Property News & Updates at Arramont

Buying land as an investment in Australia is one of the smartest and safest investments you can make. Whether you're looking to build your dream home or simply acquire some property for future development opportunities, buying land is a great way to diversify your portfolio and secure your financial future. With a 15% increase in Melbourne and Geelong housing sales in Q2 2023, there's never been a better time to purchase. In this blog post, we'll explore the reasons why buying land is a good investment choice. 1. Land is a limited resource One of the main reasons why land is a good investment is because it is a limited resource. No matter how much we advance technologically, we can't create more. As the population continues to grow, the demand for land will also increase, which will in turn, drive up prices. In fact, 73% of buyers who purchased in Q2 2023 bought land only. Despite rising interest rates, 2,146 land lots were sold last quarter, the first increase since September 2021. Highlighting why buying land now can lead to greater future value appreciation. 2. Affordability If you have a limited budget but want to buy in your dream location, land is the best option. More affordable than a package, you can secure your ideal land size in a growing suburb and build later, especially if you purchase untitled land*. This is a great way to spread out the cost over time and help guarantee a good return, especially when you secure land in a thriving neighbourhood like Wollert. Right now, the median lot price for a 350m2 block in Wollert is $399,000. Only 43km from Melbourne's CBD and surrounded by established amenities, Wollert is the best place to buy. With affordable land for sale in Wollert priced from just $309,000, purchasing within Arramont Estate is a wise investment. *Ensure you speak to your agent about the building timeframe within your contract. At Arramont, purchasers have 24 months before building must commence. 3. Customisation & control When you purchase land, you have much more control over what happens in comparison to investing in existing property. You can choose to develop it in a way that is most beneficial to you. Build your dream home design suited to you and your family needs to live in or construct a rental property for additional income. You also have the power to decide when to sell the property and who to sell it to. 4. It's a good long-term investment Because land is a limited resource, it doesn't generally depreciate. It's more likely to increase in value, especially when buying in a growing area. Location matters a lot when buying a home, especially as an investment. If you buy land in an up-and-coming neighbourhood, like Wollert, which is new but growing with infrastructure and amenities, there's a bigger chance of a high return. Only 1.5km from Craigieburn Station and 4 minutes to the Hume Freeway, Wollert is one of the best locations to buy investment property. Did you know sales in Wollert went up 13% this quarter? - Buying land is an excellent way to diversify your investment portfolio while securing your financial future. It's a tangible asset that never loses its value and a limited resource that will always be in demand. If you're looking for the ideal spot for an investment property in Melbourne, Arramont offers a range of land for sale in Wollert that could be perfect for you. Contact our team today to find out more on 0425 741 891 or email us at Arramont@rpmgrp.com.au.

Wollert is a growing suburb in Melbourne's north, just 26km from the CBD. With its proximity to the city and endless activities, there are plenty of things to do all year round! Whether you're looking for an exciting day trip, spending time outdoors or enjoying some quality shopping, Wollert offers something for everyone. Here are 5 awesome lifestyle things to do around Wollert. 1. Check out Wollert's cafe scene From well-balanced coffee to tasty brunch spots, there are so many terrific cafes around Wollert to explore, including:

Waterside Cafe - Shore Drive, Craigieburn

Just a 10-minute drive from Arramont, enjoy coffee with a stunning view at this local gem! Known for its vibrant atmosphere and mouth-watering pancakes, Waterside Cafe is the ideal place to relax and take in the sights while slipping on your favourite beverage. Did we mention it's dog friendly?

4 Seed Cafe - Bank Street, Wollert

For great food, service, and coffee, 4 Seed Cafe is the local for you! From a chilli scramble to a cheeseburger with the works, pancake heaven to junior Nutella-mallow toastie, there are options for all. Located 1.2km from Arramont Estate, it's just a 15-minute leisurely walk away.

Cafe Grasslands - Grassland Ave, Craigieburn

Looking for the best bacon and egg roll around? Cafe Grasslands has you covered. With an extensive and appealing menu, beautiful atmosphere and value for money, this cafe near Wollert, only 7km from Arramont, has something for everyone! 2. Support local at Wollert Market If you're hunting for the perfect way to spend your Saturday morning, why not check out the Wollert Community Market? On the 4th Saturday of the month, the grounds of the former Wollert Primary School transform into market stalls. From delicious fresh produce of homemade jams and cakes to toys, books, crafts and coffee, it's a beautiful way to start your weekend. Located at 455 Epping Road, Wollert and open 8am - 2pm. 3. Get back to nature at the array of parks in Wollert Wollert is no stranger to stunning parkland. From adventure playgrounds to sweeping open spaces, there's so much to explore with your children, friends, or furry best friend! Located on Anzac Drive, opposite a vast green space and featuring a basketball court, soccer goals and rope climbing frame, Thyme Park, Wollert, offers hours of fun for the whole family. Did you know Arramont is home to some of Wollert's best playgrounds and parklands? With 2 parks already open and more to come, enjoy a range of activities, including:

• - Flying fox
• - Bird nest swing
• - Ropes course
• - Massive playground
• - Half basketball court
• - Barbeque and dining area
• - And so much more!

Located on Jardin Road and Verdon Drive, Wollert and surrounded by wide open spaces, our parks are perfect for picnics, reading and more. Enjoy some time outdoors with the family and check them out this weekend. 4. Shop till you drop at Wollert's nearby shops Whether you're looking for a bargain, a Kmart fix or a local treat, there are many nearby shopping centres to get a well-deserved dose of retail therapy! Aurora Village Epping is your local for beauty and an appetising feed from Degani to Oregano's and Okami. For more extensive shopping needs, Wollert's nearby shopping centres, Westfield Plenty Valley, Epping North Shopping Centre, and Pacific Epping, have you covered! 5. Indulge in a meal at the delicious restaurants around Wollert There's no shortage of delightful cuisines around Wollert, including:

• - Chinese
• - Japanese
• - Indian
• - Italian
• - Fish and chips
• - And so much more.

All nearby Wollert restaurant options are less than a 10-minute drive from Arramont and easily accessible through the local bus directly outside our estate and running every 40 minutes! With fabulous nearby restaurants, cafes, quality shopping and parks galore, it's no wonder Wollert is a popular place to call home in Melbourne. If you're looking for your dream house in Wollert, look no further than Arramont. We have tailored house and land packages and lots suitable for all. If you'd like to learn about our varied offerings, reach out to our team on 1300 965 537 or email us at arramont@rpmgrp.com.au

Is Wollert a good suburb to live in? Yes! From its location to its infrastructure, strong community feel, and development opportunities, Wollert is an investment worth considering - whether you're a first home buyer, downsizer, or investor. In this blog post, we'll explore why Wollert is the perfect place to buy land and why it's becoming lucrative for those seeking to invest in property. Superb Location Location is everything when it comes to property investment, and Wollert doesn't disappoint! Located just 25 km from Melbourne's CBD and only minutes from nearby train stations, Wollert is perfectly positioned for those seeking to enjoy the best of both worlds! The thriving suburb is also conveniently nearby to Melbourne Airport and the Western Ring Road, making it an ideal location for people commuting to the city or around the country. Quality & Diverse Education Options There’s a vast range of quality schools in Wollert suitable for all ages, from early learning to higher education. The schools in close proximity to Wollert encompass a blend of private and public institutions. Among them are Wollert East Primary, Epping Secondary, and St. Monica's College. These schools provide exceptional academic programs, a wide range of extracurricular activities, and a supportive learning environment. Plus, with two top-quality universities nearby, RMIT & La Trobe University, there’s no need to travel far for university education. Modern Amenities Another great reason why Wollert is a good suburb to live in is the established amenities. Wollert is a modern, well-planned suburb with plenty of infrastructure to enhance residents' quality of life. The area is home to several parks, sporting facilities, shopping and community centres, making it an excellent location for families. Development Opportunities Wollert is a suburb on the rise, with plenty of development prospects and new homes being built at a rapid rate. Purchasing land in Wollert has excellent long-term investment potential, with the opportunity for capital growth and rental yields. Did you know, Arramont offers a variety of land for sale in Wollert that ranges in size and price? Perfect for First Home Buyers and Investors Despite prices steadily rising through Melbourne and Victoria, an appealing feature about buying land in Wollert is its affordability. Wollert offers an excellent opportunity to invest in a growing area that promises future growth. With a high demand for rental properties in the area, the yield for investors is also attractive. At Arramont, we offer both attractive land in Wollert suited to your individual needs and requirements. — Buying land in Wollert is an excellent option for all! With modern amenities, established transport and its prime location, Wollert provides the best of both worlds! If you’d like to learn about Arramont’s varied offerings, reach out to our team on 1300 965 537 or email us at arramont@rpmgrp.com.au Disclaimer: our financial advice is general in nature. Please seek a professional for additional information.

Buying your first home can be an exciting but challenging process. Our sales team can help you through every step of the way and discuss the options available. Arramont Wollert is ideal for first-time homebuyers, offering a wealth of features and amenities that provide an excellent foundation for building your future. Wondering how to buy your first home? This home buying checklist will give you all the first home buyer tips you need to make an informed decision about buying in Arramont. Organise Your Finance The hard part…cutting back from two coffees a day to one. The first step in building your first home is determining your borrowing capacity and the deposit you'll need. This could be as little as 5% or as much as 20%. It's a crucial consideration you'll need to factor it into your house and land budget from the outset. As a first home buyer, you may qualify for a 5% deposit through the government's first home buyer guarantee scheme. This scheme enables new home buyers to purchase their first home and avoid paying lenders' mortgage insurance. Need help with how to finance your first home? That’s what mortgage brokers are for. A Mortgage broker will help you elevate your financial situation and secure a loan for buying your first home. This is also a crucial time to find suitable solicitors or conveyancers. Speaking to a professional will provide valuable and personalised assistance regarding first-home buyer grants, stamp duty concessions, buyer equity schemes, and other related costs. Their ongoing support throughout the homeowner journey will be invaluable, so ensure you take advantage of them. Searching for Your Perfect Home at Arramont The next step in building your first home is finding the right one for you. At Arramont, we offer various housing options suitable for all first-home buyers, whether you purchase land only, a house and land package or a townhome built by one of Australia’s leading builders. Contact an Arramont sales office agent to find a suitable block that suits your budget and lifestyle. Remember to consider what factors are important to you, such as location, price and even interior design. Do you want a theatre room to binge your favourite Netflix show? Or that extra pantry space? Or both? These decisions can make buying a home easier for the first time. Engaging Your Conveyancer & Signing Your Contract Once you’ve decided on the right home, it’s time to pay your deposit and lock in your build price. Contact your mortgage broker to ensure you have all your documents in order, and review your contract of sale with your conveyancer. Their assistance will offer you so much support and will continue throughout your home loan and building process. Did we mention they usually throw in a bottle of champagne to celebrate when you complete your new home build? Land Settlement & Construction Commencement The final step in buying your first home checklist is watching your dream home come to life during the construction phases - something you’ll always remember! Take photos at each stage, and don’t forget to tag us so we can see the progress, too, at #ArramontWollert. Why Arramont Should Be Your First Choice With a range of house and land packages available on the market, it's easy to find a property that meets your lifestyle needs. Just minutes from Craigieburn City and surrounded by established retail, medical and education options, as well as convenient transport links, Arramont is the perfect place for new homeowners. Now you understand our first home buyer tips, you’re ready to start building at Arramont, and we’re looking forward to helping you throughout the process! The team at Arramont can get you started and answer any questions you may have. You can email the team at arramont@rpmgrp.com.au or call 1300 965 537 to make an appointment.

Stanley Kumar lives in Arramont with his wife Sangita and their children. Here he shares why he loves living in this vibrant new community. Why did you choose Arramont? Originally living in South Morang, my wife and I were looking to upgrade to a bigger house in 2016. We decided to purchase in Arramont as it was a more cost-effective option than upgrading in South Morang. In 2020, we decided to upgrade again, from a one-storey to a two-storey home and decided to purchase again in Arramont. What made you pick Arramont again? Arramont is a well-maintained estate and there is consistent maintenance of parks and creeks. We also feel that it is a safe place to raise a young family – with many other young families also living in the estate. The value of the properties in the estate has also seen good growth in property value. What are your favourite things about living here? It’s been the best decision that our family has ever made, and we have no regrets about moving to Arramont. It’s a great place to relax with the family, to take the dog for walks around parklands and creek. We live in a nice, quiet pocket of the estate with the reserve on the side and front of the property. It gives us privacy and is ideal for our family. Some of our favourite things about living in Arramont include:

• A growing area with more and more amenities on your doorstep
• Nearby shopping precincts including supermarkets
• Local primary and secondary schools
• Convenient freeway access to get to the city – especially for work
• Nearby train stations

What does the community at Arramont mean for you? Making friends with your neighbours and everyone helping each other out.

When buying land in the relatively cool climate of greater Melbourne, you’re likely to hear real estate agents mention the term “north-facing block”. What does north-facing mean? Because of the sun’s changing position in the sky throughout the seasons, a home on a north-facing block of land should capture the maximum amount of natural light in winter while being shaded from the high heat of summer. This positive “solar orientation” saves both energy and money as passive heating and cooling reduces bills and makes the home and garden generally more comfortable to live in. So is a south-facing or even a southeast or southwest-facing block a deal-breaker when you’re looking for a new home? With a little extra thought, it really shouldn’t be! Here’s how to know when you should consider buying a south-facing block. When the price is right As north-facing homes are perceived to be more desirable, those blocks can be tricky to find and can often be a touch more expensive than their south-facing, near-identical neighbours directly across the road. Choosing a south-facing block may mean you can afford land with a better slope, shape or size for less; elements which mean your home build is likely to be easier and cost you less also. When the outlook is better You can change much about your new home design but you likely can’t change the view. A good view adds wow factor for you as well as major resale appeal. So if you’ve found a suburb or even a street that you love but the view is better there for south-facing blocks, don’t discount them automatically. In real estate speak you’ll value aspect over orientation. When everything else is just right There are several factors that will likely contribute to your overall happiness in a home more than which way it faces. Location and connection with the community are the big ones. Not dealing with mortgage stress and having enough space are others. You may very well be able to find a selection of - otherwise perfect - south-facing blocks in your dream suburb within budget more easily than you would find north-facing blocks. When you have a good build team Smart, modern design philosophies can easily mitigate the complex natural light and passive heating and cooling issues you may find when building on a south-facing block. Expert builders, interior designers and architects have hundreds of different tricks to capture, borrow and reflect warmth and light within your home. Just a few include adding prominent windows, skylights, clever lighting, strategic staircases and voids. There’s a lot of flexibility with the floor plan and how the house is positioned on the lot. Perhaps you like the idea off adding an internal courtyard (as a bonus you’ll enjoy the ultimate in outdoor privacy) or a larger front yard? When your priorities are unique There are a few other benefits to south-facing blocks that you might not have thought about. If you often work or study from home, a home on a south-facing block captures softer, more even light with no harsh shafts. This type of light is great for offices. And if you’re thinking of investing in the property instead of living there yourself, a premium location with good views for the right price should be a priority over which way the block faces, depending on your particular financial goals. Need help finding the right block for you and your dream home? Get in touch with our friendly sales team who are ready to help! Visit our sales office at 290 Craigieburn Road East, Wollert or call the team on 0425 741 891 to have a chat.

Now that you’ve chosen to start your first home buying journey, or maybe take the next step as an existing homeowner, within the natural beauty of Arramont in Wollert, it’s time to find the builder for the home of your dreams. Whether you’ve already chosen a block and need the perfect design to complement, or you are heading down the home and land package path, there are a few things to consider along the way. Explore the options If you’ve decided you’re in the market for a new home and new life, you are probably already scanning the glossy house magazines and reading the interior design blogs, which can feel like information overload. It is worth creating a priority list of design needs, such as how many bedrooms you need, living area space requirements, indoor/outdoor connections – and then a wish list of those little extras – before heading to display villages to see the real thing. Recommendations mean a lot If you’re a first home buyer, you probably also know many others entering the property market for the first time! What recommendations do they have from their new home building experience that they can share? While we are all quick to read online reviews and opinions, it is definitely reassuring to hear a referral from friends and family you know and trust. Check your budget Understanding your own budget before you start the research process will help you to finetune your home solutions without feeling overwhelmed. A health check with a new home loan specialist will assist you to set a budget that is reflective of your current and future situation and get you started in the right way. Rest assured, there are new home solutions to suit all budgets available at Arramont Service with a smile Building a new home is one of life’s milestones, likely one of the biggest decisions you will make! Finding a builder you feel comfortable to partner with throughout the pre-building and building stages and beyond is an important part of the journey. It is more than just design. Transparency with information, remaining approachable and being supported by guarantees and warranties are some of the essentials that make a well-rounded building partner. Need help choosing the right builder for your dream home at Arramont? Our team is on stand by and happy to help. Our sales office is currently open by appointment only, Saturday - Wednesday 11am - 5pm. Get in touch today by calling, texting or Facetiming via 0425 741 891 or by emailing arramont@rpmrealestate.com.au

Good reasons to downsize your home can happen at any stage of life. Maybe you’ve found yourself with a suddenly empty nest or you’ve recently retired. Perhaps you’re keen to embrace simple living or looking for ways to save on daily expenses. Orperhaps you’ve just binge-watched too many ‘Tidying Up with Marie Kondo’ episodes on Netflixand are now all about that minimal lifestyle! Whatever the reason, here are some good things to know before you downsize. Get packing asap? - Don’t judge how long a downsizing move will take you based on your pastmoving experiences. Deciding on what will stay and what will go takes far longer than throwingall your worldly possession into boxes. Think months, not weeks. There’s an emotional elementto consider too. Invite the whole family around to help with the elimination process (especiallywhere beloved childhood mementos are involved) and make it a celebration. Donate with discretion? – You may feel good about gifting things that won’t fit into your newlystreamlined lifestyle to charities and causes. But do familiarise yourself with what items certainorganisations will and will not accept and also how they prefer to receive donations before youstart sorting out your stuff. It will save you from embarrassment and time wasted upon beingrejected and save them from unnecessary disposal costs. Know your neighbourhood?- A smaller living space means you may experience the urge to getout of the house more often. You don’t want to feel stuck inside your new home, particularly ifdownsizing was not purely by choice. Make sure to choose a location with lots of elements toexplore or plenty of planned amenities. Before you move, subscribe to local lifestyle blogs,follow council pages for community news and events, even make your own personalisedGoogle map of things to do, eat, try, see and buy nearby. Happily, owning a smaller homecould mean you have more spare change and spare time to help you get out into the world! Look to the future? – Sure, you’re planning on aging like a fine wine. It still pays to think aboutwhether a home will continue to suit you as you get older. If you’re downsizing, it’s quitepossible that this could be your forever home (and thank goodness, moving is stressful). So askyourself: is it close to healthcare and community services, are there too many steps, is thebathroom design accessible? What about parks nearby for the grandkids to run amok? Space exploration? – Storage will be a key feature of your new downsized home. Buying a newhouse and land package (find Arramont’s extensive home and land package options ?here?) orbuilding a home from scratch can be handy here because you can often adapt the design tomatch your exact storage space needs. Can you pop a cupboard under those stairs? Makethose in-built shelves floor to ceiling? Add in an extra closet in the spare bedroom? Including enough storage from the get-go is so much easier than renovating later.Finally, don’t forget about the ‘Downsizer Measure’. If eligible, this law means you couldcontribute up to $300,000 (each) from the sale of your former home to your Superannuation.That makes for a great retirement boost

Building your own house to your own specifications and vision is one of the most rewarding and fulfilling decisions a homeowner can make. New land releases in Melbourne are rare; deciding what to place on your block can be a decision fraught with indecision and frustration. Do you want to maximise your living space, or do you want a larger backyard? What about space for kids and pets? Do you want to downsize from what you had previously? Is growing your family a factor? All these questions are worth considering when settling into Arramont. Going Vertical Single storey homes on smaller or narrower blocks of land will have some limitations on space by nature. Adding an additional storey can easily add extra space to a home. If you aren’t looking to build up, having higher ceilings, adding a skylight and opting for a lighter colour palette can create a feeling of openness and space. Building vertically can double your living and storage space and provide picturesque views of the parks and natural flora surrounding Arramont. Orientation of your Home The orientation of your home is important not only for space-saving but how much light you want to let in over the course of the year. You should understand how the sun moves across your site and design around it. Orienting living areas north or north-east can make a marked difference in how much light can filter in. Internal Space flowing to the Outdoor Optimising internal spaces that flow to your outdoor space or backyard is also a prime design factor in making the most of your block space. Can you design your living area with glass doors or a deck that creates one continuous, clean view of your garden or yard? It can make your home feel much more spacious as a result. Doubling Up – Multi-Purpose Rooms If you are quite limited in your block size, you may have to make better use out of your rooms than simply having one function. A living area can be set up with storage space as well as a study nook when it’s not being used as a family room. Bedrooms need not be supersized, as building good internal storage such as built-in robes can decrease clutter and the need for additional wardrobes or storage. Look at What's Nearby Many homeowners place a premium on having as much backyard space as possible. However, at Arramont, your home is surrounded by protected conservation areas and lush, wonderous park locations. If living in a wide-open space is your priority, it is more than met by the local Wollert Estates area. This means you can compromise more on outdoor space than you may have originally figured. Need help with designing your dream home at Arramont? Our team is standing by to assist. Call us on 1300 965 537 or have a chat with us at our sales office at 290 Craigieburn Road East, Wollert.

Buying your first home can be an exciting but confusing time. With so many options available, it can be hard to know where to start. Here at Arramont, we believe that your journey to first-home-ownership shouldn’t be complicated. That’s why we have put together the following guideto help you navigate the first homeowner waters. Research the market All well-executed projects start with research, and the purchase of your first home should be no different. You will want to determine where you’d like to buy, what the recent trends are for your preferred neighbourhood and a realistic budget. This research phase is a great time to see if you are eligible for any government grants or stamp duty concessions as a first homeowner. Know your budget Whether this is through talking to a bank and getting a conditional pre-approval or crunching the numbers yourself - knowing your budget is a crucial factor in purchasing a home. Your budget will help you determine the required deposit amount and how much you can afford to repay for your mortgage repayments. It’s essential to be realistic with your budget; you don’t want to commit to 30-years of paying for something you really can’t afford. And don’t forget to set aside a bit for landscaping! Discover your new community for local amenities. Are they already established? Or are they planned for the future? Are there train or bus services close by? What about supermarkets and educational facilities? Now is the time to consider what you will need not only now, but into the future. Find your place So you have your budget and your preferred community, now it’s time to find your dream home. From purchasing land-only or a house and land package, there is something out there to suit everyone's budget and preferred lifestyle. Have a look around at display villages, and get an idea of the style of house you want. Make sure you are looking at homes that will fit your budget, lifestyle and block size. Consider the number of rooms you may need in the future, three bedrooms may suit now, but you may eventually need four. If you need help figuring out your first homeowner journey, the Arramont team is on hand to step out the process for you. Pop into the sales office at 290 Craigieburn Road East, Wollert or give the team a call on 1300 965 537.