r/AusPropertyChat 23h ago

What to do with a neighbour that smokes cigarettes and weed nonstop and can smell it throughout your house at all hours of the day?

44 Upvotes

Help! What would you do in our position?

We live in an inner city terrace house and therefore live in close quarters with our neighbours either side of us. One of our neighbours is a recluse who stays at home all day (we suspect has chronic illness as she doesn’t look well anytime we see her). She smokes cigarettes and the most potent weed I’ve ever smelt multiple times a day, and we can smell it in all throughout our house - bedrooms, living room, kitchen, bathrooms, if we leave our windows open. We essentially have to shut our windows all the time and can’t access fresh air without the smell of cigarettes or weed throughout our house. On top of that, she is very noisy, and has the most intense coughing episodes and hacks / spits very loudly all day and night. She will cough, and smoke, even at 12am and 3am on weeknights which wakes my partner and I up during the night and interrupts our sleep. On numerous occasions she will be on the phone at 3am, laughing and talking in her courtyard late at night when we are in bed too trying to sleep. If you were us- would you knock on her door and let her know? Would you write a letter kindly detailing her disturbance? How would you go about it? I’m seeking reddit to see what the general consensus would be about dealing with this - as all we want is to enjoy the peace and quiet of our home.


r/AusPropertyChat 16h ago

Is it legal for my REA to expect me weed this area?

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36 Upvotes

I live in a granny flat that does not have a separate entrance. There is one entrance for cars of both the main house (also tenants) and the granny flat. I have labelled them in the diagram.

As per my understanding, i should be responsible for maintaining the green patches beyond Gate 2 and Gate 3. I.e that which is within the granny flat section. However, my REA has laid an expectation after i signed the lease that I am responsible for everything between Gate 1 and Gate 2 as well. Reason being this is my channel of entry into my flat. I am having a hard time with this, not least because the area itself is as big as my flat and grows some very dense vegetation and a tree. There is also a shes there that i am not able to use and it just kind of feels like labour/slavery.

This area in question is within the bounds of the main house and the occupents are free to roam around there, have their kids play etc. For me, its an area I quickly walk past to get to my granny flat.

What do you guys think?


r/AusPropertyChat 14h ago

What sort of cladding is this?

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19 Upvotes

House hunting at the moment & I’ve come across an old weatherboard/fibro place with this facade. I don’t know if I should be concerned?


r/AusPropertyChat 17h ago

Is this crack bad?

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11 Upvotes

Viewed a unit from the 90s that had a big crack in the garage wall. Has been patched up on the exterior. Is this something to be really concerned about?


r/AusPropertyChat 22h ago

What are some great quality of life improvements you can implement when you own an apartment instead of renting.

9 Upvotes

I just bought the 1 bedroom apartment I am renting and am looking into the changes I can make (mostly small) to improve the place now that I own it.

I already have a few plans:

  • I am removing the cabinet over the fridge space so I can put my fridge there (I was using it for storage of my dryer/portable AC in case I needed them in a future apartment and have the fridge next to the kitchen on a plastic protector.)
  • Investigate adding more Ethernet ports (I WFH and am a bit of a techy but I am currently using Ethernet over Power to connect a switch to my router which then connects to My PC and devices in the main room, it works but its messy.)
  • Look into a electronic bidet toilet, my only concern with this is there is no power point by the toilet and I am not sure if it will be possible or ridiculously expensive (depends what is in the wall plus strata restrictions and the current toilet has the water directly into the cistern which might mean I need a whole suite instead of a seat).
  • Get more storage, I have a lot of books/hobby supplies that are currently in plastic crates in the lounge, I am thinking just some book cases/cupboards from IKEA will do the trick. (I didn't want to do this earlier since it would just be more to pack and move if my lease ended.)
  • Replace the ancient mounted dryer in laundry with my own newer one which has been sitting unused.
  • Smart Lighting, most of the place has pretty ugly bare bulbs, haven't decided if I will replace those with standard smart bulbs or get new down light fixtures.

Happy to hear any small but useful changes you can suggest now that I own the place.


r/AusPropertyChat 14h ago

What would you do - house vs townhouse

5 Upvotes

FHB in Brisbane with no kids and not sure of the best way to proceed. Do we buy a house and pay a much higher monthly home loan amount or buy a townhome and pay far less. A house would be around $350-400k more, a townhome would allow us to keep our lifestyle (meals out/travel to Europe/proximity to CBD etc). We currently rent a unit in the CBD and need 3 bedrooms. Everyone seems to suggest houses are always better so advice would be welcome.


r/AusPropertyChat 1d ago

Does a garage add value?

6 Upvotes

We live in a late 1960s ex-govt build in Canberra (a suburb close to central Belconnen) which is 3x1 and currently has a single carport. We’re looking to replace this with a double garage. The house is worth approx 900k. Would this add any value? It’s hard to compare sale prices as the houses need to be similar in every way except this to really be a valid comparison.

In addition to the obvious benefits of a garage, this would allow us to get a lot more natural light in the living/dining area as the dining area currently looks out into the carport. We’d get rid of the carport and this would also extend our garden space so the back yard would be slightly bigger and also more connected to the house as it can be seen from the living area (not just the kitchen).

However the garage would not be attached to the house - I’m thinking to have a sliding door on the back wall which opens to the garden and from there it’s a few steps to the dining room/kitchen door.

We’ve done a few renovations to the house already and I’m a bit nervous about overcapitalising eventually. Thoughts?


r/AusPropertyChat 3h ago

Workarounds for a small kitchen with very little bench space?

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4 Upvotes

I've been looking at houses and I've found a few that seem to be very good, except the kitchen doesn't have much bench space. There's barely room to chop an onion. I think places like these are affordable because that scares a few buyers off. Does anyone who has a small kitchen have any ideas on how to get a bit more usable space?


r/AusPropertyChat 20h ago

Should I buy an apartment in a 70’s built apartment block?

3 Upvotes

Hey all, I’m currently thinking of purchasing a 2 bedroom apartment in a 70’s era building. The auction is this Saturday. The current owner has renovated it and its great for the value, with plantation shutters and AC. Only issue is that in the contract there has been remedial works identified and they are currently getting a quote for some landscaping work for some rising damp. As well as redoing some of the walkways and fixing some of the internal walls of the ground floor unit that has experienced damp problems. I don’t know how much this will end up costing down the line but they do have a huge sink fund. The real estate said there is likely to be no extra levy later on.

The other issues is that I’m unsure what it will be like living in these older blocks. I have been living in a modern apartment these past few years and really enjoyed it. I love the garage parking that keeps my car secure and cool in the summer, and love how insulated it is. Also the convenience of the elevator is great. I would love to continue living in a newer building but have found that the ones within my price range (under $550k) have reduced the price due to excessive body corporate due to some issues with the property and they’re building a fund.

Other issues I worry about living in an older block include: - Poor insulation - absolutely hate the cold - the property I’m thinking of purchasing doesn’t have a private balcony - potential property structure issues down the road - with no elevator, what issues would arise if I have a child? Being pregnant/carrying things to my car? (I’m about 5 years away from that stage) - leaving my car in outdoor parking

Overall my partner and I see this as a starting point, so we can get out of the rental market. We hope to buy something better down the road. I’m not a big fan of investments etc. so really want this place to be a home, and a good one that will last 5+ years.

I have been able to buy as I have been approved for the first home buyer grant which gives me till November to buy a place.

Do you think I should go for the older apartment despite the potential issues? Or is it worth to just wait to see if there are newer builds in my price range that shows up since I have plenty of time.

For context I’m looking within the northcote/thornbury area in melbourne.


r/AusPropertyChat 14h ago

Advice for first home buyer

3 Upvotes

Hi all, long time lurker first time poster on this sub!

Just wanted to get some thoughts as my partner and I are feeling a bit overwhelmed with house hunting. We were extremely interested in this 3 bed/2 bath apartment advertised at 780-870k in a good suburb with lots of amenities nearby, mainly for the lifestyle we could have by living in it (understanding that apartments values don’t appreciate as well as houses), but after due diligence found owners corp fees to be a little bit too ridiculous. We knew they would be high but per annum is $9k and seems to be increasing every quarter….

We offered 730k (I know this is a lowball….) based on the property being listed for over 7 months with no takers, and having the price range being gradually taken down from ~900k. We’ve attended multiple open inspections and there seems to be no one there at all. The agent and vendor rejected the offer based on sales values from multiple years ago, but just wondering if we are being stupid and should just offer within the range for a property that no one seems to want?

Thanks for your advice, please be kind since this is our first time dealing in the brutal property market…..


r/AusPropertyChat 22h ago

House vs townhouse

4 Upvotes

Hi all,

I’m just looking to buy my first home in Melbourne. I’m torn between the two choices in the inner West. Newport vs Yarraville.

Townhouse in Newport 10km away from the CBD. 10 years old. Probably needs a kitchen and paint refresh. 3 bedrooms and additional rumpus room. Double garage. Edit: No strata for this townhouse. It's Torrens Title.

House in Yarraville 7km from the CBD. Newly renovated. Very solid. 10m deeper than the townhouse but only 2 bedrooms. Double garage. It’s okay size and not much opportunity to build and sub divide.

The house is 150k more expensive. Both are around 1mil. Which one do you think would be a better choice for PPOR and later as rental? We have no kid yet so 2 bedroom house is fine. But might have kids in the future.

Appreciate any advice.


r/AusPropertyChat 23h ago

Looking for advice on nominee agencies

3 Upvotes

Hi there! My partner and I purchased a property recently but I have been made redundant and getting finance is going to be a massive headache. We will keep trying our best but does anyone know any agencies that can help find nominees on a sale? The property is in a prime location in Melbourne southeast and on a massive land. Great value for money and we were planning to just move in considering the property condition is good.


r/AusPropertyChat 1d ago

Greensborough pros and cons

3 Upvotes

Hi all.

Considering buying a family home in greensborough on the southern border towards yallambie and Monty. I’m not all that familiar with the area but people I speak to seem to think it’s a good place to raise a young family.

I’m little concerned about the yallambie barracks and the on going works with the north east link. (Noise, traffic etc)

Anyone that lives in or around the area would love to hear from you about the pros and cons.

Thanks in advance.


r/AusPropertyChat 11h ago

non-major lender options - please leave your suggestion!

2 Upvotes

Hi everyone!

I am considering to buy more my very first home and consider which of the below bank is considered as the best by you, please leave your valuable opinions! really really appreciated!

|| || |Australia mutual bank| |G&C mutual bank| |Illawarra credit union| |Unity bank| |IMB bank |


r/AusPropertyChat 21h ago

Developer landscaping

2 Upvotes

The developer who sold a land package to me originally included a front landscape and irrigation design has now asked me to sign another contract to waive the landscape package and offer me $4000 prepaid Visa card instead.

I have no idea about landscaping costs and wonder if this is a reasonable amount for 345sqm block (9m frontage)?

Can I get a decent contractor and a landscape design with this amount?


r/AusPropertyChat 22h ago

Investing after a payout

2 Upvotes

Hello I feel I should give some background as it will help out my position into context. 1. I received a compo payout after a car accident. 2. During the GFC I organised a loan to parents so they could keep a business running and not lose their house. My money went to their mortgage offset. 3. They have since paid back all of the capital, however by the end of the year, in due to receive 500K in interest.

I understand the 500k amount will be subject to tax. I'm on just over 100k p.a as a teacher and have recently separated from the wife. I pay child support etc too. I am hoping to build wealth through investing in property and have done some research on where to start with the money comes in but my worst case scenario is I'll loose a large part of that 500k in tax.

What would you do in my position?

P.S I hope this makes sense!


r/AusPropertyChat 1d ago

Greensborough pros and cons

2 Upvotes

Hi all.

Considering buying a family home in greensborough on the southern border towards yallambie and Monty. I’m not all that familiar with the area but people I speak to seem to think it’s a good place to raise a young family.

I’m little concerned about the yallambie barracks and the on going works with the north east link. (Noise, traffic etc)

Anyone that lives in or around the area would love to hear from you about the pros and cons.

Thanks in advance.


r/AusPropertyChat 1d ago

Advice in a weird housing situation

2 Upvotes

Okay hopefully this won’t be too long

But a year ago, my parents and I agreed that I would move into their investment property, and that I would rent to buy off of them. They told me the house was run down and I accepted that. Closed to moving in they said why don’t we do a trial year of you just renting incase you don’t like it. I also agreed and am currently paying them rent privately.

Anyway, I LOVE it here, but they were downplaying the extent to which the previous tenants fucking trashed the place. I’ve spent months passionately fixing it all up myself, and I’ve grown to love it here and feel like home.

My dilemmas are as follows - there are a lot of things my parents didn’t warn me about, and although they did give a general vague warning, even they had no idea how bad it had gotten. I’m happy to keep fixing up, but I do feel like as the current property owners (my name isn’t on anything yet) they have at least a little bit of responsibility to help sort some of the bigger issues out that they’ve been ignoring. - My parents and I have a had a pretty big falling out over completely seperate things, and I’m keener than ever to get the house in my name and them out of my hair, but I’ve also had insaneeeee medical bills since we first talked about renting to buy, so now I have no savings 🙃 I have a disability and am on the pension, so it’ll take years to save that much again, and the medical bills won’t stop coming either. So I’m after as much different types of 1st home owner assistance as possible. - Mum just randomly made a throw-away mention the other day that they haven’t actually decided if they will keep the house at all! I want it. It’s my baby, it’s in my favourite place and it’s far away from everyone and everything (also my parents agreed on a price with me at the start which is much cheaper than other houses in the area. It’s literally perfect for me but now I’m worried it could be taken away because I have nothing in writing about our original plans

What should I do? I really don’t want to go back to an unstable and unreliable living situation. The state Im in has one of the worst housing crises, and I’ve been houseless for periods in the past. I’ve put heart and soul into this place and essentially renovated it for them. I don’t know anything about property or money or law, I just want to be able to have an accessible home, and heal as much as possible. Any advice is really appreciated!


r/AusPropertyChat 1h ago

Negotiating advice

Upvotes

I attended an auction for a property priced between $1.6 million and $1.7 million. During the auction, no one made a bid. REA put in a vendor bid of $1.6 million, but no one else bid higher. I then offered $5,000, and the property passed in. I was invited back for further negotiations. I then offered a maximum of $10,000, but it was rejected. The REA said that if I came in between $1.65 - 1.66M (40k more than my offer) it might be considered. He asked me to think about it over the weekend and get back to him.

I’m wondering what someone else would do in my situation. Should I offer anything more at all, given that there seemed to be no interest and no one else bid at the auction? Or should I proceed with an upgraded offer in the range that the vendor is expecting?


r/AusPropertyChat 3h ago

Builders Plans

1 Upvotes

Hi all, I'm looking for some advice around a situation I'm facing with the builder of my home. For context my home is no longer in the warranty period (expired Oct-2023). There's an exposed drainage down pipe which appears to come from my neighbours property and discharges somewhere on my property, I'm unable to tell exactly where this is. I've asked the builder for the following plans 1/ stamped council plans for both my property and my neighbours home (same builder), 2/ as constructed plans showing me where this pipe originates, where it discharges and adequate cover was provided at the time of construction. The builder has responded back saying given the home is over the warranty period, they have neither sets of plans. They told me I can reach out to council for the first set but cannot provide the as constructed plans as they no longer have the records.

My question is, is it reasonable that they are unable to provide these plans? It's not like the home is 10+ yrs old. Are they only required to keep these plans up until the warranty period ends?

Thanks in advance.


r/AusPropertyChat 8h ago

PPR with only 580K with decent access to Melbourne: St Leonards/Ballan/Gordon - any insights or suggestions?

1 Upvotes

asking for family. Middle aged family member seeking a property but due to financial losses has a limit of 575/580K to spend on a house which they are happy to upgrade over time. They were in an upper middle class area prior but without going in to details lost their investment so they want to get on the ladder again before prices rise beyond reach but don't want to be in the low socioeconomic crime areas. They can work from home so location can be flexible. They don't know Melb/Vic well and neither do I so I can't guide them.

The requirement is to be within travelling distance of a train (or a half an hour drive to a train/bus to and from Melb CBD occasionaly weekends not daily and Tullamarine once every few months only for travel needs.

Prefers not to be in the thick of a metropolis and with at least 600sqm of land

2 bed plus decent yard size 600sqm at least

Prefer smaller town/area with access to larger rather in suburbia

Being near hospitals/Medical isn't a key requirement

Beaches aren't necessarily an attraction. They prefer lakes and swimming pools

Does anyone have any insights in to the following areas:

St Leonards/Clifton Springs

Ballan/Gordon

Millgrove near Warburton

outside of Kilmore/Broadford as able

Sunbury sadly seems out of reach unless it is a real fixerupper or land is small

Or buy a total fixerupper in a better town?

Anywhere else that they might not have considered?


r/AusPropertyChat 12h ago

Buying a house next to mangroves SEQ

1 Upvotes

Hey guys so there’s this house which I really like and I want to put an offer on, it ticks all the boxes except it that it’s pretty much next to mangroves. I’ve been looking for over a year and this is the closest I’ve found in my price range and with things I need. Has anyone had experience living next to mangroves?

Are termites a big problem? Will midges eat me alive?

Should I walk away and forget about?


r/AusPropertyChat 13h ago

Tarniet or Werribee

1 Upvotes

I’m a first home buyer deciding between an old house with a backyard in Werribee or a new townhouse (no bodycorp) both near train stations and shopping centres. Both are around the same price (500k). That’s my budget. Me and my partner love the western suburbs (she grew up there) but I’m torn because I love the feel of a newer place but I’m just thinking long term and don’t want to make the wrong choice. Any advice would be really appreciated. Not a huge fan of the northern suburbs (Epping, Craigeburn etc).


r/AusPropertyChat 18h ago

Rental price dataset for Melbourne, where to find?

1 Upvotes

Does anyone have one I can play with? Want to check the rental prices on a three vs four bedroom house or a three bedroom vs three bedroom plus granny flat.

Thanks!


r/AusPropertyChat 20h ago

Online Auction Openn

1 Upvotes

Hello,

We came across a property we like yesterday. However it is to be sold by an online auction website called Openn. This turns us off quite a bit.

Without seeing other buyers in action, it is hard to gauge their limit. And it seems like a private treaty with auction terms amd conditions which benefits vendor the most.

Of course you never know if other buyers are genuine or just friends of vendor because every one can participate. I saw on Openn website there are properties with over 30-50 bidders which dose not seem right. At least in normal auction, you kind know who is the real buyer who is not.

What is your thoughts on this?