Jeanette Large is a happy Coburg resident.
Jeanette Large is the founder of Property Initiatives Real Estate, a social-enterprise real estate agency aiming to direct its profits into long-term, high-quality housing for women and children facing homelessness.
Where do you live?
In Coburg North, in a small weatherboard home, with my husband and two adult children. We bought this house in 1977.
What property do you own?
Just this home.
What do you love most about your home?
It’s in a great location: close to public transport, shops, schools, childcare — all the important things. It’s large enough for entertaining and holds many pleasant memories of my children’s milestones.
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Have you changed anything?
We did a major addition in the late ’80s to provide more living and bedroom space, as the original house was built after WWI and tiny.
One more thing you’d change?
I would have a larger common bathroom. The bathroom we built in the addition was very small — ideal when we had small children. The only full-sized bath is in our ensuite. We’d prefer if the adult children could have their own bath.
Most memorable home you’ve lived in?
The home I grew up in: a beautiful old weatherboard home in Essendon with lots of backyard space, trees to climb, a very loving family, friends close by, great neighbours, and grandma and grandpa down the street — I was very lucky.
Your first foot on the property ladder?
The house I live in. I wouldn’t say I am on the property ladder. I work in the community sector and my husband worked in education, and we both took time out of the workforce to care for children while working part time. This never gave us much opportunity to climb the property ladder, but we’re very lucky to own our own home.
The highlights of your property journey?
I have been really fortunate to have a secure and comfortable home to live in and raise my family in. In the current climate, many are not so lucky.
The lowlights?
It was really tough when mortgage interest rates were about 17 per cent.
Best property advice you’ve heard?
We need the government to invest in social housing as a priority and encourage large players, such as superannuation funds, to invest in affordable housing. The housing market is failing people because property is being used to build wealth rather than considered a human right. During this crisis, we are being urged to stay home. You can’t stay home if you haven’t got one.
Worst property advice you’ve heard?
“The homeless only need crisis housing.” We also need investment in long-term, affordable housing so those in crisis housing can move out and on with their lives, allowing the most vulnerable to be helped.
Tips for homebuyers?
Consider other options. Most other countries have good-quality, affordable, long-term rental housing that can be a home for life. We could be pushing for these options rather than continuing to pursue the homeownership model.
Future property plans?
The next step will be to downsize and live in an apartment that’s easier to maintain.
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