Welcome to the official first day of summer! Like so many others we are looking forward to these warmer months, the festivities of the holiday season and the summer holidays.

We will be continuing to work with great endeavour to help our clients achieve their property goals as the end of the year approaches.

In the meantime, we would like to share with you an update on the Residential Tenancies Act 1987, what’s happening in the local market and some of our lovely listings.

Earlier this year, the media was abuzz with discussions surrounding proposed amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act 1987 (WA) (RTA). For those unfamiliar, this act delineates the rights and obligations of tenants and property owners, as well as the procedures for resolving disputes.

Fast forward to Wednesday of this week, and the WA Government formally unveiled a move to modernise the state’s tenancy laws, with legislation formally introduced to Parliament.

We have previously spoken about these changes, and thought it would be helpful to include them again here:

Pet Ownership: Tenants will now have the right to keep pets, with landlords having limited grounds for refusal, such as strata by-laws. The pet bond will be broadened to cover damage or cleaning required because of the pet.

Minor Modifications: Tenants will be permitted to make minor modifications to rental properties. A list of modifications will be prescribed that may include flyscreens, a water-saving showerhead, or installing a vegetable garden. Tenants will be responsible to restore any changes back to its original condition at the end of the tenancy or compensate the landlord for the cost of restoration.

Rent Increase Limitations: Rent increases will be restricted to once every 12 months.

Bond Disposal Streamlining: The process for releasing bonds will be simplified, allowing landlords and tenants to initiate the application process separately.

Dispute Resolution: The Commissioner will handle most disputes related to bonds, pets, and minor modifications, meaning that landlords and tenants will not need to attend Court.

Rent Bidding: Landlords and real estate agents are prohibited from encouraging prospective tenants to offer more than the advertised amount.

At White House Property Partners, we are committed to keeping our clients informed about changes in the property market, including these upcoming changes to the RTA. We encourage you to reach out to us with any questions or concerns you may have either as an existing property owner, a tenant or someone considering purchasing an investment property. We are here to help you!

Last weekend, the White House Team attended the Freo Long Table Dinner. It was such a great night filled with good food, live entertainment and amazing community spirit. But most importantly, we were able to raise funds for St Pat’s, a homelessness support service in Fremantle. If you weren’t able to make it to the event, there is still time to contribute to their St Pat’s Christmas Appeal here.

The White House Team has also decided to partner with St Patrick’s Community Centre to further support their St Pat’s Christmas Appeal. Between 1st November and 17th December, we will contribute $250 to the St Pat’s Christmas Appeal for every home sold by White House Property Partners and for every property listed for sale or for rent during this period, White House Property Partners will provide a Christmas family hamper, valued at $100. So, if you’ve been considering selling or leasing your property, we warmly encourage you to contact our team. Together, we can help nurture a community where everyone has a place to call home.

THE LOCAL MARKET

As we we move towards the end of the year we are witnessing a consistent shortage of properties for sale.

As at 26th November, REIWA is reporting that there were just 4,928 properties listed for sale, a negligible 0.1 percent increase from the week prior. This remains significantly lower than last year, with a whopping 42.9 percent difference over 12 months ago. The total number of properties listed for sale includes 2,585 houses, 1,318 units and 1,025 blocks of land. Sales went up 13.6 percent last week to 1,068 transactions.

The White House Team has put three more properties under offer this week in Fremantle, South Fremantle and White Gum Valley.

The home open at 3/85 Wray Avenue Fremantle was cancelled after local downsizers secured the property with a strong cash offer.

The seaside townhouse at 8D Keeling Way, South Fremantle was snapped up after just days on market with a local resident recognising the quality of the offering and the value of the location.

The appeal of a fresh new build with nothing to do but move in at 118B Hope Street, White Gum Valley proved irresistible, with White Gum Valley specialist Louise Pope brokering a great outcome for a very young family of buyers.

If you are thinking of selling or leasing or would simply like to discuss how we can help you with your property journey, please feel free to reach out.

FRESH TO MARKET

We are delighted to have launched FIVE new listings to the market this week in East Fremantle, Fremantle, South Perth and White Gum Valley. We also have one White House Confidential opportunity in East Fremantle.

EAST FREMANTLE

Set in one of the finest streets in the historic Woodside precinct, the Federation beauty at 25 Bedford Street, East Fremantle is full of character and charm. Colourful leadlights, generous return verandas, wide jarrah boards, large gracious rooms and high ceilings all retain the home’s original integrity. It is warm and welcoming, with a delightful atmosphere that makes you feel right at home in this sought-after neighbourhood. Bedford Street is lined with mature trees and full of birdsong, and offers easy walkability to shopping, cafes, schools, transport, parks, George Street and the river. Anticipating buyer interest in the higher $1millions ($1,700,000s-$1,800,000s range). Open to view Saturday 2nd December 9-9:30am and by appointment.

FREMANTLE

An early 1900s brick and iron classic retains its historic atmosphere at 61 Attfield Street, Fremantle, with a two-storey addition offering ocean views. Step out to the deck up high, and look over to Garden Island, the masts of the Fishing Boat Harbour, and the cranes of the port in the distance, while enjoying the cooling sea breezes. Rear access from a lane via Carnac Street is a real bonus in this cityside location, offering easy parking. Inside are the large gracious rooms, high ceilings and jarrah floors of the era, and the traditional bullnose veranda to sit and enjoy this friendly neighbourhood. Anticipating strong interest over $1,500,000, likely to go higher with competition. Open to view Saturday 2nd December 11-11:30am. This property will be going to Auction on Saturday 16th December at 11:30am. Deposit of $50,000 on the fall of the hammer. Settlement 30 or 45 days.

Rising above the wide verge, white picket fence, lawn, olives, and magnificent gum trees, a fifties classic sits proudly way back from the street at 279 High Street, Fremantle. And, even better news: a fine renovation was completed in 2022 in excellent taste, so it’s all ready for you to simply enjoy. In tuckpointed brick on pillowstone foundations, with jarrah floors and a curving veranda up high, this is a home with plenty of character and personality. A simply gorgeous new kitchen with butler’s pantry, lovely new bathrooms, and a secluded master suite at the rear all offer easy contemporary living in fresh white interiors. Anticipating buyer interest in the $900,000s. Open to view this Saturday 2nd December 10-10:30am

SOUTH PERTH

An outstanding street-front location is just one of the highlights of this bright and breezy two-bedroom one-bathroom “Wesley Mews” villa at 4/68 Coode Street that is nestled very close to where all of the action is in bustling South Perth. Plenty of natural light filters into the home, with an open-plan living, dining and kitchen area welcoming you inside – split-system air-conditioning, gas-bayonet heating and all. Anticipating buyer interest in the $600,000s. Open to view this Saturday 2nd December 2-2:30pm

WHITE GUM VALLEY

Down a wide, vine-covered entryway is 26 Lois Lane, a secluded oasis of refined architecture: polished concrete floors, a dramatic ceiling of curved ply above, and northern glass stacking open to a deck floating above tropical gardens. Black cabinetry cleverly defines the living, dining and kitchen zones of this vast open space – all part of the outstanding design that gives this home such a wonderful feel and functionality. There is plenty packed into these flowing spaces: three bedrooms, two bathrooms, an office, mezzanine sitting area, that stunning courtyard, two side utility areas including space for a boat or trailer, and a workshop or large storage room. Anticipating buyer interest From the low $1millions. Open to view tomorrow, Saturday 2nd December 11-11:30am

WHITE HOUSE CONFIDENTIAL

Set in the sought-after Plympton Ward, sits a picture-perfect three bedroom, two bathroom white cottage, transformed and extended with simple elegance and understated flair together with a stunning light-filled self-contained studio. The high ceilings and jarrah floorboards of the central hallway guide you through to the three spacious bedrooms of the main house. At the heart of the home the open-plan kitchen, living and dining room sits. With polished concrete floors and a pitched roof – the home is flooded with natural light. Will suit buyers with a mid $2m plus budget. Register to view this property on Friday 8th December. Please contact Stefanie Dobro on 0409 229 115 for more information.

EAST FREMANTLE – COMING SOON

Register to view this stunning federation residence with separate self-contained Klopper designed studio on sprawling allotment in the sought-after Woodside Ward. Anticipating buyer interest towards the mid $2millions possibly more. Please contact Stefanie Dobro on 0409 229 115 to register to view this Saturday.

UPCOMING AUCTIONS

SOUTH FREMANTLE

An 1890s classic facing a park near the ocean is a rare thing, and an inspired transformation by one of Perth’s most celebrated architects makes it truly exceptional. Filled with light and embracing solar passive principles, 58 Chester Street’s historic elements of stone and jarrah are incorporated into flowing contemporary spaces. You can stroll down to the South Freo action, with its fine bakeries, restaurants, bars and shopping, and retreat to the quiet inspiration of this remarkable home. Anticipating buyer interest From $2million. Open to view Saturday 2nd December 12-12:30pm. This property will be going to Auction on Saturday 9th December at 10am.

FREMANTLE

Built in 1898, this unique two bedroom one bathroom residence with secure parking at 2/8 Collie Street is the ideal home – right in the heart of central Fremantle, opposite the beautiful Esplanade Park and within footsteps of glorious Bathers Beach, the Fishing Boat Harbour and so much more. Open to view Saturday 2nd December 12:30-1pm. This property will now be going to Auction on Saturday, 16th December 2023 at 1:30pm. Deposit of $25,000 on the fall of the hammer. Settlement 30, 45 or 60 days.

DEPARTMENT OF PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

REIWA has reported that there were 1,982 properties available to rent in Perth last week, a 4.1 percent increase from the week prior. The number of available listings for rent is 15.3 percent higher than four week ago, and a small 4.8 percent higher than we witnessed this time last year. We will be sure to keep you updated as to whether this upward trend continues over the next few weeks and months. Please don’t hesitate to contact Monique Malarowski on 0418 228 524 monique@whitehouseproperty.com.au or Veda Spence on 0499 171 457 veda@whitehouseproperty.com.au if we can answer any questions about the recent new tenancy laws or putting your property on the rental market.

THIS WEEKEND

We are sure many of you will be starting to get ready for the festive season this weekend. There are a number of local pre-Christmas events taking place over the next week.

For unique gift seekers, the Fremantle Bazaar is one of Western Australia’s most cherished Christmas markets. Running from December 1st to 3rd at the Fremantle Arts Centre, the market begins with a twilight session from 5pm to 9pm tonight, followed by daytime hours from 9am to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday.

On Sunday, from 11am to 6pm, East Fremantle hosts the George Street Festival along George Street—a family-friendly celebration with a mix of food and market stalls, music, and family activities. Keep an eye out for the White House elves from 11am onward and bring your children to craft their own baubles to take home!