These days however, with the differences between the major parties less obvious than in days gone by, we are less likely to see too much nervousness from buyers. This certainly seems the case at present with very strong sales results in recent weeks from all our areas of operation from Torquay to Apollo Bay.

Open Houses this weekend

Saturday 31st July
12:00pm – 12:30pm 14 Rosedale Drive, Torquay
1:00pm – 1:30pm 21 Conside Crescent, Torquay
2:00pm – 2:30pm 3 Nestor Court, Torquay

Sunday 1st August
11:00am – 11:30am 1 Longshore Street, Torquay
12:00pm – 12:30pm 8 Watersun Road, Jan Juc
1:00pm – 1:30pm 1540 Anglesea Road, Bellbrae
2:00pm – 2:30pm 2/153 The Esplanade, Torquay

See you in Our Backyard.

Geoff Bennett
geoff@greatoceanroadrealestate.com.au
0458 513 860

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
11:00am – 11:30am 1 Longshore Street, Torquay
12:00pm – 12:30pm 14 Rosedale Drive, Torquay
1:00pm – 1:30pm 21 Conside Crescent, Torquay
2:00pm – 2:30pm 3 Nestor Court, Torquay

Sunday 25th July
12:00pm – 12:30pm 7 Loch Lomond Crescent, Torquay
1:00pm – 1:30pm 1540 Anglesea Road, Bellbrae
2:00pm – 2:30pm 2/153 The Esplanade, Torquay

See you in Our Backyard.

Geoff Bennett
geoff@greatoceanroadrealestate.com.au
0458 513 860

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.

Maintaining a good occupancy rate is crucial to your investment success, which means it is important to invest in an area with rental appeal, close to transport, schools and shops. A well-maintained, appealing property in good condition and in the right area should not be vacant for long periods, if at all. Vacancy rates in Jan Juc and Torquay are low and recent demand indicates this is unlikely to change. Access to Melbourne and Geelong, improved services and an increase in business and work opportunities are all combining to attract more people to the area.

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 are 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
11:00am – 11:30am 296 Grossmans Road, Torquay
12:00pm – 12:30pm 14 Rosedale Drive, Torquay
1:00pm – 1:30pm 21 Conside Crescent, Torquay

Sunday 18th July
12:00pm – 12:30pm 7 Loch Lomond Crescent, Torquay
1:00pm – 1:30pm 1540 Anglesea Road, Bellbrae
2:00pm – 2:30pm 2/153 The Esplanade, Torquay

Geoff Bennett
geoff@greatoceanroadrealestate.com.au
0458 513 860

Every year, Southern right Whales make their way along the coast delighting locals and visitors alike.
Whilst we encourage safe and responsible driving at all times, keep an eye out over the coming months as these massive mammals slowly make their way along our shores.

Open houses this weekend

Saturday 10th July
12:00pm – 12:30pm 3 & 3A Nestor Court, Torquay
1:00pm – 5:00pm 25 Longshore Street, Torquay
1:00pm – 5:00pm 27 Longshore Street, Torquay
1:00pm – 1:30pm 1540 Anglesea Road, Bellbrae
2:00pm – 2:30pm 23 Springbank Circuit, Torquay

Sunday 11th July
11:00am – 11:30am 8 Watersun Road, Jan Juc
12:00pm – 12:30pm 14 Rosedale Drive, Torquay
1:00pm – 5:00pm 25 Longshore Street, Torquay
1:00pm – 5:00pm 27 Longshore Street, Torquay
2:00pm – 2:30pm 1 Longshore Street, Torquay

See you on our coast.

Geoff Bennett
geoff@greatoceanroadrealestate.com.au
0458 513 860

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 week

Saturday 3rd July
1:00pm – 5:00pm 25 Longshore Street, Torquay
1:00pm – 5:00pm 27 Longshore Street, Torquay
1:00pm – 1:30pm 1540 Anglesea Road, Bellbrae
2:00pm – 2:30pm 24 Conside Crescent, Torquay

Sunday 4th July
11:00am – 11:30am 8 Watersun Road, Jan Juc
1:00pm – 5:00pm 25 Longshore Street, Torquay
1:00pm – 5:00pm 27 Longshore Street, Torquay
1:00pm – 1:30pm 3/9 Ozan Crescent, Jan Juc
2:00pm – 2:30pm 1 Longshore Street, Torquay

See you on our coast.

Geoff Bennett
geoff@greatoceanroadrealestate.com.au
0458 513 860

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
11:00am – 11:30am 7 Loch Lomond Crescent, Torquay
12:00pm – 12:30pm 14 Rosedale Drive, Torquay
1:00pm – 5:00pm 27 Longshore Street, Torquay
1:00pm – 5:00pm 25 Longshore Street, Torquay
2:00pm – 2:30pm 22 Bass Drive, Torquay
3:00pm – 3:30pm 11A Endeavour Drive, Torquay

Sunday 27th June
12:00pm – 12:30pm 24 Conside Crescent, Torquay
1:00pm – 1:30pm 3/9 Ozan Crescent, Jan Juc
1:00pm – 5:00pm 25 Longshore Street, Torquay
1:00pm – 5:00pm 27 Longshore Street, Torquay
2:00pm – 2:30pm 2/3 Hoylake Avenue, Jan Juc

See you in Our Backyard.

Geoff Bennett
geoff@greatoceanroadrealestate.com.au
0458 513 860

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

AIREYS INLET /LORNE
MELISSAH DWYER
Agent’s Representative
Lorne Resident
M: 0411 371 203
E: melissah@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
11:00am – 11:30am 7 Loch Lomond Crescent, Torquay
12:00pm – 12:30pm 14 Rosedale Drive, Torquay
1:00pm – 5:00pm 27 Longshore Street, Torquay
1:00pm – 5:00pm 25 Longshore Street, Torquay
1:00pm – 1:30pm 23 Springbank Circuit, Torquay
2:00pm – 2:30pm 22 Bass Drive, Torquay
3:00pm – 3:30pm 11A Endeavour Drive, Torquay

Sunday 20th June
12:00pm – 12:30pm 24 Conside Crescent, Torquay
1:00pm – 5:00pm 25 Longshore Street, Torquay
1:00pm – 5:00pm 27 Longshore Street, Torquay
1:00pm – 1:30pm 3/9 Ozan Crescent, Jan Juc
2:00pm – 2:30pm 2/3 Hoylake Avenue, Jan Juc
3:00pm – 3:30pm 4/45 Great Ocean Road, Jan Juc
3:00pm – 3:30pm 6/45 Great Ocean Road, Jan Juc 
 
Come along to an Open House, we’d love to see you there.

Geoff Bennett
geoff@greatoceanroadrealestate.com.au
0458 513 860

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
11:00am – 11:30am 3 Port Phillip Court, Torquay
12:00pm – 12:30pm 14 Rosedale Drive, Torquay
1:00pm – 1:30pm 22 Bass Drive, Torquay
1:00pm – 1:30pm 23 Springbank Circuit, Torquay
1:00pm – 5:00pm 27 Longshore Street, Torquay
1:00pm – 5:00pm 25 Longshore Street, Torquay
2:00pm – 2:30pm 11A Endeavour Drive, Torquay
3:00pm – 3:30pm 3/9 Ozan Crescent, Jan Juc

Sunday 13th June
11:00am-11:30am 2/45 Boston Road, Torquay
12:00pm – 12:30pm 24 Conside Crescent, Torquay
1:00pm – 5:00pm 27 Longshore Street, Torquay
1:00pm – 5:00pm 25 Longshore Street, Torquay
2:00pm – 2:30pm 2/3 Hoylake Avenue, Jan Juc

Have a great long weekend.

Geoff Bennett
geoff@greatoceanroadrealestate.com.au
0458 513 860

May sales volume was again excellent and whilst we welcome the hold on interest rates announced on Tuesday, we have not seen any change in confidence from any sector of the market across all price ranges in any recent months.

As with last winter we expect sales activity to continue despite the chill factor as permanent resident seekers in particular will purchase in accordance with their requirements regardless of the weather and savvy holiday investors come down to check out properties in conditions that may not be quite as ‘beachy’ during the wetter times!

We have some top new real estate listings for you to check out at present and yes, we are still open 7 days a week to ensure the very best in coverage and commitment for all our clients ……..even if it is a little harder to get out from under the doona at 6.30am on a weekend to get the open signs out!! 10 open for inspections this weekend with 5 of these new listings (23 Springbank Circuit is great value in particular).

Open houses this weekend.

Saturday 5th June
11:00am – 11:30am 3 Port Phillip Court, Torquay
12:00pm – 12:30pm 14 Rosedale Drive, Torquay
1:00pm – 1:30pm 22 Bass Drive, Torquay
1:00pm – 1:30pm 23 Springbank Circuit, Torquay
2:00pm – 2:30pm 11A Endeavour Drive, Torquay
3:00pm – 3:30pm 3/9 Ozan Crescent, Jan Juc

Sunday 6th June
11:00am-11:30am 2/45 Boston Road, Torquay
12:00pm – 12:30pm 24 Conside Crescent, Torquay
1:00pm – 1:30pm 296 Grossmans Road, Torquay
3:00pm – 3:30pm 2/3 Hoylake Avenue, Jan Juc

Look forward to seeing you on the Coast.

Geoff Bennett
geoff@greatoceanroadrealestate.com.au
0458 513 860

An example of land prices appreciating within the 3228 postcode is the sale of a vacant block for $205,000 late last year, which has just sold for $258,000.00. This represents a very strong increase of 25.85% in less than 6 months.

An overall increase in property prices along the coast continues with Jan Juc achieving an almost 10% increase.

Capital Growth in Median Prices
                   Torquay               Surf Coast LGA
Period         % Change              % Change
2010             4.7%                      5.1%
2009            2.9%                       3.1%
2008            4.5%                       2.4%
2007            2.6%                      4.1%
2006            8.9%                      9.4%

Open Houses this weekend

Saturday 29th May
10:30am – 11:00am 45 Grandview Road, Torquay
12:00pm – 12:30pm 3 Port Phillip Court, Torquay
1:00pm – 1:30pm 23 Springbank Circuit, Torquay
2:00pm – 2:30pm 7 Loch Lomond Crescent, Torquay
3:00pm – 3:30pm 2/45 Boston Road, Torquay

Sunday 30th May
11:00am-11:30am 296 Grossmans Road, Torquay
12:00pm – 12:30pm 14 Rosedale Drive, Torquay
1:00pm – 1:30pm 8 Watersun Road, Jan Juc
2:00pm – 2:30pm 2/153 The Esplanade, Torquay
3:00pm – 3:30pm 1/3 Hoylake Avenue, Jan Juc
3:00pm – 3:30pm 2/3 Hoylake Avenue, Jan Juc

Forthcoming Auction
45 Grandview Road TORQUAY    Sat 29th of May @ 11:00 am

We look forward to seeing you on our coast.

Geoff Bennett
geoff@greatoceanroadrealestate.com.au
0458 513 860