February 2023 Newsletter
HEY NEIGHBOUR!
We have some exciting news; we have partnered with the Education Chances Foundation!
The foundation provides a scholarship program for financially-challenged youth to assist in furthering their education. We have just donated $1 for every rental property we manage. Going forward, we plan to do this each month, and as we grow, so will our donation. This is a cause that resonates with me personally, growing up in a very old-school Italian family that did not allow the girls in the family to go to school. I believe education should be a child's right and there are plenty of unfortunate youths who are not afforded this. We look forward to this partnership and being part of the program!
The 14th is around the corner, and we think of it as a day to show that you care. You could do something nice for a neighbour or show kindness to a stranger. However you decide to spread your love this Valentine's Day, do so with a warm heart.
February has so many crowd-favourite events happening; including Clayton Festival and the Caravan, Camping and Touring Supershow. There are also community lunches offered each Thursday for the school term in Oakleigh and yoga classes are on at The Lume to indulge your creative and your spiritual side simultaneously.
This week our marketing manager, Casey, started her spring cleaning early with a video on wardrobe culling. Along with encouraging mindful shopping and caring for your processions, it addresses the bigger picture of 'fast-fashion' and eco-waste in the fashion industry. It is presented as a humble conversation on a long-term problem. Highly recommended for a good watch!
Thank you and enjoy your day, week, and month!
Speak Soon.
Carmela
MARKET INSIGHTS
We strive to stay up to date on the latest market trends. Here are a few articles we think are worth reading.
- CoreLogic released their Monthly Chart Pack this week.
A few highlights include that annual dwelling values have fallen by the largest amount since May 2019 at -3.2%. Amongst all the doom and gloom, the charts show that 'national home values would need to decline a further 13% to reach March 2020 levels'. That's some great perspective.
- The RBA is continuing with its fastest and largest rate hiking cycle since records began.
Here is another great read from CoreLogic explaining the RBA's decision from earlier this week.
- Conversely, here is a potentially shocking update from our favourite, Chris Joye.
"Aussie home price crash about to pass through all-time record of an 11% peak-to-trough loss", says Chris Joye. We should probably provide a warning before looking at these graphs...
- How did Australia end up in this housing crisis and how could we get out of it?
A great listen about Australia's housing crisis situation from the ABC. This goes back far enough to help understand how the current situation was created.
- Rising Rental Costs.
Unfortunately, for our renters, rental prices have risen "by an average 37% since the start of 2020" according to John Beveridge. We're definitely seeing that in our portfolio and the low vacancy is almost eery.
COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD
What's new in your neighbourhood? These are a few recent updates that are happening in some of our local communities.
- Clayton Festival is on the 26th of February
An annual event reflecting a diverse and lively community. Enjoy Live performances, workshops, interactive games, chill-out zone, enviro tent and free access to Clayton Aquatic and Health Club in the Afternoon. Clayton Festival is on the 26th of February.
- Stretch your Mind and your Body
Yoga at The Lume has a new theme each week to keep your mind at ease. They create an immersive, rejuvenating environment with the help of tranquil soundtracks and their signature aroma.
- Spread the Love this Valentine's Day
Love shared between family, friends and partners are all equally meaningful. Let these people know you care on February 14th. Valentine's Day is also a great excuse to show some love to someone you don't know. Show some kindness to your neighbours, or help a stranger, or donate to a cause that is close to your heart. The Education Chances Foundation is a scholarship program dear to us at The Neighbourhood. They assist promising financially-challenged youth to get a good education.
- Grab a free feed
Fusion Australia is running free community lunches for each Thursday in term one. Fresh healthy feeds alongside your neighbours and fresh bread supplied by bakers delight for those early birds.
- Your Home Away from Home
Home is where you feel most comfortable, for some that is when they are holidaying in their caravan. Get bit by the travel bug and get inspired to plan your next adventure at this year's Victorian Caravan, Camping & Touring Supershow. Between 22nd-26th of February at the Melbourne showgrounds.
CAUGHT OUR ATTENTION
Here are a few things that members of our team have stumbled across over the month. Whether thought-provoking, interesting or entertaining, we want to share them with you.
- TRUST: we think trust is integral to the fabric of society and communities.
As do Edelman, a global communications and PR firm that have been studying Trust for 23 years with their annual Trust Barometer. Our team attended the launch of 2023's report this week and we think it makes for an interesting read. One of the key things we learnt was about how trust is becoming more and more localised and people are relying on their community more but there are some truly damning findings in this report. Download it for free here.
- The Chimp Paradox.
Interesting term, isn't it? It's the title of Steven Peters' book which dives into the human brain and how it works. Steven Peters goes into more detail in this interview with Steven Bartlett. We think it's worth a watch!
- Something everyone is talking about is The Voice referendum.
If you want a great overview, we recommend the podcast by The Australian Financial Review.
- So you wanna simplify your wardrobe, with data?
@WithWendy has surpassed mindful shopping and explored the effects of the fashion industry on our wallets and the world. It shows a conscious effort to stay informed and smart about everyday decisions.
