As we gear up for the kids to head back to school tomorrow and slide back into our routines, there's a sense of relief and anticipation in the air. But amid this transition, Victoria’s latest tax adjustments are stirring up a bit of chatter among landlords. Is this just another hiccup, or is there more to it?

In a challenging climate for property owners in Victoria, with rents soaring and expenses mounting due to mortgage costs and expanded land tax, it's no surprise that concerns are on the rise. Additionally, ongoing changes in rental laws favouring tenants are adding to the strain felt by landlords.

The impact of these shifts on rental prices is up for debate, with some blaming landlords leaving the market for the spike. Others see it as an intentional reshaping of the housing landscape, possibly creating opportunities for owner-occupiers and first-time buyers.

Happy School Holidays! We hope this break gives you all the opportunity to enjoy some quality time with the kids!

Now, did you know house prices in Melbourne shoot up by about $30,000 for every kilometre you get closer to the city centre? The Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV) has just shared these eye-opening figures. Though, it's worth noting, there are a few spots like Park Orchards, Wonga Park, and certain areas of the Mornington Peninsula that break the mold, thanks to their sweet mix of countryside charm and beach vibes.

In light of recent interest rate rises—13 since May 2022—this pricing pattern offers a strategic opportunity for homebuyers. Thinking about shifting your search a tiny bit further out, like 3 to 5 k's, could really stretch your dollar further, almost making those interest rate hikes less of a headache. It's pretty much the difference between a couple of train stops.

Happy Easter from us all here at C+M Residential.. We hope its a chance for you all to enjoy some downtime with family and friends..

As we wave goodbye to the first quarter of 2024 and embrace the changing seasons in Melbourne, it's the perfect moment to pause, reflect, and look ahead with excitement. And with just about the MOST AMAZING home that HAS EVER, or even MAY EVER hit the market in our core area. We would love to welcome you to 'LE CHATEAUX' A simply stunning French Provincial creation that will be sure to stir the senses and excite the emotions..

Isn't it fantastic that the footy season is back? The Cats really came out to impress!

But now, let's switch to something a bit different – the world of interest rates! Sure, it might not have the same thrill as a footy game, but it's a significant player in our daily lives.

So, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has decided not to change the interest rates and they're sticking to 4.35% again. It's the third time they've done this, mainly because the property market is booming and it might delay any rate cuts.

Michelle Bullock from the RBA mentioned they're still keeping an eye on inflation but haven't closed the door on changing rates down the line. People are starting to think we might see a rate cut around late September, but that all depends on how the housing market goes.

That heat wave we had last week was something else, right? It's been a welcome change to have cooler days and especially refreshing nights.

Despite all the talk about property prices climbing this year, the latest scoop from realestate.com.au suggests that more home buyers are feeling like it's actually a great time to dive into the market.

In the newest Residential Audience Pulse Survey, a whopping 40% of buyers are worried that property prices will shoot up in the next six months. That's a hefty 6% jump from the survey back in September 2023, showing that potential buyers are feeling the pressure.

This lines up with what the experts are saying in the industry. PropTrack economists are foreseeing growth between 1% and 4% in the next year. But here's the twist: despite these worries, a solid 35% of folks surveyed think now is actually a prime time to make a purchase, up by a whopping 9% from last quarter.

People often wonder: why are home auctions usually scheduled for Saturdays? It's a question worth exploring. Historically, Saturdays were ideal due to Australia's laid-back work culture, where weekends were seen as sacred and reserved for leisure. However, as society has evolved, so have our lifestyles. With ever-changing technology, new work patterns, and the hustle and bustle of modern life, Saturdays are no longer the leisurely haven they once were.

At C+M Residential, we've embraced this shift by introducing dusk auctions on weekdays. By hosting auctions on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays at 6:30 pm, we provide a refreshing alternative to the Saturday rush. Our recent experiences have been overwhelmingly positive, with our first three dusk auctions surpassing expectations and achieving remarkable results.

Consider, for instance, the auction of 1/7 Magnolia St, Oak Park, which got an outstanding result of $800,000 with two competitive bidders. Similarly, 2 Volga St, Hadfield, fetched $705,000 for a two-bedroom home, while 2/3 Churchill St, Glenroy, was sold within four weeks on a Tuesday evening, much to the delight of both the sellers and buyers.

Get ready for some egg-citing fun as we kick off our annual Easter Giveaway! Mark your calendars for Easter Sunday on April 3rd at 12pm, when we'll be drawing the lucky winners live on Facebook. Make sure those notifications are turned on so you don't miss out!

Now, onto the prizes!

• Our 1st Prize winner will hop away with a brand-new PS5 valued at $799!

• And our 2nd Prize winner will indulge in a Chocolate Hamper valued at $250!

But wait, how can you participate? It's as easy as hunting for Easter eggs! Simply follow these steps below:

Happy February.. What a start to 2024 it has been thus far.. We sincerely hope your new year has kicked off with a BANG and that THIS WILL BE YOUR BEST YEAR YET!

Diving into this month’s Market Pulse, there's quite a bit to unpack from the first 45 days of the year. From:

• Record-breaking activity in January, making it the busiest in my 20 years in real estate.

• Encouraging news on the inflation front, showing a positive downward trend.

• Interest rates remain unchanged, with some major banks lowering their fixed rates.

• Noteworthy properties hitting the market, offering stunning opportunities.

January was far from its usual slow pace in real estate. C+M Residential launched 23 homes on January 1st, and our first open homes took place on January 6th, attracting more buyers in one day than the entire month of December. We saw a total of 28 homes sold and under contract in January, surpassing the previous year by 17 sales. The renewed energy in the market has led to a significant shift in consumer sentiment.

Moving on to inflation data, we've witnessed a substantial drop from 4.8% in December '23 to 4.1% by February '24, indicating a positive trajectory. This prompted the Reserve Bank of Australia to keep the cash interest rate unchanged, with many major banks subsequently reducing their fixed rates. While inflation remains above the target range, the steady outlook suggests a favorable climate for taking advantage of current conditions.

Could this be IT..? Could this be the ONE..? The ONE that you've BEEN waiting for..?

Every once in a while a property comes along, that isn't just another home, it's a stunning creation.. A beautiful masterpiece.. That perfect blend of design, form, function, and finish.. Well if that's what you've been waiting for in finding your next place 'To CALL Home..' 7 Percival Street, Oak Park could very well be THE ONE..

Set in a peaceful cul-de-sac, within walking distance to Moonee Ponds Creek, trails, and parklands, this position perfect, 53 square BEHEMOTH of a home, spread across 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 3 living zones, formal home office plus DOUBLE garage, does have it all.. Whether it's the mood-setting fireplace, or the oversized master bedroom that's the size of many units. This is a family home to trump ALL family homes..

The only question is... ARE YOU READY...