As many landlords and tenants alike know, 2024 brought some interesting new changes to the Residential Tenancy’s Act. We have written about this new legislation before in detail, but out of all the changes the one that seems to garner the most attention and consternation from owners is the “say yes to pets” policy. SoRead more

It has been a very interesting few years in the rental market and one curious thing I couldn’t help but notice is the rise in the amount of landlords choosing to privately manage their investment properties. So naturally you’re going to say, Stacey as a Property Manager aren’t you supposed to say that is aRead more

Love it or hate it…. it’s tax time again!!  For those out there who love to crunch numbers, keep all their receipts, and can’t wait to submit their tax return this might be an exciting time, but for those out there who aren’t as organised with their records or who are not quite so sureRead more

With the cost of living continuing to skyrocket, it’s no surprise that many of us seek ways to save money. A noticeable trend among property owners is the inclination to self-manage their properties or, at the very least, engage an agent solely for tenant placement before taking on management responsibilities. While the idea of savingRead more

I received a call this month from an owner of a property looking for my advice, concerned that their rental property which has been on the market for about 6 weeks with another agent had not gained much interest. The owners were understandably frustrated with their current agent but also perplexed. With demand for rentalRead more

This week I came across a story that was covered on multiple major news platforms where a Sydney renter takes her TikTok followers on a tour of the studio apartment, she pays $500 a week for. This apartment, according to all the headlines was sparking outrage! I saw another story about a Melbourne CBD apartmentRead more

ANZAC Sunset Service When: Mon, 24th April 5pm – 5.30pm Where: State War Memorial Precinct at Kings Park Conducted around the Flame of Remembrance and will offer an intimate service focusing on contemporary conflicts around the world. State War Memorial Dawn Service When: Tues, 25 April 5.50am – 7.00am Where: The State War Memorial inRead more

As the temperature starts to fall and balmy summer days fade into the distance, it’s the perfect time to consider simple ways to introduce some autumn style into your home. Here are a few inspired ideas to keep things feeling bright from the Crave styling team. Colour it up Introduce some on trend colours suchRead more

RateMyAgent – Australia’s number one reviews, ratings and rankings website for real estate agents – has announced Paragon Property as the winner of its 2023 North Perth Agency of the Year Award.   The nineth annual awards held at Melbourne’s Plaza Ballroom – and MC’d by New Zealander, comedian, actress, and scriptwriter Melanie Bracewell –Read more

Eva, one of our amazing Property Managers shared her famous French crepe recipe for you to try at home! Originally from France, Eva completed her property studies and then went on to specialise in Property Management there for the next three years. During her free time she enjoys dance courses, cooking French dishes (of course!), socialisingRead more

Last week our amazing leasing agent took some much-deserved time off. While Vicky was at home with her feet up binge-watching Dr Phil, yours truly put his hand up to cover her role. If you are not in the industry there is every chance that you are not aware of the key role a leasingRead more

This week we had the unfortunate experience of having to tell several people that they had fallen victim to a scam. Photos from one of our rental properties were downloaded from the internet and used by someone on Facebook Marketplace to advertise a property that they didn’t own. Some of the victims had even paidRead more

I have noticed a growing trend amongst some agencies to list their rental properties asking for offers over a certain price or offers…

Back in 2019 Consumer protection WA started the “Your house My home” initiative and asked renters to have their say in the review of residential tenancy laws. It has been over ten years since this legislation has been reviewed and with the cost of housing increasing and more people staying in rental accommodation for longer, theyRead more

I was contacted this week by an owner seeking advice as her property had been on the market for a few weeks with little interest. She was starting to have some concerns about whether her agent was doing all they could to secure new tenants. Said Landlord explained that her property was worth $600 perRead more

If you have been an owner of an investment property for any period of time, then you will understand that good long-term tenants are worth their weight in gold! Good tenants do more than just pay rent on time, they care for your property like it was their own and give you great peace ofRead more

Even In the shadow of this never-ending pandemic and the current threat of global conflicts, Australia’s real estate market has continued to puff away on an uphill trajectory like the little engine that could. While crypto and NFTs (still not too sure what those are) may be the current investment fad of the day, thereRead more

I have met investors over the years that have managed their own properties without issue. This is great, but the thing that has always perplexed me though is why they would bother to do it themselves at all. Having spent years in property management in Melbourne and Perth I know firsthand the work that is involved inRead more

If you are in the market for a rental property, then you will understand the market in Perth is extremely tough for tenants right now. This week we had a record of 95 people registering to inspect a single property! With so many tenants competing for so few properties, people are missing out and becoming increasingly frustratedRead more

I have said before that when investors are making enquiries about property management services, the first thing they usually want to speak about are fees. I believe this is because there is an unfortunate misconception that all property management agencies are the same and so they look at the cost as the deciding factor when appointing aRead more

There has been a lot to digest in the property market over the last month, with national commentators and economists all having their own views on what might happen in the future. One thing that the Reserve Bank of Australia has been very strong on recently is that we won’t see dramatic variable interest rateRead more

Will I get my bond back? Well, the short answer is yes… So, you can relax.   When I meet people and I tell them that I work in property, it’s amusing how many people then want to ask me questions about getting their bond back. I also often get panicked calls from friends orRead more

Perth sales market REIWA President Damian Collins said market conditions throughout 2019 had been fairly mixed with sales activity fluctuating and rental activity improving incrementally throughout the year. “We saw lower sales activity at the start of the year, followed by an uptick in the second half of 2019, while listings for sale in Perth decreased from 17,000 to 14,000Read more

Achieving a sense of grandeur while also delivering a functional family home was a gratifying outcome for the designer and owners of this Sydney beachside property. It’s not often that an interior designer is able to fully explore the parameters of her own skill set but for Megan Brown, principal of Penman Brown, that opportunityRead more

When it gets down to the nitty gritty, few people savour the process of buying a new home. Sure, searching online and attending inspections can be a lot of fun, but find me a buyer who says they enjoy the protracted negotiations and tumultuous back-and-forths and I’ll show you a liar. Property settlement is theRead more

Sales activity remained stable in Perth this week, with REIWA members reporting 683 transactions compared to 647 the previous week. This increase can be attributed to a 26 per cent rise in vacant land sales and a five per cent rise in house sales, despite a two per cent fall in unit sales and over the week.Read more

Elegant and palatial, this stunning French chateau-like mansion has been handcrafted and takes its design cues from the owners’ personal travels. Set on 1381sqm of land, the luxurious estate at 61 Hobbs Street, Dalkeith is the product of Deseree and Mark Taddei’s stirring memories of special jaunts abroad. “We were inspired by everything French through our travels.Read more

Not enough space at home? The number one reason why people think they can’t get organised is that they “don’t have enough space”. But if you had been in the number of homes I’ve been in and seen the overflowing extra closets, garages, and attics, you’d quickly agree that even if you did have extraRead more

For the second quarter in a row, Perth’s rental market has continued to improve with the vacancy rate lowering to 2.5 per cent, 172 suburbs recorded an increase in leasing activity and 110 suburbs recorded an increase in median weekly rent. REIWA Deputy President, Lisa Joyce said Perth’s rental market appears to be building onRead more

First home buyer numbers are above average across every state and territory, but likely to subside as housing affordability deteriorates and investor demand picks up. According to ABS housing finance data for August 2019, first home buyers comprised the largest proportion of national owner occupier mortgage activity since early 2012.  The data showed first homeRead more

Moving house is stressful enough at the best of times. You’ve got so much to think about when it comes to packing, moving, unpacking and settling into your new home. Without careful planning, things could easily go wrong and the last thing you want is chaos on your moving day. With some forethought and clearRead more

Perth tenants should prepare for potential rent rises with median house rents experiencing their strongest annual growth rate in more than six years, new figures show. Median asking rents for Perth houses grew 5.7 per cent in the year to September to $370 per week, which was the strongest annual growth rate since June 2013,Read more

With a little bit of effort and investigation, it doesn’t take long to discover the places to be and the things to do in your new neighbourhood. Feeling at home is about more than adding some personal touches to your property. It takes more than moving in your furniture, arranging photographs on the mantelpiece andRead more

The CoreLogic Hedonic Home Value Index for September shows housing values fell again, dropping 0.5% for the month and 1.6% for the quarter. “Since the national index peaked 12 months ago, dwelling values have fallen by 2.7%,” the report says. “Hardly a crash, and a slower rate of decline relative to the previous housing marketRead more

From gorgeous white-washed interiors, to chic light-filled spaces and stunning use of natural timber, good things really do come in small packages when it comes to Australian tiny houses. They’re so gorgeous, you might be inspired to take on a ‘small’ project of your own. Here are five of our favourite tiny house interiors fromRead more

They may be fans of the typology now but Michael and Anwen Batchelor did not stipulate that theirs should be a courtyard house. Instead, preliminary discussions with their architect centred on the site in question, how they wanted to use it and the way they wished to live. The ability to engage as fully asRead more

Confidence in WA’s property market is now the second highest of any state or territory in Australia, a new survey has found, despite Perth’s change in house prices. Fresh data gathered for the ANZ/Property Council Survey – which measures industry sentiment – found WA’s property market had jumped nine index points since May, bringing toRead more

Rental affordability improved during the June 2019 quarter to the lowest proportion of income required to meet rent payments since June 2008, according to research from the Real Estate Institute of Australia. REIA President Adrian Kelly said the June quarter 2019 edition of the Housing Affordability Report found the proportion of income required to meet rent payments decreasedRead more

Appropriately titled ‘The Ash,’ this newly built Perth home uses materials such as concrete, timber and brick in a moody palette of black, charcoal and greige to create a dramatic and sophisticated family abode. The stylish space houses builder Sam Ruocco, of Limitless Building, his wife Sarah and their four year old daughter and is locatedRead more

Not surprisingly in Australia, the land of outdoor living, a garden plays a key role in the saleability of a home, and can make a big difference to the final dollar figure come auction day. A few simple and cost-effective tweaks can add as much as 20% to your final sale price, so grab thoseRead more

Just across from San Francisco’s Dolores Park stands this contemporary residence wrapped in a 100-year-old neoclassical facade, the remains of a former church. The result of a four-year-long construction process, this three-storey home is located in the Light House – a former church originally built in 1915 that today houses a slew of upscale townhomes.Read more

  July reiwa.com.au data has revealed 54 per cent of suburbs in Perth saw an increase in leasing activity during the month, with the top five suburbs each increasing more than 114 per cent. REIWA President Damian Collins said the Perth rental market has been gaining momentum since January 2019 and it is pleasing toRead more

This residence in a Perth heritage zone keeps its Victorian sensibility at the front, but has some surprises out the back. This contemporary cottage in a Perth heritage protection zone, by Adelaide-based architects Williams Burton Leopardi, first began with a completely unrelated phone call from the client. She had called out of curiosity to ask aboutRead more

Quarterly data from the ABS showed that at the end of the March 2019 quarter, household net worth was $10.243 trillion.  While that is certainly a large figure, household wealth has now fallen for two consecutive quarters and is -0.7% lower year-on-year.  The $10.243 trillion in net worth is made-up of $12.701 trillion in assetsRead more

  Australians are feeling more positive about property price growth but are still worried about affordability, a national survey of first-home buyers, owner-occupiers and investors shows. The number of people expecting house prices to rise has risen across the country, ME Bank’s quarterly Property Sentiment Report for the June quarter, released on Tuesday, shows – with 38 per centRead more

Perth’s unit median price has strengthened in the June 2019 quarter improving by 3.9 per cent to $385,000 and median house price stabilising since last quarter. REIWA Deputy President Lisa Joyce said while sales activity remains soft, is it a good sign that prices held up over the last quarter. “reiwa.com data indicates Perth’s medianRead more

When you’re a leading light on the Australian landscape scene, it makes sense that greenery is the hallmark of your home. Located in the Perth seaside suburb of Scarborough, this recently renovated home houses exterior stylist and landscaper Ascher Smith, her husband Dylan and their two young sons Hudson and Parker. “The design brief to our architectRead more

Casa Estrella, the latest property to be revitalized by Thomboy Properties, provides a glimpse into the design highlights to come for the 2018 Spring Modernism Show. The stunning residence, designed in 1975 by architect Hall Lacy, boasts an extraordinary 5,000 square feet located on a corner lot in the Indian Canyons neighborhood of Palm Springs.Read more

Glimmers of hope are ahead for Perth’s property market with prices predicted to rebound in 2020, according to Domain’s property price forecast released on Wednesday. However, house and unit prices are expected to bottom out in spring and remain unchanged during the six months to December, with prices likely to stay at the June median of $520,000Read more

reiwa.com rental data has revealed Perth tenant activity increased 13 per cent in May, with 4,316 properties leased during the month. REIWA Deputy President Lisa Joyce said activity in the Perth rental market had enjoyed a strong rebound this month, following a more subdued April. “In May, the suburbs that saw the biggest spike inRead more

By: Christina Rae A family of creatives designed and built a striking new house in Perth’s Mount Lawley that is inspired by the industrial heritage streetscape. Who lives here: Young professionals Ara Salomone, an associate at State of Kin, lives in the home with husband Donny Salomone, State of Kin’s construction manager. The pair love cookingRead more

By: Margaret Quilter Stylish abodes with laid-back sophistication define interior stylist Lynda Gardener’s portfolio of bespoke accommodation. Beautifully curated with one-off vintage finds, her properties are the backdrop to endless photo shoots that grace our social media feeds. Part of Gardener’s collection is her much-loved St Kilda studio on Burnett Street. Neatly positioned on the groundRead more

This bachelor pad makeover ticks all the boxes, thanks to the owner’s interior designer friend. Who lives here: Steven Reid, a creative director. Style of home: A modern two-bedroom apartment in Manly, Sydney. Timeline: The renovation took nine months. Budget: The cost of a new kitchen and deck, joinery, furniture and appliances came to $75k. After rentingRead more

When life overwhelms, it helps to have a sanctuary. Hopefully that sanctuary is your own home. With meditation and mindfulness going mainstream, more of us are understanding the importance of carving out a calming space for ourselves – a principle designers have embraced for centuries.“It’s really about creating sensory spaces,” says Caroline Lieu, an interiorRead more

Selling your family home and moving to another can be one of the most chaotic times of your life, but being organised will streamline the process and help reduce the stress. To make the sale run more smoothly, go through your house pretending to be an objective buyer and look for obvious faults which couldRead more

Whether you’re buying your first, second or third home, or an investment property, it’s no secret that getting a home loan has become more challenging recently. In the past 12 months lenders have started taking a closer look at borrowers’ finances, with the royal commission and changing regulations prompting banks to crack down on irresponsibleRead more

By: David Thomas  A quick peruse of headlines in the morning papers is enough to send less seasoned property investors into a tailspin at present.  Crashes, bursting bubbles and dire predictions for a doomsday type housing market downturn all feature as prominent, news selling stories. Because, let’s face it, logical reasoning and rational analysis withoutRead more

Michael and Carlene Duffy just completed an interior transformation on a character-filled Queenslander. Here, they reveal styling tips in every room for making the most of a home’s architecture. From sold, to styled! We’ve had a blast following renovating duo Michael and Carlene Duffy as they transformed this empty Queenslander into a character-filled home overRead more

Each quarter the ABS publishes demographic data that measures the size of the Australian population and provides details on components of population growth. Over the September 2018 quarter, the national population is estimated to have increased by 109,057 persons to be up 395,101 persons or 1.6% over the 12 months to September 2018. While nationallyRead more

A Cape Town apartment in need of a complete overhaul was the perfect creative project for an interior designer to work her monochromatic magic.                  Who lives here: Kim Smith, an interior designer and the director of furniture and homewares store Weylandts. Style of home: A one-bedroom loft apartment inRead more

Five things to splurge on in your first property A complete bed look You spend a third of your life asleep so you might as well enjoy it. A complete bed look isn’t just getting a good bed cover, though that’s an important start. You should allocate as much of your budget to get yourRead more

Saving for a deposit is one of the biggest hurdles to overcome when beginning your property journey. If you are renting, paying bills and trying to save for a deposit all at the same time, it can be very overwhelming. Here are five easy tips to help you save your deposit as quickly as possible.Read more

Paris recently hosted the leading home decor fair connecting the interior design and lifestyle community, Maison et Objet. The design world has returned home with hot-off-the-press news on what trends are appearing, continuing and coming to the fore globally, with a few standouts for 2019. Here are the key take-outs … Rich colours Whether it’sRead more

As property analysts debate whether Perth’s housing downturn has reached its lowest point, one part of the market is staging a quiet recovery. Key points: A big drop in Perth’s rental vacancy rate has surprised some prospective tenants Perth’s median rent last quarter was $350 per week, near its level of a decade ago TightenedRead more

  Once a printing factory and later a workspace for local artists, this one-time derelict building is now a rustic, industrial-styled family home. Designed by renowned architect David Hillam, the unique property in Tuckfield Street, Fremantle has become a local landmark, drawing on its manufacturing heritage to showcase a sense of raw modernity, original fixtures andRead more

Million Dollar Rooms on a Shoestring Budget Money doesn’t buy style the old adage goes, but style sure can make a place look much more expensive than your budget allows. Good news is, like most of us, you don’t have millions of dollars in the bank but want to make your interiors look and feel seriously elegantRead more

Built atop just 173 square metres of land, this North Perth home, affectionately titled ‘The Dollhouse 2.0’ is proof that bigger isn’t always better. The home’s owners and architects Jakub and Laura Chruscinski decided to eschew the wide open spaces of more far-flung suburbs and stay living in the city when looking to expand their family. ‘DollhouseRead more

Perth’s property market looks set for a year of slow improvement amid reduced access to finance, low population growth and oversupply in some suburbs, experts say. And most key local industry players agree the worst is over for Perth’s residential market. It comes as Perth’s median house price remained flat over the three months to December,Read more

Summer selling checklist If you want to sell your house early in the new year, this checklist will help you take the first critical steps towards selling your home in 2019. 1. Research the market The property market can be a fickle beast, so it’s important to have a good understanding of what’s happening in yourRead more

Brabham, Madora Bay and Mount Pleasant are among the 10 Perth suburbs to have achieved the largest increase in median house price in 2018, according to the latest reiwa.com data. REIWA President Damian Collins said while the overall Perth market was fairly subdued during 2018, there were a number of Perth suburbs that had defiedRead more

Interior decorating tips to refresh your home in 2019! From decluttering to adding some statement artwork, consider these your home resolutions for the new year. New year, new you! Or, should we say, new year, new home? Whether your home is in need of a refresh or a complete style overhaul, there’s no time likeRead more

“I wanted to create our own private resort where we could all entertain but walk to the beach and restaurants,” says Dayna Williams of her enormous resort-style home that is located on a double block in Main Beach on the Gold Coast. The house is home to Dayna, her husband Michael and their three children, 18-year-oldRead more

The beginning of a fresh new year is synonymous with renewal and change, and this same notion also applies when it comes to our homes. It’s the opportunity to leave behind what no longer inspires us, in order to make way for all things new. So for those looking to get a head start, weRead more

The saying goes that you must first know the rules before you can break them. And though we love the irreverence of tossing the design rule book out the window, there are some guidelines that make the task of decorating a space a little easier and more foolproof. Few know this better than interior designers,Read more

With so many excellent affordable homeware and furniture options on offer, it can be hard to decide what to splurge on and what to save on. We know it’s a wise move to invest in long-lasting, high-use items such as sofas, beds and mattresses, but what else should we be spending our hard-earned pennies on?Read more

“Green is a colour we will be seeing so much more of in 2019, from forest to sea foam and all tints and shades in between. It makes perfect sense that we are seeking to bring the calmness and soothing power of Night Watch into our decor given the trend to bring the outdoors in,”Read more

              We all know the beautiful effect a well-tended and designed garden can have on a home’s exterior appeal, but what about an indoor garden? Indoor plants and swathes of greenery provide more than just a decorative element. Numerous studies have found plants in the home can lower stress,Read more

Moving house can be an incredibly stressful experience. Domain asked the experts how to make your move, if not entirely stress-free, then as smooth as it can possibly be. Breathe Deep breaths, you’ll get through this. Moving is often stressful for emotional reasons as well as practical ones, professional declutterer Sarah Cottman says. “When youRead more

Sales activity increased seven per cent in Perth this week, with REIWA members reporting 486 transactions. This increase can be attributed to a 10 per cent increase in house sales, however unit and vacant land sales declined by two per cent and eight per cent respectively during the week. Listings for sale There were 14,786 propertiesRead more

When Didier Benderli arrived at a charming 16th-century château in the Parisian countryside, he was expecting a quick intervention. “Originally, the client asked me to come and change the paintwork in some of the rooms and put up curtains in the bedrooms,” says the French interior designer behind Paris-based firm Kerylos Intérieurs. But what followedRead more

Sales activity increased two per cent in Perth this week, with 467 transactions reported transactions. This increase can be attributed to a 10 per cent increase in house sales, however unit and land sales declined nine per cent and 32 per cent fall respectively during the week. Listings for sale There were 14,558 properties for saleRead more

Sales activity increased 15 per cent in Perth this week, with REIWA members reporting 467 transactions. This increase can be attributed to a 12 per cent lift in house sales, a 15 per cent lift in unit sales and a 44 per cent lift in vacant land sales over the week.  Listings for sale There wereRead more

This former Mosman Park pub may have no beer, but owners of the hotel-turned-apartment have called last drinks on their heritage home. Once part of the Oceanic Hotel, the unique apartment at 2/54 Glyde Street is one of just two two-storey units in the complex of six. The remaining four are single-storey. Constructed in 1908, the FederationRead more

Spring-cleaning: We dread it and we procrastinate for as long as we can until we finally give in. It’s no secret that spending an entire weekend cleaning sounds like an absolute nightmare – but with a little elbow grease and a lot of willpower, it’s easier than it sounds. We asked three professionals to share their bestRead more

Sales activity increased 19 per cent in Perth this week, with REIWA members reporting 579 transactions. This increase can be attributed to a 17 per cent rise in house sales, a 20 per cent rise in unit sales, and a 31 per cent rise in vacant land sales over the week. Listings for sale ThereRead more

REIWA Training is hosting an information night on Monday 3 September about starting a career in real estate. This is a free event for anyone wanting to come along and find out about current industry requirements and the skills and knowledge you need to start a career in real estate. The careers night, which is being held at REIWARead more

Sales above $1 million now account for 11 per cent of all house sales in the Perth Metro region. REIWA President Hayden Groves said there had been a steady increase in the proportion of sales above $1 million in Perth since 2012. “It’s interesting that the proportion of sales occurring above $1 million has increasedRead more

As admirers of Arthur Elrod, Tony Duquette, and other 1960s design icons, Ed Cole and Christopher Wigand were always fascinated by Palm Springs. When the Tokyo-based couple began looking for a second home, they headed straight to the Southern California desert in search of a mid-century property that retained its original character. The endeavour wasRead more

Not only is apartment living convenient and low maintenance, it is also much more affordable than buying a house. But unlike purchasing a home, when you buy an apartment you’re not only buying a place to live, but also investing in part ownership of a building. Here are eight pitfalls to avoid before signing the dottedRead more

Perth property prices strengthened during the June 2018 quarter, with reiwa.com data showing Perth’s median house and unit price increased. REIWA President Hayden Groves said reiwa.com data indicated Perth’s median house price would settle at around $520,000 for the June 2018 quarter, which was up one per cent compared to the March 2018 quarter andRead more

The wait is almost over! The 2018 Harvest 6006 Olive Oil will be LAUNCHING at the By-Election Mini Fete on Saturday, 28 July 2018 at North Perth Primary School (5 Albert St, North Perth). Each year the North Perth community comes together to harvest the local olives to produce the Harvest 6006 Olive Oil.  ThisRead more

We sat down with our head of property management to find out what you need to consider.  Q. Why can it be hard to manage your own rental property as a landlord?  A. Dealing with conflict would be the main point that springs to mind.  Some owners find it hard to manage difficult situations orRead more

THE WA property market is tipped to be one of the best in the country over the next two years but it could be at risk of higher interest rates and tighter lending standards. Amid falling prices in the nation’s biggest markets, NAB analysts said yesterday that WA and Queensland would most likely “lead theRead more

Perth’s rental market may start to attract more investors, experts say, as gross yields continue to grow. The Domain Group Rental Report, released on Thursday, showed that while rental house prices were down for the quarter and the year, yields were among the highest in the country. Perth’s median weekly rental price fell by 1.4Read more

There was an eight per cent increase in sales in Perth this week, with 553 reported transactions. This increase can be attributed to houses and unit sales increasing by seven and 30 per cent respectively, however unit sales declined by three per cent. Listings for sale There were 14,621 properties for sale in Perththis week,Read more

Is your drain slowing you down? When you notice your drain is starting to clog, pour 1/2 cup of baking soda, followed by 1/2 cup of vinegar down it. Then cover your drain with a wet cloth to contain the science fair-like effects. Wait five minutes and then flush with hot water.

Clean your oven glass without using harsh chemicals! Use wet and dry magic erasers to clean all the grease and grime from your oven glass. Start scrubbing in small sections until the entire glass is clean. You will love the results!!

Perth’s median house price stabilised in May, with reiwa.com data showing a small 0.3 per cent decline in price compared to April. REIWA President Hayden Groves said the Perth median house price for May 2018 was $520,500, which was down from $522,000 in April 2018. This negligible adjustment in price over the month signals houseRead more

Keep your shirt collar stiff when traveling by using a rolled up belt.

Here’s the cleaner recipe that will make nearly every surface gleam (especially kitchen counters, appliances, and inside the refrigerator). Combine 4 tablespoons of baking soda and 1 quarter of warm water, then use it with a sponge to wipe messes away.

Your early twenties can be a stressful, monumental time when big decisions start to weigh you down. Gone are the days when buying your first home fresh out of your teens was a common reality. Now, we live in a world where we are all marrying later, having kids later, and moving out later. TechnicallyRead more

Can’t seem to get those stains out of your cutting board? Run the cut side of a lemon over the board to remove food stains and smells. For extra cleaning power, sprinkle it with salt or baking soda first.

First home buyers are active in Perth’s property market, with data for the March 2018 quarter revealing an increase in sales for properties priced $500,000 and below. REIWA President Hayden Groves said after observing subdued first home buyer activity during the December 2017 quarter, it was pleasing to see the lower end of the marketRead more

With steady rents, declining listings, improved leasing figures and faster leasing times, data for the March 2018 quarter reveals Perth’s rental market is leading the charge in Perth’s property market recovery. REIWA President Hayden Groves said the first quarter of 2018 showed Perth’s rental market had strengthened, with improvements recorded across all key indicators. Perth’sRead more

The CoreLogic Hedonic Home Value Index, released last Tuesday, shows property values in Perth were unchanged last month, resulting in an annual fall of 2.3% for the western capital. The drop is the third biggest annual decline of all Australian capital cities – behind Darwin at 7.7% and Sydney at 3.4%.   Picture: Getty RateRead more

Your mum will love these DIY gift ideas that are beautiful, useful, and most importantly, easy to make! Looking for a thoughtful gift for mum this Mother’s Day? Although there is no gift big or small that could truly convey our appreciation for the most important woman in our life, sometimes creating a handmade keepsakeRead more

Sure it can sting a little, but renovating your rental today can yield a healthy return tomorrow. We ask the experts for their best tips on which necessities and niceties are guaranteed to yield the best return. John Fredericks, principal at Place, says that successful rental properties share a common formula they are clean, functional,Read more

THE Real Estate Institute of WA has called for a $10,000 concession on stamp duty for seniors over 65 to encourage empty-nesters to downsize. In its pre-Budget submission, REIWA said older Australians were staying in homes too big for them because they could not afford the up-front cost of stamp duty. The State Government refusedRead more

When it comes to buying an investment property, experts agree that the key is be informed. But it’s just as important to do your own research. Marion Mays, founder and director of the Thalia Stanley Group, said she was concerned by investors giving away their purchasing power by making ill-formed decisions. I’ve had clients whoRead more

  Perth’s vacancy rate has dropped to 5.3 per cent – the lowest since July 2015. REIWA President Hayden Groves said Perth’s latest vacancy rate for January 2018 had improved significantly since June 2017. It’s quite remarkable to see it this low considering seven months earlier Perth’s vacancy rate soared to 7.3 per cent theRead more

A survey conducted by rentals website rent.com.au has found that Northbridge is the best suburb for singles in WA. PICTURED – Jack McLeay, who lives in NorthbridgePicture: Daniel Wilkins/The Sunday Times, Daniel Wilkins RENTERS rate the quiet and friendly northern suburb of Madeley as the top spot for families, while the wealth of possibilities onRead more

Here’s a task checklist to help you stay on top of your home maintenance throughout the year, starting from what to do now. To do now: Exterior repairs: It isn’t too late to make a few improvements to the exterior of your home, but don’t tackle anything too big. Take the time to make minorRead more

After three years of challenging conditions, new reiwa.com data shows Perth’s rental market has stabilised. REIWA President Hayden Groves said results for the December 2017 quarter suggested Perth’s rental market officially found its floor in 2017. After a prolonged period of falling rents, soaring listings and record high vacancy rates, the market has strengthened. TheRead more

  Kmart’s February Living 2018 range dropped this week and, like every other collection, it’s almost certain to start a stampede. There’s plenty of blush pink (seriously, millennial pink has to be one of the most enduring trends right?!), moody giant florals, a smattering of cobalt blue and plenty of texture too. We are soRead more

It’s a common dilemma for many people: how can you add your personal touch to a rental home? You may not be able to re-paint the walls, change the carpet or update the kitchen, but there are some simple ways to make a space truly your own that won’t break the budget. Here are myRead more

PERTH has been labelled “the land of opportunity for savvy investors” as widespread development and a quietly resurgent State economy combine to lift the property market out of the doldrums in 2018. Massive State Government investment in Metronet, Optus Stadium, Yagan Square and Elizabeth Quay is forecast to begin paying off, while a rash ofRead more

IT WAS a year for bargains in the top end of WA’s residential market — relatively speaking. WA’s most expensive house this year sold in May for $21.5 million, which was well below the initial 2013 tender price of $30 to $40 million. The former owner of WA’s Ikea store, Alan Tribe and his wifeRead more

THE Perth property market may have bottomed after another year of falling prices, with signs the worst may be over for unit prices. The Perth market staged the thinnest of recoveries in the December quarter, according to CoreLogic, with its index up 0.1 per cent across all dwelling types for the period. But house valuesRead more

Did you know …. The word COOLBINIA is an aboriginal word meaning MISTLETOE, and was first chosen for the name of a new school in the area in 1953.

The Perth property market continues to stabilise, with preliminary September quarter data revealing steady or improved levels across most key market indicators. REIWA President Hayden Groves said conditions in the September quarter had mirrored those experienced in the June quarter, which indicated the Perth property market may have finally found its floor. “We’ve observed six monthsRead more

Billionaire Kerry Stokes has added his weight to the view that conditions are ideal for entering the housing market, staking his reputation on now being the best time to take the plunge. The Seven Group Holdings and Seven West Media chairman said the situation came as the State showed it was recovering from the shockRead more

As a tenant in WA, you are required to pay a security bond when you enter into a lease. Typically, the bond amount is equivalent to four weeks rent and is there to cover any costs the tenant may be liable for at the end of a tenancy, for example: Damages to the property OutstandingRead more

Tour some of Australia’s most environmentally progressive homes on show at the annual Sustainable House Day on 17 September 2017. There are over 20 sustainable homes open to visit across the Perth metro area on the day, where you can take a walkthrough to view the features and hear from the owners about what it’sRead more

KYILLA PARK is to get a new sculpture, with North Perth artist Desmond Mah donating his contribution to this year’s Sculptures by the Sea. Homo Sapiens Sapiens (Carp Motifs) was made from steel, and explores a migrant’s view of Australia. Mah says the sculpture also aims to raise questions about racial tolerance and cultural acceptanceRead more

Perth’s property market showed signs it had stabilised in the June quarter, with the latest preliminary data revealing there was little change recorded to key market indicators over the three month period. REIWA President Hayden Groves said while conditions remained softer, there were some positive indications the market had finally begun to settle. “We’re certainlyRead more

Perth sellers struggling to sell should look at going to auction, with reiwa.com data revealing it was 42 days faster to sell by auction in the metropolitan area than by private treaty in the three months to June. REIWA President Hayden Groves said while auctions represented a small component of the Perth property market, thoseRead more

When taking on a residential tenancy, typically the owner requires the tenant to pay a security bond upfront which equates to about four weeks rent. The purpose of the bond is to provide the owner with an opportunity to mitigate any losses, should they be incurred by the tenant. These losses may include damage toRead more

Although Perth’s rental market has faced its share of challenges in recent times, positive signs are emerging with listing stock beginning to level out and the median rent price starting to steady. Additionally, there has been a notable increase in the number of rental properties being tenanted, with leasing activity rising at significant rates. LeasingRead more

Who doesn’t want to pay off their home loan as quickly as possible? But it often feels like an uphill battle, with you eating away at what you owe oh-so-slowly over the long haul. But it’s not just about peace of mind. The faster you pay your loan off, the less money you’ll be paying.Read more

When considering selling a property, about one per cent of all vendors choose to promote their property for sale themselves or with limited assistance from other service providers, such as Buy My Place, For Sale By Owner, No Agent Property, Go Private or – the latest of these players – Purple Bricks. These companies essentiallyRead more

  It’s no secret that searching for a rental property can be an arduous, time consuming experience. To help simplify the process and make finding a rental quicker and easier, REIWA recently introduced Home Open Manager to reiwa.com. Home Open Manager lets participating agents add a ‘Book Inspection’ button to their rental listings, which helps tenantsRead more

Perth’s property market continues to encourage first home buyers, with the latest preliminary data for the March quarter 2017 revealing the bulk of transactions occurred within the $400,000 to $450,000 price range. REIWA President Hayden Groves said market conditions in the March quarter highlighted that housing affordability remains an east coast issue. “While the dreamRead more

There’s been a number of unsavoury news reports in the last couple of weeks about rental properties being destroyed by tenants. While these types of incidents are relatively uncommon, it’s worth noting in most cases the rental property in question was privately managed. While it can be tempting to go it alone and manage yourRead more

Both Perth’s sales and rental markets recorded improved activity in the three months to March, according to the latest data from REIWA. House sales increased by 30% and leasing activity increased by 24%. REIWA President, Hayden Groves, said it was encouraging to see market activity lift notably.  “Signs are certainly beginning to suggest that theRead more

When the time comes to sell or lease your property, would-be vendors and landlords increasingly look to the internet to help shortlist agents who might meet their needs to help sell or manage their property. Traditional methods of choosing an agent, such as noting the more active agents in your area by number of signboards,Read more

Perth property market becoming a buyer’s dream. The WA property market is fast becoming a buyer’s dream. With recent changes to the First Home Owners Grant and house prices sitting at affordable levels, now is the perfect time for potential buyers to jump onto the property ladder. Ruth Hatherley – sales and marketing manager atRead more

February is officially the month of romance, with retail stores and restaurants all decked out in pink frosty décor dotted with love hearts.  But while February is an ideal time to shower love and affection on your other half, it’s also the perfect opportunity to celebrate your passion for property. After all, what’s not toRead more

REIWA has launched its 2017 State Election campaign, which will roll out four key policy reforms over the next three weeks to help put property issues on the agenda and stimulate activity in the market to help drive growth. REIWA President Hayden Groves said the Institute, in consultation with its members, had identified four keyRead more

With the festive season done and dusted for another year, talk in WA has turned to the State Election in March. Elections, especially local elections, are always of particular interest to the real estate industry as campaign promises and policy decisions can have significant implications for the buying, selling and investing of property. Tax reformRead more

Perth’s median house price increased by nearly two per cent in the three months to December 2016. REIWA President Hayden Groves said reiwa.com data showed the median house price had lifted 1.9 per cent to $535,000 over the three month period. “This is the second month in a row that we’ve seen an increase inRead more

In the lead up to the 2017 State Election, REIWA will be campaigning for the reform of property taxes to help make the dream of home ownership a reality for more West Aussies. REIWA President Hayden Groves said the Institute would be engaging with the WA community via surveys and polls throughout the campaign period.Read more

The Federal Government’s decision to change the foreign investment framework to allow foreign buyers to purchase an off-the-plan dwelling when another foreign buyer has failed to reach settlement has been welcomed by the Real Estate Institute of Western Australia. REIWA CEO Neville Pozzi said Australia’s national real estate body, the Real Estate Institute of AustraliaRead more

Real estate buyers and sellers have been warned to be wary of online companies promising to connect them with the best possible agent in their area to help with their property transactions. Most consumers assume the firms, once contacted, check all the agents operating in their suburb, carry out due diligence on them and thenRead more

… especially as the holiday season approaches. People are often hesitant to phone police to report suspicious behaviour but this should not be the case. Anything which is odd, suspicious or untoward should be reported. Where possible, the police will attend your call straight away.  If it’s on your street, they need to know. Community FacebookRead more

Colouring Page – Download Here Be in the draw to WIN a brand new BIKE with Paragon Property! Have your kids colour in the attached image and post this to us at: Attention Paragon Santa, PO Box 1, North Perth  6906  or simply bring it into the office at 427 Fitzgerald Street, North Perth. All picturesRead more

Owning an investment property is like running a small business. There are risks and rewards and it’s important to maintain good records for administrative and taxation purposes. One of the reasons property investment is popular is because the investor is, for the most part, responsible for the performance of their investment. The biggest mistake manyRead more

A lot of homeowners tend to set and forget their home loan, not realising there are easy ways to reduce repayments and pay it off sooner. This is silly when you consider it’s usually the biggest household expense, so even a few small changes can make a huge difference to your bank account. The mainRead more

Spring is here and provides the perfect time to prepare your garden for warmer weather. Our drying climate continues to call for a united response. According to the Bureau of Meteorology, 2015 was the equal warmest year in 117 years, and most of the metropolitan area experienced lower than average rainfall. Top waterwise tips forRead more

  Perth’s first home buyer market recorded healthy activity levels in the June 2016 quarter, with the bulk of sales transactions occurring in the $350,000 to $550,000 price bracket. REIWA President Hayden Groves said Western Australia was in a unique position with the easing of property prices in recent times having made home ownership moreRead more

NORTH Perth could, within two years, boast more public open space along Fitzgerald Street. The City of Vincent will spend $250,000 to develop and implement a plan to establish a new public space in the North Perth Town Centre. The motion, put forward by Mayor John Carey and councillor Emma Cole, was passed at theRead more

Neighbourhood Watch is the largest community crime prevention program in the world that aims to bring neighbours together to reduce crime and make communities safer. What is Neighbourhood Watch?  Neighbourhood Watch’s new philosophy is simple. It’s based on creating a local network of neighbours who help each other, keep an eye on communal spaces andRead more

  Whether you’re a long time tenant or just getting started, the relationship you develop with the property manager and owner of your rental home is important. Full disclosure between both parties is integral to a smooth tenancy, so it’s important that when you apply for your lease and throughout its duration that you’re upfrontRead more

Solar PV for the home is a hot topic among Western Australians. Perth receives around 300 days of sunshine per year which makes the renewable energy source appear favourable- however it is important for customers to first know the facts to ensure solar is the right energy solution for their home. For example, did youRead more

City of Vincent jumps to No. 1 on Community Scorecard! Independent research has revealed that the City of Vincent is now the Number 1 local government among 25 Western Australian councils as both ‘A Place to Live’ and as ‘A Governing Organisation’ as rated by our community – jumping from its previous position of thirdRead more

NEGATIVE GEARING IS NOT A PERK OF “THE RICH.” IT AFFECTS EVERYONE. IF THE PLAN TO GET RID OF IT SUCCEEDS, IT WILL BE A DISASTER FOR OUR FRAGILE ECONOMY. WHY WOULD WE RISK THAT? In recent months, a policy to get rid of negative gearing on existing residential property and increase capital gains tax has been allRead more

Renting your property, not always as hard as you think! Sometimes we all wish we had a crystal ball to tell us when the rental market will pick up again. The past year has been tough for lots of Owners and Property Managers and we find it really important to continuously try different avenues whenRead more