With ANZAC Day approaching, we're heading into another short week. This time of year is known for its frequent public holidays. Now, here's the scoop on the latest:

Over the past four years, Australia's property market has experienced dramatic shifts, yet PropTrack data reveals that prices have climbed in nearly every suburb, fueled by a pandemic-driven boom and surprising growth over the last year. These increases have largely counteracted the impact of rising interest rates.

The analysis indicates that property price growth in most suburbs has significantly outstripped previous periods. Especially in regional Australia and affordable areas near major cities, homeowners have seen substantial value increases due to increased demand.

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...

It's great to see the RBA holding firm on the cash rate.

In the latest update, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) decided to keep the official cash rate steady at 4.35%, sticking to its guns considering a cooling inflation scene. This call came during the first of the RBA's new two-day meeting setups.

While inflation took a bit of a dip, particularly in goods prices due to smoother supply chains, the RBA isn't hitting the panic button just yet. They're keeping an eye on service prices, which are holding up and keeping inflation somewhat high.

Looking forward, the RBA hinted that they're not ruling out future rate changes, depending on how things play out in the economy. RBA governor Michele Bullock chimed in, saying they're keeping their options open and staying data driven.

Even though the rate didn't budge, it still brought some good vibes to the housing market. PropTrack economist Anne Flaherty sees it as a confidence booster, helping buyers and sellers feel a bit more secure in their decisions.

Even though the crystal ball isn't exactly clear, let's dive into eight property trends we see coming up in 2024. The rollercoaster ride of our property markets in recent years is hard to forget, isn't it? From the unprecedented property boom of 2020-21, fuelled by nearly free financing, where many properties soared in value by up to 30%, to the subsequent downturn in 2022 due to multiple interest rate hikes and inflation concerns, and finally, the turnaround in 2023, where housing markets regained nearly all their lost ground with consistent month-on-month price growth. Australia's housing market continues to defy expectations! Despite the Reserve Bank of Australia implementing 13 interest rate hikes, property prices persisted in climbing, confounding analysts who predicted significant drops of 15%, 20%, or even 30% following the rate hikes. So, what's on the horizon for our housing markets? While growth may moderate slightly in the coming years, we can expect robust capital and rental growth. Yet, history has shown us that unexpected factors, whether positive or negative, can disrupt even the most well-founded predictions.

Despite the uncertainty, let's explore the eight property trends we anticipate for 2024:

Happy Australia Day weekend! Can you believe we're almost done with the first month of 2024? Time's flying! Before you know it, the kids will be back to school, and we'll be back to our regular routines.

Australia's property market has shattered records, fully recovering from the 2022 downturn by reaching new highs in combined capital house and unit prices by the end of 2023. Melbourne, in particular, is on a slow but steady recovery, with house prices gaining momentum and unit prices experiencing three consecutive quarters of growth.

Despite initial concerns about affordability and high-interest rates, the housing market's resilience is attributed to factors like an undersupply of new homes, cost-to-build blowouts, a growing population, and a tight rental market. While the pace of price growth has moderated, new stock entering the market continues to drive prices upward.

As we embrace the new year, our team at C+M Residential is geared up and eager to present you with thrilling property opportunities, valuable market insights, and unmatched service. Whether you're looking to buy, sell, rent, or simply explore the real estate market, C+M Residential is your go-to with today's property landscape.

In 2024, significant changes are underway in Victoria with the State Taxation Acts and Other Acts Amendment Act 2023, effective from 1 January. As practitioners prepare for the evolving landscape, key updates include:

Looking at the historical data, over the past 30 years, the average cash interest rate has typically hovered between 4% to 5%. Given that history has a knack for repeating itself, it's prudent to anticipate the normalisation of the cash interest rate stabilising within this range, potentially becoming the new norm. This normalisation is likely to influence price expectations in Melbourne and Sydney's real estate markets from January through December this year.

It's widely perceived that our main capital cities, Melbourne and Sydney, may continue to experience negative price trends. In contrast, states like Brisbane and Perth are expected to thrive due to an influx of Aussie residents seeking warmer climates and sustained growth driven by the mining industry, possibly resulting in up to 4% growth in these regions.

Strong population growth and significant infrastructure investments are expected to keep inflation on a tightrope throughout the year. Market dynamics will be highly sensitive to government policies that aim to balance these factors. However, despite the robust demand for housing, construction activity is projected to hit record lows, primarily due to rising material and labor costs, along with funding constraints, which will continue to impact supply.

We hope you're having a great weekend, with Christmas just 8 days away!

As we bid farewell to 2023, a year marked by its fair share of ups and downs, it's evident that the real estate landscape in Melbourne has seen its challenges. Interest rates have been on the rise, and the cost of living has steadily climbed, contributing to inflation pressures affecting everything from bananas to building costs. The RBA concluded the year with a benchmark rate of 4.35%.

Despite these challenges, the real estate market has demonstrated its unwavering strength. Rental rates have been steadily increasing, attracting savvy investors. Even in the midst of these difficult conditions, we are delighted to report substantial achievements.

At C+M, our mission is to assist both sellers and buyers in their real estate journeys. In 2023, we were privileged to serve a total of 594 individuals, with 297 home sellers and 297 home buyers. Additionally, we provided support to 886 rental providers and residential renters, encompassing 443 landlords and 443 renters. Altogether, we had the privilege of assisting 1,480 customers throughout the year.

As we gear up for the holiday season with just 15 days to go till Christmas, let's dive into the latest from the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). In their final meeting of the year, the RBA decided to keep the cash rate steady at 4.35%, and it wasn't much of a surprise given the softer data we saw throughout November.

Retail trade took a bit of a dip, down -0.2% on a month-on-month basis, and the unemployment rate in October inched up 20 basis points to 3.7%, though it's still relatively low.

Now, onto the monthly Consumer Price Index (CPI), which showed a decline. But here's the twist – the RBA might not have given it much weight in their decision-making. You see, October's CPI figures danced to a different tune, influenced by various subsidies and exclusions, making the inflationary picture a bit blurry.

But wait, there's more! Despite the wobbly data, housing lending had a surprisingly strong October, up 5.4% month-on-month. However, don't pop the champagne just yet. CoreLogic estimates a decline in sales volumes for November, so this housing lending surge might be short-lived.

We've just received a thrilling call from none other than Santa Claus himself, directly from his secretive North Pole workshop. He's eager to connect with the children in our local community and has a delightful proposal. Santa wants to send out personalised letters, filled with festive cheer, to our youngest community members or anyone with a youthful spirit.

To make this happen, we need your help. Simply fill out the sections below or here, with the required details for each child. This includes their name, age and of course, your postal information and a parent's contact details. Once you've provided this, our team will ensure that Santa's special message reaches your doorstep, bringing a burst of North Pole magic into your home.

We're thrilled to facilitate this heartwarming exchange, but remember, time is of the essence. All submissions must be sent in by the 8th of December 2023. Let's not miss this opportunity to add an extra touch of wonder and joy to this festive season. Get involved and let Santa know who's waiting for his letter!

Australia's streak of steering clear of recessions for over three decades is quite remarkable. But let's chat about how this long stretch of non-stop economic growth also has its downsides.

In a classic economic rollercoaster with its highs and lows, we find some pretty cool long-term benefits:

• Clean-up Crew and Supercharged Productivity: Recessions tend to act as a sort of clean-up crew. They kick inefficient or badly managed businesses to the curb, making room for innovation and spurring competitive companies to step up. It's like decluttering a closet filled with too many old clothes. Plus, those crowded, low-profit industries get a makeover. The end result? A more robust and efficient economy that's ready to tackle the future.

• Getting Real with Capital: When a recession hits, people start rethinking their investments. They carefully weigh returns, risks, and the actual value of assets like stocks and property. It's like spring cleaning for your financial portfolio. This shift often leads to a focus on saving wisely, making shrewd investments, and planning for the long haul. Basically, it nudges people to make better money moves.

• Taming Inflation: Recessions have a knack for keeping inflation in check. How? By dialing down the demand for stuff. That's good news for both individuals and businesses because it helps keep the power of your hard-earned money intact. So, while recessions aren't exactly the life of the economic party, they do help maintain a bit of stability.

Now, we're not saying, "Bring on the recession!" But it's worth recognizing that a balanced economic cycle, complete with the occasional downturn, can bring these perks to the table. It's like a workout for the economy, making it stronger and more resilient in the long run.

So it's CRUNCH TIME.. There are literally 5 Weeks LEFT if you PLAN to get SOLD prior to XMAS.. An interesting property trend we find at this time of year, is what’s referred to as ‘The LAW of diminishing SUPPLY..’

• Essentially as we move into December and closer to XMAS, not many if any new homes get photographed to be LAUNCHED.. Meaning that every week that passes from here, fewer and fewer homes are available for buyers to select from as they get snapped up one by one

• Meaning that there will naturally be MORE buyers with FEWER homes to choose from.. So what other options do you have if you MISS this ‘Window Of Opportunity’ to capture the FINAL period of the Spring/Summer Selling Season.?

As a PLAN B if you have RUN out of time this year, a SPLIT strategy we RUN and OFFER to our clients at this time of year is to get everything prepared, get your photo’s COMPLETE before the XMAS decorations and TREE’s go UP, and all your marketing material prepared to LAUNCH at the end for the START of January 2024. This will allow you to get a JUMP start on all the late comers to market next year and that critical 1st MOVE advantage whilst many agents are waiting until Australia Day next year to launch..

During this period from NOW to THEN, we can still OFFER your home Pre-Market, to all the buyers that MISS out on the remaining properties through November/December. Potentially also offering the chance to SAVE thousands of $ in marketing and minimize the RISK of a further 1 or 2 RATE rises still expected..