Although most of us dream about enjoying an endless summer, there is something magical about the changeover in seasons throughout the year, winter included. The change in seasons triggers a highly emotive state in some of us. During summer, we are filled with happiness and holiday vibes, bright colours and crisp white linens, but during winter, some of us can lose the spring in our step and want to shy away and hibernate due to the cool winter air outside.

As the temperature drops, we look at some tips and rituals you can introduce into your home to help you get through the colder months in style and beat the winter blues.

1. Invest in functional window treatments that will look good and capture the warmth…
   Once you have the heater running and doors closed up, you will want to do your best to keep the heat inside. You can do this with functional window treatments. The look of sheers are fabulous during those warm summer months as we invite in the fresh sea breezes and natural light, however during winter you can utilise window treatments to restrict heat loss from your home. Do your homework to find a solution such as thermal honeycomb blinds that allow for air to pass through and become trapped. The d-shaped design in honeycomb blinds allows you to trap heat in winter and repel heat in summer, while reducing your household heating and cooling costs. Shutters will create a similar impact however you can also achieve a similar result on a budget with roman or roller blinds that are fitted snug to your window frame. By cleverly dressing your windows, you can be sure to have a stylish home that holds heat to keep you toasty this winter.
2. Embrace luxe fabrics, finishes and textures…
   There is nothing better to do on a winters day than curl up on the couch with a rug and read a good book, or binge watch the latest series on Netflix. Whatever you enjoy, you can find a way to use style to create a warm and comfortable place to relax this winter. Think faux fur, sherpa rugs and shaggy throws, all of which will bring a wintery look in contrast to your light and bright earthy textures during summer while also creating an inviting space to snuggle in and switch off. You can use cushions on the couch, throws on the beds and rugs in living zones, teamed with a comfy pair of slippers, a glass or red and your heater set to your desired temperature, there will be no need to leave the house this winter.
3. Make your kitchen a warm winter social hub…
   Summer seasons leave us open to fresh fruit platters, olives and stunning grazing tables, while winter invites another way of eating and living. Use your kitchen this winter to warm the home. Get that oven going and give the stove top a run for its money with apple pies, hearty stews and slow cooked decadence to not only fulfill your taste buds, but make your kitchen a winter warm zone for the family to enjoy. Imagine the fun you can have without leaving the home, trialing new recipes, challenging your culinary capabilities, telling stories and laughing across your island benchtop, sipping on hot herbal teas all while enjoying the warmth being created in your kitchen. This opportunity to share time with family and friends and keep nice and warm while indulging on your own kitchen delights is what winter is all about.
4. Take a long hot bath…
   What could be more relaxing than a long hot bath while the kids are watching a movie or playing their favourite video game. While we don’t always want them to be  stuck on screen time, it is important to find time this winter for self-care and a hot bath is an ideal way to stay warm, unwind and treat yourself. The weather is too cool to head to the beach or local pool, but being immersed in water is such a calming feeling and we can’t let winter make us miss out on that sensation. For ultimate indulgence use a plush floor mat, a heated towel rack, take a few of your favourite snacks and play some of your favourite tunes as your bath bomb and scented candle create a day spa aroma and unbeatable relaxation zone this winter.
5. Find a spot in the sunshine…
   You might have a spot in the study that welcomes the sun, or even on the back alfresco. Wherever your sunny spot might be, use it as a chance to escape the cool and recharge your vitamin D levels. During summer we get plenty of natural light and sunshine on our day to day activities but in winter we often find ourselves getting home from our daily commute after the sun has set leading to a reduction in vitamin D, impacting our energy levels, our mood and overall wellbeing. Taking the time on days off or weekends to find your sunny oasis will pay great dividends to ensuring your cope this winter without encountering the blues. Take a board game out to the alfresco area, sit on the front lawn with a hot cuppa or even curl up by the window that welcomes the sun and take the time to enjoy the winter warmth.

You have finally decided it is time to make the great Aussie dream a reality and start researching to buy your first home. You might be a young money saver that is ready to bite the bullet, a family looking to escape the rent trap or even empty nesters that have always lived under someone else’s roof. Whatever the scenario it is worth considering a new build over buying established, here is why!

1. You can have your home built to suit your lifestyle and tastes…
At Adenbrook Homes, we are not a custom builder but we do have an incredible selection of award-winning single and double storey homes that are certain to meet your needs. You want a home office? We can help you there. Looking at making a feature of your powder room? We’ve got you covered. Always dreamt of having a retreat away from the main living zones? Look no further. Building allows you to construct a home to meet your vision with no need for costly renovations to create your dream space. You just move right in.

2. The ongoing running costs are lower…
When you build a new home, you have the opportunity to consider the functionality and sustainability of your home. Without any old wiring, or rusty pipes, you create a space that offers low running costs, capitalises on solar energy and saves you big dollars in the long run. The overall maintenance of your home costs less in a new home also. We provide a maintenance guide for your home that outlines all the items you should tend to after you move into your home to ensure the longevity of your appliances and home in general.

3. Issues and defects may be covered under warranty…
Further to the maintenance guide supplied by Adenbrook Homes, we also ensure that your home is subject to a maintenance period. During this period, you have time to experience what it is like to live in your new home and notice any small issues or defects that may arise between handover and the end of the maintenance period. You simply need to document and liaise with your local builder to have any issues resolved or even contact the manufacturer if there is an issue with a specific appliance or product. You simply don’t get this luxury when buying established.

4. New estates come with great facilities and surrounds…
While the real estate market booms across Australia, we have noticed a land shortage, however this has also fuelled future development plans. The trend we are noticing is that land estates and new developments are no longer the traditional plot of land for high density home building but rather become their own lifestyle communities complete with parks, walking tracks, cafes, convenience stores and other amenities all within an easy stroll from your new home. You can easily live, work and play in one area without needing to commute around for adventures or necessities.

5. There are financial incentives for some buyers…
Another great reason to build is the potential financial incentives available for new home owners and investors. If you are a first home buyer you could be eligible for the First Home Owners grant which varies from state to state. First home buyers can also save money with reduced stamp duty, while investors can claim depreciation quite rapidly over the first few years, which is a good tax benefit to take advantage of making building new a better option.

Regardless of your situation, it is worth exploring building over buying established for a variety of reasons, whether it be style and taste, financial benefits or being located in a brand new estate. Whatever your motivation, Adenbrook Homes are here when you are ready to start your new home journey.

Top 10 suburbs in Australia for knockdown rebuilds this summer

The impact on the average Australian during the Covid-19 pandemic, has shown a large increase in local movement across the country. So what are the hottest suburbs to ‘KnockDown DreamBuild’ this summer?

Australians are looking for lifestyle factors, with an rural and coastal areas seeing an influx of families seeking an change to their way of life. In 2020, RealEstate.com.au saw a 40% increase in searches for outdoor spaces and a 30% increase in searches for properties with gyms, studies and balconies.

Over the past 20 years there have been exceeding growth in the nations capital suburbs. The highest growth of median house price has been seen in the following. The top picks from the team at Adenbrook Homes are:

1. Harrington Park, NSW (549%)
2. Currans Hill, NSW (530%)
3. Hamlyn Terrace, NSW (509%)
4. Rouse Hill, NSW (472%)
5. Tyabb, VIC (682%)
6. Somers, VIC (574%)
7. Clayton, VIC (574%)
8. Windsor, QLD (492%)
9. Bulimba, QLD (481%)
10. Coorparoo, QLD (468%)

If you’ve been thinking about a KnockDown Rebuild in 2021, speak to the KnockDown Rebuild Specialists.

Statistics provided by REA.

After spending what seemed like an eternity in our humble abodes throughout 2020 on account of the pandemic, many of us found ourselves evaluating the functionality, practically and suitability of our homes. While we certainly cherished the time we got to spend at home with our loved ones, many Aussies were hit with the realisation that their home was no longer meeting their needs and found themselves asking the question, have we outgrown our home? Well, you can bet that your cousin who drew the short straw and was stuck sitting on the esky at the kids table for Christmas lunch will certainly agree that you have!

For those who are not quite convinced, some telltale signs that you have outgrown your home include the feeling like you have no separation or privacy to take time out for peace and quiet, your cabinets still feel cluttered after your annual spring clean or you cannot effectively manage the new norm of working from home due to a lack of study space. All of these and more can be great indicators that you need to start planning for a better future at home.

Whether your household comprises young children, a corporate couple, elderly parents that need higher levels of care, or beloved fur-babies – each home needs to deliver unique functionality specific to those who reside within. Luckily Adenbrook Homes have a diverse collection of home designs for all stages of life from punchy and petite home designs for the first home buyer, to larger sprawling acreage-style homes, dual-living options, and even granny-flats for those needing extra space. Our award-winning home designs are carefully appointed affording versatility to adapt to different family units and suit changes as the family shrinks or grows.

When it comes to planning your dream home there are many factors to consider such as how many children you have (or plan on having), whether you want to host regular guests, or accommodate live-in extended family or even if you need a big backyard so your fur-baby has room to play. Each of these factors will guide your decisions throughout the building process and with the support of the Adenbrook Homes team you can be confident you will get a solution that will work for you and your family for years to come.

Join us as we celebrate 20 years industry excellence and find out why the big brand, local builder experience has resulted in so many quality builds and happy customers across Australia!

In this property market, not everyone is building their forever homes, instead we are seeing a rise in the number of savvy investors that are building homes in sought after areas to capitalise on relatively high rental demands. After many years of investors being reluctant to get into the market, the pandemic has seen an influx of investors re-entering particularly in coastal and regional locations.

While now is a great time for investors to be building new homes and taking advantage of the record high rental demand, there is still a few easy hacks for investors to consider during the build process that can help get an investment property rented fast and keep it that way, for the best returns possible.

1. There’s nothing cooler than being cool

In our tropical climate and with temperatures soaring many tenants are seeking properties that can shield them from the heat and allow for a comfortable lifestyle all year round. Many tenants will overlook a property that does not have adequate temperature control as it can often be a difficult negotiation with landlords when it comes to having fans or air conditioners installed. Investors should install fans as a minimum and consider reverse cycle air conditioning to main living areas to ensure the highest rental returns all year round. Ensuring that air conditioners and fans are serviced regularly will also save from costly repairs in the long run.

2. Love is a four-legged word

More than 60% of Australian households own a pet and fur-babies are becoming important members of our family. With many families now seeking pet friendly rentals, it makes sense for investors to create a pet friendly environment that will also ensure protect the home from the extra wear and tear that can come from having animals in and around the home. Investors should consider flooring options carefully, avoiding carpet or more expensive options given it may need maintenance over time while Wash&Wear paints from Dulux are a great choice for protecting surfaces from not only fur babies but the entire family.

3. Kitchens are everything

You will have heard the saying, kitchens and bathrooms sell houses – well the same theory applies to rental properties and on the back of the pandemic this message has certainly proven true. Tenants, like anyone are spending more and more time at home, entertaining, cooking, baking and more. Therefore, creating a functional and well-appointed kitchen allowing the creature comforts of great storage, ample bench space and handy appliances such as dishwasher and oven are the key to maximising returns.

4. We all just want to feel safe and secure

Feeling safe and secure is vital to families when choosing a rental property and nothing supports that feeling more than security and fly screens. Not only do you keep the pesky bugs out of the home while the cool breezes can flow in, you also ensure that your tenants valuables are protected and they feel comfortable in their space.

When building an investment property it is easy to build a home that will be highly sought after and functional for both the tenants and the landlords which will ultimately maximise returns. The Adenbrook Homes team can help guide you through the design process to ensure that your decisions will meet market demands and protect you from unnecessary costs in build or maintenance in the longer term.

Let’s face it, millennials are tired of hearing how their ‘avo on toast’ is the reason they aren’t saving that precious dough to find their way in their first home. As a millennial, it has become easy to fall into the trap of self-belief that “homeownership is impossible”. But let’s bust this myth! Many young Australian’s are finding their way into the property market through building their first home.

With travel restrictions limiting our overseas travel for the foreseeable future, it is created the perfect opportunity to ‘splash our cash’ elsewhere. Instead of saving your pennies waiting to jet-set around the world, you may choose to own your own little slice of paradise right here at home! Interest rates are at all-time lows, producing ideal borrowing conditions. Federal and State governments incentives for First Home Builders are getting eager First Home Buyers into the property market sooner!

Our top tips for getting yourself ready to tackle homeownership in 2021:

1. REVIEW YOUR ROUTINE

You have paid your rent, bills and groceries… now what? It’s time to think about your major expenses outside the necessities. Identify where you could cut back on your weekly spending.  Could you choose a home workout over a gym membership? Or could you switch from a take-away coffee, to a home coffee? Avoid using food delivery apps, ‘shop-now, pay later’ apps and gambling apps. Reviewing your disposable income choices will free up some more budget to put towards your deposit! Remember, life doesn’t have to be all ‘tuna and rice’!

2. BREAKDOWN YOUR BUDGET

Sit down and review where your income has been spent in the last 3-6 months. Plan out the upcoming 3 months on a calendar and stick to your budget! On average it takes 66 days for a new habit to form, so once you get started budgeting – you won’t even notice you’re doing it!

3. PAY OFF YOUR DEBT

Do your best to get rid of any remaining debt. Lending providers look favourably if you have little or no outstanding debts.

4. GET INFORMED

Before you look to build, it’s important to understand what costs are involved in purchasing your first home. Speaking to your mortgage broker may be the first step in understanding construction loans and various insurances involved. Our knowledgeable New Home Sales Consultants are also available to help guide you throughout the process.  So don’t let the idea you can’t do it stop you from making homeownership a reality for you.

The chickens have flown the coop and you are ready for your next solo step!

The latest housing income and labour dynamics data demonstrates that young adults are staying in the family home longer than ever before, with over 50% of young Aussies staying at home up to the age of 29. Regardless of this trend, there comes a time in every parents’ life (albeit a little later) that the chickens finally fly the coop and they are free to enjoy whatever the future may hold within the empty nest.

Picture this, you are sitting in the kitchen bench enjoying a cuppa and cake when suddenly you notice that you cannot hear anything. Nothing. There isn’t anything wrong with your actual hearing, rather it is the fact that there are no teenagers yelling across the house, the video games and television have been silenced and the sound of the microwave has not been heard in days. You find yourself with the world at your feet and nobody to consider but yourself, it is suddenly your time to shine.

There has never been a time to re-evaluate your wants and needs and create a lifestyle that will suit you for years to come. You are no longer tied down to being close to schools or university instead you can consider your proximity to the golf club, the shops or the craft club. You could finally make that tree change or sea change you have dreamt of a reality, there is nothing stopping you.

Forget about dragging yourself up the stairs several times a day, or plucking up the energy to mow the oversized lawn or even mopping the entire lower level. Now you can downsize your home to an award-winning design from Adenbrook Homes, opting for a low maintenance home that boasts your very own colour selections and is the epitome of your own style and taste.

Work with the Adenbrook Homes team to start planning your ideal empty nest and make sure your golden years are exactly what you have worked so hard to achieve. Downsize from the large family home and get comfortable in more compact dwelling that will allow you to pursue your own interests and make your life easy, now and into retirement!

Source:

https://theconversation.com/over-50-of-young-australian-adults-still-live-with-their-parents-and-the-numbers-are-climbing-faster-for-women-120587

Paul and Shelley James are the faces behind the Adenbrook Homes brand in the Hawkesbury and Blue Mountains region and we are excited to be celebrating their 1st year anniversary.

Raising their four kids in the local area, Paul and Shelley are the epitome of local builders enjoying the support of the big brand network. Much has happened in the 1st year for these savvy business owners but all experience has led the James’ to the position they currently are as a driving force in the local new home market.

They say timing is everything however in this instance, Paul and Shelley have shown that it is about persistence, customer service and sheer determination above anything else. Joining the Adenbrook Homes network in early 2020, Paul and Shelley James were excited about their new venture and what was in store for them in the year ahead. Little did they know they were about to experience unprecedented trials, challenges and adversity and overcome the unthinkable in their very first year of business.

From late 2019 to February 2020 Australia experienced what has become known as the Black Summer where 24 million hectares of land was burnt, 3000 homes destroyed and three billion animals were killed or displaced. Thirty-three people died including six Australian firefighters and three American aerial firefighters. The massive Gospers Hill fire in the Blue Mountains region burned about 500,000 hectares which equates to almost 80% of their rainforests and world heritage areas leaving the region decimated and in complete disbelief.

As fire crews managed to get the fires under control, residents from the Hawkesbury and Blue Mountains region were hit with a deluge of the heaviest rain experienced in over 30 years that led to flash flooding, forcing locals to be evacuated and thousands left without power. While the rains were pivotal in putting an end to the Black Summer bushfires it was clear at this time that locals needed to work together to rebuild and reunite a region overwhelmed by mother nature.

Not long after the devastating effects of floods and fires, Australia was hit with another health and economic setback in the form of the Covid-19 virus that threatened to shut down businesses and destroy the livelihoods of many Aussies as we became unable to work, travel and were forced into lockdowns.

Paul and Shelley seemed to face one hurdle after another yet they did not waiver in their focus on building their business, making their mark and surviving what many would have simply said was just too hard. Remaining eternally positive and keeping a strong local focus they have risen above every challenge that has come their way and are excited about the silver lining. The dynamic duo successfully navigated their way through several builds with handovers on the horizon, they have successfully opened a showroom in Windsor and have just appointed their first team member who will play the role of site supervisor so Paul and Shelley can remain focused on helping people create their dream home in the Hawkesbury and Blue Mountains region.

We would like to congratulate Paul and Shelley and wish them a smoother 2021 knowing without a doubt that nothing can stop them! Check out Paul and Shelley’s profile and find out more about your local builder on our website and find out more about how they can help you build your dream home, particularly if you are considering building in a region that is prone to bushfires or in an area that is conducive to flash flooding. Paul and Shelley have a thorough knowledge of Bushfire Attack Levels (BAL) ratings and flood zones ensuring your home is the safest it can be in more challenging build regions.

Figures provided by:

https://www.9news.com.au/national/australian-bushfires-black-summer-one-year-anniversary/4b61f48a-9b80-44b8-8f35-a57249f924ab

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-02-10/sydney-weather-prompts-bom-and-ses-warnings/11948158

As Aussies brace for another Summer of record-breaking temperatures and increased storms due to the La Nina weather event, there is increased pressure on our power grids to keep up with demand.  Solar Power has become increasingly popular in Australian homes, as we focus on what we can do to make our homes more energy efficient and environmentally friendly. In fact, as many as almost 100,000 Solar Batteries have been installed in Australian homes since 2017.  More than 2.5 million Australian homes have rooftop solar power installed.

The introduction of Smart Inverters and Smart Batteries has given homeowners the option to store, generate and even sell their own power.  Harnessing ever-evolving technology, solar power continues to give homeowners more choice and control over their energy usage.

Renewable energy is fast becoming an essential in the modern Australian lifestyle.  Small-scale solar panels (such as those found on residential roofs) limit the need to transfer energy through large costly electrical infrastructure. Although solar does not produce electricity all the time, it produces power when its most needed.

Figures provided by Bradford Energy and Clean Energy Council:

https://www.cleanenergycouncil.org.au/resources/technologies/solar-energy

Create your own tranquil sanctuary with on-trend indoor plants

As we find ourselves spending more time at home whether we are working from home or about to enjoy well deserved Christmas holidays, it’s the ideal time to spruce up your home with one of the most on trend items in 2020, indoor plants. Indoor plants not only look fresh and fabulous but they also increase oxygen levels within your home, which can assist with endorphin release, reduce snoring and add a great vibe to your home!

We explore some of our favourite indoor plant types, which we think are must haves in your home.

1. Ficus Lyrata the Fiddle Leaf Fig

   The Fiddle Leaf is one of the most popular yet high maintenance indoor plants that have made their way into home design magazines in 2020. While they are high maintenance they are worth the effort with their gorgeous luscious green leaves and picturesque silhouette. Fiddle Leaf Figs can often be given too much love and if overwatered, can experience root rot which causes browning of the leaves. To avoid this pop your Fiddle Leaf in a space with plenty of filtered light and make sure you allow the soil to dry out in-between watering, this will allow your plant to flourish and create a unique styling element in your home.

2. Sansevieria Trifasciata the Mother in Laws Tongue

   Commonly referred to as ‘Mother-in-Law’s Tongue’ for its sharp pointed leaves and tough nature this indoor plant is versatile, hardy and provide an element of texture and colour in any space. These intriguing succulents are a fantastic option for beginners as they do not require a lot of watering or sunlight. In fact, these house plants often thrive on neglect only needing a couple of hours of sunshine per day and water here and there. Find the perfect spot in your home for this mother-in-law and let her spruce up your space with her green and yellow coloured foliage.

3.  Chlorophytum Comosum the Spider Plant

   If you love the idea of an indoor plant but don’t have time to really care for them then you’ll love the low maintenance Spider plant. Ideal for beginners or busy people, these plants thrive in indirect, filtered sunlight and can survive in almost any condition. What makes them so great is a mature and healthy Spider plant will shoot off baby spider plants, which are called ‘Spiderettes’ and are easy to repot and will continue your indoor garden growing with minimal effort.

4.  Aloe Barbadensis the Aloe Vera

   Loving warm well-lit rooms this versatile and useful plant will be sure to add a stunning addition to any room! With it’s rigid and rough foliage, an Aloe Vera adds both colour and texture and an element of surprise to any indoor garden. It useful nature is derived from the fact that Aloe Vera is well known for its anti-inflammatory properties, wound healing and its soothing sunburn. Pick the perfect place for this excellent addition to your home – just in time for those sun kissed summer days.

5.  Monstera Deliciousa the Swiss Cheese Plant

   Known affectionately as the Swiss Cheese Plant due to the interesting holes in its leaves, this plant loves the humidity, and thrives well indoors with minimal effort. Keep the Swiss Cheese out of direct sunlight and let the soil dry before topping up with water to avoid over watering. This plant with its luscious leave will prove to be an excellent addition to your home, brightening up your space this summer.

Top Tips for keeping your plants alive!
Using filtered water can reduce problems with your plant babies. High levels of fluoride in drinking water can upset your plants! Take your new home to the next level with a bunch of beautiful plant babies! Whether you’re searching for the perfect addition to your interiors or looking for the perfect Christmas Gift – choosing one of these plants will be sure to brighten your day!

Take your new home to the next level with a bunch of beautiful plant babies! Whether you’re searching for the perfect addition to your interiors or looking for the perfect Christmas Gift – choosing one of these plants will be sure to brighten your day!