A new operator usually brings changes and since the “West End Markets” was taken over by the Sydney-based Blue Sky Events it’s had a few tweaks – one of which is the name change. From now on we’ll be off to the “Davies Park Markets” for the Saturday morning produce. Protection of the Heritage trees is also a concern which will see the layout change to minimise damage to the old giants. The stall holders will see a new fee structure… but as for us, the early morning shoppers, things will continue more or less the same.
Archive for December, 2009
Posted by admin on 31 December 2009
Posted by admin on 30 December 2009
2009 at South Bank; photo courtesy of www.thedailyexplorer.wordpress.com
What are you doing tomorrow night? Why not make this New Year’s Eve celebration bigger than ever at the Parklands at South Bank. With fireworks at 8.30pm and midnight, plus live acts “The Hottentots”, “Jim Kelly and the Heelin’ Feelin” plus “U and the Amoebas” there’s sure to be plenty to see and do that’ll suit the whole family. Festivities start at 5.30pm. For more info check out www.visitsouthbank.com.au. See you there!
Posted by admin on 30 December 2009
I’ve just finished reading “First home buyers led the way in ‘09″ courtesy of local online rag www.brisbanetimes.com.au touting first-home owners as the savours of the local property market for 2009.
That’s great news and certainly worthy of a mention, but it’s fair to say that in the 4101 post code (and specifically in my own backyard of South Brisbane), first time purchases never really caught the buyer bug, with most activity this quarter undeniably as a result of a revitalized investor market, fuelled by improved rental returns and historically low interest rates.
That’s not to say that first home buyers aren’t an active or important segment of the South Brisbane market, just that most of those who can afford a home, can’t find one with a drought of available properties and some agents predicting a seller’s market just around the corner.
Busy at the moment too with families wanting to be close to Brisbane State High School…. always a positive for sellers at this time of year.
Posted by admin on 30 December 2009
We’d like to hear your thoughts on West End Community Association’s (WECA’s) latest concept to add more green space to the peninsula. They’ve named the proposal “Hampstead Common” and the idea is to add shady trees and “shaded park pockets” to create “playspaces and recreation areas” along Hampstead Rd between Dornoch Terrace and Vulture Street . The plan would see the street narrowed whilst still allowing for 2-way traffic and parking.
Posted by admin on 29 December 2009
It’s raining, it’s pouring! The grass is already looking greener around Highgate Hill. Here’s a link to a new website, “Willyweather” which estimates the amount of rain that is expected to fall on your place over the next five days. If it’s accurate it looks like your tank will be full!
Posted by admin on 29 December 2009
We’ve all seen them around town, they are driven by some of Brisbane’s fittest cabbies. I am of course reffering to Brisbane’s Green Cabs. These vehicles are effectively a 3 wheeled mountain bike with a large seat which can fit up to 3 small adults or more realistically 2 adults.
Green Cabs were first introduced to Brisbane at world Expo 88 unfortunately they did not last long but they have recently been re-established on Brisbane’s city Streets.
Their drivers are happy to take patrons virtually anywhere in the city however Hamish Gray one of the drivers admits there is one place he won’t go and that is Spring Hill. It appears that the hills which add to Spring Hill’s character are simply too steep for some!!
# courtesy www.BrisbaneTimes.com.au
Posted by admin on 29 December 2009
After taking on several managements in a CBD apartment tower that have been previously handled by the short term rental pool I have found the landlord having to fork out for replacement items, cleaning and damages.
I found the rice cooker, saucepans set, toaster, some bedding and a fork and spoon missing, the carpet in the bedroom was stained, the lounges were both covered in black scuffs from shoes, there were heavy dents on the entry walls and the coverlets on the beds had a few hairs, dust and marks on them.
Unfortunately, in accordance with the previous management agreement these items are not replaced or repaired by the outgoing hotel guests or by the management. The landlord has to fork out several hundred dollars so I can let it again in a long term tenancy agreement.
When I explained to the landlord that when our new long term tenants move out they’ll be paying for any replacements or damages from the bond, they were surprised but of course happy.
I don’t really understand how the landlord can just accept that nobody went to check the inventory, or cleaned the property to a standard high enough to re-let. The hotel cleaners obviously wipe over and clean general items, but a thorough clean is not within the terms of the management agreement.
At Bees Nees the landlord can rest assured at the end of the tenancy we completely finalise the vacate inspection with an inventory check. It takes longer, but we take that into consideration with our fees.
If the rice cooker is missing, sorry Mr Tenant that is coming out of your bond and means a trip down to Kmart for me!
Posted by admin on 29 December 2009
It’s excellent to see that the Residential Tenancies Authority have released a ‘Green Booklet’ for landlords.
Each time we sign up a new tenant and handover keys, we must provide the RTA’s Form 17a Information Statement or “The Green Booklet”. We love The Green Booklet as it explains so many basic rules relating to a tenancy.
It’s good to provide the same basic info to landlords, as if there is something a landlord doesn’t understand, they can find general information in this booklet.
Some landlords assume incorrect information and this type of document is produced widely to educate, which we love!
But even if you CAN understand 36 pages, the booklet is no substitute for years of experience and knowledge.
All Property Managers will tell you that you keep learning throughout your career and in a team environment when we have a challenge we seek advice from our colleagues… so how can a landlord possibly manage the risks of tenancies themselves?
Starting a tenancy
All tenants are good while they’re good, and yes they’re easy to manage. Once you have an actual dispute to manage, it’s a very different story!
For more advice, tips and info go to
www.rta.qld.gov.au or www.beesnees.com.au/faqs_1.html
Posted by admin on 18 December 2009
Our MD Rob writes a regular column for the property pages of OurBrisbane.com Here’s the latest:
If life is like a box of chocolates, Brisbane’s inner city is the variety pack! Property investors can choose from modern studio apartments for $140,000 or six-pack style apartments from the 1970’s for $350,000. Modern high-rise apartments range from $350,000 to $7 million. Or for those who crave their own piece of dirt, houses are generally priced from $500,000 upwards.
As a property investor do you see yourself as a small business person? You should. Your annual rental income will likely be $25,000 or more, so it’s worth having a good hard look at the rental marketplace and working out what product offering you’re going to make.
Some people dream of owning a riverfront penthouse, but for rental returns they’re lousy. There are not many tenants wanting to spend $2000 per week. Median priced homes are the safest territory as this is where the majority of people live. Around the CBD and surrounding suburbs the going rate is $430-$520/week for a 2-bedroom apartment. Have a look at www.WhatRentMyHome.com.au for median rents in all inner city suburbs.
Tenants don’t have the long term focus of a buyer, so while future improvements like new bridges, tunnels or new shops are all a key part of your capital gain plans, they’re not going to earn more rent for you today. A suburb like Woolloongabba might not earn top rent today, but what if that new subway goes ahead with a station in the suburb linking it directly to the CBD’s Riverside Centre?
We see investing in property as a balancing act, capital gains being the main aim and rental returns important to your holding costs.
So why choose the inner city over a modern house in the ‘burbs? Like many purchasing decisions your location choice is probably more about your own needs than the final property you buy. Is it a set-and-forget investment where you have minimal involvement? Or do you want to add value to the property by spending your weekends labouring at plastering walls or back-breaking paint work? (Okay so I’m giving away some bias here!). Your decision will vary too if you’ll want to make the place your own home one day.
What the inner city clearly offers investors is Brisbane’s largest rental market. We survey tenants regularly and a home’s proximity to their workplace always ranks highly in their decision making.
The CBD is our largest workplace by a country mile, with St Lucia’s University campus also a massive pool of potential tenants. We don’t believe rental returns will make you rich but, for peace of mind, keeping your cash input to a minimum, and simply having the largest choice of potential occupants, it’s hard to beat the inner city.
Posted by admin on 18 December 2009
We’ve written before about the US trend to sticking a TV in every room of your home. Well it may now be happening here…
One of the fastest growing trends in Aussie kitchens is the inclusion of a TV, say the Housing Industry Association, who today released survey results revealing what we’re adding to our homes. We must be enjoying a glass of vino while we’re cooking too – wine fridges were the hottest new kitchen appliance.
Australians are busy renovating and the HIA says one of the strongest growth categories within the kitchen and bathroom sector in recent years has been the use of high-end hardware and storage solutions.
“The growth in the use of storage solutions held steady for lazy susans in the 2009 survey, but increased for every other category. The fastest growth was for soft closing draws. Lift-up door operating systems and touch opening door and drawer systems also grew in popularity.”
According to the HIA in 2008/09 there were 130,650 new dwellings started in Australia, valued at $34.03 billion, and at an average value of around $260,489. The average value for both a kitchen or bathroom installation was around $14,000.
“Engineered stone, solid surface and granite bench tops were all in high demand. But there was a decline in usage rates for stainless steel, concrete, and timber bench tops. Glass and engineered stone splashbacks are on the rise, but there’s a decline for granite and tiled splashbacks.”
Into the bathroom and multiple shower heads, semi-frameless shower screens and undermount sinks are the star performers.
