Australian households have been spending up to make their homes more liveable over the past two years, new data shows. Figures released this week by the Australian Bureau of Statistics show that household spending increased by 7.7% in February 2022,…
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Australians who live on state borders know well the benefits and occasional detractions of living ‘on the borderline’. Imagine, however, the confusion of living in a house that sits between two countries! Originally built in the 17th century as a…
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House prices have increased at the highest rates in two decades, according to new research by the Real Estate Institute of Australia’s (REIA). The peak body’s latest Real Estate Market Facts report reveals that prices have risen by more than…
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Foreign investors in Australian property are under notice to follow the rules, after a hefty fine was issued this week. The first penalty order for breaches of Australia’s foreign investments rules has been issued by the Federal Court of Australia,…
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An indoor pool is something many of us might consider a luxury, but a new home in Vietnam has incorporated one – for fish. With much of the population moving from wide-open lands dotted with fields and rivers into overcrowded…
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Whether your garden is a balcony or acreage, Easter is a wonderful time to enjoy harvesting, pruning, planning and planting. In case you need an excuse to spend some balmy-weather days with your plants, here are some essential tasks. 1.…
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When was the last time you checked the cupboards in your kitchen and laundry for poisons? If you’re having a ‘staycation’, the Easter break could be an excellent time to clear out anything that might harm an inquisitive toddler. All…
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Despite increasing speculation, the Reserve Bank (RBA) is continuing its ‘wait and see’ stance, making no change to interest rates this month. Despite an apparently-strong jobs market and growing inflation – both factors that the bank board has been noting…
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Australia’s smaller cities drove up home values in March, new data shows. CoreLogic’s national Home Value Index (HVI) rose 0.7% in March, a subtle increase on the 0.6% lift recorded in February. The rise was mostly driven by stronger conditions…
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With trades in short supply, it can be tempting to jump in and start renovating your home by yourself. But the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) this week warned that people considering DIY renovations need to know when to hire a…
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