Glimmers on the horizon
There’s been a couple of major highs this week. Parents the NB over breathed a sigh of relief when they could finally drop their beloveds off at the golden gates of good education and go back to a bit of routine and a lot less snacks. We as a nation collectively thanked our lucky stars after the ABS announced on Wednesday that inflation has finally slowed to 7 per cent. Yes it’s only 0.8 per cent, down from its 31-year high of 7.8 per cent at the tailend of 2022, but it’s easing nonetheless. While the cost of living has still got a stranglehold on a lot of families around Australia, it’s a glimmer of hope to know the charts haven’t continued to soar. What the RBA and treasurer Jim Chalmers will do in the next two weeks in terms of more rate hikes and the eagerly awaited capital B Budget on May 9 remains to be seen. But for now, we like pointing out the little rainbows.
Market wrap
Sydney has had its first quarterly property price increase in a year, with prices rising 1.3 per cent last quarter according to the latest Domain House Price Report, great news for anyone looking to sell or going through the motions as we speak. According to Westpac senior economist Matthew Hassan, low stock in the market, increased migration and higher construction costs has helped to stabilise prices and while the likes of interest rates and inflation (though softening) still remain strong things to consider, it looks as if prices will end the year on a 3 per cent high, instead of the 8 per cent decline that was previously predicted. Speaking of properties, there’s a new listing at Shores HQ and it’s a charmer. For those looking for the best of both worlds in beaches living and quick jaunts to the city, this Manly Vale coastal cottage, with polished timber floors, spacious flowing living spaces and a stunning stone fireplace, is the ticket. Sitting very pretty within minutes of Manly Beach, local shops, cafes and direct-to-the-big-smoke transport, it’s perfect for families or investors. Have a look (or tell your friends!).
What’s on
There’s a new pilates studio in (Avalon) town and it’s opening its doors this Saturday April 29. Studio Pilates, which has taken up shop in the old Willy Wonkers (conveniently just below the Shores HQ) is a global franchise of studios which run physio-designed 40 minute pilates classes that are high intensity yet low impact. And with 16 reformer beds and classes running morning, noon and night, you’ll be sure to find a spot! They might have stiff competition from the much-loved Feels Pilates just a stone’s throw away but it’s always nice to have a bit of variety in the neighbourhood. Oh and speaking of Feels, they’re running an incredibly generous Mother’s Day competition with a few local favourites (Bar Elvina and Peggy Concept Store among the pack). Head here for the details.
We live in a beautiful part of the world, but that doesn’t stop the crazy amounts of rubbish that get tossed around the place on the regular. So this Sunday April 30, pull up your sleeves, don your gloves and head down to Avalon SLSC to comb the beach with other like minded folk for the April Avalon Beach Clean Up. It’s only a couple of hours of your time for a huge positive impact on our postcard perfect spot we call home. It feels good to do good people, so why not get involved.
As we said before, the cost of living is not something to sniff at these days, yet we all still want to enjoy ourselves, have things to look forward to, even just fit in a sneaky dinner out every once in a while. A hack for making the latter a little more pocket friendly? BYO! And there’s a couple of nearby go-to’s bringing it back. On Monday nights (yes Monday night, a rarity at this end of the NB) Barrenjoey House give everyone a BYO hall pass to go with their sought-after crab toast and rare tuna linguine, and Bar Elvina gets involved on Wednesday nights for a very happy Hump Day indeed. Take a nice red from the cupboard (or buy one from Palm Beach Wine Company or Le Ponte and drink sans corkage) to pair with their melt-in-your-mouth slow cooked lamb shoulder. What a win. Plus a weeknight dinner also just hits different, don’t you think?
Photos:
Avalon Beach Clean Up – @avalonbeachslsc
Studio Pilates – Studio Pilates Avalon Beach
Manly Male Home Shores-@shoresrealestate