Real Estate

Moving to Buderim, a Hidden Gem on the Sunshine Coast

Buderim is an up-and-coming real estate hotspot on the Sunshine Coast. Often overlooked in lieu of popular coastal towns nearby, Buderim is perched on a volcanic plateau of fertile, red soil overlooking the Pacific Ocean. 

 

Things To Do In Buderim

 

The quaint town is just a few minutes away from world-class beaches, however, such as Alexandra Headland, Mooloolaba, and Maroochydore. 

Its centre streets are beautifully-lined with leafy trees, coffee shops, and delicious restaurants. Grab a bite to eat at Buderim Tavern or Harry’s on Buderim. 

Littered with waterfalls and hiking trails, this lush and verdant landscape is a veritable haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Visit the many natural havens of Buderim, including Buderim Forest Park, Edna Walling Memorial Garden, Buderim Rainforest, Headland Golf Club, and Eric Joseph Foote War Memorial Sanctuary. 

Buderim Craft Cottage is a great family-friendly activity with things to do for children of all ages.

 

Buderim’s Real Estate Outlook

Based on what Buderim has to offer its potential residents, the experts agree – it is severely undervalued. 

Given its up-and-coming trend, coupled with the surge in nearby beach prices, investors would be wise to find land for sale in Buderim for development purposes. The same way the neighbouring beach real estate prices skyrocketed, it’s inevitable that, in time, the same will happen in Buderim.

Buderim could be likened to some of Brisbane’s most coveted suburbs such as Hamilton or Ascot. You’ll find large land allotments with a wide variety of options for housing, from classic to contemporary. 

 

Why Move To Buderim?

While many people love to live by the seaside below, Buderim offers something that coastal living cannot – more space! The plots that are sold by the coast are significantly smaller than those sold in Buderim. So, depending on your family size and personal needs, you may find that Buderim is a better option for your next real estate endeavour.

Buderim has all of the conveniences of a standard town or small city, including retail centres and supermarkets, schools and pharmacies.

As with other prime real estate locations in the area, Buderim is very safe. 

And finally, the people of Buderim are truly kindhearted and welcoming. They will feel like your neighbours you’ve grown up with in no time at all.

 

On Top Of The World In Buderim

With views that go on for days and a unique, village-like atmosphere, Buderim is an excellent choice for new and old families alike. Particularly well-suited for growing families with young children, the extra yard space in comparison to the coastal plots of land will provide you with lasting memories for years to come.

Buderim is an ideal choice to live for many reasons. You reap the benefits of coastal living while escaping the beating, summer sun. You can experience life in a small-town, village-like community while still being near many amenities given the central location on the Sunshine Coast. 

Overall, with its strategic location nestled between the ocean and the hinterland, Buderim is high on our watch-list of places to move.

 

What To Consider When Buying House & Land Packages

Are you purchasing your first home or investment property? You may very well be beginning to experience a sense of overwhelm with the multitude of options available. One popular option is to purchase a comprehensive house and land package. As this is an attractive option for many, here are some considerations to take into account when looking for house and land packages in Victoria.

 

What Are House And Land Packages?

A house and land package is a property purchase in which the buyer purchases land and plans to construct a home. This is done with one process but with two contracts. These are slightly different from regular property purchases. When you buy a house and land package, you deal with two contracts (one for the land, one for the house), whereas with a traditional property purchase, the two are valued together and you get only one contract. 

The land contract is a set value which you will be required to pay via your mortgage or whatever financial terms you’ve arranged. The construction of the home is typically done in phases and paid for accordingly.

 

Considerations When Buying House and Land Packages

One of the most important considerations before choosing a house and land package is the area’s infrastructure. The area may be considered up-and-coming, so there may be factors to consider such as public transportation that are not fully developed yet. 

Break down the prices to ensure they are actually representative of the property value. Sometimes, these can be inflated by marketing commissions and costs. Find packages where you are not overpaying.

If your purpose is investment, take into consideration that you can’t have tenants during the construction phase. So financing your mortgage may require a bit of creativity until you are able to let to tenants, particularly if construction takes longer than anticipated.

 

House and Land Packages: Pros

Cost-Effective

Purchasing a package deal may be cheaper than purchasing an existing home. There are little-to-no fees or initial payments when building your own.

You can typically settle much sooner with a package deal since the traditional method often employs high interest rates. 

Convenience

Going with a house and land package typically simplifies the process of getting a home. You have to deal with the developer only instead of a multitude of different people involved in acquisition and construction. 

Financing

Financing is often simpler with house and land packages. You know exactly how much you need to finance before you go to the bank.

 

House and Land Packages: Cons

Pre-Designed Homes May Not Be For Everyone

While this can be considered a pro as well, not everyone will love to choose a home from a catalogue of options. Still, you can always adjust the design and add or remove any amenities that make the home unique for your family.

Location

If you were hoping to be in the city centre, a house and land package may not be for you. These deals are often situated in the suburbs where the commute to work increases and public transportation may not be an option.

Less Land

As these are generally part of a larger development, house and land packages are usually compact, meaning you’ll have less yard space. That’s not always the case, however, so be sure to do your research beforehand. 

 

In Summary

House and land packages are a great way to purchase property. It’s feasible, straightforward, and economical. It’s particularly well-suited to first-time homeowners. However, if unique home design and amenities are a priority for you, along with a large yard, you may consider purchasing an existing home or creating your own.

 

5 Smart Tips to Help You Save Up for Your Dream Home

We all have our dream home, don’t we? White picket fences, a beautiful front porch, and a house that we can finally call ours. But there’s also the reality that investing in a home is a huge financial decision. With housing prices skyrocketing in Australia, achieving your goal of buying a house may seem far-fetched right now. 

 

But you can get started on your journey to buying your dream home by saving up now. Here are five smart tips that you can follow:

Set your mind to a goal.

You’ll see a lot of good deals on the market because developers are trying to sell their properties. But if you are to make a smart decision that will benefit you in the long run, you have to save up for at least 20% of the total price of your home. Do some research and set a price point that you can afford. Then, use this as your foundation for building your savings fund for your home.

 

Re-evaluate your expenses.

We all have expenses that we can live without. While you need to allocate money for staple expenses like rent, utilities, and food, you can do away with having Starbucks twice a week or ordering takeaway every Friday. Getting to your dream home will require some compromises and sacrifices. So, re-evaluate your expenses and cut down on anything that’s not essential. Live below your means today and enjoy your dream home in the next few years.

 

Find ways to earn more.

If you want to achieve your financial goal faster, you could use an extra source of income. Fortunately, there are so many ways to earn money these days. You can write blogs, offer tutorials, bake cookies, or work a side hustle just to get more cash into your pocket. People who already bought their dream home have worked hard for it. So, if you want to get to your goal faster, find ways to earn more.

 

Invest your money.

If you’re already starting to look at house and land packages, you’ll probably be inspired to find ways to earn more money fast. This is where investing comes in. Although putting your money on the stock market, for instance, involves some risks, doing it right will also reap you good earnings that you can put towards your dream home. 

 

Stay out of debt if you can.

Finally, there’s debt, which will be one of your biggest roadblocks to achieving your goal of buying a house. So, while debt can be inevitable at some point, try to stay away from it as much as you can. If it’s not necessary, don’t use your credit card to avoid the interest rates. Don’t take out a loan unless it’s for your dream house. Of course, if you have any debt right now, pay it off slowly so that you can put that money towards your dream home in the future. 

 

Are you ready to finally work on that goal? These tips will surely help you get started in achieving your dream home.

The Hidden Costs of Building a House

Are you planning on building a house? There are several hidden costs that need to know about. These are fees that aren’t included in the quote that your building company will give you, so you must factor them into the equation. 

Keep reading to uncover the hidden costs of building a house today.

 

1. Soil and Contour Tests

Before you begin to build your house, you’ll need to have soil and contour tests completed. These are done by the building company that’s constructing your house. They are two tests: the soil test, and then the contour test.

Before both of these tests are taken place, you’ll need to deposit a fee with your building company. The soil test will take place first; surveyors will arrive at the construction site and determine the soil quality of the lot. 

The quality of the soil will determine your costs. If the soil is of poor quality, it makes it harder to build your house. Naturally, that’ll cost you more money. Rocky soil can present significant problems for your house’s building company.

The contour test will determine if your property is on flat or sloping land. Flatter land is easier to build on; if your house is on sloped land, it presents your construction company with problems. If this is the case, you might need to seek the services of a custom builder. It’ll cost more money.

 

2. Site Preparation Costs

To begin the construction of your home, the site will need to be prepared, which could include a number of things. For instance, trees might need to be cut down and cleared; retaining walls might need to be built. Anything that involves potential excavation and demolition really.

How much your site preparation will cost will depend on your unique situation. The results of your soil and contour tests will have a large influence on this expense. Also, consider that preparation of your site could interrupt traffic on the street or even close a road.

 

3. Flooring

Oftentimes, you’ll come to discover that the quote from your builder doesn’t include certain things, like flooring. Typically, your flooring is a separate cost; the builder will simply construct a house on a slab of concrete. 

Make sure you investigate the cost of flooring with your builder. This can include tiling, carpets, or perhaps floorboarding.

 

4. Landscaping

The quote from your builder won’t include your property driveway, only the building of the house structure. How much your driveway will cost you depends on its layout and geography. The design and materials you use for it also will influence the price.

 

5. Land Registration

You’ll have to register your block of land, which does cost money. You should get in contact with your building company to see if the lot has been registered already. This price will vary, as each piece of land is unique.

 

6. Design Modifications and Add-ons

It’s very likely that you’ll decide to change things as you go along. This is an additional price that you must factor into the equation. These modifications and add-ons aren’t included in your initial building contract; they require more labour and material costs, among other things.

The 5 Best Communities on the Sunshine Coast to Invest In

Are you considering buying an investment property? It’s one of the best ways to make passive income. One of the best regions in Queensland to buy one is the Sunshine Coast. It’s a part urban, part rural area that’s rapidly growing, with population steadily rising.

So, what specific suburbs are the best to buy an investment property in? Vacancy rates are low across most of the region, but there are golden nuggets to be found. Below, we’ve listed the 5 best communities on the Sunshine Coast to invest in.

Enjoy!

 

1. Caloundra 

Caloundra is a coastal town that’s close to white sandy beaches, fantastic shopping centres, and great community facilities. It’s one of the main spots on the Sunshine Coast expected to blow up over the next few decades.

The town has great public transportation, high-quality primary schools and high schools, making it ideal for families. A hub for tourism, Caloundra has several tourist attractions that make it a holiday destination.

If you’re looking for an investment property that’ll return on investment, Caloundra is a great community to look at. However, the relaxed coastal town is rapidly growing, so you need to act fast before it’s too late.

 

2. Buderim

Buderim is a bustling urban centre that’s right in the middle of the Sunshine Coast, elevated on the top of a 180-metre mountain. From it, you can see the coastal beaches of Mooloolaba, and Maroochydore further north. 

Local schools make it an ideal spot for families, and there’s lots of vegetation, making it environmentally friendly. Not to mention because of its elevated position nature trails for hiking, running, and biking exist. It’s currently growing rapidly, so you need to get in fast.

This is a community you need to keep an eye on for a potential investment property. Land for sale Buderim Sunshine Coast is a little bit rural, a little bit urban; its rainforest aesthetic makes it a scenic spot.

 

3. Coolum Beach

Coolum Beach is a beachside town that is a hotspot for investors because it’s a popular tourist and holiday destination. The beach, which is patrolled by lifesavers from Coolum Beach Surf Life Saving Club, provides some of the best waves to surf.

There are plenty of parks in Coolum Beach, a boardwalk, and many shops. New retail developments are always being built, as well as apartments. The town is projected to have a rapidly growing population, so you must get in before it’s too late.

There’s also a quality primary school and high school, so it’s a suitable spot for families. In the distance, you can see Mount Coolum. Mooloolaba and Maroochydore are only a short drive to the south, while Noosa is to the north.

 

4. Mountain Creek

Mountain Creek is a specific suburb within Buderim that’s an ideal location for a Sunshine Coast investment property. Named for the creek that runs through it, Mountain Creek features scenic parks and adventurous bike paths. There’s also plenty of local shops.

Families will be looking to move into the neighbourhood, as there are several schools in the location. Not only are there primary schools and high schools, but also a TAFE, as well as a university within close driving distance.

Like the other communities in this article, Mountain Creek is expected to grow. If you’re thinking about purchasing an investment property on the Sunshine Coast, this would be an ideal location. Don’t take too long though, the opportunities won’t be there forever.

Buying Land to Build On: What Are the Things to Consider?

You’ve been looking at different houses on the market, and nothing seems to tick off all your must-haves for your first home. Your next best option is to look for land for sale Newcastle that you can build your house on according to your exact specifications. But since this is a big investment, you need to be smart about your decisions. Here are some of the things that you should consider before sealing the deal on a piece of land:

 

Location

You can never emphasise this too much in real estate, whether you’re purchasing a house or a piece of land. For starters, you need to choose land that has resale value, so you have the flexibility of using it for different purposes. If you decide to resell it in the future, it would be easier for you to put it on the market. Consider the neighbourhood where you’re going to build a house. Think about the developments in the area and don’t choose land that’s completely isolated so you can have easy access to your needs.

 

Zoning requirements

Pieces of land are designated for different purposes. So, if you’re buying land for building a house, you need to know if that land is permitted for residential structures. It’s also important to know building and construction requirements, such as building additional structures like a fence or a swimming pool, so you won’t have a hard time with permits if you choose to renovate or extend your home in the future.

 

Costs

Unless you have an unlimited budget, determine the costs involved in buying the land you’re eyeing on. Remember that you’re not only paying for the upfront cost of that land, but you also need to take care of additional expenses like title insurance, licenses, and other requirements. It’s also ideal to conduct a land survey if that piece of land hasn’t been surveyed recently, so you know the exact boundaries of your property and you won’t have to deal with problems later on.

 

Utilities

Of course, you’ll need basic utility access if you choose to build a home on the piece of land that you’d like to invest in. Ensure to see if that area has sources for electricity, gas, and phone and internet lines. This will save you the additional expenses later on and make it easier for you to move into the home once it’s done.

 

Easements

Finally, it’s crucial that you know if there are any easements in place on the title of the property before you choose to buy it. An easement is a type of legal agreement where the title remains with the landowner, but another person will have the right to use it for a specific purpose. This will save you a lot of inconveniences later on because you won’t have to worry about other people gaining access to your property to cross another parcel of land or build on it.

Are You Ready to Build a Home? Here Are the Signs

Building a house always seems like a huge step for you. But after many years of renting and moving from one house to the other, you now want to settle down into that one place you can call home for a long time. But are you ready to take the next step and build your own home? Here’s how to tell:

 

  • You’re tired of renting. While you enjoyed renting for many years, you now feel the need to stay permanently in one place. You’re already looking forward to moving into a new neighbourhood and settling down in your dream home. If this is what you’re feeling, it could be a sign that it’s time to buy a Deanside house and land.

 

  • You don’t like surprises. An old house has its charms, for sure. But if you don’t like being surprised by broken plumbing or hidden termite infestations, then you might want to consider building a new home. This way, you won’t have to deal with all the surprises that come with buying an old house since everything is new and you have complete control of what you want for your house.

 

  • You can’t seem to find the perfect house. You’ve been looking for months. You’ve been to almost every open house and talked to many realtors, but you still can’t find the right house for you. If this is the case, you might want to consider buying land and building your own home instead. This will allow you to create the exact space you have in your mind and not just settle on a house that doesn’t meet your standards.

 

  • You’re building or growing a family. Renting is ideal if you’re living alone or just starting as a couple. But as you start to build your family, your lifestyle changes and your house needs to adapt to that. By building your own home, you can allocate proper spaces according to your needs and design your house according to what’s ideal for your family and not anyone else’s.

 

  • You’re financially stable enough to invest. Building a house is a huge financial commitment since you’re going to build from scratch. But if you already ran the numbers and you have enough wiggle room to make a huge investment, then putting your money in a house would be a smart move. 

 

  • You’re ready to commit to a house. When you decide to build a house, you’re not only investing money, but you’re also investing time and effort into this huge project. So, if you feel that you’re at the point in your life where you can commit to this important undertaking, then it’s time to look at your options when it comes to buying a lot where you can build your future home.

 

Are you ready to build your own home? If you say yes to these signs, then you can take the first steps towards making this important life investment. There are many ways to build a home, and it’s important to find the right way that works for you.

Is Fletcher a Good Place to Live?

In 2018, Fletcher was named the best suburb for families in Newcastle. So it comes as no surprise that so many people are attracted to it, and are looking to relocate there. However, many wonder if the suburb is as good as it’s advertised, or it’s a bit too overhyped?

If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide on Fletcher, its community and amenities — look no further. In this article all you need to know about living here, and whether it will be the right fit for you and your family.

 

It’s Family-Orientated Community

One of the most important factors you should evaluate when moving is whether the community you move into fits into your lifestyle overall. Fletcher is filled with smiley faces and close-knit communities, and it’s a place where people tend to know their neighbours.

It’s also very peaceful, laid-back and offers a lot of activities for both children and adults. Not to mention, Fletcher’s streets are pretty clean, and there’s a low crime rate. So, it’s perfect for all types of families, great or small, and adults and children of all ages.

 

Fletcher is Close to Great Schools

Probably the biggest reason why so many families are drawn to Fletcher is that it’s so close to many childcare centres, as well as primary and high schools. Many parents are also attracted to the area because of Bishop Tyrell Anglican College, a renowned k-12 school. Additionally, it’s in close proximity to some great universities, so kids of all age ranges can attend school and thrive here.

Affordable Housing

Fletcher has so much going for it, stunning views, friendly people and a great connection to the city. So, it comes as somewhat of a surprise that housing remains affordable to this day. This is, in part, due to the ongoing development in the suburb, allowing for more housing options, and affordable prices.

Whether you’re interested in renting or buying a property, you’ll be able to do so easily, without breaking the bank. However, with the market being what it is, we recommend purchasing a home, rather than renting, especially if you’re sure you want to call this place home. If you’re on the market, we recommend searching for house and land packages Fletcher to find the best options.

 

A Bright Future

As we mentioned, Fletcher is still developing and growing and finding new ways to accommodate more families. That means that the price of real estate will likely appreciate in the future, making it a worthwhile investment.

Also, the house and land packages Fletcher are still pretty affordable and available to most. By purchasing real estate this way, you can design the ideal home for you and your family from the ground up. So, Fletcher, and its residents have a bright future ahead.

 

Final Thoughts

Fletcher has so much to offer, especially to younger families with or without kids. It’s safe, full of nature and fun activities, as well as friendly people and communities. So, if those are high on your list of priorities — we recommend moving to Fletcher.

5 Reasons to Learn from Podcasts

Learning from podcasts have become a lot more common in recent years. The rise of podcasts didn’t just come out of nowhere. The increase in popularity can be attributed to the variety of content that is being dished out daily!

Educational podcasts, in particular, are leading the charge. Though it won’t be as effective as in-person teaching, here are five reasons how you can learn from podcasts!

 

Accessibility & Portability

Podcasts can be listened to whenever and wherever. This portability and easy access make podcasts easy to squeeze in between doing mundane tasks like driving, cooking, or even cleaning!

Students or anyone can learn from podcasts at any point as long as they have space-time by whipping out their phones and putting on their earphones. This makes educational podcasts or a property podcast to learn more!

Making education as accessible as possible is already the goal of educational institutions worldwide – podcasts can be used as a stand-in for that!

 

Podcasts Make Catching Up Easier!

Every student wants to excel in classes. Getting good grades and performing well in class can be difficult when they’ve already missed classes before. 

Missing classes kill whatever motivation a student has-and is falling behind feels incredibly stressful! Recording your lectures into a podcast can help your lesson when it happens!

 

Listening Helps Utilize The Imagination

If you’ve ever heard an audio drama before or an audiobook-you know, you have to use your imagination to picture the events. Letting your mind wander off into the land of daydreams is a lot more difficult when you have to think at the podcasts’ pace!

Not paying attention is not an option if you’re listening to a podcast. This means that if you’re studying, it might be better for you to listen to an audio lecture or a podcast than to watch a video on YouTube.

This could be different for each person, but in general, podcasts keep your attention on the work that you’re listening to!

 

Podcasts Can Accommodate To Different Learning Styles

Everyone learns at their own pace. What works for one student probably won’t work for another. This means that accommodating all the different styles and speeds can get arduous for a teacher to do!

Suppose you want to experiment with your learning style as a student, adding auditory learning through podcasts to the mix with the usual reading and writing! Teachers can also utilize podcasting to spark creative learning in students by making them make their podcasts.

 

Podcasts are Cost-Efficient & Effortless To Create

Creating a podcast doesn’t take much more than a phone, a mic, and you. Microphones aren’t too expensive, and you can hook them into most devices that you own, such as your laptop!

One podcast can be recycled over and over again as teachers get different students. Compared to other forms of less engaging content, podcasts are cheaper and a lot more effective. The platforms make anyone feel engaged and engrossed in studying a material just like Rethink Investing!

There are loads of already existing podcasts as well, so students can look them up. There are over half a million podcasts already active with multiple episodes, and some are even various episodes, and some are even multiple episodes long in bite-sized durations!

5 Steps in Choosing a Lot for Your Home

Building your dream house is an investment of a lifetime. For most people, this home will become their shelter for the rest of their lives. That’s why it is essential to choose the lot where your house will be built correctly.

We understand that this is a big step, so we have here some of the top things to consider in choosing a lot for your future home.

 

1. The Slope and Shape of the Lot

You have to consider the slope and shape of the lot. The slope is an essential factor to consider because it affects water drainage, whether it drains properly or collects the water. This is important because drainage problems will lead to issues with foundation, driveways, septic tanks and landscaping.

Stagnant water can also attract insects which can lead to some health concerns. It’s ideal to choose a lot with proper drainage.

You have to consider the shape of the lot as well. A long narrow lot is different from a square one or a pie-shaped lot. They all have implications as to the size of your yards, distance from your home to the streets, driveways, etc.

If you’re choosing land in Hillstowe, it is best to consult an expert to ask about these things.

 

2. The Direction the Front of the House will Face

You might not realize it, but there are implications on whether your house will face north or south. You have to consider the location of the lot and the weather in your area.

For instance, if there is snow in your area and the front of your house is facing north, then there might be more snow in your driveway since your house will block the sun from melting the snow. But if you have a south-facing home, it can be helpful with the snow, but you have to consider the air-conditioning costs during summer as well.

 

3. Proximity to Schools, Shopping, Work and Recreation

The location of the lot is ideal if it is near the places you regularly visit, like shopping centres, your work, recreation areas and your children’s school. Try to check the location of these amenities. Not everything might be in very close range so it will be up to you to determine if the distance to these places is acceptable.

 

4. Traffic Patterns Around the Lot

You have to consider the traffic patterns in your area as well. Are the roads leading to your future home wide? Is there traffic? Are they always busy?

You also have to consider that if the streets around you are alive, there is a high probability that it will be noisy. Nonetheless, there are laws that govern these circumstances that protect every citizen. 

 

5. Neighborhood Characteristics

Having a good and safe neighbourhood is also important to consider. Since you will be living here for a long time, you would want to check the people that will become your neighbours as well. There are house and land packages in Officer that can help you find the best neighborhood. 

 

Try to check the people in your surrounding homes. Ask around about their recent experience in the place. Check if surrounding areas are well kept. Do some research about the crime rate of the area. Knowing these will help you decide whether the lot is worth buying.

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