If you have looked at property listings in Australia, you have probably seen the letters STCA. You may see phrases like: Subdivision potential STCA Development opportunity STCA Add a granny flat STCA Build a second dwelling STCA Renovate or extend STCA Duplex potential STCA Airbnb or holiday rental potential STCA But what does STCA actually mean? In real estate, STCA means...
When buying a holiday home, it is easy to focus on the view, the beach, the deck, the furniture and the lifestyle. But one of the most important things to understand is the ownership type. In simple terms: What are you actually buying? Are you buying the land and building outright? Are you buying an apartment inside a shared building? Are you buying a long-term lease? Are there body corporate...
Vanuatu is one of the most appealing South Pacific destinations for Australians looking for a tropical holiday home. With clear water, warm weather, island scenery, relaxed living and relatively easy access from Australia, it is easy to understand why buyers look at places such as Port Vila, Efate, Santo and waterfront island locations. But buying a holiday home in Vanuatu is different from buying...
Many holiday home buyers ask the same question: Can I rent out my holiday home when I’m not using it? For some owners, the answer is yes. A holiday home can sometimes be used for personal holidays and rented out during peak periods, weekends or school holidays. But before you rely on rental income, there are important things to check. Rules, costs, location, presentation, management,...
Buying a holiday home is not just about choosing the right location. It is also about choosing the right type of property. A beach house, apartment, cabin, acreage retreat, island home or riverfront shack can all offer a great lifestyle, but they come with very different costs, maintenance needs and resale appeal. The best choice depends on how you want to use the property, how often you will...
Buying a holiday home is often an emotional decision. You might fall in love with the beach, the view, the deck, the quiet street, the fishing spots, or the idea of having your own weekend escape. But before you buy, it is worth asking one important question: Will this holiday home be easy to resell later? Even if you plan to keep the property for many years, resale appeal still matters. Life...
Holiday homes can be tricky to value because buyers are not just paying for bricks and land. They are paying for lifestyle, views, location, privacy, beach access, weekend memories and future dreams. That emotional pull can make it easy to overpay. Here are practical ways to tell if a holiday home may be overpriced. 1. Compare it to similar recent sales The first step is to look at...
Many Australians buying a holiday home eventually ask the same question: “Should I Airbnb the property, or rent it out long-term?” The answer depends on: location occupancy management costs owner usage seasonality property type In some locations, short-term rental income can significantly outperform long-term rent. In others, the higher management costs and seasonal...
When you buy a holiday home, you’re buying the dream and the reality. This checklist keeps you from missing the expensive stuff. A) Location & access Real travel time (Friday night, not Tuesday morning) Road conditions in heavy rain / peak season Parking (cars + boat/van) Walkability (beach, shops, cafés) Noise in peak season (traffic, pubs, events) B) Comfort &...
Tiny cabins are the perfect “escape property” — lower entry price, less upkeep, and huge lifestyle appeal.But there are a few things buyers should check early so the dream doesn’t turn into a paperwork nightmare.1) Approvals and legality (super important)Not all “cabins” are approved as dwellings.Ask:Is it approved as a habitable dwelling?Is it on a permanent foundation?Are services compliant...