Home & Lifestyle July 2 2026

IS HOSTING A HOME LISTING PARTY A GOOD IDEA FOR ME?

From champagne and grazing tables to stylists, florists and curated guest lists, home listing parties are becoming one of the latest trends in Australian real estate, but are they a smart investment or just an expensive show?

Highly respected interior designer, feng shui expert and property personality Kellie Richardson said while the concept sounds glamorous, many homeowners are spending thousands without understanding whether the strategy actually delivers results.

Richardson is the founder of Kurved by Design, one of Australia’s leading property staging and design companies, and the

creator of the Kurved by Design Interior Design Academy.

“We’re seeing more vendors feel pressured to host these events because they think it’s the new must-do,” Richardson said.

“However, the truth is, a home listing party is not a magic bullet. If the fundamentals are wrong, the party won’t fix it.”

Popularised in premium markets and influenced by social media, listing parties are designed to create buzz, generate urgency and attract qualified buyers before public open homes begin.

Agents invite select buyers, local influencers, neighbours and sometimes media to a styled, catered event

designed to showcase the property at its best.

“It’s about theatre,” Richardson said.

“IT ALLOWS BUYERS TO EXPERIENCE THE HOME”

“The goal is to make buyers emotionally connect with the home in a more relaxed, lifestyle-driven environment.”

However, she warned the trend is quickly filtering into mid-range and suburban markets where the

return on investment is less clear.

“For high-end properties, architecturally designed homes or unique residences, a well-executed event can create a sense of exclusivity,” she said.

“It allows buyers to experience the home, not just inspect it.”

She added that strong storytelling, styling and strategic guest selection are critical.

“If the right buyers are in the room, competition can build quickly,” Richardson said.

The problem, Richardson said, is that many homeowners are overspending on events that don’t translate into higher sale prices.

“We’re seeing vendors spend anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000 on food, styling and entertainment,” she said.

“In many cases, that money would be far better spent on presentation, repairs, lighting, professional styling and high-quality photography.”

As a leading property staging expert, Richardson believes some sellers are drawn to the perceived glamour without understanding the core drivers of value.

“Buyers care about layout, natural light, condition and emotional connection,” Richardson said.

“They don’t care about the canapé menu.”

Richardson’s advice is simple: don’t follow trends blindly.

“For some properties, a listing party can be a smart strategic move,” she said.

“But for many, it’s unnecessary and expensive. Every dollar should be evaluated based on return, not ego.”

As Australia’s property market continues to evolve, she believes vendors must become more informed and strategic.

“Sellers should treat their home like a business asset,” Richardson said.

“That means making decisions based on data, not Instagram.”

DOUBLE STOREY UNIT IN THE HEART OF PENRITH

What is so great about this property? Entry level, double storeyunitinthePenrithCBD.Walk to everything.

Who does this property suit? A great first home for young buyers looking to get a start in the market or an easy investment property currentlyreturning$490perweek.

Tell us about the suburb the property is in? Location speaks for itself. Walk to Nepean Hospital, Westfield Penrith, High Street and Penrith Train Station.

Discover

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You can choose from an exceptional selection of architecturally designed townhomes located near all the town’s popular amenities and most loved at tractions.

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• Spacious, designer interiors

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IT’S A GREAT TIME TO BE A FIRST HOME BUYER

It is no secret that interest rates have climbed this year, with the Reserve Bank of Australia holding the cash rate at 4.35 per cent after three increases in 2026. But for first home buyers, the honest story of 2026 isn’t about the cost of money, it’s about how much easier governments have made it to get into the market in the first place.

A wave of Federal and State changes rolled out over the past nine months has stripped away some of the biggest barriers first home buyers have faced for a generation: the size of the deposit, the cost of lenders’ mortgage insurance, and the upfront sting of stamp duty. Stacked together, they add up to one of the most supportive policy environments first home buyers have seen.

The 5% deposit scheme, without the caps

The Federal Government’s First Home Guarantee, commonly known as the 5% Deposit Scheme, has been expanded so that any eligible first home buyer can apply, regardless of income, with no limit on the number of places available each year. Previously the scheme was capped at 35,000 places annually and restricted to buyers earning under $125,000 (singles) or $200,000 (couples). Both are gone. Under the scheme, eligible buyers can purchase with as little as a 5% deposit and avoid lenders’ mortgage insurance (LMI) alto-

gether, a saving that typically runs to $15,000$30,000 on an average loan. Property price caps have also been lifted in many regions to better reflect local market values, including in parts of western Sydney, bringing more family homes within reach of the scheme.

NSW stamp duty relief

In New South Wales, the First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme continues to offer a full exemption from transfer duty on homes valued up to $800,000, with a tapered concession available up to $1 million. For a buyer purchasing an $800,000 home, that’s a saving of more than $30,000 that would otherwise be paid in stamp duty alone, money that can instead go straight towards the deposit or reduce the amount that needs to be borrowed.

Buyers building or buying vacant land also benefit, with a full exemption available on land valued up to $350,000 and a concessional rate up to $450,000.

More ways to bridge the gap

Beyond the 5% Deposit Scheme and stamp duty relief, eligible buyers have other levers available. The First Home Super Saver Scheme lets buyers grow a deposit inside superannuation’s lower tax environment, with voluntary contributions of up to $15,000 a year (capped at $50,000 total) able to be released for a first home. The new Federal Help to Buy shared

equity scheme, meanwhile, allows the government to co-own a portion of an eligible property, lowering both the deposit required and the size of the loan, though it can’t be used alongside the 5% Deposit Scheme, so the right choice depends on individual circumstances. Single parents have additional support through the Family Home Guarantee, which allows entry with a deposit as low as 2%, also without LMI.

What it means in practice

None of this changes the fact that borrowing costs are higher than they were a couple of years ago, and serviceability still needs to stack up under each lender’s assessment rules. But the deposit hurdle, long the biggest obstacle standing between renters and owners, has been lowered more dramatically in the past year than at almost any point in the scheme’s history. For many first home buyers, the question is no longer “can I ever save 20 per cent?” but “which combination of schemes gets me into a home sooner, and what does that mean for my repayments?”

Eligibility rules, price caps and panel lenders vary by scheme and can change, so it pays to get tailored advice before acting – particularly where schemes can’t be combined, or where a higher purchase price might tip a buyer out of an exemption.

The Experts

KELLIE TICKNER

Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital 4736 2027

FIV IN CATS: WHAT EVERY OWNER NEEDS TO KNOW

When people hear the words Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), often referred to as “cat AIDS”, it can be frightening. However, one of the biggest misconceptions is that FIV is a danger to people. It is not. FIV cannot be transmitted to humans and only affects cats. With early diagnosis, responsible management and regular veterinary care, many FIV-positive cats enjoy long, happy and comfortable lives.

FIV is a virus that attacks a cat’s

immune system, specifically the T-cells that help fight infection. As the immune system becomes weaker, affected cats are more vulnerable to secondary infections that a healthy cat would normally overcome with ease.

In Australia, FIV is relatively common, with an estimated 14 to 29 per cent of cats testing positive. Entire male cats that roam outdoors are at the greatest risk because the virus is most commonly spread through deep bite wounds sustained during

HEALTH

SHOES THAT PREVENT FALLS

Falls are one of the leading causes of injury among older adults, often resulting in reduced confidence, loss of independence, and serious health complications. While many people focus on balance and strength when considering fall prevention, one commonly overlooked factor is footwear.

At OnePointHealth, we frequently see patients wearing shoes that may be increasing their risk of falls without them even realising.

Why footwear matters

Your shoes are the foundation between your body and the ground. Appropriate footwear can improve stability, balance, and confidence when walking, while poor footwear can increase the risk of slips, trips, and falls.

Footwear features that can increase fall risk

Certain footwear characteristics are commonly associated with reduced stability, including:

• Worn or slippery soles

• Backless slippers or

cat fights. While males are overrepresented, female cats can also become infected if they are exposed to infected cats.

One of the most effective ways to protect your cat is to keep them safely indoors or provide access to a secure outdoor enclosure or cat-proof yard. Desexing your cat also reduces the likelihood of fighting, while keeping cats indoors at night further lowers the risk of encountering roaming cats.

Vaccination against FIV is available, although it is not included in the routine F3 or F5 vaccination schedule. Your veterinarian will recommend this vaccine based on your cat’s lifestyle and risk of exposure. If your cat spends time outdoors or may come into contact with other cats, talk to your vet about adding the FIV vaccine to their preventative health care schedule.

Many cats with FIV show no obvious signs for months or even years. When illness does occur, it is usually due to secondary infec-

loose-fitting shoes

• High heels or elevated soles

• Shoes that are too large or too small

• Thick, unstable cushioning

• Lack of fastening such as laces or Velcro straps

What makes a safe shoe?

Supportive footwear can play an important role in reducing fall risk. The right footwear should feel secure and stable while allowing comfortable movement throughout the day. Features to look for include:

• A firm, non-slip sole

• Secure fastening (laces, Velcro or straps)

• A stable heel counter at the back of the shoe

• Adequate width and depth for comfort

• Low heel height

• Good overall fit without excessive movement inside the shoe

More than just shoes

While footwear is important, falls are often caused by multiple factors working together, including:

MAJA BOSIC One Point Health 4732 5188

• Reduced strength and balance

• Foot pain

• Poor vision

• Certain medications

• Reduced sensation in the feet

• Environmental hazards around the home

A comprehensive assessment can help identify the factors contributing to an individual’s fall risk.

Take the first step towards safer movement Falls are not an inevitable part of ageing, and many risk factors can be addressed with the right support. Ensuring your footwear is appropriate is one of the simplest and most effective ways to improve stability and reduce fall risk.

If you are concerned, our team can assess your needs.

tions. Symptoms may include weight loss, lethargy, poor appetite, swollen lymph nodes, ongoing gum disease, diarrhoea, skin infections, respiratory infections or recurrent urinary tract infections.

Diagnosing FIV is straightforward. Your veterinarian can perform a blood test that detects antibodies to the virus. Positive in-clinic results are often confirmed by an external laboratory, particularly if a cat has previously received the FIV vaccine, as vaccination can affect test results.

Early detection makes a significant difference. If your cat spends time outdoors, has been involved in a cat fight or you have any concerns about their health, speak with the team at Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital on 4736 2027.

Together, we can develop the right prevention and health care plan to help keep your feline companion healthy for years to come.

GET THE CARE YOUR PET DESERVES AT ORCHARD HILLS VETERINARY HOSPITAL!

• Ultrasound Contact us! Phone 4736 2027 49 Wentwor th Road,Orchard Hills Monday - Friday: 8am-7pm | Saturday: 8am-2pm Sunday: Open for emergencies for existing clients 9am-3pm ills Veterinar y Hospital, d that your pet is a ily member. That’s t care ser vices to s district ions

At Orchard Hills V we understand that your pet is a cherished family member why we offer comprehensive and affordable pet care ser animals across the Penrith district. We offer:

• Vaccinations

• Radiography

• Microchipping

• Surger y

• Dental care

Relax & Unwind

JOANNE

MADELINE MOORE

Boho Astro

@JoMadelineMoore

© Joanne Madeline Moore 2026

AQUARIUS

JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19

The Sun and retrograde Mercury stir up your daily routine and your relationships with work colleagues, so expect some surprising developments and stressful moments. Resist the urge to be controversial, argumentative and self-indulgent. Try to ground your unpredictable energy and calm your mind. Meditation, contemplation, yoga, chanting or Tai Chi could be just what the doctor ordered! The weekend is good for vivid dreams and intuitive insights.

TAURUS

APRIL 21 TO MAY 21

This week Venus (your ruling planet) shifts into your creativity and friendship zone. So put aside regular time for music, art and beauty, work hard on a creative project or catch up with a special friend. Plus – with Chiron (minor planet of healing) now transiting through your sign – try to view personal transformation as terrific, rather than terrifying. Be inspired by birthday great, His Holiness the Dalai Lama (who turns 91 on Monday), “True change is within.”

LEO

PISCES

FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20

Mercury is retrograde, so hidden tensions could bubble to the surface with a child, teenager, lover or friend. Be extra diplomatic and try not to take criticism personally. Social media is also a potential minefield, as retro Mercury messes up communication. Be careful you don’t send the wrong message to the wrong person at the wrong time! Heed the wise words of birthday great, his Holiness the Dalai Lama, “Silence is sometimes the best answer.”

GEMINI

MAY 22 TO JUNE 21

Mercury (your ruling planet) is retrograde until July 24. Mercury is the planet of clear thinking, communication (talking, texting and writing), transport, travel, commuting, commerce, computers, media and the internet. So the next couple of weeks is not a good time to gossip; sign contracts; start a job or business; buy a phone, computer, car or home; launch a website; install new software; go on an important business trip or embark on a big holiday.

VIRGO

HOROSCOPES

ARIES

MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20

Is honesty always the best policy? Is it always appropriate to be fearlessly frank? Your natural inclination is to be incredibly blunt, but not everyone is ready for your brand of audacious Aries truth serum. Mercury is reversing through your domestic zone, so a dollop of discretion and a pinch of diplomacy will smooth troubled waters at home and within your family circle. When it comes to friends, clever Rams will talk a lot less and listen a lot more.

CANCER

JUNE 22 TO JULY 22

With Mercury reversing through your sign until July 24, other people will be blunter and more insensitive than usual, and you’ll feel moodier and more sensitive than usual. So clever Crabs will require extra patience, understanding, confidence and self-belief – in spades! Your motto for the moment is from birthday great, Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, “Fall in love with yourself, with life.” The weekend is wonderful for socialising in your local community.

JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23 LIBRA

The week starts with taskmaster Saturn squaring the Sun (your ruling planet) which could throw a tricky challenge your way. But don’t worry Cats. Venus and Jupiter are both transiting through your sign, so it’s time to present a sunny, positive face to the world as you express your warm, generous, loving nature. Be inspired by His Holiness the Dalai Lama (who was born on July 6, 1935), “Forgive others … be kind, honest and have positive thoughts.”

SCORPIO

OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22

If you stir up grievances with an old adversary, then you could find you’ve bitten off more than you can comfortably chew! When it comes to a frustrating problem, avoid quick fixes. You’ll find a satisfactory solution if you take the time to think things through. Lucky Venus and prosperous Jupiter are visiting your professional zone. So confidence is in and procrastination is out, as you go after what you want with passion, purpose and patience.

AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23

Your very discreet Virgo nature is emphasised, as Mercury (your power planet) reverses through your peer group zone, and Venus spends most of the week in your solitude zone. Make it a priority to connect with like-minded people who understand your specific peccadillos and strong need for privacy. But a loved one could be temperamental, so handle them with extra care. And don’t skip over important details – get someone you trust to help you out.

SAGITTARIUS

NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21

Mercury (planet of communication) is retrograde until July 24. So think –carefully – before you speak and act. And avoid getting drawn into dramatic disputes with family and friends, especially involving money and/or possessions. This week will work best if you curb your Sagittarian curiosity, keep out of other people’s business, hold your tongue, and concentrate on pursuing personal projects instead. Friday favours fostering professional connections.

S EPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23

Are you running on empty? Diplomatic Librans will strive to get the ratio right between being on top of things at work, while still having time to rest, reflect and recharge your run-down batteries. Mercury is reversing through your career zone, so relations with a colleague, client or customer could be stressful and problematic, particularly if you try to control an uncontrollable situation. Expect the unexpected and keep your adaptability muscles well-flexed!

CAPRICORN

DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20

This week Mercury reverses through your partnership zone and the Sun squares Saturn in your family zone. So close relationships will be a complicated minefield. Don’t allow a loved one to manipulate you, as they try to persuade you to do something against your better judgment. Have the common sense and emotional strength to stand your ground and say no. (Without being bossy and controlling yourself – which is a tricky juggle). Balance is the key.

Relax & Unwind

MEMORIES TO SAVOUR

If you’re a parent, you probably regularly get those social media videos telling you how limited your time with your kids in a particular phase is. How many summers you have before they’d rather be with their friends, how many family holidays you actually have etc – the list goes on.

They are always a stark reminder of how special the period of your life is when you’re the entire world for your kids. When every experience and memory matters.

Cost can always be a hurdle to creating these magical moments, but so often you can create an experience without breaking the bank – one that seems so simple, but means the world to them.

With this in mind, little-miss-five and I packed our bags (in her case, the world’s smallest backpack with nothing actually practical included) and headed to the PARKROYAL Parramatta last month.

“PARRAMATTA HAS HAD QUITE THE GLOW-UP IN RECENT YEARS”

The plan was simple: An overnight stay, room service, a movie night and buffet breakfast.

All classic hotel staples, but in her case – a magical experience.

She continues to be amazed at the very concept of hotels, let alone the idea that you can actually get food delivered to your room. Wild.

PARKROYAL currently has a promotion focused around the winter school holidays that includes an overnight stay, daily breakfast, late check-out (subject to availability) and even a special treat for the kids by way of a plush toy and storybook.

The great thing about staying at the PARK-

ROYAL Parramatta is that it is right in the heart of Parramatta, so it becomes the perfect home base for whatever it is you’ve got on the agenda – whether that be checking out the popular restaurants on Eat Street, heading to the movies or seeing a show at the nearby Riverside Theatre.

Parramatta has had quite the glow-up in recent years, particularly with the development of Parramatta Square, so if you haven’t been for a while, you’ll likely be quite surprised at just how different it looks to even a few years ago.

We had a Deluxe King Corner room for the night – which was spacious and comfortable, and from the 11th floor offered great views of Parramatta. Little-miss-five discovered ‘people watching’ on this trip and was fascinated by what she could see below her.

We opted for room service which was quick and delicious – a selection of pizzas, steak and a sneaky cheesecake were all well-devoured before we settled in for a movie (can I just note

as well how simple the setup was to stream to the TV – often you require a Master’s Degree to get those things working in hotels!).

After a comfortable night’s sleep we headed downstairs for the buffet breakfast – it was busy, but the food kept coming out quickly and there was a great variety of hot options as well as fruits, pastries and the like.

We headed back home around lunch time and as I drove out of the car park, I thought to myself – well, we didn’t really do much.

But little-miss-five? She couldn’t stop talking about that view, the fact pizzas were delivered to the room, her comfortable bed and the “unlimited pancakes”.

An experience she will remember, and therefore one I will too.

It may be simple, it may just be down the road. But with a small investment and minimal planning, you can deliver a special family experience.

PARKROYAL Parramatta’s Family Escape Offer is available for a limited time. DESTINATION

7. Soggy

8. US counterterrorism group (1,1,1)

22. Wields (infl uence)

23. Eyeball hollow

25. Country, Saudi ...

26. Ail

29. Russian empress

32. Alcoholic brew

35. Plans (4,3)

37. Croaks

38. Retirement do (4-3)

40. Journalist’s slant

41. Iraqi currency

42. Delve

43. Football superstar, ... Beckham

44. Folk duo, ... & Garfunkel

47. Mind child (4-3)

51. Light-bulb developer

52. Scraped by (4,2)

53. Colonial realm

54. Small songbirds

58. Disgust

59. Martini ingredient

61. Cutting ray

63. Duty spell

64. Fact

65. Punched

66. Uproar

68. Tusk material

71. Summon up (memories)

72. Non-coms (1,1,2)

74. Blokes

76. Handful (of daisies)

78. Urged on, ... up

80. Pint-sized

83. Wheel-shaft projection

Word Search

Find all the words listed hidden in the grid of letters. They can be found in straight lines up, down, forwards, backwards or even diagonally.

THEME: BOARD GAMES

MONOPOLY

BATTLESHIP

CHESS

CONNECT FOUR

MASTERMIND

OPERATION

SKIP-BO

MOUSE TRAP

BOGGLE

PICTIONARY

JENGA

Last week’s solution

Trivia Quiz

Test your knowledge about chocolate in this week’s special trivia quiz... 1. When is World Chocolate Day?

What’s the name of the process that gives chocolate a shiny finish? 3. Which chocolate bar has a triangle shape?

Which continent currently produces over 70 per cent of the world’s cocoa beans? 5. Who invented the chocolate press in 1828?

6. Which ancient civilisation used cacao beans as currency?

7. Which continent consumes the most chocolate per person?

8. In 1930, Nestle became the first company to produce what kind of chocolate?

9. How many tonnes of chocolate do Australians consume each year?

any row or column. But... rows and columns are divided by black squares into compartments. These need to be filled in with numbers that complete a ‘straight’. A straight is a set of numbers with no gaps but can be in any order, eg [4,2,3,5]. Clues in black cells remove that number as an option in that row and column, and are not part of any straight. Glance at the solution to see how ‘straights’ are formed.

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