 2% on its database has jumped from 28 to 46 in just two months.
Borrowers are also opting to lock in their interest rate too, says the ABS, following reports that lenders have started increasing the rates on 3-5 year fixed-rate loans.
“Borrowers are seeking out lower interest rates, particularly for fixed-rate loans, and cashback deals across a large number of major and non-major lenders,” says ABS head of Finance and Wealth, Katherine Keenan.
COVID-19 is likely increasing the number of homeowners refinancing, too.
With many households and businesses around the country doing it tough right now, one simple way to reduce your monthly mortgage repayments is by refinancing.
 
<h2>How we help you refinance the right way</h2>
Now, fixed-rate loans and cashback deals might look super appealing at first glance, but they might not always be the best fit for your situation.
And that’s why it helps to have someone like us in your corner.
We can help you go through the fine print, fees and limitations that might exist within these loan options.
We can also help you determine whether a fixed, variable or split loan is better suited to your needs.
The other thing we’re great at is negotiating with your lender.
Your current lender won’t automatically give you their lowest rate going. You’ve got to ask them for it.
And you’ve also got to make it clear that if they don’t reduce your interest rate, you’re willing to find another lender who will.
This can be both intimidating, not to mention time-consuming and frustrating if they don’t want to play ball.
But lucky for you, we can do the leg-work for you.
So if you haven’t refinanced in the past few years, get in touch with us today and we could help you save thousands of dollars in interest repayments on your mortgage.<h2>We're here to help</h2>
We're always happy to help with all the dramas and stressors of house buying and selling.
And if you're particularly tired of house-hunting, we've even partnered with buyer advocates who can <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyer-assist/">check out homes for you</a> and organise sales assessments and negotiations.
Our off-market and pre-market marketplace gives you VIP access to properties so you can get in first.
Just sign up at <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/" target="_blank" title="Listing Loop website">Listing Loop</a> or download our app.
 
<h6>Disclaimer: The content of this article is general in nature and is presented for informative purposes. It is not intended to constitute tax or financial advice, whether general or personal nor is it intended to imply any recommendation or opinion about a financial product. It does not take into consideration your personal situation and may not be relevant to circumstances. Before taking any action, consider your own particular circumstances and seek professional advice. This content is protected by copyright laws and various other intellectual property laws. It is not to be modified, reproduced or republished without prior written consent.</h6>

Refinancing figures are on a record-breaking run: here’s why

Whether you want to buy real estate property in Australia’s capital city of Canberra, or other smaller, laidback townships like Naas, Williamsdale, Uriarra, Tharwa, or Hall, you’ll find unique challenges that you may not find anywhere else in Australia. 


But chances are, you’ll head straight to Canberra. Having a home in Canberra comes with many advantages that you may want to consider.




<h2>Why Should You Buy Real Estate Property in Canberra?</h2>


For starters, Canberra offers a slower pace, yet not really slow. Slower than Sydney and Melbourne definitely — but who wouldn't really mind a little less traffic?


Canberra is easier and quieter. 


It has excellent roads, fine restaurants—and guess what?


Unlike Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane, you don't have to get out of your suburb to hear the chirping sounds of birds.


In Canberra, nature is at your doorstep.


But there are downsides as well.


Canberra is a city <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-08-16/canberra-is-built-for-cars-how-can-public-transport-network-fit/12556220?nw=0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">built for the car</a>. So If you prefer public transport, you may not find it as user-friendly as other big cities in Australia.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img class="wp-image-9328" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/listingloop-prefer-public-transport-graph.jpg" alt="transport statistics of major towns in Australia including the capital Canberra" data-image="s39sqt0dxzxm">
<figcaption>Source: <a href="https://chartingtransport.com/2017/10/24/trends-in-journey-to-work-mode-shares-in-australian-cities-to-2016/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">chartingtransport.com</a></figcaption>
</figure>


In fact, Canberra leads Australia when it comes to car usage per person.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img class="wp-image-9329" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/listingloop-mileage-per-person.jpg" alt="Car kilometres per capita" data-image="u649cgf1jn3r"></figure>


What about housing costs?


<h3>The Cost of Real Estate Properties For Sale in Canberra Compared To Other Cities in Australia</h3>


An analysis of the ACT real estate market against other states and territories shows that Canberra is the third most expensive city.


If you want to have an idea of the cost of real estate properties for sale in Australia, you may want to do a cost comparison.


But don’t worry. We do this for you in the following table:


<table style="border: 1px solid #ccc; margin-bottom: 20px;" width="100%">
<tbody>
<tr style="vertical-align: top; background: #222222; color: white; line-height: 35px;">
<td style="width: 25%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">City</td>
<td style="width: 25%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">Cost of a Home</td>
<td style="width: 25%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">Average Monthly Mortgage Repayment</td>
<td style="width: 25%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">How many incomes required to service average monthly mortgage repayments</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Sydney</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">$1. 15 Million</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">$2, 500</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">1.7</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Melbourne</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">$901, 951</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">$2, 000</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">1.4</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Canberra</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">$788, 621</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">$2, 058</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">1.2</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Brisbane</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">$577, 664</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">$2, 167</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">1.1</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Hobart</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">$530, 570</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">$1, 733</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">1</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Adelaide</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">$542, 974</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">$1, 733</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">1</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Darwin</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">$509, 452</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">$2,167</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">0.8</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Perth</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">$537, 013</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">$2, 042</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">0.8</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>


You need to also know that in Canberra, you can’t sell land or buy land. Land is owned on a leasehold basis.


<h3>Land in Canberra is on Leasehold Basis: What This Means To a Home Buyer</h3>


Before you place a call to your real estate agent about properties for sale in ACT, you need to be aware that all real estate transactions in any suburb in ACT are on a leasehold basis. 


<h4>But What Really is a Leasehold Sale?</h4>


It’s like this...when you’re buying land in Kingston or any other suburb in Canberra through a real estate agent you are technically buying only the building. 


The land beneath does not belong to the seller. Therefore, the seller cannot sell it.


The Commonwealth government bought all the land on which the capital stands. Property owners only buy the right to use the land for a period of 99 years.


At the end of the lease, the owner of a home or an apartment is required to pay the ACT government some fees to renew the lease.


This is an addition to the land rents that the ACT government charges real estate property owners annually.


How much is the annual charge?


2% of the <a href="https://theconversation.com/introducing-land-rent-the-acts-excellent-idea-for-making-houses-cheaper-102578" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">market price</a>.


<h3>Houses in Canberra Must Be Rated For Energy Efficiency: What This Means To a Home Buyer</h3>


Since 1999, the ACT government requires all real estate properties for sale, whether it’s an apartment, a townhouse, or a home, to have a professional energy assessor rate the property for energy efficiency. This rating must be disclosed during a sale process.


What does this mean to the home buyer?


When you are evaluating an apartment or a house for sale in ACT, you need to ask for this information. Your real estate agent may help get an energy assessor to give you detailed information with regards to the energy efficiency of the house.


According to the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (<a href="https://www.nathers.gov.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">NatHERS</a>), houses are rated on a range between zero, for minimum rating, and 10 for maximum rating as follows:


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img class="wp-image-9330" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/listingloop-what-the-stars-mean.jpg" alt="moira maloney energy efficiency assessment of two bedrooms, three bedrooms four bedrooms, and five bedrooms of a townhouse, a suit, and a unit in the capital—for a house in gungahlin for which rent is paid by negotiation at 8:00pm or 9:00pm" data-image="pvx6tbg3yrgg">
<figcaption>Source: <a href="https://www.nathers.gov.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">nathers.gov.au</a></figcaption>
</figure>


If your real estate agent has identified a property in ACT, or you have discovered a house or apartment through <a href="https://listingloop.com.au">ListingLoop.com.au</a> — you need to look for a property which has higher ratings on the energy efficiency score.


You can find a qualified and licensed assessor at the website of the Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development <a href="https://www.planning.act.gov.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Directorate</a> of the ACT government.
It can save you thousands in future energy costs.




Though you’ll also pay a premium of up to 30% on the value of the house.


But it’s really worth it.


While other states and territories only have energy efficiency regulations for new homes and apartments, ACT has implemented the rules for all real estate properties and all suburbs within the ACT jurisdiction.


<h3>Real Estate Agents May Underquote: What This Means To a Home Buyer</h3>


This is what sometimes happens.


A real estate agent in Canberra or any area within the ACT may want to have a higher number of buyers interested in a real estate property.


Doing this will increase competition — and guess what else?


Sales price.


So a house may be correctly valued at, say, $500,000 - $550,000.


But what does the real estate agent do?


They quote it in the real estate price-list at $450,000.


When you receive such a quote, and you’ve got the bucks, you punch the air in excitement.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img class="wp-image-1539" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Guy-cheering-agent-section-1024x683.jpg" alt="moira maloney informs andrew about properties for sale on 15 april 12.30pm or at 8:00am in the capital" width="768" height="512" data-image="6bzjo37k3pyt">
<figcaption><a href="https://listingloop.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">ListingLoop.com.au</a></figcaption>
</figure>


You view the house or the apartment in Canberra and start the negotiations. If you are satisfied, you start doing the paperwork. You call your mortgage broker for a financing deal. 


The property may be going to auction and you find your hopes are dashed when it sells above your budgeted price. 



You’ve lost time and money.


Is there a way to prevent this?


This is what you need to do. When a property is listed in an ACT suburb of your choice, do your research. Often the price quoted may differ by 10-20%. 


Your real estate agent in ACT will guide you, then proceed cautiously.



You can avoid many of these risks by sidestepping auctions — and narrowing your search to <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/">off-market properties</a>.


<h3>Other Things To Consider When Buying a Real Estate Property in Canberra</h3>


There’s something positive and negative about all the suburbs in the capital. Charnwood is prestigious. It’s surrounded by nature and a well-informed neighbourhood. A place like Gungahlin is fairly affordable with good internet speeds. 


Generally, the south is less expensive and in most cases, only 10-20 minutes drive to the capital.


Then you also need to check safety records.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img class="wp-image-9331" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/listingloop-consider-buying-real-estate-property.jpg" alt="crime on each street, and in each townhouse, inside bathrooms, and on all parking areas in gungahlin, belconnen, and queanbeyan" data-image="w53tv27sw43v">
<figcaption>Source: <a href="https://www.policenews.act.gov.au/crime-statistics-and-data/crime-statistics" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">policenews.act.gov.au</a></figcaption>
</figure>


You also need to check the neighbourhood for social amenities like schools and hospitals.


The purchase process can feel overwhelming.


But it doesn’t have to be that way.


<h2>Why You Don’t Need Feel Overwhelmed</h2>


<a href="https://listingloop.com.au/">ListingLoop.com.au</a> is a useful marketplace for those who want to buy property in the capital. This is especially true for those who want to buy off-market property to avoid the bumpy road of purchasing property through auction.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img class="wp-image-9333" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/listingloop-home-page-1024x458.jpg" alt="Listingloop homepage" data-image="fzk8bn48st40">
<figcaption><a href="https://listingloop.com.au/">listingloop.com.au</a></figcaption>
</figure>


How much would you expect to pay for this incredible service? Probably a lot, but you’d be wrong. The cost to you?


$0. 


That’s right… Absolutely nothing. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. We look forward to working for you.<h2>We're here to help</h2>
We're always happy to help with all the dramas and stressors of house buying and selling.
And if you're particularly tired of house-hunting, we've even partnered with buyer advocates who can <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyer-assist/">check out homes for you</a> and organise sales assessments and negotiations.
Our off-market and pre-market marketplace gives you VIP access to properties so you can get in first.
Just sign up at <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/" target="_blank" title="Listing Loop website">Listing Loop</a> or download our app.


<a href="https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/broker-meeting-clients_5766794.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Photo</a> by Pressfoto / <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">CC BY</a>

ACT Real Estate: Pain Points and Positives for Homebuyers

With the pandemic once again tightening its grip around many parts of Australia, today we’ll run you through hardship and grant options that could be available to you or your business.
Setting all politics aside, it’s safe to say no one wants to be here. Yet here we are – this time with no JobKeeper or the original JobSeeker payment to help keep us afloat.
So what grants, schemes and hardship arrangements are available to small businesses and individuals this time around?
Let’s run through this year’s COVID support options below.
<h3>Loan deferrals on home and business loans</h3>
Impacted small businesses with loans in good standing are being supported by lenders with repayment deferrals of up to three months.
For home loan holders, lenders are also providing a range of support measures, including loan deferrals on a month-by-month basis.
Since July 8, more than 14,500 home loans have been deferred, while more than 600 business loans have been deferred.
“Support is available to all small businesses and home loan customers significantly impacted by current lockdowns or recovering from recent lockdowns, irrespective of geography or industry,” <a style="color: #04b2e2;" href="https://www.ausbanking.org.au/banks-offer-loan-deferrals-as-lockdowns-continue/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">says Anna Bligh</a>, CEO of the Australian Banking Association.
<h3>Business grants and payments</h3>
As you’ll see below, each state and territory has their own grants and schemes available for businesses and individuals.
As the situation is constantly evolving, it’s worth double-checking to see if your business is eligible for any other grants or payments not listed below.
NSW: If you’re a business, sole trader or not-for-profit organisation in NSW and you’ve been impacted by the recent COVID-19 restrictions, you may be eligible for a one-off grant of $7,500, $10,500 or $15,000. <a style="color: #04b2e2;" href="https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/2021-covid-19-business-grant" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Apply here</a> by September 13.
Victoria: There are <a style="color: #04b2e2;" href="https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/business-grants-and-support" target="_blank" rel="noopener">several grants in Victoria</a> for employing and non-employing businesses. The Small Business COVID Hardship Fund provides $10,000 grants for eligible SMEs that have experienced a reduction in turnover of at least 70%. <a style="color: #04b2e2;" href="https://business.vic.gov.au/grants-and-programs/small-business-covid-hardship-fund" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Apply here</a> by September 10. The Business Costs Assistance Program Round Two offers grants of $4800 to eligible businesses in <a style="color: #04b2e2;" href="https://business.vic.gov.au/grants-and-programs/business-costs-assistance-program-round-two-july-extension/eligible-anzsic-classes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">specific industries</a>. <a style="color: #04b2e2;" href="https://business.vic.gov.au/grants-and-programs/business-costs-assistance-program-round-two-july-extension" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Apply here</a> by August 20.
Queensland: Lockdown-impacted businesses in Queensland can apply to receive a grant ranging from $10,000 to $30,000, depending on the size of their annual payroll. Grants of $1,000 are also available for non-employing sole traders. <a style="color: #04b2e2;" href="https://www.business.qld.gov.au/starting-business/advice-support/grants/covid19-support-grants" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Apply here</a> by November 16.
Western Australia: The Small Business Lockdown Assistance Grant: Round Two provides $3000 cash flow support to small businesses in industry sectors most impacted by the recent circuit-breaker four-day lockdown and interim restrictions. <a style="color: #04b2e2;" href="https://www.smallbusiness.wa.gov.au/lockdown-assistance" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Apply here</a> by August 31.
South Australia: Small and medium-sized businesses forced to close as a result of the state’s lockdown (beginning 20 July 2021) may be eligible for a $3,000 emergency cash grant. Sole traders may be eligible for $1000. <a style="color: #04b2e2;" href="https://www.revenuesaonline.sa.gov.au/?a=e&m=sbg3&d=Application" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Apply here</a> by October 17.
ACT: COVID-19 Business Support Grants will provide up to $10,000 for employing businesses and up to $4,000 for non-employing businesses that experienced a turnover decline of 30% or more as a result of the COVID-19 lockdown health restrictions. Find out more <a style="color: #04b2e2;" href="https://www.act.gov.au/business/business-support/covid-19-economic-support-for-business" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.
<h3>For individuals</h3>
The federal government’s <a style="color: #04b2e2;" href="https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/covid-19-disaster-payment" target="_blank" rel="noopener">COVID-19 Disaster Payment</a> is a lump sum payment to help workers unable to earn an income due to a COVID-19 state public health order.
This may involve a lockdown, hotspot or movement restrictions. How much you can get depends on your location and circumstances. It’s available to eligible ACT, NSW, QLD, SA and Victoria residents.
<h3>Tenant and landlord support</h3>
NSW landlords who reduce rents for tenants hard-hit by the pandemic will be able to access up to $3,000 per the tenancy agreement.
For landlords to be <a style="color: #04b2e2;" href="https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/resource-library/publications/coronavirus-covid-19/property/moratorium" target="_blank" rel="noopener">eligible</a>, their tenant’s take-home weekly income must have fallen by 25% or more. The tenant also needs to continue to pay at least 25% of the rent payable.
Meanwhile, the Victorian Government has made it a <a style="color: #04b2e2;" href="https://www.vsbc.vic.gov.au/news-publication/commercial-tenancy-relief-for-victorians-in-small-business/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">requirement for commercial landlords</a> to provide rent relief that matches their tenants’ fall in turnover in response to coronavirus, where the tenant is eligible for commercial tenancy relief support.
<h3>Get in touch today</h3>
Last but not least, it’s worth noting that there are refinance or restructure options you can explore in order to reduce your business or home loan repayments each month (without hitting the pause button). These include:
– asking for a better rate or moving to a lender that can provide one;
– extending the length of your loan;
– switching to interest-only payments for a period of time; and
– consolidating debt.
So if your business or household is one of the many doing it tough again, please get in touch today – we’re ready to assist you through 2021 and beyond, in any way we can.<h2>We're here to help</h2>
We're always happy to help with all the dramas and stressors of house buying and selling.
And if you're particularly tired of house-hunting, we've even partnered with buyer advocates who can <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyer-assist/">check out homes for you</a> and organise sales assessments and negotiations.
Our off-market and pre-market marketplace gives you VIP access to properties so you can get in first.
Just sign up at <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/" target="_blank" title="Listing Loop website">Listing Loop</a> or download our app.
<h6>Disclaimer: The content of this article is general in nature and is presented for informative purposes. It is not intended to constitute tax or financial advice, whether general or personal nor is it intended to imply any recommendation or opinion about a financial product. It does not take into consideration your personal situation and may not be relevant to circumstances. Before taking any action, consider your own particular circumstances and seek professional advice. This content is protected by copyright laws and various other intellectual property laws. It is not to be modified, reproduced or republished without prior written consent.</h6>

COVID hardship and grant options that could help you

The breathtaking views and village-like atmosphere of the communities throughout the Mornington Peninsula make it a wonderful place to live. It's one of the hottest property markets in Australia, especially as city buyers chase a sea change down the coast. If you have property on the Mornington Peninsula and are thinking of selling, never has there been a better time.
<figure><img class="wp-image-750 size-full" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/ListingLoop-Millionaires-Walk-Sorrento.png" alt="Walk along Millionaires Walk Sorrento" width="953" height="452" data-image="4sathlsjwl30"></figure>
 <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/why-everyone-is-moving-to-the-mornington-peninsula/">Why everyone is moving to the Mornington Peninsula</a> 
To get the best deal, you must choose the best real estate agent for the job.
To help you out, we look at some of the most important tips for selecting a real estate agent on the Mornington Peninsula. Let’s get to it.
<h2>What to Consider in a Real Estate Agent on the Mornington Peninsula</h2>
<figure><iframe src="https://assets.pinterest.com/ext/embed.html?id=425660602274385321" width="450" height="444" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></figure>
<h3>The Agent Should Have In-Depth Knowledge of the Mornington Peninsula Property Market</h3>
A real estate agent should make it as simple as possible to conclude the sale without any hitches. If you choose the wrong agent, it’ll make the process much harder than it should be.
So you need to do thorough research. Browse the internet and visit agents’ offices, if you can, to find out some critical information like:
<ul>
 	<li>Do they have a valid real estate licence?</li>
 	<li>How long has the real estate agent been operating on the Mornington Peninsula?</li>
 	<li>How well do they know your specific neighbourhood?</li>
 	<li>What is their success rate for similar properties like yours?</li>
</ul>
An agent with more experience will know more about the process than a fresh player in the industry. On the other hand, new agents may be more enthusiastic and eager to find you a buyer.
It’s best to choose an agent with strong connections on <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/why-everyone-is-moving-to-the-mornington-peninsula/">the Mornington Peninsula</a> as they are likely to have a database of buyers who are looking to buy a property like yours.
<h3>The Agent Should Have Strong Interpersonal and Communication Skills</h3>
Selling your home isn’t an easy decision to make. It helps if you find an agent who can calm your fears and talk you through the process.
Go for one who makes you feel comfortable. You should be free to ask everything you need to know without apprehension.
Get in touch with different agents about your intention to sell and see how they respond to your multitude of questions.
You can also attend a few open for inspections they host around the Mornington Peninsula to see how they relate to buyers. Check out if the agent is friendly and how well they indulge questions from buyers.
Pro tip: When it comes to evaluating how well you’ll work and communicate with an agent, go with your gut. Even if the agent comes highly recommended, if they don’t sit well with you, make a different choice.
<h3>How Does The Agent Intend To Advertise Your Property</h3>
Many agents have a standard formula for advertising properties for sale and typically when you sign with an agent, payment for the advertising fees are required upfront.
In Melbourne the average cost of advertising fees is anywhere from $5,000 - $8,000 plus, and in some instances it can even be in excess of $15,000!
Property advertising fees can be a major roadblock to selling your house, so that's why it's important to select an agent that gives you options.
In today's market, look for an agent that has a comprehensive and well-rounded strategy that includes both off-market and on-market property sales.
<figure><iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FListingLoopAU%2Fposts%2F3657980277637569&show_text=false&width=500" width="500" height="498" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure>
If your agent uses an off-market listing platform like <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/">Listing Loop</a>, you can still sell your house for a premium. Specifically:
<ul>
 	<li>You won’t have to pay for upfront advertising costs.</li>
 	<li>The off-market listing gives you access to serious buyers who are often willing to pay extra to close the deal faster and stave off the competition.</li>
 	<li>You avoid leaving a trail on search engines, which means you can easily adjust your price upwards should market conditions change.</li>
</ul>
Bottom line, choose an agent who uses Listing Loop’s off-market property platform to increase your chances of scoring a fast and lucrative deal.
<h3>The Agent Should Charge a Reasonable Fee</h3>
Ask a few real estate agents and do some background research to <a href="https://www.accc.gov.au/consumers/health-home-travel/real-estate" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ensure you pay a fair price</a>. Here are some of the most common ways they charge for their services.
<ul>
 	<li>Up to 5% of the selling price usually covers their commission.</li>
 	<li>In some cases, the agent will only charge you when the sale is completed.</li>
 	<li>Agents may also use a tier-based system to charge a fixed percentage below a certain amount and increase the charges for higher amounts.</li>
</ul>
For example, for the property pictured below, you may be charged 2% if the agent sells the property at $1.9 million, after which the rate goes up.
<figure><iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FListingLoopAU%2Fposts%2F3172895259479409&show_text=false&width=500" width="500" height="497" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure>
Regardless of how an agent charges, remember that rates aren't always set in stone. You can negotiate with the agent to secure a rate that’ll make both of you happy.
Also, make sure that all the agreed fees are clearly stipulated in the agency agreement to avoid any clashes when closing the deal.
<h2>Checklist for Finding a Real Estate Agent on the Mornington Peninsula</h2>
The table below summarises some of the key questions you should ask when you get in touch with real estate agents.
<table style="border: 1px solid #ccc; margin-bottom: 20px;" width="100%">
<tbody>
<tr style="vertical-align: top; background: #222222; color: white; line-height: 35px;">
<td style="width: 20%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">Factor</td>
<td style="width: 50%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">Question to ask</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Knowledge</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">How long have you been a real estate agent? 
Do you work as an individual or as a team? 
How do you plan to get me the best price? 
Have you sold any houses before in the area?</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Communication and vibe</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">How often will you get in touch or send me updates? 
What does selling my home mean to you?</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Advertising</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Which platforms will you use to advertise my property? 
Do you use Listing Loop? 
How much do I have to pay for advertising?</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Charges</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">What are your fees? 
Are there any other hidden charges I should know about?</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h2>Choosing a Mornington Peninsula Real Estate Agent</h2>
<figure><iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FListingLoopAU%2Fposts%2F2510664575702484&show_text=false&width=500" width="500" height="497" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure>
Now that you know what to look for, it’s time to find the best agent for your needs. You can start by asking for referrals from friends, family or colleagues who have sold their properties previously.
Alternatively, browse the internet and make a shortlist of prospective agents. Then compare them based on how well they answer your questions and the vibe they give off.
So, go ahead and select the best Mornington Peninsula agents to win you the best deal.
Give yourself an advantage. Choose an agent that incorporates a <a href="https://copysmiths.monday.com/protected_static/7196586/resources/250175065/Listing%20Loop%20REB%20Online%20Advertorial%204.docx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">pre and off-market strategy</a> through Australia’s leading marketplace <a href="https://www.therealestatevoice.com.au/listing-loop/">Listing Loop</a>.<h2>We're here to help</h2>
We're always happy to help with all the dramas and stressors of house buying and selling.
And if you're particularly tired of house-hunting, we've even partnered with buyer advocates who can <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyer-assist/">check out homes for you</a> and organise sales assessments and negotiations.
Our off-market and pre-market marketplace gives you VIP access to properties so you can get in first.
Just sign up at <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/" target="_blank" title="Listing Loop website">Listing Loop</a> or download our app.

Real Estate Agents Mornington Peninsula: 4 Tips Sellers Must Consider

Melbourne is Australia's second-largest city in terms of population. It’s also the second most expensive capital city in the national property market.
Its real estate has one of the highest long-term rates of capital gain. This has caused property prices to skyrocket, pricing many first home buyers out of the market and into the outer suburbs.
But it’s not all doom and gloom. Our <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyers/">real estate agents</a> within Listing Loop are on hand to help you navigate the fantastic inner and outer city suburbs full of character.
Despite an increase in property values, the housing market continues to post positive results. But can the capital city of Victoria sustain its momentum moving forward?
Let’s dive a little deeper into the Melbourne real estate market to find out more.
<h2>Why Buy Property in Melbourne?</h2>
<figure><img class="wp-image-1684" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Melbourne-Skyline-Image.jpg" alt="Melbourne City Scape" width="900" height="427" data-image="v4p8mpaod8ns"></figure>
 Melbourne's skyline at dusk.
In the last five years, a steady increase in house values and tenants occupancy have both been decisive reasons for investors to buy into the Melbourne housing market.
As one of the most liveable cities in the world, Melbourne has attracted many people from across the globe, making it an attractive destination for new residents.
Analysts laud the mass influx of national and international migrants as the main catalyst to Melbourne’s booming property market.
Related: <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/how-to-buy-off-market-properties-for-sale-in-melbourne/">Buy off-market properties for sale in Melbourne</a>
<h2>Melbourne Suburbs Where it’s Cheaper to Buy Than Rent</h2>
Recent <a href="https://reiv.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Real Estate Institute of Victoria</a> data suggests that if you know where to look, buying your first home in Melbourne can still be quite affordable – perhaps even more so than renting.
A comparison of the western vs the eastern suburbs gives the best analysis of house prices in Melbourne.
The city’s western suburbs are the most affordable. However, as you head towards the east and south-eastern suburbs, house prices tend to increase.
According to <a href="https://www.pwc.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">PricewaterhouseCoopers</a> (PWC), community safety is the <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/property-or-location/">most important factor</a> in determining how much people love where they live.
<h3>Docklands</h3>
The Docklands is one of Melbourne's prime waterfront locations and buying a one-bedroom unit here is surprisingly affordable.
According to data from <a href="https://reiv.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">REIV</a>, it will cost you $442 a week in repayments for a mortgage on a $420,000 one-bedroom unit.
If you were to rent a similar property, it would set you back at least $450. This is $8 more than mortgage repayments.
<h3>Carlton</h3>
This Melbourne suburb sits just north of the city’s most central point.
Data from REIV further suggests that it will cost you $226 a week in repayments for a one-bedroom unit in the area. Rent for a similar property is $149 more expensive.
This further proves that you don’t have to look to more quiet or removed areas for affordability. Shrewd investors can also consider such properties for their low maintenance costs and high rental yields.
Related: <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/reiv-partnership/">Listing Loop partners with REIV</a>
<h3>Melbourne CBD</h3>
Melbourne’s central business district offers a vibrant hub for dining, arts, live entertainment and towering office buildings.
The Melbourne CBD also dominates in vacant apartments. A one-bedroom unit that sells for $328,000 will cost $345 a week in repayments. That is roughly $50 cheaper than renting a similar house.
<h2>Statistics & Facts of the Melbourne Property Market</h2>
Let’s take a look at the city of Melbourne in numbers.
<table style="border: 1px solid #ccc; margin-bottom: 20px;" width="100%">
<tbody>
<tr style="vertical-align: top; background: #222222; color: white; line-height: 35px;">
<td style="width: 25%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="width: 25%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">​Latest figure (year)</td>
<td style="width: 25%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">Past figure (year)</td>
<td style="width: 25%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">​Source</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">​Estimated resident population (ERP)</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">183,756 (2020)</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">178,994 (2019)</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;"><a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/population/regional-population/2019-20" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Australian Bureau of Statistics</a></td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Median age</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">​28 (2016)</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">​28 (2011)</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;"><a href="https://quickstats.censusdata.abs.gov.au/census_services/getproduct/census/2016/quickstat/LGA24600?opendocument" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Australian Bureau of Statistics</a></td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">​Residential dwellings</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">​89,200 (2019)</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;"></td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;"><a href="https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/about-melbourne/research-and-statistics/city-economy/census-land-use-employment/Pages/clue-data-and-reports.aspx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">City of Melbourne</a></td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">​Total built space</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">35,100,000 m2 (2019)</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">33,900,000 m2 (2018)</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;"><a href="https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/about-melbourne/research-and-statistics/city-economy/census-land-use-employment/Pages/clue-data-and-reports.aspx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">City of Melbourne</a></td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Number of establishments (business locations)</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">16,700 (2019)</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">16,800 (2018)</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;"><a href="https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/about-melbourne/research-and-statistics/city-economy/census-land-use-employment/Pages/clue-data-and-reports.aspx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">City of Melbourne</a></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Unit, House or Apartment</h3>
Apartments in Melbourne only contribute 7% of the housing stock, making it the most undersupplied city in the western world with regard to apartments and other forms of medium-density housing.
Other cities of similar size around the world have between 30-40% of all their housing stock in the form of apartments.
A unit that costs the same as a house of similar size will outperform the house in capital growth.
Although you can’t subdivide or expand the size of a unit, they have lower maintenance costs, are cheaper to run and can be leased out.
The approach many investors prefer involves buying when the prices are low and selling when the prices are high.
For a first home buyer predisposed to risk, an opportunity to buy when prices are low will eventually present itself, like in today's market.
Once you select the location that meets your criteria, there are some general rules to consider when buying a good property in the city.
<table style="border: 1px solid #ccc; margin-bottom: 20px;" width="100%">
<tbody>
<tr style="vertical-align: top; background: #222222; color: white; line-height: 35px;">
<td style="width: 50%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">When buying houses consider</td>
<td style="width: 50%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">When buying apartments consider</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Proximity to good schools</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">The accessibility and daily functioning within a high rise apartment</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Access to community amenities</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Basic essentials are within the reach</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Public transportation that is within walking distance</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">The age of the building</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Proximity to the central business district</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">The security measures within the property</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Houses with good quality and with potential to add value</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">The maintenance charges of the property</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Property Values</h3>
In the last four decades, the Sydney and Melbourne property markets have been among the best and most consistent real estate markets in Australia.
Over that period, Melbourne’s average house price has increased by 7.9% per year, while prices for units and apartments have increased by 7.73% per year on average.
<h3>House Prices</h3>
In recent years, house prices in some of Melbourne’s more affordable suburbs have soared by at least 47%.
Suburbs such as Crib Point, Bittern and Capel Sound on the Mornington Peninsula, and leafy Romsey, are among those notching double-digit growth.
Areas north and west of the CBD that had upgraded road and rail infrastructure and strong population growth were the strongest inexpensive unit markets.
There was also a strong price growth in suburbs in scenic locations with access to parks and recreation amenities.
<h3>Auction Markets</h3>
Data from <a href="https://www.corelogic.com.au/news/march-quarter-auction-market-review" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">CoreLogic’s</a> latest auction market review reveal that less than 4 out of 10 houses in Melbourne’s central business district were auctioned in the March quarter. This made the CBD a buyer’s market in comparison to the rest of the city.
Across Melbourne, the average clearance rate increased by 77.5% - a 9% increase from the previous quarter.
Here’s a breakdown of capital city auction clearance rates and volumes.
<table style="border: 1px solid #ccc; margin-bottom: 20px;" width="100%">
<tbody>
<tr style="vertical-align: top; background: #222222; color: white; line-height: 35px;">
<td style="width: 33.33%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">City</td>
<td style="width: 33.33%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">Clearance Rate (%)</td>
<td style="width: 33.33%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">Number of Auctions</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Sydney</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">62.2</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">7,135</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Melbourne</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">63.8</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">8,882</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Brisbane</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">41.7</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">1,066</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Adelaide</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">52.3</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">827</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Perth</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">35.1</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">287</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Tasmania</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">51.3</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">66</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Canberra</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">65.1</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">639</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Combined Capitals</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">62.5</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">18,902</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Source: <a href="https://www.corelogic.com.au/news/march-quarter-auction-market-review" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">CoreLogic</a> Quarterly Auction ReviewMarch quarter data
<h2>Melbourne Housing Market Forecasts</h2>
The Victoria economy has historically been Australia’s strongest state economy, creating more jobs than any other state. Unfortunately, 2020 and 2021 haven’t been the best of years worldwide - never mind Victoria.
Melbourne has had a sluggish economy due to the most lockdowns of any other Australian state and its employment rate isn’t as good as it used to be.
Despite the unfortunate setbacks caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, we expect the market demand to surge again in the future because:
<ul>
 	<li>Many first home buyers will be in the market en masse.</li>
 	<li>The strong foreign interest from tourists, migrants, and investors when life goes back to normal is expected to spur growth.</li>
 	<li>Melbourne is expected to see a lot more apartments and other forms of affordable and convenient housing due to population growth.</li>
</ul>
A<a href="https://listingloop.com.au/agents/">gents</a> understand the ins and outs of Melbourne’s real estate. They're at hand to help you find the perfect property regardless of what your needs or budget are.
If you’re interested in owning your own little piece of Melbourne real estate by making the switch from renting to buying, check our <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/faq/">Frequently Asked Questions</a> to learn how you can get started.<h2>We're here to help</h2>
We're always happy to help with all the dramas and stressors of house buying and selling.
And if you're particularly tired of house-hunting, we've even partnered with buyer advocates who can <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyer-assist/">check out homes for you</a> and organise sales assessments and negotiations.
Our off-market and pre-market marketplace gives you VIP access to properties so you can get in first.
Just sign up at <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/" target="_blank" title="Listing Loop website">Listing Loop</a> or download our app.
 <a href="https://www.pxfuel.com/en/free-photo-qxzwl" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Photo</a> by Pxfuel / <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">CC BY</a>

4 Interesting Facts and Figures About the Melbourne Property Market

Hawthorn is a desirable Melbourne locale that is tucked between lively Richmond and the leafy ease of Camberwell.


Packed to the gills with its high-density shopping strip, impressive properties for sale, tree-lined streets, and excellent public transport, Hawthorn is truly a diverse area.


Widely popular for the grand suburban lifestyle that it offers residents, Hawthorn is close enough to the central business district for an easy commute to work but still far enough from the hustle and bustle of the city.


Head to Glenferrie Road and explore the main thoroughfare, bustling with restaurants and student-filled cafes.
Check out <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/contact-us/">Listing Loop</a> and get matched to properties so you can finally put down family roots in the area.



 



<h2>Finding Property in Hawthorn</h2>



Looking for somewhere to live in Hawthorn? Or maybe you're looking to sell a property?



Listing Loop has got you covered. We are Australia's leading marketplace for pre-market and off-market properties and help match you to the perfect property in the popular Melbourne location.



Discover the beautiful selection of houses for sale in a gorgeous, leafy suburb that boasts tree-lined streets, lush green parks, quaint shopping strips and excellent schools.



To find your dream home:



<ol>
<li><a href="https://listingloop.com.au/propertyhub/#/signup">Sign up</a> to Listing Loop for free.</li>
<li>Register your suburb of choice and the type of house you desire.</li>
<li>Receive real time property match alerts and monitor your property matches in your personalised Listing Loop dashboard.</li>
</ol>
<a href="https://listingloop.com.au/propertyhub/#/login/">Register for free</a> and we’ll match you to properties in Hawthorn with the minimum effort possible.



But what makes Hawthorn so in-demand or so special? 



<h2>Everything You Need to Know About Hawthorn</h2>



Hawthorn has gone through a radical change from the days it was referred to as Melbourne’s dull inner-eastern suburb. 



Today, the picturesque suburb is a vibrant mix of old and new, with beautiful homes set along leafy tree-lined streets.



What else does Hawthorn have to offer? Let’s take a closer look.



<h2>Strong Community</h2>



Located 6 km east of Melbourne CBD, in Boroondara, Victoria, Hawthorn is home to over 23,000 people. The community offers buyers a ‘middle-ring’ residential suburb that is home to both Swinburne and Melbourne Universities.



Coupled with its proximity to the city, students and young professionals live side by side with established Melbourne families, empty nesters and families with kids.



<h2>Hawthorn Real Estate</h2>



When it comes to housing, Hawthorn real estate offers plenty of options to choose from.



Singles, professionals and students populate the area’s many apartments and 1970s-built flats. Families and retirees mostly flock to the beautiful period homes, imposing Victorian mansions, single-front cottages and sweeping estates.



A largely residential suburb, these contrasts are what makes houses for sale in Hawthorn so appealing to buyers.



Houses in the beautiful Urquhart Estate can fetch as much as $3,500,000. 



If you’re looking for a vintage home, consider exploring the Edwardian and Victorian architecture homes in Grace Park Estate.



Young couples in their late 20s and early 30s who prefer peaceful, safe streets should look into Yarra Street and the area close to St James Park. 



Many properties for sale in the area feature a mixture of large period houses. You’ll also find modern apartment complexes ideal for empty nesters.



<table style="border: 1px solid #ccc; margin-bottom: 20px;" width="100%">
<tbody>
<tr style="vertical-align: top; background: #222222; color: white; line-height: 35px;">
<td style="width: 10%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="width: 20%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">Median Sale Price</td>
<td style="width: 20%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">Median Price Change (1 yr)</td>
<td style="width: 20%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">Median Rent (pw)</td>
<td style="width: 20%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">Median Gross Yield</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Hawthorn</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">$2.5m</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">13.82%</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">$775</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">1.6%</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">National Average</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">$485k</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">4.30%</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">$395</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">4.24%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>



<h2>Excellent Commute</h2>



With Hawthorn train station and tram 75 in close proximity, residents can easily navigate the area.



Residents can also drive to the city by heading down Burwood Rd, Bridge Rd or Victoria St. Furthermore, a central location between the Monash and Eastern freeways makes travel plans and weekend getaways a breeze.



Travel Tip: In peak hours, the No. 75 tram can be annoyingly slow along Bridge Road. If you’re commuting to the city, it’s best to get off at Hawthorn Station and catch the train.



<h2>Lifestyle</h2>



The pricey Melbourne locale has somewhat more character than its surrounding suburbs, thanks to its proximity to hip Richmond and the central business district. 



Green spaces, stately homes and outstanding schools keep well-to-do Melbourne families firmly rooted in the area.



A select yet impressive number of restaurants, bars, a well-established shopping strip and the student-driven coffee scene, keeps everyone buzzing and satisfied. 



<h3>Shopping</h3>



Whether it’s stocking up on supplies or snagging a unique find, residents browse the busy Hawthorn shopping strip for serious shopping satisfaction. For more choices look no further than Glenferrie Road. 



If it’s bespoke artisan goods or a one-of-a-kind accent for your home, browse the <a href="http://hawthornmakersmarket.org.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Hawthorn Makers Market</a> for that special find.



More retail therapy awaits in the many specialty stores along Auburn Road and Riversdale Road.



<h3>Dining</h3>



If you prefer to dine out or simply catch up with friends over a latte, Hawthorn is home to plenty of down-home and locally-owned restaurants and eateries.



Glenferrie Road is at the heart of the action with multicultural and gorgeous restaurants, including the widely popular <a href="https://www.myguidemelbourne.com/restaurants/crab-apple-kitchen" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Crabapple Kitchen</a>.



Find an interesting book to read at <a href="https://www.readings.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Readings</a> — Melbourne’s legendary bookshop — and then splurge on top-shelf bubbles or whiskey at <a href="https://www.smallpatchwinestore.com.au/collections/spirits/whiskey" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Small Patch</a>. The amazing Hawthorn dining scene is complemented by an upscale ethos.



<h3>Entertainment</h3>



For grown-up getaways and adult fun, you can sample the city’s best nightlife in popular bars and intimate pubs. If a cold beer or something a bit stronger is your drink of choice, slide into <a href="https://www.thekilburn.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">The Kilburn</a> where whiskey is the star attraction.



Satisfy your ears with the best jazz players in town every Friday and Saturday night at the Lido Jazz Room, or feast your eyes with a film at <a href="https://www.lidocinemas.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Lido Cinemas</a>.



<h3>Cultural Options</h3>



Get your fix of arts and culture without ever leaving Hawthorn. 



Set your mind to creative, metaphysical or ethical matters by trying an introductory course at the School of Philosophy.



Travel back in time and learn more about Melbourne's colourful past at the <a href="http://www.hawthorntramdepot.org.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Tram Museum</a>. Explore the many heritage sites and buildings in the area.



<table style="border: 1px solid #ccc; margin-bottom: 20px;" width="100%">
<tbody>
<tr style="vertical-align: top; background: #222222; color: white; line-height: 35px;">
<td style="width: 50%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">Glenferrie Area</td>
<td style="width: 50%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">Hawthorn West Area</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Grace Park House (1857)</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Hawthorn bridge (1861), Bridge Road</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Glenferrie Primary School (1877)</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Invergowrie (1846)</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Oxley Road church (1888)</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Tay Creggan (1893), Strathcona campus</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">‘Centria’ Mansion (1891), 521 Glenferrie Road</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Hawthorn railway station (1890)</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Glenferrie railway station (1918)</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Former tram depot (1916), Wallen Road</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Glenferrie oval grandstand (1938)</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;"></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>



<h3>Parks & Recreation</h3>



A significant amount of the land in Hawthorn is devoted to recreational use and parks. 



With this in mind, the primary hub of activity for the community is <a href="https://hawthorn.boroondaraleisure.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Hawthorn Aquatic and Leisure Centre</a>.



If you appreciate nature and all it has to offer, spend a sunny afternoon outside with the family at <a href="https://www.boroondara.vic.gov.au/recreation-arts/parks-and-gardens/anderson-park" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Anderson Park</a>. 



Discover <a href="https://www.boroondara.vic.gov.au/recreation-arts/parks-and-gardens/central-gardens" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Central Gardens</a> and for fresh air thrills, aim your bike towards the nearby banks of the Yarra River at <a href="https://www.boroondara.vic.gov.au/recreation-arts/parks-and-gardens/fairview-park" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Fairview Park</a>. 



In case you're wondering, spectator sports fans in these parts love to barrack for the Hawks — Hawthorn’s beloved AFL team.



<h3>Education</h3>



Some of Australia’s most recognised educational institutions are within the catchment area for Melbourne’s best public schools. 



Parents could also elect to send their children to one of the many outstanding private schools in Camberwell, Malvern, Hawthorn East and Kew. 



<h2>Real estate agents in the loop</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img class="wp-image-9197" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/listingloop-our-cotact-agent-hawthorn.jpg" alt="A few of our leading agents" data-image="ktt26zrz2n5l">
<figcaption><a href="https://listingloop.com.au/">A few of our leading agents</a></figcaption>
</figure>



At <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/">Listing Loop</a>, our mission is to connect people for mutual benefit so that everyone wins.



 Whether you're buying, Listing Loop is your place for Hawthorn real estate.<h2>We're here to help</h2>
We're always happy to help with all the dramas and stressors of house buying and selling.
And if you're particularly tired of house-hunting, we've even partnered with buyer advocates who can <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyer-assist/">check out homes for you</a> and organise sales assessments and negotiations.
Our off-market and pre-market marketplace gives you VIP access to properties so you can get in first.
Just sign up at <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/" target="_blank" title="Listing Loop website">Listing Loop</a> or download our app.

Your Easy Guide to Find Houses for Sale in Hawthorn

If you were a real estate agent in Maroochydore (QLD 4558) in 2011, you’d have had to compete against around 16,000 other professionals.
Years later, the real estate market has grown tremendously, and with it, the number of real estate agents and competition in the region has increased.
And that’s not all.
With modern technology, your prospective clients can access a larger pool of real estate agents from their computers and mobile phones.
While this is a good thing for your clients, it puts a lot of pressure on you as an agent. And without a good plan, you’ll quickly become invisible.
The good news is, there’s a way to turn this around.
Below, we give you four incredible tips to help you stand out as a real estate agent in Maroochydore.
<h2>Continuous Lead Generation</h2>
Lead generation involves finding and listing more properties, connecting with new real estate prospects, and building long-term business relationships. As your network expands, your properties sell faster.
Some of the ways through which you can generate leads include:
<ul>
 	<li>Providing free advice in real estate columns</li>
 	<li>Face-to-face prospecting</li>
 	<li>Attending social functions</li>
 	<li>Taking part in community events</li>
 	<li>Advertising on websites and other media</li>
 	<li>Building your social media profile</li>
</ul>
<h3>How Listing Loop Can Help You Generate Real Estate Leads in Maroochydore (QLD 4558)</h3>
Did you know? Most of your real estate clients are looking for you on the internet. However, even with a website, you have to rank higher than your competitors to appear in their search results. Or else you’ll lose a majority of these clients to your competitors.
<a href="https://listingloop.com.au/">Listing Loop</a> provides a solution to this challenge by informing you about buyers in our database whose property search criteria matches your Maroochydore property listings.
Even better, the homebuyers get your details, too, allowing you to easily connect with each other.
Basically, you can still generate leads online even if your web page is ranking poorly. And all this at no cost.
Remember: <a href="https://www.realestatebusiness.com.au/partner-features/21519-why-great-prices-can-be-achieved-with-off-market-sales" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Great prices</a> can be achieved through Listing Loop’s off-market sales by eliminating time wasters. Cut to the chase and you can find committed buyers willing to pay above asking price.
<h2>Give Your Real Estate Clients a Memorable Experience</h2>
<blockquote>“Myth: My clients will only work with me—only I can deliver quality service. 
Truth: Your clients aren’t loyal to you; they are loyal to the standards you represent.” Gary Keller</blockquote>
Your success in the real estate business depends on your ability to connect, collaborate, and build long-term relationships with other people. That's why you need to set yourself apart from other real estate agents by using your talents, personality, and interests.
In other words, as a real estate agency, perhaps think of yourself as a <a href="https://www.realestatebusiness.com.au/growth/21723-5-lessons-from-15-years-in-business" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">media company first</a>. Market yourself just as much as you market your properties, build connections, and put a face to who you are.
Next, when coming to property marketing itself, make sure you stand out:
<h3>Staging</h3>
Staging means preparing a real estate property for the marketplace by decluttering, deep cleaning, depersonalising, repairing, and tastefully furnishing.
Related: <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/houses-for-sale/">8 Tips and Tricks to Stage Houses for Sale in Australia</a>
Here’s what your house should look like after staging.
<figure><iframe src="https://assets.pinterest.com/ext/embed.html?id=800163058784737403" width="600" height="500" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></figure>
Staging a real estate property will improve your clients’ experience by helping them to decide whether a house meets their expectations, generating space, planning ideas, and reinventing any flaws into delightful features.
Besides, it creates a wow factor that makes your listings memorable.
<h2>Specialise as the “Go-To” Person for Particular Real Estate Products or Clients</h2>
Specialising will help you stand out in several ways.
When you focus on particular clients or properties, you’ll get a clearer picture of your market’s pulse. You can tell when the market favours your real estate clients and advise them on the best deals.
Additionally, building your brand as a specialist will increase your like-minded referrals.
<h3>Opportunities for Real Estate Agents Specialisation in Maroochydore (QLD 4558)</h3>
<table style="border: 1px solid #ccc; margin-bottom: 20px;" width="100%">
<tbody>
<tr style="vertical-align: top; line-height: 35px;">
<td style="width: 30%; border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 15px;" rowspan="3">According to the type of property</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Residential real estate speciality: If you specialise in this area of practice, you’ll facilitate the sale and renting of single-family homes. This area of practice is vast and has the lowest entry barriers.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Commercial real estate speciality: Specialising in this area will mean focusing on clients who want to buy, sell, or rent offices, retail centres, or other commercial properties.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Luxury property speciality: This will involve selling different high-end properties. Luxury marketing, like other areas of specialisation, will pose unique challenges and require a novel approach to marketing, networking, and financing.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;" rowspan="3">According to the type of Clients</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Investor client speciality: As a real estate agent specialising in clients who sell properties for investment, you’ll need to understand real estate investment activities like fix and flip, buy and hold, and wholesaling. You’ll also need to project the return of investment (ROI) of different investments to advise your clients well.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Buyer representative speciality: Taking this path means that you’ll only work as an advocate for buyers.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Seller representative specialty: These agents are also called listing agents. They only represent the house sellers.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h2>One Last Tip</h2>
Join the rest of the real estate agents and clients in Maroochydore (QLD 4558) who have taken advantage of <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/">Listing Loop</a> to sell and buy their off-market and pre-market properties faster.
<figure><iframe src="https://www.instagram.com/p/CQXh2azl1mr/embed" width="500" height="590" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></figure>
Some of the benefits that you’ll enjoy as an agent include:
<ul>
 	<li>Access to a wider pool of A-Grade clients—more homebuyers are using the site to save time and access more property options</li>
 	<li>A referral commission — If a client whom you invite to the platform buys a house listed by another agent</li>
 	<li>Quality insights — buyer data, and other <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/">relevant news</a></li>
</ul><h2>We're here to help</h2>
We're always happy to help with all the dramas and stressors of house buying and selling.
And if you're particularly tired of house-hunting, we've even partnered with buyer advocates who can <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyer-assist/">check out homes for you</a> and organise sales assessments and negotiations.
Our off-market and pre-market marketplace gives you VIP access to properties so you can get in first.
Just sign up at <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/" target="_blank" title="Listing Loop website">Listing Loop</a> or download our app.
 <a href="https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/happy-young-couple-broker-manager-handshaking-after-signing-contract_3938446.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Photo</a> by Yanalya / <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">CC BY</a>

Maroochydore Real Estate Agents: 4 Tips to Stand Out

You’re a young couple finally starting to settle down in life, but the Australian dream seems out of reach. You’ve grown tired of paying $400 odd in rent every week for a house that you cannot change the paint, or even install a home security system. 


You’ve reached a point where you now want to own a home and get the peace of mind that comes with saying goodbye to landlords — and having a space that you can finally call yours.


You have listed down what you’d want in a home and in the neighbourhood.


Perhaps you’ve even come up with a workable budget based on what you hear about the property market.


But you hear strange terms like on-market and off-market and pre-market — and you are confused. 


However, what frustrates you the most is trying to determine how to get financing for your home.


Don’t worry...


We are going to gently walk you through these issues so that at the end you’ll feel like you have a handle on it.


Here we go.


It’s important to mention that property prices have been on an upward trend for a while.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/listingloop-important-to-mention-that-property.jpg" alt="real estate price trends for both on-market and off-market properties" class="wp-image-9308" data-image="hpy0zutpu74g"><figcaption>Source: <a href="https://theconversation.com/when-houses-earn-more-than-jobs-how-we-lost-control-of-australian-house-prices-and-how-to-get-it-back-144076" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">theconversation.com</a></figcaption></figure>


Since last year, real estate market prices are defying earlier projections of slumps.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/listingloop-real-estate-market-prices.jpg" alt="Recent price trends of both on-market and off-market properties in Australia" class="wp-image-9309" data-image="zr6g16w2zqbo"><figcaption>Source: <a href="https://www.globalpropertyguide.com/Pacific/Australia/Price-History" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">globalpropertyguide.com</a></figcaption></figure>


So while waiting for when prices are low may look like a good strategy, the market is clearly unpredictable. In fact, prices are tipped to rise further. 


Here is where you can get some fresh property market <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/">information</a>.


<h2>Where Can You Find Properties For Sale In Australia?</h2>


There are two options:


You can decide to go with the on-market route, or you can explore off-market properties for sale.


But what is the difference?


It's simple. 


<h3>An Easy Explanation of An On-Market Property</h3>


An on-market property is a property listed for sale by real estate agents that can be discovered through public advertising such as on websites, through brochures and on signboards. 


<h3>What Is an Off-Market Property?</h3>
An off-market property, which is growing in popularity among home buyers and sellers – are houses for sale listed by real estate agents that are not typically advertised through the mainstream channels. 
Some of these off-market properties are sold by real estate agents before they are publicly advertised. This is called a pre-market sale. Traditionally to secure a sale agents spread the word about the property among their networks.



Buyers can then snap a property up before its advertised and seen by a large number of competing buyers.


Marketplaces like <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/propertyhub/#/signup/">ListingLoop.com.au </a>make it a click away.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/listingloop-make-it-a-mouse-click-away.jpg" alt="Access home sale before advertised" class="wp-image-9310" data-image="uppzzt3xzip1"></figure>


<h2>How Can I Finance an Off-Market Property? </h2>


Hold on a minute.


Before you consider financing options, you need to know how much you really need. This can be found by reviewing off-market property matches. It also depends on your preferred location.





<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/listingloop-how-can-finance-off-market-property.jpg" alt="The prices of on-market and off-market properties in different states and suburbs in Australia" class="wp-image-9311" data-image="yw105s4w202h"><figcaption>Source: <a href="https://managecasa.com/articles/australia-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">managecasa.com</a></figcaption></figure>


After having an idea of how much you’ll need, then comes the financing bit — the most frustrating, discouraging aspect for many potential buyers.


Here, we give you major options that should make this a little less challenging.


One other thing: 


Most financial plans require you to finance up to 20% as a deposit towards the purchase of both on-market and off-market properties.


So how can you obtain financing?


<h3>You Can Access First Home Owners Grants</h3>


These are cash grants the Australian government gives to those who have never owned a home before. But there is other eligibility criteria as well.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/listingloop-can-access-first-home-owner-grants.jpg" alt="off-market properties and information about First Home Owner Grant" class="wp-image-9312" data-image="a4f5thb0i9ev"></figure>


This table might be helpful if you want to have an idea of the exact grant amount you can qualify for:


<table style="border: 1px solid #ccc; margin-bottom: 20px;" width="100%">
<tbody>
<tr style="vertical-align: top; background: #222222; color: white; line-height: 35px;">
<td style="width: 20%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">State</td>
<td style="width: 30%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">Amount You Can Get</td>
<td style="width: 30%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">Maximum Home Value&lt;/strong</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Queensland</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">$15,000</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">$750,000</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Victoria</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">$10,000 (urban homes): $20,000 (regional)</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">$750,000</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">New South Wales</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">$10,000</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">$600,000</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Western Australia</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">$10,000</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">$750,000 (South of 26th parallel): $1 Mil (North of 26th parallel</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">South Australia</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">$15,000</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">$575,000</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Tasmania</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">$20,000</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">$400,000</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Northern Territory</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">$10,000</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Other concessions</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>


You could use these funds to contribute to the deposit for your off-market property.


<h3>You Can Save Using The First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS)</h3>


This is a savings scheme program by the government where salaried workers have the chance to contribute to an Australian government housing fund at tax discounted rates.


If you look at financial values of off-market properties in Australia, you’ll know that you can't dispense with personal savings.


Of course you may want to save in a bank.


But what will you get for your troubles?


Just 2% annual interest.


But savings through the FHSSS due to tax incentives gives a lot more than that.


Just look at this comparison:


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/listingloop-look-at-this-comparison.jpg" alt="How a private buyer, with or without a real estate agent, who’s interested in property off market and other listed properties for sale—can benefit from FHSSS as compared to saving in a bank in Melbourne" class="wp-image-9313" data-image="w16g8bykxe5l"><figcaption>Source: <a href="https://www.savings.com.au/home-loans/first-home-super-saver-scheme#!#whatisFHSSS%3F" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">savings.com.au</a></figcaption></figure>


So if you manage to find an off-market property for $500,000— and you are saving $6,000 per year, you’ll have saved about $81,000 in 15 years. 


If you add up the amount you can get as a grant, you may be able to achieve the deposit required.


But don’t beat yourself up if you can’t manage to get the deposit.


You can still get a loan from several lenders. The only difference is that it will be a little more expensive due to something called Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI).


<h3>You Can Pool Friends Together and Own a Home</h3>


Sounds odd—but yes, you can pool together and own a home. If you have three friends, you can fund one person, then another, and then the last.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/listingloop-can-pool-friends-together-own-home.jpg" alt="Is anyone else furious that it's almost impossible to afford a home for the younger generations" class="wp-image-9314" width="840" height="513" data-image="t1pc4g22r6sk"><figcaption>Source: <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/australia/comments/jribd8/is_anyone_else_furious_that_its_almost_impossible/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">reddit.com</a></figcaption></figure>


<h3>You Can Use Rentvesting To Finance a Home</h3>


You can rent a house that fits your lifestyle, then own one that fits your budget. 


In fact, it’s estimated that at least 30% of investors in home properties also live as tenants!


But how—and most importantly, why?


When you own a house, you can use depreciation and repairs to reduce your tax liability. So you’ll increase your disposable income which you can then use to pay off the mortgage.


It’s a trend that many are going into and it’s something worth carefully considering.


<h3>Other Real Estate Financing Avenues</h3>


There are other incentives for first time home buyers like stamp duty concessions — which depend on the state you live in — and other arrangements like <a href="https://buyassistaustralia.com.au/homebuyers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">BuyAssist</a>.


For BuyAssist, eligible individuals are linked to specific financiers for specific properties.


<h2>Your Go-To Place For Off-Market Financing</h2>


Listing Loop is the property marketplace that gives you access to properties you previously didn't know were for sale. Get VIP access and go where serious buyers go to find their next property. Check it out <a href="https://listingloop.com.au">here</a>. <h2>We're here to help</h2>
We're always happy to help with all the dramas and stressors of house buying and selling.
And if you're particularly tired of house-hunting, we've even partnered with buyer advocates who can <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyer-assist/">check out homes for you</a> and organise sales assessments and negotiations.
Our off-market and pre-market marketplace gives you VIP access to properties so you can get in first.
Just sign up at <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/" target="_blank" title="Listing Loop website">Listing Loop</a> or download our app.


<a href="https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/serious-asian-husband-checking-analyzing-statement-utilities-bills-sitting-together-home_14057571.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Photo</a> by Our-Team / <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">CC BY</a>

Off-Market Properties: Financing Options for Young Couples

Leading agents acknowledge that off-market sales can include all the usual forms of marketing other than advertising on the mainstream portals. A smart off-market strategy can help you sell faster, secure a premium and turbo boost your referral business. It gives you another string to your bow.


With off-market you can still promote your sale through a signboard with a SOLD sticker, generate attention via social media or share your results with your database. Off-market sales is an efficient way for you to dominate market share by tapping into the serious buyers that this approach typically attracts. Often this is people that are looking to buy within three months and those who are prepared to pay a premium to avoid missing out. By understanding this, agents with excellent negotiation skills can use off-market as a tactic to set off a bidding war to get the best price.


Agents that sell off-market tend to stand out from the pack as they’re not just implementing the typical VPA. As a result, this boosts their referral business. There is no greater form of marketing than word-of-mouth from a happy vendor, especially one that has sold above asking price, maintained their privacy and avoided vacating their home twice a week for open for inspections.


A number of leading agents are saying that off-market is also strengthening their relationships with vendors by building trust, demonstrating transparency and by acting in their best interests. They help their vendor avoid anywhere from $5,000 - $15,000 in upfront portal and advertising fees while demonstrating the power of matching the right buyer to the right property. Mass marketing attracts more eyeballs, however it only takes the one ‘right’ buyer to sell a property.


Not all sales will happen off-market, but it does give you the option to then go on-market. If you go on-market first and the campaign is unsuccessful, it’s harder to hide the results and achieve a premium. An off-market campaign can be used as a huge leverage point for a looming on-market campaign. If a buyer really wants a property, they can be enticed to pay a premium before the property goes on-market and is seen by other competing buyers.


Off-market is no longer just an industry term. This market is unlike ever before and it’s demanding that vendors, buyers and agents all look towards refreshed ways to sell and buy property.


Off-market sales are made easier through tools such as <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/">ListingLoop.com.au</a>, Australia’s leading marketplace for pre-market and off-market listings. Agents are using <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/">ListingLoop.com.au</a> to sell faster, secure a premium and turbo boost their referral business.


By Rhett Dallwitz, CEO ListingLoop.com.au<h2>We're here to help</h2>
We're always happy to help with all the dramas and stressors of house buying and selling.
And if you're particularly tired of house-hunting, we've even partnered with buyer advocates who can <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyer-assist/">check out homes for you</a> and organise sales assessments and negotiations.
Our off-market and pre-market marketplace gives you VIP access to properties so you can get in first.
Just sign up at <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/" target="_blank" title="Listing Loop website">Listing Loop</a> or download our app.

Why leading agents sell properties off market

After years and years of thinking, talking and dreaming about it, the time has come — you’re ready to buy your home.


What next? You’ve got several options:


1. Going through listings and competing with other buyers. In this situation, sellers have all the power, especially if there are multiple offers for a house. The question of how much can I afford to spend on this property becomes crucial. If you can’t compete, you’re out.


2. Going to auctions and directly competing against other buyers in a nerve-wracking bidding war. It often happens that people get carried away and bid more than they intended. Yes, you’ll get the property, but at what cost?


Or, there’s another way.


3. Buying off-market, which eliminates a lot of these issues. Buyers are alerted to a property that hasn’t hit the market yet, which gives them a competitive edge. The main question here is, “How do I get access to off-market properties for sale?”


Welcome to Australia’s leading place for off-market properties — <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/">Listing Loop</a>. With us, you get VIP access to the best properties for sale before anyone else. Here’s everything you should know about off-market properties to make the process of buying your home as pain-free as possible.


<h2>What Are Off-Market Properties?</h2>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img class="wp-image-9120" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/listingloop-what-are-off-market-properties.jpg" alt="personalisation international sites partner, rea:asx rea group ltd" data-image="kcr7buvo302l">
<figcaption>Source: <a href="https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/dream-house-in-sydney-gm896949186-247614278?clarity=false" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Istockphoto</a></figcaption>
</figure>


Off-market properties are houses that are for sale but aren’t always publicly listed. This means you won’t always find an off-market property online or in the windows of a real estate office.


Note: In real estate, there’s a difference between off-market and pre-market houses for sale. 


Pre-market property means that the agent contacts interested buyers to get an offer before the property is publicly listed or put up for auction.


Once a vendor decides to sell, there is a two-to-four-week time span between the day an agent is enlisted and the day the property listing goes live.


During this time, a house or an apartment is prepared for sale, which can involve:


<ul>
<li>Home staging</li>
<li>Professional photos being taken </li>
<li>Advertising materials being prepared</li>
</ul>


An agent can notify buyers if they think they will be a good fit for this property and arrange a time for them to visit the house before it’s publicly advertised.


On the other hand, an actual off-the-market property is sold without any intentions to be placed on the market.


There are several reasons why people decide to sell real estate off-market. Sometimes, the sellers want to test the property market without publicly putting their home up for sale. 


Others, such as celebrities or divorcing couples, want privacy. Some people don’t have an active desire to sell a house until the right offer comes along.


All of this means finding and buying real estate off-market is a challenge. 


<h2>How to Find Off-Market Properties</h2>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img class="wp-image-1312" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/buyers-first-pic-1024x683.jpg" alt="house open, personalised advertising we show" data-image="pyz52mwh9yxq">
<figcaption><a href="https://listingloop.com.au/how-it-works/">We put buyers first</a></figcaption>
</figure>


You can find off-market properties yourself with a bit of effort. Here’s how:


<h3>Real Estate Agents</h3>


Off-market real estate isn’t advertised, which means you’ll have to be in touch with agents. 


Our advice: Get on an email list of agents in the area you want to buy in, or directly email agents saying what you’re looking for. 


Some good information to include is:


<ul>
<li>The area you want to buy in</li>
<li>Your budget</li>
<li>Type of real estate — house, apartment, etc</li>
<li>Land size</li>
<li>Proximity to public transport, schools, or other services</li>
<li>Special amenities and features you want — marble countertops, swimming pool, etc</li>
</ul>


Once the agent knows what you’re looking for, they can invite you to view a house they think might be a good fit for you.


<h3>Hire a Buyer’s Agent</h3>


A buyer’s agent is a person whose job is to find the best properties for sale for you. They’re usually really good at finding off-market properties and will show you more relevant real estate in your desired and surrounding suburbs. 


A buyer’s agent will have the industry knowledge and access to unlisted properties, as some vendors would rather deal with an agent and have a quick sale than spend money on a real estate listing.


If you don’t want to do the legwork yourself, this is a good option. 


Note: Buyer’s agents usually charge about 2% of the purchase price. For more info, check out <a href="https://www.openagent.com.au/real-estate-agent-fees" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">average buyer's agent fees</a>.


If you’re looking to cut down on the (astronomic) cost of buying a home, you can do a lot of this work on your own by using off-market websites.


<h3>Off-Market Websites</h3>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img class="wp-image-1379" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/listing-loop-phone-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="popular searches personalised advertising, group ltd rea:asx rea, operated by asx listed" data-image="rb25bdy5pont">
<figcaption>Off-market properties made easy to find</figcaption>
</figure>


Thanks to websites such as Listing Loop, off-market listings have exploded in Australia. 


Why? Because there’s no need for you to spend thousands of dollars on buyer’s agent services.


It’s never been easier — or cheaper — to find off-market properties for sale on your own. 


<a href="https://listingloop.com.au/propertyhub/#/signup">Listing Loop</a> has a streamlined and free process of signing up. Your dream home is a click away. Here’s what to do:


<ol>
<li>Register — Input your information, as well as what real estate you’re looking for including the size and suburb.</li>
<li>Get matched — As soon as there’s a listing that fits your needs, you’ll get an alert.</li>
<li>Enquire — Respond to the alert to enquire about the property before it reaches other competitive buyers.</li>
</ol>


<h3>Other Ways of Finding Off-Market Properties</h3>


<ul>
<li>Word of mouth — Ben heard that a friend of a friend, Mary, is looking to buy an apartment. As it happens, he’s selling one, and they strike a deal. Always spread the word with friends and family that you’re looking for properties for sale.</li>
<li>Public records — Can feature pre-foreclosures or short sale properties. Check the local newspapers or state and local council websites for properties for sale.</li>
<li>Networking — Get in with three people: wholesalers, contractors, and real estate lawyers to get access to properties not yet listed. </li>
</ul>


<h2>Advantages of Buying Off-Market Properties for Sale</h2>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img class="wp-image-683" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/desktop.png" alt="partner sites realestate.com.au, listed rea group ltd, Perth, apartment, based on your activity" data-image="lircwsf3mf2s">
<figcaption>Property matches housed in your personalised dashboard</figcaption>
</figure>


<h3>Less Competition </h3>


The key advantage of buying off-market is facing less competition. 


Let’s imagine a typical property sale: the seller will have a dozen or more viewings. Add to that hundreds of people who will see the listing online. This creates an interest in the property, which benefits the seller, not the buyer.


Buying off-market puts you, the buyer, in a stronger position. You won’t need to worry about the seller rejecting your offer because of a better one. Having less competition means you can tailor your offer to get the price that works best for you.


<h3>Have More Time</h3>


Imagine this scenario: You’re at an auction, in the middle of a bidding war. You have seconds to decide how much you’re willing to bid. What’s more, if you win, you’re obligated to pay.


When buying off-market, you have the luxury of time. Less competing buyers means you can do any inspection on the house you want, and you can negotiate with the seller on the price.


<h3>Better Negotiations </h3>


Speaking of negotiations, buying off-market gives you more leeway. Chances are, you’ll have a lot of contact with the seller's agent, which will allow you more opportunities.


You can find out the seller’s motivation, why they’re selling, and if this affects your decision to buy.


Also, a smaller pool of more serious buyers means the seller will be more likely to take your offer into consideration.


<h2>Disadvantages of Buying Off-Market Properties for Sale</h2>


<ul>
<li>Finding a genuine seller — Sellers often use off-market sales to gauge the market, which means you’ll end up wasting your time if they aren’t serious about accepting your offer.</li>
<li>Privacy — Selling off-market means that a seller can stay out of the public spotlight. But, it’s more difficult for a buyer to maintain that level of privacy. You may be asked to sign an <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/041315/how-ndas-work-and-why-theyre-important.asp" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">NDA</a>, and you’ll have to be extremely careful about not spilling the beans.</li>
<li>Sellers can take their time — Selling off-market means no commitments, and some sellers may drag their feet, hoping that a better offer will come along.</li>
</ul>


<h2>Find Houses for Sale on Listing Loop</h2>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img class="wp-image-378" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/woman-on-ground-iphone-buyer-section_x1.jpg" alt="sites realestate.com.au is owned, mar 2 00pm" data-image="huavzk82r88u">
<figcaption>Consider buying off-market for ease and to get a better deal</figcaption>
</figure>


Yes, buying off-market can come with some disadvantages. But, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.


By buying off-market, you’ll have more time to negotiate, less competition, and more chances to get a better deal.


Do you have more questions about buying off-market? Check out our <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/faq/">FAQ</a> page.&nbsp;<h2>We're here to help</h2>
We're always happy to help with all the dramas and stressors of house buying and selling.
And if you're particularly tired of house-hunting, we've even partnered with buyer advocates who can <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyer-assist/">check out homes for you</a> and organise sales assessments and negotiations.
Our off-market and pre-market marketplace gives you VIP access to properties so you can get in first.
Just sign up at <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/" target="_blank" title="Listing Loop website">Listing Loop</a> or download our app.



<a href="https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/buying-new-house-concept-realtor-giving-keys-couple-closeup_3952633.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Photo</a> by Yanalya / <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">CC BY</a>

Off-Market House for Sale: Buyer Guide

Off-market property sales cut to the chase as an efficient and cost-effective way to get straight to serious buyers and eliminate the time wasters. The right buyer will be quick to act before the property goes on the market and in many cases, they will pay above asking price. With current low stock levels, buyers are more committed than ever to securing their dream home.
When you win a new listing, there’s often an expectation of what the final sale price will be. Then you work hard towards achieving that result. Off-market property sales call on your negotiation skills but not just for vendors. You develop a relationship with the buyer from the beginning, rather than interacting with them as strangers at an auction.
The quickest and easiest way to identify buyers interested in your listing is when they’re matched to the property via a marketplace like <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/">ListingLoop.com.au</a>. These buyers have chosen to sign up to discover pre-market and off-market properties for sale. They nominate the suburb and the type of property they are looking to buy, making their property search more specific and individually targeted to them.
<figure><img class="aligncenter wp-image-9716" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Visual-for-within-article-300x141.jpg" alt="" width="935" height="440" data-image="fwne36s97y44"></figure>
The <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/">ListingLoop.com.au</a> Australia-wide buyer database is up-to-date and new buyers are signing up daily. Smart technology identifies the most suitable buyers in an instant and you no longer see your days eaten up with calling each contact one by one.
Buyers that keep missing out are getting more assertive with off-market offers. Driven by FOMO they know they can’t be cautious in this market and are going in strong with offers that are often above the asking price.
Agents with excellent negotiation skills and an unrelenting commitment to getting the right price will never allow a property to undersell. With off-market property sales you often get more serious buyers and can still set off a bidding war to get the best price.
If you maximise off-market sales to your advantage everyone wins. You help a buyer find a home in an ultra-competitive market and form a relationship for future purchases. You get your vendor’s home sold for a great price, save them money by avoiding expensive upfront advertising dollars and get the job done faster.
For more information visit <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/agents/">https://listingloop.com.au/agents/</a> 

<h2>We're here to help</h2>
We're always happy to help with all the dramas and stressors of house buying and selling.
And if you're particularly tired of house-hunting, we've even partnered with buyer advocates who can <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyer-assist/">check out homes for you</a> and organise sales assessments and negotiations.
Our off-market and pre-market marketplace gives you VIP access to properties so you can get in first.
Just sign up at <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/" target="_blank" title="Listing Loop website">Listing Loop</a> or download our app.

Why great prices can be achieved with off-market sales

Off-market property sales cut to the chase as an efficient and cost-effective way to get straight to serious buyers and eliminate the time wasters. The right buyer will be quick to act before the property goes on the market and in many cases, they will pay above asking price. With current low stock levels, buyers are more committed than ever to securing their dream home.
When you win a new listing, there’s often an expectation of what the final sale price will be. Then you work hard towards achieving that result. Off-market property sales call on your negotiation skills but not just for vendors. You develop a relationship with the buyer from the beginning, rather than interacting with them as strangers at an auction.
The quickest and easiest way to identify buyers interested in your listing is when they’re matched to the property via a marketplace like <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/">ListingLoop.com.au</a>. These buyers have chosen to sign up to discover pre-market and off-market properties for sale. They nominate the suburb and the type of property they are looking to buy, making their property search more specific and individually targeted to them.
<figure><img class="aligncenter wp-image-9716" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Visual-for-within-article-300x141.jpg" alt="" width="935" height="440" data-image="3acd1j5ohqxp"></figure>
The <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/">ListingLoop.com.au</a> Australia-wide buyer database is up-to-date and new buyers are signing up daily. Smart technology identifies the most suitable buyers in an instant and you no longer see your days eaten up with calling each contact one by one.
Buyers that keep missing out are getting more assertive with off-market offers. Driven by FOMO they know they can’t be cautious in this market and are going in strong with offers that are often above the asking price.
Agents with excellent negotiation skills and an unrelenting commitment to getting the right price will never allow a property to undersell. With off-market property sales you often get more serious buyers and can still set off a bidding war to get the best price.
If you maximise off-market sales to your advantage everyone wins. You help a buyer find a home in an ultra-competitive market and form a relationship for future purchases. You get your vendor’s home sold for a great price, save them money by avoiding expensive upfront advertising dollars and get the job done faster.
<h2>We're here to help</h2>
We're always happy to help with all the dramas and stressors of house buying and selling.
And if you're particularly tired of house-hunting, we've even partnered with buyer advocates who can <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyer-assist/">check out homes for you</a> and organise sales assessments and negotiations.
Our off-market and pre-market marketplace gives you VIP access to properties so you can get in first.
Just sign up at <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/" target="_blank" title="Listing Loop website">Listing Loop</a> or download our app.

Located in Melbourne's bayside area between Black Rock and Mentone, the shoreline of Beaumaris features sharp cliffs and sandy beaches.


Beaumaris is considered one of the most desirable locations to get a home among affluent homebuyers in Melbourne.


 


<figure><img class="alignnone wp-image-9687 size-full" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/listingloop-beachside-suburb.jpg" alt="Sunset at Beaumaris Beach, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia" width="900" height="550" data-image="zefe3zvyzw19"></figure>


<h2>#1: Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary </h2>


Experience the beauty of the bay at <a href="https://www.dyob.com.au/products/ricketts-point-marine-sanctuary" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Ricketts Point</a>. 


Its clean, shallow waters make it the perfect swimming location in the summer. 


With a depth of fewer than 5 metres in most areas, Ricketts Point is a great place for kids and adults alike to swim. 


However, always ensure swimming activities are only carried out when the Beaumaris Life Saving Club is patrolling the beach. . The best time to do this is in the summer. 


Feast your eyes on a diverse display of aquatic life. There’s Southern Hulafish, zebrafish, sea stars and crabs.


For a little history, Ricketts Point became a marine sanctuary in June 2002 under the state legislature. 


This was under much contest and controversy for many years — since as far back as 1986. 


When the landmark was finally declared a protected area, it was indeed a noteworthy win for the environment. 


Additionally, Beaumaris is the site of one of the richest bundles of sea fossils on the globe.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img class="wp-image-9340" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/listingloop-ricketts-point-marine-sanctuary.jpg" alt="Water bird and rock" data-image="vghgy2uilazl"></figure>


<h2>#2: An Abundance of Food Choices</h2>


Beaumaris has about 13,000 people, according to the last population census of 2016. 


While Beaumaris might be counted among the smaller suburbs, many restaurants and cafes line the streets.


Eat Italian at <a href="https://lacucinabeaumaris.com.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">La Cucina</a>. Fresh salads, gourmet pizza and wood-fired pizza are in abundance. 


Over at Balcombe Road, <a href="https://zaikaindian.com.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Zaika Indian Restaurant</a> satisfies all your Indian food cravings. There’s naan, tikka masala and lamb vindaloo for the meat lovers. Zaika also serves several vegan and vegetarian dishes. 


Find the <a href="https://gindispensary.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Gin Dispensary</a> at 472a Beach Road, Beaumaris. They sell fantastic cocktails, great coffee and, of course, amazing gin. 


Keys Street hosts <a href="http://www.japaninnrestaurant.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Japan Inn</a> where premium quality Japanese dishes such as soft shell crab tempura, veggie tempura and miso shiru (soya bean paste soup) are served. There's also special fried rice, and so many more delicious dishes.


Eat all kinds of lobster dishes at the iconic <a href="https://lobstercave.com.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Lobster Cave</a> —while enjoying the sophisticated setting. 


If you love to indulge in exquisite meals, Beaumaris is a good fit for you.


<h2>#3: High-End Recreational & Sporting Activities</h2>


Relaxation is a big factor to consider when shopping for a house. 


Thankfully, there’s a wealth of high-end sporting activities in Beaumaris for all sports lovers. 


The golf courses in Cheltenham, Sandringham and Royal Melbourne create a very aesthetically pleasing circle and give the area an extra touch of exclusivity. 


There are several tennis courts, a yacht club and even a motor yacht club. 


The yacht club is sheltered by the reefs of Ricketts Point and is a superb group activity. 


Trainers are also readily available to teach both adults and children on how to take to the waters unguided. 


<h2>#4: Proximity to Melbourne’s Central Business District</h2>


Beaumaris is around 25 km south-east of Melbourne's Central Business District. 


The 825, 600, 922, and 923 bus routes from Melbourne stop at Beaumaris. There's also railway stations in Cheltenham, Mentone and Sandringham. 


The bike path also runs alongside Beach Road for days when you feel especially energetic. 


<h2>Overview of House Pricing in Beaumaris VIC 3193 </h2>


With property prices running to a million-plus dollars, living in Beaumaris typically comes with a high price tag.


Streets bursting with high-value architectural homes from the 1950s, and exquisite surroundings, means the money is well-spent.


As far back as the 1980s, the median house price in Beaumaris was 87% higher than that of other inner-city areas of Melbourne.


As of March 2021, the median property prices in Beaumaris ranged from $1,730,000 for houses to $989,000 for units.


At the same time, houses in Beaumaris rent for $750 and units for $570 a week. 


On the other hand, the median property price for Melbourne CBD is $654,000. 


Melbourne's average weekly rent is $410.


<table style="border: 1px solid #ccc; margin-bottom: 20px;" width="100%">
<tbody>
<tr style="vertical-align: top; background: #222222; color: white; line-height: 35px;">
<td style="width: 30%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="width: 30%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">Beaumaris Vic 3193</td>
<td style="width: 30%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">Other Parts of Victoria</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Median house price</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">$1,730,000</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">$654,000</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Median unit price</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">$989,000</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">$560,000</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Median house rent per week</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">$750</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">$410</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Median unit rent per week</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">$570</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">$395</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>


<h2>Know Your Neighbours: Population Demographics of Beaumaris’ Residents</h2>


Beaumaris residents tend to be slightly older on average than the rest of the population. 


The bayside suburb also tends to attract more married people. 


Their 60.1% marital status rate holds up to Victoria's 48.4% and Australia’s 48.1%. 


Dwellers in Beaumaris are generally more educated. 


36.2% of them have a Bachelor’s degree and above as their highest educational achievement. 


This is in comparison with Australia's 22.0%. 


Here are some other interesting facts about the people who reside in Beaumaris:


<table style="border: 1px solid #ccc; margin-bottom: 20px;" width="100%">
<tbody>
<tr style="vertical-align: top; background: #222222; color: white; line-height: 35px;">
<td style="width: 50%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">Factor</td>
<td style="width: 50%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">Number or percentage</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Median weekly household income</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">$2,214</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Percentage of males</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">47.7%</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Percentage of females</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">52.3%</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Median age</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">46</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Average motor vehicles per dwelling</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">2</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Average people per household</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">2.7</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Number of families</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">3708</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Average children per family</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">1.9</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Number of married people</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">6525</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">English Ancestry</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">30.6%</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Australian Ancestry</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">22.7%</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">People who work 40+ hours a week</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">48.2%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>


Data supplied by the <a href="https://quickstats.censusdata.abs.gov.au/census_services/getproduct/census/2016/quickstat/SSC20181#:~:text=In%20the%202016%20Census%2C%20there,up%200.1%25%20of%20the%20population." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Australian Bureau of Statistics</a>


This data will give you a ballpark estimate of the kind of neighbours you should expect to have in Beaumaris Vic 3193. It is, however, important to keep in mind that these are just figures, and they can breed stereotypes. Really get to know different individuals and families for who they are, and you’ll be in for a smooth ride.


<h2>Buy Off-Market Properties in a Breathtaking Bayside Suburb</h2>


Expand your property assets by purchasing a home in one of Australia's more exclusive addresses. 


Get your hands on amazing pre-market and <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/property-matching/">off-market deals</a> when you sign up with Listing Loop. 


The best real estate agents list their best properties first on Listing Loop. Be notified of properties that suit your specifications in real-time. 


Don't drag your feet on this one because houses in Beaumaris are visited 42 times more on average than houses in other parts of Victoria.


When you've signed up, put in the criteria for the house you want, or list your property if you're an agent.


Get in the loop and get your dream home before another buyer does.<h2>We're here to help</h2>
We're always happy to help with all the dramas and stressors of house buying and selling.
And if you're particularly tired of house-hunting, we've even partnered with buyer advocates who can <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyer-assist/">check out homes for you</a> and organise sales assessments and negotiations.
Our off-market and pre-market marketplace gives you VIP access to properties so you can get in first.
Just sign up at <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/" target="_blank" title="Listing Loop website">Listing Loop</a> or download our app.

4 Reasons to Buy Your Affluent Dream Home in Beaumaris

Home to 6.681 million people, the state of Victoria has the second largest population of all six states in Australia.


This is despite having the smallest landmass compared to the other states. 


36% of forest covers the vastly modernised state that is home to alpine towns, world-class wineries and attractive coastal communities.


Real estate in Victoria comprises a variety of suburbs; from lively student-inhabited areas to laidback regions for families and retirees.


The serene atmosphere and exciting communities make Victoria a great place to search for your next family home.


Whichever part of Victoria you choose to live in and whatever your housing needs are, <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/">Listing Loop</a> can help you achieve them. <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/propertyhub/#/signup/">Sign up</a> today and make the process of finding the perfect family home as simple as possible.


<h2>Best Suburbs for Family Living</h2>


A recent national survey by <a href="https://www.corelogic.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">CoreLogic</a> revealed that 31% of the top 100 family-friendly suburbs in Australia are in Melbourne.


The top 10 family-friendly metropolitan suburbs include three Victorian suburbs - Diamond Creek, Taylor Lakes, and Cockatoo.


Four Victorian suburbs - Bacchus Marsh, Leongatha, Wallan, and Warragul - are in the top 10 regional suburbs.


Here is a breakdown of the cities with the “top 100 suburbs for family living”.


<table style="border: 1px solid #ccc; margin-bottom: 20px;" width="100%">
<tbody>
<tr style="vertical-align: top; background: #222222; color: white; line-height: 35px;">
<td style="width: 50%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">City</td>
<td style="width: 50%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">Percentage</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Melbourne</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">31%</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Brisbane</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">22%</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Sydney</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">21%</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Adelaide</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">12%</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Hobart</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">9%</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Perth</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">4%</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Darwin</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">1%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>


Though many families would prefer to live near the beach or the city, suburbs situated in the centre of outer rings of cities are more suitable for a family home.


Such suburbs tend to offer more inexpensive housing options on larger home sites that allow more space for growth.


Suppose you envisage a large kitchen for family gatherings, siblings sharing bedrooms, or even a family pet. You want to have a space that is not only comfortable and useful today, but also in the next 10 years.


According to CoreLogic, the top factors buyers consider in a family home include:


<ul>
<li>Size of the house and block</li>
<li>Number of bedrooms</li>
<li>Secure parking, garage or gated driveway </li>
<li>Room to play (backyard, entertainment area or a family room)</li>
<li>Affordability</li>
</ul>


The 20-minute rule in location also applies - no matter where you live, you should access important amenities within 20 minutes.


With that in mind, Melbourne is the best city in Victoria to consider for the best family living.


Further afield from Melbourne, regional cities and towns such as Geelong, Torquay, and Wodonga offer great communities with spacious properties at reasonable prices.


Related: <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/affordable-suburbs-victoria/">What are Victoria’s most affordable suburbs?</a>


<h3>Melbourne</h3>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img class="wp-image-1132" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/ListingLoop-12-new-Melbourne-suburbs.png" alt="Melbournes-newest-suburbs" data-image="fv2bup6w1xik">
<figcaption><a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/new-melbourne-suburbs/">Introducing Melbourne’s 12 new suburbs</a></figcaption>
</figure>


Whereas the variables between suburbs are huge, the suburbs in Melbourne's west and north offer buyers the biggest return on their investment.


The most affordable options within a 10km radius of the CBD have a median house price of between $723,500 and $855,000.


Melbourne's west and northern suburbs are more affordable than options 10kms south east of central Melbourne. For example, the median house price in the beachside suburb of Brighton in the southeast is $2.65 million.


However, families looking for a desirable safe environment tend to prefer the south-eastern suburbs of Melbourne. This is because the coveted location boasts many amenities including leafy streets and parks within walking distance of residences.


Whether it’s the big section of walking space near <a href="https://www.boroondara.vic.gov.au/about-council/history-and-demographics/local-history/local-history-trails/history-gardiners-creek" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Gardiners Creek </a>in Glen Iris or bowling and water recreation in <a href="http://www.caulfieldpark.com/history-of-the-park.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Caulfield Park</a>, each neighbourhood offers something unique.


If you like spending time on the greens, the suburb of Camberwell is adjacent to a big golf course as well as cinemas, retail outlets and eateries.


Southeast Melbourne is also the ideal destination for wealthy families thanks to the larger homes and low crime rate.


As more people leave the inner city in search of more affordable housing, Mornington Peninsula on the southern fringe of Melbourne's metro area is another preferred destination for buyers. Home prices in the area range from $500,000 to $1.5 million.


If schools are important to you, <a href="https://bettereducation.com.au/results/vce.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Better Education</a> ranks Melbourne suburbs based on their education profile. Balwyn and Glen Iris are two of the top rated neighbourhoods when it comes to education in the area.


Related: <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/new-melbourne-suburbs/">Introducing Melbourne’s 12 new suburbs</a>


<h3>Dandenong North</h3>


Dandenong North is a peaceful suburb 29 kilometres southeast from Melbourne. Same as its neighbour Dandenong South, Dandenong North is home to one of the largest immigrant populations in Australia.


The community comprises immigrants from Afghanistan, Bosnia, Albania, Turkey, Sri Lanka, and China.


Dandenong North homes are only a short distance from modern conveniences and amenities such as:


<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.studparksc.com.au/stores" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Stud Park Shopping Center</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.waverleygardens.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Waverley Gardens Shopping Center</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.armadadandenongplaza.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Armada Dandenong Plaza</a></li>
</ul>


School-aged children living in the area get their education from exemplary public and private schools nearby. There’s even a TAFE as well as a <a href="https://www.deakin.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Deakin University</a> campus for degree or certification-seeking residents.


Many suburbs in Dandenong North such as Rosewood Down are considered high demand but low supply. Complete with a host of incredible features and upgrades, many houses in the area were built in the 1970s.


Commuting to work, school or the outlying areas is easy thanks to low to average traffic and easy access to the M1 and Eastlink freeways.


<h3>Geelong</h3>


Geelong is a peaceful bayside city located 75 km south west of Melbourne. A community atmosphere and easy commutes to Melbourne thanks to fast train services make Geelong an attractive option for family living.


With a population of over 160,000 people, Geelong is the second largest city in Victoria. 


With a median house price of $675,000, Geelong offers a range of serene lifestyle options; whether inner city, coastal, suburban, or rural, there’s something for everyone. 


If schools are important to you, residents have access to both public and private schools such as the elite <a href="https://www.ggs.vic.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Geelong Grammar School</a> as well as a TAFE and Deakin University.


An array of community activities keeps everyone busy all year-round with events such as:


<ul>
<li>The Australian International Airshow</li>
<li>AFL football games with the Geelong Cats</li>
<li>Music festivals</li>
<li>International cycling competitions</li>
</ul>


From historic buildings in the Geelong CBD to public art spread out along the beach, much of Geelong's unique small-town charm is still evident in the now lively city.


<h3>Wodonga</h3>


Wodonga is a central and progressive city strategically located 300km north of Melbourne and 580km south of Sydney on the Hume Freeway.


With a population of approximately 42,000 residents, Wodonga is both the largest and fastest-growing city in north east Victoria.


Easy access to public transportation provides the best of both worlds: quiet living close to the hills with easy access to the heart of the city.


The real estate market in Wodonga offers diverse lifestyles with the constantly changing streetscapes serving first home buyers as well as luxurious, up market living.


With a median house price of $329,000, Wodonga suburbs such as Baranduda offer a rural retreat with a community lifestyle that is attractive to many baby boomers as well as retirees.


High quality schools and tertiary institutes, leading health care facilities, excellent recreation options, and plentiful tourism attractions put Wodonga’s family values front and centre.


<h2>Listing Loop Knows Victoria</h2>


No matter where you look to buy, most homebuyers consider having access to retail outlets, entertainment, parks and public transport at the top of their wish list.


Whether it’s the location or close proximity to schools, buying a house comes down to the features you're willing to trade off for your budget.


One thing is certain – whichever part of Victoria you choose to live, you’re sure to find a family home that suits your needs.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img class="wp-image-9346" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/listingloop-knowsvictoria.jpg" alt="Listing Loop Knows Victoria" data-image="64topglfscff">
<figcaption><a href="https://listingloop.com.au/">listingloop.com.au</a></figcaption>
</figure>


If you're considering buying a house in Victoria, leading real estate agents signed up to Listing Loop are on hand to help you identify off-market properties for sale that best suit your needs.&nbsp;<h2>We're here to help</h2>
We're always happy to help with all the dramas and stressors of house buying and selling in Victoria.
And if you're particularly tired of house-hunting, we've even partnered with buyer advocates who can <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyer-assist/">check out homes for you</a> and organise sales assessments and negotiations.
Our off-market and pre-market marketplace gives you VIP access to properties so you can get in first.
Just sign up at <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/" target="_blank" title="Listing Loop website">Listing Loop</a> or download our app.

Real Estate in Victoria: A Basic Guide for a Family Home

Melbourne is one of the strongest property markets in Australia. Buying a house in Melbourne offers the promise of good housing equity and a higher future resale price.
Besides the economic benefits, Melbourne has a diverse community and a vibrant society. This makes buying a house in Melbourne, within the Central Business District (CBD) or surrounding areas, appealing.
Before you take the leap, you’ll want to know how much to budget for a house in Melbourne.
So to help you make an informed decision, we’ll look at residential real estate median prices in Melbourne and give you a clear picture of what you can expect to pay.
<h2>How Much Does A House Cost In Melbourne?</h2>
According to a <a href="https://www.corelogic.com.au/housing-update" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">housing market update</a> by CoreLogic, property prices in the Melbourne area have grown at a rate of over 8.1% over the past 25 years.
Even accounting for cyclical fluctuations, median house prices have risen significantly.
From a previous median property price of around $800,000, houses in Melbourne sold at a median price of $1,004,500 in the first quarter of 2021 (according to <a href="https://reiv.com.au/market-insights/all-suburbs">data</a> from the Real Estate Institute of Victoria).
So how much does it cost to buy a two or three bedroom house in Melbourne?
Let’s break it down per area.
<h3>Median Prices For A Two-Four Bedroom House For Sale (Melbourne Metropolitan) (CBD)</h3>
The average price for houses with two bedrooms stood at $930,000 compared to $810,000 for a three bedroom house.
If you are in the market for four bedrooms, you can expect to pay a median price of $990,000.
<h4>Median Price Per Bedroom In The Metro Area</h4>
<table style="border: 1px solid #ccc; margin-bottom: 20px;" width="100%">
<tbody>
<tr style="vertical-align: top; background: #222222; color: white; line-height: 35px;">
<td style="width: 30%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">Number Of Bedrooms</td>
<td style="width: 30%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">Median Price ($)</td>
<td style="width: 30%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">Median Rental Price PCM ($)</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">2</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">930,000</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">500</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">3</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">810,000</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">400</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">4</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">990,000</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">500</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h2>Median Prices For Houses By Area</h2>
Here’s an outlook of the residential real estate prices near Melbourne CBD using data from the <a href="https://www.land.vic.gov.au/valuations/resources-and-reports/property-sales-statistics">Valuer-General Victoria</a> property sale report.
<h3>Suburbs In Inner City Melbourne (Within 10 km Of the Melbourne CBD)</h3>
If you’re looking for a property in the inner suburbs of metropolitan Melbourne within a radius of 10kms of the Melbourne CBD, you can expect to pay a median price of $1,200,000.
However, there are some exceptions; prices in the more affluent suburbs like Toorak can be as much as $4,000,000.
On the other extreme, you can find lower prices with the Melton area pegged at a median price of just under $400,000.
<table style="border: 1px solid #ccc; margin-bottom: 20px;" width="100%">
<tbody>
<tr style="vertical-align: top; background: #222222; color: white; line-height: 35px;">
<td style="width: 50%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">Suburb</td>
<td style="width: 50%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">Median price ($)</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Albert Park</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">1,718,000</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Brunswick</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">1,208,000</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Caulfield South</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">1,725,000</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Essendon North</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">1,002,000</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Fitzroy North</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">1,671,300</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Footscray</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">1,040,000</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Kensington</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">1,170,000</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Malvern</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">2,520,000</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">McKinnon</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">1,750,000</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Melton</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">390,000</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">South Yarra</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">1,993,800</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Toorak</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">4,207,500</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Here’s one example of a two bedroom unit you can get in inner city Melbourne. This elegant and cosy house with one bathroom and a parking space for one car will cost you no more than $810,000.
<figure><iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FListingLoopAU%2Fposts%2F3487115154724083&show_text=false&width=500" width="500" height="498" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure>
<h3>Residential Real Estate Prices In Western Melbourne (Within A 20km Radius From Melbourne CBD)</h3>
For Melbourne's western suburbs, property prices averaged $741,413 (based on data published by the <a href="https://www.data.vic.gov.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Victorian government</a>).
More expensive homes on the west side were priced at $1,011,000.
At the other end of the scale, places like Deer Park had cheaper property for sale with unit and house prices at a median price of around $550,000.
<table style="border: 1px solid #ccc; margin-bottom: 20px;" width="100%">
<tbody>
<tr style="vertical-align: top; background: #222222; color: white; line-height: 35px;">
<td style="width: 50%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">Area</td>
<td style="width: 50%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">Price($)</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Altona</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">1,011,000</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">St Albans</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">591,500</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Deer Park</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">582,000</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Sunshine</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">814,000</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Keilor East</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">831,000</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Derrimut</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">630,000</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Sunshine West</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">664,300</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<figure><iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FListingLoopAU%2Fposts%2F3437726612996271&show_text=false&width=500" width="500" height="498" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure>
For just over $1,000,000, you can lay your hands on an immaculate property like the one pictured above in the western suburbs . It comes with five bedrooms, three bathrooms and a parking space for two cars.
<h3>Prices For Property For Sale In Melbourne's Eastern Suburbs (20km Radius)</h3>
Property for sale in Melbourne's eastern suburbs will cost you an average of $1,582,111.
Real estate in areas like Balwyn tend to be more expensive than other suburbs on the west side, with prices at an average of over $2,000,000.
On the flip side, an apartment, unit or house in areas further out of the city like Oakleigh South range around $1,000,000.
<table style="border: 1px solid #ccc; margin-bottom: 20px;" width="100%">
<tbody>
<tr style="vertical-align: top; background: #222222; color: white; line-height: 35px;">
<td style="width: 50%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">Area</td>
<td style="width: 50%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">Price($)</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Balwyn</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">2,260,000</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Blackburn</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">1,355,500</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Burwood</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">1,301,000</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Camberwell</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">2,067,500</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Box hill South</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">1,380,000</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Glen Iris</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">2,037,500</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Oakleigh South</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">1,000,000</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Here’s one example of the kind of properties for sale you can find in Melbourne's eastern suburbs.
<figure><iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FListingLoopAU%2Fposts%2F3403023349799931&show_text=false&width=500" width="500" height="498" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure>
This modern, stylish house has four bedrooms and three bathrooms. It comes with exquisite finishings like Italian Marble benchtops and European oak floors.
<h3>House and Unit Prices In Melbourne (Outskirts)</h3>
Property prices are generally lower in Melbourne’s surrounding suburbs like Bayswater and Werribee, which are over 20kms away from the CBD, at an average of $600,000.
However, there are some exceptions to the rule depending on the location.
For instance, take a look at this prime seaside escape which overlooks Port Phillip Bay 43 km south of Melbourne’s CBD. Even though this house is on the outskirts, it’s asking price is a minimum of $1,800,000.
<figure><iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FListingLoopAU%2Fposts%2F3466953466740252&show_text=false&width=500" width="500" height="497" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure>
<table style="border: 1px solid #ccc; margin-bottom: 20px;" width="100%">
<tbody>
<tr style="vertical-align: top; background: #222222; color: white; line-height: 35px;">
<td style="width: 30%; border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 15px;">Area</td>
<td style="width: 30%; border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 15px;">Suburb</td>
<td style="width: 30%; border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 15px;">Median Price ($)</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">East</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Bayswater</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">766,500</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">East</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Ferntree Gully</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">758,500</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">West</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Hoppers Crossing</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">535,500</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">West</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Werribee</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">513,000</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">West</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Tarneit</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">550,500</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h2>Breaking Into the Melbourne Property Market</h2>
<figure><iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FListingLoopAU%2Fposts%2F2451410014961274&show_text=false&width=500" width="500" height="498" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure>
Now that you have an idea of the prices, the next step is to find the right property for your budget.
So, what’s the easiest way to break into the <a href="https://www.onlymelbourne.com.au/history-of-melbourne-581" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Melbourne market</a>?
Generally, you have three main options when it comes to buying a property.
<h3>Viewing Real Estate Listings For Sale In Melbourne Vic</h3>
You can get property listings and then do a property inspection to <a href="https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/housing-and-property/buying-and-selling-property/buying-a-property/property-inspections" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">check how solid the structure is</a> and conclude your purchase.
However, be aware that you are competing with many other buyers. If you can’t match the buying power of the other buyers, you’ll be sidelined and lose out.
<h3>Buying Your Apartment Or House At Auction</h3>
Another option for buying a house in the Melbourne area is bidding against other buyers at an auction.
However, in a growing property market with plenty of demand like Melbourne Vic, there’s a high chance that you’ll pay more than you’d budgeted if buyers try to outdo each other at auction.
<h3>Getting A Property From an Off-Market Platform</h3>
There’s usually a goldmine of properties that don’t make it 'on market'.
When you buy off-market, there’s less competition for properties which means there’s no pressure like there is at an auction to outbid other buyers.
To get off-market properties, you can contact an agent and discuss what you’re looking for. Agents usually have access to both pre-market and off-market properties.
You also have the option of using an off-market property site like <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/">Listing Loop</a>. All you have to do is register for free, specify what you’re looking for and save your search parameters.
Listing Loop will let you know when there’s a property that’s a good match for your specifications, giving you a head start before other buyers.
<figure><img class="wp-image-1379" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/listing-loop-phone-1.jpg" alt="popular searches personalised advertising, group ltd rea:asx rea, operated by asx listed" width="900" height="601" data-image="46wi3zp1qnsw"></figure>
 <h2>We're here to help</h2>
We're always happy to help with all the dramas and stressors of house buying and selling in Melbourne,VIC.
And if you're particularly tired of house-hunting, we've even partnered with buyer advocates who can <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyer-assist/">check out homes for you</a> and organise sales assessments and negotiations.
Our off-market and pre-market marketplace gives you VIP access to properties so you can get in first.
Just sign up at <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/" target="_blank" title="Listing Loop website">Listing Loop</a> or download our app.
<a href="https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/victorian-terraces-gm182782405-13199439" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Photo</a> by Marg99ar

Median Prices Of Houses For Sale In Melbourne

Are you looking for a vintage property? Perhaps a historic terrace in Surry Hills? 


Or do you prefer the lock-and-leave lifestyle of a beachside apartment in the Northern Beaches?


Boasting a picturesque combination of beach and city, Sydney is one of Australia’s most popular cities to buy a property.


Whether you’re tired of renting or ready for a homeowner lifestyle, there are many hidden property gems to discover for homebuyers in Sydney.


Instead of knocking on different doors for property inspections on weekends, <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/">Listing Loop</a> can offer you easy access to a hidden Sidney property market just waiting to be discovered.


<h2>Buying Off-Market Is a Great Way to Find a Hidden Gem Property</h2>


<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-1bs4_AAK0&t=7s</div></figure>


A property that’s not advertised publicly for sale is considered <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/faq/">off-market</a>. These properties can be grouped into two categories: 


<ul>
<li>Pre-market - This is when a property is coming to market but needs to be prepared and photographed.</li>
<li>Silent Listing - Ideal for people who want to be discrete and avoid a flashy marketing campaign.</li>
</ul>


Related: <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/buy-off-market-properties-for-sale-in-sydney/">Buy off-market properties for sale in Sydney</a>


<h2>Where to Find 'Hidden Gems' In Sydney</h2>


Do you want to beat other buyers in the frenzied Sydney property market and find the home of your dreams? 


Change your location. Avoid the hassle, and save time and money by shifting your search to an area of lesser activity.


If you choose to settle in an up-and-coming location such as Petersham, Bexley, or Padstow Heights, your home will improve in value faster than if you buy in an established neighbourhood.


There are three rules you need to keep in mind when searching for hidden property gems in Sydney:


<h3>Avoid Popular Areas</h3>


The prestige of a location will likely see buyers fork out more for a standard house.


Data collected by <a href="https://www.westpac.com.au/news/making-news/2019/10/for-sale-the-property-listings-hotspots/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Westpac</a> shows the most popular Sydney suburbs where hidden gems are cheaper to buy than in the more popular neighbouring suburbs.


Suppose you want to buy a house in Baulkham Hills, the third most popular suburb in Sydney. You should consider travelling 8kms further to Seven Hills, where the community offers similar amenities, yet the average home price is 34.1% cheaper.


<table style="border: 1px solid #ccc; margin-bottom: 20px;" width="100%">
<tbody>
<tr style="vertical-align: top; background: #222222; color: white; line-height: 35px;">
<td style="width: 14%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">Rank</td>
<td style="width: 14%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">Suburb</td>
<td style="width: 14%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">Median House Value ($)</td>
<td style="width: 14%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">Hidden Gem Suburb</td>
<td style="width: 14%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">Median House Value ($)</td>
<td style="width: 14%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">Saving ($)</td>
<td style="width: 14%; border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;">% Saving&lt;/strong</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">1</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Castle Hill</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">$832,686</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Dural</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">$792,637</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">$40,049</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">4.8%</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">2</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Blacktown</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">$414,374</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Doonside</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">$364,419</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">$49,955</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">12.1%</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">3</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Baulkham Hills</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">$677,588</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Seven Hills</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">$446,710</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">$230,848</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">34.1%</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">4</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Mosman</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">$2,253,950</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Cammeray</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">$1,281,277</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">$972,674</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">43.2%</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">5</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Manly</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">$1,660,289</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Manly Vale</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">$878,865</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">$781,424</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">47.1%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>


<h3>Identify Your Ideal Neighbourhood</h3>


Every suburb or neighbourhood will offer similar amenities, lifestyle and properties.


Have a checklist of the relevant factors that would make you put down roots and raise a family in a particular area. The main features to consider include:


<ul>
<li>Good schools</li>
<li>Low crime rate</li>
<li>Easy access to roads </li>
</ul>


<h3>Check Next Door</h3>


You don't have to choose between a neighbourhood close to the city and one on its outskirts. Two communities can be located side by side and still have a huge difference in house prices.


<h2>How to Spot Hidden Property Gems</h2>


For buyers looking to find a bargain, reports that areas such as the Northern Beaches no longer have suburbs below the average house price of $1 million can be discouraging. 


So how do you spot that excellent hidden gem that others might pass by without breaking the bank?


<h3>Understand What Makes a Great Property</h3>


You need to look beyond a fresh coat of paint and fancy furnishings to spot a property with real value.


If other buyers overlook a house that looks dilapidated but has the potential to increase in value after minor renovations, it could be your chance to score a solid and decent bargain.


Arm yourself with some insider knowledge and a clear understanding of the features to look for.


<h3>Identify Would Be Sellers</h3>


If you spot a hidden gem you like, ask your real estate agent about it. You can identify potential properties based on style, land size or a street-by-street basis. 


Professional property data from <a href="https://www.corelogic.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">CoreLogic</a> will make the process easier and faster.


<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-1bs4_AAK0&t=7s</div></figure>


<h3>Future Infrastructure Projects</h3>


Look for suburbs and neighbourhoods that support infrastructure development. Get as much insider information as possible from the local council about both government and private projects in the pipeline.


<h3>Gentrification report</h3>


Gentrification figures for a specific area will give you the exact timelines for when the area will urbanise or not.


If the demographic shift in the area is noticeable, identify and buy the property you want before the prices increase.


<h3>Let Agents Know You’re Looking</h3>


Touch base with your <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/agents/">real estate agent</a> so that they can make sure you're signed up to Listing Loop.
Research agents’ market share 


<ul>
<li>Which agent has the impetus for sales? </li>
<li>Who has a successful closing for the location and type of property you’re searching for? </li>
</ul>


Befriend your agent


<ul>
<li>Can your agent approach potential vendors on your behalf? </li>
<li>Take advantage of your agent’s existing rapport with potential vendors and find out who may or may not be willing to sell. </li>
</ul>


Related: <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/how-to-discover-secret-listed-properties-for-sale/">How to discover secret listed properties for sale</a>


<h2>Should You Buy a Sydney Property?</h2>


Although a hot property market is putting off many buyers, shrewd property investors and buyers know that now’s the time to snap up a hidden treasure.


Here are four reasons why Sydney’s property market is the best it’s been in a decade:


<ul>
<li>Forecast for strong growth – <a href="https://metropole.com.au/sydney-housing-market-update/">Economic forecasters</a> are in consensus that the city's property markets will surge strongly in the next few years. ANZ Bank reported increases of 9% in 2021, Riskwise predicts 8-12% growth in the same year, while Westpac forecasts values of up to 14% in 2022-23. </li>
<li>It’s a seller’s market – While there are few bargains to be found currently, being a seller's market means properties purchased today will look like a bargain in the future. </li>
<li>It's resilient – Housing values fell by only <a href="https://metropole.com.au/sydney-housing-market-update/">-3.0%</a> in the worst of the Covid pandemic. Since then there has been a considerable resurgence in buyer activity in the recovery period as compared to other markets. </li>
<li>Homeowners are upgrading – Many Australians are looking to upgrade their lifestyle by moving to larger houses and neighbourhoods with community facilities and recreational resources. Many areas of Sydney are perfect in this regard. </li>
</ul>


<h2>Get a Head Start Today</h2>


Homebuyers who shop with Listing Loop can gain a head start on the competition that keeps driving property prices up. <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/propertyhub/#/signup/">Sign up now</a> to discover pre-market and off-market properties you didn’t even know existed.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img class="wp-image-9257" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/listingloop-homebuyer-shop.jpg" alt="Property matching" data-image="ruapgzb5v5rx">
<figcaption><a href="https://listingloop.com.au/how-it-works/">How does Listing Loop work?</a></figcaption>
</figure>


Searching off-market gives buyers the chance to arrange a private inspection instead of visiting jam-packed open homes.


<a href="https://listingloop.com.au/how-it-works/">Listing Loop</a> often gets to see the best options first before they’re marketed to the masses online.


<h3>Expand Your Search</h3>


Identifying a property that fits your criteria is of utmost importance but in a hot market this may require expanding your search criteria. 



Are you ready to unearth that hidden treasure just waiting for you? Sign up to Listing Loop today and discover the hottest new listings first. <h2>We’re here to help</h2>
We're always happy to help with all the dramas and stressors of house buying and selling.
And if you're particularly tired of house-hunting, we've even partnered with buyer advocates who can <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyer-assist/">check out homes for you</a> and organise sales assessments and negotiations.
Our off-market and pre-market marketplace gives you VIP access to properties so you can get in first.
Just sign up at <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/" target="_blank" title="Listing Loop website" rel="noreferrer noopener">Listing Loop</a> or download our app.



<a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/7Zb7kUyQg1E" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Photo</a> by Dan Freeman / <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">CC BY</a>

Sydney Property Market: How to Find Hidden Treasures

Looking to move to Malvern East? As one of the most prestigious Melbourne suburbs, it may be a dream destination for your property investment.


Malvern East is part of the City of Stonnington local government area. It stretches over 7.6 km2 and has a population of 24,694. 


The suburb comes with all the extras.


It’s best known for the upmarket Chadstone Shopping Centre and Central Park. Yet, this isn't remotely where the conversation ends when it comes to this upscale suburb. 


One thing’s for sure, if you settle on Malvern East, you won’t run short of public amenities and major attractions.


It comes with all the residential perks: plenty of greenery, excellent transport, and quality houses. It’s also known as a shopping and restaurant hub. In short, it’s one of the most coveted postcodes in Melbourne.


Stay tuned as our Listing Loop real estate experts take you on a tour of all things Malvern East. We kick it out of the park in <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/how-it-works/">helping buyers find houses for sale</a> in Malvern East VIC 3145 and other parts of Australia. 


Sit back and enjoy—here comes your simple moving guide for Malvern East. 


<h2>Is Malvern East a Good Suburb?</h2>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img class="wp-image-9282" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/listingloop-malvern-east-good-suburb.jpg" alt="Malvern East map" data-image="qf93tcf396dv">
<figcaption>Source: <a href="https://profile.id.com.au/stonnington/about?WebID=140" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">profile.id.com.au</a></figcaption>
</figure>


East Malvern has much to offer to a mix of different demographic groups.


It’s a many-faceted suburb with an urban feel to it with its many fantastic restaurants on Waverley Road. On the other side of the coin, the trendy make-up of the suburb is balanced out with quiet nooks and urban forests.


Malvern East has this beautiful mash-up of traditional Victorian houses and modern homes. It’s a classy, lively, and friendly neighbourhood. The area is rich in public amenities allowing for plenty of opportunities to build a lavish, quality lifestyle. 


Parks, cafes, restaurants, boutique shopping, schools, leisure and sports centres—they’re all within reach for you in Malvern East. 


<h2>What Makes East Malvern So Desirable?</h2>


<h3>Uber-Green Residential Area</h3>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img class="wp-image-9283" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/listingloopuber-green-residential-area.jpg" alt="Central park Malvern" data-image="0vsn9edququ1">
<figcaption>Source: <a href="https://www.stonnington.vic.gov.au/files/assets/public/community/parks-and-gardens/central-park-malvern-background.jpg?dimension=pageimagefullwidth&w=1140" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">stonnington.vic.gov.au</a></figcaption>
</figure>


Malvern East is a lush green residential area that opens doors to a multitude of outdoor activities. 


It’s hard to stay unbiased as you get engulfed in all the greenery of its manicured gardens, parks, and canopied streets. 


On top of that, the <a href="https://www.stonnington.vic.gov.au/Planning-and-building/Strategic-planning/Planning-Strategies/Open-Spaces-Strategyhttps://www.stonnington.vic.gov.au/Planning-and-building/Strategic-planning/Planning-Strategies/Open-Spaces-Strategy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Stonnington Open Spaces Strategy</a> plans to increase the public open spaces within the local government area. 


The strategy includes: 


<ul>
<li>Erecting green roofs and walls</li>
<li>Relocating car parks underground </li>
<li>Developing new open spaces</li>
</ul>


Devotees of a healthy lifestyle flock together to many of the suburb’s public green spaces, including: 


<ul>
<li>Hedgeley Dene Gardens</li>
<li>Central Park</li>
<li>Forest Reserve</li>
<li>Malvern Valley Public Golf Course </li>
<li>Phoenix Park</li>
</ul>


Another amazing perk of the suburb is its interconnectedness with the rest of the city. It seamlessly links to Melbourne's Gardiners Creek Walking Trails as well as the Greater Melbourne network of bike paths. 


<h3>Good Public Transport Links </h3>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img class="wp-image-9284" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/listingloop-good-public-transport-links.jpg" alt="Melbourne rail network" data-image="i8bdbc40akr8">
<figcaption>Source: <a href="https://maps.philipmallis.com/melbourne-fantasy-rail-map-2050/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">maps.philipmallis.com</a></figcaption>
</figure>


The best part about Malvern East is having all local amenities within walking distance. You can easily get by without a car if you’re after shopping, fitness, or other leisurely activity. 


But yet another perk of this “too-good-to-be-true” suburb is its strategically convenient location. 


A 20-minute ride to Melbourne's Central Business District is not too shabby. Not only that, Malvern East is located 13 km south-east of the CBD, but it also boasts excellent public transport.


<table style="border: 1px solid #ccc; margin-bottom: 20px;" width="100%">
<tbody>
<tr style="vertical-align: top; background: #222222; color: white; line-height: 35px;">
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; text-align: center;" colspan="2">Public Transport in Malvern East</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="width: 21%; padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Public Transportation Options</td>
<td style="width: 50%; padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">You can get about using bus, train or tram transport. Bus lines 612 and 623 will quickly take you to the city. You can also use the Glen Waverley train line or Princes Highway and M1 if you prefer commuting by car.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Access to All the Major Arterials</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Darling, Holmesglen, Carnegie, Caulfield, and East Malvern train stations are servicing the area. They’re linked to all the major arterials such as Tooronga, Warrigal and Malvern Road.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Excellent Network of Bike Paths</td>
<td style="padding: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Prefer commuting on a two-wheeler? With a plethora of bike paths and major on-road cycling routes, you won’t have trouble venturing to <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/new-melbourne-suburbs/">other parts of Melbourne</a>.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>


<h3>The Abundance of Hospitality and Shopping Facilities </h3>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img class="wp-image-9286" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/listingloop-abundance-hospitality-shopping-facilities.jpg" alt="Chandstone Shopping Centre" data-image="exv4rt3v6u7f">
<figcaption>Source: <a href="https://www.chadstone.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">chadstone.com.au</a></figcaption>
</figure>


Malvern East offers a good mix of laidback culture and liveliness and it perfectly balances tradition and progression.


It’s a short drive to Chadstone Shopping Centre — Australia’s largest retail centre. 


Oakleigh’s bustling Eaton Mall is perfect for your immediate grocery needs. There’s also a shopping precinct in Koornang Road, Carnegie where you can satisfy the rest of your shopping requirements.


However, Chadstone Shopping Centre is not only a true landmark of the local area, it’s the suburb’s axis and the reason for its quick expansion from a minor suburb to the large classy residential area. 


There’s another reason people are drawn to this stylish neighbourhood. It gives them access to an abundance of restaurants. When it comes to dining, you’ll rarely need to travel far.


Trendy restaurants on Waverley Road will cater to all your dinner or family brunch needs. And if that’s not enough, there’s plenty to check out in the Oakleigh and Carnegie, and Chadstone food scenes.


<h3>Access to Top Schools </h3>


Malvern East VIC 3145 postcode is also home to various good local schools. The suburb is at the forefront when it comes to education, hosting some of Melbourne’s finest institutions.


Malvern East residents have a plentiful choice in the private school sector, but what weighs in tremendously is a number of highly regarded public schools, including: 


<ul>
<li>Malvern Primary School </li>
<li>Lloyd Street Primary School</li>
<li>Malvern Valley Primary School</li>
</ul>


There are heaps of top private schools in the areas too, including: 


<ul>
<li>Caulfield Grammar</li>
<li>Sacre Coeur</li>
<li>Korowa</li>
<li>St Mary's </li>
</ul>


<h2>Is Malvern East a Safe Suburb?</h2>


Malvern East property crime rate sits at Melbourne’s average, while its violent crime rates gravitate toward the lower end. 


<a href="https://www.crimestatistics.vic.gov.au/crime-statistics/latest-crime-data-by-area" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">The chart</a> below shows the criminal incidence range per 100,000. Here we chose to compare Stonnington local government area rates with Victoria’s averages. 


Importantly, Stonnington rates have been relatively stable over the last decade. Stonnington saw 9,077 total criminal incidents in 2020, of which 1,737 is attributed to Malvern East. 


This is the golden average across Melbourne’s suburbs (with South Yarra standing at the higher end with 2,232 and Toorak at the lower end with 657 criminal incidents in 2020).


<div id="viz1621153561092" class="tableauPlaceholder" style="position: relative;"><noscript><a href='https://www.crimestatistics.vic.gov.au/'><img alt=' ' src='https://public.tableau.com/static/images/Cr/CrimeByLocationtool/CriminalIncidentsDashboard/1_rss.png' style='border: none' /></a></noscript><object class="tableauViz" style="display: none;" width="300" height="150"><param name="host_url" value="https%3A%2F%2Fpublic.tableau.com%2F"> <param name="embed_code_version" value="3"> <param name="site_root" value=""><param name="name" value="CrimeByLocationtool/CriminalIncidentsDashboard"><param name="tabs" value="yes"><param name="toolbar" value="yes"><param name="static_image" value="https://public.tableau.com/static/images/Cr/CrimeByLocationtool/CriminalIncidentsDashboard/1.png"> <param name="animate_transition" value="yes"><param name="display_static_image" value="yes"><param name="display_spinner" value="yes"><param name="display_overlay" value="yes"><param name="display_count" value="yes"></object></div>



<h2>Is Malvern East Expensive?</h2>


You'll have to pay for your upscale, trendy life in Malvern East with a wad of cash. The Malvern East median house price sits at $1.9 million, but prices are variable depending on different factors such as actual neighbourhoods and house sizes. 


Houses in Malvern East range in price, from $578,000 for houses with two bedrooms to $1.9 million for houses with four bedrooms. The annual average for 2020 was $1.9 million, with a <a href="https://www.propertyvalue.com.au/suburb/malvern-east-3145-vic" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">6.2% climb in prices</a> compared to the $1.8 million baseline in January 2020.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img class="wp-image-9288" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/listingloop-malvern-east-expensive.jpg" alt="Market Trends for Malvern East" data-image="bxlqdm7hf3lq">
<figcaption>Source: <a href="https://www.propertyvalue.com.au/suburb/malvern-east-3145-vic" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">propertyvalue.com.au</a></figcaption>
</figure>


<h2>A Few Moving Tips Before Relocating to Malvern East VIC 3145 </h2>


And the last step to your new life in prestigious Malvern East is the actual moving. This is the least favourite part as it takes up a major chunk of your resources. You’ll have to draw on all the organisational skills at your disposal. 


Below are a few moving tips to help you out.


<ul>
<li>Use bubble wrap to pack fragile items such as cookware and plates and label them well so movers can identify them and handle them with care.</li>
<li>Dedicate a special box for toiletries and personal essentials such as paper towels, toothpaste, soap, sheets, and towels. Have basic tools on hand too (screwdriver, pliers, flashlight) should there be any need to use them in your new home. </li>
<li>Arrange extra insurance for your high-value items and make sure they get delivered first thing when you move in. Label them and give clear instructions so the removalists can identify them quickly and easily. </li>
</ul>


<h2>Your Next Step</h2>


So, there you go—a few important tidbits you need to know before moving to this desirable Melbourne suburb. 


The right amount of urban and residential living and the smooth balance of traditional and new makes Malvern East what it is.


If we’ve sparked your curiosity, <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/how-it-works/">head over to our how it works page</a>. Listing Loop is Australia’s leading real estate marketplace and your shortcut to the best deals available. 


Learn about fresh pre-market and off-market properties in Australia before anyone else does. <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyers/">Sign up for free</a> and never miss a good chance at the home of your dreams.<h2>We’re here to help</h2>
We're always happy to help with all the dramas and stressors of house buying and selling.
And if you're particularly tired of house-hunting, we've even partnered with buyer advocates who can <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyer-assist/">check out homes for you</a> and organise sales assessments and negotiations.
Our off-market and pre-market marketplace gives you VIP access to properties so you can get in first.
Just sign up at <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/" target="_blank" title="Listing Loop website" rel="noreferrer noopener">Listing Loop</a> or download our app.



<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/45072550@N03/5111850768/">Photo</a> by TomGough / <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">CC BY</a>

A Simple Moving Guide for Malvern East

<h2>Matching buyers with off-market properties</h2>


If you’ve been house-hunting for a while, it’s easy to feel deflated. After months of research, visiting Open Homes every weekend, and placing and losing offers, you’re probably wondering if you’ll ever find your dream home.


Do any of the following scenarios sounds familiar?


The properties that seem the perfect fit for us are:


A) Snapped up too quickly


B) Sold way above our price range in bidding wars


C) Look very different in real life


If you answered ‘yes’ to one or more, then it’s time to join the era of property matching. Say goodbye to hours and hours of searching!


<h3>What is off-market property matching?</h3>


Off-market property matching involves connecting your key criteria with suitable housing not-yet-listed on dominant real estate websites.


It’s like a matchmaking dating site. Because, if you think of it, there are many similarities between finding the perfect place and finding your soulmate! The process usually involves checking out many new people/places and deciding if they fulfil your desired requirements.


These days, there are multiple dating platforms and apps available to match singles with potential partners. And many couples are now happily married as a result. 


So why not take the same approach with real estate?


<h3>How can off-market property matching help me find my dream home?</h3>


If the above scenarios hit a nerve, you’d be happy to know that real estate marketplaces, like <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/">Listing Loop</a>, aim to create a much smoother experience.


<h4>Problem One: Houses are being snapped up too quickly. </h4>


Our solution: With Listing Loop, you can get ahead of the competition. You’ll be the first to know as soon as a property matching your needs is listed for sale on our platform. You'll receive an SMS or email to give you the opportunity to check it out before anyone else.


<h4>Problem Two: Houses are sold way above our price range in bidding wars.</h4>


Our solution: We'll make you aware of suitable properties before everyone else, meaning you can arrange private inspections and place an offer ASAP. Most sellers don’t want their house on the market for months either - so it’s a win-win scenario!


<h4>Problem Three: Houses look very different in real life</h4>


Our solution: An agent can upload a property to the Listing Loop platform the moment they've signed the listing authority. This means, you’re usually viewing raw photos taken from the agent’s smartphone camera - not images distorted by Photoshop. So you always have a realistic representation of what the rooms really look like. 


We live in the era of real time. And Listing Loop gives you instant access to matching properties listed for sale.<h2>We’re here to help</h2>
Eager to give Listing Loop a go?&nbsp;We're always happy to help with all the dramas and stressors of house buying and selling.
Indeed, if you're particularly tired of house-hunting, we've even partnered with buyer advocates who can <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyer-assist/">check out homes for you</a> and organise sales assessments and negotiations.
Our off-market and pre-market marketplace gives you VIP access to properties so you can get in first. 
Just sign up at <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/" target="_blank" title="Listing Loop website">Listing Loop</a> or download our app.

Off-market property matching - a new approach to real estate

Off-market is no longer just an industry term and more and more vendors are curious about this approach for selling their property. While all agents know how to pitch VPA, selling the benefits of an off-market campaign requires a different strategy that many are still getting their head around.
Off-market is not just about saving your vendor expensive upfront marketing fees. It’s about avoiding a Google property search history, it’s about selling now without delay and it’s about leveraging a looming on-market campaign to secure a premium.
One of the biggest benefits and low risk factors of an off-market campaign is that you can eliminate the property showing up in Google searches – or in other search engines such as Bing. This is particularly ideal for vendors that wish to remain private, but most importantly, it disguises any changes that need to be made to the listing, such as a reduction in price. With off-market, buyers can’t go online, search and see this change.
On the other hand, with on-market, people can easily Google the property, discover a drop in price and take advantage of this to negotiate an even lower price. A failed on-market campaign can take over a year to clean up, whereas an off-market campaign can go online the next day without the masses knowing the property’s history.
<figure><img class="aligncenter wp-image-9742" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/3550х1667_benefits_off_market_ad-300x141.jpg" alt="" width="935" height="439" data-image="0vnhgttqnk2r"></figure>
The Australian real estate market is no longer seasonal and timing is no longer relevant because of the constant demand. Restrictions on international travel, state lockdowns and expats returning home are all contributing to this. Vendors looking to sell no longer need to wait until spring ­and can utilise off-market to sell now. Even if they haven’t painted the house, renovated the bathroom or tidied up the garden. Off-market sales often attract more serious buyers that are tired of missing out and are fully invested in finding their next home as soon as they can. They don’t care about stylised spaces or professional photographs. They’re more concerned about snapping up a home before someone else does.
An off-market campaign can be used as a huge leverage point for a looming on-market campaign. If a buyer really wants a property, they can be enticed to pay a premium before the property goes on-market and is seen by other competing buyers. Leading agents are utilising this angle as a bargaining tool to get the best possible price for their vendors.
Off-market sales are made easier through tools such as <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/">ListingLoop.com.au</a>, Australia’s leading marketplace for pre-market and off-market listings. Agents are using <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/">ListingLoop.com.au</a> to win more listings and sell properties faster by getting their properties online the same day they list.
 
<h2>We’re here to help</h2>
We're always happy to help with all the dramas and stressors of house buying and selling.
Indeed, if you're particularly tired of house-hunting, we've even partnered with buyer advocates who can <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyer-assist/">check out homes for you</a> and organise sales assessments and negotiations.
Our off-market and pre-market marketplace gives you VIP access to properties so you can get in first. 
Just sign up at <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/" target="_blank" title="Listing Loop website">Listing Loop</a> or download our app.<a href="https://listingloop.com.au/"></a>

Tips for pitching the benefits of an off-market sale to potential vendors

If you want to enhance or grow your real estate portfolio in Geelong, here is your answer.


Invest in the top suburbs and land surrounding Geelong. 


We will provide you with five suburbs in Greater Geelong that are guaranteed to retain strong real estate value.


Not only do we have a list of suburbs for you, but we offer valuable insight into each suburb, such as:


<ul>
<li>Tourist attractions</li>
<li>Median price points</li>
<li>Capital history</li>
</ul>


As a result, you’ll walk away knowing the best suburbs to invest in and the reasons why.


But how are you going to find property in Geelong? What real estate platform will you use?


Unfortunately, if you're not using Listing Loop, you’re losing out on mass opportunities. In fact, Listing Loop offers <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/how-it-works/">exclusive listings</a> that match your exact criteria.


Here are the benefits of using Listing Loop:


<ul>
<li>Less buyer competition</li>
<li>Exclusive properties</li>
<li>Free membership</li>
<li>Immediate listing updates</li>
</ul>


<blockquote>
“You will be notified immediately by email the moment a matching property is live on Listing Loop. As soon as you receive the email, enquire right away. Get in before everyone else!”
</blockquote>


You may be wondering, “how can they offer exclusive deals?”


Well, our secret is off-market and pre-market listings. 


Simply put, an off-market listing is a listing of property or land that does not use public advertising. A pre-market listing is a listing that hasn't been publicly advertised yet.


“Listing Loop is Australia’s leading marketplace for pre-market and off-market properties where you get VIP access to just listed properties. Get first dibs before they’re available to everyone else on the major real estate websites.”


So, if you want to enhance your Geelong real estate portfolio, use Listing Loop to find properties within the top suburbs.


That said, what are the top suburbs in Greater Geelong?


<h2>Invest in the Top Surrounding Suburbs of Geelong to Grow Your Portfolio</h2>
<figure><img class="wp-image-9566 size-full" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/listingloop-invest-top-surrounding-suburbs.jpg" alt="Aerial photo of Geelong in Victoria" width="900" height="550" data-image="23wwsydxu5oq"></figure>
 Source: <a href="https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/aerial-photo-of-geelong-in-victoria-australia-gm1069499950-286090330">istockphoto</a>



While there are a number of owner-occupied properties in Geelong, real estate investing in Geelong has become increasingly popular.


In fact, Geelong offers more affordable housing, land, and property prices in contrast to Victoria’s capital, Melbourne, which is driving more and more people to Geelong.



With that said, if you want to grow or enhance your Geelong real estate portfolio, consider buying land or real estate in on-the-rise Greater Geelong suburbs such as:


<ul>
<li>Barwon Heads</li>
<li>Geelong</li>
<li>Manifold Heights</li>
<li>North Geelong</li>
<li>Geelong West</li>
</ul>


<h3>Barwon Heads</h3>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img class="wp-image-9064" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/listingloop-barwon-heads.jpg" alt="east geelong init rent highton" data-image="2un2c5ce8ohv">
<figcaption>Source: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/russellcharters/15887058250" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Flickr</a></figcaption>
</figure>


Ready for a mind-blowing statistic?


The average price point for real estate in <a href="https://blog.wmcaccounting.com.au/rental-properties/top-5-suburbs-for-the-geelong-investment-property-market" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Barwon Heads</a> has increased 812.6% in the last 25 years.


And because of its increased popularity from Melbourne families, Barwon Heads has become a hotspot for locals and tourists alike. 


As a result, the median house price climbed up to $940,000 within the last couple of years and Barwon Heads is one of the most expensive places to live in Greater Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula. 



Pro tip: If you want to learn more about off-market real estate, check out Listing Loop’s <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/off-market-property-sales-growing-in-australia/">Latest News</a>.


<h3>Geelong</h3>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img class="wp-image-9065" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/listingloop-geelong.jpg" alt=" highton, east, north, latest" data-image="zug1el08wuhr">
<figcaption>Source: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/82134796@N03/49939269033" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Flickr</a></figcaption>
</figure>


Geelong is the official suburb within this city. The <a href="https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/what-is-a-cbd-central-business-district.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Central Business District</a> is located here and it's the cultural hub for the region. Some of the experiences offered here are:


<ul>
<li>Restaurants</li>
<li>Cafes</li>
<li>Public art</li>
<li>Landscaped gardens </li>
</ul>


Depending on where you come from, you might call the actual city of Geelong the Geelong Centre, Central Geelong, or Geelong CBD. But if you're a local, you’d just say you're headed into town.


So, what’s the average price of property here?


More recently, the average value was $735,000. Leading up to this price point, Geelong saw a constant 8.5% increase over the last 25 years. 


At the same time, Geelong experienced a 20% increase in capital value alone.


<h3>Manifold Heights</h3>


Of all the suburbs on this list, Manifold Heights has achieved the steadiest and most consistent increase in value through the years. 


In fact, the average price point for a home in Manifold Heights was $99,750 in <a href="https://blog.wmcaccounting.com.au/rental-properties/top-5-suburbs-for-the-geelong-investment-property-market" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">1993</a>. Fast forward over 20 years and the price point is above $720,000. 


Simply put, Manifold Heights experienced a dramatic increase in price. More specifically, an average climb of 8.1% each year.


But what makes Manifold Heights an even better choice for your real estate portfolio?


This suburb does not provide a high growth volatility rate that other surrounding suburbs do. 


In fact, <a href="https://blog.wmcaccounting.com.au/rental-properties/top-5-suburbs-for-the-geelong-investment-property-market" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">CoreLogic</a> research shows that for the past 10 years, Manifold Heights has been the fastest-growing suburb in Geelong and has experienced a 17.3% capital growth during that time.


<h3>North Geelong</h3>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img class="wp-image-9071" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/listingloop-north-geelong.jpg" alt="North Geelong waterfront" data-image="ee4ytmkshxuy">
<figcaption>Source: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/boobook48/3517103591" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Flickr</a></figcaption>
</figure>


A few years ago, North Geelong saw a tremendous 23.6% increase in the value price of property, bumping the median price range for land and real estate up to $418,000.


The Geelong Golf Club offers investment opportunities to homebuyers with their high-end real estate properties. 


And at the same time, due to the increased interest of North Geelong, older and more traditional homes are sought after as well.


<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">
“North Geelong used to be more of a working class suburb, but that is definitely changing because of the affordability aspect,” - Nathan Ashton of Gartland Property said.
"People are seeing really good value in buying, investing and in developing and renovating."
</blockquote>


As a result, the average price of property keeps rising. In fact, the median price point for real estate in North <a href="https://www.openagent.com.au/blog/best-areas-to-invest-geelong-torquay-and-lorne-2020">Geelong</a> is projected to be at $540,000 in a couple of years.


Bonus: If you want to learn about how to access pre-market and off-market <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/how-to-discover-secret-listed-properties-for-sale/">properties</a> in Geelong, Listing Loop has got you covered.


<h3>Geelong West</h3>


Geelong West is ranked in second place (behind Baron Heads) for Greater Geelong's highest performing suburb in the past 25 years.


It’s an essential area for both residential and commercial suburbs with constant growth (a yearly 9.4% increase) in the past 10 years. 


And the fact that Geelong West offers real estate for $65,000 less than the city of Geelong, makes it extremely affordable for investors. Currently, landlords are able to charge $370 a week in rent.


<h2>Listing Loop Can Enhance or Grow Your Real Estate Portfolio in Geelong</h2>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img class="wp-image-9073" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/listingloop-real-estate-portfolio-geelong.jpg" alt="Break taking destinations" data-image="yu6a2ojx6vtk">
<figcaption><a href="https://www.pinterest.ph/pin/222506037829155966/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Image courtesy</a></figcaption>
</figure>


If you invest in the top Greater City of Geelong suburbs, you'll have real estate property that’s projected to experience growth in years to come. Moreover, an investment in Geelong will bring you financial return and valuable property assets.


But you need <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/">Listing Loop</a> to get you there.


<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">
“At Listing Loop we do the work for you. There’s no need to login and search for properties every day. When there’s a new pre-market or off-market property that matches your specific needs, we alert you in real time. Get your dream home before someone else does!”
</blockquote>


If you just rely on the mainstream real estate websites, you’ll be wasting your:


<ul>
<li>Time</li>
<li>Money</li>
<li>Energy</li>
<li>Sanity</li>
</ul>


Remember, we offer exclusive real estate listings for your specific requirements. And we offer a <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/propertyhub/#/signup/">free membership</a> with instant alerts whenever new listings are made.


<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">
“You can sign up to Listing Loop from our homepage at www.listingloop.com.au and follow the simple prompts to specify what you’re looking for.
Alternatively, an agent may personally invite you to join Listing Loop by sending you an email or SMS. When you accept the invitation, that agent becomes your Agent Assist, your go-to free online agent resource. Sign up takes approximately one minute.”
</blockquote><h2>We’re here to help</h2>
We're always happy to help with all the dramas and stressors of house buying and selling.
Indeed, if you're particularly tired of house-hunting, we've even partnered with buyer advocates who can <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyer-assist/">check out homes for you</a> and organise sales assessments and negotiations.
Our off-market and pre-market marketplace gives you VIP access to properties so you can get in first. 
Just sign up at <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/" target="_blank" title="Listing Loop website">Listing Loop</a> or download our app.


<a href="https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/home-owner-consulting-interior-designer_6447860.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Photo</a> by Jopwell / <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">CC BY</a>

Enhancing Your Real Estate Portfolio in Geelong

<h2>The unspoken rules of house hunting.</h2>


Buying your first home is scary for many first home buyers. And that’s normal - you’re about to experience your biggest ever financial investment!


Friends and family have probably offered you loads of advice. “Don’t say this”. “Don’t do that”. There seems to be so many unspoken rules. And at the back of your mind, you’re wondering if your dream home might be out there - and sold before you even know about it! 


It’s okay. Take a deep breath and read our 5 insider’s tips on how to find your dream home. 


<h3>1. Don’t give away too much</h3>


When you’re inspecting a property, it’s best to keep your cards close to your chest - and put on that poker face! Yes, real estate agents are usually lovely people, but they are also legally obliged to get the best price for their seller.


Try to avoid sharing your budget or strong enthusiasm upfront as it might affect your negotiating power if you decide to put an offer in.


 


<h3>2. Never make an offer on the spot </h3>


Yes, that’s right. Even if you think you’ve found ‘the one’. House hunting is a very emotional journey and it’s easy to get caught up in the moment.


If you’re visiting a few Open Homes that day, make a note about the property on a notepad or in your phone. Write down the key features so you remember why you liked it.


When you get home, assess how you feel. Are you still thinking about that place? Still feel excited? If yes, do some research before making an offer. Find out its past selling price. Or find out how much similar houses in the area have sold for.


We recommend doing this research on the day of the viewing, especially if you think it will be snapped up quickly. But by taking the time to properly consider it, you’ll know your head is in the right place and your offer is the right price before contacting the agent.


 


<h3>3. Know your budget and stick to it</h3>


If you’re heading to an auction, know exactly where your price limit is. Auctions are designed to encourage competition among bidders, so it’s very easy to ignite the competitive streak within and overstretch yourself. 


Have someone you trust by your side to keep you grounded. Get a feel for the auction environment and processes by attending a few others beforehand. 


Just remember, the auction price is just the purchase price. You also need to consider expenses like stamp duty, building and pest inspections, legal fees, and possibly strata. <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/first-home-buyer-checklist/">Here’s a first home buyers’ checklist to help you out.</a>


 


<h3>4. Have a good team on your side</h3>


When it comes to finding your dream home, you need a good support network around you. We recommend:


<ul>
<li>Talking with a broker or bank to get your finances in order</li>
<li>Seeking a solicitor or conveyancer to help with the legal side</li>
<li>Considering a <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/whats-the-difference-between-a-buyers-agent-and-off-market-platform/">Buyer’s Agent</a> to uncover suitable houses in the neighbourhoods you’re interested in</li>
<li>Asking feedback from family and friends for an outside opinion</li>
</ul>


 


<h3>5. Try an off-market approach</h3>


If you’re completely overwhelmed or experiencing buyer fatigue and think it’s best to grab the next house that comes along, don’t do it! Try an off-market property platform like <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyers">Listing Loop</a> first.


With Listing Loop, you can uncover your potential dream home before it hits the major real estate sites. You can be the first to know. With a free registration, you can select key property criteria and receive instant alerts when matching properties are uploaded to the platform. You’ll also be allocated an Agent Assist to help you with your house hunting journey. 


We hope you find your dream home very soon!<h2>We’re here to help</h2>
We're always happy to help with all the dramas and stressors of house buying and selling.
Indeed, if you're particularly tired of house-hunting, we've even partnered with buyer advocates who can <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyer-assist/">check out homes for you</a> and organise sales assessments and negotiations.
Our off-market and pre-market marketplace gives you VIP access to properties so you can get in first. 
Just sign up at <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/" target="_blank" title="Listing Loop website">Listing Loop</a> or download our app.


Eager to get started? Register on <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyers">Listing Loop</a> today and find ‘just listed’ off-market properties matching your dream home ASAP!

Insider’s tips on how to find your dream home

<h2>Winter energy saving tips.</h2>


Starting to feel the chill in the air? We all know what that means - winter is here. That, of course, translates to higher energy bills as we desperately try to keep us and our families warm.


But don’t fret! There are ways to save energy and keep costs to a minimum.


As recommended by the <a href="https://www.energy.gov.au/household-guides/reduce-energy-bills">Australian Government Department of Environment and Energy</a>, you can start by taking 3 essential steps. It's time to get:


<ol>
<li>Informed - Find out how much you can save and investigate the factors for energy price increases.</li>
<li>Organised - Ensure you understand your energy bill and identify energy hot-spots around the home.</li>
<li>Moving - Compare electricity and gas retailers in your area and review the best options for you - whether it’s time-of-use pricing, off-peak hot water, or installing a smart meter.</li>
</ol>


<h3>Easy ways to save electricity and gas usage</h3>


For many of us, our first instinct is to promptly wake our heaters from their summer slumber. <a href="https://www.energymadeeasy.gov.au/hot-topics/five-tips-keep-your-energy-bills-down-winter">But there are methods to ensure you’re getting the most from your heating.</a>


<ul>
<li>Shut the curtains - More than one-third of heat can leak out the windows.</li>
<li>Stop the drafts - Invest in door seals, draft-proofing strips, and door snakes to reduce heating costs by up to 25%.</li>
<li>Only heat areas you need - It might sound obvious, but you can restrict warm air from leaking into unused rooms by closing doors. This includes the laundry and bathrooms.</li>
<li>Invest in energy-efficient appliances - If your current heater is on the way out or has a low energy rating, it might be time to invest in a new one!</li>
</ul>


For more energy saving tips, visit our blog on <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/eco-friendly-home/">‘5 ways to make an eco-friendly home’.</a>


<h3>Staying warm without power </h3>


The good news is, you don’t need to rely upon your heater or air-conditioning to feel comfortable this winter. You can try the following tips:


<ul>
<li>Layer up - To put it simply, wear warmer clothes! If your place is very cold, try adding an insulating thermal layer and adding up to four layers to keep your core temperature warm.</li>
<li>Warm your hands and feet - It’s time to bring out those gloves, thick socks, and beanie. Yes, it’s okay to wear them indoors!</li>
<li>Use a hot water bottle - Rather than using the electric blanket, try the traditional method of warming up your bed. It’s also nice to cuddle up with on the couch.</li></ul><h2>We're here to help</h2>
Is your home too cold in winter? Are you ready to find a better insulated home? We're always happy to help with all the dramas and stressors of house buying and selling.
And if you're particularly tired of house-hunting, we've even partnered with buyer advocates who can <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyer-assist/">check out homes for you</a> and organise sales assessments and negotiations.
Our off-market and pre-market marketplace gives you VIP access to properties so you can get in first.
Just sign up at <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/" target="_blank" title="Listing Loop website">Listing Loop</a> or download our app.

How to reduce energy costs this winter

If you’re seeking a long-term property to live in, thinking ahead is essential. And if you plan to start a family or add a couple more kids in the near future, you need to find a home that’s family-friendly.


But what’s does ‘family-friendly’ actually mean? What should you be looking for? What does a growing family actually need?


<h2>Family-friendly home considerations</h2>


When searching for your very first home away from home, your needs are usually simple. A one or two bedroom, one bathroom home in St Kilda or Carlton, is not only cosy - it’s also affordable and does the job.


But then time goes by. You get married and begin thinking about or starting a family. Suddenly, your little one-bedder doesn’t seem cosy anymore. It just seems cramped.


Your criteria have changed. Now you’re considering four bedroom, three bathroom houses, with big backyards in Bentleigh or Hawthorn. But what other features should you look for?


When it comes to family-friendly homes, here are a few considerations to keep in mind:


1.The Floor Plan


<ul>
<li>Are all the bedrooms close together? When dealing with 3am feeds or nightmares, you don’t want to navigate your way from one side of the house to the other in pitch black.</li>
<li>Are there stairs? If yes, consider whether it’s easy to add safety gates. This is especially important if there are young babies and toddlers around.</li>
<li>Is it open-plan? By having an open-plan layout, you’re able to let your children run around while still keeping an eye on their (potentially mischievous) activities.</li>
</ul>


 


2. The Backyard


<ul>
<li>Do you plan to get a pet or spend time entertaining outdoors? If you have dreams of owning a Great Dane and/or kicking around a soccer ball with the kids, you’ll probably want a big backyard. Alternatively, you might be content with a small ‘inside pet’ and a simple patio with a barbecue.</li>
</ul>


 


3. The Bathroom


<ul>
<li>Is there a bath? You can’t exactly have bath-time fun without a bath! If you plan on having multiple kids, consider a place with a bath big enough for everyone - or the space to renovate if necessary.</li>
<li>Is there plenty of space? Ideally, you’ll want enough space to sit by the bath and dry the kids off. And, room for them to move past each other while frantically getting ready in the morning.</li>
<li> </li>
</ul>


 


4. The Kitchen


<ul>
<li>Is there enough storage? When kids come along, you’ll need space to store their plates, bowls, and sippy cups. You’ll also need somewhere for their lunchboxes and drink bottles. That’s in addition to all your decorative dining decor and food storage!</li>
<li>Can you watch the kids from the kitchen? Ideally, you will want to have easy viewing of your kids in the lounge room while preparing meals or washing up.</li>
<li>What’s the accessibility like? As kids grow up, many want to help with the cooking at times and have access to the bench-top. However, you also need to be mindful of any hazardous areas and consider ways to prevent children from running into the kitchen while you’re cooking.</li>
</ul>


 


5. The Location


<ul>
<li>Is it close to schools? Even if your kids are babies, if you want to live in the place for the long haul you need to take this into consideration.</li>
<li>Is it close to parks? This is probably more important if you have a smaller backyard, whether it’s based on choice or budget.</li>
<li>Is it close to shops? Nobody likes a long drive to the shops. Being somewhere close to a medical centre is also handy when inevitable falls and cuts occur.</li></ul><h2>We're here to help</h2>
Are you ready to find your dream family-friendly home? We're always happy to help with all the dramas and stressors of house buying and selling.
And if you're particularly tired of house-hunting, we've even partnered with buyer advocates who can <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyer-assist/">check out homes for you</a> and organise sales assessments and negotiations.
Our off-market and pre-market marketplace gives you VIP access to properties so you can get in first.
Just sign up at <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/" target="_blank" title="Listing Loop website">Listing Loop</a> or download our app.

What to look for when buying a family-friendly home

<h2>Decorating your space, your way.</h2>


When it comes to styling your home, there are several factors to consider. For example, there’s the building style and layout, your budget, and, most importantly, creating an environment suited and styled to match your unique personality.


Choosing the right style for you will create that calming ‘ahh’ moment every time you walk through the front door.


There's an abundance of styles to choose from. And there’s an endless list of combinations, from contemporary to traditional, Hamptons to minimalist, boho, or transitional - just to name a few. Each draws inspiration from different fashions, cultures, and eras. 


But how do you know which style is best suited to your personality?


We’ve outlined some ways to incorporate your personality and lifestyle into the interior design of your home.


 


<h3>Take a quiz</h3>


If you aren’t sure where to start and have no idea which design style reflects your tastes, start by taking a quiz. The result can act as a guide to define your style.


We like the <a href="https://stylebyemilyhenderson.com/find-your-style">Home Style Quiz</a> by Emily Henderson. But there are many other quizzes out there to assist with determining your style.


Once you’ve determined your style, you’ll be well-equipped to confidently make those bigger furniture purchases. And tie in other on-point elements to complement the look.


<h3>What’s your home’s structural style?</h3>


Now you have some idea of your style, consider the existing structural style of your house. For example, if you have raw-wood accent beams, it might inspire a more rustic farmhouse design. Whereas if you have an ultra-modern house with crisp geometric lines and subtle colour tones, like white and grey, then a boho interior may look out of place.


However, don’t let this limit you. If you love Bohemian styling and own a modern, sleek, minimalist style home, consider paring it back with boho inspired wall hangings and rugs, rather than macramé hangings and rattan furniture.


<h3>Mix styles</h3>


Few people have singular passions, tastes, or styles - so your home doesn’t need to be limited by just one look either. The beauty of knowing your style means you can challenge it a little and add another dimension to your interior design. 


Check out Emily Henderson’s <a href="https://stylebyemilyhenderson.com/meet-complimentary-style">design wheel</a>, which shows the different styles that pair best. 


If you need further inspiration, create a vision board. You can make an old school board by gathering paint cards and fabric swatches, or save photos of rooms on Pinterest. Another option is to gather ideas from display homes, so you can visually see how they decorate a particular space.


 


<h3>Show who you are</h3>


Do you love to travel and have collectables from each location? Or are you a lover of fine art and have numerous artworks from different artists, eras, styles and colour palettes in your home?


Whatever gives you joy, embrace it. Add it to your home with pride and in a visually appealing way. Don’t worry if it doesn’t fit into the most recent trends. Remember, trends come and go, but your uniqueness is what people love about you. So, allow ‘you’ to be present in your styling and never apologise for it.


<h3>Suit your lifestyle</h3>


If you have a large family, young kids, or pets, an elegant space with breakable antique vases and sculptures may not be the best choice (for now). Consider a locked cabinet with some antique collectables instead. If you have a small budget, stay within it with clever DIY options.


Creating beautiful home interiors can be self-expressive and fun. Find out what styles best suit your personality, make it work for your lifestyle and space, and enjoy coming home to a space perfectly designed for you.<h2>We're here to help</h2>
Ready to purchase a new house to decorate? We're always happy to help with all the dramas and stressors of house buying and selling.
And if you're particularly tired of house-hunting, we've even partnered with buyer advocates who can <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyer-assist/">check out homes for you</a> and organise sales assessments and negotiations.
Our off-market and pre-market marketplace gives you VIP access to properties so you can get in first.
Just sign up at <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/" target="_blank" title="Listing Loop website">Listing Loop</a> or download our app.

How to style your home to suit your personality

<h2>5 beautiful bedroom design tips</h2>


When preparing a property for sale, presentation is everything. From the front garden, to the kitchen, to the backyard, potential buyers will be absorbing both the highs and the lows.


Showcasing luxurious bedrooms is a major selling point.


These are spaces where the new owners will go to sleep at the end of a hectic day. It’s where their kids will form childhood memories. It’s where their favourite clothing and family heirloom jewellery will live.


So there’s pressure to make the bedrooms feel spacious and special.


Unless you’re an interior designer (or a massive Pinterest follower), the struggle to re-organise and style the bedrooms is real. 


<h3>Here are 5 tips for creating luxurious bedrooms:</h3>


<h4>1. Add plush pillows</h4>


Think about the most beautiful hotel room you’ve stayed in. Chances are, it featured multiple pillows and cushions on the bed. Nothing breathes relaxation and luxury more than plush, overstuffed pillows.


Try featuring at least two pillows on each side of the bed, alongside a couple of square decorative cushions. If this takes up half the bed, you’re on the right track! 


<h4>2. Declutter the space</h4>


<a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/decluttering-your-home-the-konmari-way/">Clutter is very distracting during house inspections.</a> In some instances, it can also be a possible trip hazard.


Ensure the room appears clear and orderly. This is key for producing relaxing feel-good vibes. Remove any piles of books, visible extension cords, exercise equipment, or anything else that could make the room look small. If the floor looks too bare, add an element of comfort by featuring a wool or sisal style rug. 


<h4>3. Create a focus</h4>


After removing clutter, select the key focus of the room. That is, the piece of furniture that attracts your eye when you first walk in.


Although it’s the obvious choice, the bed might only be the secondary focus. A luxurious velvet armchair or dark wood dresser with mirror could steal the show.


<h4>4. Review your window coverings</h4>


Curtains, shutters, or blinds can achieve so much more than blocking out street lights and early morning sunbeams. They can be utilised as a decorative feature to add elegance to a bedroom. 


Consider window coverings that are professionally made to size. For an extra plush and regal look, you could add an extra metre or two. Then you can pull the curtain to the side and affix with golden or maroon rope.


<h4>5. Include greenery</h4>


Breathe life into your bedrooms by adding flowers and greenery. Depending upon the space, you could add a large fern in the corner. Or feature a vase with colourful flowers on the bedside tables. Hanging pot plants could also work well.


Bringing a touch of the outside inside the bedrooms won’t only look nice. It will also add a pleasant and inviting scent to the space.


 


Creating luxurious bedrooms doesn’t need to be a stressful experience. With the above tips, you’ll be on your way to creating memorable sleep spaces for potential buyers. 


Ready to put your house on the market? Before you do, ask your <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyers/">real estate agent about Listing Loop.</a> Our platform gives you the opportunity to be in front of qualified buyers looking for a house exactly like yours. So your luxurious bedrooms will be seen by perfectly-matched candidates before you know it.<h2>We're here to help</h2>
We're always happy to help with all the dramas and stressors of house buying and selling.
And if you're particularly tired of house-hunting, we've even partnered with buyer advocates who can <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyer-assist/">check out homes for you</a> and organise sales assessments and negotiations.
Our off-market and pre-market marketplace gives you VIP access to properties so you can get in first.
Just sign up at <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/" target="_blank" title="Listing Loop website">Listing Loop</a> or download our app.
 


<h4>Related Links:</h4>


<a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/increase-value-of-home/">5 ways to improve your home for sale</a>


<a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/hiring-interior-designer-decorator/">How to find an interior decorator or designer</a>

How to create a luxurious bedroom

<h2>How to maintain your sanity while buying and selling simultaneously </h2>


Whether you’re looking to downsize because you’re finally empty nesters or your family is expanding, you may find yourself in the position where you want to buy and sell your home at the same time.


If you want the purchase and sale to settle on the same day, it’s known as a simultaneous settlement. But it’s not always easy!


<h3>What are the benefits?</h3>


While selling your old home and buying a new one simultaneously carries some risks, there are many benefits:


<ul><li>When it works, you don’t have to pay rent on a property while waiting to buy.</li><li>You don’t have to pay a mortgage on two properties concurrently.</li><li>You can move out of your old house and straight into your new house. That means reducing extra stress and avoiding the time-consuming and unnecessary packing and storage of your belongings.</li></ul>





<h3>What are some risks?</h3>


<ul><li>If one of the settlements is delayed, it can negatively impact the other.</li><li>You might end up paying for two mortgages if you fail to sell your home before you settle on your new one. Also, if you don’t research the market well and your home sells for less than expected, you may make a substantial loss.</li><li>If you don’t find a home to buy within a pre-arranged six-month settlement period, you could be forced to rent if no negotiation is reached. </li></ul>





<h3>How can I set myself up for the best possible outcome?</h3>


<h4>Engage a team of specialists</h4>


First and foremost, it’s essential for you to have all the experts working for you to achieve your goals. You will need an experienced and professional:


<ul><li>real estate agent</li><li>conveyancer or solicitor who specialises in simultaneous settlements </li><li>mortgage broker </li></ul>


Plus a platform to <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyers">float your property in the marketplace and view off-market properties. </a>


<h4>Choose whether you want to start the sale or purchase first</h4>


Use your agent’s knowledge to assess the market. Generally speaking, they will advise that in a rising market you should buy first. 


This is so you buy at a cheaper price and sell at a higher one. It also reduces the risk of not selling your property if it’s a strongly performing market.


Some agents recommend floating your property off-market first to get a feel for how it might sell at a later date. This is where a platform like <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyers">Listing Loop</a> can assist.


In a falling market, an agent may advise the opposite. For example, sell first and buy second as it reduces the risk of paying two mortgages simultaneously. You won’t have to accept a bad offer on your home due to necessity; you know how to purchase your new home. 


<h4>Assess your best settlement options</h4>


Utilising your Solicitor or Conveyancers advice consider the following:


<ul><li>Selling your home with a long settlement of up to six months. Include a clause that allows you to bring forward settlement as long as you give four weeks’ notice. You can then look for a property to buy and when a property is found, you can move the settlement on your old home forward so that both properties settle on the same day.</li><li>Be willing to sell your home a little below value or buy a little above value. This will provide the other person with an incentive to agree to the delayed settlement. </li></ul>


If you can’t find a new house before you have to settle your old one, ask your buyer if a leaseback option is a possibility. 


Feeling inspired to buy and sell together? You can do it! All you need is key criteria in mind, a great team of specialists, and <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyers">Listing Loop</a> to uncover ‘just listed’ off-market properties matching your dream home. <h2>We're here to help</h2>
We're always happy to help with all the dramas and stressors of house buying and selling.
And if you're particularly tired of house-hunting, we've even partnered with buyer advocates who can <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyer-assist/">check out homes for you</a> and organise sales assessments and negotiations.
Our off-market and pre-market marketplace gives you VIP access to properties so you can get in first.
Just sign up at <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/" target="_blank" title="Listing Loop website">Listing Loop</a> or download our app.

Is it possible to buy and sell your home at the same time?

<h2>The pros and cons of urban and rural living</h2>


When you start house-hunting, the location is one of the key starting criteria. 


Perhaps you wish to live in the same or a surrounding neighbourhood to where you or your partner grew up. Or there’s a suburb you’ve always dreamed about living in. Or, in some instances, you might be thinking about a complete change of scenery.


If you’re considering a move to the country or city versus staying where you are, there are pros and cons to consider for each. We’ve collated some of these to help with your decision. 


<h3>City (or urban) living</h3>


When we talk about city or urban living, we’re usually referring to high density, industrial areas, such as <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/how-to-buy-off-market-properties-for-sale-in-melbourne/">capital cities like Melbourne</a>. Given the population density, many people live in apartments and unit blocks and work across a multitude of services. 





<h4>Pros for living in the city</h4>


<ul><li>Accessible transport - There’s usually plenty of trams, trains, buses, ferries, and taxis available - meaning you don’t have to own a car or garage.</li><li>Close proximity to amenities - You’ll be surrounded by shopping outlets, restaurants, cafes, gyms, schools, universities, and health facilities to service your needs and quality of life.</li><li>Range of entertainment options - The city offers great dining and entertainment venues, like cinemas, music venues, and sporting arenas.</li><li>Greater career prospects - You can expect to find a diversity of jobs in various industries.</li></ul>





<h4>Cons for living in the city</h4>


<ul><li>Harder to afford - As one of the major drawbacks, housing is usually a lot more expensive than its rural counterparts and prices are constantly rising.</li><li>Less space - Due to the expense, it might be hard to find the perfect house with a decent sized backyard. </li><li>High noise levels - With surrounding roads and side-by-side housing, noise levels are much higher compared to the country.</li><li>Traffic congestion - Being stuck in traffic jams or slow-flow traffic is likely to be a common occurrence.</li></ul>





<h3>Country (or rural) living</h3>


When we talk about the country, we’re usually referring to the regions on the outskirts or beyond the boundaries of a city or industry area. The majority of people living in rural areas work in agriculture and trades. 


<h4>Pros for living in the country</h4>


<ul><li>Great value for money - Rural properties provide the opportunity to afford large acreages with stunning views for substantially less than an inner-city terrace.</li><li>Relaxed lifestyle - With fewer crowds and beautiful surroundings, you’ll have the chance to breathe fresh air away from the hustle and bustle.</li><li>Access to local produce - Enjoy produce straight from the farmers and avoid the typical supermarket mark-up in urban towns. </li><li>Places to explore - Country areas have plenty of national parks, walking tracks, swimming spots, and lookouts to discover.</li><li>Welcoming community - While they may live in housing further apart, people in the country usually form close-knit communities where they’re always eager to lend a helping hand.</li><li>Better living standards - Apart from living in larger spaces, you’ll also experience less air and noise pollution, and more intimate schooling class sizes.</li></ul>





<h4>Cons for living in the country</h4>


<ul><li>Limited public transport - In most instances, you’ll need to rely upon your own private methods of transport.</li><li>Lack of privacy - While it might be quieter, people in smaller rural towns are likely to know everyone and have an opinion on everything.</li><li>Risk of drought, flooding, and bushfires - In the case of natural disasters, the lives of you and your family may be at risk. Food and water resources might dry up as well. </li><li>Limited employment opportunities - There are usually limited work options in rural areas and less job openings. You’ll have to work harder to get the job you want.</li></ul>


 


<h2>We're here to help</h2>
Have these pros and cons helped you to decide? If you're ready to find your dream home in the country or city, jump onto <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyers/">Listing Loop and sign up</a> for FREE today. We're always happy to help with all the dramas and stressors of house buying and selling.
And if you're particularly tired of house-hunting, we've even partnered with buyer advocates who can <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyer-assist/">check out homes for you</a> and organise sales assessments and negotiations.
Our off-market and pre-market marketplace gives you VIP access to properties so you can get in first.
Just sign up at <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/" target="_blank" title="Listing Loop website">Listing Loop</a> or download our app.

City life vs country life - which is better?

<h2>Your personal guide to buying off-market properties for sale in Sydney</h2>


Have you heard your local Sydney real estate agent mention off-market properties for sale? Or maybe your neighbour knows a friend that <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/off-market-property-sales-growing-in-australia/">sold their house off-market in Sydney?</a> Want to know how to get access to this exclusive area of real estate? You’ve come to the right place!


With the number of off-market properties for sale in Sydney on the rise,
savvy buyers are on the hunt for the best deal going around. In this guide,
we’ll let you know what off-market properties for sale are, where you can find
them and how you can get access to them before anyone else.


<h2>What are off-market properties for sale in Sydney?</h2>


<a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/off-market-property-buying-selling/">Off-market</a>, or ‘silent’, sales are an <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/off-market-property-sales-growing-in-australia/">up-and-coming</a>, exclusive method of selling properties in Sydney where it pays to know the right person! Off-market property sales refer to a property that is for sale, but it doesn’t have the traditional advertising campaign that you normally see on properties for sale. You may not see a ‘for sale’ board and may not even see anything about it online but yes, it is <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/should-i-sell-off-market/">definitely still for sale</a>.


<h2>If they’re not advertised, how do I find off-market properties for sale
in Sydney?</h2>


<a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/5-ways-to-find-off-market-properties/">Traditionally</a>, if you wanted to purchase an <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/how-to-discover-secret-listed-properties-for-sale/">off-market property</a> in Sydney, you would have to <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/how-to-discover-secret-listed-properties-for-sale/">call all the local real estate agents</a> in Sydney, build a relationship with all of them, let them know what you were looking for and trust them to let you know if a property that matched what you wanted came up. This process can take quite a lot of time, but <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/property-matching/">not anymore</a>. 


Thankfully, <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/how-to-discover-secret-listed-properties-for-sale/">now, there’s an alternative</a>!


<a href="https://listingloop.com.au/">Listing Loop</a> is your one-stop shop for <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/propertyhub/#/signup/">off-market properties</a> from leading real estate agencies in Sydney and all over Australia. Instead of spending your valuable time calling all the agents in your area individually, why not just <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/propertyhub/#/signup/">sign up for free to Listing Loop alerts</a>? It’s quick and easy and any off-market properties that match what you’re looking will be <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/property-matching/">delivered straight to your inbox</a>! How good is that?


<h2>Why would I buy off-market properties for sale in Sydney?</h2>


There are <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/benefits-buying-off-market/">many benefits to buying a property off-market</a> in Sydney, the first of which is that traditionally, off-market properties are quite exclusive. As a buyer, you benefit from less competition and you’re generally the first to view the property. The second, is that someone looking to <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/benefits-of-selling-off-market/">sell off-market</a> can quite often be in a rush to sell. This could potentially give you some great <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/3-ways-to-prepare-for-property-negotiations/">negotiating power</a> when it comes to putting in your offers!


So, when you’re looking for your <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/family-friendly-home/">next home</a> or <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/investment-property/">investment</a> in Sydney, make sure you check out Listing Loop for off-market properties and be the first to know!


<h2>Where can I buy off-market properties for sale in Sydney?</h2>


There are many popular areas in Sydney where off-market properties for
sale are common. This is a small selection of the suburbs where you would be
likely to find a great off-market property from leading real estate agents:


<h3>Inner-west:</h3>


<div class="wp-block-columns has-2-columns">
<div class="wp-block-column">
<ul><li>Alexandria</li><li>Beaconsfield</li><li>Birchgrove</li><li>Camperdown</li><li>Chippendale</li><li>Darlington</li></ul>
</div>



<div class="wp-block-column">
<ul><li>Erskineville</li><li>Marrickville</li><li>Newtown</li><li>Redfern</li><li>Surry Hills</li><li>Waterlo</li></ul>
</div>
</div>


<h3>Eastern Suburbs:</h3>


<div class="wp-block-columns has-2-columns">
<div class="wp-block-column">
<ul><li>Bondi</li><li>Clovelly</li><li>Coogee</li><li>Maroubra</li><li>Paddington</li><li>Point Piper</li></ul>
</div>



<div class="wp-block-column">
<ul><li>Potts Point</li><li>Randwick</li><li>Rose Bay</li><li>Vaucluse</li><li>Watsons Bay</li><li>Woolloomooloo</li></ul>
</div>
</div>


<h3>North Shore:</h3>


<div class="wp-block-columns has-2-columns">
<div class="wp-block-column">
<ul><li>Clifton Gardens</li><li>Cremorne</li><li>Crows Nest</li><li>Fairlight</li><li>Kirribilli</li><li>Lavendar Bay</li><li>Manly</li><li>Mosman</li></ul>
</div>



<div class="wp-block-column">
<ul><li>Naremburn</li><li>Neutral Bay</li><li>North Sydney</li><li>Northbridge</li><li>Seaforth</li><li>Freshwater</li><li>Narraweena</li><li>Dee Why</li></ul>
</div>
</div>


Now, you could contact leading real estate agents from each of these areas individually to find out if they have any fantastic off-market opportunities available, which could potentially <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/find-my-dream-home-quickly/">take you a very long time</a>. Or, you can just <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/propertyhub/#/signup/">register to Listing Loop property alerts</a> for free to get access to off-market properties for sale from leading real estate agents in Sydney and hopefully snap up your <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/3-tips-for-securing-your-dream-home/">dream home</a> before anyone else.


<h2>We’re here to help </h2>
Wherever you live, and whoever you are, we're always happy to help with all the dramas and stressors of house buying and selling.
And if you're particularly tired of house-hunting, we've even partnered with buyer advocates who can <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyer-assist/">check out homes for you</a> and organise sales assessments and negotiations.
Our off-market and pre-market marketplace gives you VIP access to properties so you can get in first.
Just sign up at <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/" target="_blank" title="Listing Loop website">Listing Loop</a> or download our app.

Buy off-market properties for sale in Sydney

<h2>7 ways to make a small home feel spacious </h2>


When your dream home is financially out of reach, sometimes you need to start with something smaller. But that’s okay!


There are plenty of ways to maximise small living spaces in your home. It’s amazing what you can achieve when you realise you don’t need more stuff or more room. You just need to think creatively! 


We’ve highlighted 5 ways to make your compact home feel bigger.


<h3>1. Use a neutral colour palette</h3>


Instead of choosing vibrant colours for your walls, floors and upholstery, opt for more neutral colours like whites, creams, beige, and pastels. 


These shades will help make the room feel lighter and brighter. Therefore, creating the illusion of a more expansive room. 


<h3>2. Select furniture wisely</h3>


Furniture that isn’t scale-appropriate will only emphasise the snugness. 


We suggest choosing furniture that: 


<ul><li>Consume less space - e.g. slim, leggy chairs and narrow tables. The eye is fooled into thinking the space is larger when it can see under, through and around these pieces.</li><li>Serve multiple purposes - e.g. a couch that folds out into a guest bed.</li><li>Are light in colour - e.g. a cream or beige dining table.</li></ul>


 


<h3>3. Emphasise the vertical</h3>


A room’s space is much more than its horizontal dimensions. In smaller rooms, encouraging the eye to move above and below eye level gives the illusion of a tall ceiling. 


Some ways you can emphasise the vertical include: 


<ul><li>Installing floor to ceiling draperies that hang just below ceiling beams</li><li>Showcasing floor to ceiling bookshelves</li><li>Displaying artworks above eye level </li><li>Adding mirrors to instantly double the appearance of a room</li></ul>





<h3>4. Adjust the walls and doors</h3>


If your home features closed-in rooms, knocking down some walls to create an open-plan could be an option (just double check with your builder first!). 


Alternatively, you might swap the walls for curtains for a lighter way to divide rooms, while also adding some ambience. 


Review all your internal doors as well. Could they be swapped for sliding doors that don’t take up as much wall space? Or do you even need the door at all?





<h3>5. Declutter the space</h3>


Face it, if you’re trying to squeeze a lot of furniture and ‘stuff’ into a small living area, it will always feel squishy. Bite the bullet and <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/decluttering-your-home-the-konmari-way/">start decluttering</a><a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/decluttering-your-home-the-konmari-way/">. </a> 


Do you really need two coffee tables? Are you actually going to use that dusty second-hand treadmill in the corner? 


Also consider how easy or difficult it is to navigate around your home. You might need to reassess the placement of furniture and either move or remove it. 


Can people easily walk around from Point A to Point B without tripping over or bumping into something? If something is too bulky, get rid of it and review Number 2 above.


 <h2>We’re here to help</h2>
Wherever you live, and whoever you are, we're always happy to help with all the dramas and stressors of house buying and selling.
And if you're particularly tired of house-hunting, we've even partnered with buyer advocates who can <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyer-assist/">check out homes for you</a> and organise sales assessments and negotiations.
Our off-market and pre-market marketplace gives you VIP access to properties so you can get in first.
Just sign up at <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/" target="_blank" title="Listing Loop website">Listing Loop</a> or download our app.

How to maximise a small living space

What’s your success rate in getting a listing? Are you still striving for one in every three? In a tight listing market you need to think bigger and go for 100%. Walk away winning every single listing. To do this, you need as many strings to your bow as possible and <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/">ListingLoop.com.au</a> is a simple tool that gets vendors signing up on the spot.
From interviewing Australia’s top agents, their biggest concern is low stock levels. <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/">ListingLoop.com.au</a> helps you win listings now rather than wait it out for when the vendor is ready to commit to a fully-fledged campaign. Their listing can be live and matched to the most suitable and relevant buyers before you’ve walked out the door – and they haven’t paid a cent in upfront marketing fees.
<a href="https://listingloop.com.au/">ListingLoop.com.au</a> is a marketplace for pre-market and off-market properties. You can list your properties immediately by simply using your smartphone to take photos. Matching buyers are pinged in real time allowing them to jump the queue before the property makes it onto the portals.
<figure><img class="aligncenter wp-image-9724" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/How-to-overcome-low-stock-levels-visual-300x141.jpg" alt="" width="935" height="439" data-image="wtbueahjuoq3"></figure>
Our no sale, no charge advertising option appeals to vendors hesitant to list now because of the costs. With <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/">ListingLoop.com.au</a> the vendor only pays for advertising if you sell the property. No sale, no fee. Our philosophy is why pay for something when you’re not guaranteed a sale. This way the vendor keeps more money in their pocket, and you demonstrate that you’re working in their best interests.
<a href="https://listingloop.com.au/">ListingLoop.com.au</a> is a closed marketplace, which means a buyer needs to sign up and register to view and receive matching property listings. Buyers are notified about the properties most suited to their specific needs and only when they unlock a property, the full property information is revealed.
All property details, such as the listing price and any changes to this, are held behind a login and therefore won’t show up in search engines such as Google. This puts the agent in a powerful position throughout negotiations by not having any price changes work against them while working towards getting the best price for their vendor.
Real estate marketing has been done the same way for a long time. Get in front of your vendors and share new and innovative ways that better cater to how we operate in today’s world. Offer your vendors choice. Demonstrate why they’ll get more money from partnering with you so you can do what you do best – list and sell more.
When you’re armed with the right tools and strategies to close, you’ll never walk out without getting the deal done.
<h2>We’re here to help</h2>
Wherever you live, and whoever you are, we're always happy to help with all the dramas and stressors of house buying and selling.
And if you're particularly tired of house-hunting, we've even partnered with buyer advocates who can <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyer-assist/">check out homes for you</a> and organise sales assessments and negotiations.
Our off-market and pre-market marketplace gives you VIP access to properties so you can get in first.
Just sign up at <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/" target="_blank" title="Listing Loop website">Listing Loop</a> or download our app.

How to overcome low stock levels

<h2>Creating the perfect bedroom for your baby </h2>


Are you counting down the months, weeks, and days until you welcome your newborn to the world? Congratulations!


One of the key steps to the well-known ‘nesting’ period is preparing the baby's bedroom. But how do you decorate a nursery? If you and your partner aren’t naturally creative, this might seem a bit daunting. Don’t worry - we’ve got you covered! 


<h3>Seek inspiration</h3>


As a starting point, jump onto <a href="https://www.pinterest.com.au/">Pinterest</a> and start browsing. You’ll quickly get a feel for broad concepts, colours, styles and themes you like and don’t like for the baby's bedroom! Remember to pin all your favourites. 


For further colour inspiration, check out your options at the local <a href="https://www.bunnings.com.au/">Bunnings</a> or paint store and pick up some swatches. Walking through baby stores can also ignite ideas. 


The next step is to create a mood board - a visual summary of your nursery concept. This can be done via <a href="https://www.pinterest.com.au/">Pinterest</a> if you’re digital savvy. Or you could create a good ol’ collage from magazine cut-outs and paint swatches on a piece of cardboard.





<h3>Organise furniture</h3>


Obviously, the baby needs somewhere to sleep. And, their clothes need to go somewhere. But what else do you need to consider? Here’s a list of the essentials: 


<ul><li>Cot and/or bassinet</li><li>Mattress</li><li>Waterproof mattress protector</li><li>Sheets</li><li>Nursing chair </li><li>Drawers and <a href="https://stage-preview.listingloop.com.au/admin/entries/latestNews/11414-how-to-decorate-a-nursery#">https://stage-preview.listingl...</a>dresser</li><li>Change table and mat</li><li>Baby monitor</li><li>Lamp or nightlight</li></ul>


More ideas of must-buy baby items can be found in the <a href="https://www.babybunting.com.au/media/doc/checklist.pdf">Baby Bunting Checklist. </a>


You might choose to buy matching furniture or add character by purchasing new and second-hand mismatched items! 


<h3>Avoid clutter</h3>


Ensure there’s plenty of storage space and it’s easy to walk around the room. You want to avoid any possible trip hazards for middle-of-the-night feeds! 


If you have a small nursery, consider moving or removing some furniture. For example, a nursing chair could be placed in your lounge room instead. And if you don’t have room for a change table, a mat (with raised sides) could work perfectly on top of a dresser. 


<h3>Adding design elements</h3>


Once you’ve decided upon the colour palette and theme, whether it’s gender specific or neutral, the next step is to source items to decorate the nursery! 


You could consider some cute paintings, lettering (if you’ve selected your child’s name), toys, books and ornaments. Adding photos of family members, from past and present, can also be a nice touch. 





<h3>Don’t be afraid of the dark</h3>


It’s a good idea for your nursery to mimic nighttime at any time. This can be achieved via heavy curtains or blackouts to block out light for day naps. 


Hopefully, this sets you and your baby up for peaceful sleeping patterns! (Although there are no guarantees….) 


<h2>We’re here to help </h2>
Are you thinking of upgrading your home before the little one arrives? We're always happy to help with all the dramas and stressors of house buying and selling.
And if you're particularly tired of house-hunting, we've even partnered with buyer advocates who can <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyer-assist/">check out homes for you</a> and organise sales assessments and negotiations.
Our off-market and pre-market marketplace gives you VIP access to properties so you can get in first.
Just sign up at <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/" target="_blank" title="Listing Loop website">Listing Loop</a> or download our app.

How to decorate a nursery

<h2>3 questions to ask yourself when hiring a home stylist</h2>


There are two key reasons why people seek assistance with home styling. 


You’re either eager to sell your home at the best possible price or hope to snazz things up after moving into a new place. 


Regardless of your reason, choosing a suitable interior designer or decorator can be tricky with so many consultancies out there. But it all comes down to your project requirements and how well you click with the person upon your first meeting.





<h3>What’s the difference between an interior decorator and interior designer?</h3>


As defined by <a href="http://www.build.com.au/whats-difference-between-interior-designers-and-interior-decorators">Build.com.au</a>, an interior designer holds a tertiary qualification (degree or advanced diploma) in this discipline and is concerned with the way interior spaces are laid out, allocated, and used. On the other hand, an interior decorator typically holds a qualification in interior decoration (normally a diploma), and is concerned with dressing an interior with paint, furnishings, floor coverings, and fabrics for aesthetic purposes. 


So the first step is to work out which type of professional you’re after. 


The next step is to ask yourself a series of questions. 





<h4>1. What style am I going for?</h4>


If you’re redecorating your home for sale, you can either choose to build upon your current sense of decor style or change it completely. It comes down to the target market you’re hoping to attract. If you’ve just moved into a new home, you’re probably starting from scratch. 


In both scenarios, the age and architectural style will play a big role in home styling. For example, modern black, silver, and white furniture won’t really work in an 1840s Victorian home. 


The first step is to clarify what you’re after so you can communicate it with your interior consultant. Start by looking through magazines, checking out designs online, and making an inspiration board on Pinterest. Write down the colours, patterns, shapes, and styles you like and don’t like. 


<h4> 2. What’s my budget and timeline? </h4>


Before approaching an interior consultant, get your head around your financial resources and budget. It could be the difference between a complete property makeover or only sprucing up the living and dining rooms. 


As with most industries, pricing packages and fee structures are likely to vary from consultant to consultant. But with a clear budget in mind and a few comprehensive quotes up your sleeve, you’ll get a fair understanding of what’s possible. 


To make it more affordable, you might decide to split the project up into stages spanning over several months. However, for a property about to hit the market, this isn’t usually an option. In this scenario, remember an upfront investment in styling can translate to massive returns upon sale.





<h4> 3. Do I click with them? </h4>


After your initial meeting, your gut will probably tell you whether the interior consultant is the right fit for you. 


You need to trust them and know they have a clear understanding of your requirements and desired style. Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions and share your goals and outcomes. 


If you found the designer or decorator online, it’s a good idea to do further background research. Read through available reviews and see if the feedback matches your expectations. If they were referred to you, ask your friend or family member what they liked most about working with them. 


Ultimately, you want to create your dream home or sell for a nice price. So make sure everyone is on the same page! 


If you need any further assistance with finding the right interior decorator or designer, ask your Listing Loop Agent Assist for recommendations. 


<h2>We’re here to help</h2>
Wherever you live, and whoever you are, we're always happy to help with all the dramas and stressors of house buying and selling.
And if you're particularly tired of house-hunting, we've even partnered with buyer advocates who can <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyer-assist/">check out homes for you</a> and organise sales assessments and negotiations.
Our off-market and pre-market marketplace gives you VIP access to properties so you can get in first.
Just sign up at <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/" target="_blank" title="Listing Loop website">Listing Loop</a> or download our app.

How to find an interior decorator or designer

<h2>Your personal guide to buying off-market properties for sale in
Melbourne</h2>


Buying a new home or investment property can be difficult, but with the
rise of off-market properties for sale in Melbourne, savvy buyers are on the
hunt for the best deal going around. In this guide, we’ll tell you what
off-market properties for sale are, where you can find them and how you can get
access to them before anyone else.


<h2>What are off-market properties for sale in Melbourne?</h2>


Real estate agents are always trying to provide a fantastic service to
their vendors. As part of this service, some leading Melbourne real estate
agents use a method of selling properties known as “off-market” in order to get
the best possible price for their sellers – without spending a bucketload of
money on advertising costs.


An off-market property is a property that is for sale (yes, it is for
sale!) but you won’t see it publicly advertised. You may not even see a
for-sale sign, but the vendor is still very much willing to sell.


Generally speaking, <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/should-i-sell-off-market/">off-market</a> is a method of selling where the seller chooses not to publicly advertise through mainstream open channels and instead trusts their leading Melbourne real estate agent to find buyers for them through other avenues.


<h2>Where can I buy off-market properties in Melbourne?</h2>


There are many places in Melbourne with off-market properties for sale,
but it seems that off-market sales are particularly popular in the inner-city
suburbs of Melbourne such as:


<div class="wp-block-columns has-2-columns">
<div class="wp-block-column">
<ul><li><a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/hawthorn-neighbourhood-guide/">Hawthorn</a></li><li><a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/your-neighbourhood-guide-to-camberwell/">Camberwell</a></li><li><a href="https://listingloop.com.au/locations/victoria/kew/">Kew</a></li><li><a href="https://listingloop.com.au/locations/victoria/south-yarra/">South Yarra</a></li><li><a href="https://listingloop.com.au/locations/victoria/prahran/">Prahran</a></li><li><a href="https://listingloop.com.au/locations/victoria/northcote/">Northcote</a></li><li><a href="https://listingloop.com.au/locations/victoria/brunswick/">Brunswick</a></li><li><a href="https://listingloop.com.au/locations/victoria/port-melbourne/">Port Melbourne</a></li><li><a href="https://listingloop.com.au/locations/victoria/coburg/">Coburg</a></li></ul>
</div>



<div class="wp-block-column">
<ul><li><a href="https://listingloop.com.au/locations/victoria/carlton/">Carlton</a></li><li><a href="https://listingloop.com.au/locations/victoria/collingwood/">Collingwood</a></li><li><a href="https://listingloop.com.au/locations/victoria/richmond/">Richmond</a></li><li><a href="https://listingloop.com.au/locations/victoria/clifton-hill/">Clifton Hill</a></li><li><a href="https://listingloop.com.au/locations/victoria/footscray/">Footscray</a></li><li><a href="https://listingloop.com.au/locations/victoria/yarraville/">Yarraville</a></li><li><a href="https://listingloop.com.au/locations/victoria/st-kilda/">St Kilda</a></li><li><a href="https://listingloop.com.au/locations/victoria/toorak/">Toorak</a></li><li><a href="https://listingloop.com.au/locations/victoria/malvern/">Malvern</a></li></ul>
</div>
</div>


Many sellers in these areas want to sell their properties with a certain
amount of secrecy and discretion or just want a quick sale. Therefore, leading
Melbourne real estate agents are getting these properties in front of the right
qualified buyers so savvy buyers need to make sure they are in the loop with
all new off-market properties for sale in Melbourne.


<h2>How do I get access to off-market properties for sale in Melbourne?</h2>


<a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/how-to-discover-secret-listed-properties-for-sale/">A great place to start</a> with getting access to off-market properties in Melbourne, is a platform such as <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/">Listing Loop</a>. This is a platform where leading Melbourne real estate agencies promote their off-market properties, all in the one place, so you can find them all in the one location. With Listing Loop, you can set your property preferences to your exact wants/needs and wait for your dream home to find you from many local real estate agents in Melbourne.


As well as registering to Listing Loop, you can also <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/5-ways-to-find-off-market-properties/">go to each of the local real estate agencies</a> in the areas you are looking to buy and sign up to their off-market property alerts or weekly newsletters. You can also contact each agent individually, let them know what you’re looking for and wait for them to contact you when something comes up.<h2>We’re here to help</h2>
Wherever you live, and whoever you are, we're always happy to help with all the dramas and stressors of house buying and selling.
And if you're particularly tired of house-hunting, we've even partnered with buyer advocates who can <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyer-assist/">check out homes for you</a> and organise sales assessments and negotiations.
Our off-market and pre-market marketplace gives you VIP access to properties so you can get in first.
Just sign up at <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/" target="_blank" title="Listing Loop website">Listing Loop</a> or download our app.

Buy off-market properties for sale in Melbourne

All agents know how to sell VPA and how to use this to elevate their personal brand, but not all agents know how to use this strategy AND how to use off-market sales to make them the area specialist. More and more vendors are turning to off-market sales and savvy agents are using off-market as another string to their bow to dominate market share.
Area specialists are marketing their off-market sales through signboards and SOLD stickers, contacting their buyers by phone to share their results and promoting their happy vendors via social media.
From talking with a number of leading agents, they all agree that vendors today are more impressed by great results achieved from off-market sales than the conventional on-market approach, especially when an agent has momentum within their ‘farm area’. Vendors realise they can still get the price they’re looking for while saving upfront marketing dollars and maintaining privacy.
Area specialists believe that a sign board going up with a SOLD sticker already on it has far more impact than a sign board that eventually gets a SOLD sticker. This immediate impact is getting vendors’ attention and helping area specialists win more listings.
<figure><img class="aligncenter wp-image-9734" src="https://listingloop.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/3550х1667_area_specialist_ad-1024x481.jpg" alt="" width="935" height="439" data-image="qn3tehkr34my"></figure>
Proactive agents are getting on the phone and letting people in their database know about their process and their results. Vendors are curious to know how the agent achieved the desired result without all the fuss.
Social media is an excellent way that area specialists are sharing their successes with clients and potential new clients. Off-market is no longer just an industry term and people are more open to learning about new ways to discover their dream home, or to sell their home with less stress, less inconvenience and less invasion of privacy. Case studies and testimonials offer the highest vote of confidence and proof of success.
An off-market sale promoted through social media also demonstrates that the vendor got their price. It’s different to the immediate pressure of an auction to sell now for the best price on the day.
Area specialists acknowledge that if they don’t have off-market as a string to their bow, they risk losing the listing to a very proactive agent. What would you rather? An off-market listing that you can convert to an auction, or go straight to auction and not get a result?
<a href="https://listingloop.com.au/">ListingLoop.com.au</a> is Australia’s leading marketplace for off-market and off-market listings and is a proven tool that helps agents become the area specialist and dominate market share. Our easy-to-use and affordable portal has been designed to help agents win more listings and sell properties faster.
 
<h2>We’re here to help</h2>
Wherever you live, and whoever you are, we're always happy to help with all the dramas and stressors of house buying and selling.
And if you're particularly tired of house-hunting, we've even partnered with buyer advocates who can <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyer-assist/">check out homes for you</a> and organise sales assessments and negotiations.
Our off-market and pre-market marketplace gives you VIP access to properties so you can get in first.
Just sign up at <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/" target="_blank" title="Listing Loop website">Listing Loop</a> or download our app.

How off market sales make you the area specialist

<h2>How to negotiate the price of your dream home with confidence </h2>


As far as life and financial decisions go, buying a new house is one of the biggest. 


But you don’t want to fall in love with the house of your dreams - only to end up paying more than you needed to. Or lose it all together because you didn’t educate and prepare yourself properly beforehand.


To increase the odds of approval on your ideal offer, having good negotiation skills is a must. Here are three ways to prepare for property negotiations.





<h3>1. Do your research</h3>


There are multiple variables to consider when negotiating a property, so we recommend arming yourself with information. That way, it’ll be easier to identify when a price is too high or seems too low. 


<ul><li>What’s the value of the property?</li></ul>


While it’s an additional cost, hiring a skilled and reputable Certified Practicing Valuer (CPV) could be a good option to collect property prices. They’ll provide you with the approximate price of the property, along with a rationale and evidence for how they got that price.


Alternatively, you can get an estimate of the approximate market value of the property by looking at recent sales of similar properties in the area.


When researching, ensure you are comparing apples with apples. Look for properties within the same area with the same number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and garages, land size, and distance to amenities.


<ul><li>What are the market conditions?</li></ul>


Get to know the local market by analysing the sales data of the neighbourhood. If you’re local, attend open homes when you can. Chat with the agent and find out the number of interested buyers and how quickly or slowly homes are selling in the area. 


If it’s considered a ‘buyers’ market’, you’ll have more opportunity to negotiate than if it’s a ‘sellers’ market’.


<ul><li>Does the property have any faults?</li></ul>


Property inspections are ideal for uncovering any major repairs required or faults that might impact on the value - and increase you negotiating power. 


However, ensure you’re still being respectful to the vendor and remove any emotion or accusation. Simply provide the professional report to validate your statements.





<h3>2. Be like Agent Smith and show no emotion</h3>


Vendors and agents are hoping you form an emotional connection to the property, as it puts the negotiations in their favour. So if you love the house, try to hold your cards close to your chest and emulate the Matrix’s Agent Smith’s cool demeanour.


You can sometimes be blinded to any faults or other factors. It’s worthwhile creating a checklist of your key criteria ahead of time and sticking to it. And bringing a neutral friend or family member along is a good idea. 


If the price comes in far too high for your budget, you need to separate yourself from the emotions and be prepared to walk away.





<h3>3. Don’t disclose your ‘walk-away’ price</h3>


If you reveal your maximum purchase price to the vendor or their agent upfront, it provides them with valuable information. They’re likely to use it to make an offer as close to that price as possible (assuming you’re in the ballpark). 


Instead of revealing your budget, simply say you have adequate finance approval and want the market value for the property. Or provide a price lower than your actual ‘walk-away’ price.


Overall, before entering property price negotiations, ensure you’re emotionally and intellectually prepared. If you stick to your budget without disclosing it, arm yourself with information and leave your emotions at the door, you will be setting yourself up for a successful negotiation.
<h2>We’re here to help</h2>
Ready to purchase a new house?&nbsp;We're always happy to help with all the dramas and stressors of house buying and selling.

Indeed, if you're particularly tired of house-hunting, we've even partnered with buyer advocates who can <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyer-assist/">check out homes for you</a> and organise sales assessments and negotiations.
Our off-market and pre-market marketplace gives you VIP access to properties so you can get in first. 
Just sign up at <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/" target="_blank" title="Listing Loop website">Listing Loop</a> or download our app.

3 ways to prepare for property negotiations

<h2>Where do I find off-market property listings?</h2>


Have you ever had friends or family share their excitement about a recent <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/how-to-buy-off-market-properties-for-sale-in-melbourne/">off-market purchase</a>? If yes, you’ve probably heard about the convenience of avoiding months of research and visiting crowded Open Homes - and abstaining from competitive bidding wars.


But you might be a bit confused. 


If it’s off the market and considered <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/just-listed-properties/">‘just-listed’</a>, is it really for sale? 


The answer is yes.


<a href="https://listingloop.com.au/news/benefits-buying-off-market/">‘Off-market’ is a well-known real estate term that refers to properties available for sale, but not advertised across the mainstream real estate channels.</a> Since the marketing campaign hasn’t yet begun, it’s kind of a secret. Unless you’re in the know!


<h3>What’s the secret to tapping into off-market properties?</h3>


Don’t worry - you don’t have to head underground or join some sort of real estate gang. However, it does usually involve building a strong relationship with multiple real estate agents in your desired neighbourhood.


This can be very time-consuming as it usually involves:


<ul>
<li>Calling various real estate agents and repeating your criteria to each.</li>
<li>Asking agents to add you to off-market email databases and/or call you if something suitable comes up</li>
<li>Sifting through a long list of emails from agents to find relevant properties</li>
<li>Following up with the agents on a regular basis to check in and stay top-of-mind</li>
</ul>


Sound exhausting? Yes, it is! If you’re after an easier solution, then we recommend signing up to an off-market platform, like <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/">Listing Loop</a>. Our real estate marketplace gives buyers the red carpet treatment. You can now be the first to know about just-listed off-market properties for sale before they are advertised anywhere else.


<h3>How can Listing Loop connect me with my dream home?</h3>


Listing Loop is the platform for serious buyers. We bring together properties for sale from all real estate agencies in one convenient place. In many instances, you’ll discover properties for sale on Listing Loop before the ‘For Sale’ sign board goes up or the house appears on property websites.


Listing Loop will help you save time and energy to find properties that meet all your criteria. It’s as easy as following three simple steps:


1. Register for free


Nominate what you’re looking for and find your preferred agent to be your ‘go to’, should you have any questions at any time.


2. Be matched


Based on your criteria, Listing Loop will instantly alert you when there’s a ‘just listed’ property matched to your needs.


3. Enquire


Make your enquiry before the property hits the open market – without the pressure of dozens of competing buyers.


We’ll make you feel like a VIP and ultimately put you in control of house hunting! This is your opportunity to get ahead of everyone else - and snap up your dream home faster.<h2>We’re here to help</h2>
Wherever you live, and whoever you are, we're always happy to help with all the dramas and stressors of house buying and selling.
And if you're particularly tired of house-hunting, we've even partnered with buyer advocates who can <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/buyer-assist/">check out homes for you</a> and organise sales assessments and negotiations.
Our off-market and pre-market marketplace gives you VIP access to properties so you can get in first.
Just sign up at <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/" target="_blank" title="Listing Loop website">Listing Loop</a> or download our app.

How to discover secret listed properties for sale

<h2>How to save a fortune and create a luxe living space</h2>


Are you seeking a designer look for your home, but can’t justify the price tag for that beautiful iconic piece? 


Don’t be alarmed, we can help. Here are five homeware ideas that will give your home an upscale look, even on a restricted budget. 


<h3>1. Your lucky number is 3 </h3>


When it comes to interior design, clustering items in sets of three will create visual appeal. But how does this help your home’s look when you have champagne taste - on a beer budget? 


We suggest hanging artwork on a large wall in a set of three. It will provide the scale for the room, without breaking the bank with a singular artwork. For example, you could enlarge three family photos on canvas or arrange them in wooden frames. Or you could select a gorgeous triptych from somewhere, like Ikea, for an instant wow factor.





<h3>2. Remove the edges </h3>


If you have a square or rectangular dining room table, it might be time to change tact - and move to a rounded version instead. 


A round dining table softens a room and improves the flow of space by removing vertical angles. It can be a miracle conversation starter as well, since your family and guests will all face each other. So there's no one at the ‘end’ of the table and left feeling more important or separate from the rest. 


You can find a decent tablet at <a href="https://www.ikea.com/au/en/">Ikea</a> for under $200. Simply dress it up with a luxurious tablecloth and tableware - then throw a round rug underneath for warmth and texture.





<h3>3. Luxe for less</h3>


It’s no wonder <a href="https://www.kmart.com.au/">Kmart</a>'s homewares have quickly developed a cult following. Their latest range of ‘luxe for less’ homewares have some truly special pieces to add that designer feel to your home.


For example, you could purchase one of their upholstered occasional chairs to create a comfy reading spot in your living space. With its luxurious velvet, it'll trick even the most discerning eye into believing it cost a lot more than the $50 price tag. 


<h3>4. A throw for show</h3>


A faux fur throw is the perfect accessory for the cooler months. 


Whether it's casually draped over your lounge or enticingly placed on the end of your bed, it will add instant warmth and luxury to your home. It's the perfect accompaniment to a night in curled up next to a fire with a glass of wine in hand. 


A luxuriously soft and cosy throw adds a designer look and practicality too. 





<h3>5. Beautiful Fabrics</h3>


Add a touch of luxury to your bedrooms by adding crisp, timeless white bedding. White also allows you to accessorise with touches of colour. 


Consider featuring a waffle quilt set from a store like Pillowtalk. The texture of the waffle and the crisp white would complement any stylish bedroom. Then add some bright cushions or pillows.


You could purchase Egyptian cotton towels for your bathroom as well. Believe it or not, these are sometimes sold at your local Aldi store. Check out their special buys to find a bargain. We won’t tell if you don’t! <h2>We’re here to help</h2>
If you've been decorating your home with the aim of selling, contact us!&nbsp;Wherever you live, and whoever you are, we're always happy to help with all the dramas and stressors of house selling. 

Our off-market and pre-market marketplace gives you VIP access to properties so you can get in first.
Just sign up at <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/" target="_blank" title="Listing Loop website">Listing Loop</a> or download our app.

5 cheap homewares to create a designer feel in your home

So you’re thinking of buying an off-market property through <a href="https://listingloop.com.au">Listing Loop</a>. That’s great news!
Get ready for an unparalleled ‘real estate matchmaking service’. Our agents are here to help you find your dream home - with a lot less hassle than traditional forms of house hunting.
If you’re unsure of how Listing Loop works for buyers, then read on.
<h2>Matching homebuyers on Listing Loop</h2>
<h3>Agent Assist Allocation</h3>
If you register for Listing Loop independently, an Agent Assist will be allocated to understand your criteria. Alternatively, if you sign up via a real estate agent, the agent will automatically become your key contact throughout the process.
The role of an Agent Assist is to provide general advice by email, SMS, or phone. This means they’re not responsible for negotiating the purchase of a property. Negotiating is part of the role of a traditional Buyers’ Agent; in other words, your local real estate agent.
If you would like your Agent Assist to conduct negotiations on your behalf, ask them to become your Buyers’ Agent as well. (Note - This may incur a fee from their real estate agency).
<h3>Receiving notifications</h3>
After selecting your criteria and preferred notification method upon registration, you’ll receive immediate alerts when suitable properties are uploaded to the Listing Loop database. To learn more about a particular property, you can unlock the listing to reveal more information. Your Agent Assist is available to talk if you have any questions.
Listing Loop makes uploading properties for sale so efficient that you may find yourself speaking to the selling agent while they are still at the property they just listed! That’s how fast the Listing Loop matching process is!
If you get too many or too few matching properties, it’s easy to fix. Simply refine your criteria in your profile and either shorten or widen your options. Once updated, you'll see the revised number of matching properties in real-time.
If, at any time, you wish to stop receiving notifications, you can change your status to “Inactive” in your profile. You can change it back to “Active” again whenever you’re ready.
<h3>Choosing Criteria</h3>
To cast a wide net across multiple suburbs, the system gives you the option to enter up to 10 different suburbs in your profile. After getting a feel for the properties in these areas, you can easily cut the amount of suburbs down or change them at any time.
To find out more about how Listing Loop works for buyers, <a href="https://listingloop.com.au/contact-us/">contact us today!</a>

State/Territory	Capital City/Regional Centre	Rest of State
NSW	$950,000	$600,000
VIC	$850,000	$550,000
QLD	$650,000	$500,000
WA	$550,000	$400,000
SA	$550,000	$400,000
TAS	$550,000	$400,000
ACT	$600,000	N/A
NT	$550,000	N/A

First Home Loan Deposit Scheme Extended

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