Looking toward 2021, HomeGround Real Estate Canberra is looking to grow their ethical agency, which has been positively impacting the lives of tenants and rewarding landlords with both a sound investment and knowledge that simply by having their rental property managed by HomeGround they are helping out someone in the community.
HomeGround offers property management services for both affordable and market rental options, and Business Development Manager Maria Edwards says the success of the agency comes down to shared values between Homeground landlords and their tenants, especially in a year like 2020 that has presented lots of challenges for everyone.
“It’s very much about mutual respect and appreciation – our landlords in the Land Tax Exemption program particularly acknowledge the shortage of affordable rental properties available in the ACT for single income families, older people and students and want to help. Our tenants are so grateful for the opportunity and repay the landlords’ generosity in the way they look after their properties and always pay their rent on time,” Ms Edwards says.
Landlords can elect to rent out their property at a reduced rate to someone in need and receive a 100% exemption from their land tax, a tax donation receipt for foregone rent and a discount on Capital Gains Tax. If they prefer to rent it out for market value, the management fees are directed back into Community Housing Canberra (CHC), under which HomeGround operates.
“We want to get more landlords on board so that we can build on what we’ve already established,” Ms Edwards says.
HomeGround’s unique offering as the only licensed real estate agency in the ACT to offer the Land Tax Exemption option combines CHC’s 20 years of managing affordable rental properties with the proven local real estate expertise of Ms Edwards, who has remained at the agency since launch.
“Landlords and tenants alike have enjoyed the consistency. Because we are small and boutique, we offer a really personalised service,” she says.
To enquire about how easy it is to transfer your rental property to HomeGround Real Estate Canberra, contact Maria Edwards on 0478 626 125.
Testimonial
“I wanted to get involved in an affordable housing scheme, affordable living options is really important, particularly at the moment and many out there are struggling … What drew me to HomeGround in the end was the wonderful service, the breadth of information and knowledge that Maria shared and how responsive the agency is. I purchased the house as both an investment but also to help someone out. I couldn’t be happier with my choice! Maria shared with me the image of the little girl moving into the property and it is just joyous.”
- Lynne O’Brien, landlord
“It is hard for me to find the words to describe how much our lives have changed since being tenants of HomeGround Real Estate Canberra … With study and having a young family, money can be tight. With HomeGround we feel that both our property manager and landlord genuinely have our best interests at heart and all parties have just been wonderful. Previous homes we have lived in we have had issues getting repairs made, but HomeGround is very easy, responsive and things are turned around quickly. We have been tenants with HomeGround now over a year and it is just so good!”
- Lucy Buckmaster, tenant
HomeGround Real Estate
Unit 224/229 Braybrooke Street, Bruce
This article was created in partnership with HomeGround Real Estate Canberra. For more information on sponsored partnerships, click here.
