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Gold Coast developer Ron Bakir’s Homecorp Property Group is teaming with global funds manager Morgan Stanley to create the city’s first dedicated build-to-rent project, a $200 million venture at Varsity Lakes.

The Capital Court project, comprising four towers of nine to 16 storeys, is to go on an elevated site at Varsity Lakes in the heart of the central Gold Coast’s education and technology hub.

It is expected to become a long-term home for some renters, including families.

The development, to be undertaken in two stages, will involve 450 one and two-­bedroom apartments on a 1.3ha site.

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It has been bought for $11.25m from a syndicate that earlier acquired it from the Sunland Group. The project’s first stage is expected to start before Christmas.

The Ron Bakir-founded Homecorp, which has delivered more than $1.5 billion in residential projects over the past 16 years, describes the project as a major step toward a diversification of its portfolio into an emerging sector of the property market.

Build-to-rent is an established business model in the US and UK where it provides a stable, long-term income-generating asset class.

Gold Coast developer Homecorp Property Group and global funds manager Morgan Stanley plan to create the city’s first dedicated build-to-rent project, a $200 million venture at Varsity Lakes. Picture: Supplied

“This project leads Homecorp into a new era by leveraging us into a sector that we believe will command a much higher market share over the next decade,” Mr Bakir said.

“It’s a compelling business model that has been recognised by Morgan Stanley at a time when affordability constraints are impacting on homeownership levels.

“This will be the first purpose-built project for the Gold Coast to utilise the build-to-rent model and it comes at a time when tight rental vacancies have persisted for many years.

“The Varsity towers will provide residences where families may choose to live for many years at a time, even across generations, so this project has been designed with that specific purpose in mind.”

Homecorp CEO Ron Bakir in his Surfers Paradise office. Picture: Regi Varghese

Mr Bakir said Capital Court was crafted to create a village atmosphere by providing lifestyle amenities, including a residents’ club, cafe, expansive outdoor swimming pool area, a large gymnasium, a dog-wash park, games room and a cinema.

He said the Gold Coast’s Condev group was the intended builder of the project.

Morgan Stanley, which has a successful track record of investing on the Gold Coast, has $US552 billion in funds under management and has been an active investor in the global build-to-rent sector.

Homecorp’s construction arm, which was established by Mr Bakir in 2014, is majority-owned by Japanese industrial giant Toyota.

The post Gold Coast developer Ron Bakir’s Homecorp Property Group teams up with funds manager Morgan Stanley for build-to-rent project appeared first on realestate.com.au.

Shelley Craft used her years of experience hosting The Block to turn around her own nine-week challenge renovating her dream beach shack.

TV star Shelley Craft of The Block has pulled off the ultimate renovation transforming a 70-year-old fibro beach shack on a tight budget in just nine weeks.

The much loved Aussie TV personality and her husband Christian Sergiacomi took a fibro surf shack and turned it into a chic coastal pad that they’ve affectionately nicknamed ‘The Little Blue House’.

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BEFORE: How the fibro home looked pre-renovation.

With a nine-week deadline, Ms Craft set about her own challenge to pull off a quirky, stylish renovation on time and under budget.

”We have replaced every wall and ceiling, as well as the entire external cladding. This 70-year-old home that once had a very tired look to it, has had a total refresh while maintaining the character and charm of the original,” she said.

Her biggest challenge was how to tackle the ageing fibro without compromising the 1950s look and feel they wanted to maintain.

DURING: The exterior was stripped.

“Although I am a huge fan of ‘retro’, there is always a level of comfort and modern living that you need to consider when renovating. So our choice of colour and styling is a nod to mid century in 2020,” Ms Craft said.

“We were determined to keep the cottage looking as original as possible, so we chose to reclad the exterior frame in Cemintel and add the battens to recreate the 1950s style,” she said.

DURING: The exterior frame was reclad with Cemintel.

“We had a really limited budget and I was incredibly surprised at the cost effectiveness of the Cemintel cladding. So much so, that we could afford to do the exterior of the adjacent garage as well, all within budget.”

“Removing old fibro can certainly have the ability to scare people off a renovation project, but knowing that you can reclad your home with a superior product within a tight budget is amazing.”

AFTER: A softer feel to the exterior with walls set to stand the test of time.

Having lived weatherboard homes with paper thin walls most of her life, soundproofing the walls inside was also essential.

“One of the key challenges for Pacifico Cottage was due to it being a small home,” she said of the Byron Bay property.

“With one open plan living area and shared common walls for all bedrooms, we needed to ensure that sound travelling and unwanted noise was reduced as much as possible.”

“Therefore, finding the right plasterboard product that provided the solution to this was imperative, and helped us deliver a sense of privacy for everyone residing in the different rooms.”

BEFORE: One of the bedrooms pre-renovation.

AFTER: White adds brightness and pastels add comfort inside the home.

She used Gyprock options for walls, ceilings and wet rooms like the bathroom and laundry.

“From Superceil for our ceilings to Superchek for the walls and Aquachek in the wet areas, Gyprock had our project covered. And it’s Australian-made.”

The change was worth it, with the soundproofing helping provide privacy and helping the acoustics of the home.

AFTER: Gyprock products helped boost the acoustics of the home.

“You cannot hear a peep through the walls,” she said. “The density of the sheeting really gives an extra sense of strength to the build and a very solid feel to the property, handling bumps and dings much better than the standard.”

With the structure covered, Ms Craft’s plan was to add lightness and brightness with colour.

Pastels rule the roost outside, adding to the beachside chic of the home now.

“The home was a striking blue colour when we bought it and we wanted to have some fun this time around, so we’ve chosen to stick with that colour palette but opt for a more subdued blue.”

AFTER: New seating was added, with wood elements providing warmth.

AFTER: The home has beachside chic.

Inside the restructured home was kept clean and white, to boost natural light and add to the seaside feel.

She also used natural timber throughout the home to add warmth to rooms such as the dining and living area via the floors, tables, seating and cabinetry.

AFTER: Styling focused on plants, natural wood and pastels.

Indoor plants, textured throws and multi-level seating in the lounge lifted the areas softness and comfort level and made the space functional.

“When you build or renovate you have to think about the long term wearability, liveability and longevity of your hard work,” Mr Craft said.

“We love this little home and know that we have created a very special place that will stand the test of time.”

The next season of The Block begins August 23.

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The post How The Block’s Shelley Craft turned fibro to fabulous appeared first on realestate.com.au.

More Sydney residents are planning a move to the Sunshine Coast.

COVID-19 is poised to drive an exodus of people from Australia’s biggest cities as families bring forward plans to make a sea-change.

Agents reported a recent surge in buyer inquiries from Sydney and Melbourne residents keen to make a move up the coast once restrictions ease, with the Sunshine Coast proving a popular choice.

Data from Image Property showed inquiries for Sunshine Coast properties from Sydney and Melbourne buyers were up 20 per cent from last year.

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Image Property Sunshine Coast agent Nathan Christmas said increased work from home arrangements were making the region more appealing for cashed up buyers from NSW and Victoria.

“These buyers have decided to bring forward their ‘sea-change’ plans and relocate here as soon as they are able to do so,” he said.

Coastal properties are appealing for Sydney and Melbourne buyers because they get more bang for their buck.

“This is generally because they will be working from home in the future, perhaps with a flight down to Sydney or Melbourne for work purposes a few times a month.

“They are attracted by our affordable property prices but also by the coast’s enviable lifestyle, which was never more attractive than during the lockdown when our residents could still walk along the beach or go for a surf.”

Mr Christmas said two of his recent sales were to Sydney buyers who viewed and bought the properties remotely.

They were shown through the properties via video chat as they couldn’t be there physically because of the closed borders and other restrictions, he added.

“The future of the coast property market is certainly bright with more interstate migrants likely to head north once the pandemic passes.”

Propertyology director Simon Pressley said the increased popularity of regions such as the Sunshine Coast was related to COVID-19.

“COVID-19 will create a permanent structural change within Australian real estate,” Mr Pressley said.

“Locations which offer reduced density, smaller mortgages and desirable outdoor lifestyles will be beneficiaries.”

Many Sydney and Melbourne buyers often sought a sea-change in the areas they holidayed in, Mr Pressley added.

“Residents from Sydney and Melbourne (are) attracted to Queensland’s warmer weather and Brisbane doesn’t have beaches. Many of them already feel a connection with the Sunshine Coast because they have enjoyed holidays there.

“A lifestyle upsize and a mortgage downgrade is pretty appetising. When compared to Sydney and Melbourne, the Sunshine Coast doesn’t have the high-rise housing density – rather from $500,000, a young family can buy a standard house, through to multimillion-dollar luxury.”

Most Sydneysiders seeking a sea-change considered regions they holidayed in.

The Sunshine Coast has also attracted more tenants.

Image Property director Joel Davis said the coast’s rental market was booming with multiple applications on every property common.

“Rental properties are receiving mass inquiries within the first few hours of being listed,” Mr Davis said.

“We are receiving multiple applications on properties before the first open home, which is often attracting more than 15 people.”

The Sunshine Coast rental market was undersupplied before the pandemic with a vacancy rate of just 1.4 per cent in March, according to SQM Research.

Propertyology director Simon Pressley.

Mr Davis said that after a temporary rate increase in April, the coast’s vacancy rate was now only 1.2 per cent – the lowest in nearly six years.

“Plenty of prospective tenants are contacting us because they are struggling to find a suitable rental property because of the strong competition for properties at present,” he said.

“This undersupply of rental stock is resulting in rents increasing by about five to 10 per cent compared to a few months ago.”

The post Sydney and Melbourne residents bring forward sea-change plans due to COVID-19 appeared first on realestate.com.au.

Long tenant: Basford Brands has options to lease the warehouse until 2048.

There is plenty of upside for investors to a Geeloong warehouse leased to a national supplier of interior design products, soft furnishing textiles and window furnishing products.

The 1.788ha complex at 20 Apparel Close, Breakwater, is leased to Basford Brands on a 10-year lease expiring in 2028.

The property is being offered for sale via an expressions of interest campaign closing August 27.

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High yield: Basford Brands’ lease at 20 Apparel Close, Breakwater, has options until 2048.

Darcy Jarman, Geelong West agent Tim Darcy said the long lease offered buyers the chance to grow the investment.

It generates more than $557,000 in rental income a year.

“We think there is going to be good organic growth in the industrial space, given the escalation in demand in the region,” Mr Darcy said.

High yield: Basford Brands’ lease at 20 Apparel Close, Breakwater, has options until 2048.

“So the rent is considered to be at the moment relatively modest. We think there is going to be some good organic growth and upside to the rental in the years to come.”

Mr Darcy said he expected a sale to set a yield around 6 to 7 per cent through the sale.

“It’s very much a rare offering because of the magnitude and scale of the warehouse,” Mr Darcy said.

“Warehouses of this size and scale, as investment grade, items don’t come to the fore very often within our region.

Long tenant: Basford Brands has options to lease the warehouse until 2048.

“It is underpinned by a long lease. The tenant has been there for well over 10 years.

“So it’s a long-term lease and it’s a high grade and high quality amenity. It’s excellent in nature in terms of a warehouse amenity.

“It’s got terrific internal high clearance, about 9.6m to the apex internally, supported by an internal office area and associated amenities including substantial on-site car parking.”

The warehouse has 7909sq m of floorspace, including the two-level internal office space.

Built in the 1990s for the Austin Group, Basford Brands now uses the facility as a warehouse depot.

The post Geelong industrial warehouse offers plenty of upside for investors appeared first on realestate.com.au.

With stage 4 restrictions now in place across metropolitan Melbourne due to a spike in COVID-19 cases, tenants are seeking clarification about how these new restrictions will impact their living arrangements.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews specified that property and real estate, among other industries, will close for six-weeks under the tighter restrictions, with home inspections and home auctions to continue online.

All Melburnians have to adhere to strict guidelines during the six-week lockdown period.

This has left many landlords, tenants and property managers confused about how to proceed, and with such high penalties for breaching stage 4 rules ($1,652 for individuals and $9,913 for businesses), it’s no wonder all parties have been hesitant with their movements.

Moving for some tenants will still be permitted under stage 4 restrictions. Picture: realestate.com.au.rent

“We have found that about 15% of the tenants we spoke to need to move inside the lockdown period and haven’t been able to secure anything. They’re uncertain if they are allowed to enter into a new tenancy [agreement] or if they are allowed to move,” said Sam Nokes, property manager at Jellis Craig. 

However, over the past week, more clarity has emerged around the signing of new leases, moving home and general stage 4 rules for tenants. Here is what we know so far:

1. Can I move house?

Despite the 5km radius rule, tenants within metropolitan Melbourne are still able to move to a new home outside of the 5km radius, however, they cannot do so outside the curfew hours of 8pm to 5am, unless their reason for moving is due to family violence, in which case they can leave the house at any time.

Premier Daniel Andrews said in a press conference, “I don’t want to see people who are supposed to move from one place to another because the lease has run out unable to do so.”

Cleaners and removalists have been deemed as essential services during the lockdown, and many are now offering a contactless service. periodic and final inspections are allowed to go ahead by property managers in order to release bonds.

Property managers will be permitted into the property for all end of lease processes including a final inspection, along with providing new tenants with keys to their property, which was confirmed by the Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV) on 6 August.

Property inspections will be online only during stage 4 restrictions. Picture: Darrian Traynor / Getty

2. How will inspections happen moving forward?

Inspections of properties will move to digital-only in metropolitan Melbourne under stage 4 restrictions, however, inspections by private appointment will still be permitted in regional Victoria, which is under stage 3 rules.

Many property managers have already adopted the online strategy and are using the digital inspections tool on realestate.com.au, or organising video calls with prospective tenants.

One major issue property managers will face, however, is leasing a property without a tenant having physically inspected it. The majority of Victorian real estate agencies require this as part of their tenancy agreement.

Needless to say, properties will be difficult to fill during this time as REIV president Leah Calnan explained.

“The rental market will absolutely be impacted if we are unable to conduct private one-on-one appointments. While the option of virtual inspections is great, there are very few tenants that agree to sign leases and move into a property without having seen it in person,” Ms Calnan said.

Property managers are also yet to be given the green light to physically attend a property to film the digital inspection.

Mr Nokes said that they have been relying on pre-existing digital inspections and other digital methods of communication.

“We’re not creating any new digital inspections, but in saying that we’ve got some properties under a break lease situation and some properties where the landlord is occupying them, so we’re doing FaceTime calls and whoever is residing in the property is doing the walk around and allowing tenants to join in, that way nobody is actually leaving the property,” he said.

Chief executive of Tenants Victoria, Jennifer Beveridge, advised that if tenants do decide to lease a property without having physically inspected it, they should do so with caution.

“There are risks in taking a property without viewing it in person, but it may be the only option for some people while stage 4 restrictions are in place,” she said.

“It’s really important that renters always be aware of their rights. If they move into a property, which they didn’t see in person and later find it needs repairs, then they are entitled to, and the landlord is obliged to, ask for the repairs to be undertaken. This is so even while stage 4 restrictions are in place.”

3. What will happen if I can’t pay rent?

Many tenants have found themselves stood down from work and unable to pay rent or bills during the health crisis.

A moratorium on evictions is still in place with talks of it being extended within Victoria in light of the stage 4 lockdown.

Tenants and landlords have been encouraged to work together to figure out a solution, whether that be negotiating a rent reduction or deferral on payments.

There are six government support payments tenants can access during COVID-19 and Consumer Affairs Victoria also suggests that tenants experiencing difficulty should get in touch with the Tenancy Assistance and Advocacy Program for more advice.

Ms Beveridge said tenants have faced many challenges during the pandemic and the introduction of stage 4 restrictions in metropolitan Melbourne amid a national recession adds a new layer of complexity. 

“Our message to renters is clear: if you are facing hardship, go for a rent reduction immediately. There is a DIY process in place here in Victoria, and even if you don’t have agreement from the landlord and agent, renters have the right to go to Consumer Affairs Victoria for mediation,” she said. 

4. Can repairs still happen in my rental?

Only emergency repairs can happen during the six-week lockdown period. The following are classed as urgent repairs under Consumer Affairs Victoria guidelines:

• • burst water service;
  • blocked or broken toilet system;
  • serious roof leak;
  • gas leak;
  • dangerous electrical fault;
  • flooding or serious flood damage;
  • serious storm or fire damage;
  • failure or breakdown of any essential service or appliance provided by a landlord or agent for hot water, water, cooking, heating, or laundering;
  • failure or breakdown of the gas, electricity or water supply;
  • any fault or damage in the premises that makes the premises unsafe or insecure;
  • an appliance, fitting or fixture that is not working properly and causes a substantial amount of water to be wasted and;
  • a serious fault in a lift or staircase.

The post Stage 4 restrictions: Top four questions for Melbourne tenants appeared first on realestate.com.au.

Prince Harry and wife Meghan Markle have secretly bought a private family home in Santa Barbara — the place they have chosen to put down permanent roots and bring up their son Archie after leaving the British royal family.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been living in their new house in an upscale California community, which is also home to their friends Oprah Winfrey and Ellen DeGeneres.

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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have officially settled in Santa Barbara. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

Amid much speculation that the couple would buy a place in Los Angeles, a source told Page Six, “Harry and Meghan have been quietly living in their own home in Santa Barbara since early July.

“They are not houseguests of Oprah or anyone else, they bought this home themselves. This is where they want to continue their lives after leaving the UK.

“This is the first home either of them has ever owned. It has been a very special time for them as a couple and as a family — to have complete privacy for six weeks since they moved in.

“They intend to put down their roots in this house and the quiet community, which has considerable privacy. This is where they want to bring Archie up, where they hope he can have as normal a life as possible.”

Oprah Winfrey will be one of the couple’s new neighbours.

… as will Portia de Rossi and Ellen DeGeneres. (Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)

Initially, Harry and Meghan had reportedly never intended to make Los Angeles their home. It was considered to be a good place for them to be upon their arrival in the US to be close to Meghan’s mum, who lives in LA.

The source would not reveal details of the home, such as the price they paid or the location, citing security concerns, but added, “They have thought about this carefully and researched it well. This is the place where they plan to be happy, make good friends and bring up Archie, giving him the chance to play with other children his age.”

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It was widely reported that Harry and Meghan had been staying at entertainment mogul Tyler Perry’s $18 million, 12-bedroom, eight-bathroom Beverly Hills mansion over the last few months. He was mentored by Oprah, and also is represented by some of the team working with Meghan and Harry in LA.

The couple were believed to be staying at Tyler Perry’s $US 18 million mansion. Picture: Google Earth

But the couple launched a lawsuit against numerous paparazzi agencies after Archie was photographed with Meghan’s mum Doria Ragland in the private driveway of the house. It is believed the pictures were shot by a drone flown over the home.

“Harry and Meghan are both very upset by this breach of privacy, but that wasn’t the reason they left Los Angeles. They were already in the process of buying their home in Santa Barbara,” the source added.

Prince Harry, Meghan Markle plan on making their Santa Barbara home the place where son Archie can grow up. (Photo by Dominic Lipinski/Getty Images)

“While it was a nice favour to them at a very difficult time, Tyler Perry’s house with 18 bedrooms isn’t Harry’s style. Yes, he grew up in royalty and the halls of Buckingham Palace, but he prefers more intimate homes with character.”

Their new digs aren’t likely to be as intimate, however, as their first marital home in London, Frogmore Cottage. When they were first married, Harry and Meghan lived at Frogmore, a historic “Grade II Listed” property in Windsor, which they renovated in a move funded by the British taxpayers for $3 million.

Harry and Meghan’s lived in Frogmore Cottage when they first married.

Santa Barbara is one of the wealthiest communities in the US, with homes on sale for more than $100 million. Oprah has a sprawling $90 million mansion in Montecito with views of the ocean.

DeGeneres has bought a few homes in Santa Barbara — including one on the next-door estate from Oprah — but in 2017 she paid $18.6 million for an oceanfront home in the enclave of Carpinteria, where Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis own a house on the same street.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on their wedding day in 2018 (Photo by Ben STANSALL – WPA Pool/Getty Images)

A spokesman for the couple confirmed, “The Duke and Duchess of Sussex moved into their family home in July of this year. They have settled into the quiet privacy of their community since their arrival and hope that this will be respected for their neighbours, as well as for them as a family.”

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This story originally appeared on the NY Post and was republished with permission.

The post Prince Harry and Meghan Markle secretly buy family home near Ellen Degeneres and Oprah Winfrey appeared first on realestate.com.au.

When a listing is as crazy as this, there’s not much left to do but let your inner David Attenborough loose as you explore the wild, sometimes dangerous, terrain. 

From the gaping holes in the walls, the mould-covered kitchen to the rubbish tip located under the house – there’s a reason why this home is being called ‘a bargain’ and ‘a renovator’s delight’.

Luckily for the next owner, the demolition process was kindly started by the former tenant “one punch at a time” with gaping holes in the walls and floor, exposed electrical wiring and mould pretty much everywhere.

Located in North Gosford on New South Wales’ Central Coast, the four-bedroom, two-bathroom house at 1 Linden Street has likely been through some rough times, but that hasn’t stopped agent, Richard Faulkner AKA ‘Bruce’, from filming a captivating, arguably award-worthy, documentary-style video touring the home.

Even putting his own body on the line, like any good-natured show host, when he dares to venture onto the dangerously decrepit deck.

1 Linden St North Gosford is a true renovator’s delight. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy

The master bedroom features “custom-made, one-of-a-kind stained carpet” as well as easy access to the ensuite – because why bother with a door when you can enjoy chatting to your partner, “while they’re on the toosh”, explained Mr Faulkner in the video listing.

When it comes to the main family bathroom “the owners have already put their final touches on this renovation – with a fresh toilet roll – but the rest of the renovation is up to you”.

Agent, Richard Faulkner AKA ‘Bruce’, shows off the home’s features. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy

While it’s true that this house has some features only a mother could love, sometimes it takes creativity to see past the flaws in a property and envisage an opportunity to transform it into your dream home. The money you could save on a project like this is no laughing matter.

Mr Faulkner said once the work has been done realistically that’ll be a $650,000 -$690,000 listing, up from the current buyer’s guide of $450,000, so it’s a fantastic opportunity to get into what is actually quite a large home and make it something really great.

“Speaking to the neighbours, they said the original owners had it looking really lovely, it was just unfortunate that upon renting the house out that there was damage done by the tenants.”

The bedrooms feature ‘bespoke stains’. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy

“Structurally it’s quite sound, there’s no termite damage and the owners had partially started the renovation by removing walls, removing the toilet and there’s the unfinished kitchen.”

His approach to filming a comedic video was that he wanted to be upfront with potential buyers so they knew what they were in for:

“I didn’t want people to come to the property and be shocked.”

His approach, similarly, with the vendors is that it was a project home and they could take out a sizeable loan to renovate before selling, “or just sell it as is.”

“But you have to be upfront with people with places like this and hope they can see it for the opportunity it is,” said Mr Faulkner.

The home will be auctioned on 22 August at 10am with a buyers guide of $450,000.

The post ‘Don’t be afraid’: Agent channels Attenborough for this wild North Gosford listing appeared first on realestate.com.au.

Main Ridge House by Sarah Bryant from Bryant Alsop. Image: Rhiannon Slatter

British ex-pats Emma and Steve Rockey fell in love with the Mornington Peninsula after moving to Melbourne in 2010.

This was partly because the scenery reminded them of their former homeland.

After enjoying many weekends in the area, they began to think about buying a holiday home that could be rented out when they weren’t using it.

“We knew we couldn’t afford to have a weekender that was only used by us. So we needed it to also be a short-term rental to make it viable,” Ms Rockey explained.

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Soaring high ceilings give a sense of sprawling space. Image: Rhiannon Slatter, artwork: Joan Blond.

Mezzanines. Who doesn’t love ‘em? Photo: Rhiannon Slatter

Country charm. Photo: Rhiannon Slatter

The couple struck gold when they were able to buy a rare 950sq m block — and the rundown 1960s brick veneer house that stood on it — in Main Ridge.

“We didn’t want a big plot of land as we weren’t going to be there all the time, so the size was perfect,” she said.

“And the location … near to the strawberry farm and within walking distance of five wineries — including T’Gallant and Ten Minutes by Tractor — was perfect for a holiday rental.”

Exposed timber trusses give that barn look. Photo: Rhiannon Slatter, artwork: Joan Blond

STARTING OVER

While the location was spot on, the existing house wasn’t so perfect.

So the couple engaged architect Sarah Bryant from Bryant Alsop Architects to design a new

one, after falling in love with a house the practice had overhauled in nearby Shoreham.

“That house, although a renovation and extension of a 1920 weatherboard, had beautiful exposed wooden beams we adored,” Ms Rockey said.

“We also liked the fact Sarah had grown up in (nearby) Red Hill, and so knew the area like the back of her hand.”

Ms Bryant — who worked alongside graduate architect Charlotte Poulain on the project — said the couple wanted a sustainable house with four bedrooms and two living areas, which would enable two families to comfortably stay together.

“Emma and Steve also brought a little bit of English-ness to the project with the idea of an English barn, but one that fitted into its rural Australian surroundings,” Ms Bryant said.

Cosy by the fire. Photo: Rhiannon Slatter

A GREEN APPROACH

As the site was tight, maximising its use was crucial. The resulting two-storey building takes up most of the block, cleverly using visual space from the neighbouring strawberry farm.

“Borrowing the outlook from next door makes everything feel bigger, as do the exposed trusses in the living area which maximise volume,” Ms Bryant said.

Good passive solar design was integral to the project, enabling warming northern light to be captured during winter while minimising the hot, western sun in summer.

Cooling summer cross breezes are maximised through high-level windows, while solar, rainwater tanks and septic sewerage are also in use.

There are two bedrooms and a bathroom on each floor. The downstairs level also features a large open-plan kitchen, living and dining space with cavernous cathedral ceilings.

Upstairs, a mezzanine houses a second living area, while a covered outdoor deck provides more sitting and dining space.

“It’s a bit of an Alice in Wonderland house in that it has these quite restrained, compact cosy spaces, and then opens up into these vast, voluminous rooms,” Ms Bryant said.

A space for the warmer months. Photo: Rhiannon Slatter

Blue baby. Photo: Rhiannon Slatter

Passive solar design keeps things green. Photo: Rhiannon Slatter

MATERIAL WORLD

To continue the weekend barn theme, a restrained palette of materials were chosen with an emphasis on natural finishes.

Externally, the house was clad in corrugated black metal that’s reminiscent of local agricultural buildings.

Inside, timber accents are key. Exposed trusses, cabinetry and oak-lined ceilings in the kitchen area add warmth to the white walls.

Blue cabinetry and a tiled splashback in the kitchen add colour to the predominantly neutral palette.

When the nine-month build was finished in October 2019, the couple celebrated with a big family Christmas with daughters Ella, 5, and Millie, 2, and relatives from England.

Ms Rockey said they couldn’t be happier with their new weekender.

“Sitting outside on the deck with a glass of wine, watching the sun go down while the

kids play in the cubby house is really special,” Ms Rockey said.

Their initial plan was to stay at least once a month. But after bookings were restricted during COVID-19, they decided paying guests would have to take priority, when possible, for the foreseeable future.

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How to apply for $25K HomeBuilder grant, Victoria

Melbourne stage four: Should you buy property during lockdown?

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The federal government’s HomeBuilder scheme is on the minds of many current and would-be renovators, who are questioning how best to spend the $25,000 grant. 

The tax-free payment for eligible owner-occupiers, including first-home buyers, is aimed at those who have received planning permission for a project budgeted between $150,000 and $175,000. The scheme was created as a way to stimulate activity in Australia’s construction industry amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

A multiple-time winning builder from 2019’s The Block and founder of Elevate Building Group, Matt Menichelli, said HomeBuilder has prompted a lot of people to get moving with home renovations they might have been thinking about for a while.

The Melbourne-based builder, who is currently experiencing what he calls a “shakeup” from the newly announced stage 4 restrictions is seeking clarity on exactly how to best manage the new obligations.

What you can get for the $25k HomeBuilder grant

When it comes to ways to spend the government bonus it needs to be considered within the context of a renovation costing between $150,000 – $175,000 which is quite a considerable renovation budget and will cover quite a few areas of the home.

For that price you can look at renovating the kitchen, bathroom, sprucing up the laundry and adding a bedroom, according to Mr Menichelli.

“The extra $25,000 could easily add an extra area to your already-planned renovation. Whether it’s an alfresco area, bathroom reno or a laundry upgrade.

Kitchen renovations have been popular amid the health pandemic. Picture; Getty

How to avoid needing to get planning approval on a renovation

For those wanting to avoid having to go through council or planning permission to change their project scope, Menichelli suggested spending the bonus on upgrading fixtures and fittings and keeping the changes cosmetic, which don’t require approval or complicate the permit process and potentially extend timelines.

This will take a mid-range budget renovation to a higher level of luxury with a better quality of finish. Think about purchasing higher-end appliances, adding bespoke storage or higher quality fittings in the spaces you’re renovating.

Menichelli also suggested using it to upgrade the performance of the home such as installing energy-efficient lighting, heating, cooling and installing double-glazing on the windows:

“This is an important aspect that is often overlooked or isn’t valued,” he said. 

“Upgrading insulation, adding more efficient heating/cooling can lead to a more comfortable home,  and will also save you money on running costs in the long term.”

Balconies and outdoor spaces are being searched for by would-be buyers. Picture: Getty

How to apply for a HomeBuilder grant

If you’re interested in applying for the HomeBuilder grant, Menichelli warns you’ll need to be prepared to act quickly.

“To be eligible for the one-off $25,000 grant, renovators will need to have their plans approved by 31 December 2020, which means having a builder engaged and contracts signed as well as planning permission approved by local council authorities, if necessary.”

You’ll then need to apply for the grant through your state or territory authority once applications open, and construction must commence within three months of the contract date.

Applying for the HomeBuilder grant is best done through a registered and licensed builder. Picture: Getty.

New HomeBuilders grant

For those in the planning stages of building a new home or have purchased a house and land package, the good news is that these projects will be eligible for the scheme.

Speak to your builder about what you need to do to start the process of applying.

HomeBuilder grant eligibility

To check your project’s eligibility, you’ll need to speak to a registered builder, but there are some other eligibility requirements to be aware of, according to the HomeBuilder government fact sheet.

You must be over 18 and meet one of the following two income caps: $125,000 per annum for an individual applicant based on your 2018-19 taxable income or later or; $200,000 per annum for a couple based on both 2018-19 taxable income or later.

Renovating amid COVID-19

“More people are spending more time at home lately and this has resulted to us getting more enquiries for smaller jobs such as kitchen renos, bathroom renos” said Mr Menichelli.

Cosmetic spruce-ups are becoming popular during a time when people might be more likely to notice the limitations of their current spaces, he added.

Baking became a trend during lockdowns earlier in the year, which put a focus on kitchens, and as people try to keep fit amid gym closures and outdoor exercise restrictions, they’re now looking at amenities in the home that support mental and physical health. Design trends are also shifting quickly during the health crisis.

Buyer search data from realestate.com.au shows searches for homes with outdoor space increased by more than 40% between April and June 2020 compared to pre-pandemic times, while gyms and studies were also front of mind for house hunters showing jumps of 37% and 31% respectively.

So if you’re thinking about renovating to sell, it could be worth thinking about adding some really desirable features to increase the sale price of your home.

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Prior to the pandemic, leasing a home involved a lot of paperwork and back and forth – but the new age of moving means everything can be done from the comfort and safety of home. 

While online tools like digital application platform 1form already existed, the rental industry has pivoted to completely online processes as a result of COVID-19 social distancing rules, making the task of renting out a new home contactless.

1. Paperwork has gone completely online

Describing traditional property management as a paperwork nightmare, head of property management at Code Property Group, Terrie Kineskin, said her office was already trying to streamline things but that the pandemic helped them realise they could do more to reduce paper waste.

“We are now 100% paperless in our office…that was our biggest change in that we converted everything to online.”

2. Inspections have gone digial

Open for inspections have also changed dramatically since the health pandemic hit in mid-March.

In the early days of the health crisis, the number of people allowed into a property during an inspection was limited in most states and territories, but inspections became available by private appointment only as restrictions tightened.

Currently, in Melbourne, home inspections are banned completely under stage 4 lockdown rules, meaning they can only be done digitally. Elsewhere in the country, there are limits around social distancing and strict personal hygiene protocol needs to be followed.

“We’ve been using digital inspections long before COVID… and what it is is an effective pre-screening tool and post-COVID it will continue to be an effective pre-screening tool,” said Sam Nokes, Head of Department – Property Manager Jellis Craig in Melbourne.

“I think it’s great, it saves our agents from unnecessarily having to attend properties, which not only improves business efficiency but for the customer, they’re not viewing properties that may not meet their needs.”

Digital inspections will be the new norm for leasing, especially in Victoria. Picture: realestate.com.au/rent

But while digital inspections have been a useful tool in the COVID-19 environment, they will never be as thorough as the real thing, according to Real Estate Institute of Victoria president, Leah Calnan. 

“[Melbourne’s] rental market will absolutely be impacted if we are unable to conduct private one-on-one inspections. While the option of virtual inspections is great, there are very few tenants that agree to sign leases and move into a property without having seen it in person,” Ms Calnan explains.

Mr Nokes added that until more clarity is provided by the Victorian Government about whether or not an agent can physically attend a property to film a virtual inspection under stage 4 restrictions, they will not even be producing new digital inspections and will instead rely on pre-existing videos. 

“We’re not creating any new digital inspections, but in saying that we’ve got some properties under a break lease situation and some properties where the landlord is occupying them, so we’re doing FaceTime calls and whoever is residing in the property is doing the walk around and allowing tenants to join in, that way nobody is actually leaving the property,” he said.

Digital inspections also have some potential legal pitfalls, given that faults in a property might not be apparent on camera, said chief executive of Tenants Union Victoria, Jennifer Beveridge.

“There are risks in taking a property without viewing it in person, but it may be the only option for some people while stage 4 restrictions are in place,” Ms Beveridge said. 

“It’s really important that renters always be aware of their rights. If they move into a property, which they didn’t see in person and later find it needs repairs, then they are entitled to, and the landlord is obliged to, ask for the repairs to be undertaken. This is so even while stage 4 restrictions are in place.”

3. Contactless removalists and cleaners

Even under the strictest of social distancing measures, removalists and cleaners are still classed as an essential service for those who are moving. In Melbourne, tenants are allowed to move home if they had arrangements in place before the stage 4 lockdown came into effect.

Many removalists and cleaning companies are now advertising a completely contactless service to protect the health and safety, not only of their staff but of tenants.

Companies such as popular removalist, Man With a Van, and Melbourne Vacate Cleaning have new guidelines for customers to follow to ensure their entire move excludes human-to-human contact.

The Victorian Government has flagged that moving house will still be allowed for some under stage 4 restrictions. Picture: Getty

These include tenants isolating in another room while the removalists do their work, leaving the front door open or a key outside the door so the removalists can gain entry, labelling all items and cleaning of high-touch areas including doorknobs and surfaces of furniture.

4. Contactless key handover

For tenants who have signed a new lease, or are ending their lease, keys will need to be exchanged between property manager and tenant.

This will move forward without contact either through lockboxes, post, or leaving the key in a safe place for the receiving individual to collect.

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