Reserve Bank pours cold water on inflation and rate hike fears…

Wages will have to grow at an annual pace not experienced for eight years before the Reserve Bank considers another interest rate hike.

The central bank said as much in the minutes of an April board meeting released on Tuesday.

While noting the economy was recovering faster than anticipated from last year’s recession, the RBA said wages growth and inflation was expected to remain subdued for several years – which means an interest rate hike is off the table for the foreseeable future.

The Reserve Bank said too many people are looking for jobs or more hours for the economy to generate enough wages growth to achieve its inflation target of 2 to 3 per cent per year.

“It would take some time to reduce this spare capacity and for the labour market to be tight enough to generate wage increases consistent with achieving the inflation target,” the board minutes read, in stark contrast to fears among financial markets of a potential inflation outbreak.

“It was likely that wages growth would need to be sustainably above 3 per cent, which was well above its current level.”

The last time Australian workers enjoyed pay rises of this magnitude was in the March quarter of 2013.

Stagnant wages

Wages growth since then has dragged on consumer spending and acted as a handbrake on the economy – hitting a record low of 1.4 per cent during the pandemic last year.

And despite the rapidly improving outlook for jobs, the RBA does not expect the labour market to be strong enough to trigger decent pay rises “until 2024 at the earliest”.

But not everyone agrees.

Economists at Commonwealth Bank believe the recovery in the labour market will lead to a pickup in wages much sooner than the RBA anticipates, which would trigger a rate hike before 2024.

The bank’s optimism is based on the fact international border closures will restrict the supply of labour at a time when demand for labour is strong.

“We expect wages growth to lift to 2.7 per cent by end 2022,” CBA economist Belinda Allen wrote in a note.

“This could prompt the RBA to eventually change its forward guidance around the conditions not warranting a lift to the cash rate until ‘2024 at the earliest’.”

RBA to monitor housing market

Elsewhere, the RBA board acknowledged “housing prices had increased significantly in recent months”, and noted low interest rates and government incentives had contributed to the boom.

Commonwealth Bank expects national house prices to rise 10 per cent in 2021 while Westpac has tipped annual growth of 10 per cent in 2021 and 2022.

“Given the environment of rising housing prices and low interest rates, the bank would be monitoring trends in housing borrowing and the maintenance of lending standards carefully,” the RBA said.

But the central bank said there were currently no signs of a deterioration in lending standards.

“The share of loans with higher loan-to-valuation ratios had increased, but this was in part explained by the larger share of first-home buyers,” the minutes read.

“Members agreed that it would be important to watch carefully for increased risk taking by lenders and any deterioration in lending standards and larger shares of higher-risk loans.”

April 28, 2021

What landlords should look for when choosing a property manager….

Appointing a property manager to take care of a rental property is a major decision, but there is more for landlords to consider than fees alone.

The right property manager can mean the difference between a hassle-free experience and a regrettable one.

Property owners can start by researching the different companies that service the area where the property is located. Landlords can typically choose between full-service real estate agencies or dedicated property management companies.

Many landlords focus on fees when comparing property managers, For some people, it’s all about money – they don’t look past that.”

Fee structures can differ between agencies. Most charge a fee based on a percentage of the rent, with rates in capitals typically varying between four and eight per cent, depending on the area and services included, plus a monthly administration fee.

Most managers also charge a one-off leasing fee at the beginning of a tenancy — typically one to two weeks rent — plus advertising fees and auxiliary charges such as lease renewals, yearly statements and court attendances.

Flat-fee property managers charge a single weekly or monthly fee rather than a percentage of the rent. For example, flat-fee management company :Different charges $100 per month, with a $500 leasing fee and $400 to $500 for advertising, including photography.

When comparing fees, I suggest examining the services offered rather than focusing on just the rate.

“Like banks and interest rates, sometimes there’s that loyalty tax,” “We have a lot of people transfer over to us who have been paying exorbitant rates and getting not much service.”

Services offered by some, but not all, property managers include online portals where landlords can track payments, view leasing documents and undertake virtual inspections, and tenants can communicate with property managers and log maintenance requests.

“Understanding what it is you want out of your property manager should be part of the process,”

“If you want transparency and want to know what’s going on, then you need to consider an agency that’s embracing technology.”

Management style

Communication can be a key point of friction between tenants, property managers and landlords, so it’s wise for landlords to choose a property manager that suits their communication style.

“You want someone who communicates well, who you can have an easy discussion and get along with,”

Is the person you’re dealing with going to be your only point of contact? What many clients like is to have one person who takes care of everything.”

“Property managers need to have a working knowledge of the legislation, on the day-to-day management requirements, and the market conditions,”

“It is the role of the property manager to make sure they’re across the market conditions and educate the owner on the review of rents and presentation of the property.”

Decision making

When it comes to making a decision, online reviews of property managers can be helpful but may need to be taken with a grain of salt.

“Reviews in the space of property management can often be skewed,” . “For example, if a tenant has left a property in poor condition and as a result, the bond is retained through mediation or the court process, it’s often those circumstances where the property manager receives a bad review.”

Ask family, friends, and other investors what they value in their property manager can help landlords determine the best path forward.

“You need to understand your property is a business now – it’s there to make you money. You employ someone to look after it, and you have to trust that someone is there to help you.”

www,viridityre.com.au

April 21, 2021

How to keep your first property as an investment and why most home owners don’t do it…

How to keep your first property as an investment and why most home owners don’t do it

But when the needs of a growing family prompt an upgrade to a larger home, the question of whether to keep the first property as an investment may arise.

On the one hand, the sale of a sound investment too early risks potential future gains from holding onto the home as a rental, and increases the impact of transaction costs such as stamp duty and selling fees.

On the other hand, selling and realising equity in the first property and investing the proceeds into a more valuable asset can allow buyers to live in a better home that brings lifestyle improvements.

Why hold property?

“In an ideal world, the vast majority of people, if they could, would try to hold their first property,” says Property Planning Australia director David Johnston.

“In most cases holding property is going to create a better financial outcome.”

But the proportion of people who actually do keep their first home is low, Johnston says.

“They just don’t have the equity there to be able to keep it and purchase the next home.”

First-home buyers overlook the importance of their first property as a stepping stone,

“People in that early stage of the property ladder aren’t generally thinking about holding onto properties,” he said. “It’s always sell and buy the next one.”

Retaining ownership of the first home brings an additional income stream if rent exceeds holding costs such as mortgage repayments, strata levies and maintenance.

But the appropriateness of this strategy can depend on the home’s investment credentials, including its desirability as a rental, and future growth prospects.

“A lot of first-home buyers are quite happy to buy a one- or two-bedroom apartment,” Quite often they make for a really great investment. The next generation, if they can’t afford to buy, are quite happy to rent it.”

“If they’re lucky enough to get a house for their first property, that’s an even bigger bonus because they’ve got land.”

Apartments in desirable locations can bring strong growth and rental income, but owning a mortgaged property can limit your borrowing capacity when upgrading. Photo: iStock

When it doesn’t work

One of the drawbacks of converting a home to an investment is the impact on the owner’s borrowing capacity.

“You might have enough equity but you might not have enough income to upgrade and keep it,The serviceability on two loans just might not be there.”

Even if an owner has managed to put a dent in their mortgage over the years, owing a few hundred thousand dollars may prevent them from borrowing enough money to purchase their ideal home.

“If you were to keep that property you may only be able to afford a three-bedroom home but you’re chasing four or, alternatively, a two-bedroom home if you’re chasing three,”

Assessment of lifestyle and financial goals, says Johnston, and the needs of a growing family usually take precedence.

“Right now, you might just choose to prioritise lifestyle over the financial goals, which means you spend more money on the superior home but you have to sell the current property to achieve that.”

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Growing a portfolio

Holding both properties and selling the investment later can lower mortgage repayments if the proceeds are held in an offset account. This also creates a cash buffer that might come in handy if raising children means incomes are reduced.

“Say you’ve built up some equity in the first property,You may actually want to use that equity on the second property to reduce the loan and have a smaller mortgage.”

Having a growing deposit available can allow homeowners to invest further down the track, but Holdaway warned their next property would have big shoes to fill.

“The recycle costs to get into the next one means the property you’re about to buy has to perform very well just to break even,” he said.

If building a portfolio is the goal, holding onto an appreciating asset can bring it closer.

“You may be in a better position down the track that you can borrow against any improved value to buy another one.”

April 20, 2021

What happens when you list your home for sale?

The potential sale of a property becomes very real the moment it’s officially listed by an agent.

While decades ago, listing your home involved simply putting a “for sale” sign in the front garden and the agent taking out an ad in the local newspaper, it’s now all about online advertising and a strategic sales strategy which accompanies it.

Advertising and the sales strategy

The advertising side typically includes professional photography and a comprehensive media campaign, covering online and social and sometimes print media.

Campaigns usually include an internet listing, a sale board, letterbox drops and agency marketing via magazine and window display.

Then comes the actual sales strategy, which the agent drives. It covers the method of sale, staging suggestions, how many opens there will be and when, how negotiations will be managed, the roll-out and monitoring of advertising and lots more.

Preparation is key for any home sale. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy

Be ready to sell

A home should be picture-perfect the day the listing goes live.

“You only get one chance at a first impression, so you want to make it count,” he says. A good agent will help the vendor understand the best way to present their property to maximise the sale price.

Tweaking the strategy

While the sales strategy is designed to guide the sale process, it should be tweaked if needed, “If, for example, the property doesn’t travel well at its first open, you should you re-assess your approach,”

“We are dealing in a market now where you will find out if the property is doing well in the first five days (of being listed). If you get 20 to 30 people through the inspection on day one, then it’s a good sign. If you get five people through, there is probably a need to re-strategise.”

April 15, 2021

Moving into your new apartment….

Moving into your new apartment

The day has finally arrived and you’re preparing to move into your brand-new apartment but there are still a few further things to think about before you settle in.

Moving

Moving into your new apartment can be one of the most exciting moments of your life, especially if it is your first home. Most people take a few days to move in after they have settled but others cannot wait and dive straight in. However, moving into an apartment is not the same as a house and it may take a little more planning.

Things to think about include:

Access

Will you be carrying your whole life up the stairs or taking the elevator? You will need to inform your movers if they are going to be carrying things up themselves. Alternatively, if you’re using the elevator you may have to alert body corporate who may book an elevator for you and request protection be placed in the lift prior to the big move.

Your building manager

Having a building a manger and getting permission to move to a new house may be a new feeling but it is step one of realising you now live in a complex and need to be respectful of your neighbours. Chat to your building manager to discuss any issues that may arise. They likely have also seen many other people move in and may have a few tips.

Removalist insurance

Apartment complexes can be tricky environments to move around in with big furniture, and bumps and accidents are almost certainly likely to occur. This should be a consideration when choosing a removalist and it is worth checking what their policy is on damage and whether their insurance is up to date. This will give you peace and mean you’re covered in the case of something going wrong.

Height restrictions and parking

When it comes to moving vans, a little pre-planning will make the day run smoother. Most apartment blocks don’t have a driveway you can park in and most car parks will have height restrictions, so it could be worth taking note of these before you choose what type of moving van to go with.

Time of day

Out of hours moving will not go down well with your neighbours. It is also normal that newer and larger complexes have rules about time of days you can do the heavy lifting. If you’re moving outside 9am and 5pm you also will likely encounter lots of people heading to work or coming home, so maybe take the day off and get it done during the quiet period.

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April 6, 2021

Home buying checklist for 2021..

Home buying checklist for 2021

Buying a property is a big investment, so to make sure you’re on top of the fine print we’ve created this handy checklist of some of the legal things you’ll need to do in order to make the transaction painless.

If this is the year you want to buy a home, it’s time to sit down and familiarise yourself with the process and going through the necessary steps to ensure you’ve covered off all basis when it comes to the home buying checklist. Here are the steps you need to take.

Make a shortlist of properties you like

Finding a new place is an important move so you are going to want to take the time to do the appropriate amount of research and shortlist a few places that ticks your boxes.

To start, narrow down the neighbourhoods you like. Somethings you might want to include on your “must have” list include:

Transport in the area
Access to schools
The facilities and features of the suburb like parks, cafes, restaurants and so on
Suburb profile including the people that live there and crime rates

Engage a conveyancer

Once you’ve made your shortlist of places, you need to check over the finer details of the properties of interest and this is where you need to engage experts.

The conveyancing process usually will be what kick starts your legal journey to property ownership so it’s important to engage a solicitor or conveyancer who will be able to take care of the legalities for you.

But what’s the difference?

“Registered conveyancers are experts who specialise in conveyancing work … Some conveyancers are qualified solicitors but many are non-solicitors who have completed specialist tertiary education in conveyancing. In fact, many law firms employ registered conveyancers to undertake their conveyancing work.”

The conveyancing process will be what kick starts your journey to property ownership.

While there are DIY conveyancing kits available, these are useful only for the most straightforward property transactions.

But even the most simple-looking transactions can become complicated by legislation and regulations, making DIY a riskier move on your big investment.

You’ll want your conveyancer to consider things like local or national planning controls, permitted uses, heritage overlays and body corporate constraints.

And like any transaction, if you have any concerns or additional knowledge regarding the property you’re buying, communicate them to your solicitor or conveyancer to ensure the best outcome.

Get to know the sales process

Conveyancing in Australia varies slightly from state to territory. And so does the sales process.

For instance, there’s no cooling-off period for auctions (which are popular in the big cities), but with private treaty sales it’s different. And it’s even possible to buy via ballot.

So make sure you know and understand the different sales processes before you start.

Check the title

Freestanding houses in Australia typically have a freehold Torrens Title. But other types of title exist for different property types and come with their own legalities.

Strata Title was introduced to Australia in 1961. It’s a system for handling the legal ownership of a portion of a building or structure including units, townhouses, villas, commercial offices, factories, warehouses, retail shops and more.

Before 1961 buyers used Company Title to effectively purchase shares in a building, and some older buildings remain under Company Title. Each system has its own pros and cons, as well as its own legalities.

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The home’s bright, light-filled interior added to the appeal for buyers.

So if you’re buying an apartment, villa or townhouse, it’s important to do some research first to make sure you’re familiar with how it works as well as conducting a strata search.

You’ll need to adhere to bylaws, take into account the fact you will be paying regular levies for maintenance and other expenses and enjoy the responsibility of voting at annual general meetings run by the strata management company and electing an executive committee.

There’s also leasehold or community title. Your conveyancer can guide you.

Find out: The hidden costs of buying a home

Set time aside to do the paperwork

Again, the legal paperwork associated with buying property varies slightly from state to territory. The process usually includes these key events and documents:

Contract paperwork

The vendor’s solicitor prepares a contract note or contract of sale concerning the property’s information and detailing exactly what is for sale. The settlement date should be specified – normally 30, 60 or 90 days. It can be very complex – for example, with properties sold off the plan.

A contract usually has other documents attached, including a zoning certificate, drainage diagram, a plan for the land, and a Certificate of Title that confirms current ownership and whether there are any encumbrances on the property.

The legal paperwork associated with buying property varies slightly from state to territory.

Exchange

The contract is effectively made binding when it’s signed at “exchange”. This takes place either at the auction, or after a private treaty sale price is agreed, and a deposit is usually paid at this time.

Settlement

Settlement is usually six weeks after contracts are exchanged (but the date is specified in the contract) and is when you pay the remaining amount for the property. Stamp duty typically has to be paid within 30 days of settlement, but varies by state or territory.

Land transfer

Is a document to be finalised at settlement by your conveyancer.

Mortgage

If you’re raising finance for your property via a loan, your solicitor or conveyancer will need to supply certain documentation to your lender.

Type of ownership

When buying a property with someone else, you can usually own it in one of two ways: joint tenants, or tenants in common.

Organise the necessary inspections

The building inspection process is an important part of the legal checklist for buying property.

For instance, the electrics and plumbing need to have been installed to certain requirements, and any renovations should have been approved by council. It’s also important to check the boundaries are in the correct position.

A proper building and pest inspection can find potential faults where you might not have seen any.

As long as you do your homework, and tick off your legal checklist, owning real estate grants you many freedoms – to buy, sell, renovate, invest and bequeath – or just to enjoy.

March 8, 2021

Sydney property stock shortage compounded by fear from would-be sellers…

Property prices may be hitting new highs but most would-be sellers aren’t cashing in and are instead holding off listing out of fear they’ll struggle to buy their next home.

Over half of those polled in a recent Westpac survey of homeowners who were “ready to sell” said they wouldn’t pull the trigger on a listing because buyer competition was too stiff to move somewhere else.

‘Risky’ home buying tactic on the rise

It’s led to a crippling shortage of available housing and a “vicious cycle” where homeowners’ decisions to delay selling are making the market even hotter.

This in turn is further discouraging new sales.

Would-be sellers were upgraders who wanted to buy their next home before they listed.

This was channelling new buyers into the market without the same match in new listings and current stock shortages were “severe” in most areas.

“It’s a standoff. Few homeowners want to be the ones to sell first. Everyone is trying to buy first,”

Suburbs to watch in 2021 where homeowners’ reluctance to sell was a natural response to seeing multiple auctions with more than 20 bidders.

“When they see that, they just know it’s going to get blown out the water,”

The Westpac commissioned research conducted by Lonergan Research also revealed many buyers were chasing the same type of homes.

Sydney has a severe shortage of listings. Picture: John Appleyard

The majority were seeking more space, with 94 per cent of those surveyed wanting a backyard, alfresco entertaining area, veranda or some form of outdoor space.

Close to half said “quiet surroundings” were their top priority when considering property.

The current appetite for houses with backyards was “ferocious”.

“Everyone wants the same thing,”It’s been difficult to keep up with the level of inquiry. The phones just never stop ringing.”

February 23, 2021

House tenants’ rights when your landlord is selling

It’s the news no happy tenant wants to hear: the landlord is selling.

As with most change, though, it’s a lot less frightening when you know what to expect.

Here are five rules to remember when your landlord decides to sell.

1. The landlord is allowed to sell at any time

In all states and territories, landlords are legally allowed to sell their property whenever they like. But fear not: the law protects tenants from being turfed out on a whim.

It’s the news no tenant wants to hear: the landlord is selling.

2. Your lease is still valid

Your current lease (which is also known as a tenancy agreement) remains valid when your landlord puts their property on the market. And it remains so after the sale, which means you don’t have to move out of the property if it changes hands.

“A landlord cannot terminate a fixed-term agreement for the sale of the property,”

And so if the property is sold to an investor who a tenanted property, it’s possible you will experience very few changes.

It can also lead to a termination of the lease, if mutual consent is reached.

“If you are on a fixed-term agreement, but you want to move out because the property is being sold, you may be able to end the tenancy agreement early by a mutual consent with the landlord,”

If the new owner wants you to move out, they must comply with the terms of the existing lease.

3. Landlords must give tenants notice before an inspection … and you can be there

The landlord must give the tenants 14 days’ notice before the first viewing.

Meanwhile, tenants “are obliged to make all reasonable efforts to agree on a suitable time and day for the showing” and must also keep the property in a “reasonable state of cleanliness”.

“If an agreement isn’t reached to show the property, the landlord is only able to show the property a maximum of two times per week, and must give the tenant at least 48 hours’ notice each time.”

Renters also have the right to be at the property when it’s opened for inspection.

Get ready: How to prepare for a rental inspection.

The landlord must give the tenants 14 days’ notice before the first viewing. Picture: Getty

4. Renters have a say when it comes to photography and signage

The outside of a rental property can be photographed without permission. But if the landlord wishes to take photos inside the property, they must obtain permission from their tenant.

The tenant must also give their consent to signage and on-site auctions.

5. Renters can get compensation

The landlords sometimes offer their tenant compensation to encourage them to move out of the property as soon as possible.

“In some states, a tenant may give notice, even if they are on a lease, once the property is listed for sale,”

“Many property owners offer tenants a compensation for the inconvenience, and this avoids the complaints.”

6. Can you deny a home inspection during Covid-19?

No, in general terms you cannot. However, due to Covid-19 most states have introduced health guidelines still to be met if an agent or landlord request to bring people through you home during this time.

For specific guidance, check you the current public health order and guidelines in your state.

7. Can repairs and maintenance be carried out during Covid-19?

Yes, repairs and maintenance can be carries out during the pandemic. The landlord, agent or authorised person can still carry out repairs during this time, they will, however, need to ensure they follow the local health guidelines in your area.

Tenants rights in different states

It’s perfectly reasonable to assume that the sale of a property might foreshadow changes for the tenant, but it often doesn’t play out that way.

And that’s because there’s a healthy amount of legislation specifically designed to protect the rights of the tenant in this situation – laws that differ slightly from state to state.

The complete guide for first time renters

Landlords must provide tenants a minimum of 24 hours’ notice before showing a prospective buyer around the property. Tenants must grant these buyers “reasonable access to the premise” but can refuse access if they weren’t previously informed of the landlord’s intention to sell.
Neither the new or old landlord can evict the tenant if a fixed agreement is in place, unless the tenant violates the terms of the lease, or the two parties reach an agreement by mutual consent.
If the agreement is periodic, the state’s Residential Tenancies Act states that a landlord can evict you on eight weeks’ notice, if they “genuinely intend to sell the premises”.

New South Wales

Landlords must provide tenants two weeks’ written notice before the first inspection, and a minimum of 48 hours’ notice for subsequent inspections, which cannot amount to more than two a week.
Neither the new or old landlord can evict the tenant if a fixed agreement is in place, unless the tenant violates the terms of the lease, or the two parties reach an agreement by mutual consent.
Landlords must also give you 30 days’ notice if they wish to terminate the lease at the end of the tenancy agreement.
If the agreement is periodic, a landlord can evict you, as long as they give you 90 days’ notice, or 14 days’ notice if you breach your tenancy agreement.

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February 16, 2021

5 household tasks to do in your work-from-home lunch break…

Tradition dictates that a lunch break is for eating. But the truth is, if you’re working from home, there are better ways to structure your day.

Working from home is something that Australians want to continue long-term. In a report released by Bastion Insights in January this year, it was found that two-thirds of Australian workers hope to remain working from home into the future, for either part of their week or all of it.

So, it’s important that we develop healthy habits for this lifestyle. And it all starts with looking at how sedentary that lifestyle is becoming.

“Sitting at the desk, and then moving to a different chair to eat your lunch, and then back to the desk, is probably one of the most destructive things about working from home,” says Jane Kilkenny, health and fitness expert from Fitness Energy.

Young married couple working from home, they are sitting in their dining room. — Sitting for too long is probably one of the most destructive things about working from home. Photo: Stocksy

“In a traditional office job, you would have some sort of motion in your commute to work – even if it’s walking from the car to the office – and then in the office, you walk to get a coffee or stroll to get some lunch. And all of that incidental movement adds up.”

When you’re working from home, this incidental movement can be done while getting a few things done around the house.

Not only will this increase your movement and decrease your sitting time, it can also boost your productivity both in your work and in your home life (which, by the way, are now integrated rather than two separate parts of your life).

Feeling guilty about using the workday to do your own things? Kate Christie, director and founder of Time Stylers, suggests we remember that there is a lot of “wasted” time in a traditional workplace. “There are internal meetings that go on forever, chats around the water cooler, and going out for coffee,” she says, adding that we can reclaim this time for our own purposes when we work from home.

iStock-1278837533_lodpkh — Decreasing your sitting time can boost your productivity in your work and home life. Photo: iStock

“At home, you’re likely much more focused and productive, so you can cut yourself some slack and do some things that you need to get done.”

Here are five ideas for home tasks to do during your work-from-home day.

Cook tonight’s meal

iStock-887636042_n4jv5e — Cooking is a productive way to spend your lunch break. Photo: iStock

Whether you love or hate cooking, the evening meal has to be prepared. And it’s a surprisingly productive way to spend your lunch break.

“A complete task shift is the best kind of break,” Christie says. “Doing something creative is perfect, and cooking the meal or getting some of it ready to go fits the bill, and is a really good use of your time.”

“It gives your brain a break; you’re thinking about the recipe rather than work so that when you get back to work, you’ll be really productive.”

Hang out the washing

Stocksy_txp31959474MyO200_Small_2200950_vl9dho — Hanging out the washing is a great opportunity to move your body and get some fresh air. Photo: Stocksy

It’s the perfect chance to stand up, move a little and get some fresh air.

“Hanging out a load of washing is like doing squats for five minutes: you’re bending down and standing up, and movements like that are great,” says Kilkenny.

“It’s giving your body the opportunity to be in a different position, and the more you can change your position during the day, and get your body moving from point A to point B, the better off you’ll be.”

Get out in the garden

iStock-1188478555_jm7sw7 — If you’re headed outside in your break, choose your tasks wisely. Photo: iStock

“Watering the garden is a great thing to do in a break: you’re walking around and standing up tall, which is the opposite to sitting at a desk,” Kilkenny says.

But if you’re headed outside in your break, choose your tasks wisely. “Weeding the garden in a short break probably isn’t a great idea, because you’re bending down and putting yourself in a very forward position like you do at your desk,” says Kilkenny.

“It’s about changing position and adding in movement.”

A quick food shop

Domain_Neighbourhoods_Fairfield-68_niqbmw — A trip to the shops will likely make evenings much calmer. Photo: Greg Briggs

Weekday evenings are chaotic. We tend to spend our after work hours racing around, picking up some groceries, getting dinner made, cleaning up, and getting everyone ready for the next day.

But if you can knock out some of these tasks during the day, your evenings are likely to be much calmer. Something as simple as a quick food shop to grab what you need for dinner and the next couple of days gets you out and moving, and it eases your evening load.

This flows on to become a benefit for the whole household, Christie says. “If you’re not constantly rushing, it means you can have some mindful time, sit down with your family and talk about their day, and go for a walk.”

“It makes for a more peaceful family existence.”

Potter about

Mother and her little baby girl folding clothes in their bedroom. They are preparing for packing for vacation. — ‘It’s important to keep your body moving so that it can continue to function well,’ Kilkenny says. Photo: iStock

Whether you’re wandering the garden to tidy up, folding some washing, or moving from one small task to another, some gentle pottering can be a beneficial way to spend a break.

“This is movement combined with mindfulness, which is fantastic for relaxing the brain and the body,” says Kilkenny.

“It’s not necessarily exercise, so it won’t increase your fitness, but it’s so important to keep your body moving so that it can continue to function well.”

“Just remember: get up and move often, just as you would if you were working in an office building.”

January 10, 2021

Creating a functional study on a budget in seven easy steps…

People regularly ask me how I can improve the functionality of working at home without it costing a bomb.

What equipment do I need? How should I make sure the workflow is optimised for efficiency?

All of these are the right questions. My answer though generally starts somewhere other than thinking about the right size desk or lighting or even the feng shui of the entire room.

I always start by asking the person what motivates you? What inspires you? What times of the day do you feel you’re at your peak efficiency? What kind of environment do you work best within?

Finding your ultimate working space will enable you to be happier and more productive. Picture: Getty

1. Figure out the way you work

These answers are not the same for all people. Some people need a very minimal distraction to get things done.

Others feel a bit of isolation and in turn a bit nervous when there are no other stimuli in a room.

Some people need bright light to keep them focused. For others, bright light can actually lead to a headache.

2. Find a location

For some, the perfect study might actually be just off a loud busy area of a home. For others, it might be deep in the back of a walk-in wardrobe where it can be as quiet as possible! Decide which environment works best for you.

Now, if you can’t change which space you’re working with, then figure out how to make it work better for you.

Will you need noise-cancelling headphones or will you need to make sure there’s a small speaker nearby to play some background music?

Will you want plain clean walls or will you want to throw some inspiring quotes or photos up for a quick distraction that will drive your focus and help with the quality of your work?

3. To desk or not to desk

Once you’ve created the perfect environment that works best for your particular working style, there are some great ways to design a study so that you’re not spending a fortune.

First, desks are great – but are not always necessary.

Would a comfortable chair with a laptop work for you?

If you do need a flat surface for work, are there any tables in your home which can be repurposed?

4. Desks come in many forms

If you’re in the mood to create a desk, my favourite multi-purpose desk uses two filing cabinets as the “legs” of the desk with a piece of wood or glass as the flat surface.

You can often find used office equipment at online sales or in op shops.

A quick word about filing cabinets though. Paper files are sometimes necessary, but for the most part, your files should be stored digitally these days.

So, fill those filing cabinets with anything that inspires you. Feeling stuck on a certain assignment? Open up the cabinet drawer and get a breath of inspiration!

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Question whether you actually need a desk before you shell out your hard-earned cash. Picture: Getty

5. Power your work life

Next, think a lot about the power needed to drive the devices you use: laptop, printer, tablet, chargers and so on.

How many power points are available to you and are they in positions where you’ll help yourself get more done? Take some time to grab a few cable ties and make everything neat and accessible.

There’s nothing worse than a collection of messy cluttered wires. Take the extra 30 minutes to get your office looking neat and tidy and don’t worry about it ever again nor will you run the risk of trip hazards for you or other members of your family.

6. Light your way

Finally, make sure the light is right for you. If the room is too dark for you, find some good inexpensive task lighting. It will make all the difference.

There’s no reason to be left in the dark when you’re trying to work. Unless of course, you work best at 2am and need the calm of the night to get your inspiration firing!

Lighting is important in a workspace. Picture: Getty

7. Efficiency doesn’t have to be expensive

A good study doesn’t need to be expensive.

Think first about what elements would help you be more productive. Make sure they’re near you and visible and the rest will sort itself out.