Harcourts Blog

In this month's issue, we look at organising your garage like a pro, plus our tips for selecting a great neighbourhood. Property Focus is available monthly by subscription through your local Harcourts office.

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Topics: Newsletters, property focus

Buying off the plan is becoming an increasingly popular option for good reason. As well as getting a brand new home, you’re also buying at a set price and usually only need a small deposit. However, if you do decide to go down this route, it’s vital you go in with your eyes wide open. Here are some of the things you need to think about when buying off the plan, brought to you by our partners Mortgage Express.

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Topics: Newsletters, Buying Off-The-Plan, Buying Off-Plan, Australia Property, Australia Mortgage

Bathrooms are one of the rooms in your home that can add value with some simple changes. Here are some great ideas for bring out the best in your bathroom.

While it’s often one of the smallest rooms in your home, that doesn’t mean bathrooms need to be bland and boring. Use the right colours together, add the right materials and that poky little bathroom space can easily become an oasis of calm.

Look to nature
Nature has always had a strong influence on choices and never more so than now. Natural, botanical schemes are trending throughout the home right now, including bathrooms.

Think crisp whites, creams, forest greens and natural, organic materials. Earthy greens would look very sophisticated in an earthy bathroom. For a daring look, try a navy or bold wallpaper.

Open up the space with glass
Back-painted glass splashbacks have become an extremely popular kitchen feature in recent years, and now they’re starting to make an appearance in bathrooms as well, particularly in soft blues and greens. Try restful pastels teamed with crisp white trims for an instantly soothing palette.This pairs well with the chalky pale mineral blue and green tiles that are a popular pick for their soothing properties.

Embrace technology
Traditionally technology isn’t something that has been associated with bathrooms, but built-in televisions and speakers are the perfect accompaniment for long luxurious soaks in the bath. New, mirrored flat TV technology can be installed anywhere – on the wall, on the ceiling, behind artwork, or embedded in a bathroom mirror. You need a waterproof version, of course, where the electronic compartments are completely sealed off from any moisture.

 

Keep it simple
The move towards minimalism and simplicity is becoming more popular and brings with it sophisticated concrete finishes. Walk-in showers are popular.

Banish the clutter by allowing for plenty of storage. Clean vanity tops and surfaces will make your bathroom seem more spacious.

Add colour
Paint is such an affordable way to update your space. You only need a few litres to completely transform the space.

Watery blues and greens are always popular choices for a bathroom as they feel clean and fresh and help to make a small space feel larger. Recent trends have seen more soft greys and blue greys, such as silver and duck egg blue, coming into the bathroom space also teamed with off white.

If you’re stuck with existing tiles that limit your options for decorating but you can’t afford to replace them, consider painting over them. Many tiles have a glossy surface so use a surface sealer first to give the topcoats something to grip onto.

While a well-ventilated bathroom has a lower risk of damage, it's still important to use the correct paint. A waterborne enamel for a hard wearing and washable finish, while in kitchens and bathrooms use a mould inhibitor, which reduces the risk of mould growth.

 

 

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Topics: Newsletters, DIY, Investing in Property, Home Decor & Furnishing

Investing in property has long been a popular way for Australians to build wealth. As a long-term investment, it offers several benefits including a number of potential tax advantages that can result from investing in a well-managed property. Let’s take a closer look at these tax advantages.

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Topics: Newsletters, Property Investment, Mortgage Broker, Investors, Australia Mortgage, Property Manager

Cost is usually a major factor when it comes to any home renovations, and weighing up the cost versus return is an important part of your decision making. Whether you’re looking to sell your home or just freshen it up, here are a few low cost projects that you can do yourself to revitalise your home and add value.

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Topics: Newsletters, DIY, Investors, Renovations, Home Renovations, Australia Mortgage

Making updates and changes to your home is stressful enough without having to worry about reckless builders ruining your experience. If you’ve never dealt with a builder before how do you know where to start?

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Topics: Newsletters, Blog, property focus

In this issue, we look at the five things you need to know about home loan protection, thanks to our partners Mortgage Express, along with tips and tricks to protecting your home this holiday season. 

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Topics: Newsletters, Blog, Home Loan, property focus, Safety, Mortgage Express, Home Tips

There’s no doubt that taking on a mortgage is a huge commitment; one that lasts for at least 20 years. So, what happens when things go wrong? You lose your job, suffer an illness, injury, or worse and you’re not able to meet your mortgage repayments? How do you ensure you don’t lose your family home? Take a look at these five things you need to know about home loan protection.

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Topics: Newsletters, Mortgage Broker, Blog, property focus, Australia Mortgage, Home Loan Protection Plan

In this monthly edition for property buyers, sellers and enthusiasts, we look at why auctions are an option, plus our partners at Mortgage Express share their tips for using your home to buy other assets.

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Topics: Newsletters, property focus, Mortgage Express, property auction

Bringing you the latest news, facts and figures from the world of commercial real estate.

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Topics: Newsletters, Commercial Property, News, NAI Market Leader