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This article originally published here.

The State Government has again pledged its commitment to the exciting and visionary Ocean Reef Marina project, agreeing to sign a new joint Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Joondalup.

Joondalup Mayor Troy Pickard was told of the news on Friday (20 May) during a visit to the marina site with local members Ocean Reef MLA Albert Jacob and Joondalup MLA Jan Norberger.

The MOU announcement coincided with news that the State Government has also allocated $500,000 to the project as part of its 2016-17 Budget.

The MOU is a formal agreement that acknowledges a strategic alliance and the shared commitment of the City and the State Government as joint landowners of the site in bringing the Ocean Reef Marina project to fruition.

Joondalup Mayor Troy Pickard said the MOU was a vital step in a long process as the City could not deliver a project of this size and complexity on its own.

“This document will set out the roles of the City and the State Government and how we will work together to resolve ongoing issues, recognising that a collaborative approach is needed to develop the marina,” he said.

The Mayor said the extra funding would enable the City to continue the planning phase of this complex and multi-faceted project.

The City is currently progressing the environmental and planning approvals for the Ocean Reef Marina via an amendment to the Metropolitan Region Scheme (MRS) boundary and a Public Environmental Review of the marine based components.

Mayor Pickard said the State Government’s financial contribution would enable the City to complete the outstanding tasks required for these processes, as well as finalise the Ocean Reef Marina Structure Plan.

“It will also allow the City to undertake any additional environmental work as required by the relevant agencies, respond to submissions arising from the public advertising of the PER, MRS Amendment and Structure Plan, and continue our extensive liaison with key stakeholders,” he said.

“The City has been custodian of the Ocean Reef Marina and championed this project for a considerable amount of time and committed significant resources.

“The environmental and planning approvals process currently underway is complex and challenging, with some 35 different environmental and planning studies or investigations being undertaken in recent times.

“This considerable body of work represents a financial investment of approximately $2.6 million, and whilst there is still some way to go, the funding from the State Government is timely.

“It is anticipated that the MRS Amendment, the PER and the Structure Plan will be advertised for public comment in the latter half of 2016, subject to agreement by the relevant State Government approval agencies.”

In October 2015 the City requested the State Government to take over as proponent of the project, mindful that it does not have the capacity and resources to build the Ocean Reef Marina on its own and would need the State Government or a public/private partnership to develop the facility.

“The City is preparing a structure plan in collaboration with the Department of Planning in its pursuit to obtain the necessary planning approvals that would ensure the desired urban outcomes of the Ocean Reef Marina concept plan,” Mayor Pickard said.

“Moving forward the City aims to work with the State Government to determine how the project is best progressed to construction stage.

“As land owners, the City would still like to be actively involved in the decision making process and work collaboratively with all stakeholders to produce an approved, financially viable, and publicly supported project that is delivered in accordance with community expectations.

“I can assure all of our residents and ratepayers that the City remains extremely determined to see the Ocean Reef Marina come to fruition.”

The Ocean Reef Marina project includes approximately 750 boat pens/stackers, boat ramps and boat trailer parking, hotel/short stay accommodation, residential apartments and single lots, food and beverage outlets, retail and service commercial, public open space and community amenities, an Internal beach, sea sports club and sea rescue facilities.

FAST FACTS

2016 – City receives funding from State Government in 2016-17 Budget to continue approval processes. State Government agrees to sign another Memorandum of Understanding with the City.

2015 – City calls on State Government to become the proponent of Ocean Reef Marina project.

2014 – Initiation of the Metropolitan Region Scheme boundary amendment by the Western Australian Planning Commission.

Environmental Protection Authority determined to assess the marine based components (under section 38 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986) via a Public Environmental Review.

2013 – Submission to the Western Australian Planning Commission of a request to amend the Metropolitan Region Scheme boundary.

2012- Signing of the Ocean Reef Marina Memorandum of Understanding with the State Government.

2011 – An amended concept plan was endorsed by Council as the basis for the preparation of the Local Structure Plan for the development.

2009 – Concept plan seven endorsed by Council for community consultation. Received 95.6% support from the almost 12,000 respondents who made submissions.

2007- Ocean Reef Marina Committee, Government Steering Committee and Community Reference Group established.

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When it’s done right, investing in property can help you to build wealth for your future. In Australia, property is currently a very popular investment and many people are enthusiastically jumping into the market to make the most of the low interest rates currently available. But it takes careful planning for your property investment to be a success. Here are ten key factors to consider before investing in property.

1. What you want to achieve
First, determine what your end goal is – it might be financial freedom, to tie up some extra funds, or to live in the property yourself in years to come – and then make a plan that’ll help you reach that goal in a suitable timeframe. Review your plan on a regular basis to make sure you’re on track.

2. Your preferred investment strategy
If you’re looking to maximise returns, wise investors focus on buying a property below its intrinsic value in an area with a long history of strong capital growth. Also look for a property that’s unique, special or different, and one that you can renovate or redevelop in order to produce better capital growth.

3. The type of property
A good investment is a property that’ll be in continuous strong demand from both tenants and owner-occupiers. This is because tenants help pay off your mortgage, whereas owner-occupiers push up house prices. More people nowadays trade their backyards for balconies, so think about going for an apartment-style property in the inner suburbs.

4. Buying old or new
Remember, you’ll often miss out on capital growth for the first few years if you buy a new or ‘off-the-plan’ apartment. This is because you’ll have to pay a premium to the developer.

Another thing to consider in purchasing a new unit as an investment property, is that many owners in the building will most likely be investors also. It’s best to buy an apartment in a building predominated by owner-occupiers, as they typically look after the building more effectively than investors. The established apartment should also be in a character-filled block that can be cosmetically refurbished, as this can help you increase your rental income and produce some capital growth.

5. Where to buy
Location is very important when it comes to your investment’s long-term performance, so look for a property in a suburb that has always outperformed the averages or one that’s being renovated or redeveloped. You’ll usually find it in a lifestyle suburb in a major capital city near the CBD, amenities or water. Then narrow your choices further by choosing the best spots in the suburb.

6. What you can afford
You should know how much you can afford to spend and repay before you look for a property. You can do this by talking to us about getting a pre-approved loan and setting aside some funds for acquisition and holding costs, as well as a financial buffer for an emergency or a rise in interest rates.

7. Who to ask for help
In addition to us – your professional finance broker – you’ll need expert input and advice from the following people: qualified accountant, independent property strategist, smart solicitor, and if at all possible, an experienced property investor as a mentor. They can all help you ensure that your investment is a success.

8. The importance of research
Successful property investors never stop researching the market to capitalise on the best opportunities. You should familiarise yourself with all Australia’s various property markets and not just your local market, in order to find the best potential for profit.

If you’re looking to invest for the first time or expand your existing property portfolio, or to venture into investment for the first time, contact us today. We’ll help you with your finance and give you referrals to professionals who can help you with the purchasing process.

This article was originally published here and although a couple of years old, most information is still valid.

Northern Perth’s Joondalup region is adjusting to the moderating market of the city.

The northern beaches Joondalup region includes Burns Beach, Edgewater, Joondalup, Connolly, Heathridge, Kinross, Currambine, Iluka and Ocean Reef. The suburb of Joondalup itself acts as a hub to Perth’s outer northern suburbs.

The push to establish Joondalup as an urban centre extends back to 1970, with the Corridor Plan for Perth. A number of retail and transport infrastructure initiatives have been implemented around the area in the past 40 years to facilitate urban development and direct activity to Joondalup. Joondalup was highlighted in the West Australian state government’s Directions 2031 strategy as one of two primary centres in the Perth metropolitan area, along with Rockingham.

The area’s CBD has a strong retail focus and has seen considerable residential development in recent years, with a relatively high density of townhouses and apartments. With the presence of Edith Cowan University, a healthy retail and entertainment district, established parks and in close proximity to the beach and Lake Joondalup, the area has attracted demand from the middle class lifestyle market.

The greater region of Joondalup had a median house price of $588,750 in March, while units in the area sold for a median price of $415,000. A two bedroom Joondalup apartment in the block pictured below sold for $408,000 in February.

According to Australian Property Monitors senior economist Andrew Wilson, Joondalup’s appeal to middle income earners has lent the area some resilience against the changes seen in Perth’s market.

“Joondalup is in the middle price range area,” said Wilson.

“There’s a bit of a lifestyle market there. With all the new developments that have been established in that area, we’re seeing middle price bracket, executive type buyers.

“Because of that nature of the market, it tends to be quite resilient. The big picture is that Perth is moderating. The latest data shows that Perth’s market has plateaued.

“We’re seeing quite a significant upward shift in unemployment in Perth, which has moderated lately.”

According to data from the Real Estate Institute of Western Australia, listings in Joondalup and the neighbouring Wanneroo jumped earlier this year, up 28% in the March quarter from December.

Despite Joondalup’s relative strength, its property market must still deal with exposure to Perth’s labour market, said Wilson.

“The Perth labour market has seen some difficulties with absorbing eastern state migration, which saw rents get pushed up quite sharply in some suburbs of Perth. Perth prices rose 10% last year, and with rising unemployment, we’re starting to see some affordability issues.

“And the lifestyle market can certainly be affected by job security and affordability issues. But as the economy does pick up and absorb that unemployment, incomes will grow.”

The slowing mining sector in Western Australia has seen a shift in focus for the region, with the city of Joondalup launching new initiatives to market the region as Perth’s “knowledge capital”. How well the region responds to the state’s shifting economy remains to be seen, but strong infrastructure investment in the area in the past and extending into the future ensures that it will remain a significant urban centre for Perth’s northern corridor.

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia/Creative Commons.

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It’s generally a good idea to protect and improve the sale value of your property, even if you’re not intending on selling in the immediate future. Continuing to invest in and develop the property so that it remains modern and well-maintained will help to grow its value consistently over time. There are, of course, plenty of different ways to enhance its value, but at the minimum, there are a handful of key strategies that are proven to be effective.

1) Develop the facade
The first thing that visitors see of a home is its front facade, and a great deal of value can be added to the property simply by making sure that those first impressions are positive. Consider the look of the building itself, the landscaping and the overall condition of the property. For example, make sure the roof is in good repair and looks great – filthy tiles or rusting metal is simply not a good look!

2) Keep the flooring modern
Fashions in flooring change frequently, for example carpeted or even lino floors were in fashion not long ago, but these days polished floors or stone is a much more attractive look. You don’t need to tear the floors up every time the fashion changes, but consider making a refresh to the flooring a high priority.

3) Make sure everything matches inside
Even if the house is not being sold with the furniture, the furniture that fills a space makes a statement and can help to inspire the creative thoughts in a prospective buyer. Mismatching furniture within a room can make it look busy, small, and unattractive to the eye. Consistency and style will create an open, calm atmosphere, which will inspire far more confidence in a buyer.

4) Raise the roof
The desire to have space is a timeless one, and the height of the ceiling can actually have a big impact on the perception of space in a room. If your property has low ceilings and it’s possible to lift them, do so in order to maintain that open, airy atmosphere that is so in vogue at the moment.

5) Focus in on the kitchen
It’s very likely that a prospective buyer now is a fan of shows like My Kitchen Rules and MasterChef! That means they are going to want a sizable and well-resourced kitchen to host their dinner parties. What are people looking for in their kitchens? Energy-efficient appliances (taps, ovens, fridges), plenty of storage space and cabinets, and plenty of countertop space.

6) Is there the ability to add more rooms?
Properties escalate in price rapidly as more rooms – especially bedrooms – are added onto the building. So, if there is the ability to renovate and add a bedroom or two, an extra bathroom, or additional living space, be sure to consider it. Renovations might have an upfront cost, but the return from that investment generally justifies it come sale time.

7) Sustainability is so hot right now
Increasingly, people want to live sustainably, and are willing to pay a premium in order to be able to do so. In addition, savvy home buyers are realising that the more sustainable a building, the cheaper it’s going to be for them in the longer term.

Ideas to consider include: solar panels, water tanks, thermal warming systems, and great insulation is a must.

Most of these investments can be made over the medium and long term, which is why it’s worth considering well before you’ve even started to think about selling your home. That way, when you do decide to sell, you’re not going to miss any opportunities by simply running out of time to “do up” the place.

If you need assistance financing your property renovations, remember we’re here to help. There are a variety of different ways to organise finance for your projects and we can help you to access the right option for your needs, so give us a call today.

If you are considering buying an investment property in the Joondalup area, research should be very important to you. We have a lot of home loan and property tools available for our clients looking for their next property purchase. Some of these tools are not available to the general public. Just one small way mortgage brokers beat bank branches for investors 100% of the time.

There is still also some great data readily available to everyone via REIWA and the property websites, like the link below. Keep in touch with Element Finance Joondalup via our Facebook page where we will release some of our private tools soon.

http://www.realestate.com.au/invest/house-in-joondalup,+wa+6027


Copyright 2016