Top 6 Quick Online Checks to Interrogating a Development Site Opportunity

Posted on May 17, 2012 by Claire Panos

 

Have you ever thought about the quick and easy online ways to check a development site in order to avoid hours of wasted time and money? These sites sound like a “winner” at the time but after due diligence just do not stack up!

Here are some online places to visit:

  1.  Aerial Check – http://maps.google.com.au – Google maps give a quick orientation to surrounding areas, roadways and access directions, location of key services, how dense the area is and how much vegetation is surrounding the site. For example, large chunks or hardly any – this could be a good indicator for your project on what outcome may happen to vegetation on your site.
  2. Planning Scheme Zones, Overlay Maps, Flood maps, Topography and services maps – Local Council generally have their own websites with available and relevant information. For example, schemes within Brisbane City Council go to http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/planning-building/planning-guidelines-and-tools/city-plan-zones-codes/index.htm for Planning Zones or for Maps check out http://olr13.brisbane.qld.gov.au/website/MN_CP/ (you will have to agree with the terms and conditions of the site first).
  3. Covenants/Easements/Leases – survey plans/title registrations are key registered documents to review for any underlying registered matters affecting the site.  On line providers offer electronic search facilities – try http://www.searchfirst.com.au/searches/ or http://www.realtor.com.au/cgi-bin/vgmsg/pubaccess/ats/atsintro.p?co=. Alternatively, you can get these over the counter at the Department of Environment and Resource Management.
  4. Land Use Area Designations – Review the South East Queensland Regional Plan for any designations that may impact your site at  http://www.dlgp.qld.gov.au/regional-planning/south-east-queensland-regional-plan.html
  5. Department of Environment and Resource Management – Be aware of key resource areas by checking maps such as drainage, ground water, elevation, etc online at http://www.derm.qld.gov.au/services_resources/category.php?class_id=8&topic_id=6
  6. Vegetation – An easy way to check in regards to vegetation is to go to  http://www.derm.qld.gov.au/wildlife-ecosystems/biodiversity/regional_ecosystems/introduction_and_status/regional_ecosystem_maps/
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Top 10 By Laws every First Community Management Statement (CMS) should have

Posted on April 24, 2012 by Claire Panos

(in no particular order)

  1. Exclusive Use: Original Owners Right to allocate common property or body corporate assets.
  2. Supply of Services: Including the right to enter into agreements, contracts, licences, leases or any other agreements in connection with the supply/on supply of services to receivers and service infrastructure used in connection with a system.
  3. Rubbish/Garbage Disposal: Particularly important where retail and residential lots are in the same scheme.
  4. Parking/ Towing of Vehicles: Make sure it is in the CMS so the body corporate is covered when a vehicle is towed.
  5. Noise: Especially those high-rises containing hard flooring.  It creates a nightmare for the residents living there if not included in the CMS.
  6. Original Owners Rights including the use of common property: Areas that should be covered are signage, access, building works for improvement or completion of development works, installation of service infrastructure, temporary fencing/ hoarding.
  7. Recovery of monies: Although the recovery of monies  is included under the Body Corporate and Community Management Act 1997 it is still important to include a by law, as the Act does not cover any administrative or legal costs incurred by the body corporate when trying to recover monies.
  8. Recreational Facilities and Areas: If you want to enforce the signage in relation to the recreational facilities, make sure it is in the by-laws.  Ensure the by-law is fair and reasonable so there are no disputes along the way.
  9. Pets: Make sure all the details are included in the by law, especially in relation to pets on common property and seeking prior approval from the body corporate.
  10. Appearance of a Lot: If the owner/ occupier doesn’t look after their lot or exclusive use area, make sure the body corporate has the power to enter the lot and maintain at the owners expense.

 

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Maybe the property outlook isn’t so bleak after all?

Posted on April 10, 2012 by Claire Panos

Housing approvals across Queensland were up by 20.3% over the Feb 12 ’quarter’.

Check out UDIA’s article for full details:

http://us4.campaignarchive2.com/u=7aa39da96735c48cb8128b084&id=a0ef4afb45&e=07d2abc528

What do you think of the Queensland property market? Are things looking up? Post your comment below.

 

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Ease your Frustrations – 5 Ways to Handle Neighbourhood Fence Disputes

Posted on April 5, 2012 by Michelle Franklin

Ease your Frustrations – 5 Ways to Handle Neighbourhood Fence Disputes

 

 

 

 

 

 

Every year thousands of Queenslanders find themselves in the middle of neighbourhood disputes about fences.  The new Neighbourhood Disputes Resolution Act 2011 makes it easier for neighbours to resolve their disputes.

Adjoining land owners not divided by an adequate fence are liable to equally share the cost of a dividing fence.

Here are 5 ways to maintain your neighbourly relations

  1. Know your rights: research the new Neighbourhood Disputes Resolution Act 2011.
  2. Communicate with your Neighbour: a friendly conversation is often all that needs to happen to raise the topic.
  3. Get it in writing: When you and your neighbour agree on the type of fence, cost sharing etc, get the agreement in writing.
  4. Go to mediation: If an agreement cannot be reached, consider mediation as an alternative way of settling the dispute.
  5. Seek legal advice: If an issue escalates, you may need to seek legal advice.

Special provisions apply to bodies corporate/owners corporation in relation to fences; these can be specified clearly upfront in the by-laws for future clarity.

 Talk to the SSKB Developer Consulting team on 5504 2015 or consulting@sskb.com.au and learn how to ease future Neighbourhood Fence disputes.

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Michael Matusik on Stamp Duty

Posted on March 27, 2012 by Claire Panos

Check out Michael Matusik’s first article for Living in Strata. Interesting read for those purchasing properties throughout Australia.

http://www.livinginstrata.com.au/articles/qld/investing-in-body-corporate/stamp-duties

What do you think of Stamp Duty? Discuss in the comment field below!

 

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Top 4 Aspects of Projects Achieving Sales in Today’s Tight Market

Posted on March 1, 2012 by Priscilla Hyde

Common themes are emerging amongst projects that are going to market for sales and which are actually achieving results in today’s though market. Have you ever wondered what the secret ingredients are? Well, no need to wonder anymore as SSKB Developer Consulting team has decided to share the top 4 aspects of projects which are selling easier than freshly baked hot cross buns during Easter.

 

 

1. Staging – Townhouses schemes which have the ability to stage in smaller deliverable chunks creates better funding and cash flow.

2. Price Point – Both apartment towers and townhouse schemes have a price point especially for the investor which must be affordable (i.e. under the $400K).

3. Design – the scheme outgoings have been considered in the design of the project. E.g. utilising precast concrete which doesn’t require ongoing painting; considered facilities (do you need that pool, spa, sauna, tennis court? Are the facilities needed do they give the market edge or just add cost?) Sites that are tight, but workable design minimise cost.

4. Outgoings – are researched, no surprises and plan for more than just the first year, because investors are looking for stability, not special levies. Make sure the outgoings are “real” based on interrogated budgets with live insurance quotes, quantity surveyor prepared sinking fund reports and that they do not use estimates but living running costs for a scheme within the local area.

Contact us now at consulting@sskb.com.au to learn how to hit the top 4 aspects in your strata scheme and sell your units like hot cross buns.

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10 Reasons to join EnviroDevelopment!

Posted on February 22, 2012 by Claire Panos

SSKB has recently become a proud Professional Member of EnviroDevelopment.

EnviroDevelopment is a scientifically-based branding system designed to make it easier for purchasers to recognise and select more environmentally sustainable developments and lifestyles.

SSKB joined EnviroDevelopment because they have established themselves as the industry leader and outlined below are the top 10 reasons why you should join EnviroDevelopment too!

  1. Provides professional support, insight and advise on industry issues
  2. Profile listing in the national online directory of EnviroDevelopment Professional Members
  3. EnviroDevelopment applications, new trends and innovations
  4. Participation in professional development, industry education, events and networking opportunities
  5. Sharing of best practice and information exchange with industry peers
  6. Opportunities to build business relationships and promote your corporate products and services
  7. Contact with key decision makers within industry and government
  8. Eligibility to use Professional Members logo in your marketing collateral (subject to approval)
  9. Opportunity to use an EnviroDevelopment capability statement in your marketing collateral (subject to approval)
  10. Eligibility to attend EnviroDevelopment events and co-branded events with UDIA at UDIA member rates 

 

For further information please visit the website: http://www.envirodevelopment.com.au/

 

Posted in Environment, Green Developments | Leave a comment

The Change to Off-the-Plan Contracts All Developers Must Know!!!

Posted on February 17, 2012 by Claire Panos

The End of the World 2012

According to the Mayan calendar 2012 will be a bad year, as the Mayans claim it will be the end of all days. However, for developers there is some rather positive news for 2012 (as long as the Mayans aren’t right after all).

Changes made to the Land Sales Act 1984 (Qld) (LSA) by the Sustainable Planning & Other Legislation Amendment Act 2011 are vitally important to developers involved in off-the-plan contracts in Queensland.

The amendments to the Land Sales Act now limit a buyer’s right to void the contract where the seller has not given transfer in the correct timeframe due to buyer’s default.

Future amendments in relation to sunset dates (yet to be passed), will allow developers to specify in the contract the time for giving the registerable instrument of transfer to the buyer (the time by which settlement is to occur), which may be up to a maximum of 5.5 years from the contract date.

The current and proposed amendments to The Land Titles Act (Qld) will reduce red tape for developers and have been welcomed by the development industry.

Let’s hope the Mayans are wrong, so developers can enjoy the positive change in the Act for at least a little while.

What do you think of the change in the Act? Discuss in the comment field below!

Posted in Legislation, Market Analysis, Sales | Leave a comment

Urban Beauty or Create A Rooftop Heaven

Posted on January 31, 2012 by Michelle Franklin

Urban Beauty or Create A Rooftop Heaven

Unutilised roof space looks ugly and uninviting, but it does present the perfect opportunity to create beautifully designed rooftop gardens.

Unutilised roof space

A professional landscaper, who is experienced in working with roof spaces, can create a fantastic communal space, which is not only pleasing for the eye, but will considerably raise the return on investment as well.

Alex Perry Residential, an SSKB client, has uniquely designed their rooftop “Aqua Lounge” to take advantage of the extensive views and offer relaxing and stylish surroundings to their residents.

Alex Perry Residential Aqua Lounge

As proud Australians we are raised to look after the environment, and rooftop gardens can actually act as an insulator keeping heat in buildings in the winter months and reducing heat in summer.

Green roofs could even save you millions of dollars, which would otherwise have to be spent on stormwater drainage systems.

Don’t waste your rooftop space, talk to the SSKB Developer Consulting team on 5504 2015 or consulting@sskb.com.au for an obligation free session and learn how to create your very own rooftop heaven.

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The WOW factor

Posted on January 18, 2012 by Priscilla Hyde

The WOW Factor

Standing on the sustainable decking material at Ridges Peregian Springs on the Sunshine Coast, looking over the heated pools, tennis courts, BBQ area and gym I thought to myself “WOW”.

FKP, an SSKB client, aims to open their new recreational facilities shortly.  

The facilities are a stand out feature of the strata scheme with fees already incorporated into the planning for the scheme levies.  Any owner within Ridges Peregian Springs will be entitled to access to the facilities and will enjoy the world class amenity created by FKP.

Taking the time to plan in advance for facilities such these in a master planned strata community is crucial and well worth the exercise to tighten levies. Especially in this challenging market for sales, detail is everything.

Check out Ridges’ WOW on YouTube.

Talk to the SSKB Developer Consulting team on 5504 2015 or consulting@sskb.com.au for an obligation free session and learn how to create the WOW in your strata.

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