Investment Property Series Part 1 – Why to Invest in a rental property?

Investment Property Series Part 1 – Why to Invest in a rental property? 

Investing in property is one of the most popular forms of wealth building in Australian, and more and more Australians are jumping on board. Adrain Kelly, previous president of the Real Estate Institute of Australia, says Australians still view property as a “more stable life raft” than the unpredictable and often turbulent stock market. Following the stock market collapse on the early 2000s, Kelly points out that “many people wary of the stock market’s peaks and valleys are more inclined to put their hard-earned savings into bricks and mortar.” 

Regular rental yields
Rental yields provide immediate and consistent rewards for investors. Yields can be used to pay off a property, or in the case of many retirees, provide regular and highly predictable funds to live off. They can be put into trust for your children’s future or radically increase your cash flow, allowing for the purchase of luxury items and holidays.

Strong long term capital growth 

Australia’s large cities, Sydney in particular, have shown exceptional capital growth across the long term, and regular market booms over short periods. Such outstanding levels of capital gain are an incredible incentive to property investors in addition to regular rental return on investment. 

Property investment less risk 

One of the chief reasons investing in property is almost always safer than investing in stocks and shares is that it does not require specialised knowledge and regular if not constant monitoring. As with any form of betting, even the most experienced can sustain huge loses, let alone regular laypeople who comprise of the vast majority of stock market investors.

Property is a tangible asset
Investing in a physical asset that you can see with your own eyes, inspect inside and out prior to purchase and have it checked regularly in periodic inspections to ensure its good upkeep is a major persuasive factor for many investors. Investment property advisor from Abercromby’s, Lilly Schneider, explains the physicality of property “provides confidence and total control for investors, something that isn’t guaranteed in the stock market.

Considerable tax deductions
Owning a rental property offers investors great tax benefits. Negative gearing was made available in the 1980s in an effort to encourage construction and allow the government to house Australia’s expanding population. Even more necessary today, Director of PB Property, Pina Brandi, says this tax incentive encourages investors “to buy and support the construction of more dwellings. This translates into more jobs, more service providers, more opportunities and keeps the country developing,” creating a win/win for the overall economy.

The other major tax incentive is the capital gains tax discount, introduced by the Howard Government in 1999, and allowing individual taxpayers to reduce their CGT by 50% if the asset–including property has been owned for at least 12 months.

Excellent levels of investor market confidence 

Confidence has well and truly returned to the investor market following 2022’s lull. Recent data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows new investor mortgage commitments have risen to 35.3%, the highest level since 2017. And this is despite the RBA’s 2022 run in consecutive interest rate hikes.

Whether you currently own an investment property or are about to acquire your first, Cramer Property has a variety of investor-perfect listings.

And for exceptional Property Management services that make renting your property a breeze, contact our Senior Property Manager, Silke Weichenhain on 0403 034 457.

Disclaimer: This article contains general information gleaned from various sources. All information is of a general nature only. This information is not a substitute for specific legal, financial or accounting advice.

Labour’s new Help to Buy Scheme

Labour’s new Help to Buy Scheme - A lifeline that’s not only for First Home Buyers

Labour have just announced more details of their Help to Buy Scheme, a key promise in last year’s election. Yet to give a specific date for when the scheme will come into effect, Labour has assured the Australian people it will begin in 2024 and it will apply to 10,000 homes. 

Help to Buy is what’s known as a Shared Equity Scheme, allowing eligible home buyers to co-buy a home with the government. Purchaser’s will only need a 2% deposit and the scheme will provide an equity contribution of up to 40% of the property price for new homes and 30% for existing properties. You will also need to prove you can service your share of the loan, that you can pay all associated costs such as Stamp Duty, legal fees and bank fees and you must be able to pay all rates, strata and electricity bills. 

The scheme will run for 4 years and help 40,000 low and middle income earners to buy a home. To be eligible, you must be an Australian citizen over 18 years of age, your annual income must be $93,200 or less for individuals and $124,200 or less for couples and you must live in the purchased home. The scheme is available to First Home Buyers but also includes single parents, singles over 50 and First Home Buyer key workers who are employed as police, paramedics, nurses, midwives, teachers and early childhood educators. 

Sydneysiders will reap the biggest rewards, as you will be able to purchase a property for up to $950,000. When estimating how much you will save in real terms, Labour states that the scheme will help to cut the cost of a mortgage by up to $380,000 on a new home and $285,000 on a pre-existing home, depending on the price you pay for the property. 

To make it economically viable for the government to fund this, scheme participants will need to pay a component of any capital gain back to the government, which will be calculated in reference to the portion of the government’s equity share in the property. This equity only needs to be repaid on the sale of the property, but you can increase your stake in the home by paying a minimum of 5% towards the government’s share if and when you have any extra money. 

The major benefits of the scheme are would-be homeowners can get into the market far sooner than would otherwise be possible, the government will not charge any fees or interest, Lenders Mortgage Insurance will not need to be paid (potentially saving over $30,000) and the home loan amount and repayments will be far less than if the loan balance was for the full equity amount. 

Cramer have a number of outstanding apartments in excellent locations that meet the criteria for the Help to Buy Scheme, costing $950,000 or less. To find out more contact the Cramer team today.

To Invest or Not to Invest, That is the Question - Part 3

Part 3 - Property Investment in High Interest Rate Environments

In Part 3 of investing in property in a high interest rate environment and assessing your personal suitability to do so, we continue to draw upon the financial and economic wisdom gleaned from Arjun Paliwal of InvestorKit and Redom Sayed of Confidence Finance’s whitepaper, ‘5 x Rules for Investing in High Interest Rate Environments.’ 

Another of Paliwal and Sayed’s rules states that no matter the market, there is always something somewhere that is growing in real estate investment terms. Sydney has many markets that are growing at different rates at different times. By observing location-specific fluctuations over time, seasoned investors often become more disposed to diversification of property assets by splitting properties across different locations. 

Sentiment plays a huge role in what happens in any market, and the property market is no exception. The effect of a global pandemic and what has seemed like an unremitting interest rate up-cycle created fear and confusion in the market, sparking a downturn in prices. The fact that Australian households are carrying far more debt than a decade ago means the speed in which interest-rate- associated price changes occur and market shifts happen is far quicker. 

Regardless of these negative impacts, data shows that interest rate rises have not correlated with the Sydney property market falling significantly, largely due to a quick regain in confidence, a notable undersupply of property and the sentiment that the majority of rate rises are behind us. Loan defaults have been super low, finance movements have been very high, and the depth and length of any price declines have been very shallow and short in many areas, all clear signs of Sydney’s inherent property market resiliency. In addition, the Reserve Bank’s common-sense policy and the country’s tough lending laws have protected Australia well from any major upheavals in the market. 

Finally, with the banks far more willing to reduce repayments than even a few weeks ago, investors are more likely to be able to target and reduce their debt portfolio. By shopping around, investors can reduce their repayments by taking advantage of a much lower assessment rate, with many banks offering cheaper and better terms in the last two months now the 3% buffer has been lowered due to confidence that we’ve seen the vast majority of rate rises. 

If you are considering an investment property, Cramer offer a range of architecturally superb properties with outstanding amenities in fantastic locations, contact the Cramer team today to discuss your requirements.


Disclaimer: This information and any content provided is general in nature and should not be taken as investment advice. Cramer Property are not liable for actions taken based on this content. Always seek advice from relevant professionals such as legal, financial and accounting experts.

Must See Marrickville!

Factory Theatre, Victoria Road, Marrickville

Voted by TimeOut as one of the world’s ten coolest neighbourhoods, the lifestyle on offer in Marrickville is unrivalled, and its live music and theatre scene is no exception. With its wealth of funky venues and playhouses, you will be spoiled for choice when looking for the best places to party.

First cab off the ranks is the Factory Theatre. This venue hosts incredible live events from an array of performance genres, from standup comedy to sketch, live music and more. On Wednesday 27th September at 8pm, UK hip hop star ArrDee, who’s had an explosive rise to the top with 2022’s most-streamed hip hop records, returns to our shores following a sold out run last year. And kicking off at the start of November, The Life of Bryon is an extraordinary play filled with laughter and pathos. A heartwarming exploration of family and the challenges of love, responsibility, and growing up. The play sees the world through the eyes of one man as he struggles with his past and the critical decision he must make. And after the Factory, pop across to Poor Tom’s Gin Hall for a great cocktail.

Poor Toms Gin Hall, Chalder Avenue, Marrickville

The Flightpath Theatre is the ideal spot to catch emerging acts and rising stars in an intimate venue, or to witness more experimental work than the larger theatres generally offer. Following a performance here head around the corner to much-loved neighbourhood pub, The Henson. This dog-friendly, Art Deco watering hole has an honest working-class bar and great dining with a focus on quality, seasonality and sustainability. With its leafy, child-friendly beer garden, The Henson is a playground for all to enjoy.


Noel Hodda. In This Light at Flightpath Theatre. Photography © Robert Catto

Lazybones Lounge is known for serving up quality live music in the heart of Marrickville seven nights a week. Across its two floors you’ll find up to 15 bands playing each week spanning a variety of genres including R&B, jazz, afrobeat, soul and more amid its decadent Bohemian décor. Camelot Lounge is Sydney’s favourite boutique music venue and home to fantastic singer songwriters, World Music, Jazz, Folk, Blues, Cabaret and Comedy. A friendly venue for young and old alike, coming acts include Johnny G and the E Types, a tribute to Fleetwood Mac, Bowie Unzipped, Johnny G and the E Types, Evil Gal Blues and much more.


Lazybones, Marrickville Road, Marrickville

Another pup-friendly locale is Vic on the Park, Merivale’s Marrickville gem that hosts live music showcasing a spectrum of local talent, along with street murals, creative pub fare and a dance floor that allows you to get down. Pop along to The Grifter Brewing Co for its bright and refreshing range of beers, then just a quick walk away, we can’t go past the iconic Enmore, with outstanding upcoming acts including Belinda Carlisle, The Doors Alive and Deacon Blue.

The Enmore, Enmore Road, Newtown

Marrickville’s largest live music venue, The Great Club, with its 300 seats, is an appropriate pitstop for large touring acts featuring styles ranging from pop and jazz, to acoustic and experimental. While the stage and sizeable bar are undeniably the venue’s main attractions, the small museum of Greek artifacts from the 1950s building’s Greek Macedonian Club incarnation are worth admiring. Upcoming acts include Ash Grunwald and a fab lineup from the USA including Satsung, Jenny Don’t & The Spurs and The Pink Stones.

The Great Club, Livingstone Road, Marrickville

Other great venues include Gasoline Pony which has live music Wednesday to Sunday with Community Choir & Sea Shanty Club on a Tuesday. Then there’s the Marrickville Bowling Club with upcoming gigs featuring Sundogs, a classic rock and roll band compared to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and Pulley, a Punk Rock band from California. And to keep up the good spirits, head across to The Bob Hawke Beer & Leisure Centre, replete with 80s nostalgia, Australian-Chinese food and plenty of beer.

To live close to all the amazing live action in this greatest of Sydney suburbs, contact the Cramer team today and learn about the divine apartments at Wicks Place on the Park.

Emma Chappell

Head of Sales & Marketing

Tel 02 8302 1500

emma@cramerproperty.com

To Invest or Not to Invest, That is the Question - Part 2

Part 2 - Property Investment in High Interest Rate Environments

In Part 2 of investing in property in a high interest rate environment and assessing your personal suitability to do so, we will continue to unpack the information amassed by financial and economic gurus, Arjun Paliwal of InvestorKit and Redom Sayed of Confidence Finance in their comprehensively researched whitepaper, ‘5 x Rules for Investing in High Interest Rate Environments.’

When considering property investment, Paliwal and Sayed say it is essential to know the numbers and how to break them down. It is critical for the would-be investor to stress test an investment prior to committing to it, and getting the help of a financial planner and accountant to crunch the numbers is critical to an investment’s suitability for your personal financial situation.



It is imperative to establish how to manage risk, for example the buffers you need for a particular property, minimum rental yields, purchase price limits and your percentage of net savings per month both now and estimating into the future. The current environment is a fantastic litmus test as if you are satisfying tests of stress with the current high rates, but again, your financial planner and accountant will be best placed to assess risk.

For those who already have a property portfolio, when considering a new property, the same in-depth number crunching applies before one takes on more risk in their property portfolio. Very few people buy property outright in cash. As mentioned in Part 1, the vast majority of property investors invest with mortgage debt - the most common Loan to Value being 80%. So, any additions to an investment portfolio need to take into account other assets and debt. In general terms, Paliwal and Sayed also stress that Australia has not had two negative calendar years of property price growth in over 40 years. The last time this occurred was in the 1970s. This shows how resilient the market is and how quickly adjustment periods can pass. The Sydney market is already showing property price increases over recent months.



While the Sydney market fell quickly when rates began to rise last year due to panic and sensitivity after being so used to historically low rates, investors are now more accustomed to rises and for the vast majority, individuals’ positions are far stronger than anticipated in the current high rate environment. With mortgage delinquency incredibly low, property supply dwindling and recent price declines invariably very short, there is a promising return in confidence across the real estate market.

If you are considering an investment property, Cramer offer a range of architecturally superb properties with outstanding amenities in fantastic locations. Contact the Cramer team to learn more.

Disclaimer: This information and any content provided is general in nature and should not be taken as investment advice. Cramer Property are not liable for actions taken based on this content. Always seek advice from relevant professionals such as legal, financial and accounting experts.

Why more and more Mums and Dads are Buying Homes for Adult Children

With the Sydney property market pricing so many young adults out of the market, and with rental costs increasing astronomically, more parents than ever before are taking the proverbial bull by the horns and purchasing a property for their offspring. Recent sales indicate a definite trend showing parents are buying property for their children, either in their own name, the child’s or the family trust.

With soaring rental costs at times outweighing mortgage repayments, parents are seeing the sense in investing in a home for their child. Oftentimes, parents purchase the property and the adult child pays the mortgage or a least the majority of it. But there are some cases where parents are buying a property outright for their child to give them housing security.



There are a few recent cases where a parent has purchased an entire block for their children. For example a local family paid over $5 million for a block of four two-bedroom apartments in Randwick. With a crowd of over a hundred, local families were the most interested bidders, respectively attempting to secure the block for their adult children.

In another case, a father was the successful bidder at the auction of a Chiswick home, paying a massive $4 million so his daughter could live in the same street. And a concerned father bought a Paddington terrace for his children in their 20s. He paid a sizeable $3.8 million to stop them having to pay ever increasing rents.


Sydney University, Camperdown

University of Sydney AHURI research centre director and senior lecturer in urbanism, Dr Laurence Troy, said the university’s recent paper concluded that most young people were unable to purchase their first home without family support. “We now have a system of homeownership based on inherited wealth,” Troy said. “If you’re living independently in a private rental trying to save for a deposit, forget about it. It’s depressing, but people need to wake up to this.”

Some parents are also buying property for their younger children, particularly where the property is close to transport, universities and other tertiary institutions. Recently, a mother from Canberra purchased three apartments in Cramer listings in Wicks Place, Marrickville for her very young children who will one day move to Sydney for university. Popular urban locations where there is also a great youth culture and plenty of infrastructure are most attractive to such parents.

Cramer Property have a selection of outstanding apartments in Marrickville, Zetland and Rosebery. These brand new, architecturally superb properties are located close to tertiary education, transport and amenities. So, if you are in a position to help your child get on the property ladder reach out to the Cramer team today.

Rockin’ Rosebery – Why more and more people want to call this uber cool suburb home

With some of Sydney’s hippest retail, its central urban location, vibrant atmosphere and charming character due to the successful amalgamation of old and new, Rosebery is giving ‘It List’ suburbs like Surry Hills, Redfern, Alexandria and Marrickville a run for their money. Radically transformed in the last decade from a relatively unpopular residential address amid mass industrialisation to one of the coolest places to live in Sydney, Rosebery is a must-see for home-hunters and visitors alike.

It's atmospheric, eclectic, and vibrant with a great sense of community, tons of local facilities and aesthetically pleasing streetscapes populated with heritage homes and architecturally attractive residential developments. Its central position offers a lot of flexibility for visiting other popular parts of Sydney, with the CBD, Newtown, Marrickville, Surry Hills, Redfern, Bondi, Tamarama, Coogee and Maroubra all pretty close as is Sydney Airport.



Adding exponentially to Rosebery’s hip factor, The Cannery is an uber cool converted warehouse complex that attracts Sydneysiders from far and wide. It houses the best providores, tastemakers and buzzing brands that Sydney has to offer. The lineup includes dining destinations 5th Earl, Three Ducks, Elf & Taco, Banh Zeo Bar, Da Mario, Zeus Street Greek and Frenchie’s Bistro and Brewery. And for the sweetest treats, you’re spoiled for choice with glorious Gelato Messina, Black Star Pastry and Frenchie’s Bakery and Patisserie.

This is just the start - enjoy The Cannery’s Archie Rose Distilling Co, Drink Hive, Wholefoods House, Deli Republic and Red Spoon House. Take a coffee break at Welcome Dose then shop up a storm in Zimmerman, The Academy Brand and Papinelle. Need a haircut? You’ll look your best after a visit to Dapper Don Barbershop or Jyle Frame Hair. Don’t miss the markets on the first Saturday and Sunday of the month. And just across the road, you’ll find the best designer outlet shopping in Sydney including Zimmerman, Springcourt, Camilla and Marc, Sambag, Sandler and Dunning Avenue.



Young professionals love to live here due to the lively, socially oriented atmosphere that’s rich in a plethora of fantastic restaurants, street dining, pub life, artisan stores, boutiques. Local institutions, Lakes Hotel and Rosebery Hotel offer a great place to grab a pint. And professionals make the most of the suburb’s relative closeness to the CBD and the fact that they can purchase a modern designer apartment with outstanding facilities from where to base their busy lives.

With a reputation for being a safe suburb and with loads of family friendly resources, Rosebery is also ideal for young families who are coming to live here in droves. It’s a highly walkable and bikeable suburb as a whole, being largely very flat and easy to navigate and has great childcare centres and activities for the little ones. For everyday essentials, there’s a local IGA, Woolworths Metro, and Eastlakes Shopping Centre and Gardeners Road offers amenities galore, with most of Sydney’s best homeware stores and all manner of services.



And for those with pets, Rosebery offers Turuwul Park, numerous nature strips, trees galore, good pet care/veterinary facilities and a great dog culture. Turuwul Park is well equipped with basketball court, small kids play equipment and other fitness amenities.

To enjoy all the attractions of this fantastic suburb on a daily basis, based in an architecturally sublime, luxuriously designed apartment, contact the Cramer team today to learn about the Rothschild development.

Emma Chappell

Head of Sales & Marketing

Tel 02 8302 1500

emma@cramerproperty.com

To Invest or Not to Invest, That is the Question - Part 1

Part 1 of Property Investment in High Interest Rate Environments 

With the RBA cash rate cycle of 12 interest rate rises since May 2022, many property investors are hesitant to expand their portfolio and would-be investors can be forgiven for thinking now is not the time to take the plunge into their first investment property. However, there are a number of factors at play that dictate whether or not now is a good time to invest for any individual. 

Recently economic and finance gurus, Arjun Paliwal of InvestorKit and Redom Sayed of Confidence Finance, released a whitepaper that offers some sage and welcome advice that is worth having a closer look at. Titled ‘5 x Rules for Investing in High Interest Rate Environments,’ the paper does a great job of unpacking the key rules for investing in property. 

The rule both experts believe is the most important, is that the individual investor’s situation matters far more than the market. They believe that each investor must take into consideration where they are at from a financial perspective as understanding your finances and extrapolating those numbers for different rate environments will dictate your readiness to buy. 

Top of the list for Investment Principles 101 is Are you Saving Money? If so, what are you currently doing with those savings? If you are investing in cash, this will not deliver the same returns and growth of other asset classes in the long term, where other forms of investment, including property investment are well suited for those in it for the long haul. Also moving assets away from cash almost always compensates better for fluctuations in inflation. 

Demonstrating a consistent savings profile over time will give you the ability to handle the curve balls that will inevitably be thrown your way, such as increases in interest repayments and unforeseen maintenance expenses. If you are saving 25% or more of your net income, and this is still the case in the current interest and cost of living environment, Paliwal and Sayed believe you are in an excellent position to consider property investment. 

Most property investors invest with mortgage debt – the most common Loan to Value being 80%. How you will be able to service your loan in the current high-rate environment will be a great indicator of your suitability for property investment. It is easy to show serviceability during positive cash flow times where low interest rates can generate high investment yields of 5, 6 or even 7%, however if you can show loan serviceability in the current rate environment, things are looking good for your suitability to invest in property. 

If you are considering an investment property, Cramer offer a range of architecturally superb properties with outstanding amenities in fantastic locations. To learn more, contact Emma Chappell today.

Emma Chappell

Head of Sales & Marketing
Tel 02 8302 1500
emma@cramerproperty.com

Disclaimer: This information and any content provided is general in nature and should not be taken as investment advice. Cramer Property are not liable for actions taken based on this content. Always seek advice from relevant professionals such as legal, financial and accounting experts.

The Sydney suburbs that are a foodie’s paradise – the food fest continues… Marrickville

The Sydney suburbs that are a foodie’s paradise – the food fest continues… The Marrickville Edition

Apartment Living Chronicles Part 8

There are several Sydney suburbs that have it all in the way of artisan providores and grocers, where produce is treated with the utmost of respect and food is fun and fantastic. As such, Marrickville and Surry Hills get our vote as joint winners of Sydney’s Foodie Capital. Recently we walked the streets of Surry Hills in search of our food nirvana, and now we’ll take a look at all things gourmet in Marrickville.

 
 
First stop is the Paesanella Food Emporium, which carries with it a 60+ year history. The Italian founder brought Sydney one of its first tastes of the best cheese in Italy, and now the Emporium stocks freshly made buffalo mozzarella and ricotta, along with cookbooks, pasta and imported delicacies. And if you are after a choice cut of meat or the best pate this side of Paris, try Whole Beast Butchery.



Then for the freshest groceries in the West, you can’t go past Panetta Mercato. Located in the Marrickville Metro store, the cheeses, meats, sundried tomatoes, olives, dips and much more, mean we are spoiled for choice. Create your own grazing table that will stand up to any Tuscan mid-summer spread. There are also Vietnamese green grocers offering best of Asian produce to invigorate and vary your meals.

 

Leading the way in building ecosystem health and biodiversity, Feather and Bone butchery sources from local farms. Pick up a copy of their book, The Ethical Omnivore, and learn how you can eat meat and still feel like you are doing the right thing by our planet. From crumbed lamb loin cutlets and goat and lemon thyme sausage to smoked Aylesbury-Pekin duck breast and paleo boxes, you will get your iron up at one of Sydney’s very best butchers.

If you are looking for the real McCoy in New York deli bagels, you can’t go past Brooklyn Boy Bagels Drive-Thru. With a bagel to satisfy any taste, choose from onion, blueberry, sesame and gluten free to the exotic rainbow, pumpkin and famed everything bagel. Generous tubs of luscious cream cheese come in plain, jalapeño, lox with capers, garlic and chive flavours. There’s even something for the vegans among us, with the almond ‘cream cheese’ version. You can even pick up the quintessential toppings such as lox and pastrami. If you are really not one for bagels at the end of all this, fear not, as Brooklyn Boy also make a mean sourdough, challah or rye bread or pushcart-style pretzel.

No meal is complete without a good coffee (at least in my book) and The Wood Roaster will live up to any coffee aficionado’s standards. Using their one-of-a-kind air roaster, their wood-fired artisan roasting technique is second to none. For a drop to wash it all down, pop into Where’s Nick Wine Bar and Shop (see image below) proponents of the natural wine movement who primarily source from sustainable and organic winemakers. And with Marrickville the home to Sydney’s best craft beers, pick up a bottle (or a dozen) from Sauce Brewing Co, Batch, Stockade, Wildflower or Bucket Boys Crafty Beer Co.

For certified organic, super-fresh produce, there is no better place to shop than the Marrickville Organic Markets. An Inner West institution, loyal Sydneysiders make the Sunday pilgrimage to the markets from all over the city. You can find almost anything here, from vintage goods, to seasonal fruit and veg, to fresh honey and seafood. Located at the Addison Road Community Centre, there is plenty of lawn to have a picnic after you’ve grabbed exactly what you’re craving from one of the many market stalls.

If you want to make life easier by having the best grocery stores and providores just around the corner, check out Toga's incredible village development, Wicks Place, Marrickville, being sold exclusively by Cramer Property. 

Designing outdoor spaces for maximum liveability and lovability

Designing outdoor spaces for maximum liveability and lovability

Apartment Living Chronicles Part 7

With the weather warming up, the urge to spend more time outside is mounting. And some new accessories or items of furniture will allow you to make the absolute most of your outdoor area. So why not take the time to get your balcony space in ship shape and rejuvenated with a few of the great ideas listed below.



If you have an outdoor dining table or even a café table for two, brighten up for a beautiful summer with new seats pads (test them out for comfortability). Or looking for a super comfortable new outdoor seating arrangement, consider one in corner format to allow you to maximise on space and include your outdoor dining table as well. Wood is usually most space effective, but if you have a bit more room you may opt for wicker. Whatever you choose, add some super cosy cushions to the mix.


 

Summer’s colour scheme ideas to work with are pale pink offset against teal, cobalt blue and grass green (forget blue and green not working – they team together to brilliant effect), brass gold and charcoal, white with magenta and turquoise or moss/forest green and tan. Really though, colour is always uplifting and your favourite schemes will be perfect simply because you love them and they make you feel good. 

For the ultimate in relaxation, if space allows, consider putting up an outdoor hammock/swing seat. The rocking motion of hammocks and swing seats is guaranteed to lull you into a state of supreme serenity. Placed in a balcony corner or along its edge, this will provide you with a mini retreat space ideal for reading, a warm weather nap or contemplating life, love and the universe. Highly recommended! And if hanging seating isn’t your thing, a daybed is an awesome multi-purpose piece of furniture that will give you another place in which to retreat.

Love a good barbie? No matter the size of your outdoor area, there is a BBQ that is right for you. Choose from a large selection of gas, electric or charcoal barbies and always be sure to think safety first. If your BBQ has shelves or magnetic tool holder, all the better! Do check with your body corporate to ensure BBQs are allowable before you run out and buy one though.



Lighting is also a critical yet often overlooked element to your outdoor space. Just as you use them to set the mood indoors, don’t neglect to have some beautifully scented candles for use outdoors. The best ones for this purpose are ones that are semi enclosed, so wind won’t extinguish their beautiful ambient light.

 

Need somewhere to put outdoor bits and pieces? Look for treated wooden shelves in which to house candles, BBQ tools and pot plants. You can even set up one of the shelves as a mini bar equipped with outdoor glasses, your choice of alcohol and mixers. Also don’t discount metal shelves as there are some really beautiful designs available that bear up well to whatever the weather throws at you.

Want year-round balcony enjoyment? You may be able to apply to your body corporate to glass the space in with sliding windows to allow an open vibe if weather permits. This way you create a wintergarden multi-seasonal space. If you are not permitted by your body corporate, you can consider mounting a small outdoor heater and you will be amazed at how much it will warm the space. There is a wide variety on the market, including gas or electric models, so you can find the perfect one for your space.

And finally, plants add the natural beauty, tranquillity and oxygen that will complete your balcony to perfection. Remember to choose your plants based on the amount of sun that lands on your balcony and the time it shines directly upon your space. Choose herbs and berries to get the added benefit of being able to use them for your cooking. Our favs are Rosemary, Basil, Parsley, Coriander, Thyme, Raspberry, Blueberry and Strawberry. Best sun loving plants that thrive in pots and planters and pack a powerful colour punch are Agapanthus, Bougainvillea, Lavender, and Petunias. Geraniums prefer morning sun and afternoon shade. Always check with your local nursery as to how they will grow in your particular space. 

If all these ideas have got you dreaming of an apartment with a great balcony, see our divine selection below. These outstanding properties feature generous outdoor spaces and being off-the plan, will give you some extra time to save for your dream home:

Read more about this property here

Food fest - The Sydney suburbs that are a foodie's paradise

Food fest - The Sydney suburbs that are a foodie's paradise

Apartment Living Chronicles Part 6

There are several Sydney suburbs that are any food lover’s dream, where even the most finicky foodie will be able to eat to their heart’s content. Replete with artisan shops and grocers galore, Marrickville and Surry Hills get our vote as joint winners of Sydney’s Foodie Capital. This week we will start by taking to the streets of Surry Hills in search of gourmet fare. 

Long known as the one of Sydney’s hippest suburbs, here the foodie revolution steams ahead in full force. With a plethora of artisan providores, the quality and array of foodstuff on offer is outstanding. Cramer are big on supporting small business, and never has it been so important to shop small as now, as we are on our way out of lockdown. 

For the best in cheese, try Formaggi Ocello. One of the widest ranging cheese selections in Australia, there is something here for everyone. They also have an outstanding range of cured meats, handmade pasta, olive oil, nuts, condiments, biscuits and wine.

For ready-made pasta extraordinaire, visit Pasta Emilia where you can pick up organic pasta and sumptuous sauce. We recommend the truffle cream sauce with either the beetroot and chevre or pumpkin and ricotta house-made tortellini, but as there are ten varieties to choose from, you’ll find the one for you. Then for the perfect bottle of wine to complement your meal, Osteria Emilia offers an outstanding selection of Italian and Australian wines. And before you leave, be sure to pick up a jar of the Peperoncino Chilli Conserve and tub of Beef Ragú. 

The Soul Deli is a greatly morish café/deli. This little Korean powerhouse offers a range of products, both fresh and packaged, and gorgeous homewares make by Korean community members. With a vast collection of pickles, sauces, kimchi and home BBQ packs, you will not be able to leave this cool little deli empty handed. 

If you are in a rush and want a one stop shop to get all your delicacies, try Crown Street Grocer, where the selection is mind bogglingly good. Surry Hills has a number of really cool little grocers. The family-owned Maloney’s Grocer, New Indian House Surry Hills or Lucky Bamboo Asian Grocery are all stocked with excellent, exotic and exciting produce that will add spice, variety and excitement to your home menu plan. 

And don’t miss the Surry Hills Markets that take place on the first Saturday of every month. The 60+ stalls offer a fantastic array of artisan foodstuff, and you can even get in early and start Christmas shopping once they reopen. An important part of the community since 1981, shopping at this market not only provides you with fantastic produce and specialties, it allows you to support the makers directly.

Then if all else fails to please, we can’t go past the original Bourke Street Bakery without being drawn in by the wholesome, ‘Mama loves you’ smell of the baked goods that beckon. The Red Wine and Mushroom Beef Pie; Bacon, Gruyère and Leek Quiche; humble Green Olive and Rosemary Flatbread; and Ginger Brûlée and Chocolate Ganache Tarts are all mouth-wateringly good.

With covid turning even the least food obsessed of us into would-be gourmet chefs, having the best grocery stores and providores on call is now more important than ever. So, to live in the midst of the foodie action, check out our incredible village development, Surry Hills Village.