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How to downsize without leaving the suburb you love

<p style="text-align: left;">If you find yourself rattling around in a home that now has too many rooms to clean, and you’d prefer to spend more time doing things you love rather than household chores, it might be time to downsize. Not only can downsizing your property simplify your lifestyle, it has the potential to free up some funds as well. If you manage your ‘empty nester’ status well, it can become a profitable nest egg!</p> <p style="text-align: left;">But downsizing to a smaller home can be a daunting process. You may not be ready for the close proximity of a retirement village, nor are you keen to leave the neighbourhood you love. You have great neighbours, you’re close to family, and you have all the amenities you want nearby, but your house just doesn’t suit your lifestyle anymore.</p> <p>So, what are your options? There are in fact a couple of great alternatives to packing up and leaving everything you’ve known behind: building a dual occupancy home or a knockdown rebuild on your existing block of land.</p> <p><strong>What is a dual occupancy development?</strong></p> <p>A dual occupancy home design, also known as a ‘duplex’ or ‘multi-dwelling’, can come in a variety of layouts: either two attached dwellings side by side, where both properties have street frontage, or one behind the other, where there’s a driveway down one side of the property. A dual occupancy home is a great consideration for those who:</p> <ul> <li>Want to remain in the same area but don’t need as big a house.</li> <li>Want a low maintenance lifestyle.</li> <li>Have a large block in an area where land prices are increasing.</li> <li>Want to realise some of the equity in the land.</li> <li>Want to create an ongoing income stream through an investment property.</li> </ul> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Unlocking wealth with a dual occupancy home design</strong></p> <p>The Australian property boom has made many people many millions. But the fact is that the wealth lies in the land not in the dwellings themselves. Many people who have owned a slice of the Aussie Dream for more than 10-15 years are sitting on potential gold, however all their equity is tied up in the land beneath their house. For empty nesters that are ready to downsize, this offers enormous opportunity.</p> <p>It’s no surprise that dual occupancy house designs are increasing in popularity. There are a number of ways you can capitalise on this opportunity:</p> <ul> <li>Live in one house and sell the other.</li> <li>Live in one house, then rent the other one. This provides a potential income stream and is particularly great if your property is in an area where rental supply is low.</li> <li>Sell both houses and live somewhere else. This option works well in areas where housing stock is low and demand is high – and when you’re prepared to find somewhere else to live!</li> </ul> <p>There are some design limitations when it comes to building a dual occupancy home due to the somewhat restricted footprint, and a number of things to consider such as the size of your block, street frontage, driveways and council approvals. Thankfully however, experienced homebuilders such as Metricon have the expertise and know-how to provide you the guidance you need to make the most of your asset.</p> <p><strong>Knockdown rebuild – build a brand-new home, wherever suits your lifestyle</strong></p> <p>“Don’t move your life, improve your life!” is a fitting motto for those looking to take advantage of their great location by building a more suitable home for their life stage. If you really love where you live but your home just isn’t right for you any more, then there are two likely options: a renovation or a knockdown rebuild.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">A knockdown rebuild is especially a great option when you are looking to downsize – such as replacing your double storey home with a more suitable single storey option. Perhaps you are weighing up the option of moving but also hoping to build new. Let’s explore your options.</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>To renovate or rebuild?</strong></p> <p>Before jumping on the renovation bandwagon, assuming it is an easier option, there are a few factors to consider that may ultimately influence your decision. These can include: the extent of your renovation, the comparable costs between renovating and rebuilding, and the expected increase in value of your property. Other factors such as the condition of your home (some old homes can’t cope with structural changes), and ongoing expense (a new home is typically cheaper to maintain than an older home), may preclude you from renovating.</p> <p>Renovating can often result in unforeseen cost blowouts and uncover previously hidden or undiscovered faults. There’s also the hassle of shifting furniture, isolating rooms, living in only part of your home or moving out completely during the renovation. A knockdown rebuild however, may be easier and deliver a more satisfying result than you think: a brand-new home where everything is clean and reliable, in a floorplan that matches your desired lifestyle perfectly.</p> <p><strong>Re-locating and building new</strong></p> <p>If you’re looking for a complete lifestyle change when downsizing, perhaps weighing up the options of a sea or tree change, you can have the best of both worlds and build your dream home to perfectly suit your new location. </p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

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Award-winning century-old house smashes local records

<p>Despite drastically diminishing market conditions, the century-old mansion in the luxurious suburb of Kingsville, Victoria, has surpassed the local pricing record more than 12 months after first being listed for sale. </p> <p>The four-bedroom property – that even has its own ballroom – lies on 1,578 square metres and was snapped up for $2.7m just one week before Christmas – and that was after being sadly passed-in at an auction in November.</p> <p>Even though it was initially listed with a prospective pricing target of $4m way back in October 2021, the final price of $2.7m was a good $800,000 clear of the previous local pricing record of $1.93m.</p> <p>Leo Dardha from Hockingstuart Yarraville told <a href="realestate.com.au/news/kingston-house-price-record-mansion-smashes-record-by-800000/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>The Herald Sun</em></a> that buyers “loved the history, they loved the character and they loved the size of the land”.</p> <p>“It’s one of a kind in Kingsville,” he said.</p> <p>“It’s won a couple of awards. It won a beautification award in 1991 from Maribyrnong Council and has had only two owners in 100 years.</p> <p>“The first owners who commissioned the build were in the transport industry and the second were a local family who moved from another home on Somerville Rd and enjoyed the past 40 years there; it was their pride and joy, their trophy home and they raised their family there.”</p> <p>The upper level of the home is a ballroom that has been the scene of many functions with family and friends over the years, while the wider house features rich timber throughout.</p> <p>An entrance hall, formal lounge and dining rooms, sitting room, and office or sunroom, are among the other traditional highlights.</p> <p><em>Images: Hockingstuart Yarraville </em></p> <p> </p>

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Melbourne suburbs ordered to evacuate

<p dir="ltr">Residents of several Melbourne suburbs have been ordered to evacuate while others across the state have been told it’s too late to leave as Victoria experiences “one of the most significant flood events” in recent history.</p> <p dir="ltr">As the Maribyrnong River in north-west Melbourne continues to rise, 42 suburbs across the city have been told to prepare for potential flooding. </p> <p dir="ltr">Those living in parts of Maribyrnong were urged to evacuate immediately by Vic Emergency as of 5.40am on Friday. Authorities have also warned residents in several suburbs in the riverine area to move to higher ground, with “flooding above floor level” in single-storey homes “likely to occur in many locations”.</p> <p dir="ltr">River levels are expected to peak above flood level on Friday morning, with levels in Keilor expected to peak at 8.7 metres and levels in Maribyrnong expected to hit 3.8 metres, according to an alert issued by the Bureau of Meteorology.</p> <p dir="ltr">The Bureau warned that flooding in the catchment of Deep River and the Maribyrnong River could result in “extensive inundation”, traffic disruptions and isolated properties.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-ee343382-7fff-e345-ff8e-cd45183ac72e"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">It comes as a total of 91 flood-related warnings have been issued across Victoria, ranging in severity from Flood Watch alerts near inundated catchments to orders to evacuate immediately.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Sullivans Road, Strathfieldsaye blocked by flood water <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/vicfloods?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#vicfloods</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/victoria?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#victoria</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/bendigo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#bendigo</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/severeweather?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#severeweather</a> <a href="https://t.co/MLt0rCwtU0">pic.twitter.com/MLt0rCwtU0</a></p> <p>— Nicholas Nakos (@nicholas_nakos) <a href="https://twitter.com/nicholas_nakos/status/1580477701575438336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Between Thursday morning and Friday, the Victoria State Emergency Service responded to over 2500 calls for help, as staff assist in evacuating residents and clearing roads.</p> <p dir="ltr">Premier Daniel Andrews told the <em>ABC</em> that the suburbs of Benalla, Wedderburn, the Maribyrnong, Carisbrook, Seymour and Rochester were his “chief concerns”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The most important thing is just to say to people get the best information, please be aware of your circumstances,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“If people are being called out driving through flood waters, that is dangerous for you and it is really dangerous for the emergency services (and the) volunteer or career staffer who has to come and save you.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-e8cd8558-7fff-0b5e-b589-c9318d3b5857"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">As of 6.30am on Friday, residents in Rochester, Maribyrnong, Benalla, Carisbrook and the township of Seymour have been advised to leave immediately, with some Seymour residents told it was too late to leave just seven minutes later due to the rising Goulburn River flooding roads and bridges.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Some of the flooding at my sister’s farm outside of Bendigo, Victoria. There’s a bridge under the water somewhere. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/floods?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#floods</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/australia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#australia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Campaspe?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Campaspe</a> <a href="https://t.co/qdpTHF4bmN">pic.twitter.com/qdpTHF4bmN</a></p> <p>— Josh (@SladdenJosh) <a href="https://twitter.com/SladdenJosh/status/1580692557301809152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">While the Bureau reports that the deluge is expected to clear from 6am on Friday, rainfall totals have peaked above 200mm in just 24 hours and broken historic October totals, including one dating back to 1863.</p> <p dir="ltr">ABC meteorologist Thomas Saunders <a href="https://twitter.com/TomSaundersABC/status/1580415225798758402" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a> that 76mm recorded in Mangalore exceeded records dating back to 1957, 71mm in Swan Hill is the highest total since 1884, and 66mm in Bendigo is the highest recorded since 1863.</p> <p dir="ltr">The biggest falls affected Victoria’s lower northeast, with Strathbogie North, Charnwood and Moroko Park reporting totals of 221.6mm, 209.4mm and 187mm respectively.</p> <p dir="ltr">On Thursday, Mr Andrews warned that the incoming weather event was “one of the most significant flood events” in recent history.</p> <p dir="ltr">“That will pose a real challenge over the coming days,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">Victoria’s soaking comes as widespread heavy rain and flash flooding continued to threaten northern Tasmania, central Victoria, and southern inland NSW, with the Bureau predicting that the weather event will finally move offshore on Friday.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-4d2b70a5-7fff-3a5b-db4f-abef7ce37485"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: The Today Show</em></p>

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Aussie suburbs where house prices have doubled

<p>Sydney has quickly become one of the most expensive cities in the world, where the value of homes across suburbs, both metro and regional, continues to rise.</p> <p>In fact, they have risen a staggering $1 million-plus in some areas in the space of two years since the pandemic hit.</p> <p>Houses in the celebrity hot-spot of Byron Bay have skyrocketed 114% between March 2020 and 2022. The beachside town saw the value of a typical house rise from $1.4 million to $3.02 million in the past two years, an increase of $1.6 million.</p> <p>In Sydney’s northwest, the suburb of Glenorie experienced an 88% increase in value. jumping from $1.27 million in 2020 up to $2.4 million – almost doubling.</p> <p>The waterfront suburb of Sylvania Waters in Sydney’s south saw house values soar by $1.13 million. Back in 2020, house prices were typically $1.6 million but that has now increased by 84% to $2.95 million in February.</p> <p>Another suburb that saw staggering increases was Bayview on Sydney’s northern beaches, with house prices increasing by 77% or $1.47 million in two years. A regular house in the suburb jumped from $1.92 million to $3.4 million.</p> <p>The suburb that recorded the most incredible jump in value was on the Central Coast, an area that has become increasingly popular as the opportunity to work from home became more common during the pandemic.</p> <p>The suburb of Wyee saw its house values increase a whopping 142%, taking it from $330,000 in 2020 to $797,500 this year.</p> <p>Coastal and regional areas in Australia experienced some of the highest jumps in value, said REA head of research Cameron Kusher, with the Central Coast in particular recording six suburbs in the top 20 growth areas in NSW.</p> <p>“People have realised that if they’re not going into the office every day, they can currently live by the beach on the Central Coast, or out around the Blue Mountains, get themselves a much larger property and live more like they would like to.”</p> <p>Austral in Sydney’s west was the second-best performing suburb out of the top 20 growth suburbs in NSW, with an incredible 132% increase, pushing typical house values from $439,400 to $1.01 million.</p> <p>Copacabana on the Central Coast boasted the third biggest increase at 106% with a rise of $981,500 in house values. A typical house rose from $923,500 back in March 2020 to now be worth a staggering $1.9 million.</p> <p>Mr Kushner said it was unusual for capital cities and regions around Australia to boom simultaneously, but the pandemic meant people were saving more but couldn’t spend it on typical things like travelling and entertainment, so turned to spending cash on property.</p> <p>Lockdown also made people realise that life had changed and they wanted a more comfortable place to live as they were spending so much time there, he said.</p> <p>“It’s very abnormal to be seeing everywhere growing rapidly at one point in time and I think that speaks to the fact that interest rates were cut so low,” he said.</p> <p>A huge shortage in available properties on the market also drove the boom.</p> <p>“We saw a real reluctance of people to bring properties to market and a lot of that was driven by the uncertainty around lockdowns and not knowing if you’re going to get the best price if you put your property on the market and no one could inspect it,” he said.</p> <p>However, Australia’s red hot property market has finally started to slow down according to recent data showing that the cost of property has only risen by 0.3% in March and has even fallen around cities like Melbourne and Perth. </p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

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Anti-racist street signs slammed in wealthy suburbs

<p dir="ltr">Residents of some of Australia’s wealthiest suburbs <a href="https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/australia/outrage-over-woke-anti-racist-street-signs-in-wealthy-sydney-suburbs/ar-AATR1gL?ocid=hplocalnews" target="_blank" rel="noopener">have called</a> for the removal of “woke” anti-racism street signs, despite residents in other areas with the signs having zero complaints.</p><p><span id="docs-internal-guid-8ab719ee-7fff-026c-f694-289e61f02ac6"></span></p><p dir="ltr">Red signs with the phrase “#RacismNOTWelcome” displayed in white text were erected in several wealthy eastern suburbs within the Woollahra Local Government Area (LGA), including Paddington, Rose Bay, Bellevue Hill and Double Bay.</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF;border: 0;border-radius: 3px;margin: 1px;max-width: 540px;min-width: 326px;padding: 0;width: calc(100% - 2px)" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/COY25tALOnc/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"><div style="padding: 16px"><div style="flex-direction: row;align-items: center"><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4;border-radius: 50%;flex-grow: 0;height: 40px;margin-right: 14px;width: 40px"> </div><div style="flex-direction: column;flex-grow: 1;justify-content: center"><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4;border-radius: 4px;flex-grow: 0;height: 14px;margin-bottom: 6px;width: 100px"> </div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4;border-radius: 4px;flex-grow: 0;height: 14px;width: 60px"> </div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0"> </div><div style="height: 50px;margin: 0 auto 12px;width: 50px"> </div><div style="padding-top: 8px"><div style="color: #3897f0;font-family: Arial,sans-serif;font-size: 14px;font-style: normal;font-weight: 550;line-height: 18px">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0"> </div><div style="flex-direction: row;margin-bottom: 14px;align-items: center"><div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4;border-radius: 50%;height: 12.5px;width: 12.5px"> </div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4;height: 12.5px;width: 12.5px;flex-grow: 0;margin-right: 14px;margin-left: 2px"> </div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4;border-radius: 50%;height: 12.5px;width: 12.5px"> </div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px"><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4;border-radius: 50%;flex-grow: 0;height: 20px;width: 20px"> </div><div style="width: 0;height: 0;border-top: 2px solid transparent;border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4;border-bottom: 2px solid transparent"> </div></div><div style="margin-left: auto"><div style="width: 0px;border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4;border-right: 8px solid transparent"> </div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4;flex-grow: 0;height: 12px;width: 16px"> </div><div style="width: 0;height: 0;border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4;border-left: 8px solid transparent"> </div></div></div><div style="flex-direction: column;flex-grow: 1;justify-content: center;margin-bottom: 24px"><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4;border-radius: 4px;flex-grow: 0;height: 14px;margin-bottom: 6px;width: 224px"> </div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4;border-radius: 4px;flex-grow: 0;height: 14px;width: 144px"> </div></div><p style="color: #c9c8cd;font-family: Arial,sans-serif;font-size: 14px;line-height: 17px;margin-bottom: 0;margin-top: 8px;overflow: hidden;padding: 8px 0 7px;text-align: center"><a style="color: #c9c8cd;font-family: Arial,sans-serif;font-size: 14px;font-style: normal;font-weight: normal;line-height: 17px;text-decoration: none" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/COY25tALOnc/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Racism Not Welcome (@racismnotwelcome)</a></p></div></blockquote><p dir="ltr">The initiative started by Woollahra Council as part of a city-wide campaign last year to raise awareness of the issue.</p><p dir="ltr">But, local residents have complained that the signs inadvertently make it seem like the suburb is racist, while Liberal councillors have demanded the signs be ripped down.</p><p dir="ltr">“Locals say the signs give a false impression that Woollahra locals are racists, while there has been no evidence presented to that fact,” a motion before the local council read.</p><p dir="ltr">“The signs do not properly represent our community and are simply an appropriation from some other community, or other local government area, where racism may be rife.”</p><p dir="ltr">Appearing on 2GB radio on Tuesday, Woollahra councillor Mary-Lou Jarvis said, “Lecturing people with street signs is not going to cut it.</p><p dir="ltr">“I was overwhelmed from people around the area when the signs went up. There was an incredible diversity in the people that contacted me.”</p><p dir="ltr">Councillor Jarvis shared one example of a Jewish woman who reached out and asked for the signs to be taken down.</p><p dir="ltr">“She was the first that said to me, ‘This is woke-ism gone mad.’</p><p dir="ltr">“This is all about us taking personal responsibility.”</p><p dir="ltr">Three Liberal councillors initially proposed for all 12 signs to be removed from the LGA, which was followed by a compromise to move the signs from residential streets to public areas such as parks and transport hubs.</p><p dir="ltr">However, the compromise failed after Councillor Jarvis insisted the signs be removed from the area entirely.</p><p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-8b95561f-7fff-26bd-37ba-d6b7d7ef3c1c"></span></p><p dir="ltr">“This has divided the council, it’s divided the community,” she said. “It’s wokeism writ large and has created division where there wasn’t any before. This is all about making people feel good rather than taking actions to reduce racism.”</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Now having to argue to keep Racism Not Welcome signs because some people don’t like them on their street 🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️ <a href="https://t.co/LHv7Ng9pcE">pic.twitter.com/LHv7Ng9pcE</a></p>— Nicola Grieve (@nicolagrieve) <a href="https://twitter.com/nicolagrieve/status/1493173119162658819?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2022</a></blockquote><p dir="ltr">Greens councillor Nicola Grieve said she was “flabbergasted” by the opposition to the signs and that there was definitely racism in the area.</p><p dir="ltr">“I think it’s completely obscene and absurd. There is clearly racism in this electorate: I’ve heard it,” she said.</p><p dir="ltr">“These signs send a message that we are standing up for people of colour and don’t tolerate racism.”</p><p dir="ltr">When the issue was debated on Monday night, Woollahra Municipal Council <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/national/nsw/push-to-remove-woke-anti-racist-street-signs-from-woollahra-fails-20220215-p59wkk.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">voted 8-7</a> to keep the signs in their current locations.</p><p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-9c9ae0b5-7fff-4e54-3e61-d4cc97b7ea55"></span></p><p dir="ltr">The #RacismNOTWelcome street sign campaign, spearheaded by former Socceroo player Craig Foster, began in Sydney’s inner west before spreading to other council areas, including Woollahra.</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">I asked <a href="https://twitter.com/Craig_Foster?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Craig_Foster</a> today if opposing the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/racismNOTwelcome?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#racismNOTwelcome</a> road signs in <a href="https://twitter.com/woollahramc?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@woollahramc</a> indicates to him that racism does exist? This is what he had to say:<br /><br />"Some or all councillors here say there is NO racism here...well...we should beg to differ"<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Woollahra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Woollahra</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Sydney?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Sydney</a> <a href="https://t.co/GJFaJfLnsS">pic.twitter.com/GJFaJfLnsS</a></p>— Nabil Al Nashar (@NabilAlNashar) <a href="https://twitter.com/NabilAlNashar/status/1493521809509351427?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2022</a></blockquote><p dir="ltr">Foster shared his disappointment at the backlash with <em><a href="https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/woollahra-councillors-push-to-remove-anti-racism-signs-20220214-p59w7n.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Sydney Morning Herald</a></em>, telling the publication that the signs send a powerful message to everyone entering a council area that racism won’t be tolerated.</p><p dir="ltr">“A minority saying they feel confronted by the very word ‘racism’ is as old as Australia itself,” he said.</p><p dir="ltr">“It is a disappointment for our whole community when any LGA demonstrates an unwillingness to commit to a more truthful conversation.”</p><p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-b951f644-7fff-651d-bd9b-ee76a4b97562"></span></p><p dir="ltr"><em>Image: @racismnotwelcome (Instagram)</em></p>

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REVEALED: The suburbs expecting plunging property prices

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Despite Australia’s property market being worth more than $9 trillion as of Thursday, property owners in 10 suburbs may miss out on the profits.</span></p> <p><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/finance/real-estate/buying/suburbs-in-nsw-vic-wa-sa-and-qld-where-property-prices-will-plunge/news-story/555745269846ecc8e570849ee452d44c" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">New market research</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> conducted by RiskWise Property Research and BuyersBuyers identified 10 suburbs across Australia that are the worst places to invest due to an oversupply of apartments.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The suburbs have been identified as being in the “danger zone” for property owners looking to make a profit in a joint report released on Tuesday.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“There has been a ‘race for space’ over the past 18 months, sending house prices higher, but unit prices in some high-supply areas look riskier,” the report said.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height:375px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7844703/national-house-value.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/323df4c2d7b54c9996d2e0b8020c1afe" /></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">The ten suburbs are seeing huge growth in the next two years, which will drive down prices. Image: RiskWise Property Research and BuyersBuyers</span></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In New South Wales, Schofields came in first place as the riskiest area to invest in an apartment, with 3397 apartments being built in the next two years that amounts to a 115.7 percent increase in existing stock.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Coming in second was the Melbourne suburb of Box Hill, which is expected to see an increase of 1833 apartments in the next two years and a 25.5 percent increase in stock.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Next in the list is the Western Australian suburb Subiaco, followed by Gosford, NSW, and Victoria’s Footscray.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 0px; height:0px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7844702/sydney-house-value.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/08fe49c1b1f4402dbc5c89f7538843e4" /></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Seven Sydney suburbs have been deemed ‘at risk’. Image: RiskWise Property Research and BuyersBuyers</span></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The research group also compiled lists of the top ten ‘danger zone’ suburbs in NSW and Victoria, which make up the two biggest property markets in the country.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 0px; height:0px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7844701/melbourne-house-value.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/cb174dc8c1e24a758b5acc7d313b8c01" /></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">A separate list identified the ten riskiest areas in Victoria alone. Image: RiskWise Property Research and BuyersBuyers</span></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The report came out two days before CoreLogic released an estimate of the total value of Australian residential real estate that exceeded $9.1 trillion.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Most housing markets (are) now beyond their peak,” CoreLogic noted.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In September, national house values reached $719,209 while unit values reached $586,993.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Getty Images</span></em></p>

Real Estate

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How to downsize without leaving your suburb

<p><em>Image: Readers Digest</em></p> <p>The kids are long gone, you’re tired of never ending cleaning and expensive utility bills, and your large property is now more of a hindrance to your lifestyle. Whether you want to simplify your life or start a new stress-free phase,<span> </span>downsizing your space<span> </span>offers many benefits. The only problem is, when most of us think of downsizing, we think of leaving behind the family home and moving into a smaller place, which can often mean saying goodbye to friends and family.</p> <p>If that thought makes you anxious, don’t worry. Downsizing doesn’t mean you have to sell up and move out. If you want to stay put, in a home that better meets your lifestyle needs, here are two things to consider:</p> <p><strong>Save stress with a knockdown rebuild</strong></p> <p>If you love where you live, but you don’t want to have such a big space anymore, a knockdown rebuild is a great way to build a new home, without having to leave your comfort zone. With a<span> </span>knockdown rebuild<span> </span>you have a blank canvas to work with, so you can design a home that you love from scratch, choosing the size and style to suit your later years. One of the biggest benefits of a knockdown rebuild is that it may be a lot more cost effective than renovating. It can even be less time consuming, and less stressful! If you live on a large block that has the potential to subdivide, you can even knock down your current home, build a smaller one on part of the land, and sell off the other part. This might help you to recoup some of the costs of the rebuild as well.</p> <p><strong>Split your home with dual occupancy</strong></p> <p>If you’re living in an outdated home with plenty of yard space, a dual occupancy home could be the solution. Why not knock your home down and build two homes, live in one and rent out the other? By doing this, you’ll have less space to worry about, and you’ll also be receiving income for the other half of your property. This might also free up some of the equity you have in your current home, and there are a number of tax bonuses as well. If renting the other home isn’t your goal, you might choose to keep family members close, using the second dwelling for them. Many Dual occupancy homes also have the added benefit that if you do choose to sell at any point, you can sell them separately, which could double your sales income!</p> <p>Do your research and find out what’s possible on your block and keep an open mind. Talk to a professional builder and do what’s right for you, and your future.</p> <p><em>This is a sponsored article produced in partnership with Metricon. </em><em>This article first appeared in <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/home-tips/how-to-downsize-without-leaving-your-suburb">Reader’s Digest.</a> For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, <a href="http://readersdigest.innovations.com.au/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&amp;utm_medium=articles&amp;utm_campaign=RDSUB&amp;keycode=WRA87V">here’s our best subscription offer.</a></em></p>

Downsizing

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Coronavirus could turn cities into doughnuts: empty centres but vibrant suburbs

<div class="grid-ten large-grid-nine grid-last content-body content entry-content instapaper_body inline-promos"> <p>The most COVID-19 lockdowns were accompanied by sobering news from the UK’s high streets. The Arcadia Group, which owns some of the UK’s most iconic high street clothing retail outlets – Topshop, Topman and Dorothy Perkins, among others – has gone<span> </span><a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-55139369">into administration</a>.</p> <p>Meanwhile, the UK’s oldest retail chain, Debenhams, is closing. Around 12,000 people are set to<span> </span><a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/business-55142724">lose their jobs</a>, on top of 6,500 already lost this year, after efforts to rescue the retailer fell through.</p> <p>All of this comes at the end of a decade that<span> </span><a href="https://www.palgrave.com/gp/book/9781137521521">saw a major decline of British high streets</a>. Since 2007, some<span> </span><a href="https://www.retailresearch.org/whos-gone-bust-retail.html">556 retail companies</a><span> </span>have failed, with the closure of almost 39,100 stores and the loss of 468,809 jobs as shoppers move online.</p> <p>These impacts vary geographically. Many of the closures are concentrated in city centres. But beyond the city core, there remains the prospect that smaller town centres and suburban high streets might emerge stronger in 2021 as people learn to love shopping locally again.</p> <p><strong>A downwards trend</strong></p> <p>Long before the pandemic, high street retailers were facing stiff competition from out-of-town shopping centres and, more importantly, online retailing.</p> <p>According to the UK’s<span> </span><a href="https://www.ons.gov.uk/businessindustryandtrade/retailindustry/datasets/retailsalesindexinternetsales">Office for National Statistics</a>, online sales in November 2006 totalled 2.8% of all retail sales. The latest data shows that online sales in October 2020 amounted to 28.1% of total retail sales – but this had already risen to 21.5% in November 2019, before COVID-19 reached the UK.</p> </div> <div class="grid-ten grid-prepend-two large-grid-nine grid-last content-topics topic-list"> <p>The pandemic has exacerbated the downwards slide of high streets. Thousands of the shops closed in March 2020 have not reopened.</p> <p>But there are markedly different patterns from town to town. Local high streets with more convenience shopping, hot food takeaways and other essential businesses have generally performed much better than city centres dominated by department stores and shops selling higher-value items.</p> <p>Take Greater Manchester, for example. Google’s Community Mobility data shows that visitor numbers to retail and recreation spaces in smaller town centres like Bury and Rochdale have recovered faster. In contrast, Manchester city centre has continued to perform much more poorly as commuters continue to work at home and avoid public transport.</p> <p>It may actually be that COVID-19 has encouraged more people to shop locally, and that they have begun to see more value in their local town centres. This raises a fundamental question about the future of city centre retailing.</p> <p>London provides a good example. Now that the first COVID vaccine has been approved by the UK government, central London will undoubtedly eventually return to some of its former vitality, attracting tourists and other visitors to enjoy its eclectic night-time economy, theatres, galleries and museums.</p> <p>But, if more people prefer to work at home and not head into central London from the suburbs, the retail retraction we have witnessed in 2020 will only worsen.</p> <p><strong>Hollow cities</strong></p> <p>Retail and recreation visitor numbers in central London – the City of Westminster and the City of London – have been particularly affected by COVID-19 when compared to the wider city.</p> <p>Overall average daily visitor numbers to retail and recreation spaces within Westminster and the City of London fell by 70.6% and 76.7% respectively between February 15 and November 24 2020. The most recent lockdown, which commenced on November 5, saw retail and recreation visitor numbers fall to 90%-92% below pre-COVID levels.</p> <p>In comparison, overall average retail and recreation visitor numbers in inner London and outer London councils were down by 54.9% and 38.4% respectively. Our mapping of the impact of COVID-19 on visitor journeys to retail and recreation places across London effectively reveals a “doughnut city”: shoppers have abandoned the centre, while suburbs have remained rather more resilient.</p> <p>The future of city centre high streets after COVID-19 is uncertain. One answer would be to suggest the cities will bounce back as vaccinated workers and shoppers return, and that their shopping streets will live on.</p> <p>However, this does not take into account the scars left by COVID-19. Take London’s iconic Oxford Street as an example. Since late March, department store John Lewis has halved the size of its Oxford Street store. House of Fraser, another department store, is to be part-repurposed as offices and a gym. Topshop’s flagship store on the street is at risk of closure.</p> <p>With online retail behemoth Amazon emerging as one of the only winners of COVID-19, we have to be realistic about the future of central London as a shopping hub.</p> <p>Retail rents are declining fast in the West End, and it is likely that prime retail sites will be converted to offices or even homes. The UK government has already loosened planning regulations that permits the conversion of shops to residential uses without planning permission – all part of the drive to solve the housing crisis.</p> <p>We are witnessing a switch in the use of urban space, as people working from home increasingly spend time, and money, outside city centres. The hope is that smaller high streets and those local centres most valued as hubs of community life, not just places of consumption, will witness a renaissance in 2021. The viability of larger centres – Birmingham, Manchester, and especially London – looks to have fundamentally unravelled.</p> <p class="p1"><em>Written by Paul J. Maginn and Philip Hubbard. This article first appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/coronavirus-could-turn-cities-into-doughnuts-empty-centres-but-vibrant-suburbs-151406">The Conversation</a>.</em></p> </div>

International Travel

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Two Sydney suburbs on high COVID alert due to one person

<p><span>NSW authorities have issued an urgent warning for Sydney’s south-east after one person who tested positive for COVID-19 visited a number of venues across two suburbs.</span><br /><br /><span>The announcement came on Monday night, and while NSW Health says there are no alerts for specific venues - the positive case visited multiple places in Kingsford and Ramsgate areas throughout the first half of October while possibly highly infectious.</span><br /><br /><span>NSW Health flagged that anyone who has visited the two suburbs, especially cafes, in those two weeks should be on the lookout for symptoms.</span><br /><br /><span>The warning follows after a positive case in the area was first alerted last Thursday.</span><br /><span>"NSW is at a critical point, and the only way to find new cases and prevent further transmission is to increase testing," a statement said.</span><br /><br /><span>"This is particularly important in south eastern, south western, and western Sydney as well as in south western Sydney and western Sydney where there have been recent locally transmitted cases."</span><br /><br /><span>Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced that several COVID-19 restrictions would be easing slightly on Tuesday morning.</span><br /><br /><span>A group booking of up to 30 people will be allowed in restaurants, instead of the previous restriction of 20.</span><br /><br /><span>Guests allowed at weddings will also be raised to 300 from December 1.</span><br /><br /><span>Ms Berejiklian is also asking people to consider going out for Christmas events because it's safer than meeting at home.</span><br /><br /><span>"The health experts agree and have given us advice that it would actually be safer to go to a restaurant or a hotel or somewhere which is COVID-safe to have your Christmas lunch rather than indoors in a confined space," Ms Berejiklian said.</span><br /><br /><span>The Premier said that the easing of restrictions did not allow groups to stand and mingle at indoor events.</span><br /><br /><span>"We are not at the point yet where we can allow mingling," she said.</span><br /><br /><span>The four-square-metre rule for indoor venues and the two-square-metre rule for outdoor venues will continue to remain in place, Ms Berejiklian said.</span><br /><br /><span>Ms Berejiklian said the easing of restrictions was good news.</span><br /><br /><span>However, she has maintained that it is important people follow the COVID safety guidelines.</span><br /><br /><span>"We never want to be in a position where we have to go backwards," she said.</span></p>

News

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The Aussie suburbs where your car is more likely to be stolen from

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With a car being stolen every 12 minutes in Australia, it’s important to know where vehicle hot spots for theft are so you can remain vigilant.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">New data from the Australia Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and CarSafe has been analysed by Finder.com.au to show the states and suburbs where your car is more likely to be stolen.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The research shows that more than 55,000 vehicles were stolen in Australia over the last financial year.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This means that one in every 400 cars is stolen, according to Finder’s insurance specialist Taylor Blackburn.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For those living in high risk areas, there are a few things you can do to stay safe. Blackburn said to <a href="https://www.news.com.au/technology/innovation/motoring/motoring-news/the-australian-suburbs-where-your-car-is-more-likely-to-be-stolen/news-story/788fe26a3b438128c8871481fd220f51"><em>news.com.au</em></a>:</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Parking your car in a driveway if possible, making sure it is locked, installing an alarm, and hiding your valuables out of sight can help deter thieves.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Despite Victoria taking the lead in volume with almost 13,000 cars going missing, it appears that Brisbane has recorded more thefts than any area in the country.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The research also showed what car model is likely to be targeted by criminals. The Holden Commodore was at the top of the list, due to sheer volume of numbers. The Toyota Hilux was next on the list, following the Nissan Pulsar.</span></p> <p>Top 10 car theft hot spots</p> <ol> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Brisbane, QLD - 2,195</span></li> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Gold Coast, QLD - 1,562</span></li> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Logan, QLD - 1,176</span></li> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Hume, VIC - 942</span></li> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Moreton Bay, QLD - 933</span></li> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Casey, VIC - 784</span></li> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Townsville, QLD - 702</span></li> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Greater Dandenong, VIC - 633</span></li> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Blacktown, NSW - 614</span></li> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Whittlesea, VIC - 578</span></li> </ol> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Source: CarSafe</span></em></p>

Technology

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Yikes! Gigantic red-bellied black snake found hiding in the suburbs

<p>An enormous 1.8m red-bellied black snake has been discovered in suburban Brisbane.</p> <p>Snake Catchers Brisbane shared a photo of the terrifying reptile to its Facebook page, which was captured on Tuesday in the southeast suburb of Belmont.</p> <p>Commenting on the snap was a woman who said that the area was “overloaded” with snakes and was concerned one may have killed her father’s dogs.</p> <p>“I’m so bloody freaked out at the moment! My poor father has lost three dogs now and the next door neighbours with damn snakes in Belmont,” she said.</p> <p>Others were a bit more relaxed saying how the snake was a “beautiful” and “spectacular” specimen.</p> <p>Speaking to<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://10daily.com.au/" target="_blank"><em>10 daily</em></a>, snake catcher Bryce Lockett said it was a “solid build animal” that people shouldn’t be afraid of.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fwww.snakecatchers.com.au%2Fposts%2F1098654720323140&amp;width=500" width="500" height="618" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></p> <p>“They’re generally a very placid snake, they aren’t really defensive,” he said.</p> <p>“During breeding season male snakes tend to travel some distance looking for a mate.</p> <p>“We’re being called out to a lot of carpet pythons fighting in people’s roof cavities.”</p> <p>He told<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.nine.com.au/" target="_blank"><em>Nine</em></a><span> </span>it was “abnormally large” for that type of snake.</p> <p>The average size for an adult is between 1.5-2m, with males growing slightly larger than females.</p> <p>The snakes are found in northern and central eastern Queensland and then more continuously from southeastern Queensland through eastern NSW and Victoria.</p>

Home & Garden

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Christmas banned in this Australian suburb – is it yours?

<p>Christmas is usually a time for festivities and walking quiet suburban streets with your family to see breathtaking Christmas light displays out the front of houses.</p> <p>While some may think Christmas isn’t complete without decorations to mark the special holiday period, Casey council in Victoria has decided to make the festive tradition a sombre one, forcing the south-east Melbourne suburb of Narre Warren to pay the council up to $23,000 or they will shut down their annual Christmas light displays.</p> <p>The residents of Hugo Court have taken to <span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/XmasatHugo/posts/1051704318344607?__xts__%5b0%5d=68.ARBA4E6LJb6ZD1as2IiS8TO95_-bjXu2OOCgUnI2roVRygUbHGSDTgmMh7i-FmtGxE5AXnZNmUTr3MLfb_Qup6IlX62Ekw8Zb2lkyl5JIxq9No3Ke3U45m-N5q5S8leBSIW3DxT2gDjLHXfX4dTNGfGySx0LsT3YBJO3BoDhCwtOeCiYfa_YPWl0WknW7-aoV_qmYfUZpc_LJtnsA_5RYUY&amp;__tn__=-R">Facebook</a></span> to share the absurd news with their fans stating, “with thousands of people coming to check out our Christmas court, we now have got too big.</p> <p>“Due to the number of visitors we are getting we are now classed as an event and to run an event we must supply traffic management and public liability insurance which costs tens of thousands of dollars, traffic management alone is $23,000,” according to the Hugo Court Facebook post.</p> <p><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FXmasatHugo%2Fphotos%2Fa.851704278344613%2F851704211677953%2F%3Ftype%3D3&amp;width=500" width="500" height="380" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></p> <p>Sadly, “there will be no lights this year at all”, the Facebook group wrote. Without council assistance the displays are said to have become “too big to handle”, confided a display organiser.</p> <p>A <span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/XmasatHugo/posts/1052151464966559?__xts__%5b0%5d=68.ARBdl0P6aIFEPrrzcWBOpvF-T2ZqE1a1FGMKsDjwe1zy14nHRommrqzdak8eOIXIBld65_SxQ5jLn13s9mhQBWBsSGU774q6WmOdf3tCTCwktdcJK64mJg20StLZrC4C8pcJsjzTTG7hphlVp-3lgc4-T3Z-a4-VxxJ7FUCnx1TOVlnFL0Od8QQr7jHa46tuwClYcNyH4hUP1CntxWDKQqY&amp;__tn__=-R">follow-up Facebook post</a></span> shared that the Christmas light show has put a lot of strain on neighbours in surrounding streets as “they have to put up with not being able to get into their properties, noise, rubbish and people parking on their lawns”.</p> <p>People on social media have reacted with backlash towards the council for lacking Christmas spirit, even comparing the council to the famous Dr Seuss character the Grinch.</p> <p>Other followers offered support by suggesting a public protest and setting up a GoFundMe page to raise the necessary funds to enable Hugo Court to maintain their Christmas light show tradition.</p> <p><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FXmasatHugo%2Fposts%2F1051704318344607&amp;width=500" width="500" height="388" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></p> <p>In a comment on the follow-up post, Geordie Nicholson spoke on behalf of the council stating, “The residents of Hugo Court alone made the decision not to conduct their much-loved annual Christmas light display this year.</p> <p>“Sadly it appears it has become a victim of its own success, following concerns around traffic management and anti-social behaviour over the past few years.”</p> <p>Nicholson also shed light on the council’s participation in previous years and revealed the “council had been working hard with the residents to find ways to conduct the event safely including offering financial assistance and training for volunteers”.</p> <p>She concluded “should the residents decide to conduct the event in future years, Council stands ready to assist”.</p> <p>Do you think Hugo Court should turn their Christmas lights off this year? Let us know what you think in the comments.</p>

Legal

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5 signs a suburb isn’t right for you

<p>When shopping for a new place to set up house, it’s easy to tell if it has the facilities you want: access to public transport, educational, medical and leisure services and great shops. But it can be harder to spot the features you want to avoid in an unfamiliar area.</p> <p>You need to know if there’s anything going on locally that could make you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, and with crime figures on the rise, security and privacy are increasingly important for renters and buyers.</p> <p>Long-term buyers’ advocate Ian McKinnon, of E-view Estate Agents, Mount Eliza, says, “I steer my clients to safety. I’ve never had them buy into an area where I wouldn’t place my own family.”</p> <p>“Whether you’re buying or renting, it’s about safety. You need to be able to walk the streets 24 hours a day,” he says.</p> <p>For peace of mind, consider these factors in your property search:</p> <p><strong>1. Evidence of vandalism</strong></p> <p>Look out for broken bottles, smashed windows, signs that hoons have been doing burn-outs, and excessive graffiti that you suspect isn’t by Banksy. You don’t want to wake up one morning with your fence tagged or your car broken into. You can track the crime rate in your target area at Crime Statistics.</p> <p><strong>2. Empty homes</strong></p> <p>Drive around the streets and note how many houses look neglected, dilapidated or even empty. Living next door to an empty house means you won’t have to deal with the neighbour’s noisy dubstep parties, but vacant houses can also attract vandals and squatters to an area.</p> <p><strong>3. Local shops and bars</strong></p> <p>Aside from sampling a couple of vanilla slices from the local bakery (you know, for research), check out the shops, cafes and bars in the area. A vibrant community takes pride in its built environment, and the main streets, shops and cafes will be an inviting hub of activity. A decent bar or pub offering good food and entertainment is a real asset to any neighbourhood.</p> <p><strong>4. Parking issues</strong></p> <p>If there are major shopping centres, train stations or schools nearby, be prepared for congestion and parking dramas. You could come home to find lines of vehicles clogging your street. Your driveway may even be annexed, leaving no room for your car. It might be a permit-zone, but the threat of a hefty fine won’t dissuade a shopper on a mission.</p> <p><strong>5. Nightlife</strong></p> <p>Book into a local Airbnb or motel to experience how busy, noisy, even raucous the area becomes. If it’s hiving with rowdy street mobs, or if you hear bloodcurdling screams and police sirens, maybe don’t put in an offer on that house you fancied.</p> <p><em>Written by Asleen Mauthoor. First appeared on <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/advice/red-flags-five-ways-to-know-if-a-suburb-isnt-right-for-you-20170126-gtyjmp/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Domain.com.au</span></strong></a>.</em></p>

Retirement Income

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Dogs could be banned in some Queensland suburbs due to koala extinction

<p>Certain South East Queensland suburbs may be proposing a ban on dog ownership in a desperate bid to protect the region’s dwindling koala population.</p> <p>Both wild and domestic dogs pose a threat to one of our most beloved national animals, and a panel of koala experts spearheaded by Environment Minister Steven Miles are recommending a temporary ban on our four-legged friends in a last-ditch attempt to prevent extinction.</p> <p>“Protecting habitat is critical, but certainly in urban areas, we need certainly to manage dogs and cars much more effectively,” Associate Professor at the University of Queensland, Jonathan Rhodes, told the <a href="http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/dogs-could-be-banned-from-queensland-suburbs-as-koalas-face-extinction-20160706-gpznof.html" target="_blank"><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Brisbane Times</span></strong></em></a>. “And that is one thing that hasn't worked in places like Pine Rivers and the Koala Coast (Redlands).”</p> <p>Rhodes and his fellow experts explain that urban development and all that comes with it – namely cars and domesticated dogs – is responsible for the decline in koala numbers. In fact, <a href="http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/calls-to-raise-koala-protection-to-endangered-20131111-2xci8.html" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">between 1997 and 2011</span></strong></a>, almost 11,000 of the over 15,000 South East Queensland koalas were killed as a result of cars, dogs, and stress-related disease. Most of these deaths occurred in Redlands, Pine Rivers and Ipswich, where populations have dropped by up to 65 per cent.</p> <p>“The reality is this is crunch time for the koalas of the Koala Coast,” panel member Dr Alistair Melzer said. “The measures that have put in place to date – although extremely well-meant – just haven't worked.”</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/news/news/2016/06/baby-kola-rescued-after-storm/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em>Tiny baby koala rescued after storm is melting hearts</em></strong></span></a></p> <p><a href="/travel/domestic-travel/2016/06/adorable-baby-koala-explores-world-for-first-time/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Adorable baby koala explores world for first time</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/news/news/2016/04/koala-starts-physio-after-being-hit-by-a-car/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Peta the koala starts physio after being hit by a car</span></em></strong></a></p>

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20 oddly-named Aussie suburbs

<p>From Humpty Doo to Rooty Hill, we think it’s pretty safe to say no country in the world names places like Australia does. We’ve taken a look at 21 of the most oddly-named Aussie suburbs, and included a little bit of info regarding how much it costs to live there should you feel the need to relocate.</p> <p><strong>1. Andamooka, SA</strong></p> <p>Approximately 600km north of Adelaide, Andamooka’s name is derived for the indigenous word for the local salt lake. If you want to live here, the average house price is $98,000.</p> <p><strong>2. Balaclava, VIC</strong></p> <p>Taking its name from the Battle of Balaclava that took place during the Crimean War, Balaclava is about 7km south of Melbourne’s CBD and average houses here go for $925,000.</p> <p><strong>3. Bees Creek, NT</strong></p> <p>This rural town is about 33 kilometres southeast of the Darwin CBD but fortunately doesn’t attract as much insect life as the name would suggest. Average Bees Creek house price is $615,000.</p> <p><strong>4. Currimundi, QLD</strong></p> <p>This idyllic Sunshine Coast suburb is named after the local indigenous name for the area Garrimundi or Girrimundi, meaning “Place of flying foxes”. Houses here are go for an average price of $440,000.</p> <p><strong>5. Dunedoo, NSW</strong></p> <p>This small village in central Western NSW has a population of 800 and translates to “swan” in the local indigenous language. Median house price here for potential buyers is $192,500.</p> <p><strong>6. Eaglehawk Neck, TAS</strong></p> <p>This tiny Tassie town, known locally as “The Neck”, connects the Tasman Peninsula with the Forestier Peninsula and has a population below 400 people. Average houses are $256,250.</p> <p><strong>7. Fig Tree Pocket, QLD</strong></p> <p>This picturesque Brisbane suburb sounds less like a town and more like a baked dessert! Named after the local Moreton Bay fig trees, houses in Fig Tree Pocket go for an average of $875,000.</p> <p><strong>8. Gooseberry Hill, WA</strong></p> <p>You can find Gooseberry Hill located on the northernmost high feature of Statham’s Quarry and average houses in this region are going for $760,000 at the moment.</p> <p><strong>9. Hectorville, SA</strong></p> <p>This small, middle class suburb located in Adelaide is considered part of the City of Campbelltown. If you want to live here, the average house price is currently sitting at $502,500.</p> <p><strong>10. Humpty Doo, NT</strong></p> <p>This small town situated just south of the Arnhem Highway is named after a station called Umpity Doo. Where the station got its name is anyone’s guess! Average house price here is $642,000.</p> <p><strong>11. Indooroopilly, QLD</strong></p> <p>Shortened by locals to Indro, Indooroopilly is a take on the local Aboriginal word nyindurupilli, which means “gully of the leeches”. If you want to live here median house price sits at $745,000.</p> <p><strong>12. Kalamunda, WA</strong></p> <p>Kalamunda takes its name from two indigenous words: kala meaning “home” and munda meaning “forest”. The town’s motto is “A home in the forest” and median house price is $576,000.</p> <p><strong>13. Lang Lang, VIC</strong></p> <p>Don’t check your glasses! Lang Lang is a small town south east of Melbourne which name means “clump of trees” in the local indigenous language. Average houses go for $303,250.</p> <p><strong>14. Peppermint Grove, WA</strong></p> <p>The enticing name is associated with the region’s local peppermint trees, but if you want to stay at Peppermint Grove it’s going to cost you! Average house prices sit at $3,550,000.</p> <p><strong>15. Punchbowl, TAS</strong></p> <p>Another tiny Tassie suburb! Punchbowl was named after an explorer who had a tumultuous relationship with his crockery (just kidding). Average houses here are roughly $211,500. </p> <p><strong>16. Rooty Hill, NSW</strong></p> <p>Found 42 kilometres west of the Sydney CBD, Rooty Hill is actually named after a hill that featured several tree roots on Norfolk Island. Median house price here sits around $491,000.</p> <p><strong>17. Springfield, SA</strong></p> <p>This small suburb is 8km south east from Adelaide’s CBD and is named after an extensive “Springfield” residence from the 1800s. Average house prices here sit at $1,657,500.</p> <p><strong>18. Watanobbi, NSW</strong></p> <p>This oddly-named precinct can be found on the picturesque central coast of NSW and if you want to live there the median house price is currently sitting around $343,750.</p> <p><strong>19. Yallambie, VIC</strong></p> <p>Home of the Simpson Army Barracks, Yallambie is located about 16km North East of Melbourne’s CBD. If you’re keen to relocate (already!) median house prices are sitting at $521,690.</p> <p><strong>20. Zeehan, TAS</strong></p> <p>Zeehan takes its name from the nearby Mount Zeehan, which in turn is named after Abel Tasman’s cargo vessel Zeehaen. If you want to live here, average house values are sitting at $62,500.</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/finance/money-banking/2015/11/everyday-tips-to-reduce-bills/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>5 ways to reduce everyday bills</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/finance/money-banking/2015/11/is-australia-becoming-cashless/">Will Australia become a cashless society?</a></span></strong></em></p> <p><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/finance/money-banking/2015/11/how-to-spot-online-scams/">How to spot an online bargain from a scam</a></span></strong></em></p>

Money & Banking

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Australian suburbs that win lotto more often

<p>Tatts Group has revealed the luckiest postcodes around Australia when it comes to winning big in the lotto draws in the past two years.</p> <p>The luckiest state in Australia is Queensland, which has won more than $135 million in the past two years. The</p> <p>According to Courier Mail, Nerang on Queensland’s Gold Coast, the South Australian city of Mount Gambier, with a population less than 28,000, and Perth, the capital of Western Australia, have won seven major prizes each in the past two years, totalling more than $35 million.</p> <p>In New South Wales, southwest Sydney suburb Campbelltown has won the most lottery winnings for the past six years.  In Victoria, Hoppers Crossing, on the southwest edge of Melbourne, and Dandenong, in southeast Melbourne, have won a combined $23 million. The two suburbs have had more lottery winnings over the past two years than any other suburbs in Victoria.</p> <p><strong>Related links: </strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="/lifestyle/family/2015/09/outdated-phrases/">8 outdated phrases we love</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="/lifestyle/family/2015/08/discontinued-classic-australian-lollies/">Old-favourite lollies that are no longer available</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="/lifestyle/family/2015/08/historical-photos-in-colour/">Historical black-and-white photos restored in colour</a></em></strong></span></p>

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