The NSW Government’s ambitious Transport-Oriented Development (TOD) initiative has paved the way for a bold expansion of Landen Property Group’s Bella Vista newly-approved residential project.

Originally approved for 224 apartments in late November, the project will now capitalise on an uplift in Floor Space Ratio (FSR) from 1:1 to 1.9:1. This transformative change effectively doubles the project’s yield, creating potential for up to 500 homes in a vibrant and sustainably designed community.

The Bella Vista development is strategically located between both Bella Vista and Kellyville Metro Stations, making it a cornerstone of the TOD vision to deliver high-density, walkable neighbourhoods with exceptional connectivity to transport and employment hubs.

Key Highlights of the Enhanced Proposal:

A Vital Infrastructure Contribution

Beyond delivering new homes, Landen Property Group’s plans include the construction of a key piece of infrastructure for the area: a new bridge and roundabout over Elizabeth Macarthur Creek.

These works, part of the project’s subdivision development phase, will create critical new road and pedestrian connections to Free Settlers Drive, opening up access to future developments and parklands in the precinct.

“The bridge and associated works are a game-changer for this community,” said Shane Harding Head of Property at Landen.

“This vital infrastructure not only supports the success of this development but also delivers long-term benefits for the wider area, facilitating growth and improving accessibility.”

The infrastructure project will be delivered in collaboration with the local Council, reflecting Landen’s commitment to contributing to the broader community through considered and future-focused design.

Fast-Tracked Approvals and Delivery

The TOD initiative’s expedited development pathways mean Landen plans to submit a revised Development Application (DA) very quickly.

A Vision of Vibrant Urban Living

The Bella Vista project showcases the potential of TOD initiatives to reimagine urban living. With its proximity to two Metro stations, extensive green spaces, and community-first design, the development will offer a lifestyle that blends convenience with liveability. Thoughtfully designed communal areas, including podium gardens and creekside walkways, will encourage social interaction and healthy, active living.

“The TOD announcement has unlocked enormous potential,” added Mr Harding, “We’re not just building homes; we’re creating a community where people will want to live, work, and connect. This project embodies the future of sustainable, integrated development.”

Sydney’s a fantastic city, just ask any of the 5 million people who call it home this year. Whether you’re new to Sydney or the country, or a local who wants to buy for the first time, it can be hard to know where to start when it comes to purchasing in the Harbour City.

Here is our essential guide to help you navigate the Sydney property market with confidence.

Looking to buy?

Making the decision to buy a home is both exciting and daunting. Recent research suggests that it often takes 16 months from actively looking for a property to purchasing – not including the time it takes to save a deposit.

There are a few factors that you need to consider before starting your journey.

Once you are ready, you can manage your property search more efficiently.

From Bondi to Blacktown, there’s something for everyone

Sydney’s property market is as diverse as its population.

The City has penthouse apartments and homes in the Eastern Suburbs that are valued at more than $210 million, according to this March 2024 realestate.com.au article. You can find more affordable houses without compromising on convenience and lifestyle for under $1,000,000, according to this Canstar 2023 report. Or even consider if apartment living would suit you, as there are many options with a variety of amenities in every suburb across the whole city.

For buyers who are looking for a balance between affordability and lifestyle, Sydney’s Northwest is a suitable option. Suburbs like Box Hill, Claremont Meadows, and Rouse Hill offer modern amenities, green spaces, and relatively affordable housing options – even more affordable if you buy land and then build a home. With excellent transport links, reputable schools, and emerging communities, the Northwest is worth adding to your list.

Where to begin your search?

There are many different ways to find the suburbs that suit you and your dream home.

Online platforms, like www.realestate.com.au, www.domain.com.au, www.onthehouse.com.au, and individual real estate agent websites provide comprehensive listings of available properties, usually with detailed descriptions, photos, and virtual tours. Many sites also offer suburb profiles that highlight the positive, and negative, aspects of the different areas.

You could also consider working with a buyer’s agent, who, for a fee, can get you access to off-market opportunities and help you negotiate with a seller.

If you are interested in new builds, you can look for your perfect block of land and then explore homebuilder’s websites to find a home that suits your block or take a look at developers’ websites to consider off-the-plan opportunities and may have opportunities bundle your purchase of land and a new home.

Keeping up with Sydney’s property news

Keeping across the latest developments and trends in the Sydney property market is essential to making an informed decision and gain valuable insights into market dynamics, upcoming developments, and legislative changes affecting property ownership.

Most local, metro and national newspapers cover property, providing trend insights, market analyses, and expert opinions to help you stay informed.

Take a look at:

As well as property-specific sites, such as:

The Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA) is also a good source of information about the property market.

Remember, thorough research, including keeping across the current news, is key to making informed decisions in this ever-changing market.

Discover Landen’s estate here: Property | Landen

Many property investors and buyers start their search for a “smart purchase” by Googling the most affordable suburbs in Sydney.
While scoring a property bargain might be seen as a positive, it’s important to widen the picture and think about value for money and return on investment as well as price.

Affordability vs buying well

Sydney’s most affordable suburbs may deliver low-cost property, but you will need to be aware of what condition a home is in and examine the pros and cons of the location from an investment or lifestyle perspective.

Then there is the topic of capital growth and whether or not you’ll achieve the returns you are hoping for. You don’t want to pay below market price, only to realise the home needs expensive repairs and doesn’t sit in an area with growth potential.

Where to buy in Sydney

If you’re looking for quality homes at an affordable price point that offer capital gain potential, head to Sydney’s North West.

According to the NSW Government’s North West Priority Growth Area Implementation Plan, the goal is for the North West to be a collection of vibrant and liveable neighbourhoods that balance the needs of a growing population with new infrastructure as well as opportunities for employment and recreation.

Suburbs like Norwest and Box Hill have a great deal of investment in terms of new shopping and community centres. An example is Carmel Village; the latest shopping destination in the Hills District, with a wide variety of stores, services and dining options. There are also plenty of good schools to choose from and the suburbs are close to major transport hubs as well as the Hawkesbury River.

The biggest advantage of this part of Sydney is the opportunity to invest in one of the area’s stunning new house and land packages, which will give you a modern, appealing home that is a delight to live in.

The changing face of Sydney’s North West

Once a quiet rural landscape, developer activity and vastly improved infrastructure in and around suburbs like Box Hill and Norwest have seen the area transform into a thriving community of growing families.

With the rapid growth of parklands, schools, shopping centres, restaurants and other entertainment venues, the district is recognised as being one of Sydney’s best for growing families.

Statistics demonstrate just how popular these areas are. In 2022, for example, Box Hill, Gables and North Kellyville were all in realestate.com.au’s top ten suburbs with the greatest 5-year growth, and have all continued to perform strongly. Similarly, Kellyville Ridge and Beaumont Hills were on The Sydney Morning Herald’s March 2023 list of Sydney suburbs experiencing a boom.

For Box Hill, rental prices are up by 22 per cent over the last twelve months. Meanwhile, average prices have settled after a high during the pandemic; which means now is a good time to buy before they start to rise again.

In Norwest, rental prices are up by 7.6 per cent and house prices held relatively steady in 2023, demonstrating the timeless appeal of this postcode.

Why buy new in North West Sydney?

When you’re buying a home or investing in property, it’s better to think in terms of ‘affordable’ and ‘cost-effective’, rather than simply looking for Sydney’s cheapest suburbs.

For example, investing in a piece of land rather than buying an existing home gives you the potential for:

The value of land always rises. With house values trend tracking upwards in Sydney (Norwest average values have risen from $1.16 million in 2019 to 1.522 million in early 2024), now is a great time to look for a cost-effective and location-savvy purchase that will definitely feel like it was ‘cheap’ in a few years.

It would be ideal if the opportune time to invest in property aligned with market price reductions, but many investors have learned the hard way that the property market doesn’t typically operate in that manner.

The right time to buy is more about a specific situation and mindset than a fixed timeframe. It occurs when your budget, the market conditions, and property availability in your desired location come together to create a unique investment opportunity—tailored to you and you alone.

Hence, seasoned investors understand that the best time to buy is when YOU are ready. Keep your eyes and ears open, and be prepared to seize the opportunity. We explain why below.

The problem with waiting for a market correction

There’s a fundamental issue with waiting for a market correction that all prospective property buyers should be aware of—and it’s perfectly illustrated in the chart below.

From The Sydney Morning Herald. Click to view the interactive graph on their website.

The substantial gap between completed homes and population growth signifies a current shortage in property supply to meet demand.

With escalating construction costs, persistent challenges in the construction sector, an extremely low rental vacancy rate of only 1%, increasing renters transitioning to buyers, and rising interest rates posing challenges in pre-funding new developments, the gap between completed homes and population growth is unlikely to narrow in the foreseeable future.

The implications are significant for Australian property prices. Regardless of higher interest rates, it’s challenging to envision a significant decline in residential property prices in the foreseeable future. Given the pronounced undersupply of property, unlikely to be addressed in the short term, property prices are more likely to continue their upward trajectory in 2024.

Against this backdrop, waiting for a market correction to enter the market is unlikely to prove fruitful.

Buy investment property when your ducks are aligned

With a persistent undersupply of Australian residential property, now is not the time to adopt a defensive and cautious approach. Prospective buyers are more likely to succeed by purchasing investment property when their circumstances align for doing so.

In other words, the best time to act is when you have the necessary funding and budget to buy an investment property that aligns with your financial plan. The outlook for Australian residential property in 2024 appears promising at this point.

Explore Landen’s calculators to help you better understand your financial position and possible opportunities.

Funds management, or asset management, can be explained simply as the task of managing a pool of money on behalf of others with the end goal of maximising any returns. These could be tangible assets (such as equipment and real estate) or intangible assets (like intellectual property).

Because the pooled capital is usually spread across different investments, that can help reduce the impact of certain assets performing poorly. The other benefit of this strategy is that by sharing the investments with other unit holders your entry costs tend to be lower than if you were to buy shares directly yourself.

What Landen Funds offers

Landen Funds gives investors access to a selection of low cost of entry, low volatility funds with fewer charges, and asset backed security. Typically, our funds run for 12 to 24 months, and the minimum investment amount is usually $100,000.

Our focus is on contribution mortgage schemes, as defined by ASIC. The funds raised are invested together into a mortgage or loan, which is then lent to a borrower (in our case, it’s lent to the Landen developer of Landen Properties). The collateral/security of the loan is the land.

The benefits of investing with Landen Funds

Exclusive and competitive opportunities – Investors are given the opportunity to access a carefully selected collective of low cost of entry, low volatility funds with fewer charges, and asset backed security. Landen Funds has access to Specific Investment Funds created for Landen Property projects, which offer our investors competitive conditions and returns.

Professional management – Fund managers are experienced and qualified professionals who specialise in the selection and maintenance of investments. Our team has the expert knowledge that comes with years of studying financial market movements, so you don’t have to.

Security – People invest to make money and want to know that their funds have been professionally managed. They want to know the future income derived is governed by a high level of compliance and regulation. As Landen is a Retail fund, it is subject to a higher level of regulation and scrutiny than a Wholesale Fund.

Income – Landen has developed a range of Specific Investment funds to provide earnings in either a regular sum or as a lump sum at the end of the investment period. When you reinvest these earnings, you can look forward to the compounding effect on your wealth in the future.

When is the best time to invest in funds?

It pays to invest at all stages of your life, but how you invest and what you invest in might change over time. Younger investors may be more resilient to market ups and downs so might choose to invest in higher return funds which come with more elevated risks. As people mature and their financial needs change they might pivot to more stable and lower risk investment opportunities.

What to look out for when investing

Investment risk is weighing up the likelihood of losing money if your investment falls in value or simply doesn’t perform as well as expected. While all assets carry risks, some are riskier than others, so be sure to work out your own risk tolerance – the degree of uncertainty you’re prepared to accept in relation to investment returns.

When you are deciding where to park your money, do your homework to determine the risks, ensure you know when and how you’ll be paid any profits and read the fine print.

What makes a great fund advisor?

It’s important you find a fund advisor you can trust, who is professional, has integrity, and a proven track record. A great advisor works with you to understand your needs, set your financial goals, and create a plan to help you achieve them.

Be aware that anyone who is giving out personal financial advice must have an Australian Financial Services (AFS) license issued by ASIC. By only dealing with licensed businesses, you’re better protected if things were to go wrong, and you’ll have access to free dispute resolution services.

Landen Funds has appointed One Investment Group as the fund’s independent responsible entity and custodian. One Investment Group monitors the operation of the fund and offers us advice about complying with the relevant rules and regulations.

As the investment manager, we’re responsible for providing quarterly performance reports to our investors about the projects we invest in. All the team members in the fund management team are RG146 compliant and are trained to provide general advice to our investors. We have set standard operating procedures that we require our employees to follow and provide regular training courses.

If you are interested in taking your first step towards financial freedom through funds management, speak to our trusted team at Landen Funds today.

Find out more about Landen Funds, here.

Buying land or a land and house package in Australia is exciting, but there is paperwork and due diligence involved before you can pop the champagne to celebrate.

If you’re buying, it can be such a relief to find a solution that works for you, and you may feel tempted to add your signature to the contract without a second thought. However, it’s crucial to pay close attention to what you are agreeing to.

Before you purchase land or a home and land package in Sydney or elsewhere, take a look at some must-know information about exchanging contracts.

  1. Read your contract carefully

A home and land package in Sydney or elsewhere gives you a vacant block that is ready to build on or will be ready to build on soon. Generally, you will sign a contract for the land purchase and one for the builder to complete the construction work. These are separate documents, even though you are paying one price as part of the package.

If you are only buying the land, you will only have to deal with one contract until the time comes to build.

Land only contracts

The list below shows some of the key items included in a land contract:

Keep in mind that the contract is a lengthy document and will also include other information, such as taxation details and financial information. It may also have sections for foreign investment approval or other variables depending on the sale.

Ensure you read through your contract thoroughly and consider any clauses you may add.

Construction contract

The contract for the construction of the home is called a Home Building Contract/Agreement.

When you buy a land and home package you will need this contract and the land contract described above.

You should read over this contract just as carefully. It is more complex than a basic land or home purchase because it involves construction work over an extended period of time. For a thorough list of what to expect from a Home Building Contract/Agreement, head to the Fair Trading NSW website and review their checklist to make sure you are ready to take on a contract.

The checklist includes essential points like ensuring your builder is licensed and insured and that they represent a reputable new home construction company with a strong performance history. You should also take the time to review things like cost variations, builder warranties and what will happen if either party decides to terminate the contract.

Some contracts specify a fixed price for the build, others don’t. This is something to check carefully; you don’t want to end up spending more than expected or end up with a bill you are not prepared to pay.

  1. Understand the cooling-off terms

Technically speaking, there is a five-day cooling off period before a contract of sale goes ‘unconditional’. However, this is often waived in NSW with the help of what’s known as a Section 66W certificate.

Before you sign as part of a buying agreement, be aware that if Section 66W applies, there will be almost no option to back out and reclaim your deposit. In this case, it’s best to arrange a building and pest inspection before you have your offer accepted rather than afterwards.

You may be able to negotiate a five-day cooling-off period, but this allows the seller to back out as well. If either party changes their mind during this time, a small fee will apply.

  1. Time is of the essence

The Sydney property market is competitive at the moment, and there are lots of interested buyers looking for homes. For this reason, you will be expected to sign your contract reasonably quickly after having an offer accepted. Set aside some time in your day to give this task your full attention to avoid overlooking any important details.

  1. Professional help is essential

It makes sense to have a licensed conveyancer or solicitor to help you sign your new home or Sydney house and land package contract.

This expert will be able to look closely at documents including the plans and site specifications. They know how to spot red flags like a deck or swimming pool isn’t up to code.

A professional can also help you add clauses to the contract and take the right steps to ensure that your builders are above board.

Want to buy land or a house and land package in Sydney? Talk to us today. Call 1300 526 336 or click here.

 

Nestled in the heart of the Hawkesbury region, Oakville exudes a unique blend of tranquillity and promise, and is a suburb poised for a new chapter in its storied history.

Let’s take a closer look at what makes Oakville an enticing prospect for those seeking a vibrant community to call home.

A glimpse into the past

According to records from a local Hawkesbury paper, Oakville was the name of the selection taken up by John Clark in 1894 near the Oakville of today. Clark built a four-room cottage and fenced and improved the land. The selection straddled a valley known as Oak Hollow because of the number of She Oaks (Casuarinas) which grew along the creek. Clark named his property Oakville and the district around it soon became known by the same name.

Over the years, it has evolved into a close-knit community that cherishes its heritage while embracing modernity. This suburb, bordering McGrath’s Hill, Vineyard, Box Hill, and Gables, stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the region.

A tapestry of families and potential

What sets Oakville apart is its predominantly family-oriented demographic. Many households here are filled with the laughter and vitality of children, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. This dynamic makes Oakville an ideal setting for those looking to raise a family, offering a supportive environment that fosters growth and camaraderie.

According to the 2021 ABS census, Oakville has a total population of 2,027 and 645 dwellings. Around 27% of residents are aged 25 to 49 years old and are likely to be part of a couple with children (45% of households) or a couple with no children (28%). They are likely to work in construction (20%), retail (10%) or manufacturing (8.5%).

Seamless connectivity

Located just 20 kilometres from the buzz of Norwest Business Park and a 49 kilometres north-west of Sydney’s central business district, Oakville strikes a balance between accessibility and serene living. Its proximity to key urban centres ensures that residents can enjoy the best of both worlds – the tranquillity of Oakville and the vibrant opportunities that Greater Western Sydney has to offer.

For shoppers, both the Carmel Village Shopping Centre is within easy reach, while the lively Rouse Hill Town Centre is just a short 15-minute drive. The upcoming Box Hill City Centre is another exciting addition to the shopping scene.

For families with school-aged children, Oakville is home to two schools – Oakville Public School for K-6 and the independent co-educational Arndell Anglican College for K-12. If these immediate local schools don’t suit, choose from a myriad of other top quality schools for all ages within the area.

Landen’s vision for Oakville

Landen’s unveiling of its Oakville estate marks a significant milestone in the development landscape. Boasting nearly 100 carefully curated lots, this is Landen’s most expansive estate to date. While exclusively offering land parcels, Landen is set to collaborate with a select group of builders to bring bespoke visions to life.

With staged releases planned, the estate provides a diverse array of lots ranging from 400 to 450 sqm. While pricing details are yet to be finalised, one thing is certain – Oakville presents an extraordinary opportunity for those seeking a place to build their dreams.

A glimpse into the future

In choosing Oakville as the canvas for their newest development, Landen recognises the tremendous potential this suburb holds. Drawing parallels with the thriving community of Box Hill, Landen envisions Oakville as the next beacon of growth and prosperity. The attributes that have made Box Hill a success story is echoed in Oakville’s landscape, offering a promising future for its residents.

As Landen’s Oakville estate prepares to take its place in the spotlight, it beckons to those with a vision for a vibrant and fulfilling life. With a rich history, a welcoming community, and a strategic location, Oakville stands poised to become a jewel in the City of Hawkesbury’s crown.

Keep an eye out for the launch of Landen’s Oakville estate – an opportunity to be part of a community that embraces the best of tradition and the promise of tomorrow.

Visit our Oakville Estate or get in touch with us on 1300 526 336 to register your interest.

If you have been following the Australian property market over recent years, you will know there have been a lot of price fluctuations and mixed messages.

Despite what some headlines may say (and they all seem to say different things), our view is that right now will be one of the best times to buy for quite a few years.

Here’s a look at what’s going on and an explanation around why a savvy purchase made in 2023 is likely to deliver better returns than if you wait until this time next year:

In 2023, while average home values are still rising across the country, growth has gone from stratospheric to so/so. There are a few factors that are keeping things relatively even:

If you think of property performance in terms of a clock, with 12 being the peak of price rises and six reflecting a period of inactivity, current data shows the hands are a lot closer to six than 12. Prices are not falling and auction clearance rates are reasonably strong, but home values are not going through the roof either.

Four reasons to buy at the end of 2023

So the property market is relatively lacklustre at the moment. This means it’s a great time to get in and buy.Take a look at why you might decide to make a move sooner rather than later.

  1. Interest rates are nearing their peak.

Inflation in the June quarter this year was only at 6% and is predicted to continue to slow.

The Reserve Bank raised interest rates in an effort to curb inflation and their efforts appear to be paying off. It’s too early to say for sure, but experts from the major banks are predicting they will begin to drop next year. There are already signs of this, with rates being left on hold in July and August.

Lower interest rates mean cheaper money, and this instigates buyer activity. While rates are higher, if you can afford to invest, it’s a great time. The silver lining of high rates is that you will find your loan more affordable over time if you have a variable rate that starts to drop.

  1. Construction costs are coming under control

Meanwhile, signs of inflation in the construction industry are easing as well. At the peak, building costs were out of control thanks to shortages of labour and material. Sadly, this caused many construction companies to collapse.

The flip side of this coin is that developers and companies that remain have proven they can stay the course through difficult economic times. They have more workers to choose from and are finally finding it easier to budget correctly for projects.

If you’re looking to invest in a new development and choose a well-established provider to work with, the ease in inflation means you can be more confident about your decision.

  1. Relatively low activity

While the bottom hasn’t fallen out of the real estate market, agents are definitely working a little harder at the moment to find buyers. If you can make a purchase now, you will have the advantage when the time comes to negotiate.

  1. Trends and traditions

Historically, periods of high interest rates and inflation are followed by market peaks. Consider the period after the GFC in Australia, which saw house prices increase.

Buying now means you’ll experience the calm before the storm and can look forward to positive returns when the market picks up.

The aim of buying real estate is to make money. While others are being cautious, it can pay to take action.

If you’d like to explore property investment options for 2023, visit Landen’s Estates, or call 1300 526 336 to get in touch with us today.

Nestled within the heart of North-West Sydney, Grantham Farm is a suburb carefully curated to embrace the serenity of nature while being within arm’s reach of modern conveniences. With a heritage dating back to a land grant, it seamlessly marries the past with the present. This region not only offers residents a tranquil lifestyle but also celebrates the remarkable journey that has shaped it into the vibrant community it is today

A glimpse into the past

Grantham Farm holds a rich history that adds layers of depth to its present-day allure. Although it wasn’t gazetted until November 2020, the suburb was originally a part of Riverstone and has witnessed centuries of growth and transformation. The echoes of its past, now woven into the fabric of the estate, lend it a unique and captivating character.

The very name of the suburb, Grantham Farm, carries the echoes of its evolution. The estate’s roots can be traced back to a subdivision of the original land grant of Riverstone. In 1810, Governor Lachlan Macquarie granted Lieutenant-Colonel Maurice Charles O’Connell a parcel of land that would later become the cornerstone of Grantham Farm. This historic land grant housed a sprawling six-bedroom cottage, complemented by vineyards and other essential outbuildings.

Where community meets convenience

Grantham Farm has quickly emerged as a haven for families seeking an oasis of tranquillity without compromising on accessibility. Its strategic location places it close to vital amenities and efficient public transport. This family-friendly neighbourhood caters to those who yearn for a quieter pace of life while remaining connected to urban necessities.

According to the 2021 ABS census, Grantham Farm has a total population of 3,669 and 1,204 dwellings. Almost 50% of residents are aged 25 to 49 years old and are likely to be part of a couple with children (54% of households) or a couple with no children (21%). They are likely to work in health care and social assistance (15%), Construction (11.5%) or retail (10%).

Ease and convenience become companions in Grantham Farm, with a range of shopping and dining options within reach. Residents can indulge in retail therapy at the Carmel Village Shopping Centre or relish the vibrant offerings of the Rouse Hill Town Centre. An assortment of family-friendly dining choices – spanning cafes, restaurants, and more – promises to tantalise taste buds and elevate dining experiences.

Education thrives in the vicinity of the suburb too, with an array of schools and learning centres within a 5km radius. From the Riverstone Public School to the Norwest Christian College, a plethora of options provide quality education for children. For those seeking tertiary education, esteemed institutions like Western Sydney University Nirimba and Tafe NSW – Castle Hill are conveniently situated a short drive away.

Nature lovers find themselves in their element at Grantham Farm. The cherished Rouse Hill Regional Park, a mere six-minute drive away, invites residents for leisurely picnics and family barbecues. Its bike trails, playgrounds, and the serenity of Second Pond Creek create a haven of relaxation. Nearby parks such as Riverstone Park, Schofields Park, Braemont Park, and Douglas Reserve add to the variety of outdoor options.

Seamless connectivity

Grantham Farm’s connectivity is its crowning glory. The convenience of Tallawong Metro Station and Riverstone Train Station ensures effortless access to Parramatta, Sydney CBD, and beyond.

A network of bus routes threading through Box Hill, Riverstone, Rouse Hill, and Castle Hill ensures that accessibility is never a concern, connecting residents to a world of opportunities.

This ease of travel is also appealing to renters. Investors hold 30% of homes in the area, while the balance is wholly owned or mortgaged. Visit https://www.realestate.com.au, for up to date summary of the suburb’s demand, supply and prices.

What home options does Landen have to offer in Grantham Farm?

Our Grantham Farm estate is perfectly positioned opposite a new Council Reserve and offers a range of land only blocks as well as a selection of home and land packages with some of Sydney’s leading builders.

Comprising a limited selection of meticulously planned blocks, Grantham Farm Estate pays homage to the essence of thoughtful land design. Spanning up to 380m², these plots offer an array of possibilities for those looking to craft their ideal living space. This diversity ensures that the estate caters to varied preferences, from spacious family homes to more compact, low-maintenance dwellings.

What’s next?

With its proximity to key amenities in the heart of a thriving region, it is clear that Grantham Farm is a place that people want to call home.

To find out more or express your interest in this suburb, get in touch with our property team at 1300 141 270.

It’s well-known that the pandemic triggered an inflation event in Australia and many other parts of the world. Demand for many goods and services increased, and petrol production slowed down, which put pressure on costs across the board.

One of the worst affected industries was construction, which saw prices rise astronomically thanks to a squeeze on supply chains, materials, labour and interest rates. Sadly, this saw a number of companies become insolvent because they were ill-equipped to manage increased costs

The good news for anyone who wants to build a home, develop property or buy off the plan is that there appears to be light at the end of the tunnel.

Here is some information about inflation and interest rates as they stand in Australia right now, and what this means for the property market.

News on inflation and construction costs

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reported that annual consumer price index inflation was 6% in the June quarter. In comparison, 7% was recorded in the March quarter and inflation peaked at 7.8% in the December quarter of last year.

The ABS’s latest figures also place the price growth of new dwellings at 7.8%, well down from the high in September 2022 of 20.7%. Researchers credit the easing of growth to levelling material costs and improved availability of goods and labour.

Meanwhile, CoreLogic’s Cordell Construction Cost Index (CCCI) reported that construction cost growth slowed to 0.7% in the June quarter; a big improvement on the 4.7% increase seen in the September quarter last year.

So while prices are still rising, the trajectory is levelling out. This brings more certainty to builders and homebuyers.

Interest rates and construction

Interest rates have now been on hold for two consecutive months. The Reserve Bank stated at the start of August that smaller-than-expected consumer price increases over the last quarter and a drop in retail sales during June meant they did not feel an additional increase was warranted.

Interest rates are still reasonably high and while it’s not confirmed that they won’t rise again, Deloitte Access Economics Partner Stephen Smith was quoted as saying that the Australian economy has softened dramatically, the pace of inflation has peaked and medium-term inflation expectations are not rising. He says that in this context, there shouldn’t be further interest rate increases in Australia.

A steadying of interest rates and the hope of decreases in the not-too-distant future is good news for the construction industry. It means projects will be easier to plan for and budgets easier to stick to. What’s more, borrowing costs will be steadier and more predictable.

What this means for the property market

As Michael Yardney recently explained on his Property Update website, high inflation doesn’t necessarily mean property prices will drop or the property market will crash. Yes, values may settle, but historically inflation doesn’t result in them falling.

Some sources predict that inflation won’t drop into the 2-3 per cent range that the Reserve Bank of Australia aims for until 2025, while others predict a drop to 2.9% in 2024. If past trends are anything to go by, this is when people will become more active again, and prices will begin to shoot up once more.

As Michael Yarndey also points out, “Investors should recognise that times like this create tremendous opportunities, a window of opportunity is currently available that smart property buyers are taking advantage of.” His advice to investors is that now is a good time to purchase quality assets; A-grade properties in locations where value is likely to hold steady.

It all comes down to understanding how property markets work, choosing wisely and having a clear plan. With inflation and interest rates still relatively high, this may be the perfect time to invest. You can take advantage of a slower period in the market and enjoy returns when buying activity ramps up in the future.

If you do decide to go ahead with investing, here are two quick pieces of advice:

  1. Work with an experienced broker to secure a loan that will work for you, even if interest rates increase again.
  2. If you’re buying off the plan, make sure the developer and builder have a great track record and robust measures in place to protect your investment.

If you’d like to explore property investment options for 2023, visit Landen’s Estates, or call 1300 526 336 to get in touch with us today.