I hope your Christmas was everything you desired and more! Now, as we begin to settle into this bright New Year, it’s time to look ahead and make plans for 2016 and beyond.

The Reserve Bank don’t meet in January so official rates remain unchanged at 2.0%.

The start of a new year is a great time to reassess your finances and take steps to consolidate or restructure your loans, plan to buy that dream house or investment property, or start those long overdue home renovations you’ve been thinking about for years.

It’s also still a great time to lock in to a fixed rate and take advantage of lower repayments, allowing you to better manage your money.

Please enjoy my first eNewsletter for the year. This month we discover what trends will drive the national property market in 2016 and look at how to make the perfect outdoor room with which to enjoy your summer days.

And if you’re considering entering the housing market, be sure to get in touch. I can answer all your questions and find you a great loan and interest rate deal or review your current loan situation. Call me now - 0402 408 944.

2016 trends for property – what to expect...

As auction rates begin to pick up again after the holiday slowdown, many of you are no doubt wondering what’s in store, property­wise for 2016. Record low interest rates, strong demand and record sales volumes kept the Australian property market going strong in 2015. Will the same remain true for the coming year?

The latest forecasts and trends from WBP Property Group will you consider the national property market – here’s a breakdown of the key factors:  

• Sydney is showing signs of cooling after a decidedly overheated market in 2014­15. Prices have increased significantly in the past 12 months, seeing the city transition from a local buyer market to an investor dominated market. In 2016, greater supply will hit Sydney, specifically off­the­plan and new developments.
  
  
• Melbourne indicators show established houses within 10 kilometres of the city might be the strongest property class for growth in 2016. Demand for these freestanding houses increased considerably through the second half of 2015.
  
  
• 
 Perth is experiencing an oversupply of residential property, especially apartments. Rental and property values have softened. If economic conditions continue to weaken, property values could retreat further in the short to medium term. If you’re planning to sell you should price your home realistically to achieve a sale.
  
  
• Adelaide remains stable compared to Melbourne and Sydney. There is limited supply in the prestige market, which is likely to drive heightened demand in 2016.
  
  
• Queensland will also see greater consistency in property prices as the population rises, exporter confidence grows and the tourism dollar influences local trading. 
  
  
• Tasmania will continue to be Australia’s most affordable residential property market in the coming year.

According to the WBP, fewer than 5% of properties on the market are specifically suited for long­term investment. Trends emerging from the data include:

1. Auctions are king. Auctions are still the most popular sales technique in inner­city areas

   
   
2. Record low rates. Australia’s low interest rates had a distinct flow­on effect for vendors 
and buyers
   
   
3. Transition to winter selling. For auctions, winter months performed better in 2015 than previous years
   
   
4. 
2 +1+ 1 = star performers. Properties with two bedrooms, one bathroom and one car 
space proved 2015’s most popular investment.


 Interest rates can’t stay this low forever. If you’re yet to take advantage of the current low rates, talk to me now – I’ll give you great options and advice to steer you in the right direction.

Make your garden space the perfect alfresco entertaining area

Nothing says an Australian summer more than inviting your friends over for a BBQ to celebrate Australia Day. What if you’ve neglected your garden during the off season and need to give it a spruce up before guests arrive? Here’s my guide to updating your outdoor rooms into stylish entertaining spaces:

1. Chuck out the plastic furniture. There are now so many affordable and stylish outdoor furniture options that will make your backyard look a million dollars. You want your guests to feel comfortable, so invest in a few luxurious sofas surrounding a table setting so everyone can kick back and really enjoy themselves.
   
   

2. Add some beautiful accessories. Instantly brighten your space with some new outdoor cushions in gorgeous colours and patterns, add a sculpture or water feature, perhaps an outdoor fireplace for chilly nights or add the ultimate alfresco entertaining accessory – a wood fired pizza oven.
   
   

3. Do some quick plant maintenance. Whip out those weeds and remove and replace any plants that are struggling for an immediate boost to your outdoor environment. If your thumbs aren’t very green, call in a gardener for a big overhaul that will last you all summer long.
   
   

4. Don’t forget your pots. Pots are a great way to make a bold statement and seasonal update in a hurry. Sprinkle them around your outdoor living area in drifts of 3 or 5 matching styles in different sizes to get your garden looking on­trend in no time. You can also do wonders with some hanging pots – use them to create delineated areas and lush greenery in a snap.
   
   

5. Set the mood. Lighting is a great way to create ambience outdoors. You can use spotlights to highlight your feature plants and pots and create a warm glow around your dining areas and footpaths. 


Need some extra funds for your outdoor and renovation projects? Call or email me to discuss a complete range of options.