property guide 2009 - Domain.com.au

HOW TO READ THE TABLES
The middle price of all
houses and units sold
in this suburb during
the year
Prices in $’000s
Percentage change
of houses and unit
values
ARTARMON RANK 118
MEDIAN 2007 2008 Change Trend
HOUSES 1050 835 -20% 3.8%
UNITS 480 501 4% 5.8%
TOTAL SALES: 192 Auction: 11 Private: 181
TOP THREE SALES
4 Onyx Rd $2000
3 Smith Rd $1800
2 Coree Rd $1800
Total number of properties
sold during 2008
Prices in $’000s
The three top house/unit sales
in the suburb in 2008 - either
by auction or private treaty.
If APM was unable to verify the
reliability of the reported
price it has been excluded
n/a statistically reliable information not available
- an indication where there were fewer than 10 sales
Houses
-11%
Units
-11%
The suburb’s
ranking, based
on its median
house and
apartment price
Average year on
year percentage
change since 1998
Australian Property
Monitors’ prediction of how
far values will rise (or fall)
this year
Top tips for house buyers
■ Do your research. Independent analysts
such as the Fairfax-owned Australian
Property Monitors , RP Data or Residex can
help you research recent sales in a specific
area for a fee.
■ Location, location. Look for property
close to transport, shops, parks and
recreation facilities.
■ Consider the travelling distance to work.
Top tips for house vendors
■ Choose your agent carefully. In tough
times, it pays to have an agent experienced
in slow markets.
■ Go to plenty of open houses and
inspections to see agents at work.
■ Give your home a good clean, get rid of
clutter and paint where necessary.
Top tips for unit buyers
■ Look at the cars in the car park — are
these your kind of people?
■ Check the common areas for proof of
regular maintenance and cleaning.
■ Read the noticeboard. If it’s a lively
collection of advertisements and
Top tips for unit vendors
■ Make sure any outstanding repairs to
common areas have been done.
■ Clean up your lift lobby or landing. Get
executive committee permission to touch
up the paint on all the doors, not just yours.
■ If you’ve got a view, make sure
Do you really want to be commuting more
than an hour each way?
■ Aspect. Does the house face the right
way and get plenty of light?
■ Keep an eye on how long the property
has been for sale. The longer, the cheaper.
■ Advantage, buyer. You’re in the box seat
so take your time, evaluate properties
dispassionately and negotiate strongly.
■ Opt for an auction if they’re popular in
your area. Auctions create a sense of
urgency and give buyers a deadline. If your
property doesn’t sell on the day, it usually
will soon after.
■ Price your property to meet the current
market. Buyers are extremely well informed.
information, it’s a good sign that there’s a
sense of community.
■ Look for extra security on front doors —
if there’s too much, it’s not a good sign.
■ Follow your nose — nasty smells can mean
nasty neighbours.
prospective buyers are drawn to it before
they look at anything else.
■ Organise a clean-up of your car park and
bin areas.
■ Make sure that broken or burnt-out lights
are replaced.
12 THE SUN-HERALD PROPERTY GUIDE 2009 DOMAIN.COM.AU