Monthly Archives: August 2021

The extended lockdown periods of COVID restrict many employees to their inner sanctums: i.e. the home base.

This comes as a welcome relief to some, who relish the avoidance of a crowded commute or being confined to an uninspiring office environment.

But for those who prefer to work from a structured place of employment, the work-from-home concept can have its distractions and pressures.

A practical but inspirational home workspace – one that enables you to be both productive and creative – is the solution. 

Be inspired to create an office that will help you slip out of domestic life and into the creative zone without even leaving the building.

Introduce plants to help ideas thrive

Our best ideas often come when we’re away from our desks and outside enjoying nature. So why not harness this phenomenon by bringing some of the beauty of nature into your workspace? 

Houseplants not only brighten up a room but also provide oxygen for increased brainpower. 

If you’re not a natural botanist, fear not. You don’t have to take on anything too large or intimidating. A coterie of cacti will thrive quite happily with minimal attention.

Choose a room with a view

A spectacular vista is an inspiration in itself. Nothing motivates productivity like a dramatic view.

In the absence of huge windows framing natural beauty, a snug position from which to observe life and indulge in a blue-sky outlook more than suffices.

A pretty backyard garden can be just as pleasant to look at, or even some flower-filled window boxes.

Employ excellent storage

Filing and organising your work is important, but it doesn’t need to be done in the traditional way. If you have the wall space, install a set of bespoke shelves with exposed spaces to sequester different projects. 

Storage pieces built from natural materials and hues also add shine. The result will be more visually appealing than a filing cabinet and yet remain easily accessible.

Map out open-plan zones

You may need your room to fulfil a number of different functions, such as an admin centre, meeting hub and brainstorming station. Consider all of these needs in your design so that you can incorporate clear zones in your space. 

The simple act of moving from work desk to meeting table – even if you only have room for a compact space to reconvene – will help shift the mood from functional to collaborative. 

Steer clear of strictly office furniture

Don’t be restricted by traditional office furniture. An ergo-dynamic chair, spacious desk, appropriate lighting and organic wood office accessories fit into your utilitarian work mode, but also enhance your home environment.  

Remind yourself of your mission

Surround yourself with some visual props – be it an inspirational quote, object imbued with meaning or a painting – for those days when you might be tempted to forget what it is you actually go to work for. 

Look away from the wall

A desk that faces into the room rather than staring at a blank wall provides a fresh perspective when you’re searching for inspiration.

Most desks are set against a wall to maximise space (and potentially conceal wiring). However, if you can find a way to rearrange these elements, switching around your aspect allows you to enjoy the benefits of broadening your horizon.

Illuminate your work areas

Keep your focus tight and on point with well-planned lighting. Pools of light from different fittings can make for an energised space — with an emphasis on clarity. A mixture of standard lamps, desk lamps and ceiling lights will work wonders for your creativity and productivity levels.

Damage to your property caused by flash flooding and rain-related issues is a mood dampener, whether you own, rent or invest.

Depending on your state and regional location, the rainy season can have a significant effect on many properties throughout the year. 

Whatever the weather, insurance companies and real estate agents strongly advise thorough preparation for all the elements. 

Property owners should be aware and prepared for problem areas that are damage-prone. 

Model renters can also assist with simple maintenance chores. This ensures increased comfort levels, stress and enhances the traditional rental property arrangements. 

It never rains, but it pours

Be guided by predicted weather patterns in your zone or region.

In the northeast of Australia, the tropical rainy season runs from November to April. The wettest months are typically March and April and it’s not uncommon to receive rainfall of 300mm in a single day.

In New Zealand, the wettest period is May to August (with average rainfall predictions of 11 to 13 days per month). However, even in summer, it rains for seven to eight days per month, except in February. 

The experts suggest you start your preparation plan at least four months before the relevant rainy seasons.

Following these helpful hints ensures you will stand your property in good stead.     

Top tips for averting rainfall damage

• Clean out your gutters and downpipes. If you are unsure how to do so properly, or unable, schedule an appointment to have it done. This will ensure that downpipe water is routed to where it’s intended. 
• While you or a professional are conducting roof cleaning areas, you are also advised to check any skylights to address potential leaks. Sealants and repairs to minor damage will assist in stemming worsening leaks or flooding. 
• Inspect weatherstripping on your doors and windows. Leaking water can lead to mould, wood rot and untold expense. 
• At ground level, clear debris from your street grates so that water flows away from your property and into stormwater drains. 
• Protect your outdoor furniture, barbecues, tools, firewood and all items that are permanently stored outside. Your teak or jarrah table may need to be resealed. You would also be wise to invest in a waterproof barbecue cover and storage bench for stowing outdoor cushions away from the rain. A weighted-down tarpaulin usually works well for keeping firewood dry. 
• Prepare for flooding in the most vulnerable areas of your home. For example, if your garage or basement has flooded in the past, make sure you remove any valuable items and store others off the floor. This can be achieved by installing shelving or creating raised platforms. 
• Check your insurance coverage. It’s important for your investment purposes and peace of mind to know exactly what’s covered, in any event. 

Rich, fertile and attractive land is a desirable commodity in Australia and New Zealand. 

Regulators and developers in both countries have seen the light with the formation of the Australia-New Zealand Partnership for Development Co-operation in the Pacific. 

The partnership seeks to address economic, social and sustainable measures to address regional housing and build a secure, equitable and prosperous Pacific region. 

The main objectives

As outlined in the partnership agreement, Australia and New Zealand have complementary approaches to development in the Pacific, with a focus on results, mutual accountability and the alignment of development resources with individual country priorities.

Australia and New Zealand will use this partnership to deepen its development cooperation, enabling the organisation to assist Pacific island countries to achieve broad-based economic growth and create and maintain sustainable livelihoods.

In short supply?

Reported land shortages pose the greatest challenge in maintaining these development goals.

As is widely known and expressed in a federal government report, there is a broad consensus that more new dwellings need to be built to improve housing affordability in Australia. There is some conjecture, however, as to whether limited or artificially constrained land supply has been the main driver of higher house prices, and whether the main solution is to release more land.

Australia’s capitals — with the exception of Canberra — all have the geographic constraint of coastline; many are also restricted by mountains, river systems and national parks. 

There are significant greenfield options on the fringes of the capitals, which state and local governments could access. Is the solution to housing affordability simply to build more houses in these areas? Building smartly and sustainably appears to hold the key.

From an industrial perspective, recent reports in New Zealand highlight a need for suitably zoned land. 

In Auckland, the country’s largest city, this shortage has been exacerbated by the reluctance of the Auckland Regional Council to extend the Metropolitan Urban Limit (MUL) to open up new greenfield areas for business and industrial development, particularly in the South Auckland. 

An imbalance between supply and demand is also pushing land prices beyond the means of many developers. 

The solution

Regional growth corridors are experiencing record housing sales, despite dwindling land stock — calling for a long-term liveability, affordability, lifestyle and supply outlook.

Experts suggest that these land and housing issues can only be solved by focusing on building smaller homes; prioritising affordability rather than luxury developments; addressing social housing and rent control; and limiting land speculation.

Crucially, others suggest the need for grassroots involvement. This includes governments buying land and real estate to ensure that adequate regulation and development processes are maintained, and higher taxes should be imposed on returns from real estate investment to level the playing field.  

Time-poor investors still seek to be information-rich, especially when it comes to their property portfolio.

In the increasingly competitive real estate market, many canny buyers are looking to gain an advantage by working smart, not hard. 

Instead of attending the weekly inspections and witnessing the cut and thrust of auctions, they are turning to buyer’s advocates or buyer’s agents, also known as professional house hunters, to seal their deals.

Their function

Evolving from the deregulation of estate agency services, buyer’s advocates and, to a lesser degree, vendor’s advocates are proving increasingly popular as a cost-efficient method of speeding up the buying-and-selling process. They also provide keen professional insights and can gain early access to potential purchase opportunities.

How they operate

Buyers simply nominate a suburb or area, budget and any particulars (brick, Victorian, three bedrooms, etc.) about the property they wish to buy. 

They negotiate a fee, which may be a percentage success fee (such as two per cent of the sale price), a fee for service, or a combination of both. And the advocate is left to do the rest.

The advantage is that advocates are not emotionally involved in any property and can act in an impartial capacity, which takes the pressure off when bidding at an auction or negotiating on price.

Benefits of using buyer’s agents

They can provide significant financial benefits in the purchase or lease of properties, can eliminate time-wasting, and can provide professional advice and a choice of properties that match the purchaser’s needs.

Their modus operandi is to counteract the very system that they employed previously when they worked as real estate agents. 

In effect, they use the agent’s training against them for the benefit of the buyer.

When time is not on your side, buyer’s advocates can be a vital component to keep control in the buyer’s favour.

Where to find a buyer’s advocate

It’s important to look for a buyer’s agent or advocate who is a certified buyer’s agent or accredited buyer representative. ABR agents hold qualifications that have met certain criteria and passed an exam administered by the Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council. There are national associations for exclusive buyer’s agents in Australia and New Zealand, which provide local contacts.  

What to ask

You should first inquire about their experience as a buyer’s agent and seek referrals to previous clients. Do they own property? How many successful purchases have they made as a buyer’s agent and, importantly, what value has their advocacy given to the investor? 

Finding out if they are a dual buyer’s agent and real estate agent will eliminate potential conflict of interest.

When inquiring about their fee structure, it’s also mandatory to discover if they hold professional indemnity cover. 

This is a legal requirement designed to safeguard the investor in the event of wrongdoing, whether inadvertent or otherwise. Read all contracts carefully before committing.

It’s a fact of life that indoor air pollutants, such as dust, pet hair and mould, can create havoc with wellbeing.

And that’s without factoring in the influence of household chemicals when skin irritations, hypersensitivity and neurotoxic symptoms begin to surface.

The CSIRO estimates that poor air quality inside our homes is a costly burden (as much as $12 billion annually) on family health and livelihood, the economy and the environment. 

But there are many ways you can protect yourself and your family, especially when we tend to spend so much time indoors. 

Keeping your home clean helps to reduce the accumulation of dust, mould, hair/animal dander and other irritants. Ensuring that you vacuum regularly, including curtains, wash bed linen and drapes frequently, and declutter weekly is essential.    

To control sources of indoor pollution, experts such as Vornado Australia recommend:

Reduce toxins and irritants released into the air

The first step is to reduce or eliminate the use of cleaners and solvents indoors, and replacing them with natural alternatives. Also, ensure your heaters and stoves are serviced regularly to reduce their emissions.

Ventilate your home properly to move fresh air

Inadequate ventilation — meaning little air is circulated — is the largest contributing factor to indoor air pollution. 

In basic terms, this means smoke, dust, heat, metals, humidity and carbon dioxide builds up in tightly sealed spaces.

Where possible, create cross-ventilation by opening windows at either end of your home.

Coupled with using effective exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms, also consider deploying an air circulator and air purifier to eliminate allergens and pollutants from the air.

It’s important to change air filters in forced-air heating systems to remove dust and other airborne irritants. You should also have the ducts cleaned regularly to help maintain a fresh air flow.

Maintain a healthy level of humidity

Moisture problems can lead to indoor mould growth, which is a common problem in new homes.

Dust mites and mould thrive on moisture. 

Indoors, a humidity level of between 30 per cent and 50 per cent is ideal to keep mites, mould and allergens under control. 

Using a dehumidifier in damp areas to offset mould also helps to maintain the healthiest air quality in your home.

So you’ve finally found the perfect property. Everyone agrees; even the dog likes it!

If you’ve done your homework, all you need to do now is finalise the details, because otherwise, your dream home may turn out to be for someone else.

Before getting too entrenched in the house hunt, it pays to understand how much you can borrow and how much you’ll have to spend to buy the house. That way you won’t get caught short when you settle.

With this objective in mind, financial planners recommend that potential loan applicants need to be prepared for all potential costs. Here are some of the key things to keep in mind. 

How much can you borrow?

When a lender assesses your loan, they will look at a number of lending criteria, including: 

• Income: Is your income full time or part time? Have you earned consistent income for a consistent number of years? Do you earn dividends from shares or managed funds? Are you on a pension? 

• Commitments: Such as credit card debt, personal loans or other property loans. 

• Living expenses: Such as food, electricity, rates, etc. 

• Deposit: How much deposit do you have saved? Is the deposit from genuine savings or a gift? 

• Property price: How much you can borrow will be affected by the property’s value. 

• Credit history: Your previous credit history will be assessed by a lender and could well decide whether they lend to you.

How much will it cost?

It’s crucial that loan applicants consider the following lender fees: 

• Loan application fee or establishment fee: Charged for the work a lender does on your loan application. Depending on the amount you borrow, Savings.com.au suggests this cost can vary from $150 to $700. 

• Valuation fee: If the lender’s credit assessment includes a property valuation, there’s a charge of between $100 and $300. 

• Mortgage discharge fee: This is when the lender charges for its time to lodge the discharge of mortgage to the titles office. The cost can range from $150 to $400.

• Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI): When you borrow more than 75 per cent of the property value, some lenders may insure your loan against loss. It’s a one-off fee of around 0.80 to 1.80 per cent of the loan amount — and may be refundable if the loan is paid out early.

Government fees and other charges 

• Stamp duties: Stamp duty is payable on both the registration of the mortgage and the transfer of land. 

• Titles office: The relevant state titles office may charge a fee for the registration of the mortgage and the transfer of land on the certificate of title.

Other costs

• Conveyancing fees: When you buy or sell a property you normally engage a specialist to look after the transaction, this may be a solicitor or a conveyancing agent. Open Agent suggests that conveyancing fees cost between $400 and $1,400. 

• Other disbursements: Costs such as title search fees, Environmental Protection Authority reports, general adjustments and other fees may also be incurred. 

• Building insurance: Most lenders will need a certificate of currency for your building insurance.

Using a checklist is a great way to be prepared for any potential costs and bring you closer to your next property purchase. 

Selling your home or investment in spring is certain to attract keen buyer interest and vendor competition. But this ever-promising selling season also ensures your property is presented at its blooming best.

Expert opinion points to the longer, warmer days of spring not only boosting local foot traffic in the best-dressed houses for sale, but equally suggesting an increase in potential offers. 

Although serious home buyers are prepared to brave any weather, with pundits primarily favouring strong autumn sales, springtime traditionally attracts an increase in highly marketable stock. This offers widespread appeal in a stock-depleted market — for buyers and sellers.   

Short supply fuelling record price hikes

National house prices are rising at their fastest rate in more than 32 years, according to CoreLogic. Listings can’t keep up with FOMO (fear of missing out) demand and analysts predict no slowdown in the immediate future. 

It’s a seemingly fraught scenario that bodes well for vendors selling in spring. Despite the widespread affordability crisis, housing stock increases, which are anticipated for most regions and capital cities, are expected to boost buyer confidence.

Top tips for creating winning results

Vendors with deeper pockets may choose to invest in professional landscaping and refurbishment prior to open for inspections. 

However, property owners can achieve an overall impression of a streamlined interior and exterior finish — with minimum outlay and moderate effort.

• Complete all minor repair projects. Making sure that everything is fixed and in smooth working order will translate to capital results at sale time.

• Adopt a neutral tone when repainting walls, floors and ceilings, but make sure to splash out on vibrancy when it comes to creating a warm welcome at your front door.

• Contemporise fixtures and fittings, such as lighting, bathroom mirrors, taps and cabinet ware, to suit your interior style. Cosmetic makeovers are not only affordable, but also add visual appeal — given the extensive product and services range on offer from local suppliers.    

• Pay attention to detail when decluttering and spring cleaning. Less is not only more, but also creates the illusion of extra space when potential buyers come knocking.   

• If your décor is not up to standard, consider renting furniture and artwork for home staging effect with the wow factor.  

Follow the advice of your agent. They will knowledgeably guide you about the right listing price for your property and location. It is also in their best interest and yours to provide trusted tips and guidelines — plus contact points for reputable home makeover service providers — when preparing and presenting your property in sparkling form.   

Remember when a garage was used for parking your car and storing your tools? You can return to this idea with a little thought and plenty of organisation.

The New Oxford Dictionary of English defines a garage as: “a building or shed for housing a motor vehicle or vehicles”. But if the current trends of storage continue, this may need to be updated.

Take a drive around most neighbourhoods and many cars are parked in the driveways.  

The reason? Many garages are chock-full of boxes and storage items that take up space usually reserved for cars.

The best-case scenario is you’re paying a premium for storage, and many would argue you’re paying even more for owning too much. 

At worst, your expensive vehicles are being devalued by being exposed to the elements; you’re putting them at risk of being broken into, and you’re still paying too much for storage and clutter.     

Universal over-storage issue

Thankfully, we are not alone. The experience here mirrors global trends.

Becomingminimalist.com reports that one-quarter of people with double garages have so much stored in there that they can’t park a car. 

Consequently, a group known as the National Association of Professional Organisers says homeowners spend one year of their lives looking for lost items! Creators of thefuntimesguide.com believe the accumulation of “stuff” is at the heart of the issue.

Despite around 53 per cent of UK households having access to a garage, only 24 per cent use them for parking cars. And while around 82 per cent of US homes have two-car garages or larger ones, only 15 per cent use them to park the car inside.

It’s a similar scenario in Australia and New Zealand.

So, what’s the solution?

How to tackle garage clutter

To understand how best to tackle the issue of clutter and keep the peace at home, you must first outline what the garage needs to be used for.

Most people use it for parking the car and storage, but the garage is also used for hobbies and do-it-yourself projects, such as working on cars, woodworking or carpentry, or as an area for exercise or sports.

Once the uses have been determined, homeowners are urged to employ a four-step process to restore the garage to its main aims.

By developing a game plan, taking pride in the garage, eliminating waste and maximising space, the task of organising a garage should be so much easier.

Zone division: designed to organise

Divide your garage into “zones”, with specific areas for lawn and garden equipment, sporting goods, tools and other hobbies.

Once a plan is established, it is much easier to begin the organisation process. An easy-to-use design tool is available at www.gladiatorgw.com to help envisage how their space can be better organised.

Second, take as much pride in the storage of your valuables as the valuables themselves.

Given that clutter is one of the biggest issues, the next step is to eliminate waste and remove as many unused items as possible.

Holding a garage sale or dropping off boxes at an op shop are great ways to recycle unused items. 

As always, homeowners should safely dispose of old paint tins or oils. 

Last but not least is to maximise the available space. Using wall space to organise tools and high-use items is one of the simplest ways to increase floor space and restore order. 

With the rise of apartment living, it’s only natural that the issue of pet ownership in strata complexes surface.

It’s estimated by the RSPCA that 61 per cent of households own pets so it’s important that strata management firms and owners’ corporations (or body corporates) are aware of their obligations.  

Prominent legal cases have sought to clarify the rights of pet owners, with numerous “pet-friendly” amendments made at state or territory level to address the outcomes to avoid “harsh or oppressive” decrees or blanket bans on pets.

For example, in some instances, there has been provision for landlords being permitted to charge a pet bond to cover repairs or appropriate end-of-lease cleaning.

What the law says

The tide may be turning, but the first and most important consideration is that pet owners should never assume that pets are permitted in a strata complex, even if their animals are kept wholly indoors.  

There is some legal advice that indicates a by-law that prohibits all pets in a building will have no legal standing. But it says an owners’ corporation can have a by-law that prohibits pets in limited circumstances, such as species and breed, or if the building is primarily used for short-term holiday rentals. It could even extend to assistance animals, such as a provision that owners provide evidence the animal is duly certified.

Do your homework

Bearing this in mind, it’s a prudent move for would-be purchasers to perform due diligence on pet by-laws before making a serious commitment to buy.

If you’re keen, have your solicitor or conveyancer examine the by-laws to review any restrictions or limitations. Next, determine via the strata manager or committee member if the complex is pet friendly and if an application is likely to be approved.  Consent usually applies to individual animals, so replacing them with another after the heart-breaking loss of a much-loved pet is not automatic.

How to succeed

Renters usually require permission from their landlord to keep a pet, but in most jurisdictions, consent is also required from owners’ corporations.

To support this case, add extra clauses into rental agreements, such as carpet cleaning or pet bonds. 

The creation of a pet resume that documents training and includes references from former neighbours and landlords may also assist in quelling any opposition from other residents fearful of late-night barking or acts of aggression.

Making assumptions can often lead to disappointment, not to mention hours of stress, but being honest about your pet can, and will, work in your favour.  

Analysts to office staff agree that the future of work has been sharply realigned, due to the effects of the pandemic.

Yet, notwithstanding the sweeping changes that have indelibly altered not only where and how we work, but also the face of our workplaces, the “work from anywhere” mentality is countered by cautious workplace change.

A recent study conducted by global workplace strategist Unispace, which focused on a cross-section of clients, from BUPA to FujiFilm, highlights a series of key future trends for commercial real estate. These include: 

Real estate portfolios are changing as a result of the pandemic – Around 47 per cent of clients who surveyed planned to make changes to their portfolio; with 27 per cent of respondents looking to decrease their real estate footprint. Even though 30 per cent don’t plan to change their portfolio, this group has been looking to optimise existing space to suit more flexible ways of working. 

Increased drive for portfolio efficiency – Unispace’s client base alone is aiming to achieve more than $390 million in savings across their global portfolios through space reduction and/or cost avoidance.

Leading by example, Unispace took a 70/30 approach to office space – 70 per cent for problem-solving, innovation and socialising; and 30 per cent for individual workstations. In doing so, this reverses its previous approach and saves the company $US100 million per year. 

Flight to quality – It’s a tenant’s market with opportunities to take advantage of high vacancy and historic sublease supply in major cities. This points to a correlation in reducing office space requirements. Higher quality zones that build upon the business case for action are the preference. 

Decentralisation and the rise of the suburbs – Outlying regions and business centres are taking the lead in the corporate realm. A move away from the city to more convenient and cost-effective hubs and home portfolio models is the norm. This, along with the creation of urban communities through the growth of suburban coworking spaces, and even live workspaces as part of residential developments, will increasingly challenge our central business districts. 

Purpose of the workplace – Of those surveyed, 49 per cent predict that home working will remain, but face-to-face collaboration is still important. Around 44 per cent expect people to come into the office for specific face-to-face activities.  

The office is still key to employee engagement – A sizeable proportion, 63 per cent of employees, feel that going into work contributes to a sense of community. Furthermore, 58 per cent say that being in the office gives them a greater connection to the organisation. 

It seems that there will always be a place for office space, but the world is forever adapting to new demands and technological advances in the corporate sector.