When it comes to purchasing a property at auction, your experience can be quite unpredictable, especially in the competitive market of Northern Beaches, Sydney. Not only is the thought of traversing the auction process terrifying for many, but it is also instrumental in determining whether one will make their dream home theirs. This is where a professional buyers agent can save the day. In this blog, we share how a buyers agent can be by your side as your best friend when you are purchasing at an auction, making sure that you not only do wonderfully but also that you make the dream yours at the right price. Representation The buyers agent brings an array of benefits to the auction. Their primary function is exclusive representation of your interests, including that all actions are in your interest price-wise. It is different from the normal real estate agent, who represents the seller’s interests. They also offer unbiased advice and guidance through the bidding in a manner that maintains the emotional balance that comes with auctions. Strategic Bidding Unlike most people’s opinions, it [...]

When it comes to navigating the vibrant Northern Beaches, Sydney’s real estate market, nothing can quite compare to the unparalleled expertise of a buyers agent. The perfect agent can completely revolutionise one’s property-buying experience, encouraging you to not just purchase a property but a place to call home. However, how does one determine the perfect buyers agent, choosing the person whose skills align with your goals? Here is a guide to getting everything you need to know before selecting a buyers agent. Experience First and foremost, a wealth of experience through years of representing clients on their property journey is the key. A buyers agent who is well-versed in the Northern Beaches’ market does not only familiarise you with general real estate practices; they also delve deeper into micro-market trends, evident and unrealistic pricing, and community knowledge. Choose an agent who has spent numerous years building networks and obtaining experience. That difference counts as you begin your search for more exceptional or hidden gems. Needless to say, their high grade negotiation skills, which every buyers agent needs to possess, will be [...]

The Australian dream of owning a home has become a nightmare for many, with housing affordability hitting its lowest point in 30 years. The latest report from property analytics firm PropTrack reveals that households with average earnings would need to save 20% of their income for over five and a half years to accumulate the necessary deposit for a median-priced home. This contrasts starkly with the situation in 1985, when it took a little over two years to save the same amount. Senior Economist Angus Moore from PropTrack explained, "Today, it's significantly more challenging to save for a deposit than it was three to four decades ago when the house price to income ratios were much more manageable." The report also highlighted that mortgage repayments now consume around a third of an average household's income compared to only a fifth in 1985. This significant increase in housing costs is primarily driven by rising interest rates and escalating house prices, which have surged in recent years. "The last two years have seen a rapid shift from a period of relative affordability in [...]

In a recent announcement by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), it was revealed that dwelling approvals in Australia have taken a significant dive. The data, which was released on Wednesday, showed an 8.1% decrease in July, accounting for a 10.6% reduction year-on-year. Interestingly, the decrease was primarily driven by a drop in approvals for units and apartments, which plummeted by 15.8% in July. In contrast, approvals for detached houses saw a marginal increase of 0.1% within the same period. In an annual comparison, the approval for houses dropped by 15.9%, while unit and apartment approvals saw a slight increase of 3.4%. The data clearly reveals that the overall dwelling approvals are at their lowest in nearly a decade. The ABS data also highlighted that the decline in dwelling approvals is not limited to a particular region but is prevalent across all major states. However, there has been a slight rebound in New South Wales and Victoria. Furthermore, the annual dwelling approvals data shows that national approvals are tracking at decade lows. The current decline in dwelling approvals mirrors a similar [...]

Australian homeowners are facing mounting pressure as the risk of mortgage stress increases, following a series of interest rate hikes. New research from Roy Morgan indicates that a significant number of households have been pushed into the "At Risk" category, following two interest rate increases of 0.25% in the three months to July 2023. In the wake of these hikes, an additional 642,000 households found themselves grappling with mortgage stress. This comes after 12 interest rate rises in the past 15 months by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). These increases have seen official interest rates climb from a mere 0.1% in May 2022 to their current levels. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has reported a drop in Australian inflation to 6.0% for the year ending June 2023, a decrease from the 7.0% recorded in the year ending March 2023. While this reduction in quarterly CPI figures is a positive development, new inflationary pressures are beginning to take shape within the economy. The number of Australians at risk of mortgage stress has hit a record high, with the proportion still [...]

In a significant shift in housing trends, Sydney residents are increasingly embracing medium density living as the new norm. The traditional trajectory of moving from a two-bedroom apartment to a detached house is being replaced with a move to larger apartments, a trend that reflects the rising population and the need for more diverse and affordable housing options. As Sydney's population continues to rise, medium density living, including apartments, is becoming more prevalent. This shift is aligning Sydney with global housing trends and is essential for ensuring a diverse range of housing options. These options cater to various needs, including affordability and the opportunity to upsize or downsize. The transition from a smaller apartment to a larger one or a townhouse is becoming the norm for many Sydney residents. This trend is particularly evident among those who lack family support when looking to upsize. Without such assistance, many find they cannot afford to stay in their current area and upgrade to a house. Instead, they often have to consider moving further west or north of Sydney. Suburbs like Lindfield are highly [...]

Football superstar Lionel Messi has splashed out a cool $US10.8m ($A16.81m) on a luxurious mansion in the affluent Florida locale of Fort Lauderdale, in what has been described as a discreet off-market transaction. The New York Post reported that the Argentine legend's newly-acquired property is nestled within the Bay Colony gated community, an exclusive enclave synonymous with opulence and prestige. The sprawling mansion, which spans an impressive 10,486-square-feet (974 sqm), is a testament to the grandeur and allure of the Southern Florida lifestyle. It features eight plush bedrooms and 9.5 bathrooms, complemented by a three-car garage. The outdoor amenities are equally impressive, boasting a quintessential Florida pool and two private docks. The residence is reminiscent of the luxurious 'super' homes that are a hallmark of Miami's elite neighbourhoods, often showcased in popular culture, including films like Scarface. Notably, Messi's new abode is conveniently located near the Inter Miami soccer stadium. The footballer, who clinched the World Cup for Argentina in December, joined Inter Miami in July. The team boasts an illustrious list of owners, including David Beckham, Jorge and José Mas, [...]

In a stunning transformation, a home in Runaway Bay, now radiates an air of Sydney luxury, making it one of the latest real estate gems in this rapidly evolving neighbourhood on the Gold Coast. Bridgette Moss, the property owner, alongside her husband Rodney, purchased the residence on Pebble Beach Dr in March 2020, seeing beyond its initial state as 'the worst house on a great street'. "We were captivated by its originality, and the fact that we wouldn't have to dismantle a previous renovation," Mrs Moss recalled. "The house had a solid structure; it was merely worn-out and neglected." At the time of purchase, the property was outmoded but the Mosses saw beyond that. The expansive water frontage and the prime location in northern Gold Coast were an opportunity that they couldn't resist. With Mr Moss' experience as a high-end builder in Sydney's sought-after Eastern Suburbs, they set out to transform the house into a modern, minimalist, resort-style dwelling. "Runaway Bay is an incredible area," Mrs Moss enthused. "We wanted to contribute to its growth with a top-notch renovation that would [...]

In a move that is garnering significant interest among property developers, two families with deep roots in the South Sydney Rabbitohs heritage have decided to sell their neighbouring cottages in Mascot, Sydney. The Piggins and Kennedy families, both of whom have left indelible marks on the Rabbitohs' honour board, have been neighbours for almost 70 years. Their decision to sell their properties as a single lot is expected to attract the attention of townhouse developers and potential investors looking to tap into the thriving property market in Sydney. The properties, located on Linden St, Mascot, span a generous 1400 sqm and are listed with The Agency. The auction is slated for October 14. For those seeking to get help buying in Sydney, this presents a unique opportunity. The Kennedys first moved to Linden St in 1955, when Clem Kennedy, a former halfback for the Rabbitohs, and his wife Mary purchased their home. Kennedy, who had begun his rugby career with South Sydney in 1939, paid £3400 for the property. His rugby career was briefly interrupted when he was called up for [...]

Sekisui House Australia's ambitious Melrose Park North development has been a magnet for first home buyers, with over 1,000 apartments already sold in this expansive 30-hectare community. The $5 billion project is set to transform into its own mini suburb, housing approximately 5,000 homes, a bustling town centre filled with retail and commercial spaces, and vast parklands. The project, which is nestled in Sydney's northwest, has been particularly appealing to Northern Beaches Buyers Agent. Rhys Morgan, a representative from Boston Project, has been involved in the project since its inception and has shared his excitement about the attraction of Melrose Park North for first home buyers. Remarkably, about 60% of the 1,000 sales have been made by first home buyers. The latest stage of the development, Melrose Park Village, is designed to cater to the changing needs of young professionals. It boasts business workspaces, wellness facilities, and a sizable internal private park. "Melrose Park Village is a dream come true for young buyers who are planning to work from home more in the future," Morgan said. Morgan also highlighted the strength [...]