28 September 2017
By portermathewsblog
September is the month for shaking off the Winter blues and your walls deserve a bit of love, too. If you’re sick of blank space and monochrome rooms, it’s time you find a cheery print or painting that will lift your whole space.
Selecting art for your home is one of the building blocks of home decor, even if you’re in a rental (remember, 3M strips mean you don’t have to worry about putting holes in the wall). If your space is feeling a bit bland — a repercussion from taking your mum’s “beige goes with everything” advice — then look for something bright and colourful. It doesn’t have to tie into a colour you already have in the room, it’s actually best to look for something opposing with impact that you can build on with other decor.
Below is our pick of the best new batch of framed wonders to cure your boring walls.
Dean Martindale The Floating Pineapple Art Print ($23 — $500)
Urban Road Immerse ($34 — $149)
Rachel Castle Ace of Hearts Screen Print ($170)
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22 September 2017
By portermathewsblog
Author: Emma Bolger via domain.com.au
“If you can create something time cannot erode, something that ignores the eccentricities of particular eras or moments, something truly timeless… this is ultimate victory.” – Dr Ferry Porsche.
When attempting to create a timeless interior, it’s important to be clear about your interior decorating style, while also considering past, present and future trends. Here are five key elements that will enable you to create a timeless foundation that you can develop – or easily reinvent – over time.
1. Choose open-plan design
Open-plan living provides a seamless transition through different areas of the home and allows a unified approach to interior design.
Particularly notable is the relationship between the kitchen, dining and living areas. To create a seamless relationship between zones, consider carrying your flooring, colour scheme, any motifs or lighting styles through both spaces.
2. Go for white walls and ceilings
White walls and ceilings create continuity in open-plan spaces, while providing a blank canvas to evolve your decor at any time.
With so many variations of white paint available, it’s important to select the white that best suits your interior style and the feeling you want to create in your home.
Cool whites: Ideal for neutralising bright light in spaces abundant with natural light, the crispness of cool whites also makes them a popular choice for modern and minimalist decorating styles. With a black or blue base, start your search with Dulux “Vivid White” or Porter’s Paints “Milk”.
Warm whites: If you want to make a room feel more inviting or have a lot of natural textures in your home, then warm whites are for you. With yellow, brown or red bases, my favourite is Dulux “Antique White USA”, but other popular warm whites include Taubmans “Plain Vanilla” and Porter’s Paints “Long Grain”.
As you start to investigate whites you may also be drawn to greys. Cool greys are ideal for glamorous spaces, whereas warm greys set a more relaxed tone.
3. Think about your flooring
We’ve moved past the days where carpet dominated flooring choices at home. As hard flooring takes its place, texture is moving to the forefront. Here are some good textural options:
Timber: Oak is a popular timber choice as its grain adds just the right amount of texture to suit any interior style. From the blonde oaks that are seen in Scandinavian decorating styles to dark chocolate tones that amp up the glamour, the variation of tints make oak easy to team with your style. Spotted gum, blackbutt and other Australian species are growing in popularity, and their distinctive grains and colours make them a good match for timeless interiors.
Polished concrete, stone or tiles: These look classic in various shades of grey. Selected in this instance as an alternative to timber, they are also useful in wet areas of the home, such as laundries and bathrooms, where timber flooring is not as suitable.
Carpet: Carpet provides a luxurious foundation to sink your feet into and works particularly well in bedrooms or other secluded areas of the home that aren’t high in traffic and suit softness underfoot. With timelessness in mind, it’s hard go to past twist or textured carpet designs. While both styles are easy to maintain and work well with all interior styles, a twist carpet is ideal if you have pets, as their claws are less likely to get stuck in the fibres.
Rugs: Rugs enable you to enhance your interior style, while softening the sound, and defining zones within a larger area. When it comes to rug fibres and textures, it’s best to be guided by the look and feel you want to create – keeping in mind that timelessness is about quality not quantity.
Tip: Selecting the right size rug for your space is key and one of the best ways to determine this is by using a sheet. Simply place a sheet down in the area you want to place a rug in and play with the size of the sheet and placement of your furniture until you find a balance you’re happy with.
4. Move to metals
From stainless steel and chrome, to copper and rose gold, metallic finishes have a lifelong appeal. Ideal for lamps, fixtures, vases and other smaller accessories, keeping metallics as accents within your interior scheme will allow it to remain timeless while adding character to your home.
Although it’s important to stay true to your interior style, don’t be afraid to challenge conventional thinking by mixing different metallic finishes in the same space. This kitchen provides a good example as the stainless-steel appliances and fittings recede into the background while the copper light fittings take centre stage.
5. Select clean, simple lines
Choosing streamlined fixtures, fittings and appliances allows them to seamlessly tie into your interior. You can either:
Make your fixtures fit in with your wall colour: If you prefer a minimalistic approach or have selected statement pieces throughout your space, then consider following the lead of this interior, which ties the tones and textures of the kitchen cupboards and stainless steel appliances into the hue on the walls.
Or mix it up: If your decorating style embraces different textures, or you’re looking to do something a little different to the norm, then select a different material, colour and/or texture (timber, metallic, glass or statement colour) for cupboards, splashbacks, benches, or fixtures and other fittings.
This kitchen is a good example, utilising American oak veneer (un-stained with a sprayed clear coat) for the cupboards and extended ceiling in addition to a black veneer bench, the streamlined design creates a statement within the home while not overpowering the rest of the interior. It is this balance, between statement and a complementary streamlined design – that makes it timeless.
As you combine these five key elements with your interior style, you’ll find you’ve created a timeless home to sit back and enjoy.
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18 September 2017
By portermathewsblog
Author: REIWA President Hayden Groves via reiwa.com.au
Buyers are often sellers too. Most people who decide to sell their home also look for an alternate property at the same time and it’s not uncommon for them to find something appealing before they have secured a buyer of their own.
What is a ‘subject to sale’ offer?
Buying a property “subject to the sale of another property” is common and REIWA agents are well equipped to ensure the sale agreement is procedurally correct.
Normally, these agreements enable the seller to continue to promote their property for sale and, in the event of receiving an alternate offer to purchase (normally not subject to the sale of that buyer’s property), give notice to the first buyer of their intention to proceed with the second offer after two business days.
This colloquially termed ‘48 hour clause’ provides the buyer two business days to obtain an offer on their property or waive the benefit of the subject to sale condition.
What does a ‘subject to sale’ offer entail?
Certainly, these arrangements can get tricky. Agents need to be especially careful not to prejudice the second party by giving the first buyer a hint that a second offer might be on the way. Notices served between the parties must also be technically compliant and strictly adhered to so as to not unfairly advantage either buyer.
A crucial point for sellers to be aware of is if they are accepting a ‘subject to sale’ offer, at say $600,000, this then binds them to that sale price within the 48 hour period – even if a second unconditional offer is higher (provided the original buyer can make their original offer unconditional within the 48 hour time frame).
’Subject to sale’ offers can benefit sellers
Although this type of sale requires more effort, contracts for sale that include the ‘subject to sale’ condition, often succeed and proceed smoothly to settlement.
This type of sale also has the potential to put the seller at an advantage, with the buyer often expecting to pay a premium for the privilege and protection of settling after the sale of their own property.
Given the conditional nature of the sale, sellers are justified in asking for a higher price from the subject to sale offer. There have been instances where the seller rejected a ‘subject to sale’ offer at a premium price, only to have that same buyer return to the same property after they’ve sold and pay a lower price.
I would advise sellers to consider all offers presented to them, including those that are subject to sale. In this market where competition is high between vendors, it’s in your best interest to give consideration to all serious buyers.
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14 September 2017
By portermathewsblog
Image Sources: Styling by Bree Leech and Photography by Lisa Cohen
When it comes to interiors, colour is a huge, if not the most important, player. It sets the mood of the entire room, and in turn, influences the kind of decor you have to work with. Pick the wrong hue, and everything will be thrown off-guard, whereas the right one can have an enormous transformative effect. But, as evidenced by the weight of global announcements, such as Pantone’s Colour of the Year, gone are the days of picking a traditional neutral (those varying shades of cream or white). Instead, there’s an increasing open-mindedness when it comes to hues of the home, and 2018 will be no different.
According to Dulux, 2018’s colour palettes fulfil one thing: balance. Whether it’s between work and play, giving back and taking the time for self-care, or mixing the old and the new, the new shades will prioritise personalisation over prescription — paving the way for individual expression and customisation. “Natural, earthy colours and textures will be coming to the fore and there will be even more of an appreciation for the splendour of imperfection” says Dulux Colour Expert Andrea Lucena-Orr. “At the same time, we’ll also see an inspiring travel palette emerging.” Ahead, you’ll find the 12 biggest emerging paint trends, along with some tricks to get the look in your home.
Rich Shades Derived From Nature
Image Sources: Styling by Bree Leech and Photography by Lisa Cohen
Rich colours inspired by nature are on the rise. According to Andrea, greens like Dulux Herbalist (pictured), are a flexible way to create a nurturing and relaxing atmosphere. “[It’s] a peaceful green around mid-tone in depth, so will create some light reflectance,” she says. “You could scheme Herbalist beautifully with terracotta, blue, yellow, orange and red.”
Mixing Subtle Neutrals and Bold Hues
Image Sources: Styling by Bree Leech and Photography by Lisa Cohen
For some eclectic flair, pair a neutral with a bold, earthy shade, such as this mid-grey and brown-based red. “Using a stronger colour at the end wall creates a focal point in the space and can help the perceived space feel larger,” Andrea says.
Red-Based Palettes
Image Sources: Styling by Bree Leech and Photography by Lisa Cohen
“Reds and oranges are such amazing colours to rejuvenate your home with,” says Andrea. “They’re warm, inviting and add a sense of sophistication, particularly in formal living areas and bedrooms.” Balance this fiery palette by incorporating natural materials in your decor, such as wood or stone.
Image Sources: Styling by Bree Leech and Photography by Lisa Cohen
Soft, Nordic Influences
Image Sources: Styling by Bree Leech and Photography by Lisa Cohen
The minimalist movement shows no signs of slowing down, with warm shades of leather, putty and cool green-greys forming a largely muted palette. “Scheming with subtle pastel greys and neutral pinks is very soothing and easy to live with,” says Andrea. “These colours harmonise well together and are flexible with many other colours.”
Natural Textures
Image Sources: Styling by Bree Leech and Photography by Lisa Cohen
Let go of your inner perfectionist and emphasise the rustic finishes of a room — particularly if the space you’re working with has little character. “Highlighting a brick wall with Dulux Suede Effect in Century Mist gives this space another dimension and really creates a beautiful focal point for this room as you enter,” Andrea says.
Pink as a Neutral
Image Sources: Styling by Bree Leech and Photography by Lisa Cohen
It’s time to expand your vocabulary of neutrals with a new addition: Pink. According to Andrea, softer tones like Dulux’s Mornington Half are becoming a popular way to add a little elegance to a space, and look particularly great when paired with soft greys or crisp whites.
Image Sources: Styling by Bree Leech and Photography by Lisa Cohen
Saturated, Contrasting Colours
Image Sources: Styling by Bree Leech and Photography by Lisa Cohen
As the global lust for travel grows, so too is this increasingly reflected in decorating styles. Saturated, summery tones such as pale mint will create a playful retreat for your home. “To ensure your space is not too overwhelmed with clashes of colour, consider the proportion and balance of the colours used,” says Andrea. As pictured, you can use shelving to break up the colour or darker furniture to offset the brightness.
Bright and Playful Exteriors
Image Sources: Styling by Bree Leech and Photography by Lisa Cohen
Who says the fun is just reserved for the inside? Make like a luxury boutique hotel and opt for a bright exterior. Andrea’s tip: Make sure the space lends itself to a bright hue, and that the natural light won’t wash it out too much.
Playing With Geometry and Different Colour Tones
Image Sources: Styling by Bree Leech and Photography by Lisa Cohen
The simple additions of geometrical shapes and diagonal lines can really take a feature wall up a notch, and you can experiment with colour for added effect. “Stay within one colour family so you don’t overwhelm the room,” Andrea says. “Here, you see the undertones for these colours are all from the red colour group. They work well together and dramatise the geometric pattern without creating a kaleidoscope of colours, which would impact the feel of the space.”
Image Sources: Styling by Bree Leech and Photography by Lisa Cohen
Retro Glamour
Image Sources: Styling by Bree Leech and Photography by Lisa Cohen
Take cues from the glamour of the ’70s and swagger of the ’90s to invoke some old-school elegance. Shades of plums and mauves like Dulux’s Chainmail will imbue any room with an air of nostalgia, while a decorative line along the ceilings (as pictured) will give the room a more contemporary spin.
Moody, Dramatic Rooms
Image Sources: Styling by Bree Leech and Photography by Lisa Cohen
Moody schemes consisting of rich green, grey-purples and burnt rose can instantly lift a room’s decadence levels and add just the right hint of drama. To prevent the room for appearing to dark, Andrea advises to use a mid-based colour like the Dulux Goyder Green. Pair it with white for the perfect contrasting balance.
Image Sources: Styling by Bree Leech and Photography by Lisa Cohen
Rich, Opulent Velvet Hues
Image Sources: Styling by Bree Leech and Photography by Lisa Cohen
We saw velvet take over the fashion scene, and it’s not going anywhere on the decor front, either. Draw on the splendour of jewel tones — think warm shades of pink, deep blues and burgundy — to create an opulent and tastefully elegant palette, and don’t be afraid to use contrasting furniture and accessories. To ensure the look is kept fresh and modern, Andrea says to use grey-based hues.
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12 September 2017
By portermathewsblog
via therealestateconversation.com.au
With spring expected to draw an influx of buyers, and amid tight supply of properties for sale, Perth property prices could rise in the coming months, says Hayden Groves, president of the REIWA.
The Perth property market is showing positive signs as we head into spring and summer,” says Hayden Groves, president of the REIWA.
New data from the REIWA shows Perth’s median house price and median rent held steady in the three months to August 2017.
The median house price remained consistent at $515,000, and the overall median rent was stable at $350 – the fourth consecutive month rents have held steady.
REIWA President Hayden Groves said the results are “encouraging”.
“The stable medians are good news and indicate that sellers’ and landlords’ expectations are matching those of buyers and tenants,” said Groves.
Property listings down 10 per cent for the quarter
The reiwa.com.au data shows listings for sale eased one per cent lower in August, and are down 10 per cent compared with three months ago.
Groves said prices could rise in spring, when it’s likely demand will pick up.
“Traditionally in spring, there tends to be a lift in sales activity,” he said.
“There is potential for the median house price to increase in the coming months as we see more demand for housing and increased competition from buyers,” said Groves.
In the rental market, stock is down 10 per cent, and leasing activity is up 8 per cent
In the residential rental market, reiwa.com data shows stock levels declined by six per cent to 10,046 properties in August, and leasing activity rose by eight per cent.
“The boost in leasing activity is pleasing to see and has contributed to the declining trend in listings levels,” said Groves.
“Rental stock gets absorbed due to the demand from tenants,” he said.
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12 September 2017
By portermathewsblog
Rachel Preston-Bidwell via reiwa.com.au
Do you currently own an investment property in Perth or are looking to purchase one? We have four tips for how to be a good landlord, from understanding your rights and responsibilities and those of your tenant, to finding the right assistance to help you safeguard your investment.
1. Understand the law
Renting in WA is governed by the Residential Tenancies Act 1987 and the Residential Tenancies Regulations 1989. As a landlord, it’s good to have a basic knowledge of these laws and regulations as there are specific provisions covering issues, including but not limited to:
- Security bonds
- Rates and taxes
- Damages and repairs
- Notice periods
More information about the relevant laws and regulations can be found on the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety website.
Brush up on your rights and responsibilities and if you have any queries, speak to one of our friendly officers in the REIWA Information Service.
2. Take note of your safety responsibilities
Ensuring your investment property is in working order prior to renting it out is a must to keep your tenants, property manager and yourself safe.
As the landlord, you have a responsibility to ensure your property meets certain safety standards and if issues arise during the tenancy, you must address them in due course.
Three main safety issues to be aware of include:
- Blinds and curtains
- Pool and spa fences
- RCDs and smoke alarms
Read our article about your safety responsibilities as a landlord for more information.
3. Know the costs involved
An investment property is just that, an investment. Landlords should expect to invest some money in their property in order to reap the rewards later in life, whether it be for a retirement fund or to purchase another property.
Be sure to consider the costs involved in renting out your property, including:
- Insurance
- Property taxes
- Strata fees and/or rates
- Maintenance and repair costs
Some costs are tax deductible, so speak to your property manager or accountant for more advice on making a claim come tax time.
4. Engage with a property manager
Not only will a property manager act as a liaison between you and your tenant, they can assist you with the following:
- Evaluate the market – a property manager can conduct an evaluation of your property in comparison to other rentals on the market. This can help you determine a competitive rent price and marketing campaign to secure a tenant.
- Help with tricky questions – property managers undertake extensive and continual learning to stay up-to-date on rental laws and regulations. They can help you to understand both yours and your tenants’ rights, and further assist you with tricky situations such as break leases.
- Find your perfect tenant – your property manager will hold home opens and assess applications to help you find a tenant. Further, REIWA agents have access to a National Tenancy Database, which allows them to review a tenant’s rental history.
- Maintain your investment – through regular property inspections, a property manager can ensure your investment remains in tip top condition. Further, they can assist by organising repairs and maintenance calls.
If you have any questions about renting out your property in Perth, speak to Ron Padua on 0404 428 843 or email bdm@pmmetro.com.au
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12 September 2017
By portermathewsblog
via reiwa.com.au
Perth’s median house price and median rent have both remained stable in the three months to August 2017, with the median house price sitting at $515,000, and the overall median rent resting at $350 for the fourth month in a row.
REIWA President Hayden Groves said it was encouraging to see the median price remain firm across both sectors of the Perth property market.
“The stable medians are good news and indicate that seller’s and landlord’s expectations are matching those of buyers and tenants,” said Mr Groves.
Sales activity
According to the latest reiwa.com data, listings for sale have continued to trend marginally lower over the past month, by one per cent. However, in comparison to three months ago, listings levels are lower by 10 per cent.
“The reduction of properties for sale should create a better balance between the supply and demand of Perth’s overall housing stock.
“Traditionally in spring, there tends to be a lift in sales activity which means there is potential for the median house price to increase in the coming months as we see more demand for housing and increased competition from buyers,” said Mr Groves.
Leasing activity
In the residential rental market, reiwa.com data shows stock has reduced by six per cent to 10,046 properties for rent, with leasing activity up by eight per cent during the month of August.
“The boost in leasing activity is pleasing to see and has contributed to the declining trend in listings levels as rental stock gets absorbed due to the demand from tenants. This improved activity is also helping to keep the overall median rent in check at $350 per week, stable for the fourth consecutive month, which is welcome news for landlords and property managers alike.
“With the warmer weather ahead, we should typically see both buyer and tenant activity levels increase. Together with the stabilising trends in median house and rent prices, the Perth property market is showing positive signs as we head into spring and summer,” said Mr Groves.
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05 September 2017
By portermathewsblog
Being the sun-favoured country we are, it’s Spring rather than Summer that blesses us with the biggest shift in weather and style. And oh boy, are we ready for a style shake-up — maybe it’s all
The Block we’ve been watching.We’re feeling black rather than white to pair with the strong olives greens and blues that started popping up in stores last month, and those velvety finishings are looking
fine with bamboos and linen. This is also prime time to start investing in objets d’art (French for arty objects). No matter what your budget, there’s a gorgeous vase, tray, bottle or trinket with your name on it that will be the perfect finishing touch to any room.
West Elm Carlo Mid-Century Chair, $899
Stockists: West Elm
Dinosaur Designs Art Sand Medium Vase, $195
Ikea Stockholm 2017 Cabinet, $499
Zara Home Multi-Coloured Paisley Print Linen Curtain, $139
Bed Thread Charcoal 100% Flax Linen Bedding Set, From $230
Urban Outfitters No Bad Days Woven Throw Blanket, $124.31
Stockists: Urban Outfitters
Zara Home Irregular Decorative Bone Tray, $39.95
Stockists: Zara Home
H&M Textured-Weave Cushion Cover, $39.99
Freedom Nook Console Table, $799
Country Road Malvi Tea Towel Pack, $ 34.95
Cotton On Home Kapel Print, $59.40
Kip & Co. Electric Blue Velvet Beanbag, $129
Maison Balzac 2067AD, $69
West Elm Linden Mid-Century Wide Shelf Unit, $1,099
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05 September 2017
By portermathewsblog
Nicole Cox via realestate.com.au
Perth’s property prices have dipped more than 10 per cent in the past three years, but a new report suggests evidence of some relief with the rate of decline abating.
The latest CoreLogic Hedonic Home Value Index shows house values in Perth have fallen by 2.6% so far this year, making it the worst performing capital in Australia.
In August, Perth property prices dropped 0.8%, compared to the 1.3% decline in July.
House prices suffered a 0.9% drop, while unit prices fell by 0.6%, bringing the median property price in Perth to $462,927.
In August, Perth property prices dropped 0.8%, compared to the 1.3% decline in July. Picture: Getty Images
August property data showed Perth and Darwin continued to endure declining dwelling values, which had trended lower over the past month and rolling quarter.
“However, the annual trend highlights the rate of decline has been easing,” the report says.
“Since peaking in 2014, Perth dwelling values have declined by a total of 10.8%, while the cumulative decline across Darwin has been more severe with values down 18.6% from the market peak.”
CoreLogic head of research Tim Lawless says despite lagging property values in Perth, it was still one of the most affordable markets in the country.
“The silver lining around the decline in values is a substantial improvement in affordability,” Lawless says.
On Tuesday, WA Housing Minister Peter Tinley told a Committee for Economic Development Australia that lower-income earners were still being priced out of the Perth property market, despite softening values.
Tinley said Perth’s shortage of affordable housing, coupled with stagnant wage growth and the high cost of living had contributed to low-income earners being unable to realise the great Australian dream of home ownership.
CoreLogic says national dwelling values remained flat during August, with capital city values edging 0.1% higher. Simultaneously, regional dwelling values slipped 0.2% lower.
The report says the slowdown in growth has been most visible in Sydney, while the Melbourne market has been more resilient with auction rates consistently above 70%.
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