TomCat's new digs!

[rainbowgirl]

Is your property considered to be a townhouse or a duplex? The design isn't what I'm used to seeing as a townhouse.

 

[blackcat20]

Is your property considered to be a townhouse or a duplex? The design isn't what I'm used to seeing as a townhouse.

Neither, its actually a freestanding "town home". There is a gap between each house, no strata or bodycorp etc.

 

[blackcat20]

It looks like a house!


We had a sneaky look inside, we have a staircase and all the waterproofing has been done. Kitchen is scheduled to be installaled this week.

 

[blackcat20]

Some bathroom progrss last week. Not sure if anything has happened this week given the short working week.

Also, how good are stairs?

 

[blackcat20]

Only a three day week but we got our kitchen!!


Bathroom cabinets are in as well, as well as the laundry cupboard. However there seems to be a bit of a design flaw, as the top of the laundry cabinet door hits the bulkhead and can't be opened more than half way....

 

[Denali]

Nice! Is there storage under their stairs? Im told I obsess about storage but every house plan I look at Im looking for it

 

[love_the_life]

Is the aim to resell the unit on completion or rent it?

 

[blackcat20]

Nice! Is there storage under their stairs? Im told I obsess about storage but every house plan I look at Im looking for it

There's a European laundry under the stairs.
In our house its the wine cupboard

Is the aim to resell the unit on completion or rent it?

Rent it out.

 

[blackcat20]

We must be getting close to the end, as I got a text for a new gas connection this morning.

We haven't been to look for a few weeks as we've been locked out. Last time we popped by, the painter told me that the painting was done (bar the final coat after fitout) and the tilers were inside tiling the ensuite. Hoping to go for a sticky beak this weekend, but don't imagine we will see much from outside.

 

[GarrettM]

Sorry @blackcat20 I'm not sure I can scroll through 143 pages right now. Is this the very same build that started EIGHT years ago??

Please say no.

 

[Denali]

We must be getting close to the end, as I got a text for a new gas connection this morning.

We haven't been to look for a few weeks as we've been locked out. Last time we popped by, the painter told me that the painting was done (bar the final coat after fitout) and the tilers were inside tiling the ensuite. Hoping to go for a sticky beak this weekend, but don't imagine we will see much from outside.

I still have our builders construction key, if you want borrow it

 

[blackcat20]

Sorry @blackcat20 I'm not sure I can scroll through 143 pages right now. Is this the very same build that started EIGHT years ago??

Please say no.

Oh definitely not. We live in that one (and have for almost 7 years), but are currently building a townhouse nearby.

 

[GarrettM]

PHEW

 

[blackcat20]

Unfortunately no access this morning as expected, couldn't even lift the roller door. But from what we can see, tiling is all done, toilets are in places, wardrobes fitted out and split system installed. Gas metre also installed. Carpet and appliances to go.

 

[love_the_life]

Are you going to put tenants in or sell once it is completed?

 

[blackcat20]

Are you going to put tenants in or sell once it is completed?

Tenants. Rentals are very easy to fill around here.

 

[rainbowgirl]

I'm glad things are almost complete for you. There have been so many instances of construction delays in other areas, I never expect builds to go well.

I'm interested in the gas connection. I love gas for stovetops/cookers and the hot water system. I thought I heard somewhere that new builds weren't going to get gas connections. I'm guessing your gas was approved before the new rules came in.

 

[Austman]

Neither, its actually a freestanding "town home". There is a gap between each house, no strata or bodycorp etc.

Are you 100% sure? Strata OCs in VIC can exist even for common services only. Nothing to do with gaps or visible common property.

Any common services at all, including underground drainage and sewage will result in an OC being created by the Titles Office. That's called a Services Only OC. It's very common these days.

Such an OC might not need to charge regular levies or arrange building insurance etc because there's no visible common property, but it will still exist in law.

It's actually quite rare, these days, for a subdivision like you are buying into not to be a type of strata in VIC. Owners are often caught completely unaware.

But it can be done. Like a terrace house title. Then, all services in such a subdivision like electricity, water, sewage, drainage, comms etc must be completely separately connected to each lot. Else either a strata OC will be created by the Titles Office or there must be easements.

All of this doesn't usually happen until just before settlement.

I know of many new owners that have been surprised to find out!

To add: The terms houses, townhouses, town homes, terraces, villas, apartments, units etc are, these days, developer and real estate agent terms. They don't really exist at the Titles Office. On the actual title, none of those will be mentioned.

 

[blackcat20]

Yep everything is separate, it's a free standing home with all its own connections.

 

[Austman]

Yep everything is separate, it's a free standing home with all its own connections.

OK! Then it really can be sans strata/OC!

All the connections have to be totally 100% separate right up to the service provider's point of connection. Not just from a lot meter. Not shared anywhere with a neighbour. Even invisibly.

Developers these days, due to cost, usually don't do that. But if it is done that way, it becomes like an inner city terrace house.