Stamp Duty Calculator

Stamp duty is a tax on a property transaction that is charged states and territories. The rate will depend on many factors such as the value of the property, if it is your primary residence and your residency status.

Merrifield Real Estate has been managing strata properties since 1989. Since then we have grown to be the largest Strata Management office in Albany, with a diverse portfolio ranging from simple 3 unit sites through to complex tourist residential schemes. One of the most important lessons we have learned along the way is that no two strata schemes are the same, which is why we take an individual based approach for the needs of each strata company we manage.

Working alongside Selena is Carly Szczecinski and Nadine Shepherd, who have been working in the real estate industry for a combined total of over 36 years. Carly and Nadine are both experienced strata managers with a broad knowledge of all strata properties within our portfolio. Prior to 2014, Carly and Nadine managed the strata portfolio and today they still maintain excellent working relationships with clients of the agency to assist when required. The approach of having a strata team rather than an individual strata manager has been essential in achieving high levels of customer service and satisfaction.

We are currently seeking new strata managements to complement our existing portfolio. If you are seeking a professional, friendly, reliable and honest management team please contact us on 9841 4022 or strata@merrifield.com.au. All discussions will be held in confidence and we are more than happy to meet with the council of your strata scheme if requested.

Having an unrealistic expectation of your property’s value can be very harmful to the potential sale of the property as well as upsetting your selling experience. It is an unfortunate but simple fact … prospective buyers will simply ignore your property, if they perceive it to be overpriced for the current market, its location, size and features. It is therefore essential that you get the price correct from the very beginning, as no amount of marketing will sell a property which is incorrectly priced.

1. History
Merrifield Real Estate is a company with a long history, some 80 years to be precise. During this time we have developed a strong relationship with the people of Albany and the Great Southern Region.

2. Industry Strength

As an independent real estate agent, Merrifield Real Estate does not rely on the direction of a head office interstate, which usually comes from association with a large national or international franchised brand name, we are therefore required to work harder and seek strength and knowledge within ourselves.

We do this in part by our membership and involvement with others, such as REIWA, ACCI and WACCI who ensure that we are constantly ahead of the statutory and regulatory changes effecting the real estate industry.  We also do this through the creation of a work environment which fosters and values, continuous improvement and team effort.

As part of our industry strength, Merrifield Real Estate regularly hold seminars in the community, to provide members of the general public with information and advice on a variety of real estate topics (these seminars are FREE and we are the only real estate company in the region to give them). We also do things differently to other real estate companies, such as:

•  the way we communicate with our clients,
•  our advertising methods and
•  our research on economic trends and drivers

Our pro-active nature ensures that we are always on the front foot and able to advise our clients correctly for their specific situation, giving them a distinct advantage over our competition.

•  REIWA – The Real Estate Institute of Western Australia
•  ACCI – The Albany Chamber of Commerce and Industry
•  WACCI – The Western Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry

3. Pre-Registered Clients Database

Merrifield Real Estate is one of the few real estate agencies in the region which actively fosters and grows a client database of pre-registered clients seeking to buy or sell real estate in the region. Our database is ever expanding and a tool which we use to inform, update and market through to a targeted audience. The tool is so effective, that in the last two years we have seen that more than thirty percent of ALL our sales come directly from those people on our pre-registered database.

4. Testimonials

Word of mouth and referrals are one of our greatest strengths and our biggest compliment. The testimonials we receive are a sign of a job well done and that people have confidence in our staff, our marketing and the systems we employ to get the best for them.

5. Marketing

Merrifield Real Estate uses a vast array of methods to advertise and market its client’s properties which include traditional methods such as newspapers, the web and signage but we also employ radio, social media communications and networking. But our greatest strength is no doubt that we give active consideration to your property – we ensure that professional photographs are taken, accurate descriptions are provided and the property’s target market is identified.

Newspapers – The Albany Advertiser is the local newspaper of the region with credibility and consistency in its real estate coverage.

Web – Merrifield.com.au is one of the most current, informative and innovative real estate web sites where people can find all the property information they are looking for.

Radio – Radio reaches virtually everyone everywhere – at home, in the office, car or even while surfing the web.

Social Media – Marketing real estate is generally about telling a story and the many social media outlets available today allow the team at Merrifield to tell your story to a broader audience, in a safe and familiar social media setting such as Facebook and LinkedIn.

Signage – Over 1200mm x 900mm signs are visible and standout when driving around looking for property.  Each sign has the office number and sales representative’s mobile number for each contact.

Photography – We employ a local photographer to take photos to a high standard.  This enables clients to see various photos of the property and be well informed prior to making an inspection time.

6. Location

Located at 258 York Street – Albany, the Merrifield Real Estate office is in a prime location, next to the Amcal Chemist (open 7 days) and close to NAB and Australia Post.  The easy parking options in the central location make it easy for clients to meet our staff and for passersby to view our prominent window display, which has been rated one of the best in Albany.

7. After Hours Calls

Our office has a phone system that transfers calls after office hours.  You can select whom you wish to speak to and your call will automatically be transferred to their mobile phone, making certain that no enquiry gets missed.

Call Jeremy Stewart 0439 940 976, Kyle Sproxton 0438 880 439, Lee Stonell 0409 684 653 or Tommie Watts 0476 519 921 NOW to discuss how we may be of assistance to you.

Work out how much you’ll need to cover your loan. You can alter the loan amount and term, interest rate and repayment frequency to suit your specific requirement.

Make a list of the features you most desire in a property, including your ‘must have’ features such as number of bedrooms, en-suites and garage as well as the ‘nice to have’ features, such as large garden, swimming pool etc. Also consider factors such as purpose (home, investment or business premises), location, lot size, close to schools, shops, recreational facilities etc.

We also suggest that you take a moment to think about the lifestyle you are hoping to achieve through the new purchase. Imagining your new property and the changes it may bring to your life, this will help clarify what is ‘essential’ and what is ‘a nice to have’ attributes.

Prepare your Wish List now

Although a reputable real estate agent is the most appropriate person to provide you with unbiased advice regarding the sale of your property and its true value in the market place, it always pays to be informed. Do some research for yourself, looking at similar properties to your own, be that online, in the newspaper or in the shop-front windows of the numerous real estate agents. Look for properties that are similar to your own, matching location, size and features. This process will give you a realistic view of the market and the potential value of the property.

Buying your First Home is the dream of most Australians. The First Home Owners Grant [FHOG] is a grant system provided by the Commonwealth Government and administered by the various State Governments. The grant is intended to assist first-time home buyers with the opportunity to enter the market and buy their first home.

In Western Australia the government provides eligible first-time home buyers up to $10,000 towards buying and building your first home. The grant is not means tested but you need to be eligible. To be eligible for the FHOG, applications must satisfy the following criteria:

• • Each applicant must be a natural person (i.e. not a company or trust)
  • Each applicant must be 18 years of age or over at the date of making an application
  • At least one of the applicants must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident at the date of making an application
  • Each applicant and/or their spouse cannot have previously received a FHOG or FHOR (First Home Owners Rate) of duty under this scheme
  • Each applicant and/or their spouse cannot have owned residential property anywhere in Australia before 1 July 2000
  • Each applicant and/or their spouse cannot have previously owned residential property anywhere in Australia on or after 1 July 2000 and occupied that property as a place of residence before 1 July 2004
  • Each applicant and/or their spouse cannot have previously owned residential property anywhere in Australia on or after 1 July 2000 and occupied that property as a place of residence for a continuous period of at least six months that began on or after 1 July 2004
  • Each applicant must occupy the home as their principal place of residence for a continuous period of at least six months, commencing within 12 months of completion of the eligible transaction
  • Each applicant must have entered into an eligible transaction on or after 1 July 2000. An eligible transaction is defined under section 14 of the First Home Owner Grant Act 2000, but is generally a contract for the purchase or construction of a home, or commencement of construction of a home as an owner builder.
  • For eligible transactions commencing on or after 1 January 2010, the total value of the home must not exceed the cap amount. The cap amount is
    • $750,000 if the property is located south of the 26th parallel of south latitude or
    • $1,000,000 if located north of the 26th parallel of south latitude
  • Each applicant must own the home in their own capacity and not as a trustee of a trust (except as a guardian who holds the interest on trust for a person with a legal disability).

For more information, visit the Western Australian Government’s website or download the First Home Owner’s Grant Fact Sheet

No idea how much you can afford? This calculator takes into account your salary, expenses and the sort of loan you’re after. Find out your borrowing capacity.

As well as the FHOG, the State Government of Western Australia provides eligible First Home Buyers with the First Home Owner Rate, which offers concession to stamp duty.  First home buyers in WA do not pay stamp duty on properties up to the value of $430,000, an if the property is valued between $430,001 to $600,000 it will attract a concessional rate on stamp duty. Considering stamp duty on a $250,000 property is some $7,000, the saving to first home buyers can be substantial and help someone get into their first home sooner.

For more information download the First Home Owners Rate fact sheet.

If you have any enquiries concerning the First Home Owners Grant Scheme or the First Home Owners Rate, please feel free to call us at Merrifield Real Estate. We are always willing to help.

This is best done in person so the agent can obtain sufficient information from you to find an appropriate property to your needs and in your price range. It also allows you the opportunity to ask the agent any questions and for them to give you helpful advice. You can however register online with many agents via a ‘property request form’ or a ‘buyer’s wish list form’. The process will not result in an in-depth assessment of your exacting needs but it can be a start.

If you want to get in touch and talk about your ‘wish list’ simply enter your details on our contact us page… Go There NOW

Also remember, when meeting with your agent, talk about any extra costs you may need to budget for as part of the buying process, such as stamp duty, pest control, building inspections and settlement costs.

First impressions are often the most lasting with potential buyers. At Merrifield Real Estate we provide all our clients with a detailed list of simple tasks they can undertaken around their property to ensure that your property is presented at its best.

Some of these tips are:

•  Give the front and back garden a tidy up,
•  Make the interior inviting and spacious by putting away any excess clutter,
•  Replace broken light globes and washers in any leaking taps,
•  Clean bathroom/s and toilet/s,
•  Vacuum carpets and sweep the floors.

If you’re struggling to save a deposit for a house, take a look at how quickly your savings can grow if you invest them wisely and make regular contributions.