Time is Ripe to take First Home Buyer Action

Given the changing tide of the property market at present, now may be the best time for would-be First Home Buyers to get on the Sydney property ladder. It seems that many have been putting off taking the plunge and buying their first home, hoping that property prices will drop. However the property price recovery gathered pace in May on the back of increases in March and April, with Sydney continuing to lead nationally. Sydney prices were up 1.8 per cent in the month of May, the biggest gain since September 2021, and up 4.8 per cent from January's low as the number of properties listed for sale falls further. 

All the top market forecasters are predicting further rises due to numerous factors and in spite of the interest rate rises, CoreLogic's head of Australian research Eliza Owen states "There are several main factors driving this. We think it is largely the demand from returning overseas migration along with lower volumes of supply.”

Owens goes on to say, “There are also other factors at play such as a really tight rental market, which might be prompting some renters to instead buy if they can afford it, as well as investors potentially looking back to the market as rental income and yields rise as well. And the continued tightness in the labour market, stronger housing demand and the limited supply environment are likely to support an ongoing recovery." With rents increasing as fast and as much as they are, servicing a mortgage is far more comparable to the costs of renting. 

Apartment rents are not only surging (up 14.8% over the year to April), they’re growing significantly faster than house rents (8.4%). CoreLogic economist, Kaytlin Ezzy, notes that “The mismatch between [unit] rental supply and demand has seen capital city rental growth reaccelerate, which will be unwelcome news to many tenants.” 

Also according to CoreLogic, apartment prices in Sydney could soon outperform houses, driven by the city’s tight rental market and the expected surge in immigration. CoreLogic's research director, Tim Lawless, says “The last time we saw housing values trending higher through a rising interest rate environment was during the mid-to-late 2000s when the mining boom was underway. This period was also characterised by surging net overseas migration that contributed significantly to housing demand.” And Tim Oliver from AMP Capital goes as far as predicting “Prices set to rise 10% this year.” 

Michael Yardney Director of Metropole Property Strategists, says “It might be wise for first home buyers to enter the market sooner rather than later, before prices rise further.” He suggests two ways to get added support are the First Home Guarantee with 5% deposit and no Lender’s Mortgage Insurance fees. Also if you have parental support you could obtain a Guarantor Home Loan to enter the market with potentially 0% deposit. Conditions apply so check your eligibility. 

And don’t forget the First Home Buyer Land Tax option, where you can opt to pay annual Land Tax instead of Stamp Duty, which will reduce the upfront costs of your property significantly. But do be quick to act, as news just out shows the current NSW Government will abolish this scheme and that it will cease to exist from July 1, 2023. However there is a positive, once this option is removed first home buyers will not have to pay stamp duty when purchasing a property to the value of $800,000. 

So if you want to seize the day to get on the property ladder, there’s likely no better place to start than lifestyle developments in areas with great infrastructure and sense of community. The superb, designer apartments in Wicks Place on the Park are located in TimeOut’s World’s Top 10 Coolest Neighbourhoods, Marrickville. With all the incredible cafes, restaurants, artisan shops, bars, craft beer scene and so much more. Get in before they sell out prior to completion which is estimated for late 2023/early 2024. Check out these properties below:

Discover Zetland: The Residential Renaissance of one of Sydney’s most dynamic suburbs

Frenchie's Bistro

No longer waiting in the wings, Zetland is fast emerging as a vibrant city fringe hub burgeoning with a world class shopping and dining precinct replete with artisan stores, markets, restaurants, cafés, cycleways and cultural destinations. Add to this the quick access to the CBD, airport and parks, and Zetland is one of the most well connected suburbs in Sydney.

Once Sydney’s industrial heartland, Zetland has been transformed into a lifestyle destination and residential suburb offering a fantastic modern village life with its leafy streets, verdant green zones, friendly neighbours and brand new residential developments that are big on size and style and gentler on the wallet than the majority of other urban addresses. 

Joynton Park

With its modern convenience, beautiful parks, inner-city location and connectivity, Zetland provides the perfect base . There’s a good mix of singles, students, young couples, professionals and empty nesters, which adds to the suburb’s vibrancy and diversity. More and more families are moving in, taking advantage of Zetland’s proximity to just about everything and strengthening the community vibe the suburb is becoming famous for. 

Joynton Park Markets

The local facilities and village vibe make Zetland a tight-knit community that locals love being a part of. Pop into one of the great local cafés for a cuppa (try Naxeion or Café Noun). Weekends are filled with a multitude of fun possibilities. Wander through the dog friendly Joynton Park Markets for fresh flowers and delicious food. There you’ll find stalls selling artworks, candles, soaps, jewellery, clothing, homewares and leather goods. The markets support local businesses, and live music adds to the ambience. 

East Village Shopping Precinct

 

Then there’s the East Village Shopping Precinct which is reminiscent of New York’s Chelsea Market. It offers supermarkets, health clubs, medical centres, restaurants and artisan stores all under one very modern, stylish roof. For awesome eats try out Kickin’ Inn, Lucios and the Phoenix. Locals don’t know how they ever lived without this marketplace where everything they want and need is at their fingertips, and there’s always something going on. 

aMBUSH

Another local treasure is multi award winning art gallery and social enterprise, aMBUSH. This outstanding creative space has been reborn in Waterloo after closing its Canberra doors. aMBUSH is at the forefront of curating arts, exhibiting local and international artists working with paint, photography, ink, clay, spray guns, video and other mediums, so it’s a must visit for all art lovers. 

The Village Crown

When it’s time to wind down, for a lazy afternoon’s interlude head for a drink at one of the area’s charming pubs, The Village Crown, Zetland Hotel or The Cannery’s chic bars (Archie Rose and Frenchie’s Bistro and Brewery (main pic)).

If you’re interested in joining the growing number of happy residents who call Zetland home, check out Cramer’s amazing new architecturally superb development, Downtown.

Palatial Grandly Proportioned Light Filled Family Home in Willoughby

 

8 Warners Avenue, Willoughby
Palatial, Grandly Proportioned, Light Filled Family Home

This grand, Isle of Capri style, 581sqm property is an absolute showstopper. Full brick and concrete construction throughout it is brilliantly designed for family living with architecturally sublime spaces spread across a split level floorplan offering a myriad of living solutions Meander through manicured gardens to the magnificent Tuscan Peach entry where you are greeted by a spectacular entry that acts as this impressive home's centre point. A soaring, double-height void with electric blinds is made even more dazzling with mother-of-pearl chandeliers. 

A chef's dream kitchen has timber benchtops, massive eat-in kitchen island, high end appliances, loads of cupboard space and two huge walk-in pantries The main lounge with its built-in console and abundant joinery connects to the open plan kitchen, making it perfect for families of all kinds. Off the kitchen via French doors flows a fabulous parterre garden with a large, paved area and lawn. There's also a second family room ideal for home movie viewing and a formal dining room taking in the double height void. Elegantly tiled floors flow seamlessly to the striking stacking glass doors that open out to the home's outdoor dining and entertaining terrace.

Upstairs acts as a retreat with four spacious timber floored bedrooms, each taking in the incredible central void space. The luxurious master suite has a wraparound balcony, enormous ensuite with bath plus his and hers shower and large walk-in wardrobe. The second and third bedrooms both have built ins and one has a leafy outlook opening onto a balcony. The fourth bedroom is currently configured as an excellent home office. The main bathroom offers timber top vanity, bath and shower and downstairs there's a handy third bathroom and separate laundry with direct outdoor access to the clothesline. The sizeable, remote controlled double garage has extensive joinery on all walls, making this property exceptional in terms of its storage capacity.

Brilliantly located just a short stroll to the local shops, a short drive to Chatswood Chase, only 15 minutes from the Sydney CBD, and surrounded by multiple highly regarded schools, this superb property will leave you wanting for nothing. For more information see here or contact Emma Chappell today:

Emma Chappell
Cramer Property
Head of Sales & Marketing
0404 769 509
emma@cramerproperty.com

Soaring Demand for Freestanding Houses in Sydney's Leafiest Suburbs

Trees in Willoughby

With the consecutive interest rate rises, it is to be expected that some Sydney suburbs have been saturated with properties for sale. What is surprising however, are the Sydney suburbs where demand is outstripping supply to an unprecedented degree. Lane Cove North, a leafy suburb on Sydney's Lower North Shore, has topped the nation’s suburbs with its combination of the greatest difference between buyer enquiries per listing and listing volumes over the last year to March 2023.

Freestanding Homes are in Demand

Supply shortages are also occurring in several other prestigious Lower North Shore leafy suburbs adjoining Lane Cove North, such as Willoughby. The combination of incredibly well connected location, close proximity to some of Sydney’s top schools, fantastic local amenities and beautiful houses and streets ensure buyers will always be attracted to these suburbs, regardless of market conditions.

The supply shortages also affirm that the Aussie Dream of living in a freestanding home is still alive and well and a highly desirable reality on the lower North Shore of Sydney. Buyers are coming in droves to inspect the few properties that are currently hitting the market. People are most attracted to free-standing houses featuring expansive proportions, flexible floorplans, luxurious interiors, spacious outdoor areas and a prestigious address.

Green and Leafy Suburbs of Lower North Shore

Cramer are delighted to release one such highly desirable property to the market. 8 Warners Avenue, Willoughby is a grand oversized family home of outstanding architectural design, offering multiple living options with indoor and outdoor spaces perfect for entertaining. For more information on this exceptional property, see below.

See more here

Live Like a Marrickvillian!

Live Like a Marrickvillian!

Marrickville Springs Rooftop Terrace at Philter Brewing, Sydenham Rd

The locals have known it for a long time, and now it’s gone international, with Marrickville voted by Time Out magazine as one of the World’s Top Ten Coolest Neighbourhoods. This vibrantly pulsating suburb is gaining more and more residents who want to become full time Marrickvillians. 

Fantastic Lifestyle

Marrickville Metro, Smidmore Street

Marrickville is a foodie fun-lover’s heaven and village life here offers everything from some of the best cafes, restaurants, bars and boutiques in Sydney to a fantastic arts and entertainment scene. Add to this the abundance of green spaces and excellent public transport system, you will be hard pressed to find a Sydney suburb that beats it.

Multicultural Food Scene

Hello Auntie, Illawarra Rd

A huge factor that contributes to Marrickville’s liveability and lovability is its multi-cultural population that creates a melting pot of all that is great about the individual cultures and shows Australia functioning socially at its best. This diversity means the best cuisines of the world are on offer here. Try Baba’s Place, Lazza, Hello Auntie, Barzaari, Pizza Madre, Valentina’s Baby Rey’s Burgers and Brooklyn Boy Bagels Drive-Thru.

Café Culture

Two Chaps, Chapel St

Marrickville is famous for its great coffee, and as a Marrickvillian, you will be spoiled for choice. The Wood Roaster will live up to any coffee aficionado’s standards. Also outstanding are Ona, Matinee, Roastville, Post or Stix, and while you’re there, try the food as it is as good as it gets. And Two Chaps has a vegetarian based menu and is also open at night for pasta and Italian style desserts. And don’t go past Goodwood Bake Shop for the best baked goods you’ll have had in a long while.

Best of Beer


Where's Nick, Marrickville Rd

The pub culture in Marrickville is becoming world-renowned and its craft beer halls arguably the best in the country. Sauce Brewing Co, Batch, Stockade, Wildflower, Bucket Boys Crafty Beer Co and Bob Hawke Leisure Centre have the best beer and Where’s Nick Wine Bar and Shop, for sublime wine. Great pubs are Pepito’s, The Henson, Poor Tom’s Gin Hall, and The Vic on the Park lets you bring the dog and even play some basketball.

Gorgeous Groceries

Panetta Mercato, Marrickville Metro

You’ve got your groceries covered with the Paesanella Food Emporium, Panetta Mercato, Vietnamese green grocers, and Whole Beast and Feather and Bone Butcheries. Then for certified organic, super-fresh produce, the Sunday Marrickville Organic Markets have everything you need and more.

Amazing Arts and Luxe Library

There are so many artist studios located around Marrickville that the council runs Creative Trails annually in August. Or year round pop into Scratch Art Space, Makers Space, Hypmotive Hub and Lil’ Crafters for the kids. Then check out the brand new, award-winning, architecturally superior Marrickville Library and Pavilion. Again, if you have little ones the library has a great Rhyme Time, then after take the tiny tots for an excellent adventure at the playground in Marrickville Park.

Plenty of Parks

Cooks River, Marrickville

Get your own Vitamin D fix with relaxation or workout in any one of this suburb’s great parks. Take a book and/or a picnic to your choice of Marrickville, Henson or Enmore Parks. For great cardio and water views, try the Cooks River Foreshore Walking and Bike Track.

Terrific Transport

Artists Impression of Marrickville Station - renovations due for completion in 2024

As a Marrickvillian, Greater Sydney couldn’t be more easily accessible. The neighbourhood’s two train stations – Marrickville and Sydenham – take you direct to the CBD and the buses connect easily to other popular Inner West suburbs such as Newtown and Enmore. 

Want to make it official and become a legit Marrickvillian? Check out Toga's incredible village development, Wicks Place on the Park where you could find the designer apartment of your dreams.

Eat your heart out in Redfern’s mouth-wateringly good cafes, restaurants and bakeries

       Redbird, Redfern Street

Flying high at the forefront of Sydney’s food scene is one of Sydney’s most hip and happening suburbs, Redfern. With delectable eateries galore, you’ll be absolutely spoiled for choice. There are a number of Redfern eating institutions, but check out the wealth of new food offerings in this coolest of suburbs.

New to the food scene, RedBird is receiving rave reviews for its Modern take on Chinese cuisine. With oysters to write home about, brilliantly exotic appetisers, new takes on Chinese classics and some unexpected ingredients, RedBird is a must visit for your list of new restaurants to try.

       Redbird, Redfern Street

A baby sister to the glorious bakery Breadfern, Little Fern has opened its doors to locals and those who come from far and wide to sample its supremely scrumptious offerings. Just one look at the website will have your mouth watering, let alone as you enter this brilliant bakery and the heavenly smell excites your senses. Catering to any dietary desires, the loaves, patisseries, savoury delights and celebration cakes are organic and gluten-free.

 

Little Fern Regent Street

Be transported to Italy with recently opened restaurant, Fontana. Kick things off with their fantastic Martini, then move onwards and upwards to the insanely good Mozzarella in Carrozza, Polpette de Sarde (sardine ‘meatballs’), Paccheri pasta in Kangaroo Ragu and Fontana’s signature Carpaccio Fruiti de Mare. And if you think you’ve tasted Ricotta, think again when you order the Fontana version that is house-made every morning.


      Fontana, Redfern Street

      Carpaccio Fruiti de Mare at Fontana

For something uniquely, authentically Australian try out Bush. With an ethos of combining food that celebrate native fare and use invasive species to prevent their damage to the environment, this is feel good food at its best. Try Smoked Eel Pikelets, Kangaroo Carpaccio, Warrigal Green Pasta Flathead on Paperbark and Wattle seed Flan for a culinary adventure.

  
Bush, George Street, Redfern

Wanting to live near all this culinary action, check out award-winning TNT Residences available now to inhabit and love.

Attention Empty Nesters! Discover how strata living can greatly enhance your lifestyle

Though I am not mad on the term empty nester, it does describe well the feelings associated with the family home suddenly becoming devoid of its children, notwithstanding that they are generally adults by the time they have flown the coup. The big family home and garden can quickly feel redundant, and as remaining parents, we often have a sense of something missing or not quite right.

However, with a shift in perspective, there is much to look forward to in this new chapter of life. Ahead lies time to dedicate to yourself for once, perhaps continue your education, exercise more, even realise your travel bucket list …. the list is as endless as you want it to be. And the more time you have to focus on new and exciting pursuits, the greater your sense of wellbeing.



The decision to move on from the family home can be triggered by a number of things. It could be the case of too big a house for the parents’ new reality. Or property maintenance fatigue brought about by the tasks you still need to do to maintain your home. It could also be that you wish to free up some of your property assets and have more time and money to pursue lifestyle activities that were just not possible when the kids were at home. So, it is totally predictable that many of us start to consider downsizing once the dust left in the kids’ bedrooms begins to settle. 

And if you are going to downsize, think strata living. The amount of extra time you will have up your sleeve when living in an apartment cannot be underestimated. Common area maintenance and repairs, cleaning and rubbish removal are all taken care of. The maintenance budget, insurances, sinking fund contingencies are also all taken care of. If you wish to travel, leaving your home is a far more viable option when it is located in a well-maintained building. Having an apartment in a security building gives you far more peace of mind. 

Living the strata life is financially more predictable and manageable. When we look to the medium and long term, the maintenance costs of a non-strata property can hit out you of the blue and the full brunt of any expensive repair or upgrade needed must be borne completely by you, as the sole property owner. Conversely, the sinking fund of a strata property, with its quarterly instalments contributed by all owners in the building, will generally cover the costs of repairs and maintenance. Also, in any well-run strata, major works forecasting allows for the sinking fund to be regulated so it can sufficiently cover all foreseeable works. This sort of forecasting for future expenses is rarely done in a non-strata property. 

When making the move to strata living, consider buying off-the-plan property. This gives you the time to get all your affairs in order and your brand-new apartment will be all bells and whistles and ready to occupy in its pristine state. Choose property with intelligently designed floorplans, spacious balconies or courtyard for outdoor entertaining, excellent quality appliances, well organised and aesthetically pleasing common facilities and a sleek, easy-to-care-for modern finish. Also choosing a development located in a thriving area with brilliant restaurants, bars, shopping and facilities will enrich your life enormously. 

For exquisite designer strata developments that perfectly fit the bill, please contact Emma Chappell, Head of Sales & Marketing for a full list of properties that will suit your needs