Traditionally one of the quiet months usually due to weather, school kids sporting commitments on weekends, personal financial assessments and no doubt the upcoming election.

Enough excuses you might say! Our Companies overview of the upcoming Spring/Summer market is one of strength! It was the best Summer we had last year and no doubt this 10/11 will be equal if not stronger.

Beat the masses and buy in Winter!!

Open houses this weekend

Saturday 31st July
1:00pm – 1:30pm 14a Charles Street, Lorne

See you in Our Backyard.

Michael Coutts
michael@greatoceanroadrealestate.com.au
0438 356 624

1. Log onto www.surfcoasttimes.com.au
2. Click on the image of the Surf Coast Times paper in the middle of the page.
3. Click ‘Open Publication’
4. This will allow you to scroll through the paper on your screen!

You can also request to be mailed copies each week and to subscribe to their online news.

Open Houses this weekend

Saturday 24th July
1:00pm – 1:30pm 14a Charles Street, Lorne

See you in Our Backyard.

Michael Coutts
michael@greatoceanroadrealestate.com.au
0438 356 624

Take a long term view
Take advantage of the cyclical booms that occur in property by planning to keep your investment for the long term. Be prepared for the highs and lows by making sure you have realistic financial goals and are comfortable with how much you are borrowing. Be prepared for changes to interest rates and increases to other expenses relative to your investment property including rates, insurances and management fees. It is also prudent to set up a ‘sinking fund’ for each investment property to cover repairs and maintenance that will inevitably arise in time.

Do your homework
Obtaining as much market information as possible about the property will help you make an objective decision. Research the capital growth history of the area and the potential rental income of the property (real estate agents and property research companies are a good starting point). Great Ocean Road Real Estate are very well placed to precisely advise as to exact yields and returns across all price ranges across the Surf Coast and hinterland.

The Lorne and surrounding township offer the flexibility to either holiday let or permanent rent your coastal property. Both are experiencing strong demand and offer a consistent yield. Feel free to contact Matthew our Accommodation Manager or Melissah our Permanent Property Manager if you wish to obtain a rental appraisal specific to your property.

Calculate your net return
The net return is the figure you need to know about in order to understand how your investment is travelling. A quick way to calculate it is to determine the gross rental return and then deduct approximately 20 per cent for outgoings such as maintenance, rates, management fees and insurance. While rents won’t rise quickly (but they will rise), the cost of the investment can fluctuate which does affect your net return. If your loan repayments, fees and other costs exceed your rental income you can negatively gear your investment property. This means that the net loss can be offset against other income you earn, reducing the amount of tax payable on your other income.

Make use of equity
You might feel reluctant to use the equity in your home to buy an investment property, but it can be an ideal ready-made ‘deposit’ that reduces your reliance on savings. You can use the equity in your home or another investment property to buy a property without having to find any cash, even for the costs associated with the purchase.
A good tip is to revalue your property every year so that you can use your additional equity to negotiate a larger loan that you can reinvest in another rental property. Great Ocean Road Real Estate is more than happy to assist with market appraisals to assist with this process and to assist with the professional management of your property. Please contact us at any time if we may be of service! See you on the coast…. even if it’s a little fresh at the moment!

Open Houses this weekend

Saturday 17th July
12:00pm – 12:30pm 16/3-9 Armytage Street, Lorne
12:00pm – 12:30pm 5/3-9 Armytage Street, Lorne
1:00pm – 1:30pm 14a Charles Street, Lorne

Michael Coutts
michael@greatoceanroadrealestate.com.au
0438 356 624

On the sales front, 13 Howard Street, 3/19 Gwynne Avenue and 18 Fernleigh Terrace were all contracted this week. Many listings are starting to emerge but not necessarily being marketed. Please contact our sales agents if you are seriously considering purchasing a holiday house in the next few months as we have some fantastic properties to present to you.

Please be aware of a development site or large single dwelling block (if you like) at 15 Cora-Lynn Court.

A 6.3 acre block with multiple/flexible opportunities and only 7 minutes from the beach. Vendor is extremely motivated and welcomes your interest. Details here

Open houses this weekend

Saturday 10th July
12:00pm – 12:30pm 16/3-9 Armytage Street, Lorne
12:00pm – 12:30pm 5/3-9 Armytage Street, Lorne
1:00pm – 1:30pm 14a Charles Street, Lorne

See you on the coast.

Michael Coutts
michael@greatoceanroadrealestate.com.au
0438 356 624

This architect designed three level residence is now being offered at the amazing low price of $925,000. This is a must see opportunity for anyone who is looking to enter the Lorne market in arguably Lorne’s most sought after residential location. Capitalise on this once off offering before somebody else does!! Seldom does the motivation of a seller present such brilliant buying.

New railway station a boost for Surf Coast commuters

RAIL connections from the Surf Coast to Melbourne have received a major boost announcing a new station for the region’s newest neighbour, Armstrong Creek.

The new station to sit on the existing railway line between Ghazeepore Road and the Surf Coast Highway. This connection will further enhance the benefits of the Ring Road by improving access to the Surf Coast.

The government is taking action to build the right infrastructure for growth to lock in a prosperous future for regional Victoria, one of the state’s key growth corridors.

The new station will provide enhanced access for residents to central Geelong and Melbourne and, as the most westerly station in Geelong, service the Bellarine Peninsula and Surf Coast region.
(Source Surf Coast Times)

Open Houses this weekend

Saturday 3rd July
12:00pm – 12:30pm 16/3-9 Armytage Street, Lorne
1:00pm – 1:30pm 14a Charles Street, Lorne

See you on our coast.

Michael Coutts
michael@greatoceanroadrealestate.com.au
0438 356 624

Victoria is the only bright light in an otherwise ailing residential construction industry, accounting for more than twice the private housing starts of any other state.

The latest dwelling start figures show New South Wales had the second-worst March quarter in the 40 years records have been kept. Work started on just 3672 private houses in NSW, fewer than half the 8843 in Victoria and also fewer than Queensland and Western Australia.

Victoria was an exception, and developers were moving from NSW to Victoria as a result.
(source Peter Martin – Domain)

Open Houses this weekend

Saturday 26th June
12:00pm – 12:30pm 16/3-9 Armytage Street, Lorne
1:00pm – 1:30pm 14a Charles Street, Lorne

See you in Our Backyard.

Michael Coutts
michael@greatoceanroadrealestate.com.au

AIREYS INLET /LORNE
MELISSAH DWYER
Agent’s Representative
Lorne Resident
M: 0411 371 203
E: melissah@greatoceanroadrealestate.com.au

TORQUAY
LINDA MILLS
Accredited Senior Property Manager
Agent’s Representative
Torquay Resident
M: 0457 303 539
E: linda@greatoceanroadrealestate.com.au

APOLLO BAY
SALLY CANNON
Agent’s Representative
Apollo Bay Resident
M: 0439 806 271
E: sally@greatoceanroadrealestate.com.au

If we can assist with any of your Property Management needs, please give us a call.

Open Houses this weekend

Saturday 19th June
12:00pm – 12:45pm 16/3-9 Armytage Street, Lorne
1:00pm – 1:45pm 14a Charles Street, Lorne

Come along to an open house, we’d love to see you there.

Michael Coutts
michael@greatoceanroadrealestate.com.au
0438 356 624

Buyers of a new residence in regional Victoria will be eligible for $26,500 in assistance, comprising a $7,000 grant, a $13,000 bonus and a $6,500 regional bonus. First home buyers of an existing residence will be able to access $7,000 in the form of a grant.

Full eligibility details and information on how to apply can be found at: www.sro.vic.gov.au

Open Houses this weekend

Saturday 12th June
12:00pm – 12:45pm 16/3-9 Armytage Street, Lorne
12:00p, – 12:30pm 15 Grant Street, Forrest
1:00pm – 1:30pm 14a Charles Street
1:30pm – 2:00pm 72 Dorman Street

Auction this Saturday
72 Dorman Street LORNE    Auction Sat 12th of Jun @ 2:00 pm
  

Have a great long weekend.

Michael Coutts
michael@greatoceanroadrealestate.com.au
0438 356 624

We will be conducting an Auction at 2:00pm on Saturday 12th June at 72 Dorman Street Lorne (The Saturday of the long weekend).

On the sales front, Unit 4 Cora-Lynn sold this week and a conditional sale at 7 Sturt Court Wye River were the only two transactions out of the Lorne branch.

Enjoy your weekend.

Open Houses this weekend

Saturday 5th June
12:00pm – 12:45pm 16/3-9 Armytage Street, Lorne
1:00pm – 1:45pm 72 Dorman Street
2:00pm – 2:45pm 14a Charles Street

Sunday 6th June
1:00pm – 1:45pm 72 Dorman Street

Michael Coutts
michael@greatoceanroadrealestate.com.au
0438 356 624

May and August are our quietest months of trade both in sales and rental. These are the two months of the calendar year that don’t have a school holiday period or long weekend. The following sales occurred: 3 in Lorne, 3 in Sep/Wye and 2 in Forrest, so activity took place but at a much more relaxed pace.

Please be aware that some sensational listings remain for sale and not all are actively marketed. For those buyers that are seriously considering a coastal property purchase, why not buy one in a less frantic, competitive buying environment!

For the previous 30 years of trade this company has completed, the spring/summer months always signals an increase in buying activity, I will guarantee this year will be the same!

Open Houses this weekend

Saturday 29th May
12:00pm – 12:45pm 5/3-9 Armytage Street, Lorne
12:00pm – 12:30pm 15 Grant Street, Forrest
1:00pm – 1:45pm 72 Dorman Street
2:00pm – 2:45pm 14a Charles Street

Sunday 30th May
1:00pm – 1:45pm 72 Dorman Street

Forthcoming Auction
72 Dorman Street LORNE Auction Sat 12th of Jun @ 2:00 pm

We look forward to seeing you on our coast.

Michael Coutts
michael@greatoceanroadrealestate.com.au
0438 356 624