Capital city home values fell by 0.8% in April 2012 and are currently below their historic highs in each capital city. Broadly capital city home values have fallen by 6.1% since peaking in October 2010, the results are quite different at an individual capital city level. Although not recorded by R.P Data our historic data indicates to us that coastal prices have come back in the range of 5.15% since our last high. The positive is that there are still active buyers for properties that have adjusted to the market.

‘Lorne – Weekly report’. Historically our financial records have re-inforced that over the years the months of May and August have been the least productive months of our annual cycle. Many factors contribute to this but it is interesting to note that there are no school holidays or long weekends in either of these months.

This week has been a beauty on the coast with temperatures topping the 20c mark on successive days and the ocean producing a good swell under off shore wind conditions.

The Lorne Dolphins play host to Birregurra Football and Netball Club this weekend in what is being described as the “match of the round”. If your in town get along and support the Dolphins.

Open Houses This Weekend

Saturday 12th

1.00 – 1.45pm – 264 Mountjoy Parade Lorne

‘Lorne – No better place in the world’. The Pier at dusk

‘Lorne – You must have a look at this’. Lorne “Masonic Lodge” was auctioned recently and after having the property listed for private sale at $1.075M since the auction, we have just received instructions from the Freemasons that they want the property SOLD. It has just been re-listed for private sale at $975,000 and represents great buying for the various uses that it presents.

‘Lorne – Great Local Slang’. What’s for tea? – Bread and duck under the table – you’ll see!

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See you In Our Backyard

Ian Stewart

ian@greatoceanroadrealestate.com.au

0418 522 571

Friends of the Earth campaigns co-ordinator Cam Walker said “what the government fails to mention is that the Point Henry smelter is not dependent on receiving energy from Anglesea to be viable. Alcoa could buy renewable energy to meet its needs and keep Point Henry going.”

Alcoa began operating the mine in 1961 and indicated in 2008 that it would exercise its right to extend its lease another 50 years. Any future mine expansion will now be limited to three per cent of its total lease area, which is 7,145 hectares, and be subject to a new environmental process.

“The Energy and Resources Minister, Mr O’Brien, says that the revised agreement is a ‘win-win’ outcome. But who wins? Alcoa, who gets to continue to burn dirty, high sulphur coal,” Walker said. “Who loses? The community of Anglesea, who will have to bear decades of public health impacts. The environment loses, as climate pollution will continue. The highly significant coastal heath lands will continue to be negatively impacted”.

“The time for further investment in dirty coal is over. The Baillieu government has yet again missed a significant opportunity to begin the transition to sustainable energy”.

“While the government can say that Alcoa had the right to extend its agreement, the fact remains that the coal resource is the property of the state, not the corporation. A giant corporation has won out against the long term interests of the local community. While landowners in places like Bacchus Marsh also have no control over new coal and CSG operations on their land, the government has chosen to side with a multi national corporation. It should have had the courage to oppose this extension.”

There has been an increase in enquiries across the board from permanent and holiday rentals to sales enquiries. The number of people attending open for inspection has increased which is positive for those selling or considering placing their property on the market in the coming months. It is a great time for buyers, as we have a vast amount of properties available for sale ranging from entry level units to premium acreage properties in Bell Beach.

One of the fabulous properties we recommend you inspect is 34 Sunset Strip in Jan Juc. This property is ideal for a fantastic permanent residence or holiday home located close to the beach and the local shops.

Great Ocean Road Real Estate are the proud major sponsors of the 66th Annual Torquay Golf Week starting Sunday 2nd October. We are also supporting Relay for Life with a team walking for 24 hours to raise awareness and money for Cancer.

If you would like to help support this great cause, please get behind us and make a donation in our Torquay office.

Open houses this weekend

Saturday 24th September
11:00am –11:30am 34 Sunset Strip, Jan Juc
12:00pm – 12:30pm 19 Warrin Street Torquay
1:00pm – 1:30pm 29 Ocean View Crescent, Torquay
1:00pm – 1:45pm Surfcoast Spa Apartments- 105 Great Ocean Road, Anglesea
2:00pm – 2:30pm 14A Marner Close, Jan Juc
2:00pm – 2:30pm 14 Marner Close, Jan Juc
3:00pm – 3:30pm 11 Norfolk Boulevard, Torquay

Sunday 25th September
11:00am –11:30am 34 Sunset Strip, Jan Juc
12:00pm –12:30pm 7 Prestwick Avenue, Jan Juc
1:00pm – 1:45pm Surfcoast Spa Apartments- 105 Great Ocean Road, Anglesea
1:00pm – 1:30pm 48 Centreside Drive, Torquay

STAY SUN SMART THIS SUMMER!

Michael Ferris & Laura Andrews

This week the Reserve Bank of Australia decided to leave the cash rate at 4.75%. The the big news announcement that Australia’s Gross Domestic Product rose by 1.2% which clearly shows that the summer floods and storms seriously impacted our two biggest export commodities – iron ore and coal. A better result than expected as the economy returns to growth in the June quarter, so the September quarter should be a positive G.D.P. result also.

As we have been saying “it all points to the right time to be buying here in Lorne’. We will look back in years to come and say that the Lorne property market bottomed in 2011.

‘Lorne – Weekly report’. The Lorne Performing Arts Festival has its inaugural event this weekend and we wish all those involved every success with the weekend that lies ahead. On the sporting front unfortunately the U/13 Lorne netballers lost their preliminary final but to finish third was a great effort that all can be proud of. A special mention to the Lorne pair Ebony De Lima and Ruby Meredith, winner and runner up of the Colac and District Football/Netball League U/13 Best and Fairest. Also a special mention to Frazer Stewart and his efforts as part of the premiership team for the Newtown and Chillwell U/16 football side.

‘Lorne – Open houses this weekend’

Saturday 10th September
12:00pm – 12:30pm 56 Deans Marsh Road, Lorne
12:00pm – 12:30pm 77 Charles Street, Lorne
1:00pm – 1:30pm 5/12 Grove Road, Lorne
1:30pm – 2:00pm 14 George Street, Lorne

Sunday 11th September
12:00pm – 12:30pm 9 Grand Parade, Lorne
1:00pm – 1:30pm 4 Roache Court, Lorne

‘Lorne – No better place in the world’. Don’t forget the festival!!! www.lovelorne.com/festival2011. We are lucky to enjoy our town 365 days per year for those less fortunate I feel sure the images we bring you will make it easier when you are not here!

‘Lorne – You must have a look at this’. An Edgard Pirrotta designed 4 level master piece. This brand new home located at 4 Roache Court which features stunning ocean and coastal views has been built to perfection. This prestige residence has been reduced in price by $200,000 and is awaiting a lucky buyer’s immediate enjoyment. A brand new home without the numerous planning hassles and the drawn out building process – A very rare opportunity indeed!!!

‘Lorne – Quote of the week’. “I love my past. I love my present. I’m not ashamed of what I’ve done, and I’m not sad because I have it no longer. Collette 1926

See you in Our Backyard.

Kenyan James Kipkelwon smashed the course record in winning the seventh Great Ocean Road Real Estate International Marathon from Lorne to Apollo Bay last Sunday.

Kipkelwon, 32, clocked 2hours 27mins 42secs on the 45.2km twisting, hilly trek to break Mark Tucker’s 2010 milestone by more than two minutes.

Kenyans snared the first three placings after setting a cracking early pace in overcast, near-perfect marathon-running conditions.

Best-placed Australian in the Great Ocean Road Real Estate-sponsored event was Melbourne’s Magnus Michelsson who battled into fourth place in 2:40:06 after suffering a hamstring strain at the half-way mark.

Geelong’s Natalie Mensch, wife of former Geelong footballer David Mensch, won the women’s section in 3:20:17.

The event attracted more than 3,500 contestants from 15 countries.

See you in Our Backyard.