New Collaboration Supercharges the ‘Cheaper to Buy than Rent’ Model for Families
8 December 2021
A new collaboration between family-friendly estate The Wedge in Wellard by Monument and affordable first homebuyer specialist HomeStart has put weight behind the ‘cheaper to buy’ offering by creating new 3-bedroom x 2-bathroom house and land packages priced from just $325k*.
A range of beautifully designed homes on specially sized lots within the established area of Wellard is estimated to cost owners around $263 per week, compared to Wellard’s median three-bedroom house rental average of $390 per week recorded in June 2021.
Mr John Wroth, Director of Monument parent company M/Group, believes the packages have hit a new record for affordability in Perth and will mean that homeowners do not have to compromise on quality.
“Perth’s rental vacancy rate is disturbingly low and unlikely to improve for some time, even if you do find a decent rental, you are going to be paying premium prices for it. The opportunity we are putting on the table for families and first home buyers is one that will give them the security of owning their own home as well as the benefit of living in a place that offers great amenity,” he said.
“I believe these prices are groundbreaking and will be a welcoming option to those struggling to get a foot on the property ladder before rents and house prices rise further and while interest rates remain low.”
The Wedge is a boutique estate located just 35-minutes from Perth, around the corner from shops and transport, and in between the ocean and freeway.
It is surrounded by stunning natural bushland with a new childcare centre under construction, a completed park and playground, plus a Primary and Secondary school next door. Some 50% of lots within the estate have sold out and a family community is emerging.
The homesites earmarked for the house and land packages are well-located within the estate and sized to accommodate the spacious homes with open plan family area and integrated alfresco.
“Demand has definitely increased for customised house and land packages on specialty-sized lots, and many are surprised at just how much they can actually receive thanks to our designs. Moving into a brand-new home is a fantastic way to take a first step into the property market and being so centrally located is a bonus,” HomeStart’s Brendan Fowler said.
The home designs are single story with 6-star energy rating for continued cost benefits. The homes feature open-plan living, a main bedroom with ensuite and walk-in-robe, fully enclosed double garage with rear access, paving to driveway and alfresco, and a Lifetime Structural Warranty.
“We have worked really hard to develop affordable homes in this fast-paced or inflated market and remain one of the only developers providing this level of value,” Mr Wroth continued.
“Of course, the opportunity is limited so we encourage anyone who has had their fair share of knock-backs from the rental market to take this option into consideration. It’s a wonderful way to leave the rental cycle and we would love to welcome you into our community where home is made simple.”
To find more about The Wedge at Wellard visit www.thewedgewellard.com.au or call Damyn Strang on 0434 070 654 and for more information on the HomeStart House & Land packages call 9231 4567 or email info@homestart.com.au
Exciting First Steps for Young Families
19 June 2021
While nothing might be as exciting as a baby’s first steps, when a child’s early milestones …
Exciting First Steps for Young Families
19 June 2021
While nothing might be as exciting as a baby’s first steps, when a child’s early milestones coincide with the security of your own home in a supported family-friendly community, there really is cause for celebration.
The Wedge Wellard is becoming a haven for young families and first home buyers who have successfully escaped rising rent rates to secure their own home.
The growing community is located on the doorstep of natural bushland and next door to a private primary and high school. Its parks and playgrounds have already created a welcoming hub for playdates and get-togethers, and a childcare centre is scheduled for completion at the end of this year.
Director of Monument parent company M/Group, Mr John Wroth, said the estate has everything a young family could need and is providing affordable home options at a time when rental prices and availability are putting huge pressures on our community.
“Perth is undoubtedly in a housing crisis and first-home-buyers are amongst the most disadvantaged. Many developers have continued to focus on moving larger lots in the peaking market and too many renters are facing price increases or eviction.” he said.
“Despite the soaring market conditions, we are not only holding our prices, but creating product that will help create house and land packages for under $300,000 – getting families out of the rental cycle and into a growing community.”
The Wedge Wellard estate is half-way complete with Stage 1 sold out and around 70% of land in subsequent releases snapped up.
Stage 4 is the estate’s newest release and has been specifically designed for families and first home buyers to get a foothold in the market.
“Our new release gives owners the added advantage of being located within walking distance to everything. It screams value at a time when affordable housing is extremely thin and interest rates historically low,” Mr Wroth continued.
“We are one of the only developers providing low-cost packages so close to Perth, so it presents an amazing opportunity for first home buyers to get in on the property ladder, which could mean enormous relief to young families.”
Stage 4 incorporates a range of strategically designed ‘skinny’ lots priced from $130,000. The land will accommodate a 3-bedroom x 2-bathroom home, with house and land packages earmarked to be priced as low as $295,000.
“We are so thrilled to see so many families now settled into The Wedge at Wellard and enjoying this very special place. We know that anyone who visits the estate will fall in love with the prospect of joining them,” Mr Wroth continued.
“We very much look forward to welcoming our new group of residents.”
Lot sizes range from 188m2 to 537m2 and titles are expected by August 2021.
For more information visit www.thewedgewellard.com.au or call Damyn Strang on 0434 070 654.
Playground Completed | The Wedge, Wellard North
23 February 2021
The Wedge at Wellard North is coming to life! We have construction of new stages, homes being …
Playground Completed | The Wedge, Wellard North
23 February 2021
The Wedge at Wellard North is coming to life!
We have construction of new stages, homes being built, people moving in and have just completed the landscaped park and playground all with the stunning and protected bushland backdrop as you can see in this video.
Land Report – COVID-19
24 October 2020
Shifts in the land development sector will always be market-led, and if our experience with …
Land Report – COVID-19
24 October 2020
Shifts in the land development sector will always be market-led, and if our experience with COVID-19 means improving the amenity in our suburban areas due to buyer demand, it will represent a very rare and positive outcome for the pandemic experience in WA.
Monument land estates have had a massive 5-fold increase in sales as a result of the Government’s response to COVID-19. We are seeing many in the industry fast-track the creation of new lots to keep up with demand – sometimes to an enormous capacity.
An important message for buyers is to make sure that these new lots carry the same integrity as those previously on offer, and that the release of new land will not negatively impact the purchase.
There are a range of long-term benefits to buying land in boutique developments, and the influx of new land due to COVID-19 may highlight the importance of this much sooner than expected.
Obviously COVID-19 has affected practically every aspect of life, how do you think this impact will be reflected in new land developments over the next few years? Do you see more emphasis being placed on open spaces and connection to nature?
As a boutique land developer, location, an abundance of open space and integrating the land’s natural features and typography into the estate design has always been an integral part of our development program. However, COVID-19 has most certainly shone a spotlight on just how incredibly important this is.
The impact of what has occurred around the world as a result of COVID-19 has made people reassess their lifestyle choices. They are looking at their own community and its access to nature, exercise options and reflective spaces through a different lens.
As a result, I believe land developers will lean even more towards providing improved facilities and outlooks, and buyers will always consider what the estate might look like should we go back into lockdown.
Are there any ways COVID-19 has already affected land developments?
It is too early to see any impact that COVID-19 might have on the design aspect of a land development, although the heightened sales activity off the back of generous Government stimulus grants and incentives has offered some insights into what buyers will be looking for into the future.
The most successful land estates during this period have been those with larger family sized lots and direct access to nature.
The heightened importance of our Hamelin Park beachside location at Secret Harbour, the proximity to the nature reserve at The Wedge in Wellard North, and the stunning hill-top coastal outlook whilst surrounded by majestic Tuart trees at Atop in Beeliar have been extraordinarily evident.
Do you feel buyers will be looking for certain boxes to tick in light of COVID?
The onset of lockdown effectively stress-tested our homelives and communities. It would be impossible, if not improbable, for buyers to avoid carrying these experiences into a new house and land purchase.
New home design is likely to be most impacted, with more space and breakout rooms, such as a study or second living area, on the ‘must have’ tick list. In turn, this will influence lot sizes as homesites will need to increase to accommodate the new requirements.
Other factors that I believe will now weigh heavily on a buying decision include easy access to public open space and amenities, a friendly, supportive and established community, and the ability to access the natural environment for some reflective and recreational time.
Where do you see the future of land development and are there any certain ‘trends’ that might appear?
Prior to COVID-19, there was definitely a trend that saw people move closer to the city and established areas. I believe this will continue as a result of lockdown, as people realised the issues relating to isolation and the importance of being near infrastructure and family.
The demand to be part of an infill land estate will continue to increase and land developers will take larger leaps towards providing an entire lifestyle package. Homesites will no longer be about the sheer size of the lot, there will now be much broader considerations at hand.
However, on the other end of the spectrum larger more rural lifestyle options will also become sought-after by some.
Comments by John Wroth, Director of Monument parent company M/Group.
The Wedge Creates a Children’s Wonderland
24 October 2020
Surrounded by natural wilderness, The Wedge by Monument in Wellard North is shaping up as a …
The Wedge Creates a Children’s Wonderland
24 October 2020
Surrounded by natural wilderness, The Wedge by Monument in Wellard North is shaping up as a children’s wonderland, with a modern playground and discovery walking trails scheduled for completion by Christmas, plus a childcare centre in the pipelines.
Arguably the most stunning residential environment located in Perth’s southern corridor, families have eagerly snapped up homesites in the estate’s Stage 1 and Stage 2 releases, leading developers to fast-track release plans for Stage 3 with lots to be available by the end of the year.
Director of Monument parent company M/Group, John Wroth, said The Wedge was never going to be another ‘cookie-cutter’ estate, and people are finally getting the chance to see what that means.
“Creating a boutique environment gives us license to add signature features throughout the landscape and dramatically enrich the estate’s lifestyle and culture offer. It also creates a point of difference in a market that is so commonly unvaried and lackluster,” he said.
“When families visit The Wedge, they immediately see why it will soon be the ‘talk of the town’. This is not only great for residents who enjoy the facilities, it means the value of the property will invariably sit above other locations.”
“With a primary and high school next door and the stunning and protected Bulrush Nature Reserve wrapping around the estate, it would be difficult to find a better place to raise children.”
The Wedge is located between the freeway and the ocean, and is close to public transport, medical facilities and shopping.
Stage 1 quickly sold out and families are already settling into their new homes. Stage 2 is 50% sold with titles due this month. The increased demand and continuation of Government grant incentives has resulted in the acceleration of the estate’s development program to allow more people to get a foothold on land in the estate sooner.
“The Government grants have had an enormous impact on land sales throughout Perth, although land estates that are perceived by buyers as more desirable have experienced greater demand. This is why we made the decision to fast-track our development schedule and bring forward Stage 3,” Mr Wroth continued.
“Unlike many developers, we have made a commitment not to alter our prices. This means homesites at The Wedge represent excellent value to everyone from first homebuyers to growing families looking to make the most of these great buying conditions.
“The Wedge is emerging as an incredibly special place, and why wouldn’t you want to live in a location with so many great natural and integrated children facilities.”
The Wedge, located on Bertram Road, Wellard North, comprises homesites sized between 344sq.m and 537sq.m with prices starting from $174,000.
For more information visit www.thewedgewellard.com.au or contact Damyn Strang 0434 070 654.
Is it time for a sustainable stimulus solution
30 July 2020
The Governments’ incentives to drive activity and growth in the property sector have been …
Is it time for a sustainable stimulus solution
30 July 2020
The Governments’ incentives to drive activity and growth in the property sector have been highly effective in achieving the desired outcomes. As a result, developers are calving through land stock to keep up with demand and builders are facing the pressure of delivering across the entire supply chain. So, is it time to look for a more sustainable and enduring model?
Boutique land developer, Monument, is facing the challenge of keeping up with demand more than most. The company specialises in high demand and limited supply land-sites located close to city in established areas– the likes of which will generally attract more attention to the buyer market.
Following consecutive government announcements to introduce a series of home building grants, the company was quick to experience a huge spike in interest and sales.
However, while the stimulus packages have been warmly welcomed by the sector, Mr John Wroth, Director of Monument parent company, M/Group, says it is time for the Government and industry to take stock and focus on a plan that supports the sustainable growth of the property sector.
“There has been an enormous response to the grants and incentives, and many land developers are running low of stock to meet the new demand. On the face of it, this is not a bad problem to have, although the pressure is now on to increase land production and deliver on home builds without impacting the cost to the buyer,“ he said.
“As developers fast-track new land stages, the question needs to be asked, what happens when the incentives slow down.”
Monument has recorded over 40 sales across its three boutique estates in the last month and has seen an increasing reliance on banks to speed up processing timeframes to meet the deadline driven requirements of grants. There are also fears that a pending lack of supply will create an imbalance in the market as the industry aggressively works to keep up with demand.
Mr Wroth believes the company’s predicament in achieving high sales volumes is not isolated and there could be risks associated with incentives being removed swiftly and without consideration of the impacts.
“The State and Federal Governments should be commended for acting quickly and decisively to stimulate the property sector. It is now critical for government and industry alike to consider the consequences of what happens next and what the impact will be on a sector that is so important to maintaining a buoyant economy,” he continued.
“There is an abundance of opportunities that could help to maintain the steady growth of the sector, including the slow pulling back of incentives, or even a capped program that is reoffered annually. The idea would be to continue the great work of government and maintain the growth of the sector in a measured and continuing way.
“This issue sits way beyond achieving good sales targets. It is something that will impact everybody.”
For more information visit www.landbymonument.com.au.
It’s a Race to Get the Best Sites at the Right Price
4 July 2020
The Governments’ incentives have created a flurry of buyer interest with Perth’s best homesites …
It’s a Race to Get the Best Sites at the Right Price
4 July 2020
The Governments’ incentives have created a flurry of buyer interest with Perth’s best homesites being snapped up at pre-Covid-19 prices. However, as demand increases and stock dries up, buyers need to be aware of inevitable price increases that are likely to create an impact across the entire home building supply chain.
Since a consecutive string of government announcements introduced home building incentives to stimulate the economy, Perth developers have been working tirelessly to meet new demand from people wanting to take advantage of the incredible savings.
Of course, the best and most well-located homesites are attracting most of the attention.
Boutique land developer, Monument, is experiencing this more than most. The company specialises in boutique, high demand and limited supply land-sites located close to city in established areas.
In the past month, Monument has sold over 40 homesites across its three estates, and its sales consultants are taking new enquiries on a daily basis.
Mr John Wroth, Director of Monument parent company, M/Group, says while this seems like a good problem to have, buyers need to act fast in order to secure their home and land package before the industry responds to the increased demand.
“The response to the government incentives has been enormous, but the reality is that many developers had been running according to a measured release plan of land stock prior to the announcements, so the best available lots are now simply walking out the door,” he said.
“The process of new approvals is arduous and timely and in the case of boutique developments such as ours, there is only a limited amount of land we have available. While we have no intention of increasing our land prices, other companies will find it hard to avoid the pressure for builders to meet demand through their supply chain is likely to impact building costs.”
“It is imperative that buyers recognise the extraordinary buying conditions and ensure they are finance-ready to act fast in securing the best possible land package for their new home.”
Here are some tips to help you secure the best lots on the market.
- Bigger is often seen as better!
Larger lots continue to prove the most sought after and, as such, are often in short supply. While it may be easier to secure larger lots in the outer suburbs, value is always going to be on location so do your homework and buy wisely.
- Be on the front foot with frontages
Home frontages of 15m or more are rare and popular. They often have a wait list of multiple offers in place, so it is prudent to get in fast and secure one as early as possible.
- Be finance ready
Make sure you have your finance pre-approved and speak to your mortgage broker or bank before making the commitment to buy a lot. Being prepare not only gives you the buying power to secure the lot you want quickly, it also means you won’t miss out.
- Secure your building contract now
It is unlikely that Perth will experience better building conditions any time soon, particularly with incentives that could save up to almost $70k on a house and land package. It is therefore important to recognise that the cost of building a home is currently based on pre-Covid-19 prices and builders are only able to commit to these prices if you sign quickly.
- Location is everything
Don’t be bedazzled by low prices in large outer-suburb estates. Your money will work harder and your home will be valued higher in the long-term if your land is surrounded by established infrastructure. You’ll also have the benefit of not having wait years for it to arrive.
- Don’t settle for second best
Monument offers a range of homesites across three well-located environments at various stages of development.
Atop in Beeliar is currently selling elevated, ocean view and park side lots in Stage 2 and 3 from $304,000, with Stage 4 scheduled for release and ready for titles by November. This stage will offer ocean view lots from $298,000.
The Wedge in Wellard North incorporates a community park, playground and walk trails, and is surrounded by the natural bushland of Bulrush Nature Reserve. It has sold out of Stage 1, and will have titles in place for Stage 2 in October. Lots are available from 375sq.m to 537sq.m with prices starting from $174,000.
Finally, the company’s inaugural land estate, Hamelin Park in Secret Harbour. It is just three-minutes from the beach and only has six lots left, which are priced from $194,000.
All Monument land estates are designed to impress and are located in well-established suburbs with shops, good schools, public transport and employment at your doorstep.
For more information visit www.landbymonument.com.au