Property News & Updates at Arramont

Construction at Arramont continues to progress, and we’re pleased to share an update with you. Montbeliard Road We’re pleased to advise that the civil works program is complete, and Montbeliard Rd is now open for public use under a temporary traffic management arrangement. Residents will now have access to Jardin Rd through to Chenin St. We’re working with the Transport Department through the signal energisation process and anticipate full operation of the intersection sometime in January. A Council Practical Completion walk-through for the northern gas easement section is scheduled for December 9th. Subject to Council approval, temporary fencing will be removed, and the reserve will open for public use. Landscaping for the southern section of Montbeliard Rd is scheduled to commence in February and will run for approximately 8 weeks. We’re also pleased to confirm the installation of the Arramont Estate entry feature. Stage 12 Pleasingly, improved weather conditions in the past two weeks have assisted in drying out the road pavements and progressing them to pass Council proof roll. Crushed rock layers have been placed, and the base course asphalt commenced, with completion expected before the Christmas shutdown period. Upon our Contractors' return in January, wearing course and line marking are due for completion followed by remaining authority approvals ahead of Practical Completion of Works and Statement of Compliance. Stage 13 & 14A With sewer works now complete and drainage works significantly advanced, road boxing has commenced in Stage 14 and will continue into Stage 13 after the Christmas break. Stage 7 Reserve With the park now open, we encourage the Arramont community to come and check it out. Some minor works are still being conducted, so please watch out for any fenced-off areas during this time. A big thanks to all those that attended our park opening and community day. It was fantastic to see such an excellent turnout for the event and everyone enjoying the new facilities. We look forward to holding more of these events in the future. Stage 15, 16 & 20 We’re in the final stage of discussions with contractors on the tender packages. Bulk earthworks plans have been approved by Council, allowing preliminary works to commence in early 2023. Functional and detailed engineering designs are steadily advancing through the approval process with Council. Stage 17, 18 & 19 Functional and detailed engineering designs remain with Council for assessment and approval. The team at Arramont are committed to ensuring purchasers get access to their lots as soon as possible. We encourage buyers to check the full construction update below for all the latest information. Montbeliard Rd looking north to Jardin Rd intersection Stage 12 base course asphalt laid in Riesling St

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.

The new Waterway at Arramont is complete! Watch the time-lapse to see how the construction unfolded. Expanding across 1.26ha, this waterway not only features as a key treatment space for Melbourne Water but is also a central element of the growing Arramont community. With an 18m boardwalk for all to enjoy, as well as over 100 additional trees have been planted, make it your next walking destination!

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.

Whether you’re looking for a place to live in or invest in, purchasing a house and land package is often the easiest option! Let’s take a look at the benefits that house and land packages have over buying land alone (then doing a custom build later) or buying an existing house, and also why packages may be the better choice for property investors. Why it beats buying land only Opting for a house and land package can be far less stressful than securing a vacant block of land with a view to building a custom residence on it later. Developers, builders, architects, and interior designers have already done a lot of research and legwork for you in terms of designing a home that fits the land size and shape perfectly and meets all regulations. Packages are typically less expensive because they are often offered in bulk and come in designs and materials the builder has worked with before. And you’ll know exactly what you can afford as the price is fixed from the beginning; no more tricky negotiations or auction day disappointments! Another benefit is the time saved. There is no time wasted in hunting for the perfect builder, securing their services, the back and forth of creating a new design or looking for specialized tradespeople. You’ll be surprised at how many extra tasks you’ll have to do yourself during a custom build. A house and land package means your family can move in sooner! Why it’s better than purchasing an existing house If you meet the eligibility requirements, the FHOG (First Home Owners Grant) equals a cool $10,000 coming your way. To sweeten the deal further if you intend to live in your new home for longer than 12 months you’ll also be eligible for the PPR (Principle Place of Residence) concession. Not sold yet? In addition, you’ll save on stamp duty as you’ll only be paying it on the land portion of the package. With existing homes, it’s hard to find the colours, fixtures, and fittings you love without adding further cost or renovations and if it’s a “fixer-upper” you may not even be able to move in on settlement day. The older the house is, the higher the chance that you’ll find something broken or not quite right once you move in. Plus nothing compares to that feeling of coming home to a brand new house! Why it’s good for property investors The previously mentioned cost-effectiveness, time and energy savings and predictability aspects of buying a house and land package equally benefit investors. Yet there are more advantages. Brand new homes depreciate faster than existing ones, meaning investors can claim the maximum tax benefits (according to their situation). Builders warranty means your investment will be more protected than an older home for years after it is completed. Finally, one of the most attractive reasons for investors to choose a house and land package over an existing property is that brand new homes attract both higher rent and better tenants! Offering a perfect balance of city convenience and semi-rural freedom, Arramont Wollert has a variety of packages to suit all needs and budgets, for more information on house and land packages, follow this link www.arramont.com.au/house-and-land, call 1300 965 537 or drop into our sales office located at 290 Craigieburn Road East, Wollert.