australia Archives - Pop Up Homes

tiny home on steel footings sitting in cleared land

Top 10 areas in Australia

By VMA DEVFinance, Queensland Regulations

Whether you’re getting a foot in the door, in the housing market or a veteran investor. It pays to have quality insight in areas that are tipped to boom around Australia.

What factors can make a property market boom?

There are a few factors that can make the property market boom. The biggest factor is the State Governments spending on infrastructure, such as public transport, hospitals, universities and roads.

The Queensland Government “state infrastructure plan” outlines the Queensland Government strategic direction for planning. Prioritising the investment and delivery of infrastructure that supports growth, enables economic development and create jobs.

Source: State Infrastructure Plan (QLD Govt)

The Queensland state infrastructure plan is investing $49.5 billion over the next four years to boost the Queensland infrastructure. Not only is this good for the housing market but it’s beneficial for our economy.

As mentioned in the “Queensland state infrastructure plan” the plan for 2019-2020 is to allocate $12.9 billion for expenditure on public infrastructure. Supporting an estimated 40,500 jobs.

Queensland state infrastructure plan mentioned that about 60 per cent of the capital program and 25,500 of the jobs supported are outside the Greater Brisbane area.

Transport projects will improve traffic flow and relieve congestion, enhance public transport services, and increase the productivity and efficiency of freight around the state.

Critical infrastructure that ensures current and future generations of Queenslanders have access to world-class health and education services. Will be provided through programs such as Enhancing Regional Hospitals and the Building Future Schools Fund.

The government will continue investing in regions to ensure all Queenslanders can access the frontline services they rely upon. To ensure Queensland remains an attractive place to live and for businesses to invest in

Top 10 property hotspots around Australia

According to “Hotspotting”, these are the top 10 property hotspots around Australia.

Sunshine Coast, Queensland.
Marion, South Australia.
Bendigo, Victoria.
Moreton Bay Region, Queensland.
Stirling, Western Australia.
Darebin, Victoria.
Port Adelaide Enfield, South Australia.
Mackay, Queensland.
Joondalup, Western Australia.
Latrobe Valley, Victoria.

Sunshine Coast, Queensland.

Located: 100km north of Brisbane, stretching 55km from Caloundra to Noosa.
May suit: Retirees, but growth is likely to be seen in the number of younger people.
Strong performers: Maroochydore south to Caloundra. Noosa heads the local unit market and has had the highest unit growth in the nation at 24% so far in 2019. While Golden Beach and Warana are up 15%. Median house prices in the area have also grown in the past year (October 2018 to October 2019), particularly in Eumundi (+26%), Sunshine Beach (+15%), Twin Waters (+15%) and Wurtulla (+15%).
Property profile: There are still locations with median house prices below $500,000 in Caloundra West, Kawana and Nambour. The Noosa property market is making a comeback, with particular interest from Sydney and Melbourne investors, according to Hotspotting. Vacancy rates are well below 3% across the Sunshine Coast.
Local economy: Economy expanded from its three dominant sectors – tourism, retail and construction – into information technology, clean-tech (otherwise known as clean technology, which is a term used to describe products or services that are environmentally friendly), creative industries, aviation and education.
Projects boosting capital growth prospects include The new University Hospital, the Maroochydore CBD project, the Sunshine Coast International Airport to be completed in 2020 and ongoing upgrades to the Bruce Highway.

Moreton Bay Region, Queensland

Located: Around 50km north of the Brisbane CBD.
May suit: Investors looking for affordable prices, low vacancies and high rental yields.
Strong performers: Suburbs that recorded good price growth in the past year included Woody Point (+8%), Strathpine (+7%) and Bray Park, Burpengary East, Murrumba Downs, Narangba and Petrie were all up by around 5%.
Property profile: Most of the area’s suburbs have median house prices below $500,000 and several in the $300,000s. There are still large amounts of vacant land to support rapid population growth.
Local economy: The Caboolture area, in particular, has changed in recent decades from a former agricultural centre and timber-led industry into an urban village. Moreton Bay’s major centres all have fairly easy access to the Brisbane CBD, Brisbane Airport and major transport routes.
Projects boosting capital growth prospects include New University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) Moreton Bay campus (at Petrie) to open in 2020, Moreton Bay Rail Link, North East Business Park and the proposed Caboolture West Master Plan, a large-scale development which could accommodate around 70,000 residents.

Mackay, Queensland

Located: Around 950km north of Brisbane in Central Queensland, near the Whitsunday Islands.
May suit: Investors and first home buyers looking for housing affordability and job opportunities.
Strong performers: Hotspotting said positive property trends have included strong median house price growth over the past year in Mt Pleasant (+21%), Sarina (+15%) and West Mackay (+13%).
Property profile: Mackay had the strongest house price growth of any region in Queensland in the year to March 2019, and vacancy and unemployment rates are falling. Houses are selling in around 70-80 days or faster, compared to around 200 days (and even over 300 in some cases) in 2016, according to Hotspotting. The resources sector is capable of causing volatility in this market.
Local economy: The property market in Mackay was impacted by the mining bust but is now recovering. The local economy is diversifying from being heavily driven by mining for employment, as in the past, to other sectors such as construction, logistics, agribusiness and tourism (being located fairly close to the Whitsunday Islands).
Projects boosting capital growth prospects include Qantas’ pilot training academy, construction of the Mackay Ring Road, around $1.3 billion in funding for road infrastructure upgrades in the Mackay region between now and 2022 and the rebuilding of Cyclone Yasi-impacted Lindeman Island resort, which is in the Mackay local government area.

Pop Up Homes is your solution

for an affordable granny flat, not only for investment purposes to increase the value of your property but for your parents, grandparent and adult children that are wanting to live closer to their family or saving for their first home, while providing that privacy that we all need. We offer 2 sizes; – 37 square metres and a 58 square metre with 4 different styles.

If you would like to know more about Pop Up Homes and investments, read this: Why are Granny Flats becoming more and more popular than buying a conventional house

Sources:

Canstar

Hotspotting

Department of State Development, Tourism and Innovation

Queensland state infrastructure plan

February 24, 2020

small / tiny home installed into backyard bathed in morning sunshine and cool shade

The Benefits Of Downsizing

By VMA DEVFinance, Granny Flat, Kit Home, Small Home, Tiny Home

There is a trend in Australia that is taking hold, gone are the days of “bigger is better”. The younger Australian generations are looking more into Small Homes for affordability. The average size for a Small Home is between 30 square metres and 40 square metres of living space.

As mentioned in these articles from Pop Up Homes:

What Is The Tiny House Movement That Every Australian Is Talking About?

Affordable Housing Solution

While the older generations of Australians no longer need that “big” home, their kids are mostly all grown up and moved on with their lives and have their own families. This gives the older generations of Australians a chance to downsize and unlock equity to live a better retirement, go travelling and live a comfortable life without worrying about finances.

There are other reasons to downsizing as well, sometimes you’re being forced to downsize because you might have lost your job or need to relocate or other life-changing events. Downsizing has many benefits, these include saving money on power and electrical, upkeep and maintenance and smaller workloads typically associated with larger homes. All these benefits sum up a much more enjoyable and stress-free life.

As mentioned: Freshome, The Balance

Save money on frivolous living:

Let’s be serious the more space you have in your home the more you feel like you need to fill every nook and cranny with materialistic objects to make it a home. One of the benefits to downsizing your home is that you don’t need to fill every space with objects, Save money rather than waste money on electronics, electrical appliances, furniture and small household items that are space fillers and dust collectors. Downsizing to a Small Home will not only help you prioritise your life, but it will make you bring only the necessary items to your new small home.

Enjoying the benefits of downsizing:

Many homeowners that own a “big” home agree that living in a “big” home can be stressful with upkeep, cleaning, maintenance, furnishing, outdoor upkeep and the cost to run all these factors can lead to a stressful home. Downsizing is a great option and can be the first step to streamlining your life. You will be surprised that reducing your daily chores on maintenance will free up your time for activities that you want to do, spending time with family, getting more rest, going travelling and SAVING money.

Save on energy costs when downsizing your home:

We all know the cost of electricity when trying to keep your “big” house cooler in the summer or warm in the winter. It costs a lot to run a “big” house when you start adding up the bills. Downsizing will give you the added benefit of reducing your carbon footprint while enjoying the savings in a lower power and water bill.

Downsizing can free up your lifestyle for travelling:

Reduce bills, and unlocking your equity, Presto you have that extra spending money to go on those trips you have dreamed of going but couldn’t because of money tied up in your “big” house.

Downsizing can open a new chapter in your life:

For many homeowners downsizing their home can be a new chapter in your life. Whether your kids have finally left the nest to live their own lives or have suffered a loss from a spouse or close roommate. Downsizing can represent a way to start a new life in a new home.

Splurge on a few key furniture pieces for your small home:

Many people that consider downsizing think that they can’t make their home fabulous, think again! Some of the greatest Small Homes are ones that have style and creative uses of space and proportions. Splurge on a few key pieces like a dynamic coloured couch that draws attention to your décor and not the size of your room. There are many space-saving furniture ideas that people have come up and for you to explore in your new small home.

A simplified lifestyle will help keep you out of debt

Living a simple stress-free life is what most people whelm to have or do, Less debt, less stress, less maintenance yet still room for family and friends.

We speak to a lot of our customers that have downsized into a pop up home and they say, “life could not be better” Downsizing does not mean that you are missing out on anything, you are gaining a life, often debt-free.

As mentioned: Freshome, The Balance, Pop Up Homes

February 10, 2020

Applying for a Queensland home owner grant for a tiny or small home

How does the Queensland first home buyers grant work?

By VMA DEVFinance, Queensland Regulations

Every state and territory in Australia has its own first homeowner’s grant, each state has its grant amounts and requirements. Queensland is the most generous offering up to $5000 more than NSW, SA and Victoria.

At the start of the new millennium in July, marks the year that owning a home become significantly more accessible in Australia. In July 2000 the Australian government introduced the first homeowner’s buyers grant. This nationwide initiative that was introduced to offset GST and make purchasing a home more affordable for Australian citizens.

Source: echoice.com.au

What is the first home owner grant in Queensland?

The first homeowners grant is an initiative by the Queensland government, to make it easier for eligible individuals, couples and families to own their first home. You can get $15,000 towards buying or building your new house, unit or townhouse as long as it is valued less than $750,000. The grant is paid per new home, not to each of the applicants for the same home.

What is the criteria to become eligible for the first homeowner’s buyers grant?

To be able to get the first homeowners grant you must be,

At least 18 years of age.
Must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident. (or applying with someone who is)
You or your spouse must not have previously owned property in Australia that you lived in.
You must be buying or building a new home. A new home is either a house, unit or townhouse that has never been occupied as a place of residence or sold as a place of residence.
You may use the first homeowner’s buyers grant on a *substantially renovated home including the land it’s situated on. There is a criterion that needs to be met before the release of the grant.

It must be substantially renovated before you buy it.
Must not have a been lived in since the renovation.
- The seller:

Must be registered for GST and be selling the home in the course of their business.
The seller must give you a tax invoice that shows the GST component of the home purchase price.
Must give a statement that confirms the house has not been occupied or sold since renovation.

*Substantial renovations definition: A substantial renovation is when all, or most, of the structural or non-structural components of the building, are removed or replaced. Most of the rooms in the building must have been affected, and the renovations must have affected the building as a whole for it to be considered a substantial renovation.

You must live in your new home as the principal place of residence within 12 months of the completed transaction and live there continuously for 6 months.
The value of the new house and including the land must be less than $750,000.
Must be buying in Queensland.
The new home cannot be in a family trust.
You must not receive financial help to build or buy your new home, from a related person who also will regularly stay in the home.
Unless you are an owner-builder, you must have signed a contract to buy or build your first home before applying.

When do you get your first homeowner’s grant?

When you’re are eligible for the first homeowner’s buyers grant, you will receive the homeowners grant once you have;

Begin building a new home

Signed a building contract for your new home.
Put down a deposit for a block of land. This must be done before signing the building contract.
Registration statement that identifies the applicants as the registered owners.
Final inspection certificate.
Valuation notice.
Rates notice.

Buying a new home

Contract signed and dated by the seller and applicants.
Final inspection certificate.
Registration statement that confirms the applicant as the registered owners of the new home.
Statement from the seller confirming that the property hasn’t been previously been occupied or sold as a place of residence.
Stamped and lodged form 1 transfer.

Please note that that your application submission must occur within 12 months of the new home completion, and the final inspection report delivery.

Did you know?

Pop Up Homes are not only granny flats; our homes can also be used as a main dwelling. Additionally, you can use a Pop Up Home for your first homeowner’s buyer grant as you will be building a new home, as long as you have your block of land before signing the builders contract you will be eligible for the first home owners buyers grant.

Pop Up Homes have 3 modern styles to choose from and come in 2 sizes. The size ranges from 37 square metres to 58 square metres. The 3 modern styles to choose from include,

The Keppel 1 bedroom 37 square metres, Price starts from $39,990.
The Fraser 2 bedroom 58 square metres, Price starts from $49,990.
The Moreton 3 bedroom 58 square metres, Price starts from $51,990.

A Pop Up Home is an affordable solution for the young and old and a good way to get your foot in the door in the housing market.

Contact Pop Up Homes on 1300 121 556 now for your free consolation with one of our Pop Up Home specialists.

https://popuphomes.com.au/why-are-granny-flats-becoming-more-and-more-popular-than-building-a-conventional-house/

Sources: echoice.com.au / blackk.com.au / qld.gov.au

January 13, 2020

newly installed tiny / small home on vacant rural land

Pop Up Homes V’s Affordable Kit Homes in Queensland

By VMA DEVFinance, Granny Flat, Kit Home, Small Home, Tiny Home

Pop Up Homes are not just for caravan parks. They are a great alternative as a home or a Granny Flat. When thinking of a Pop Up Home in Queensland people often think of something that they have seen in a caravan park or over 50’s village. The savvy investor will often purchase a Pop Up Home and use it for investment purposes by putting it on an existing home block as a granny flat. This is a fast and efficient way of increasing your portfolio without having all the additional expenses of purchasing additional blocks of land, the smart investor uses what they already own to duplicate income changing the ROI (return on investment) from 5% to 10% or more instantly.

THE BENEFIT OF A POP UP HOME

The benefit of a Pop Up Home for Queenslanders is that they can be considered a permanent home/granny flat or an investment opportunity. They come in 2 sizes 37 SQM and 58 SQM and Pop Up Homes have 3 styles The Keppel, The Fraser and The Moreton. As part of our Pop Up Home package, they come complete with electrical, plumbing, flooring, kitchens and bathrooms. Pop Up Homes come with a footing system that requires no digging hence leaving your yard intact. They are built off-site and the installation takes no more than a week.

THE ADVANTAGES OF A POP UP HOME

The advantage to this is that you do not need to have the existing home vacant while the build process takes place as there is no disturbance to your existing tenants. A team of installers come in to install the stump’s, put the home on the stumps, fit the home off and are gone in anywhere from 2 – 7 days leaving no mess and no disturbance to neighbours or existing tenants.

Purchasing a Pop Up Home is easy, has a great return on investment, enables you to rent out your existing property while the build process takes place, leaves you with no mess, is affordable and perfect for the savvy investor.

BUYING A KIT HOME

Looking at buying an affordable kit home in Queensland? There are plenty of options available and it does depend on your budget and needs.

There are a few things to consider with a kit home the cheapest option is often for you to install that kit yourself. This is not for the faint-hearted.

1. You must have an owner builders’ licence to do this.

2. There are a lot of additional costs that you must not forget about as kit homes often come with all materials to lock up stage only.

3. Have you ever bought a flat pack from Bunnings and you are missing bits and pieces, think about all the components required for a home and the possible delays in acquiring the additional pieces required to complete the home?

THE BOTTOM LINE

The bottom line is that if you do not have a great understanding of the building code and are not a qualified builder then you are likely to run into some serious and costly delays. My suggestion is to weigh up all your options and get a price from a few builders to install the kit home to completion including electrical, footings, plumbing and council approvals. This is best done before purchasing a kit home so that you can weigh up all your costs. Also, look at the contract and ensure that the warranty on the home still covers you if you build the home yourself.

When looking at both kit homes and prefabricated home for sale in Queensland it’s important to do your homework and weigh up your options based on your building ability and individual circumstances. Both options are great if you are on a budget or are looking to get a great return on investment.

November 7, 2019