First Home Buyers

First Home Owner Grant for Victoria

The First Home Owner Grant is also known as FHOG. It is a Government scheme that provides a one off payment to a first home buyer who purchases or builds their first home. The payment provided by the government and the eligibility rules differ from state or territory where purchased. Here we summarise some basic information relating to the First Home Owner Grant in Victoria. You can receive up to...

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Why buy off the plan?

Have you ever considered buying a property off the plan? Why would we choose to buy off the plan? Most people love the smell of a new home... The new floorboards, the silky stone benchtops, the spacious new walk-in-robe or that inspiring hot tub!! There are many amazing things to love in a new property. There are also various financial benefits. However, these can differ depending on the type of...

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How a study nook has become a useful space

As apartment and townhouse living continues to become a widely popular choice among younger buyers creating useful spaces are ideal. The study nook is one of those great innovative areas. In response to covid-19, many are now working from home. A study nook creates a separate spot to work or study in the home. It can feature a desk, drawers, and a great in built shelving area are great to store books...

How to help your children buy their first property

Many families want to support each other. Parents often ask us how they can help children buy their first property. With the housing market continually rising, many children will face affordability challenges. Some parents look to buy properties to gift to their children in the future, but this is not always feasible, for instance if you have three children. Many are also not quite fortunate to have the...

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The HomeBuilder package

There is good news out of Canberra with the announcement of the $680 million HomeBuilder package. The Federal Government introduced its HomeBuilder package on 4 June 2020. The HomeBuilder package The big winners are owner occupiers and first home buyers. The government is prepared to compensate owner occupiers and first home buyers if they choose to buy a new or off-the-plan property in the remainder...

Benchtops – stone versus laminate

When we buy a new home we spend a lot of time in the kitchen. How we have grown to love kitchens. If it’s cooking, cleaning or even entertaining. This is where a common question arises. Benchtops - stone versus laminate. Is it better to include stone or laminated bench tops? There isn’t necessary a right or wrong answer but here are some differences you may want to take note before your next...

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Some tips to keeping warm this winter

Melbourne was blessed with a colourful Autumn, but now winter is upon us and the cold and frosty mornings are already here. Some love the raining nights while being tucked under a warm heavy blanket while others simply freeze no matter what they wear or do... Here are a some tips to keeping warm this winter. Check your heater The heater hasn't been on for while and it may have collected some dust...

What is a full turn-key house?

A full turn-key house is an upgrade made available by home builders in which they take care of necessary additions to the home, like internal wall painting, flooring, and blinds. By upgrading to a full turn-key package, you can relax knowing your home truly will be a 'move-in ready' solution. Once you receive the keys you can immediate lease the property or move in and start living the dream! A full...

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The benefits of a storage cage

When buying a brand new Apartment it is very common to see a storage cage included. There are many benefits of a storage cage and here we explore them. A storage cage is often built with chain-wire or a welded mesh frame. A storage cage can vary in shape and size but they generally don’t exceed 6m3. They can be built from floor to ceiling or to a nominated height (such as an over car bonnet). Some can...

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What is a certificate of occupancy?

When buying off-the-plan not much can happen in the way of settlement until the vendor has received a certificate of occupancy. Your property must pass a series of inspections. These inspections may include a variety of reviews such as a fire safety check, an electrical or plumbing inspection and any other general building inspections What is required for a certificate of occupancy? In order to obtain...

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