News roundup: Australia’s backyard build boom with granny flats, plus other stories

For PropertyGuru’s news roundup, granny flats and dual occupancy homes are becoming more popular in Australia. In other updates, when in UAE, enjoy a day trip to Wadi Shees, a natural oasis in the emirate of Sharjah. Finally, Singaporeans shouldn’t always go for a low interest rate mortgage loan when considering their home loan.

Australia’s great backyard build: The AUD200K investment that can put hundreds in your pocket weekly

While many homeowners would prefer to keep their backyards as they are, Australia’s housing crisis and cost-of-living crunch are pushing some to build additional dwellings on their unused land.

Granny flat builders say there has been a surge of interest recently, while people are searching online for properties with secondary homes more and more. Granny flats and dual occupancy homes typically share the same property with no subdivision needed, but a granny flat is smaller than a main residence, while dual occupancy homes tend to be about the same size.

Builder and director of NSW-based Granny Flat Solutions Wally Gebrael said in realcommercial.com.au that these smaller dwellings were becoming more popular, with sales marching higher. “Many customers say that it’s cheaper to invest in their property and provide another house — whether it’s for family or as a rental — than it is to buy another property,” he said.

The perfect day trip to Wadi Shees, UAE: 5 Things to do

When thinking of the UAE, towering skyscrapers and vast deserts often come to mind. However, have you ever considered the jagged mountain peaks and trickling streams that can be found there?

Wadi Shees, a natural oasis nestled in the emirate of Sharjah, offers a refreshing change from the typical images associated with the country. This hidden gem boasts lush green farmland and towering date palms, just a short drive away from the bustling cities of the UAE – a mere 45 minutes from Sharjah and 90 minutes from Dubai.

For those seeking a break from city life, Wadi Shees is the perfect escape. It provides a unique opportunity to explore a different side of the UAE, characterized by breathtaking natural beauty, rich history, and the chance to enjoy traditional evening gahwa (Arabic coffee).

PropertyNews.ae provides a helpful guide to plan your unforgettable trip to this picturesque oasis.

Why lowest mortgage rates are not the only thing Singaporean homeowners should focus on

What’s the best home loan to finance your property purchase? Some may say the mortgage package with the lowest interest rate. While it’s true that having a low interest rate mortgage loan often translates to a lower monthly instalment, it may not be the best home loan for you.

For those thinking of refinancing your home loan, there are various factors to consider when picking the best home loan. From considering home mortgage lending rates to considering housing loan maximum tenures, we’ll explain why you shouldn’t always go for a low interest rate mortgage loan.

Ready to compare loans? PropertyGuru Singapore provides the latest interest rates on the market via the PropertyGuru Finance mortgage loan comparison tool.

The Property Report editors wrote this article. For more information, email: [email protected].