Tag: apartments

Strata survey shows satisfaction with fees

Research conducted with 150 apartment owners this month by the WA Apartment Advocacy has shown that 69% believe that the strata fees they are paying represents good value for money.

The respondents to the survey were from a wide range of demographics with annual salaries ranging from under $40,000 right through to over $130,000 and with apartments located from Kwinana Beach right through to Hillarys and as far East as Armadale.

Typically those with higher incomes were paying over $1000 per quarter in strata fees, with the bulk (39%) paying between $500-$1000/quarter.

Ms Reece Director of WAAA stated that interestingly it wasn’t until residents were paying over $500 per quarter did they start to have amenities in their development such as a swimming pool, gym and entertaining precincts.

“What the research demonstrated was that while 48% were happy with paying the current strata fees, 48% would prefer to pay less and as a result have less amenity,” Ms Reece said.

“Our state wide research conducted in 2017 verified that only 30% of residents were utilising amenities such as a pool or gym in their apartment development.

“However an additional 20% enjoyed knowing it was there, even though they were not accessing the facilities.

“It is important that when people are considering an apartment and the associated strata fees, that they are realistic about what amenities they are going to use and the frequency of use, before they commit.”

But as Ms Reece stated, most people did not look at strata fees in comparison to maintaining a home.

“Our research has shown that when you are considering the costs associated with a home’s maintenance and insurance, maintaining a pool, paying for gym membership and the like, in most instances the fees associated with strata management are more cost effective than owning a traditional home,” Ms Reece said.

“I am sure if you were to add up all the Bunnings receipts over a year you would be surprised and shocked about the expense and time it takes to maintain your average home.

“At the end of the day strata fees should be seen as an investment in order to maintain your asset so that it represents well at the point of resale and consequently buyers need to think of the long term when reflecting on strata fees.”

If you found this research interesting than maybe we can help uncover something unique about your projects?  If you would like to talk further than contact Samantha Reece on 0452 067 117.

 

Appetite for additional car bays prevalent

Recent research conducted by WA Apartment Advocacy has shown that while 70% of the 174 respondents were happy with their allocated parking bays in their apartment development, an astonishing 50% would be prepared pay an additional $25,000 for another car space.

Of the 30% who were not happy with the number of allocated parking bays, the majority of these were residents with just one car bay.

We have often heard the mantra from developers that they would be happy to provide additional bays if buyers were prepared to pay for it and this data now suggests that the appetite for extra parking is in fact prevalent.

This largely stems from the fact that 50% of the respondents were still reliant on their vehicles for work, shopping and leisure and while the Metronet will alleviate this situation, it is still somewhat in the distant future.

Interestingly 15% of respondents who did live close to public transport were prepared to forfeit their car bay and save the $25,000 on their apartment price.

The data also showed that 30% of the respondents were unhappy with the allocation of visitor parking in their development, with many citing that residents were using these bays as an overflow measure.

For some time now Local and State Governments have been seeking to lower the ratio of car bays to apartments and yet the research does demonstrate that this planning move is somewhat premature.

The research also begs the question as to why developers are not seeking to sell car bays as an ancillary aspect to the apartment itself.

Further improvements that residents were seeking to their parking woes included electric car charging points, dedicated car washing/cleaning bays, larger parking spots and greater security.

This research – if nothing else – clearly shows that developers need to be researching their buyer’s needs before making any assumptions.  This will undeniably assist with their own design process as well as overcoming imposts by planning regulators.

If you are interested in hearing more about WA Apartment Advocacy and its research results register at www.waaa.net.au.

 

The Springs shows robust results

It seems that not everyone is as much of a fan of The Springs in Rivervale as PropertyESP is and so we conducted an analysis of settled sales from January 2014 – June 2016 to just work out what was really happening in this location.

Looking at 348 sales in that 2.5 year period there were a number of positive points that we felt should be brought to light.

By far the two bedroom sales have been ahead of one bedroom, with 2 bedroom apartments representing 55% of sales in 2014, then 60% in 2015 and 77% in the first half of 2016.  This compared to one bedroom sales of 45%, 40% and then 23% for the same correlating periods.  This could be heavily influenced though by what is on offer.

Over the two year period, median sales price for the apartments in The Springs has been $501,000 and price per square metre of $4910.

One bedroom sales achieved a median sales price of $420,000 and two bedroom $538,000.  Despite this price variation, when you compare price per sqm it is evident that the two bedroom apartments achieve the price they do, purely based on size.

Between 2014-2015 one bedroom prices only fell by 6% while two bedroom apartments fell by just 2%.  This was also reflected in the price per square metre results.

There was also a small price premium for those properties located opposite green space and the river over those located further away.

However, just like Scarborough, The Springs is completely vanilla in its offering.  The majority of apartments sold were 2 bedroom or 1 bedroom apartments. 97% of the sales were of apartments where the apartment complex had an outdoor entertaining area and 90% a gym and pool.  As such, having the amenities such as gym, pool or entertaining area had no influence over the price per square metre between the projects.

With the area already offering a large number of apartments, any new entrants should be considering alternative amenities as well as various bedroom configurations in order to provide a distinctive point of difference.

While The Springs appears to be weathering the current market with a degree of robustness, it is evident that in order to stand out from the crowd, incoming developers need to be more creative in their offering.

It will certainly be interesting to see how The Springs evolves over the next 12 months with the opening of the 4.5 star Aloft hotel and then the stadium in 2018.

Regardless, this is a location which is sought after due to its proximity to the river, freeway, airport, stadium and casino and on that basis is a precinct to be closely monitored over the next 18 months.

WA Apartment Advocacy provides balance

Long term property commentator Samantha Reece has launched this week the WA Apartment Advocacy (WAAA) to generate open discussion about the role of apartments within the state.

Motivated by the sway of NIMBYism (Not in my back yard) that tended to dominate Council decisions, Samantha has taken the bold move to enlist the support of apartment livers (people who own and live in apartments) to ensure that there is a more balanced discussion.

“When I witnessed Councils changing Town Planning Schemes and rejecting apartment projects based on what I call, 0.0006% of the population, I decided that something had to change,” Ms Reece said.

“I know for a fact that there are people who love their apartment and would like more choice but they are being hamstrung by people who would prefer to maintain the status quo.

“There have been mandates from State Government for Councils to nominate areas where apartments are a good fit and that is ideally around train stations, retail and on major roads.

“If people speak up about the fact that they want to see more choice then maybe the Councils and Government will have the confidence to make bold decisions, which reflect the needs of their entire community.”

The WAAA is encouraging people to register on their website www.waaa.net.au so that their ideas can be shared with decision makers.

“I have had young people state that they would like to see smaller apartments introduced into Perth, because all they really need is a place to sleep.” Ms Reece said.

“On the other hand I have had families ask why we don’t offer four bedroom and two bathroom apartments like we see in Singapore.

“This is the kind of information that needs to be brought to light so that planning decisions provide real choice.”

Sean Morrison is one of those young people who recently purchased an apartment by NIB Stadium.

“I have exchanged a one hour drive into the City each day for a 20 minute leisurely stroll to work,” Mr Morrison said.

“I literally fill my car just twice a month and that for me is both sustainable and cost effective.

“Because of the reduced travel time I believe I am more productive at work and I also have more free time to enjoy.  It is this quality of life that I really appreciate.”

Scarborough shows robust apartment results

Because PropertyESP was looking at Fremantle recently, we decided to cast our eyes north and look at the apartment sales for Scarborough for 2010-2016.

We looked specifically in the area nominated by the MRA for redevelopment, in which there were 211 sales of apartment houses.  While there was a peak in 2013/14, the Scarborough apartment market has been achieving about 30 sales per annum.

Interestingly when looking at the apartment amenities we found that 99% of the apartments sold had a pool and secure parking, with 50% of these sales also including a sauna and gym.

3 bed/2 bath apartments accounted for 114 sales (the bulk) while 2 bed apartments were the next most popular with 80 sales.

But what was interesting to note, is that the Scarborough apartment price has gradually grown since 2013 after reaching a peak of over $1.4 million in 2010.  The 2016 median price is now at $1.1 million.

And in the 2011-2015 period, the Scarborough apartment market has achieved capital growth of 15%.  However when you look at 3 bedroom 2 bathroom apartments alone, these have achieved 28% capital growth over the same period, which is evident in the below graph.

scarborough

Unlike other coastal locations, Scarborough property does not yet demonstrate a premium for ocean edge over ocean front properties.  PropertyESP is somewhat confident however that as developers grab those ocean edge blocks, this price variation will come to play and hence anyone buying into the market place would be hoping for that uplift (which in Fremantle is 13% premium difference).

Once again the apartment market in this location is showing that since 2011 it has been in a steady pattern and in fact for the 3 bedroom 2 bathroom apartments, is recovering very nicely.

If you would like to see the full results for Scarborough then contact PropertyESP on 0452 067 117 and organise a presentation – because you won’t see this data anywhere else.

We are known, after all, for making sense of property!

 

River and Ocean Views Command a Premium, but there’s more to it than that

Perth has long had a love affair with the Swan River and its wonderful beaches, and that is strongly reflected in property prices.

And you don’t have to be an analyst to know that properties in riverside and beachside suburbs tend to dictate higher prices and those that command views, achieve even higher prices again.

We’ve long thought of this as a view factor … and it’s true that a great view commands a premium price.

However, recent analysis performed by PropertyESP has found that it’s even a little more complicated than that.

We have recently been focusing on the apartment market in North Fremantle, South Fremantle and North Coogee … all suburbs in close proximity to the ocean or the Swan River.

What we found is that, within the water-front properties there was a distinction between those on the edge of the water and those a little further away.

In fact, properties at the water’s edge commanded a 20% (for river edge) and 13% (for ocean edge) premium in price per square metre over their ocean front counterparts.

Water’s edge properties are those properties where there is little more than a footpath or a cycle path separating the property from the riverbank or the beach.  You could walk out the front door carrying an afternoon bevvy and sit at the water’s edge to watch the passing flotilla or birdlife.

Ocean front properties on the other hand are those where there’s a little more to negotiate between the front door and the riverbank or beach when carrying your bevvy (and you may want to be wearing a little more than your swimwear).

They still have the views that people pay a premium for, but when you walk out the front door there’s a major road (likely to be busy in summer) to cross before you get to the water.

And whilst the size of the price premium varied for different sized apartments (1 bed, 2 bed and 3 bed) and in different suburbs, for the most part this rule held true.  When it didn’t, there were other factors at play, such as differences in the mix of properties for sale  etc.

So what’s the big deal?

This extra factor is something that some developers can work to their advantage with the right property.  And at PropertyESP we are all about maximising price!

The MRA’s Scarborough Redevelopment has already catalyst sales of new and modern ocean front apartment houses.

But watch carefully.  There’s the potential a little further down the coast for some interesting development …

A new look at the Mandurah Train Line TODs … the apartment living options

Those of you who have been following the PropertyESP blog for a while know that we have an appetite for TODs (transit-oriented developments) because of their economic impact.

So we decided to take a look at two TODs on the Mandurah train line, in Cockburn Central and in Wellard.

Wellard is the site of Perth’s first Mandurah line TOD, but like nearby suburbs it started with a focus on houses.

The Cockburn Central TOD however was established with apartments and home units in mind, and the first home units came onto the market in 2008. Wellard followed suit with its first units sold in 2012.

Home units are the more popular accounting for 72% of the units sold from 2008 onwards. The bulk of the other options were apartment houses.

What’s the difference between the two?  Home units are completely self-contained and a better standard than flats (which are rarely built these days).

Apartment houses on the other hand, are considered more luxurious and have more amenities.

Two bedroom apartments and home units dominate the Cockburn Central and Wellard TODs… with 40% of sales since 2008 being of 2 bed-2 bath-1 car park and 25% being 2 bed-1 bath-1 car park.  17% were 1 bed apartments and home units.

The dominance of the single car park is a reflection of the property being close to the train line, with good access to the City, but may not reflect the reality of living 10-14km from the beach.  In fact, more than 80% of the properties sold had room for only one car.

But with more train stations coming online, we can expect to see more TODs and more developments that will take full advantage of these transit links.

If you are interested in the full results of the sales analysis for Wellard and Cockburn then feel free to contact Samantha Reece on 0452 067 117.

PropertyESP we make sense of property.

Fremantle continues to perform

Despite the doom and gloom about the Perth property market, PropertyESP keeps finding some good news stories and Fremantle is definitely one of them!

We had a look at apartment sales over the last five years for North Coogee, North Fremantle and South Fremantle.

Firstly sales were consistent for these three suburbs across the past five years with about 80-150 properties changing hands per annum.

Secondly we saw that the one and two bedroom apartments had maintained their value over that time and three bedroom apartments were beginning to show signs of recovery.

So anyone who is waiting for the market to bottom out in Fremantle is going to be waiting for some time!

median sales price

North Fremantle also outperformed the other two suburbs for property values and this could be related to these properties tending to have ocean or river views and as can be seen from the below graph – ocean/river front is commanding a median price point of approximately $6000/sqm plus.

price per swm ocean views

Rental yields for apartments were also higher than the Perth metro at 4.5%.

While you may be hearing generic news about the Perth property market – there is always value in drilling down – and that is what PropertyESP does best!

PropertyESP will be presenting the findings of the Fremantle sales research at a Mirvac sponsored seminar on Tuesday 9th August at Bib and Tucker from 5.30pm.  If you know someone who is looking to buy an apartment in Fremantle – let them know and they can register at info@propertyesp.com.au

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Still a place for premium in Perth

Samantha Reece recently attended the official opening of Aria in Swanbourne.

Developed by Blackburne Group, this project is priced from just $515,000 for one bedroom apartments and reflects a standard that, to date, is unsurpassed.

While some companies include elements such as a private dining room or boardroom in their premium developments, Aria has really taken luxury to the next level.

The entertaining area was stunning with uninterrupted views of Perth City and not only included a lap pool and sun deck, but bar area and private dining and lounge that reflected a multimillion dollar mansion in the Western Suburbs.

Coupled with a yoga room, gym, sauna, steam room and wine cellar, Aria successfully conveys a luxurious resort lifestyle.

In particular, the penthouse apartments were designed to reflect a two storey New York loft apartment and this further added to the cosmopolitan atmosphere.

aria blog 1

With much talk about the apartment market being more focused on affordability, it is nice to see that some developers recognise that downsizers in fact are looking to spoil themselves, even though they are forfeiting their four bedroom/2 bathroom home for a much smaller domain.

With 16 sales since the unveiling, the Aria project is also demonstrating that there are affluent buyers in the market, but that they are also discerning.

With the apartment market evolving in Perth, we need to remember that while choice of location is important so is choice of style and price point.

PropertyESP has no financial connection to Blackburne and this review has been written entirely independent of Blackburne and its associates.  We just like to share with our readers the evolving trends in the WA property scene!