The kitchen is the heart of every home and is considered the busiest area of the house. From entertaining guests to family meals, preparing food to host parties, the kitchen always meets the needs of the homeowner.

Nowadays, renovating kitchens are a thing. Designers and architects follow an advanced formula for upgrading a kitchen. Clean, minimal yet open and functional. These four characteristics are essential factors to achieve a contemporary look for every kitchen.

When revamping a kitchen, there are components you should consider such as space, storage, lighting, color, and comfortability. Hence, it’s crucial to plan everything thoroughly before starting a renovation project. To make kitchen revamping a little stressful, here’s a list of contemporary kitchen design ideas you can choose from.

Bright and Simple

Keep it simple and elegant. Most homeowners love bright and spacious kitchen as it can set a lively mood in the area. An all-white kitchen is one of the most elegant-looking and favorite kitchen contemporary designs.

If you’re planning to have an all-white kitchen, you can add an appliance or a chair with a different color to balance the ambiance inside the kitchen. A wooden chair and a single plant could be a great combination. In addition to this, homeowners love to work in a kitchen inviting atmosphere.

Hill Country Residence

This design has a contemporary flow which provides a warm setting through the whole kitchen. Designers like to mix warm and natural finishes using stained wood with local limestones or gray concrete stones.

They based it on passive and active green color features which sustain high-efficiency glazing. This design gives balance in all aspects of the kitchen area, visually and comfortability. It can be overwhelming because of the textures and features, but if you want to have an elegant-looking contemporary kitchen, this design could be your choice.

Large U-Shaped Contemporary Kitchen

U-shaped kitchens are among the favorite kitchen layouts these days. Even though a U-shaped is a typical kitchen design, it still renders a good aesthetic. Large U-shaped kitchens can accommodate many people, in this way, you can have a spacious area instead of crowded space.

You can install your island in the center of the kitchen, making the area shaped like the letter “U.” A combination of white and brown color gives a bright and welcoming ambiance inside the kitchen. Also, you can install a small chandelier in the center of the ceiling making your kitchen look neat and clean.

Start Shelving

For centuries, cabinets have always been a thing inside the kitchen. Storage to some kitchen equipment, tools, and appliances, a kitchen cabinet can be an essential addition. But there are downsides when using a kitchen cabinet.

It can take an ample space in the walls. While having shelves can be more efficient as it can be more accessible and can add a modern feeling inside the kitchen. If you want, you can install a clean and unfinished wood for your shelves.

You can look for examples at Melbourne kitchens and bathrooms and other showrooms located in your area. It can help you decide on what design suits for your kind of kitchen.

A Natural Wood Kitchen Design

This contemporary kitchen design boasts off its modern with a twisted scheme. It gives you the full use of the entire kitchen, from preparing the ingredients on the countertop to storing your kitchen equipment and appliances in the cabinet spaces. Not only is it efficient, but it also gives that soothing aura with its natural wood and dark gray color.

This kitchen design is also perfect for people who love the classy atmosphere. It offers a bar-like design where you can spend time having chit-chats with a little bit of wine while getting those grease off of the pans. Also, don’t forget the pendant lights which raises up the notch for classiness.

If you prefer to have an organized contemporary kitchen design, then this might be the best one for you.

A Touch of Dark Wood and Beige

Inspired by single-wall light wood and a beige floor, these contemporary kitchen design has an island and an undermount sink. The light wood and beige flooring give a natural ambiance inside the kitchen which offers your guests the comfortability they’re seeking. Also, this architectural design can be one of the most modernized kitchens there is.

This design has a combination of dark wood cabinets and beige flooring with quartzite countertops and stainless steel kitchen equipment.

L-Shaped Contemporary Kitchen

The L-shape kitchen is on the favorite list when it comes to kitchen layouts. If you have an L-shape kitchen layout, you can modernize it by installing an engineered quartz countertop with a waterfall island on it.

Have your cabinets refurbished or if you prefer having shelves then have it installed also. If you can install a white quartz countertop, then you can have your walls painted white as well. Have your cabinets and shelves in wood as they would be an excellent combination when it comes to contemporary kitchen designs.

Industrial Contemporary Design

Industrial design can be a bit foggy when it comes to modern kitchen designs. But don’t let it fool you, industrial products are one of the newest materials used for contemporary kitchens. It can look exquisite and can give you a modern-like vibe inside the kitchen.

A stainless steel backsplash and wooden stools are the main materials in a contemporary industrial kitchen.

Takeaway

Upgrading the recent design of your kitchen can be an expensive thing to do. You need to have a plan and a clear visualization on the design you’re most fond of. These designs listed above are excellent examples of contemporary kitchen designs.

If you’re undecided, then maybe this article could help you in choosing the best and most suitable kitchen model for your home. So start planning on your design and have your kitchen refurbished as soon as possible.

You may also be interested in:

New townhouse developments

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The great Aussie dream has for decades been that of buying a family home with a white picket fence. This dream is now being superseded with the popular goal of buying multiple properties. But, where do you invest your hard-earned money? What city is going to give you the best return on investment?

Tim McIntyre from news.com.au recently wrote,“Property doom and gloom is upon us as markets cool around the nation, but this city [Brisbane] is offering growth potential and plenty of tenants for investors.”

The Affordable Property Guide for the first half of 2018 from PRD name Brisbane as the country’s most affordable and livable city, due to slow growth in purchase prices and rents. They state, “Brisbane proves to be the most affordable and livable capital city, with the average livable cost of only 5%.”

But, let the buyer beware. It is crucial you do your research to ensure you are buying property in a growth area, a property that will offer the best return. A Property Management Strategy should be considered. To ensure you are making the best decisions when investing in the Brisbane property market, your strategy should include:

1. Research the Best Locations in Brisbane Property Investment: In comparison with Melbourne and Sydney, Brisbane is currently touted to be the best choice for property investors by some financial and property advisors. Thorough research of the Brisbane region must be carried out to determine the best performing suburb and the types of property available.

Recently, Sasha Karen from Smart Property Investment reported “Overall, metro Brisbane was in demand and price growth was positive. With a rise in demand of 16.6 per cent and a median price rise of 5.65 per cent to $556,000, the eastern region of Brisbane was the highest in demand and saw the biggest median price growth.”

2. Establish a Strong Foundation: With property investment there are risks, but with a strong foundation and a good strategy and planning these risks can be minimised. Ensure to assess your savings, establisha solid income stream and speak with a financial advisor to discuss your property investmentgoals. A financial advisor will take the time to understand your goals, objectives and risk profile.
3. Know Your Investment Ability:Once you have assessed your financial status, the next step is to review your investment potential. How much money can you borrow? How much will the property cost? What are the added costs when purchasing a property?

ASIC’s Money Smart website states “Some of the costs involved with property investment include: stamp duty, conveyancing fees, search fees, legal costs, and pest and building reports.If you borrowed to invest, you will also have mortgage repayments, and if your investment is positively geared you may pay tax on your rental income.”

 

4. Get Good Advice:It is imperative that you get good independent advice before investing. A professional property adviser, Brisbane will use their experience and knowledge to help you find the right investment property to meet your financial status, lifestyle, portfolio and long-term investment goals.

5. Research Investment Properties: In Brisbane, you will come across a variety of property options meeting your requirements. Researching the region, the infrastructure, and demographics will help you get the perfect property. For first-time property investors, you may want to start small perhaps a unit or duplex to dip your toe in the water. Speak to real estate agents, visit properties, and examine the rental income for that type of property in that area.
6. Consult A Mortgage Broker:“A mortgage broker is a type of financial adviser who specialises in helping people find a home loan. After the selection of a home loan, the right mortgage broker can also manage the application process for you and provide tailored advice along the way, helping you secure the home loan.” Justine Davies.

If you are going to use a mortgage broker do your homework. Find out what the banks are currently offering so you know if they are giving you the best deal. Ask the broker questions, find out which lenders they deal with and what commissions they will be paid.

Ultimately, make sure the broker knows your financial situation and understands your borrowing needs.

7. Reap the Tax Benefits:While owning an investment property has its risks it can also offer excellent tax benefits. As a landlord, you claim a wide range of tax deductions from the expenses related to your rental property including the interest on the loan of your tenanted property. Your financial or tax adviser is best suited to advise you what you can claim.

If you are considering investing in the Brisbane property market, then seek advice from a local financial advisor who can prepare your property management strategy. 

Brisbane may be “hot” now but the long-term prospects in Melbourne are likely to be much better. Melbourne has been widely forecast to become Australia’s largest city by population. Like elsewhere in the world, the bigger the city the higher the demand for property and the higher the prices rise.

Related: Off the plan properties in Melbourne

 

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Looking for ways to freshen up your home without the hustle and bustle of hiring tradespeople and knocking down walls?

Whether it’s the bathroom, kitchen, living area or the great outdoors, there are plenty of do-it-yourself options that can spruce up your space and add a bit of style to your property.

The key is to find DIY projects that won’t break the bank – or your sanity – and will add value to your home and lifestyle.

From fencing to stylish lighting – read on for some easy, budget-friendly and useful DIY projects!

Gorgeous Greenery

Indoor plants are having a serious comeback at the moment. Challenge yourself to scroll through Instagram or Pinterest without seeing zebra plants, philodendrons and monsteras brightening up a house – it’s a hard task.

But indoor plants aren’t just a pretty accessory – they can also help to purify and filter the air in your home, making them as useful as they are beautiful.

If you’re worried about whether you have the green thumb to keep a plant alive, choose low maintenance plants such as mother-in-law’s tongue, spider plants and philodendrons. Your local nursery can help you choose the best plants and let you know how to care for them – and don’t forget to check if they’re safe for your pets to be around.

When it comes to displaying your new indoor plants, there are a few ways to do it. Make some space on a bookshelf, mount small planters to a bare space of wall or a corner or use floating shelves, or pop them in a pot to line your hallway or entryway.

You could even take your DIY a step further and make your own macramé plant hangers. If you grew up in the ‘70s you’ll be familiar with these simple yet effective plant hangers. They’re easy to make and look great with plants, and a quick Google will tell you everything you need to know.

Related article: Eco-friendly homes

Style Your Boundary

When you’re deep in the throes of a DIY binge, it can be easy to forget one of the biggest changes you can make to your property – an updated or completely new fence.

A fence is one of the biggest facelifts you can give your home, so take a moment to stand outside and think about what your options might be. Maybe your fence is looking a bit run-down or needs replacing. Perhaps there’s a section of your front yard that you’d like to fence off to add more useable space to your yard.

There are a number of options when it comes to fencing materials that can completely update your home. Think about the character of your home, and what might be best to complement the style of your property. Fencing materials are easily attained and most large hardware outlets will offer plenty of do-it-yourself fencing options.

When it comes to outdoor fencing in your backyard, you can get a bit creative. Raid the classifieds for old corrugated iron, house shutters or latticework. With a good coat of paint or a wood stain, you can create on-trend looks that offer more privacy for a fraction of the cost.

Before undertaking any fencing works, its worth consulting with your local council to check exactly what’s yours when it comes to property boundaries – you don’t want a nasty surprise when you’ve just spent time and money on a fresh new fence!

Related article: Off the plan townhouse South East Melbourne Victoria

Tackle Your Storage

One thing home owners are usually short of is storage. Luckily, it’s not difficult to DIY some nifty new storage options to declutter your home.

Short of cupboard space in your kitchen? Take advantage of empty walls by mounting some pegboards – they’re readily available at most hardware stores and are flexible enough to allow you to mix and match based on what you’d like to hang up. Small pots and pans and measuring cups and spoons will go well on a peg board, and you can also attach baskets for those items that won’t quite fit nicely.

Floating shelves can also create extra storage place. Stack your plates, knick-knacks or indoor plants on top, and use the underneath to hang your favourite mugs.

Instead of focusing on the horizontal storage space that we’re all so used to, think of how you can use the vertical spaces in your home. The right features can add more storage to your house, and can look great while doing it.

Related article: House and land packages

A Creative Pallet

They’re easy to come by and often cost close to nothing – the faithful pallet.

No longer just the furniture of the broke university student, pallets are now the darlings of the DIY boho-chic look.

Looking for a way to keep your plants organised? Attach pots to a vertical pallet with some brackets and hang the pallet on a wall.

Are you a fan of brekkie in bed on a Sunday? Sand back a small pallet and give it a lick of paint and you’ve got a handy tray to keep your food and tea stable.

Bookshelves, bike racks, desks, outdoor furniture – with a bit of DIY love, the humble pallets can transform into handy storage and seating. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can even make a bed out of pallets.

Check out Gumtree or ask around local small businesses – they’ll often be happy for you to take pallets off their hands for little to no cost, as it saves them having to dispose of them.

Related article: Luxury home builder

Light It Up

Looking for a new way to light up your life without breaking the bank?

There’s plenty of options out there when it comes to DIY-ing some new light fittings – and they’ll be more unique than anything you can pick up at a store.

Got an old wire paper basket hanging around? Make a hole in the bottom of it and thread through a globe and chord for an industrial look. Or, if you’d prefer something more colourful, take scraps of fabric and weave them through the wire about every 15cm to create a beautiful shade.

Want to spruce up a timber headboard? Mark out a pattern – maybe a word, or an image, or just keep it random for a simple look – and drill holes through the timber. Behind the headboard, push the bulb of good-quality Christmas lights or fairy lights through each of the holes to create a twinkling night-time wonderland.

There’s no end to what you can do with a bit of elbow grease and some good materials – hit up Pinterest for some inspo and get DIY-ing to freshen up your home!

Related article: Home renovation

Author Bio

This article is written by Chloe Warburton, who writes on behalf of TTFS – suppliers of quality temporary fencing materials to Australian businesses. 

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Building Information Modelling (BIM) has been around for over a decade. The tech has revolutionized the way the Architectural, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) Industry works. A vast majority of BIM service requirements have been for large-scale non-residential buildings like office spaces, stadiums, hospitals, malls, and other large-scale commercial projects. But that doesn’t mean that its scope is limited exclusively to them. Though not very common, BIM is also used for residential construction and there are huge benefits to doing so. Tim Beckman, Partner at CG Visions says, “Each building sector has its own complications of which BIM can successfully remedy”. This includes residential buildings too. Even you can use this amazing tech for your dream home. Let us look at some reason why a new buyer should have a builder that used BIM.

Reason #1: Reduces unexpected delays through coordination

BIM tools generate highly structured information with multiple dimensions that can be easily accessed and understood by all the parties involved in the project. This ensures that every person in the construction site will be doubt free as to his/her duties and responsibilities. The construction workers themselves will also be more motivated to work as they will be very clear regarding their tasks. The result of all this will be that you will be moving into your new home at the agreed upon time, maybe even earlier.

Reason #2: Need to make a quick change? No Problem

Any architect will tell you just how burdensome it is to make changes to a design drawn on paper and even to a 2D CAD drawing. What makes it even more difficult is that an alteration in one element demands a series of changes to everything else that it is connected to. Wouldn’t it be so convenient and awesome if all the secondary changes could be automatically made? And all that in just a matter of seconds? BIM can do that with ease! Doing business with a builder who has incorporated BIM ensures that you are satisfied with the design of your new home before the construction begins.

Reason #3: You will get to know how your house will look like

In the industry, 2D views are slowly becoming memories owing to a lot of limitations. Seriously, nobody likes to look at 2D images hoping to get a close to reality picture of their future home. Gladly, we now have a lot more interesting option for us in the form of ultra-realistic 3D visuals generated using BIM Tools. These drawings are near to perfect depictions of the of real thing right down to the smallest detail enabling you to stay a step ahead in planning. In a way, you are seeing the future. And with Virtual Reality (VR) within everybody’s reach, things just got a little more interesting.

Reason #4: Save Money: Get control over expenditure

BIM will save your builder a lot of money in so many ways which in turn will reduce the cost burden on you. Love at first sight (with a design) doesn’t normally happen in the industry and rebuilding something is not something that you’d easily consider. BIM can generate product schedules for windows, doors and other products so that your builder can make orders for the right amount and kind of resources. Also, its 3D ability brings into view possible conflicts that cannot be seen on paper or 2D CAD representations. This again is another cost saver. All this savings might even get you that little extra something that you always wanted.

Reason #5: Designing factor

Making changes to a normal design is not an easy task; be it a change in color or rearranging the furniture. 3D presentation models created in Revit, for example, enables quick changes to any feature like color, height, width etc. This feature is extremely handy in the design state of your home. You can even show the 3D design to your friends & family and put in their suggestions to make your home better.

Reason #6: Go Green, feel the nature

The dream of having your own LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified green home can become a reality when you do business with a builder who has implemented BIM. BIM allows for sustainable design – allowing engineers and architects working on your home to access higher tech tools to carefully analyze factors like heat gain, solar, ventilation, and energy efficiency in the actual design. For example, if you want to light your home up using sunlight, the perfect design can be made using BIM tools. Also, efficiency and accuracy can be increased by combining BIM and Energy analysis so that the most environment-friendly methods can be used right from the construction to the maintenance of the house.

Reason #7: Better Maintenance

BIM can also be of use post the construction of your home. Integrating BIM with other emerging technologies like drones can help with analyzing the house for maintenance in the future. After the construction work is done, an aerial scan of the house can provide enough information so that a periodical comparison of the present and previous condition of the house can be made. Doing so will allow any maintenance work to be identified and completed on time with proper allocation of resources required.

From the above points, it has been made clear that BIM is extremely useful for residential homeowners. The technology can be put to use from the beginning of the project until the demolition of the house. With proper implementation of the technology, people can have the dream home that they desire. Make sure that you buy your dream home from a builder who has implemented BIM.

Author-Bio: Shakti Prasad is a digital marketer at Advenser. A company offering BIM services in the AEC industry. He spends his time networking and learning new strategies in B2B to apply in AEC industry. During his leisure hours, he spends time with his friends apart from spending some quality time alone in reading, writing, cooking and sharing good thoughts.

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Do you want to write for us? You can guest post on localbuilders.net.au!

We are currently accepting high-quality guest posts on real property, real estate, home building and related topics that match the theme.

1) Your content must be interesting, useful and benefit our audience.

2) The article you submit high quality, original and in-depth (1,000-word minimum). Do not add any filler or fluff into the article, each word must be useful.

3) No copyright is allowed, all of the articles must be original. Images do not need to be original but cannot infringe copyright (you must have permission to use them and provide the evidence that this is the case).

4) Any links in the article must be relevant and not excessive.

5) Content must be non-promotional. You business/site may be great but I don’t want an article about how great it is. The article must be a useful informational article.

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How safe is buying off the plan in Melbourne Australia?

Are you thinking to buy off the plan? Maybe you are wondering how safe is buying off the plan in Melbourne Australia? We have some insight here and it is probably not what you think.

Apart from investors, who buy to profit, a big percentage of off the plan townhouse buyers are making lifetime investments. That is why making a purchasing decision must be made wisely. Buying off the plan is considered to be a safe and legal way to finding a perfect home, but it is a tricky process and includes a lot of papyrology, a lot of time and a deeper analysis. Here are some things to consider when deciding to go for off the plan townhouse, which can help answer the question many buyers ask – Is buying a property off the plan safe?

The developer

The first thing to look for when looking for a safe investment is the developer. The reputation the developers enjoys say a lot about how safe buying property from them is. It is always a wise decision to buy from the experienced developer, who has many successful projects behind and no legal problems in their working history. Therefore, it is important to do detailed research before signing the contract and ask some questions such as was the previous project completed on time and are there any serious complaints from previous buyers.

The contract details

The contract is the legal platform for all legal interactions between the developer and the builder. That is why it must meet all the necessary information and protect the buyer’s rights. All the agreements made must be made explicit and clear and must meet all the legal terms and be approved by legal authorities.

The future development of the area

The location is of great importance when looking for a safe investment, as it can impact the price when signing the contract, but also after, when the property settles. The development of the area where the townhouse is located can change the price and sometimes change it drastically. That is why it is important, especially if the property is located in the area that is yet to be developed, to check if there are any future projects in the area that can affect the value of the property, such as building a noisy boulevard or industrial complex.

The property specifications

For making a safe investment and purchasing the right property, it is important to pay attention to all the information concerning property specifications. This includes not only the location and square footage but also house orientation, amenities, room organisation, materials used, electricity and water systems, design, flooring, finishes and other. There also some information that concerns the property specifications in a way, but is not part of the contract. This includes different pieces of information such as what the neighbourhood is like, is it safe, how far away is the city centre, questions related to public transportation and townhouse connection to other city areas and so on. This information must be carefully researched in order to make a safe investment when buying off the plan, since they can not be found in the original contract.

Check out more info about buying a townhouse off the plan in South East Melbourne, or specifically in Burwood East, Mount Waverley or Box Hill.

House and land packages are also often sold off the plan see more info about home and land packages in Melbourne Vic here,

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For those who decided to go with a townhouse as the best first house option, there are few things that need to be taken into account. Buying the first house usually brings with it some amount of investment inexperience, a lot of chaos and stress. Some people, when looking for a perfect first home solution, don’t have the patience to think through all the possible options, but those who do are usually sooner or later introduced to the idea of buying off the plan, which is probably one of the best ideas for the first time buyers. Here are some useful advices for townhouse buyers, who decided to go with the buy off the plan option for their first home purchase, that can help in finding and buying the best property for their needs.

Townhouses have many advantages to other building types They are neither apartments nor single houses and have the best of both worlds. It is known that they are cheaper than single family houses in the same area but provide almost the same comfort. The strategy to buying a townhouse off the plan is similar to buying an apartment or choosing between a single houses complex. There are few units available and buyers can choose which suits them the best. Since these homes are cheaper, they are great compensation and a perfect option for anyone who is looking for a family home with a garden, but can’t afford the full pleasure.

When looking for a perfect first home it is important to buy early when the project starts, because with buying off the plan the golden rule is that buying a home early in the project lowers the price and requires the lower the deposit. When it comes to payment and buying a first house, this is a great solution because not only the price is lower than the finished townhouse of the same type, but also because there is more time to dedicate to getting a loan from the bank and saving more money for the desired home. You have more time to consider your financing options and secure a financing, so you don’t have to worry about unnecessary financial issues. Many developers offer great deals for the first buyers and many also offer some discounts and special offers, which lowers the price of property even more.

Buying off the plan gives more time for necessary financial and organisational preparations. You will have more time to think and organise your budget effectively, so when the sunset date is known you be able to make planes about furnishings and other details. It will allow planning moving in way ahead and make necessary preparations, which is not the case when buying an already built townhouse. Some builders also offer to make adjustments in projects for clients needs, meaning there is more room for changing what you don’t like about your future home. This makes it more customised and perfect for first-time buyers who are looking for their special place.

Learn about off the plan townhouses in Mount Waverley or Burwood East. There are some great options available.

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When considering buying off the plan townhouse, we must take into consideration both pros and cons of this option to make the best judgment.

Pros

Good price

The main reason why this property buying option is getting more and more popular is that fairly good price you get for a brand new home. The thing with buying off the plan is that it is in developers interest to get the first funds as quickly as possible to ensure the financial stability. That is why the first off the plan townhouses are the cheapest and chances are big that you will be in a good position to pick the best home developer offers. The price is fixed so that means you can even profit from buying this way if property value goes up.

Flexible payment methods

What is great about purchasing your dream home off the plan is the flexibility of payment. There is buy now and play later method, which includes only small deposit usually prior to signing the contract. Since the price is fixed, you won’t have to deal with unnecessary math. You can also choose from different payment options and go for the one that suits you best.

More time for making plans

Buying off the plan is great because it not only allows you to deal with your finances more effectively but also with your time and preparations for moving in. As construction of your new townhouse takes some time, you can save more money and it gives your bank more time for loan approval and raises the chances of getting it.

Cons

Unexpected results

Since buying off the plan is buying a property before it is built and ready for moving in, we buy it based on the plans and provided information only. Since we can not see and feel the space we are buying, we must be ready for an element of surprise when it comes to how will our townhouse look like. Since developers have more-less freedom to go for the alternatives in choosing the material and ways of building after you purchase the property and sign the contract, there can be some unpleasant surprises such as low quality. What we can deal with here is our expectations not being met.

Construction competition past the due date

Another problem many buyers face is delayed house competition. Due to financial issues developers sometimes face, there is a possibility of not meeting the construction due date which can delay your plans of moving in.

Cancellation or bankruptcy

These are both probably the worse case scenarios, but both can happen. Cancellation of your contract under special circumstances is possible, so there is a chance if you haven’t studied the contract to a detail, that your contract gets canceled. Many buyers also risk dealing with the bankruptcy of the builder. What can happen here is simply not getting your townhouse at all and there is a chance of not getting the deposit back as well, which is not a pleasant experience.

Read more about the 6 things to consider when buying an off the plan townhouse in Australia.

 

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Our finances and legal matters play the main role, but when buying a townhouse off the plan, there are some things that need to be considered before signing a contract with chosen developer.

Construction due date

The first thing to consider is how long will it take until you move in your new home. Some projects take longer to finish, so think about how long can you wait for your new home, as construction can take up to 2 years or even more. If the deadline doesn’t suit you or you perceive it isn’t worth waiting, for financial or other reasons, go for another option.

Location and surroundings

While analysing the plan of your potential future townhouse, take the time to think about the location. Remember it is not only about the distance from your work, school, important facilities or town centre, but also the safety of the neighbourhood and connection to other important locations in the city. Noisy and busy streets and neighbourhoods are not really desirable options. On the other side, good infrastructure, parking lot, public transportation availability and calm neighbourhood are always a plus in choosing a perfect home.

Quality

The developer of your choice should have a good reputation for the quality of the work they provide. It is not unusual for developers to go for alternatives during construction, especially when it comes to materials used while building your home, if their finances ask for adaptation. Make sure that they have a history of previous buyers who are content, so even when the materials, floorings and windows aren’t exactly like on a plan you still get a good quality.

Public utilities in the area

It is important to consider how high the bills for electricity, water, sewage and other utilities will be, as uneconomic systems are bad solutions in the long run and will greatly impact your budget in the future.

Space organisation and arrangement

Space arrangement is definitely very important, and we are all always hoping for more square meters for less money. But, what is also important is how that space is used, which is why buying a townhouse off the plan must be based on careful analysis of the space. Unlike when buying a townhouse which is already built, buying off the plan means we have to rely on plans only and try to visualise how that space will look like when the house is finished. Space must be used economically and wisely, so you get the best space arrangement possible.

House orientation

This is something many people neglect while buying their houses, but it is definitely necessary for consideration. There is a difference in having an east oriented living room or west oriented one. House and rooms orientation impacts how much natural light there will be during the day. Also, there is a difference in having a main street oriented house and having a park oriented house, so orientation definitely plays a part in choosing a perfect townhouse for your needs and should be taken into a count.

Check out info about townhouses in Melbourne.

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Buying a dream townhouse off the plan is a great solution for any budget out there. As important as choosing the right property is, using the most of what developers have to offer is crucial and will give buyers the right home keys. To make the best purchasing decision and avoid being too caught up in the process, here are some tips to help in finding the best option and purchasing the most suitable off the plan home for any taste.

Know what you are looking for

Before buying a property off plan it is important to have well-defined criteria and know what you are looking for and what you are trying to avoid, and this goes both for townhouses and developers. It is important to know your financial limits and based on that do a proper research on developers and properties available. What are your preferred location and townhouse size? What about available payment options? How should the interior look like and what is the number of rooms and bathrooms? How compatible your criteria is with actual prices? These are some of the questions you have to answer before finding a developer and property which suits you.

Choosing developer and the plan

This step takes time, but it is crucial for finding a perfect house. After you have established your criteria and done a research on potential developers, it is time to narrow your options and pick a developer and a townhouse plan which suits you the most. It is important to pay attention to developers reputation and the quality of work they provide, so take the time to do a research to prevent yourself from regretting your choice later. The perfect developer should have a good reputation and must match your criteria so don’t haste and take the time to find the right one. When the developer is chosen, it is time to analyze the house plan. Does it match your criteria? Is the arrangement of rooms suitable? What are the floor and ceiling like? Windows, doors, and materials? When will the house be finished? Can you customise the interior design? If in doubt or inexperienced, ask for a legal advice, as it is important that chosen developer matches all legal criteria.

Signing the contract and choosing payment options

When signing the contract be sure to understand all the rules, terms and conditions mentioned. Take time to analyse cooling off period and deposit withdrawal options. Read carefully about inclusion and warranties as well as payment options mentioned in the contract. Usually, when it comes to payment, with most buying off plan properties, developers ask for a 10% deposit as a guarantee. Most of the time there are few payment options available, paying in cash or taking a credit from the bank, so pick the most reasonable option for you. Pay attention to a stamp duty which must be paid while purchasing a house. Analyse the contract carefully, check the annual fees and make sure all legal terms are met in order to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

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