Burbank opens its doors in Greenvale

Greenvale is Burbank’s latest destination where it has opened the doors to two family favourites in its newest display at Providence Estate.

Burbank’s Lukin 2800 is a single storey design from Burbank’s Mode Collection while the Merchiston 3800 is a luxurious double storey floor plan from the Ideal Collection.

Burbank managing director Jarrod Sanfilippo said the two new homes on display cater for both ends of the homebuyer market.

“Both of our homes on display at Providence Estate are practical for everyday living yet stylish, generating a sense of luxury,” Mr Sanfilippo said.

“Of the four bedrooms in the Lukin, the main has an ensuite and generous walk in wardrobe storage while the other bedrooms all offer built in robes.

“There is also a study and a lounge zone in the Lukin that flows freely into the light-filled, open-plan kitchen/living/meals space, adjoining an alfresco entertaining area that allows outdoor and indoor to become one.

“The Merchiston offers luxury on a larger scale.

“Downstairs, the open plan kitchen/family/meals area understands the flow of family life and can be extended outside into the adjoining alfresco.

“Work can be uninterrupted in the ground floor study, while the children see to their entertaining needs in the generous rumpus room and adjoining balcony upstairs.

“The master bedroom of this four bedroom home offers the luxury of an ensuite and a walk-in-robe while the remaining bedrooms offer great storage too,” Mr Sanfilippo said.

Burbank’s new display at Providence Estate is located on Firenze Road, Greenvale and is open 7 days.

RBA Leaves Official Cash Rate Unchanged

At its meeting today, the Board decided to leave the cash rate unchanged at 4.75 per cent.

Statement by Glenn Stevens, Governor Monetary Policy RBA

Conditions in global financial markets have been very unsettled over recent weeks, as participants have confronted uncertainty about both the resolution of sovereign debt problems and the prospects for economic growth in Europe and the United States. As a result, the outlook for the global economy is less clear than it was earlier in the year. Some temporary impediments that had contributed to a slowing in growth in some countries over recent months, such as the supply-chain disruptions from the Japanese earthquake and the dampening effects of rising commodity prices, are lessening. But the uncertainty and financial volatility is reducing confidence and may result in more cautious behaviour by firms and households in major countries. A number of forecasters have scaled back their global growth estimates over the past couple of months. Read More

Testimonial for buildershomeplans.com.au from Macalister Prestige Homes

We are thrilled to have our house and land packages feature on the Builders Home Plans website. This is an easy website to navigate for the customer as it allows the user to pin-point the exact home or package in whichever location they choose.

For the administration side, the ease of use makes it a pleasure to work on and it is refreshing to get a response from Jim straight away whenever we have a query. Macalister Prestige Homes are proud to be part of this well planned and user friendly website.”

Selina Tour

House and Land Package Coordinator

Macalister Prestige Homes

Visit the site

Bendigo GJ Gardner office joins Builders Home Plans, Welcome

G.J. Gardner Homes Bendigo

Danny Breen and Kris Gill own and operate this business; Bendigo Urban Investments, T/A GJ Gardner Homes Bendigo. The team is building all over Bendigo and the Gisborne, Woodend, Macedon Ranges areas, in areas such as Epsom, Strathdale, Maiden Gully, Ascot, Eaglehawk, Huntly, Kangaroo Ground, Castlemaine, Malmsbury, Sunbury.

Bendigo is located in Victoria’s North West and fast becoming a close cousin of Melbourne, location wise!

Bendigo, the heart of the goldfields, the region rich in award-winning wineries, gourmet restaurants & bistros, festive culture, 5 star accommodation, heritage architecture and a wealth of fun and unique visitor attractions!

There are many places to dine out in Bendigo ranging from an al-carte Restaurant to bistro meals at the Local Hotel.
Bendigo is well known for its beautiful buildings, art galleries and tourist attractions like Bendigo's World Famous Chinese Dragons. You could easily spend a week experiencing all that Bendigo has to offer.

Bendigo accommodation is renown for its diverse and unique range of styles suiting all tastes. Whether you prefer 5 star luxury accommodation in the heart of town, a tranquil Bed & Breakfast in a country setting or accommodation to suit the whole family, Bendigo has it all.Bendigo soft adventure activities and tours are available all year round for those that like to spice it up.Bendigo also has many parks and lakes scattered around with excellent amenities and playgrounds for the kids to enjoy.

The team go above and beyond what is expected of a normal building company, as we are custom home builders, not volume builders, making us a one stop shop!
Search some of GJ Gardners fantastic designs at www.buildershomeplans.com.au

Another GJ Gardner office joins, Builders Home Plans is proud to assist GJ Gardner Gisborne

At GJ Gardner Homes we believe in giving you the best price upfront - no tricks or traps! Soil tests and site levels are taken to prepare an accurate quote for your dream home…no hidden costs and no variations unless you ask for them.

G.J Gardner Homes are quickly gaining a reputation of being one of the finest custom home builders in the area, and also the new home builder of choice around the globe.

The G.J. Gardner Homes Display Centre has a complete product display to make choosing your finishes easy. They also have a team completely dedicated to you and your new home - right from our receptionist to the tradespeople building your new home.

Danny Breen and Kris Gill own and operate this business; Bendigo Urban Investments, T/A GJ Gardner Homes Bendigo. The team is building all over Gisborne and the Woodend, Macedon Ranges and Sunbury areas, in areas Sunbury. Check out more here 

Builders Home Plans welcomes G J Gardner Geelong

G J Gardner Geelong - Local Expertise
Rohan Smith (Builder) and Paul DelGallo (Construction Manager) have lived in Geelong for over 40 years. They’ve put together a friendly, honest, informative, flexible and quality building service under the banner of G.J. Gardner Homes Geelong.

This passionate team of local builders understand and enjoy the diversity that the Geelong Region has to offer and provide to their clients with a wide range of homes suited to the sloping views of Highton, relaxed bayside living of Portarlington, coastal lifestyle of Torquay, wide open plains of Bannockburn and the inner city lifestyle of Newtown.

As local building experts, we understand the area issues that relate to getting your plans approved and home completed in a timely manner. Our team in your area provides fantastic quality, service and price. We also provide Display homes, showrooms and trained consultants to assist you in coordinating flooring, cabinetry and colour selection to help you put the final touches on your new home. G.J. Gardner Homes offer you our unique blend of contemporary and traditional style and can customise to suit your block. Read more

House and Land packages Geelong, House and Land packages Bellarine Peninsula, House and Land packages Torquay and the Surf Coast, House and Land packages Lara, House and Land packages Bannockburn

G.J. Gardner Homes Ballarat joins Builders Home Plans

Builders Home Plans welcome G.J. Gardner Ballarat.

G.J Gardner Homes are quickly gaining a reputation of being one of the finest custom home builders in the area, and also the new home builder of choice around the globe.

The G.J. Gardner Homes Display Centre has a complete product display to make choosing your finishes easy. They also have a team completely dedicated to you and your new home - right from our receptionist to the tradespeople building your new home.

Rob McMaster own’s and operates this business; Ballarat Regional Developments Pty Ltd, T/A GJ Gardner Homes Ballarat. The team is building all over Ballarat and Hepburn, in areas such as Clunes, Creswick, Daylesford, Soldiers Hill, Black Hill, Bald Hills, Ascot, Mt Helen, Mt Clear, Ballan, Smythsdale, and Linton. Please contact the office for many more districts! More here

While you're there, why not search for some of their amazing home designs. Great Ballarat builders.

7 stars shine in Lalor with Burbank’s Grenville Walk.

Burbank continues to demonstrate market leadership in seven star design with their latest 7‐Star energy‐efficient offering being a townhouse development in Lalor’s Carlingford Estate.

Grenville Walk comprises beautifully‐designed townhouses in an estate spoilt by amenities, including schools, transport, shopping precincts, parks and medical facilities – all packaged up with easy access to Melbourne’s CBD.

“Our Grenville Walk townhouses are contemporary in design offering a range of floor plans each achieving a minimum 7‐Star energy rating,” said Burbank managing director Jarrod Sanfilippo.
More here

Save 74% on energy bills with Burbank

Burbank is helping homeowners combat continually-rising energy costs with their 7-Star energy-rated Future Collection of homes.

Building a Future Collection home with Burbank could save you up to 74 per cent on heating and cooling usage – crucial during a time when energy costs are continually on the rise.

That can equate to a whopping saving of $1,332 every year, said Burbank managing director Jarrod Sanfilippo.

Read more at Builders Home Plans

 

RBA Leaves Official Cash Rate Unchanged.

The global economy is continuing its expansion, but the pace of growth slowed in the June quarter. The supply-chain disruptions from the Japanese earthquake and the dampening effects of high commodity prices on income and spending in major countries both contributed to the slowing. It is still not clear how persistent this slower growth will be. The supply-chain disruptions are now gradually abating and commodity prices have softened of late, though they generally remain high. In China most indications suggest only a mild slowdown so far.
Read more at Builders Home Plans

7 Ways to pay down your Home Loan sooner

You don't need to win the lottery to pay off your home loan. There are a number of great strategies for reducing your loan balance and saving thousands in interest repayments. It's never too late to begin, so pick and choose which of the following work for you.

1. Switch to weekly/fortnightly repayments
Pay fortnightly or weekly instead of monthly. Mortgage interest is usually calculated on a daily basis so the more frequently you pay, the more you will save, even if you are not paying any more than you did previously.

2. Make extra repayments
Extra funds have the immediate effect of reducing the loan balance. Every dollar you put on your repayments will reduce the principal and therefore the interest payable next repayment. This saving then compounds, making a significant impact over the life of your loan. Your loan's redraw facility offers an easy and efficient way to apply these additional payments.

Read the rest here

The Future comes to Curlewis Parks

The future is arriving early at the Curlewis Parks residential land development in Drysdale with the announcement that they will be providing optic fibre cabling throughout the estate.

Multiple communications services such as very high speed Broadband internet, traditional telephone, Free-to-Air TV (FreeView), Pay TV (Foxtel, FetchTV) and security services (alarm monitoring and/or CCTV) are all delivered using a single Fibre Optic cable.
Read More

Burbank to deliver 800+ apartments in Dandenong.

Burbank’s major involvement in VicUrban’s ‘Revitalising Central Dandenong’ initiative continues, with the builder/developer acquiring three development sites at Dandenong’s Metro Village 3175 that in total will yield over 800 apartments.   Read More

Carbon Tax and Building - your thoughts?

Builders Home Plans are interested in your thoughts about the impact of the Carbon Tax on residential building.
Master Builders have commented - read here

Fit for living joins buildershomeplans.com.au

Looking for a Personal trainer in the Geelong region?
Well check out this bloke.

Macalister Prestige Homes joins Builders Home Plans

We are very pleased to have Macalister Prestige Homes displaying their spectacular ranges of  approximately 60 home designs.

Macalister Prestige Homes was established in 1999 with the view of creating functional homes with dynamic designs at an affordable price. Their business founders/owners still work in the business to this day.
Read more  or view a sample of their properties here

AVJennings takes over Arlington Rise

Renowned developer AVJennings has expanded its presence in The Bellarine Peninsula by buying into the Arlington Rise residential community.
AVJennings will partner with Macquarie Real Estate Equity Fund to deliver the remainder of the development.

The estate offers AVJennings a strategic foothold into the Geelong region.
Read More

Success as a Landlord.....

Earn money while someone pays off your mortgage - that's the life of a landlord! Owning a rental property can be a 'dream come true' if you follow these tips for successfully managing your investment. Find out how..

Urbanedge releases second home in the Zesk range. The Zesk 002.

There’s one phrase often used to describe the Zesk – simply brilliant.
Simple because of the stylish and uncomplicated interior that embraces open plan living, natural light and an intelligent use of space to create a home of substance and attitude. Brilliant because all of this has been achieved within a two storey design ideal for fitting on a 10 metre wide block.

Its statement making tri-level facade is the first indication that the Zesk is one of a kind. Inside the experience continues, with its awe-inspiring entry punctuated by a light filled void and sweeping glass balustrade staircase.

This feeling of granduer and space flows throughout the home – the ground floor gourmet kitchen, family and dining, and indoor / outdoor alfresco united in style and impact. Upstairs the layout embraces a more relaxed tone, where an inviting casual living area opens onto two bedrooms with built in robes, large bathroom, and an indulgent parents retreat with double basin and oversized shower in the en-suite.
See the Plan

Burbank tackles land supply shortage with the Jameson

Burbank has today launched a brand new home design with a difference: not only is the double‐storey design suitable for a corner lot, it is also designed to suit a narrow 10 metre lot width.

Burbank managing director Jarrod Sanfilippo said the Jameson offers a perfect solution for homebuyers during a time when blocks of land are increasingly being sold at smaller lot sizes due to the land shortage across Australia.
“In an effort to cope with the shortage of land supply, the lots available to market are becoming smaller in size, so homebuyers are finding themselves with smaller parcels of land on which they can build their homes,” Mr Sanfilippo said.

“Burbank’s Jameson is perfect for these smaller lots, designed to fit on a lot only 10 metres in width. “But, just because homebuyers are purchasing smaller blocks of land, they don’t have to settle for smaller homes: the Jameson is a double‐storey design, and is available in both 26 squares and 29 squares in size.“On top of all of that, the Jameson is designed to suit corner lots that can be tricky to build on – so homebuyers don’t have to compromise on size or quality.”
Read more  See the Plan

Burbank's eastern office opens with a bang ...

Burbank's eastern sales and information office opened on the weekend in Dandenong with a bang, expanding the builder into the eastern market after operating predominantly in Melbourne's west for the past thirty years.

The weekend of free family fun was hosted at Burbank's eastern sales and information office - located in the Metro Village 3175development, for which Burbank won the UDIA Award for Excellence in Affordable Development.
See More

Geelong Homes can have you on site in 4 weeks

The New Geelong Homes "G Series Start up Range" is here! These designs are streamlined to suit even the narrowest and most awkward shaped lots. If your land is titled & ready to build on we can have you on site in 4 weeks from deposit - Read More

HOT OR NOT?

Opinions vary as to whether this is good marketing or defacing a beautiful motor car  is it class or crass?
Have your say - leave an opinion is it Hot or Not?

Pass the link on to all  - we want as much public opinion as we can get over the next month !!!

Pick up in housing finance, but recovery still at risk

Master Builders Australia News

Written by: Peter Jones, Chief Economist, 12 Jan 2011

There was an encouraging pick up in loans for new housing construction in November, but the tenuous recovery remains at risk from heavy handed interest rate policy, according to peak building and construction organisation Master Builders Australia.
Mr Peter Jones,Chief Economist, said, “Despite recent signs of improvement, the housing market continues to face a number of challenges including the impact of higher interest rates.”
He said, “A solid increase in headline finance commitments in November confirms that the decline suffered in 2009-10 has been arrested, with finance related to new dwellings also on the improve.”
“However, finance commitments remain at a low level and with the full impact  - see Builders Home Plans

Housing shortage to drive up rent in 2011

By finance reporter Alicia Barry

Updated Fri Jan 28, 2011 9:38am AEDT

RP Data says that rents in capital cities rose 4.2 per cent last year. (ABC News: Giulio Saggin, file photo)

A lack of supply in the housing market is not only pushing property prices up, but rents too, and new research from RP Data says the situation will worsen over the next 12 months.

RP Data's December quarter Rental Review shows that rents in capital cities rose 4.2 per cent last year, compared with a 2.9 per cent rise nationally.
Currently, Darwin is the most expensive city in Australia to rent a house, with a median weekly rent of $520. It is followed by Canberra at $490 and Sydney with a median weekly rent of $450.
The cheapest capital cities to rent houses are Adelaide, where renters will pay - MORE

 

Burbank premieres home for $44,000 off valued price

Media Release
13 January 2011

Burbank premieres home for $44,000 off valued price
Burbank has today launched a one-of-a-kind home design, limited to 100 purchasers - and
with a guaranteed site start of 12 weeks - at $44,000 off the valued price.

The Premiere, valued at $213,000 but on offer for only $169,900, is a 7-Star, 23 square
home, comprising four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and is packed with upgraded inclusions.
But, rather than offer these upgraded inclusions at a discounted rate, Burbank has slashed
the price of the entire home.
Read More

The Queensland Government has launched an appeal to help fellow Queenslanders affected by the recent floods. Many communities have been devastated. Some families have lost everything. You can help make a difference by donating to the Premier's Flood Relief Appeal.

At this time, the Queensland Government is inviting financial donations only. Unfortunately this appeal cannot accept donations of goods or services.

Read how you can help - http://www.buildershomeplans.com.au/news.php?id=24

FIRST SOD TURNS AT WARRALILY AT ARMSTRONG CREEK - THURSDAY 25TH NOVEMBER 2010

Warralily at Armstrong Creek has officially commenced construction with the turning of the first sod today.

City of Greater Geelong Mayor Cr John Mitchell along with Michael Crutchfield MP and other local representatives were at Warralily to celebrate the milestone event.

The Mayor said he was proud to see Council's vision for Armstrong Creek being realised.

"Many, many years of planning and consultation have gone into the development of this environmentally sustainable growth area and I'm thrilled to see it now coming to life."

"Not only will Armstrong Creek provide much needed residential land, but jobs, schools, sports grounds and other important community facilities."

The turning of the sod marks the start of Warralily’s civil works which will provide the infrastructure required for the new community, display village and rejuvenation of the adjacent Armstrong Creek.

It will also pave the way for the installation of Warralily’s fibre optic communication network which will be future proofed to deliver increasing functionality and capacity over time, in addition to the laying of purple pipes to provide recycled water to all homes.

Warralily General Manager Mark Whinfield said that today’s event is an exciting milestone for the families who have already purchased home sites, as well as the broader Geelong community.

Since its first land release in June this year, already 300 home sites have been sold at Warralily with buyers eager to be part of Geelong’s first master planned development.

“Today is the first important step in making Warralily a reality for our future residents who have chosen Warralily for its ideal coastal location, green open spaces and walking trails linking homes to schools and shops,” he said.

“But it’s also significant for the people of Geelong, with the development playing a leading role in the growth and future of the region.”

The civil works contractor, Winslow Constructors, had their digger on hand to help turn the first sod. Winslow, a Victorian contractor with 25 years experience, will work with local contractors and material suppliers to manage the delivery of infrastructure for the Warralily development.

We anticipate that Stages 1A, 1B and 1C will be titling mid 2011 and Stages 3 and 4 will be titling at the end of 2011. Should you have any queries regarding Warralily please don’t hesitate to contact me on 1300 661 719.

Leonie Sexton
Warralily Estate Manager
Warralily at Armstrong Creek
Visit their website - http://www.warralily.com.au/home

Burbank down on The Avenue.........

Burbank is opening its doors tomorrow down on The Avenue at Casey in Cranbourne, displaying twohomes appealing to first, second and even third home buyers.

Situated within five kilometres of four shopping strips, and with its ownproposed shopping centre, The Avenue at Casey is well-connected, with access tonearby sporting facilities, two railway stations and three freeways.

Burbank Managing Director, Jarrod Sanfilippo, said each of the homes openingtomorrow appeal to the wish-list of a range of homebuyers.

“The Merchiston 4700, part of our Ideal Collection, is designed to beimpressive in style – a home to match the aspirations of second or third home buyers,”Mr Sanfilippo said.

“As soon as you enter this 47 square home, you’ll feel welcomed.  Theentertaining areas are elegant and indulgent, and upstairs, every family memberhas their own space to relax.

“Alongside the Merchiston 4700 is a smaller home from the Complete Collection;the Santoro 2700.

“The Santoro addresses a number of family-friendly considerations, providingspace to move around, plus great storage and security.”

The Avenue at Casey offers panoramic views of the Dandenong Ranges, withparklands, wetlands and reserves in abundance.  All residents have accessto recycled water for gardening, ensuring healthy streetscapes in the years tocome.

“Burbank is excited to be part of this well-planned community at The Avenue atCasey,” Mr Sanfilippo said.

Visit Burbank’s display office at The Avenue at Casey, Mountainview BoulevardCranbourne (Melway Ref 130 H10), on weekends from 11am until 5pm, or 12pm until5pm weekdays.
Media Contact:Kate Ellis Welsh,Communications and PR Manager, Burbank,
t: 0428 946 114; e: http://www.buildershomeplans.com.au/kateE@burbank.com.au

Urbanedge Homes Victoria and Queensland join Builders Home Plans offering an extensive range of designs.

It’s easy to recognise an Urbanedge home. They have a street presence and style like no other, born out of a desire to provide a striking alternative to mainstream housing. An alternative that is contemporary, distinctive and visionary in its architecture, while offering transparency and real value for money.

This absolute commitment to service and design led to the creation of our two complete collections, the Living Edge Series and the Edge Series – a totally unique offering in the market place. In an industry notorious for extra costs our two ranges stand out from the rest as they offer you the complete picture. We include value adding items that you would expect to be included with your new home. From the external facade through to the stunning designer kitchen, spacious indoor/outdoor living, opulent en-suite, premium appliances and more.

Visit an Urbanedge Display Centre today to take advantage of our Summer Edge Sale and receive up to $15,000 off your new home!

Austral Bricks does a wall for Oprah Winfrey

To welcome Oprah Winfrey on her first visit to Australia Austral Bricks decided to build a 10 x 10m Brick Art wall. This time lapse video cover the projects being built from start to finish, with a few interesting facts entwined.
See the you tube video - Oprah Winfrey Australian Brick Art

Home prices tick higher...............

Home prices ticked up in October but the Reserve Bank's surpriserate rise this month could see that growth peter out by the end of theyear.
National city home prices increased 0.3 percent, seasonally adjusted, following a revised 0.1 per cent fall inSeptember, according to RPData-Rismark.
'Sincethe market started to cool in June the cumulative decline in dwellingvalues to the end of October has been less than 1 per cent across thecapitals, suggesting a market that is slowing at a controlled pace,' RPData research director, Tim Lawless, said.

Advertisement: Story continues below

'Of course, the October data doesn't include anyeffect from the November interest rate rise, which we expect will havecaused conditions to cool further,' he said.
TheRBA lifted the cash rate to 4.75 per cent from 4.5 per cent this month,with the big four banks lifting rates considerably more than that - inone case, the Commonwealth, raised its standard variable rate by 45basis points.
That is expected to weaken buyer appetite for homes in coming weeks.
Thenational city dwelling price was $460,000 in October, up from $455,000in September. Home prices in Sydney and Melbourne both rose 0.6 percent, seasonally adjusted, while they went backwards in Brisbane by 0.2per cent and Perth by 1.8 per cent.
A surge ofnew listings in recent weeks is expected to keep a cap on auctionclearance rates, which will in turn act as a drag on home-price growth.
RismarkInternational joint managing director Ben Skilbeck predicted slowerhome growth through the second half of the year, with prices mostlyunchanged.
'We are forecasting some weakness as the market absorbs the near-double rate hike effected in November.'
'Sincethe RBA is unlikely to lift rates in December, the key swing variablewill be the extent to which rates increase further in 2011,' he said.
Momentum in the Australian housing market has switched into low gear in recent months.
Sydney'sauction clearance rate hit 53.4 per cent on Saturday, while inMelbourne it was 56.8 per cent, essentially unchanged from the previousweekend in both cities, according to Fairfax-owned Australia PropertyMonitors.
The weaker auction clearance rates come amid higher interest rates and a plentiful supply of houses to be listed for sale.
Therewere 770 homes listed for auction in Sydney, up more than 100 from theprevious week. In Melbourne, there were nearly 1100 properties for salelast weekend, up from about 1000 the week before.
czappone@fairfax.com.au