2 / 14 Orvieto Avenue, Mermaid Waters

Posted on February 7, 2024April 25, 2024 by jacintaj

005_Open2view_ID865754-2_14_Orvieto_Avenue

Imagine waking up to this...

Offers Over $849,000

You have found the magic you have been searching for with this stunning 2 bedroom, one bathroom fully renovated unit with 15m of water frontage.

This unit will give you the lifestyle you have always dreamed of.

With cafes only 300m away, surf beaches 900m and Pacific Fair shopping 3km away you will park the car in the SLUG and walk or ride everywhere.

New everything including kitchen, bathroom, flooring , decking with glass panels and air conditioning.

Invite your friends for sunset drinks while the sound of lapping water sets the perfect scene. Don’t let this unique opportunity pass by.

Rental Appraisal $750 – $800 p.w.

Body corp: Approx. $44 p.w.

2

1

Jane Doogan

0413 872 972
jdoogan@ljhgc.com.au

Dean McMurtrie

0414 444 779 dean@ljhgc.com.au

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What Will the New Financial Year Look Like for Property Markets?

Posted on July 22, 2020July 22, 2020 by jacintaj

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What Will the New Financial Year Look Like for Property Markets?

If ever there was a need for a case study about property market cycles, the past 18 months would pose as a great demonstration. After a soft start to the 2019 calendar year, the stage was set for a very underwhelming FY2020.

Last year, positivity had returned before COVID-19
However, the start of FY20 saw the hangover from the banking royal commission began to lift. We saw lending restrictions began to ease, investor confidence rose, and the RBA started reducing the official cash rate. The combination of these factors saw auction clearance rates shift from the low-40%’s in early 2019 to mid-60% at the beginning of FY20. This shift gained momentum over the second half of 2019 providing an air of optimism for the spring and Christmas period.

Roll-on to 2020 and this optimism became a recovery with auction clearance rates in the high-70%’s and even vendor confidence returned with listings pushing above the 10-year average, for the first time in a long-time.

Positivity had returned to property markets just-in-time for Autumn, but then March 2020 is when COVID-19 brought everything to a shuddering halt. Lockdowns were enforced, open homes cancelled, and vendors began to withdraw properties from the market. When lockdowns lifted, it was slow but buyers were curious and they started to turn-up to opens and book inspections, which in turn resulted in a significant amount of sales transacting.

Buyer demand should remain elevated
So, where we are now? Buyer demand, particularly from first home buyers and occupiers, remains elevated. They are out looking to take advantage of record-low interest rates, and some are out to hunt down a bargain. The real issue is listings, which have been slow to return. This unevenness between demand and supply has seen prices and values hold-up.

Looking ahead, what do we expect for FY21? The biggest unknown remains: COVID. Will the current outbreak cause further restrictions across the country or will markets remain open? The most important question is what will happen to the economy and property markets once government stimulus and bank mortgage deferral measures winddown.

As seen in recent days, we expect banks to continue to support borrowers, as they return to work and business returns to normal. However, not everyone will be able to pay their mortgage, and unemployment is expected to remain elevated.

More properties to come onto the market in spring
Homeowners looking to sell to relocate or “re-size” and those facing mortgagee difficulties will inevitably cause more properties to come onto the market as we head into spring.

On a positive note, we know that with interest rates wat record lows there will be buyers ready, and willing, to purchase these properties as they come onto the market. We are seeing it now, and it will go some way to soak up some of these listings.

DISCLAIMER – The information provided is for guidance and informational purposes only and does not replace independent business, legal and financial advice which we strongly recommend. Whilst the information is considered true and correct at the date of publication, changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact the accuracy of the information provided. LJ Hooker will not accept responsibility or liability for any reliance on the blog information, including but not limited to, the accuracy, currency or completeness of any information or links.

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Big wins forecast for Queensland

Posted on July 17, 2019July 17, 2019 by jacintaj

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Big wins forecast for Queensland

A massive jump in house prices is forecast for Brisbane over the coming three years, almost double the nearest Australian state capital, with major Queensland cities close behind.

Latest analysis by BIS Oxford Economics has forecast a massive 20 per cent growth in house prices in Brisbane, with demand driven by its relative affordability compared to other capitals and a pick-up in positivity.

Its Residential Property Prospects 2019—2022 has the city’s median house price growing at almost double the speed of the nearest growth capitals Adelaide (11 per cent) and Canberra (10 per cent). In contrast, prices in Sydney (6 per cent) and Melbourne) were set to remain in single digits in terms of percentage growth over the three years.

This as the latest Deloitte Access Economics Business Outlook, out Monday, predicted Queensland would be among the biggest beneficiaries of a major shift in the economy, with stimulus coming out of rising coal prices pushed by Chinese demand, expectations that farmers have a better season coming up, and rising housing demand driven by interstate migration.

BIS Oxford Economics associate director Angie Zigomanis expected Brisbane to be a big winner by the end of 2022, bucking the slow recovering coming out of southern markets.

“The next 12 months we still expect (house price growth) to be fairly weak in Brisbane but moving into 2020 is when it will pick up,” he told The Courier-Mail.

He said Brisbane was shaking off factors that had kept it down including a lack of employment and income growth, plus a big upturn in housing supply particularly in the apartment market.

Deloitte Access Economics partner, Chris Richardson, said Queensland was perfectly positioned to make the most of coming stimulus both nationally and internationally.

“There is more stimulus coming than people realise,” he told The Courier-Mail.

“This is the first time ever that the Reserve Bank is cutting interest rates rapidly, not because the economy is softer, but mainly because it’s changed its mind about what unemployment rate is required to get wages moving faster.

“Because of that change of mind out of RBA, Queensland is getting a stimulus pretty much from everywhere. The world has given Australia a payrise, and coal is very central to what’s happening. It’s not just more money flowing into Australia but also renewed interest in building coal mines in the Galilee Basin.”

“As well, Queensland also gets the full force of national stimulus around interest rates and exchange rates. The drought has ben pretty nasty in Queensland, but broadly we wouldn’t expect the coming farm season to be as awful as the last one.

“Think of that combination and think of Queensland’s economy — there’s farmers and miners getting benefit with the drought less nasty, China pumping out stimulus and then there’s mums and dads with government stimulus and interest rate combinations.”

He said when house prices in Sydney and Melbourne, the past trend was that Brisbane would follow.

“Eventually you get faster population growth in Queensland, and that’s exactly what happening at the moment. It took longer than it usually does but that is very much the story of the moment.”

This article originally appeared on realestate.com.au

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What rooms add value to your home?

Posted on May 23, 2019May 23, 2019 by jacintaj

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What rooms add value to your home?

How much could fixing up one room add to your home’s value?

We’ve had a look at some very specific renovations that can add value to your property when the time comes to sell, which can cut down on energy bills and improve the practicality of a home. But what about doing over an entire room? Obviously fixing up a kitchen is a completely different beast from making over the master bedroom, with different costs involved and different amounts added to your bottom line.

So without further delay, let’s see what you should do to some of the key rooms in the home – and if it will put many extra zeroes on your sale price.

Keeping it in the kitchen

Historically, a kitchen renovation is the go-to task to add value to your home. However, it’s also one of the most expensive undertakings. According to a recent Improvenet research, the average cost of a kitchen remodel is a little over $22,000 in Australian dollars. Given that the rule of thumb is you shouldn’t spend more than 5 per cent of the value of your home on renovations, this should be within reach of many home owners.

Moreover, the work that needs doing will vary from home to home. For example, a basic IKEA kitchen setup for small areas can cost as little as a few hundred dollars, if you’re replacing cabinet fronts and splashbacks. Budget full kitchen kits can also be found for less than $5,000.

But for a full do-over, you’re looking at spending at least $10,000 – up to $25,000 for simple kitchens, and up to $75,000 for a true luxury do-over. This includes flooring, walls, countertops, sinks, plumbing, appliances – you name it, it’s covered.

While this might seem extensive, if it’s within your budget it can be very much worth it. According to finder.com.au, depending on your suburb, all costs can be recouped when you sell. Moreover, some vendors like IKEA provide guarantees that last up to 25 years, ensuring peace of mind that it will last.

Make sure it stays with the theme of the home though – an ultra-modern kitchen in an older cottage could ruin the home’s aesthetic and put people off!

Bulking up the bathroom

The same principles as the kitchen apply here – it can be done cheaply, but it depends on how much luxury you want to add. According to HGTV, it’s possible to renovate a bathroom for $100 per square metre. For small areas that can mean less than $5,000 without heavy customisation.

Brian Johnson from Collaborative Design Architects also told HGTV that it’s important to add a 30 per cent allowance to your budget, as sometimes things go awry, and costs can blow out. Adding a new toilet, bath or shower can make this an expensive task, numbering in the tens of thousands of dollars.

And as for returns? Gary Caulfield from Construction Cost Consultants told Westpac NZ that bathrooms can give you a return of up to $1.50 for every dollar spent on it. Gauge the suburb and likely buyers you will be getting – do they want luxury or practicality? Working this out with an agent and a professional remodeler can always be a good idea.

Adding a new bedroom

Found yourself in the enviable position of having two lounges, or perhaps a basement or attic that could be converted into a new bedroom? You might just have hit a goldmine. Mr Caulfield also told Westpac that you can double your return when you turn a three bedroom home into a four bedroom one.

But what about the cost? In a recent Domain article, it was estimated that adding a 20 square metre bedroom would cost anywhere between $50,000 and $70,000. This will be significantly less if you already have space in your house – Graeme Bell from GDB architecture converted a loft into a room for a mere $10,000!

You’re unlikely to get this cheap a renovation going unless you are an architect yourself, but it shows how it can be done on a small budget. Given the rising real estate prices in many of our cities, you could be in for significant profits too.

According to Real Estate Institute of Victoria figures, four bedroom homes in certain suburbs were the largest capital gains earners in Melbourne at the end of last year. Making your home join this category through renovation could be profitable indeed!

Don’t go overboard

Crucially though, you have to keep a cool head. Engage professionals for quotes, and get a set budget from several different firms – if they vary wildly, you need to be careful you’re not getting ripped off. On top of this, make it comfortable! If you don’t enjoy using these rooms while you live there, how can you be sure potential buyers will?

So no garish colours or experimental designs – keep it beautiful and functional for solid value-adding.

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LocalMarketReport – April 2019

Posted on May 13, 2019May 13, 2019 by jacintaj

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Local Market Report Aril 2019

We have created this report which details local market conditions and how property is performing in your area which at times can be very different to the combined performance of the capital cities. Let us help you stay on top of changes in your local property market every quarter.

If you would like a copy posted to you, simply call me on 0413 872 972, or fill out the form below.

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Federal budget 2019/20 and impact on property

Posted on April 29, 2019April 29, 2019 by jacintaj

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2019/2020 Budget

Federal budget 2019/20 and impact on property

Delivered in the shadow of an election, the 2019/20 federal budget was always going offer more sweeteners than tough decisions. This year’s budget headlines ‘a return to surplus’, while major personal tax cuts and large infrastructure projects make up the policy position of the government moving forward.

However, given the new measures outlined will not be debated or legislated before the federal election campaign next month, the biggest question is how relevant is this budget to Australians?

Property market affects

There was no announcements, changes or incentives that will directly affect homeowners, real estate investors or the property industry in general. That said, personal and small business tax cuts will assist with cost of living pressures, consumer spending and businesses to invest.

Indirectly, major road and rail infrastructure projects, hospital upgrades and drought assistance funding will provide significant uplift to regional towns and communities. This will help support businesses and jobs in these areas which will in-turn strengthen local economies.

The bottom line – back in surplus (next year)

After more than a decade, the federal budget is forecast to finally returned to surplus in the coming financial year. A budget surplus of $7.1 billion is expected for 2019/20 rising to surpluses of $11 billion and $17.8 billion in 2020/21 and 2021/22 respectively. The economic indicators contained in the budget provide a positive snapshot of the Australian economy with the unemployment rate expected to remain at 5% and GDP growth of 2.75% over the next two financial year.

Personal tax cuts brought forward

Similar to last year, the centre piece of this year’s budget is a restructuring of the personal income tax thresholds, although this will not occur until 2024/25. That said, an immediate lifting of the low-to-middle income tax offset (LMITO) will help households this year, providing a tax reduction in 2018/19 FY of up to $1,080 for singles and $2,160 for dual income families.

Small businesses have double win

A budget measure which will take effect immediately is an increase in the small business instant asset write-off threshold, which will be lifted to $30,000 and expanded to include businesses with a turnover of $50 million. In addition, businesses with a turnover of less than $50 million will have their tax rate lowered to 25% by 2021/22.

Budget surplus of $7.1b expected in 2019/20, rising to $17.8b in 2021/22
The low-to-middle income tax offset is to be lifted immediately providing a tax relief of up to $1,080 for singles and $2,160 for households
Reduction of the 32.5% personal tax bracket to 30% by 2024/25
The small business instant asset write-off threshold will be lifted to $30,000 for businesses with a turnover of up to $50 million
$100 billion infrastructure spending over 10 years, including a $2.2 billion new road safety package
$2 billion for a fast rail line from Geelong to Melbourne and the establishment of the National Faster Rail Agency

Infrastructure

New infrastructure helps reduce commute times, increases productivity, boosts local employment opportunities and makes outer-ring suburbs more accessible and attractive. Positively, spending on infrastructure will total $100 billion over ten years with the 2019/20 Federal Budget focusing on a number of fast rail projects, road safety projects and highway upgrades with the biggest beneficiary being regional Australia.

Fast rail

$2 billion has been allocated to help deliver fast rail from Melbourne to Geelong
A new $14.5 million National Faster Rail Agency will be established to undertake business cases and deliver projects across the country. These include Sydney to Wollongong, Sydney to Parkes, Melbourne to Albury Wodonga, Melbourne to Traralgon, Brisbane to the Gold Coast, Sydney to Newcastle, Melbourne to Greater Shepparton, and Brisbane to Sunshine Coast

Major road

$2.2 billion for a Road Safety Package which include $1.1 billion for maintenance and repairs, $550 million funding for the Black Spots Program and $571 million for bridge renewals and safety including heavy vehicles
An increase in the Urban Congestion Fund to $4 billion to target congestion in some of the worst affected urban areas. This includes $500 million to establish the Commuter Car Park Fund which will allow more people to park
Roads of Strategic Importance funding has been increased by $1 billion to $4.5 billion

Major projects by State

NSW

$3.5 billion for the first stage of the Western Sydney North South Rail Link
$1.6 billion for the M1 Pacific Motorway Extension to Raymond Terrace
$500 million for the Princess Highway upgrade
$405 million in funding for the M12 Motorway

VIC

$1.1 billion for upgrades to south eastern and northern suburban roads in Melbourne
$700 million for Stages 2 and 3 of the South Geelong to Waurn Ponds Rail Upgrade
$360 million for the Western Highway final stage duplication from Ararat to Stawell
$300 million for sealing roads in the Dandenong Ranges and surrounding regions
$208 million for Stage 1 of the Shepparton Bypass on the Goulburn Valley Highway

QLD

$800 million for the Gateway Motorway extension from Bracken Ridge to Pine River
$500 million for the M1 Upgrade program, including Daisy Hill to the Logan Motorway
$320 million for Warrego Highway upgrades between Ipswich and Toowoomba
$254 million for the Mt Isa to Rockhampton corridor
$200 million for the Tennant Creek to Townsville corridor

WA

$348.5 million for Tonkin Highway upgrades
$207.5 million for the Oats Street, Welshpool Road and Mint Street Level Crossing Removals
$140 million for the Albany Ring Road
Additional $121.6 million for the Bunbury Outer Ring Road
$115 million for the upgrade of the Fremantle Traffic Bridge
$248 million for the Karratha to Tom Price corridor

SA

$1.5 billion for the North-South corridor
$259.8 million for a South Australian Rural Roads Package, including:
$115.5 million for the Torrens Road Level Crossing
$100 million for the Port Augusta to Perth corridor

ACT

$30 million for the Kings Highway corridor
$20 million for the duplication of William Slim Drive, Belconnen

NT

$162.3 million for the Alice Springs to Darwin corridor
$160 million for the Alice Springs to Halls Creek corridor

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LocalMarketReport – January 2019

Posted on January 8, 2019March 9, 2019 by jacintaj

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LocalMarketReport - January 2019

If you would like a copy posted to you, simply call me on 0413 872 972, or fill out the form below.

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LJ Hooker moves into top spot for real estate agents

Posted on November 17, 2018November 17, 2018 by jacintaj

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LJ Hooker moves into top spot for real estate agents

In a competitive market, LJ Hooker has topped Canstar Blue’s real estate agent customer satisfaction ratings in 2018. It rated five stars across multiple categories, including problem resolution and overall satisfaction.

The housing market can be a confusing place, whether you’re there to buy, sell, or purely look at what’s available. Regardless of what you’re after, chances are you’ll deal with a real estate agent at some stage, whether it’s in passing at a housing inspection, or spending long hours with them in an office to get that paperwork signed. Finding the perfect home is hard, and so is finding the right real estate agent to guide you through the leg work.

Real estate agents now take many different forms, including some online-only firms. For many, deciding which to trust will be one of the biggest challenges faced on the path to your next right move. And while some of us might have preconceived ideas about estate agents, having them on your side when it comes to contracts and price negotiations could not only save you hours of stress, but potentially thousands of dollars in the long run. But of course, you’ll have to pay for their help, and costs can be high.

That’s why Canstar Blue produces an annual review of estate agents, to find out which are rated highest by the people who know best – their customers. Whatever they have used an estate agent for – buying, selling, renting or leasing – we invited hundreds of survey respondents to tell us about their experiences with some of the biggest firms in Australia, when it comes to important factors like problem resolutions, communications & advice, contract handling and value for money.

LJ Hooker are proud to be announced as the winner of the 2018 award.

LJ Hooker Nerang Customer Service Manager Emily-Jane Megraw said it was the team’s priority to make sure they were meeting client’s needs.

“We’re thrilled to have been recognised for our Customer Experience efforts,” she said.

“We wanted to create automated systems to ensure that certain things were getting done.”

“We realised there was a gap between the client’s expectations versus what was actually being offered. They don’t care what kind of business it is, there’s a minimum service they expect.”

The office formed a Customer Experience team that is dedicated to ensuring customers are given excellent service with multiple touch points throughout the year.

“These days people are so into technology, they are constantly being spammed with emails and text messages. We realised early on it was all about phone calls,” Ms Megraw said.

“People are responding because they have gone so far into technology, they’re now surprised when they receive a phone call.”

“What we are trying to do is form that human relationship. Customers are often shocked that someone has picked up the phone and is actually calling.”

You can read more about Canstar Blue here.

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What is a property appraisal?

Posted on October 8, 2018October 8, 2018 by jacintaj

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What is a property appraisal?

Understanding how your property’s value is determined is critical

How to use competitive properties to work out value

Spend time inspecting similar properties that are currently on the market, however do be aware that their asking price does not necessarily equal true market value. The most consideration should be given to properties that have SOLD in the past six months.

Try to compare your property with homes that are equal to yours. For example, look at properties that are a similar land size or apartments that have comparable floor space, the same amount of accommodation and bedrooms on offer, the style of the home and whether it is renovated or dated, the condition of the property and importantly its location, particularly proximity to amenities and lifestyle attractions such as parks and beaches.

Consider features your property may or may not have. For example views of the city, water or parkland, a swimming pool, secure level garden, garaging, level lift access if you live in an apartment complex, luxury inclusions or special eco features such as solar panels and rain water tanks. On the downside, being on a busy road or having no outlook in an area where many homes enjoy views may affect your sale price and this should be taken into consideration when determining value.

Once again, the best person to turn to is your agent. They should be a wealth of knowledge and familiar with what features of your home will offer the most appeal to buyers. Not only this, they should be able to provide you with valuable data and research material to help you make an educated assessment of your property’s value.

How to research the market

There are many ways to find out what your property may be worth as well as the impact of what current market conditions may have on your sale.

Check the times and dates of local open homes and up-coming auctions and attend as many as you can. The interest in these will help you understand the market conditions and help you gauge your home against the rest of the market.
Check in with your real estate agent or an agent who is particularly active in your area. They should be able to provide you with an abundance of free property sales information from a number of reliable sources.
Australian Property Monitors and RP Data are online providers of property data and information, who are highly reputable and for a small fee will supply you with the same reports agents and banks use to assess property values. Reports worth purchasing are postcode data, street history, auction results and market trends to name just a few. But ask your agent first as they may well be able to provide these reports for you for free.
The weekend paper’s property lift out is another valuable source of up to date market information as well as recent sale information and auction results.
Websites like www.domain.com.au, www.realestate.com.au and agent sites like www.ljhooker.com.auare another good place to find out what is for sale in your neighbourhood. These sites also provide commentary and articles relating to current market conditions.

The Purpose of a Property Appraisal

A property appraisal is an informal estimate of what your home may be worth, which is commonly given as a free service by real estate agents. It is an educated opinion based on recent, comparable sales data in your area, current market sentiment plus the agent’s insight into the features of your home that will either create a lot of buyer interest and competition or any negative features which may limit interest and the price buyers are prepared to pay.

It is worthwhile to request an appraisal from a number of agents before you choose who you are going to use to sell your property. However, it is also important to do your own research so you can either agree or disagree with the agent, as well as understand the rationale behind their pricing strategy.

How is a Property Valuation Different?

A property valuation is usually performed by a Certified Practicing Valuer for an agreed fee. They are not real estate agents or associated with any real estate agency. A valuer will inspect the property, carry out research and analysis into the local market and provide a detailed report regarding issues affecting the current market value of the property.

A property valuation service is commonly required by a bank or financial institution prior to approving a home loan. It is also used by buyers and sellers wanting an independent opinion prior to pre purchase or pre sale, family or partnership settlement, capital gains tax and in some instances building insurance.

What is a Seller’s Market and How Can it Affect Your Price?

A seller’s market reflects the return of consumer confidence and a strong economy. It is occurs when buyer demand outweighs housing supply and greater competition will inevitably drive property prices up.

With the likelihood of competitive bidding, a seller’s market will see increased auction success. However, you need to take into consideration that the real estate market is very segmented, properties at the lower end generally always attract strong buyer interest, while properties at the high end may struggle for attention.

What Impact Does a Buyer’s Market Have on the Sale Price?

This is a common real estate term referred to when market conditions favour buyers. In a buyer’s market there are typically a large number of properties for sale and fewer buyers. This may come about because of rising interest rates and a slowing economy.

In a buyer’s market, sellers will generally need to be competitive with pricing in order to achieve a sale. Great results are still obtainable and your real estate agent should be able to offer the right advice and best approach

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Styling to Sell in Spring

Posted on September 26, 2018September 26, 2018 by jacintaj

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Styling to Sell in Spring

Making the most of the outdoors

It pays to style your home

The spring selling season has arrived with gusto! But how do you give your home the advantage and make it stand out to discerning buyers.

The answer is styling according to a panel of LJ Hooker agents. 96% believe it’s a good idea to style a home when selling and 87% believe it can boost the final sales price by up to 10% and can make a big difference to the number of people who are interested in the property and how quickly it sells.

So styling helps. But whilst you do need to look at the whole home we hought we would share with you some tips on how to make the most of your outdoor space – after all spring is here and us Aussies love to be in the great outdoors.

Create an entrance

I’m sure you’ve heard the saying – “You never get a second chance to make a first impression” – well this statement is certainly true for the front of your home.

This is the first thing people see, so you want to make sure your property looks great from the street. As soon as a buyer arrives you want them to be excited about coming in to take a closer look.

With the garden starting to burst into life, it is certainly the best time of year to make the most of what nature has to offer. So roll up your sleeves and start tidying up the front yard. Make sure your front gate is in good working order. This is the first thing people come into contact with – so check yours out and get it swinging.

Add a fence around your property if you don’t have one. This will allow you to separate your home from the street and will have the added advantage of making your front yard seem bigger – amazing but true.

Clean out your gutters and make sure your roof and windows are clean and free of spider webs. Power-wash your path and keep it swept before any open home inspection.

Spend some time weeding and trimming the garden beds and because it’s spring – add some beautiful spring flowers – just make sure they will still be in bloom when you open your home for inspections.

If you don’t have an established path, consider laying one to help guide your buyers to your front door. Plain white pavers look great against a green lawn but there are many great options to choose from depending on what your budget and taste is like. They will make a big difference to your entrance.

Don’t worry if you don’t have a front yard you can make an impact by adding window planters, some clean shutters, good lighting and clearly visible house numbers.

Making the most of the outdoors

As you know us Aussies love being outside. To have a garden or courtyard where we can entertain friends and family or have a space where the kids can play is really important to many buyers – it’s in effect another room to enjoy and another selling point for your property.

Show your buyers how they could use this space – take advantage of the warmer weather and add a great outside table or refresh the one you have. I’d suggest you set the table with brightly coloured placemats and cutlery and add some flowering plants to the middle. Put up an umbrella and some colourful cushions and the space will look great!

Another tip is to have a think about what your neighbourhood is known for. Are you near a beach – perhaps you could add a great outdoor shower. Do you live in a grassy suburb – a hammock might help create the right feel, or is it a family friendly suburb – maybe a sandpit or a swing in a tree would do the trick.

Creating different zones in your garden works well, as it does inside the home, it helps create interest. By zones we mean, an area for eating or entertaining, an area of mixed planting, perhaps with a focal point such as a fountain or feature plant. Or if you have the space, adding an area for kids to play can be really enticing for the family buyers.

Many homes today, particularly in the inner city don’t have large gardens. Often there is a small courtyard, so it’s important to maximize this space.

The first step may be to create a focal point like a water feature, statue or urn. This should be placed at the furthest point from the entrance so your buyer’s vision is drawn to a distance, giving a sense of space. You can also give an illusion of space by paving the entire area with large pavers to make the ground look wider and less busy. Don’t use any dark colours in your courtyard structures as these reduce the perception of space.

If you have a small balcony, add a café table and chairs, a planter and some fresh spring flowers on the table. Your buyers will think what a lovely spot to eat.

This article originally appeared on ljhooker.com.au

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