The latest happenings in the Melbourne property market. For our Essays and The Secret Agent Report, see our Research page.
I really like these sorts of applications that are starting to be developed.
Just posted on the Open Australia blog is a new online platform that helps you find out about planning proposals for upcoming developments close by to a property you’re interested in.
The iPhone application lets you do this by just pointing the phone and its camera to the property. It’s an interesting was to help property buyers.
It’s often important to think about the environment around a property you are looking at acquiring.
Sometimes we see a certain property next to a potential major development site. These major development sites might not be as noticeable as one might suspect.
For instance it could be a collection of brick veneer homes that exist prior to a home we are investigating for a purchase.
These homes located next door could be a prime development target and may vastly effect the living experience of the property we are looking at in the years to come if developed.
For those seeking some reviews, inspiration and connection with different architects, the service provided by Architizer may be of interest to you.
Basically architecture just ‘got social’. This platform allows you to review architects, check on styles in different parts of the world and engage architects online. Just don’t expect anyone local – yet.
We’ve had some really cold days lately. As winter really hits, many prospective property buyers are seeking the natural light factor while many who’ve purchased are wishing this was more of a focus when they bought.
Robert Eckersley from Robert Eckersley Builders talks in more depth about the importance of the winter sun.
Docklands is one of those areas in Melbourne that attracts strong opinions from people.
Admittedly, most seems to be on the negative side. Many talk about the Docklands being a great area in 5 -10 years or so.
From a personal point of view, the whole Docklands area was probably constructed too quickly. Many areas of it, really let it down.
It has definite potential though, I just hope the current mistakes don’t get in the way of what should have been a tremendous place to live.
Period homes have a timeless appeal, their designs are more often then not, unquestionably beautiful. They always have been and always will be.
You don’t often hear someone say ‘that Boom Style Victorian home is horrendous!’
On the other side, there are other places that are built brand new. These should be a better buy, but the design is poor. Just look at them in a few years and then imagine them in a few more.
We see this with apartments, houses, shops and everything else. Design is really important. It doesn’t mean a property has to be beautiful, some 70’s blocks are not beautifully designed – but give potential and are at least very solid.
So something to ask yourself – How will this structure look in 5, 10, 15 years? Will it be timeless or will it date?
With increasing pressure on many of Melbourne’s inner suburbs to ‘dense up’, dual occupancy is an option for property buyers looking to make a financial gain.
While controversial in many suburbs, it can be done well. Here we discuss in more detail about dual occupancy prospects.
Rob and Paul talk about building costs, time frames and some useful pointers before buying a property you wish to renovate.
A conversation with Rob the builder about what he sees as important things to consider when buying a property.
Many get focused on small cracks and wobbly boards. Rob suggests what should be priority before going ahead with a purchase.
Rob Eckersley from Robert Eckersley Builders and Paul Osborne discuss the latest Property in Review – rear of 12 Wilson Street Carlton North.
This one is a very special warehouse with a lot of value add. If you want to get a copy of the redesigned layout, just email [email protected]