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Buying Land in PNG: An Insiders Guide
Buying Land in PNG: An Insiders Guide
June 23, 2022, 6:16 a.m.
News
Advice
Buying land in PNG: to buy or not to buy?It is no secret that Papua New Guinea real estate is quite luxurious. Be it renting or owning your own property, one would have to earn a pretty good salary to meet the costs of having a roof over their head. With skyrocketing real estate prices, more and more people are looking towards purchasing land to build their own homes. Of course, buying land would seem to be a perfect alternative to renting in a market that thrives on the law of demand and supply.However, buying land in PNG can be fraught with danger given Papua New Guinea’s unique land ownership system and laws. In this article we explain the potential pitfalls for land buyers and how to avoid common mistakes when buying land. With the recently introduced first home ownership loan scheme by the O’Neill Government and Bank South Pacific (Click Here for FHOS eligibility criteria), more and more people are considering buying land to build their homes as opposed to buying and renovating an old home. However, there is just one problem with buying land in PNG; all land is customarily and communally owned.What most Papua New Guineans and foreigners continue to forget when “purchasing” land is to ask the important question of “Is this land owned by any landowners?”. Given 90%+ of PNG land is customarily owned, it is always apt to do a background check on prospective land that is being offered for sale as it could pose future problems for the buyer. For one thing, buying land that is customarily owned could see the possibility of the land being later reclaimed by landowners.The situation at hand today is that many landowners are offering their land for sale. This is due to the high demand for land to build accommodation. Moreover, the pressure to sustain one’s livelihood as a result of increasing living costs has compelled Papua New Guinean landowners to look for means to survive. Thus, landowners are selling land. The dilemma in doing so is that the land being sold is not only customarily owned but also belongs to a clan. Furthermore, any land being posed for an auction must be based on a collective agreement amongst the clan members.Unfortunately, land owners often do not obtain the consent of all clan members to conduct a sale. Instead, one clan member will put land up land for sale without the consent and agreement of other clan members. Consequently, this leads to the issue of reclamation where although the buyer has made a transaction with one clan member, other clan members may still wish to take their land back. What makes this an even messier situation for the buyer is if he or she is already in the process of building their property and landowners still wish to reclaim their land.Thomas ToBunbun, a former diplomat and manager of corporative societies, stressed that the purchasing of land in PNG will continue to be a problem for buyers.“It is very difficult to buy customary land in PNG as it is not an everyday thing for landowners to part with their land. Also, land in PNG is communally owned and so this poses a problem for those wishing to buy land. Today, because of the need sector a lot of landowners are going out of their way to sell land without consulting other clan members.” It would seem that the ideal alternative for buyers would be to purchase land owned by the State. But even then, there is no guarantee that buyers will not run into the occasional run-in with landowners. “Even today there is a cloud hanging over state titles over land that used to be customary land,” explained ToBunbun. Ken McArthur, an Australian who has lived and worked in Madang’s real estate market for around 10 years, shared the same sentiment as ToBunbun. He stated that even with the purchasing of state land, there is the challenge as to who is the rightful owner of the land. McArthur stressed that this was due to Papua New Guineans having an attachment to their land.“There is a perceived sense of entitlement held by many people and it will always dictate land issues in this country, particularly the buying and selling of land. All problems stem from the held belief that I, the landowner (papa/mama graun), am entitled to compensation no matter the fact that my father or his father sold the land legally at the time. It is the compensation mentality that causes all the problems.” There is no exact remedy to avoiding the issue of land reclamation and compensation demands from landowners. However, like ToBunbun and McArthur, Brian Hull Executive Chairman of Century 21 Siule Real Estate warns people to not be hasty when buying land in PNG, particularly customary land:.“It is unwise to deal directly with landowners of traditional land. However, alienated land in the form of a state lease is the only secure way to go.”Copyright Hausples Limited – Written by Pauline Mago-King
Madang Real Estate Guide
Madang Real Estate Guide
June 23, 2022, 6:17 a.m.
News
Advice
Is Madang your next home?For anyone who isn’t a huge fan of the bright city lights or its concrete jungles, then Madang Province is most definitely the ideal place for you to consider settling. From its lush green vegetation right down to its friendly people, Madang Province’s relaxing tropical atmosphere provides a great option for potential home buyers to consider. If you are shopping for a home, Madang real estate should be on your to consider – the following is the Hausples.com.pg guide to the province of Madang. Madang province comprises of six districts namely Bogia, Upper Ramu, Middle Ramu, Lower Rai Coast and Sumkar with the provincial capital being Madang. It is most renowned for its impressive coast where stunning reef-fringed lowlands and coral gardens dwell.Madang Province is also steeped in history with 34 sunken ship sites at Hansa Bay as a result of its coast being the heart of intense fighting during World War II. These sites along with the reef-fringed lowlands are a hit among divers the world over. Moreover, islands like Kranket and Siar are perfect for swimming while Madang’s bottomless cerulean water harbor provides ships with an excellent area to berth.Other attractions of the province include its quite harsh mountains, waterways as well volcanic islands like Manam and Karkar. Put quite simply, Madang has the makings of a holiday destination for anyone planning to reside in the province.Its township has been described as the “paradise of the South Pacific” and its intriguing panorama of flora and fauna proves that it most certainly is. Although the province’s districts may be scattered, Madang’s township is more concentrated. The quaint little town offers convenience for those residing along the borders of the town as amenities are either located close by to one another or in a plaza.Such amenities cover department stores, banks, post office, vegetable markets and supermarkets and because they are all within walking distance of one another, one can never get lost. Urban facilities like Andersons Supermarket and BSP Bank ensure that expatriates are within reach of products and services like those in their country of citizenship. Surrounding the town are hotels that not only lodge for the generous numbers of tourists visiting Madang annually, but also present fine culinary meals for those wishing to wine and dine.In terms of housing, real estate in Madang real estate is mostly owned by private businesses, churches and individuals who lease out property to tenants or clients. These leases are made under private arrangements rather than through real estate agents. Otherwise, there are three major real estate companies that lead the real estate market in Madang Province. They are namely Ela Real Estate, Rookes Marine Real Estate and Professionals Real Estate.The town is home to many antiquated pre-colonial houses that are located in the suburb of Kalibobo as well as at Kina Beach and New Town. At the same time, the town is bursting with the development of new properties and amenities.As for education, there are a range of both government-run and private schools that are located within the proximity of the town itself. Such private schools include Madang International and Madang Christian Academy. For health check-ups or medical attention, Natu Private Clinic and Modilon General Hospital are Madang’s only hospitals. Should one wish to travel to other provinces in PNG, the airport is situated just 20 minutes outside of Madang town.Security-wise, Madang is a rather safe province to live in. Like other provinces in PNG, safety all goes back to one’s knowledge of which places are safe to venture.In all, the province of Madang and in particular its township, is an idyllic area to reside in. With conveniently located amenities and a range of leisure activities to do and places to see, Madang screams hospitality. All potential property buyers should include Madang as part of their search for real estate in PNG. Guide to Madang amenities: SupermarketsAndersons SupermarketJ & Z SupermarketPapindo SupermarketMartin Tsen Madang Real Estate AgentsEla Real EstateRookes MarineProfessionals Real Estate BanksWestpacANZBank South PacificPNG Microfinance Department StoresBrian BellCourtsBeckslea PlazaSteamships Hardware StoreEla Group of Companies Hotels/LodgesMadang LodgeMadang Star HotelMadang Resort HotelCoastwatchers HotelJais Aben ResortSmugglers Inn SchoolsMadang Christian AcademyMadang InternationalKalibobo InternationalNatu Playschool HospitalsNatu Private ClinicModilon General HospitalYagaum Hospital (run by Lutheran Church) OthersDHLGlobal Travel AgencyDiwai Pacific ConsultancyBudget Hire Cars Article by By Pauline Mago-King copyright Hausples Ltd
BREAKING NEWS: PNG First Home Ownership Scheme Loans Finalised!
BREAKING NEWS: PNG First Home Ownership Scheme Loans Finalised!
June 23, 2022, 6:17 a.m.
News
Home Loans & Insurance
First Home Ownership Scheme Loans Formally Announced by BSPThe Bank of South Pacific in conjunction with the Government of Papua New Guinea (the “State”) have formally signed an agreement to make First Home Ownership Scheme Loans (FHOS) available.Following an initial announcement in May this year, the scheme is a direct response by the State to PNG’s chronic shortage of “quality and affordable housing”. In particular, the State has recognised the fundamental impact this crisis is having on the lives of many Papua New Guineans, particularly in the larger cities of Port Moresby and Lae. Whilst benefits will also flow regional areas which are  experiencing significant rises in the cost of houses and other accommodation.BSP Group CEO Robin Fleming said of the scheme “BSP believes that home ownership is a means for ordinary Papua New Guineans to establish an asset base that can be passed onto their children.  So it is with pleasure that we here today with the Prime Minister to announce this joint initiative, the First Home Ownership Scheme,”. Key details of the FHOSEligible borrowers will have access to heavily discounted interest rate and preferential loan terms. Below are the key terms of the FHOS. Commercial terms of the loan:Maximum loan amount of K400,0004% fixed rate of interestUp to 40 year loan term Analysis – is the First Home Ownership Scheme Loan for you?For home buyers eligible for the Scheme, the loans terms are very favourable when compared with standard home loan terms.The following is a comparison of the commercial terms of the FHOS versus a typical home loan from one of the major commercial banks in PNG such as BSP or ANZ:4% fixed interest VS current interest rates of approx 8.45% – 9%40 years for repayment VS typical repayment terms of a maximum of 30 yearsOn the basis of the above, the First Home Ownership Loans provide a large incentive for people searching for their first home to buy in PNG .However, borrowers should be aware that the First Home Ownership Scheme Loans are still a commercial arrangement between the borrower and BSP, and are not a form of grant, tax break or other concession by the Government. As such, borrowers will still be expected meet their loan obligations. Reaction from the real estate industryThe PNG real estate industry and in particular real estate agents and property developers have welcomed the launch of the First Home Ownership Scheme Loans. The Port Moresby real estate market in particular has experienced somewhat flat growth over the past few months and agents are expecting this initiative to drive increased interest in houses in the K200,000 to K700,000 range.Similarly, the scheme bodes very well for large scale housing developments such as the housing development at Edai Town in the National Capital District. Edai Town has a range of accommodation options starting at K280,000 for townhouses and ranging up to K498,000+ for freestanding houses; this places the project squarely within the reach of those considering the FHOS. The official launch First Home Ownership Loan Scheme is expected to see a flood of interest for this project and others similar to it throughout PNG. Want more information?To be informed about the full details of the FHOS when it becomes available click below. Provide your details to receive more information!And to see properties between K100,000 – K500,000 Click Here and happy house hunting!
Budgeting to purchase a home in PNG
Budgeting to purchase a home in PNG
June 23, 2022, 6:19 a.m.
News
Home Loans & Insurance
It’s no secret that in order to purchase a home, you need  savings and to save you need to budget. If you plan to purchase a new home in PNG’s expensive property markets (especially Port Moresby and Lae), a healthy budget is essential and smart.Wondering where to start? Hausples has created the following guide to creating and sticking with a monthly budget and we have even created an online Budget Planner to help you – Click Here to see it! We believe every Papua New Guinean should be able to afford a home and this is our way of helping you to keep more money in your pocket and getting a handle on your finances so that you can make your new home a reality. How to budget for a home using the Hausples.com.pg Budget Planner:1. Examine your monthly income – You will notice that the first tab of the Budget Planner is titled ‘Income’. On this tab list the anything that earns you money each week, fortnight, week or year. Once complete you will know exactly how many kina you earn each year.2. List your monthly expenses — The next 6 tabs after income are where you enter your various expenses. For example, ‘Living’ expenses might include food, clothing and medical expenses. In these tabs include all of your various expenses such as your rent, power, car repayments, mobile telephone, food and anything else that you have to pay for regularly.3. Look at your summary – Once you know your total income and expenses you can click on the ‘Summary’ tab of the Budget Planner to see your income, your various expenses and how much is left over (the ‘surplus’). The surplus is the amount you are currently saving.4. Remove expenses you can avoid to increase savings — If your savings are not what you hoped for, you now need to revisit the various expenses tabs and remove expenses that you can avoid. This is the hard part! Expenses you might be able to cut-down on include entertainment, shopping, alcohol or takeaway food. Try to find places you can cut back without dramatically changing your lifestyle.5. Revisit the summary to see your new savings amount — Examining this should help you review your spending patterns and make better decisions about spending. Tips save more money and improve your budgeting:– Keep a list of everything you purchase over a 30-day period. You will be amazed at where your money goes.– Always overestimate your expenses. This way you are pleasantly surprised by any miscalculations.– Be organised and thorough — Don’t guess your expenses. You need to track how much you have, down to the last kina.– Examine your bank statements on a regular basis to track your spending.– Be conscious of what you buy by making a list before you shop and stick to it. Compare prices before buying and never buy on impulse.– Live the simple life – The less money you spend on things you really don’t need, the more you will have to put toward your new home.– Once you do start saving money, put it away! Deposit it safely into an account you can’t access from the ATM. Unsure how much money you need to buy a home?If you are unsure the amount of savings required to secure a home loan or would like to know your likely repayments, we recommend speaking with a BSP home loan expert who can provide you with all of the information you need – Click Here to start the process.Once you know how much you need for your deposit, use the Hausples Savings Goal Calculator to determine how long it will take you to save the deposit you need.Best of luck saving and house hunting from Hausples.com.pg!
Securing a High Quality Tenant For Your PNG Property
Securing a High Quality Tenant For Your PNG Property
June 23, 2022, 6:20 a.m.
News
Advice
The Hausples Guide to Securing a High Quality  Tenant The continuing growth of the cities of Port Moresby and Lae opens new avenues for PNG property investors to attract premium tenants. As a smart property owner, you should explore ways of attracting the best possible tenant for your rental property in order to maximise rental income, ensure a long term lease and that your property is well cared for by the tenant.   The following are our tips to making your property stand out to great tenants. We recommend that you convey these to your preferred real estate agent to help them source the best and highest paying tenant: 1. Prior to moving to Port Moresy or Lae or shifting from an existing rental property, quality tenants are exploring the accommodation options available to them online. As such, it is critically important for you to list your property across online property websites 3 to 4 months before the home becomes available to rent. Naturally we strongly recommend that you speak to your real estate agent about listing your home on Hausples.com.pg to ensure maximum exposure to the online market. 2. As it is often difficult for busy tenants to to physically inspect the property, they typically rely on the images that you include in your property listing (whether on a real estate portal or real estate agent’s website) to promote your property. Capture high resolution images of the property using a professional camera and do not rely on a camera phone. The experience of the Hausples.com.pg team is that property listings with photographs attract more than twice as many property inquiries as those without photos! 3. Often tenants are looking for homes that can accommodate their family. As such, local amenities and in particular security are of critical importance to potential PNG property tenants. Ensure that you clearly explain to your agent the security measures in place at your property such as 24 / 7 security, a secure compound, security cameras, fencing, security check posts at entry/exit, and friendly neighbours. Also, list all of the distances and proximity to areas of interest such as the Royal Papua Yacht Club, the Aviat Club and the Royal Port Moresby Golf Club. Also, schools are especially important to long term tenants with children, so be sure to include the distance from schools such as the Ela Murray International School. 4. Moving to cities such as Port Moresby is expensive and as such tenants typically do not transport large and bulky furnishings. Hence, it’s highly recommended that your property comes fully furnished and make sure that your PNG real estate agent and all advertising mentioned this. 5. It is important for your tenant to be able to visualise the kind of lifestyle that the property offers. The rental income you seek can only be justified if the property looks impeccable. Paint the entire property afresh to give it a meticulous look and ensure all of the appliances and decor are up to date. Your need to spend a little money to make money!
How to decorate a PNG apartment on a budget!
How to decorate a PNG apartment on a budget!
June 23, 2022, 6:20 a.m.
News
Advice
Interior design inspiration for PNG apartment dwellers on a budget Let’s be honest, the massive housing shortage in the major cities of Port Moresby and Lae mean that many people live apartments or very small houses. Plus, housing is very very expensive, so we can’t all spend lots Kina on our interior furnishings. This is the Hausples.com.pg guide to decorating your apartment without blowing your budget. Enjoy! In the meantime if you are searching for a PNG apartment to rent in Port Moresby or Lae,  to view Port Moresby Apartments Click Here and to view Lae Apartments Click Here. Elevated StorageWhen you are running out of space to stash things, the best thing that you can do is to look up!Remember that when you choose to fill a wall with shelving that goes from the floor to the ceiling, you are drawing the eye every upwards, stretching the space that you can see. If you can’t put up shelving, you can definitely put in a new cabinet or a bookshelf that will serve the same purpose.Remember that bikes don’t need to be cluttering up your hallway. You will find that a wall rack or even a ceiling rack can help you heave your bike out of the way. Tiniest FoyerWhen you want more space, you can force it by creating a formal foyer in your apartment.Put a small bookshelf next to the door where you come in. This gives you a place to stash things. When you want to make it fancy, paint it, add a decal or add a few hooks underneath for hanging hats. This creates a very welcoming effect that will allow your PNG apartment to stay tidy. Reflections, ReflectionsAre you ready to see a lot more of yourself? Mirrors reflect light and space, and if you put a large mirror on the wall directly opposite a light source, you’ll brighten up the whole place. Vivid Colors EverywhereWhile you can paint your apartment, that is not always possible in some buildings, this is especially true if you are renting your PNG apartment.Instead of using paint, think about looking into wall decals that can be easily and painlessly applied to your walls and then removed when you leave. These decals come in all shapes and sizes, and they are perfect for all rooms.Do you love flowers? What about birds, or trees, or famous sayings? You can find decals of them all.Another way to add color is to make sure that you chose brightly colored furniture for a pop of red, gold or blue. Tricking the Eye With DraperyUnfortunately not all of us can live in a high-end apartment in Port Moresby with spectacular views over the harbour. If your PNG apartment suffers from small windows that look out onto nothing very interesting at all,  consider hanging colourful and interesting drapes that take up the entire wall instead.Hang up both inner drapes and outer drapes, and while the former remains closed, open the latter just a little bit. This creates the illusion of floor to ceiling windows, and you’ll be surprised how effective this trick is when it comes to creating a larger space. Divide It UpIf you are living in a small space, it might feel strange for you to divide it up even further. The truth is that room dividers let you understand your space for what it really is. Put up a dividing wall if you are allowed to do so, but if you are renting, things like screens, tall bookcases, shelving and even couches can help you divide your large room into smaller areas, each with their own purpose and decorating options. Usable Kitchen SpaceA small kitchen can be a real problem, so that is why you need to look into more counter space. A small kitchen island goes a long way towards creating the space you need. Light It UpUnder-cabinet LED lights keep your kitchen and your storage areas bright and bold. Consider lights that operate on batteries and that can simply be stuck to the areas where they are needed. Au Natural!If you are luck enough to have an outdoor place, dress it up. Cover up your tired railings with bamboo screens or interesting latices, put down some outdoor carpeting, or even create a gardening table that lets you take advantage of the sun. Even a little fake greenery on your balcony can change the look of the place.When you are living in a small space and you want to give it a whole new look for very little money, get creative. This is something that can create an amazingly impressive change, so get to work!
Choosing the right PNG real estate agent
Choosing the right PNG real estate agent
June 23, 2022, 6:20 a.m.
News
Advice
How to choose the right PNG real estate Selling or renting a property that you own is unlike any other transaction we undertake in life; after all most people’s biggest asset is their home.For this reason selecting a real estate agent is a major decision. Locating the best person to manage the sale or rental of your home or investment property is crucial to obtaining the best price for your real estate investment. The real estate estate market in Papua New Guinea is unregulated and therefore is critical to make a good judgment of your real estate agent the first time. This is the Hausples.com.pg guide to help you select an agent that is right for you. Things you should consider when selecting an agentBefore we jump into the detail of sourcing, interviewing and assessing the performance of your PNG real estate agent, it’s important to know what traits a great real estate agent should have:• An ability to meet expectations at each stage of the sale or rental process.• Exhibits interest in meeting or exceeding your expectations.• Positive referrals from former clients (consider social media, blogs, friend and family).• A thorough knowledge of properties of similar properties for sale or rent in your relevant market (this is especially important in the big cities of Port Moresby and Lae).• Being prepared to be open and frank regarding the prospects of achieving your goals to rent or sell the property. How to find a PNG real estate agentThe Papua New Guinea real estate industry is generally subject to few local laws and therefore there are a lot of individual people touting themselves as agents. This can make it extremely difficult to find a professional real estate agent, especially outside of the major cities of Port Moresby, Lae and Madang.The first place you might look at is the PNG Real Estate Agent Directory at Hausples.com.pg. Alternatively, you could consider the real estate section of the Papua New Guinea YellowPages. Once you have used these sources to generate a shortlist,  you should interview the agency (see our tips below), review feedback from former clients in blogs, Facebook, Twitter and other external publication online. If there are recommendations from former clients it is a good sign that the agent is reputable. From there book an appointment with the agent. Generally PNG real estate agents will suggest making an appointment at the property location. This is common as it enables them to perform an appraisal on the spot. In all cases the property appraisal should be offered free of charge and there should be no obligation to sign contract. Indicators that suggest the agent / agency is professionalThe following are good indicators that the agency or agent you are considering dealing with is professional and committed to high standard of ethics:Operating a trust fund: Trust funds are a great sign that the agency is serious about their business and protecting their client’s interestsWorks from an office: Agencies who have a premises with multiple staff are usually credible businessesHas a website / conducts marketing: Agencies who have websites, conduct newspaper advertising and generally have good paper based marketing are ordinarily serious businesses with a commitment to their profession The interview processThe interview process should be one of investigation to ensure the agent is a good fit for you. Here is a list of questions to ask the prospective agent during the initial meeting / real estate appraisal:• How many years has the company / person been involved in the real estate industry in Papua New Guinea?• How many years has the company / person been involved in the real estate industry in Papua New Guinea?• How many sales / rentals have they completed in the last year?• The number of properties that are currently listed for sale / rent?• The number of prospective buyers / tenants they are in contact with?• Preliminary estimate of the property listing in the current market, and formula used to arrive at this figure?• Proposed marketing strategy for the property (for example online, newspaper, email database)?The most important question of those above is the anticipated sale / rental price of your property. Ideally you will have also conducted your own research and have some notion of the price you expect to achieve based on other similar properties in your neighborhood. Experienced PNG real estate agents will provide an appraisal roughly in line with your research.In addition, highly professional real estate agents will also generally respond to your requests and provide a marketing proposal in writing following the interview. Making the DecisionOne you have reviewed your options and decided on the person who you believe will do a great job in handling the sale or rental of you home, you need to enter into a formal agreement. The written agreement will clearly outline the terms and conditions of appointing the real estate agent. It  should contain complete an estimated sale or rental price, the total commission payable (in Kina or dollar terms), fees and charges, and marketing expenses. Assessing the performance of your real estate agentSo you’ve selecting a a great real estate agent and have got the sale or rental process moving; how do you know whether your agent is doing a good job?Here’s a checklist of things the agent should do, and if they aren’t doing these things, you might like to consider appointing somebody else:• Provide you with regular updates regarding the number of buyers and tenants they have been in contact with.• Have a screening process to determine a tenant or buyer’s suitability for the property (for example reference checks, confirmation of their job etc.).• Ongoing marketing advice regarding the level if inquiry your property is receiving and how to increase its appeal to renters / buyers (for example, conducting advertising, furnishing the property etc.).• Competently handle the negotiations of the monthly rental or the sale price of your property. This is probably the most important job of a real estate agent and a good real estate agent will be an expert negotiator.• Demonstrate experience at handling the legal and financial process of managing the rental property of conducting the sale.
Top Turn Offs For PNG Home Buyers And How to Avoid Them!
Top Turn Offs For PNG Home Buyers And How to Avoid Them!
June 23, 2022, 6:21 a.m.
News
Advice
Top Turn Offs For PNG Home Buyers – And How to Avoid ThemDo you own a great house, apartment or townhouse in a prime location in Port Moresby or Lae and you want to get sell it for a fantastic price? The reality is that it’s incredibly easy to miss out on a sale and there are just as many things that make your home both attractive and unattractive to potential buyers.So it you’re looking to sell your home, these are Hausples.com.pg’s tips to avoid turning off hot PNG home buyers and missing out on a great sales price. A photos tells a thousand words (& generates even more dollars!)The adage “a picture is worth a thousand words” is absolutely true when trying to sell a home and pictures can be worth a lot more in dollar terms! Despite well written listings providing all of the necessary property information, the lack of at least an exterior photograph often causes buyers to skip to the next listing.Photographs are the best way to make your property stand out from the crowd and get inquiry – especially if you are listed on an agent’s website or Hausples.com.pg!So work with your real estate agent to get fantastic photos of your house or apartment! POA – Or No Sale PriceDespite the common practice in PNG of listing houses as POA or ‘Price On Application’, the Hausples.com.pg research indicates that buyers view more properties that list a price or price range. In fact, this is a common complaint that we often receive from people using the Hausples website!We have found that potential buyers generally read the home’s description and expect to see a listed price. As such we strongly recommend that you include a price.If a home features a long list of unique details but lacks a sales price, buyers tend to think the home is very expensive or potentially over priced. Make it easy for someone investigate your home further by providing as many details as possible. Reluctant SellersIt is not unusual for an individual or a family to become attached to a home. Especially when the residence is filled with great memories.However, once you make the decision to sell, you must keep the objective  of a sale in the forefront of your mind. Try your best to keep emotions in check. Step back, and allow your real estate agent the freedom to perform their job.You also need to allow potential new homeowners the space and freedom to inspect your house or apartment without feeling stressed or having you hover over them.If you are in the home when potential buyers arrive for an inspection, resist the urge to share anecdotes and history of the home. Similarly, be sure to not point out shortcomings of the property. Remain as detached as possible. Better yet, make arrangements in advance and take the time to go out and let your experienced real estate agent handle the buyer; that’s what you pay a real estate agent for! A Neglected HomeImagine what goes through the mind of prospective home buyers when walking into a house or apartments that is not clean and tidy?When making the decision to sell your property, get help from family, friends or professional cleaners if need be and make sure that the home is pristine before clients pay a visit. Pay special attention to bathrooms, kitchens, general living areas and backyards. Potential buyers often request to use the bathroom during a visit.You should also speak with your real estate agent about how to make the property look it’s best. Buyers want to feel the house or apartment has space, will accept their furniture and their sense of style. So be prepared to de-clutter, move furniture or make your decorations more neutral. Unpleasant OdoursRegardless of how great your home appears, if visitors are immediately confronted with overwhelming or unpleasant odours when entering a home, the likelihood that a sale takes place is extremely slim.Avoid using strong smelling cleaners, air fresheners, incense or perfumes prior to a home tour. Odours that commonly turn clients off also include the smell of cigarettes, pet odors or unpleasant food smells. Consider freshening the air by opening windows, deodorize areas frequented by pets, smoke outdoors and avoid cooking cabbage, fish or other strong smelling foods.Another top tip is to brew some coffee or bake some bread before a home inspection. These smells are very appealing and will leave a fantastic impression on buyers! A Messy HomeWalking into a home filled with clutter and mess is almost as bad as seeing dirt, dust or smelling unpleasant aromas. Before putting a home up for sale, begin the process of organizing the interior.Start with general living areas. Wardrobe and other storage areas are often inspected for size and space. Don’t forget storage areas, basements and garages. If the task seems overwhelming, consider asking some friends to help or hiring a cleaning firm.Once you have finished your de-cluttering invite the real estate agent around to inspect tthe house and get their input. Sometimes an agent will have fresh ideas and perspectives about how to make a home look airy and tidy.A final top-tip, use mirrors in small rooms to help the space appear bigger! Indoor TemperaturesDespite Papua New Guinea’s hot climate, resist the urge to keep your house or apartments super cold. What may feel comfortable to you, may be very uncomfortable for someone inspecting your house.A special mention for men that might live alone, generally males like a slightly cooler temperature than women. However, often females will inspect homes. For this reason, be careful not to make your house too much like Antarctica or else you might scare away every female buyer! The Right AgentReal Estate Agents can make or break sales based on their experience, ethics and professionalism.Given that real estate is an unregulated profession in Papua New Guinea, Hausples.com.pg recommends that you undertake thorough research before choosing an gent to sell your home. You can start you research on our PNG Real Estate Agent Directory Page or you might like to visit the Papua New Guinea Real Estate Industry AssociationConsider if an agent makes themselves readily available to buyers. Agents who seem to rush clients, or seem distracted, do not have the interest of the buyer or seller at the forefront. Likewise, determine if the agent seems professional, honest and genuinely desires to make a sale.
DAC Real Estate Launches New Website!
DAC Real Estate Launches New Website!
June 23, 2022, 6:22 a.m.
News
Events & Announcements
DAC Real Estate’s New WebsiteCongratulations DAC Real Estate!The Hausples.com.pg Team offers its warm congratulations to DAC Real Estate on their new website design. For those who do not know, Hausples.com.pg is not just a real estate portal. In fact, we offer comprehensive real estate website design services and we have been working with the Management Team at DAC over a number of months to modernise and improve their website. Led by CEO Brian Byer, Hausples has undertaken a significant modernisation and improvements to the DAC Real Estate website. The following is a list of just some of the work:Improve rental and sale property listings: Listing now feature more photos, Google map intergration, print property feature, social media sharing and much more!Rental Property and Sales Property lists: Rentals and sales lists are now available for download right from the homepage of the DAC Real Estate Website.Instant Property Alert Registration: Port Moresby buyers and renters can now register for instant email property alerts as soon as DAC Real Estate Lists a home or apartment matching their criteria.A state of the art real estate customer relationship management system (CRM): A behind the scenes software programme that allows DAC Real Estate to manage buyers, sellers, landlord and tenants all from one system. Clients of DAC will notice improved email correspondence and new e marketing materials. We are thrilled to report that customer and agent response to the website has been extremely positive. Are you a PNG real estate agent & seeking an edge?Hausples.com.pg offers a full suite of online solutions for real estate agents across Papua New Guinea. Our solutions are used by some of Port Moresby and Lae’s best agents including:DAC Real EstateCentury 21 SiuleStrickland Real EstateBudget Real Estate Our unique real estate agent only technology will not only give you a brilliant website, but also allow you to take advantage of cutting edge technology. Our packages and solutions include:Zero upfront cost packages!Super fast website design and implementation.A dedicated real estate CRM system that allows you to manage your business more efficiently and profitably.Mobile sites.Social Media integration.Full electronic marketing campaigns. Plus we support our offering with comprehensive Port Moresby and Lae based training and support.To find out more visit the dedicated Hausples PNG Real Estate Agent Site or contact our CEO Brian Byer:E: [email protected]: +675 7129 9530
Renting in PNG with a pet; a furry guide!
Renting in PNG with a pet; a furry guide!
June 23, 2022, 6:22 a.m.
News
Advice
Renting In PNG With Your Best FriendThe Hausples.com.pg team absolutely love our pets – check-out the photo of little Asha below!We all know that renting with pets is a challenge. A challenge for you the renter, to convince your friendly PNG real estate agent to allow you to secure the rental property. But just because you don’t own a home doesn’t mean that you can’t be a pet owner. Lots of people are own pets and rent, whether your looking for an apartment in Port Moresby or townhouse in Lae, having a pet and renting is achievable!Here’s an insiders guide to getting your favourite furry friend into your new PNG rental home. Be Open About Your OstrichNowadays, most PNG rental agreements have clear outlines about whether or not pets are allowed and if so, what types of pets are allowed. It’s important that you’re honest and upfront when you first meet with the real estate agent or landlord. Sometimes, landlords have been known to bend their rules if they feel confident that a renter will do a thorough job in caring for an cleaning up after their pet. For example, a building that only allows cats might permit a small dog, provided that they trust the renter. Pony Up For Your PonyGenerally, renters with pets will end up paying more than those that do not have pets. This added payment can come in the form of either an additional security deposit, an increased monthly rental, or both. If you love an apartment but are concerned that your pesky pooch won’t be accepted by the real estate agent, you should offer pay a little more to get your application accepted. An extra amount of bond will put the landlord at ease, as they know they can clean up any extra mess that is left by your pet at the end of the lease.If you are renting in PNG, always remember that the agreement is open to negotiation. Sometimes people with pets need to grease the wheels of commerce just a little more to secure a rental property. Have References For Your RaccoonMost real estate agents in PNG will seek prior rental references. A top tip is to get references from past landlords or real estate agents from whom you rented a property and kept a pet. Even offer to put the real estate agent in touch with the prior landlord or agency. If you do this, the agent and landlord will have know that the pet didn’t damage the last property that you lived in and have confidence you will keep their property in the same condition.If you are applying for a fully furnished house or apartments (as many properties are in Port Moresby) and own a cat, you might also provide documentation from your vet confirming stating that your cat has been de-clawed. Cats with claws can easily destroy couches and similar soft furnishings, and also hardwood floors. If you’re opposed to declawing, an alternative might be rubber claw covers. If you would like to speak to a good quality about options for your cat, please contact the Papua New Guinea RSPCA. Consider Your Pet When Choosing Your PadCats function just fine in one bedroom apartments. German Shepherds, on the other hand, are miserable in cramped spaces. If you have a large dog, a one bedroom apartment or a studio is simply not a viable option. You’ll need at least a two bedroom unit that preferably has access to a yard.So when selecting a pad bear in mind your pet! Renting now? Rethink That RhinocerosMany people renting in PNG will move into a space without a pet, get a dog or cat and then buy a pet and never notify their real estate agent about it. This might seem like a great way to save yourself money and hassle, but it’s ultimately a horrible idea. If your agent or landlord finds out that you’ve gotten a pet without notifying them, they can easily say that you have breached the terms of your rental agreement and immediately evict you.To be safe, always notify you’re real estate agent or landlord before you bring a new pet into your home. Write-up Your WrenIf you’ve gotten a pet and have renegotiated the terms of your rental agreement accordingly, be sure to get the new agreement in writing. This way, you’re protected in the event that your real estate agent argues that they never agreed to yourfurry new addition to your home. Keep Your Nest NeatThe most important part of renting in PNG with a pet is to pick up after your animal and go the extra mile to take care of your rental home. This means routinely cleaning the litter box, vacuuming fur and all other pet-related cleaning tasks. When you move out, be sure to clean the property thoroughly. This will ensure that you get the entirety of your security deposit back, in addition to a positive reference from your real estate agent when you go to apply for future apartments.
5 Real Estate Negotiation Tips That Work!
5 Real Estate Negotiation Tips That Work!
June 23, 2022, 6:23 a.m.
News
Advice
5 Real Estate Negotiation Tips That Work! Have you ever negotiated like this?–       Car salesman: “The price is K10,000”–       You: “I’m willing to pay K5,000”–       Car salesman “I can give you a small discount, how about K8,500”–       You: “What about  K6,500”–       Car salesman “Ok, I spoke to my manager K7,500 is our final offer”–       You: “Done. I’ll take it”In the above example you and the car salesman start with a K5,000 gap and eventually ‘meet in the middle’. This is the most common form of negotiation and is known as ‘positional bargaining’.Unfortunately positional bargaining generally results in poor outcomes for both parties because everyone gives up the same amount and therefore neither party gets what they really want.  Thankfully there are other ways to negotiate!The following are 5 real estate negotiation tips to help you think more laterally in your negotiations and achieve better outcomes. After all, why meet in the middle when both parties can achieve their goals? 1. Consider the objectives of all of the partiesAs a property buyer, the most important person in the transaction is the seller and you should focus on their desires first. Do some research with the agent and find out what is really motivating them to sell.  Especially focus on non-monetary considerations. You would be surprised how often the sale of a home or other property turns on something other than money.For example:– The seller needs to move from Port Moresby back to another country urgently: Perhaps offer shortened settlement terms, for example 30 days. Or offer to pay a 50% deposit immediately and the balance in a longer period.– The seller is building a new home to move into: Offer to rent the seller the  property after the purchase on a month-to-month basis until their new home is complete.–  The wife of the seller is reluctant to sell the family home:  Offer to have a professional photographer to come in and take portraits of the family in the home before they move out. This will give the wife some comfort as she then has a permanent memento of the home. 2. Don’t forget the real estate agent!Remember a big part of any real estate purchase is the real estate agent. The agent represents the interest of the seller, but they are also self-motivated. Therefore, it’s critical to have the agent on your side in any negotiation so that they put your offer in the best possible light to the seller. For example, if two offers are equal on a financial basis, the agent will likely influence the seller to accept the offer from the buyer they prefer.There are a range of things you can do to improve your negotiation tactics with the real estate agent:– Promise the re-sale of the property to the agent.– Offer to appoint the agent as the rental manager of the property.– Offer the agent a written, or even video, testimonial should the sale proceed regarding their great service.– Promise to give the real estate agent a written referral to all of your friends should you be the successful buyer. 3. Trust your judgment and make genuine offersThere is a saying in real estate that ‘time kills deals’ and in a fast paced property market such as those in Lae and Port Moresby this is definitely the case. As such, we suggest researching the real estate market thoroughly and making an offer that is at, or very close to, your maximum. Of course we also recommend starting your research at Hausples.com.pg to conveniently view all available properties in PNG!By making an offer for what you know the property is worth, you have a strong chance of buying the home, land or commercial property, before other buyers swoop in and offer more. Don’t get caught out offering less than you know the property is worth, if this occurs you are likely to miss out as more aggressive buyers pay more and close the deal. 4. Loose lips sink shipsNever let the other party know how much you have available to spend or what is motivating you to buy; this risks the seller using these great negotiating tactics on you!Similarly, given so many properties in PNG are marketed as “Price On Application”, it is very important to always make the seller name a price first. With that information you are well placed to make a counter-offer in the context of the seller’s price. If a buyer makes the first offer, they in danger of over-pricing the property from the start and that can only ever result in a bad deal. 5. Cash is kingSellers hate any uncertainty in a deal and offers made ‘subject to finance’ can be a deal breaker when a competing offer is for cash – even if the offer is for less. This is why it’s critical to have your finance arranged and be ready to settle on a deal very quickly once the price is agreed.Being able to offer cash gives the seller absolute confidence in your offer and this is often worth more to a seller than a higher offer that may never settle.
How to Estimate PNG Real Estate Prices
How to Estimate PNG Real Estate Prices
June 23, 2022, 6:23 a.m.
News
Advice
Industry Reports
“How much will the property sell for?”Unsurprisingly, this is the most common question both a buyer and a seller ask!From the perspective of a buyer, there’s no doubt that it is difficult to gauge PNG real estate prices, particularly in the tightly held cities of Port Moresby and Lae.  The competition for good houses, apartments and land is fierce and many of them are selling at prices far above the advertised estimated price range. This is, quite naturally, making buyers feel cynical and frustrated. Buying a home is like no other purchase you’ve made in your life.  Homes are not identical, they don’t come with a return policy and they rarely have with a fixed price tag.  A house may viewed as being worth far more to a person who wants to live in the same street as their family, who wants their children to be able to walk to a particular school or who has a business just five minutes drive away.  All sorts of things influence the value of a real estate in the buyer’s mind. Speaking with a reputable PNG real estate agentWhen a real state agent is approached to sell a home, they are asked for their professional opinion regarding how much a reasonable person would pay for the property.  In order to provide the best possible answer to that question, the agent then researches similar properties in the area and what they have sold for.Unfortunately the Papua New Guinea real estate market has traditionally not been very transparent and there is very little clear data regarding prior sales. Experienced and professional PNG real estate agents will leverage their past sales data, experience and local knowledge to price properties correctly. By contrast, inexperienced real estate agents will be more likely to quote a seller an unrealistically high price, which may then negatively impact your chances of purchasing the property. For this reason, it is advisable to focus on properties that are being sold by reputable real estate agents that have been operating in the PNG, Port Moresby or Lae for some time. Take advantage of technologyWith the advent of new online real estate websites such Hausples.com.pg, more real estate sale prices are being published. Tools such as the Hausples ‘Sold Prices’ page can provide a handy reference to find similar properties to the one you are considering and will give some assistance in predicting the ultimate selling price. You should leverage these to your advantage and get the benefit of adopting technology early. Speak to your bankIt might seem odd, but banks are often the best source of real estate information. As banks lend large sums of money to real estate buyers, they regularly value homes and other PNG real estate to ensure there is sufficient equity to cover the amount lent to customers.We suggest approaching your bank regarding your real estate purchase and ask them to provide a pre-approval or full approval for a loan for the property. Part of the bank’s approval process with require the bank to value to the home or asset. You can then use the bank’s valuation as a rough guide for the property. You should be aware however, that there may be cost associated with processing the loan application. As PNG’s largest bank, we recommend speaking with the BSP (Bank of South Pacific) if you choose to apply for a loan approval. The bottom lineDespite the above, there is no science to the emotion of buying a house or apartment and the value of an established home is not purely based on prior sales data.  Logic often flies out the door when dealing with an extremely buoyant and under-supplied real estate market such as that in PNG. This will often cause a buyer to make an offer on a home that is far above what science and logic dictates it would probably sell for.Ultimately, the seller of the home is entitled to get the best possible price for their property – regardless of what price point has been advertised.  There is absolutely no compulsion for a seller to sell at the advertised price.  And this is understandably frustrating for buyers. The best advice is to think carefully about how much you’re prepared to spend and – hard as it is to put the emotion aside – stick to your budget.The current PNG real estate climate is certainly throwing up a fair share of homes being sold for far above the advertised price range. But take heart if you’re a buyer. Properties are continually coming on to the market and you’re sure to find one that suits you emotionally and financially.
Bank of South Pacific Sponsor Hausples.com.pg
Bank of South Pacific Sponsor Hausples.com.pg
June 23, 2022, 6:24 a.m.
News
Home Loans & Insurance
BSP Major Sponsors of Hausples.com.pgHausples is incredibly excited to announce that the Bank of South Pacific (BSP) has become the major website sponsor and partner of Hausples.com.pg.Hausples CEO Brian Byer explains the logic behind the partnership “BSP are a natural fit for the Hausples community. Our buyers and renters already likely utilise BSP services and this partnership will allow them to access important financial literacy information and relevant offers”. Under the arrangement BSP will gain exposure via the Hausples.com.pg website and both parties will work together to provide relevant financial information about buying or renting a home. “Hausples.com.pg allows people to access available housing more easily and quickly, and BSP supports initiatives such as this. Whether you are seeking to buy or rent a home, the financial considerations are significant and BSP can provide advice and services to help people achieve their goals” explains BSP Head of Marketing & Public Relations Julie Fraser. In addition to bolstering the Hausples.com.pg offering to website users, the BSP partnership will allow the site to expand to cover more homes for rent and sale “We are a free website for our users and sponsorships such as this are critical to allow us to engage with more real estate agents. By boosting our engagement with agents throughout PNG, we will be able to list more properties for rent and sale which is exactly what our users want.” said Brian Byer. The partnership has also been welcomed by the real estate agents that utilise the services of Hausples.com.pg “Hausples is helping us achieve excellent outcomes for our customers and we are very happy to see their strategic alliance with one of PNG’s most respected brands – BSP” said Century 21 Suile Executive Chairman Brian Hull. It’s exciting times for both the renting and buying public in PNG and Hausples.com.pg CEO Brian Byer says more important announcements are imminent “Our team is always looking for ways to improve our value proposition to our users. This announcement is part of a range of initiatives that we will announce in the weeks and months to come”.Click Here to read the full media release from BSP.For more information regarding this announcement please Contact Us.
Welcome to the Professionals PNG!
Welcome to the Professionals PNG!
June 23, 2022, 6:24 a.m.
News
Events & Announcements
Hausples.com.pg welcomes the Professionals PNG!Hausples.com.pg is extremely excited to announce that the Professionals PNG have joined the list of agencies contributing listings to our website. The Professionals join our ever-growing number of highly reputable real estate agencies.A brief  background of the Professionals PNGThe Professionals Real Estate Group was formed in 1988 by leading figures of the Papua New Guinea real estate market. It is currently run by the individuals offices that have come together to create the Group.Since its founding in 1988, The Professionals has expanded to become one of the largest real estate businesses in Papua New Guinea, office locations include:LaePort MoresbyMaddingMt HagenTogether with individual real estate agents available to clients in the areas of Goroko, Rebaul and Wewak.The group operates under a federated style structure with the master franchisors in the country being controlled by industry veterans Mike Quinn, Karen Quinn and Murray FletcherProfessionals Real Estate Group in Papua New Guinea provides comprehensive services for clients, including but not limited to those that are typically provided by real estate agents.These services include:Property Sales and ManagementProperty AuctionsValuations of PropertyProperty Rentals and ServicesProfessional Property ConsultationProfessionals Real Estate Group has more than just tenure underneath its belt; it is a proud cornerstone member of the Real Estate Industry Association with standards that meet and excel those set forth by the Code of Ethics maintained by the Professionals Real Estate Group and the Real Estate Industry Association.Professionals Offices in Papua New Guinea are currently licenced through the Professionals Group Council located in Australia. Their activities in Papua New Guinea and their continued operations are overseen by the Professionals real estate office in Lae.More information can be found by visiting the Professionals PNG website.  Contact information for the Professionals PNGContact information can be found on the Hausples Real Estate Agent Directory or below: Professionals Lae Real EstatePO Box 4000,Lae, 411, Morobe ProvincePapua New GuineaPhone Number:+675 4725144Fax Number:+675 4725141Professionals NCD Real EstatePO Box 533,Gordons, Port Moresby, NCDPapua New GuineaPhone Number:+675 323 6041Fax Number:+675 323 6042Professionals Goroka Real EstatePO Box 335,Goroka, 441, Eastern Highlands ProvincePapua New GuineaPhone Number:+675 7321765Fax Number:+675 7322601Professionals Western Highlands Real EstatePO Box 570,Mt Hagen, 281, Western Highlands ProvincePapua New GuineaPhone Number:+675 5420017Fax Number:+675 5423007Professionals Madang Real EstatePO Box 538,Madang, 511, Madang ProvincePapua New GuineaPhone Number:+675 8522738Fax Number:+675 8522535
Welcome to Pacific Comfort Real Estate!
Welcome to Pacific Comfort Real Estate!
June 23, 2022, 6:25 a.m.
News
Events & Announcements
Hausples.com.pg now welcomes Pacific Comfort Real Estate to our websitePacific Comfort is a Port Moresby based agency located conveniently in Waigani Drive, 4-Mile, NCD. Readers of the Post Courier will be familiar with Pacific Comfort’s regular advertising in the real estate section. The business specialises in residential sales and rentals, whilst also carrying a stock of land for sale. As of today Pacific Comfort has a total of 36 properties listed for rent and sale:29 homes and apartments for sale starting from K400,000 and ranging up to high end property for K4,000,0007 homes and apartments for rent from and townhouses for rent K700 per week up to K1,500 per week In geographic terms, this agency features a range of property for sale in locations all over Port Moresby, in particular Gordons, 9 Mile, Waigani and Rainbow Estate.So what is the property for sale at K4,000,000 you ask? Well it’s an entire block of 6 apartments in Korobosea. All with 2 bedrooms, 24 hr security and all fully rented. A stunning investment opportunity – Click Here to see the listing. Click to see all of Pacific Comfort’s rental listings and sales listings. The staff at Pacific Comfort are busy taking photos of all their listings right now and these will be added soon.Call Pacific Comfort now for all of your real estate needs:  +675 7160 3929. Also visit Pacific Comforts PNGYP listing Here.
Moving to Port Moresby with a family
Moving to Port Moresby with a family
June 23, 2022, 6:25 a.m.
News
Advice
Lifestyle
How much you need to bring with you as a family moving to Port Moresby depends largely on how long you are planning to stay and how frequently you will be making trips back home or abroad.Perhaps in contrast with most travel advice you’re likely to get, if you’re planning for a long-stay it’s advisable to come with as much as you can. There are a number of ways to transport your personal effects to PNG. Depending on the distance your goods need to travel, many choose to ship via containers. Also, the world famous DHL operates a fantastic, reliable service here in PNG (+675 325 9866). Day-to-day basics such as nappies, soaps, baby food, fresh whole milk and formula are readily available in all the major supermarkets, but certain childcare products are difficult to come by in Port Moresby. Any large-scale baby equipment, especially those which you would prefer to be accredited with a recognisable safety standard, such as cots and car-seats, need to come with you wherever possible. Items such as high-chairs, ride-on outdoor toys, baby baths, changing tables and bouncy chairs are available to buy in Port Moresby, but at a premium cost and generally, low quality. Finding good quality new children’s clothing, just as with adult clothing, is a challenge. It is advisable to bring as much as you can and to plan ahead with larger sizes to put away for future use. If you find yourself short, very basic cheap clothing imported from around East Asia is available in Kids World in Vision City, and the two toyshops inside the Waterfront shopping complex. That said, Port Moresby is nothing if not unpredictable, and it is possible to occasionally find good quality baby merchandise. The baby store Patini in Vision City, RH Hypermarket, also in Vision City, and the home-store Brian Bell in Gordons have all be known to stock global-branded baby merchandise (such as Fisher-Price and Britax). There is also a healthy trade in second-hand goods operating within the expat community. Goods for sale are advertised on notice boards in The Royal Yacht Club and The Aviat Club and can be bought at the regular garage sales and house clearances held in compounds and apartments throughout the year. For older children, stationery is not a problem. School supplies and arts and crafts materials are covered by Theodist Stationers, which has an extensive range of products that would compete with similar suppliers anywhere. There is also a well-stocked stationer (Star Office) in Vision City. Books are trickier to come by. There is one bookstore in Vision City (Star News Link) that stocks a modest, though impressively diverse (and costly) range of quality children’s books. It is advisable to bring as many as you can with you, and to check for second-hand bookstalls often present at the monthly craft markets, as well as at special events held at the two main social clubs and the international schools. The availability of books might be less of a concern if your children will be attending either of the two international schools as they have libraries of their own. Between the two main international schools, education and childcare is covered from 18-months through to 18-years and both schools are well-equipped and have respectable academic reputations. The Early Learning Centre, a division of the The Ela Murray International School, is the only International pre-school in Port Moresby, and provides excellent facilities. If your children will be staying at home, you might be in need of a nanny. There is no shortage of people looking for work as nannies and babysitters in Port Moresby. Childcare qualifications are rare, but many will have a wealth of experience. Either way, there will likely be some trial-and-error involved in the process before settling on the right person for your family. Ask for recommendations from others who are pleased with their child-carers. There are doctors and paediatricians holding internationally recognised qualifications operating in most medical facilities throughout the city, with the best reports coming from the Pacific International Hospital. If the company you are working for in Port Moresby comes with medical cover from the International SOS Clinic based at Airways Hotel, most routine procedures, including child vaccinations, can be handled there. Otherwise if you are travelling to Port Moresby with a young child, you will need to consider the possibility of returning to your country of origin, or making special arrangements for a trip to Australia, in order to continue a vaccination program. There is no shortage of activities for children and families in Port Moresby. In addition to the more obvious attractions, such as the National Orchid Gardens and Wildlife Park, and the lovely Nature Park, there is also tennis coaching available, swimming lessons at the Aviat Club, and free children’s cookery classes at Airways Hotel. For very young children, there is a weekly toddler group held at The Royal Papua Yacht Club, a baby group for mothers with babes-in-arms held weekly at The Grand Papua Hotel, as well as a network of informal play groups hosted by different families every week. There are safe, well-maintained and well-equipped children’s outdoor, under-cover playgrounds in The Royal Papua Yacht Club, The Aviat Club, and Airways Hotel. There is also the indoor, air-conditioned, soft-play centre ‘Kiddieland’ hidden away in Gordons Business Park. Most cafés and restaurants in Port Moresby welcome families, but the eateries that best accommodate children, and are equipped with high-chairs, includeThe Beachside Brasserie in Ela Beach Hotel (where babyccino can be made on request!), Sails Café and Macdhui Restaurant in The Royal Papua Yacht Club, Hog’s Breath Café in Vision City Mall, and the Poolside Restaurant and Deli at Airways Hotel. Port Moresby is famous for all the wrong things, which is the real crime since there is so much more to life here. Nevertheless, the city has been deemed one the five more unliveable in the world. So if you have your reservations about moving your family here, take heart from this: life in Port Moresby fosters resourcefulness, stoicism and a sense of humour in people, and if you can live in paradise here, you can live in paradise anywhere! DirectoryDHL: www.dhl.com/en/pg/country_profile.htmlVision City Mall: Waigani Drive, Waigani http://www.visioncity.com.pg/Theodist Ltd: Waigani Drive, Waigani http://www.theodist.com/Ela Murray International School: elamurray.comPort Moresby International School: www.pmis.iea.ac.pgPatini: Vision City Mall https://www.facebook.com/PatiniStore/ or http://www.visioncity.com.pg/shopBrian Bell: Kennedy Road, Gordons http://www.brianbell.com.pg/The Royal Papua Yacht Club: Harbour City, www.rpyc.com.pgThe Aviat Social and Sporting Club: Aviat Street, www.aviat.comPacific International Hospital: Stores Road, Boroko, www.pih.com.pgThe International SOS Clinic, Airways Hotel, Jacksons Parade, https://www.internationalsos.com/en/about-our-clinics_1518_3935.htmThe National Orchid Gardens and Wildlife Park: 14-MileThe Nature Park: Waigani Drive & Goro Kaeaga Road, Waigani, https://www.facebook.com/PortMoresbyNatureParkThe Grand Papua Hotel: Mary Street, www.grandpapuahotel.com.pgAirways Hotel: Jacksons Parade, www.airways.com.pgLittle Angels Kiddieland: Gordons Business CentreThe Beachside Brasserie: Ela Beach Hotel, Ela Beach RoadHog’s Breath Café: Vision City Mall http://www.hogsbreath.com.sg/contact_us.htm
Leisure, Entertainment, Sport and Shopping in PNG
Leisure, Entertainment, Sport and Shopping in PNG
June 23, 2022, 6:26 a.m.
News
Lifestyle
Restaurants and Bars (In no particular order) Harbourside Precinct (Alibi’s, Enzo’s, Duffy’s, Spices, Daikoku etc.)Location: Along the Stanley Esplanade Harbourside East, Downtown Port Moresby, Port Moresby 121 Papua New GuineaWebsite: www.facebook.com/harboursideprecinctPhone: +675 313 7900Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 11am to 10pmHarbourside East and West are on Fairfax Harbour in downtown Port Moresby. The decking sits over the water’s edge providing a pleasant open-air experience. There are a great range of quality dining areas with Alibi Bar and Grill (Western cuisine), Asia Aromas (Thai and Chinese Cuisine), Daikoku (Japanese Steak house), Tandoor on the Harbour (Indian), Duffy Café (Western Cuisine), and Enzo’s Express Takeaway (steak, pizza and takeaway). It is also an excellent place to catch up with friends, with live music in a laid-back environment. Car parking is available with 24/7 security. Port TerraceLocation: Port Terrace Restaurant & Bar, C/O Crowne Plaza Residences, Lot 24, Section 8, MacGregor Street, Port Moresby, Papua New GuineaWebsite: www.portrestaurant.com.pg Phone: +675 308 3130Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday - 6:30am to 10pmLocated next to the Deloitte building downtown, this restaurant and bar is the newest addition to the Port Moresby CBD scene. Port Terrace has a range of meals to choose from for breakfast, lunch or dinner. For breakfast, you can’t go past the eggs benedict or the pancakes. With the early opening time, it’s also a great place to grab a morning coffee before heading out for the day. The lunch and dinner menus offer a wide variety with a good selection of fresh seafood, steaks and vegetarian-friendly options. If you are looking to hang out with friends and enjoy a few drinks, the Port Bar has a great selection to choose from, and the night lights from the Port Terrace are simply amazing. There is ample parking with security.  Airways (Baccus, Poolside, 7-C’s, Deli etc)Location: Jackson Intl Airport, Jacksons Parade, 7 Mile, Boroko, Port Moresby 111Website: www.airways.com.pg Phone: +675 324 5200General Operating Hours: 6am to 11pm DailyAirways Hotel and Residences is an oasis of understated luxury and one of the most unique airport boutique hotels in the world. It is nestled into the mountainside in its own botanical gardens, with stunning views from the crystal clear waters of Bootless Bay to the majestic mountains of the Owen Stanley Ranges, just 2 minutes from Jacksons International Airport.Residents and guests have a range of exciting dining options: the Vue Restaurant and Lounge Bar (buffet and a la carte), Deli KC (Italian cucina dining style), Seven C’s coffee shop, Bacchus Restaurant (one of the premier dining experiences in Port Moresby), and Havanaba Bar (adjacent to Bacchus Restaurant and specializes in fine wine and whiskeys). The Hilton HotelLocation: Wards Road, Hohola, Port Moresby, 121, Papua New GuineaWebsite:www.hilton.com/en/hotels/pomsmhi-hilton-port-moresby Phone: +675 7501 8000General Operating Hours: 6am to 11pm DailyThe Hilton at Hohola provides some excellent restaurants and bars, including the Copper and Summit Bars, and Mumu restaurant. The Copper Bar, located in the lobby, has a relaxed vibe with comfy lounge chairs. The Summit bar, located on the top floor, provides scenic views of the cityscape and mountain ranges surrounding the Hilton. Summit specialises in serving premium whiskey, designer cocktails, international beers, wines and spirits. The unique Mumu restaurant serves the ‘Mumu’, a traditional dish in PNG; it includes wrapping food items in a parcel, cooking them with hot stones, and then sharing the food with family and friends. The Mumu restaurant has a pleasant open-air atmosphere with outdoor and private dining options available. Car parking with 24/7 security is provided. The Stanley Hotel and SuitesLocation: Lot 8 and 9 Section 515, Sir John Guise Drive, WaiganI NCD, Port Moresby 121Website: www.thestanleypng.com Phone: +675 302 8888General Operating Hours: 6am to 10pm DailyThe Stanley Hotel and Suites offer a range of fine-dining experiences. Located right next to Vision City, you can find café’s, bars, lounges, and restaurants conveniently within the same location. The Rainforest Café, situated right next to the lobby, serves café meals with a range of coffees and fresh fruit juices. Green Haus is an elegant dining venue with a high-end buffet and an excellent à la carte menu of western dishes. Also, on the ground floor, you can find the Monsoon bar with great cocktails and a small food menu. The Stanley Hotel also boasts premium options with their Executive Club lounge, the Silver Leaf restaurant and the Mezz bar, all found on level 19. Silver Leaf offers an à la carte fine-dining menu that can be enjoyed with a stunning city view. The Mezz bar has a classy, elegant atmosphere, and it’s a great place to enjoy premium wines and cocktails. The Executive Club Lounge caters to guests staying on executive floors, private members, and hotel suite guests; it provides complimentary additional services and facilities, including breakfast, evening beverages, and canapés. Car parking with 24/7 security is provided. The Lamana HotelLocation: 1 Famagusta Road, Waigani, NCD, Papua New GuineaWebsite: www.lamanahotel.com.pgPhone: +675 323 2333 or +675 7373 0600General Operating Hours: 6am to 10pm DailyThe Lamana Hotel offers a selection of diverse dining experiences to suit many tastes, from their Café Palazzo, to The Italian (authentic Italian food), Rios at the Temple (Brazilian churrasco), and Spices Restaurant (Indian). If you want to experience Port Moresby nightlife, The Gold Club at Lamana is the most prominent nightlife venue in PNG, with big screen TV’s, pool tables, karaoke and DJs spinning decks until early in the morning. Car parking with 24/7 security is provided.  Dream InnLocation: Cnr Toliman Cres and Waigani Drive Waigani, Port Moresby 121 Papua New GuineaWebsite: www.facebook.com/www.dreaminn.com.pg Phone: +675 325 3600Operating Hours:  Monday to Sunday - 6.30am to 9pmDream Inn Luxury Apartments host the Big Boi Burger Bar. Serving everything from excellent hamburgers to a Sunday roast and big screens to watch sports, this is the perfect spot for a night out with family or friends. Car parking with 24/7 security is provided. Duffy CaféLocation: Gabaka Street, Gordons, Port Moresby, PNG Website:www.duffypng.comPhone: +675 325 8528Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday: 8am - 4pm, Sunday - Closed Duffy Café, locals simply call it ‘Duffy’s’, is a hotspot for Port Moresby coffee lovers who enjoy Duffy’s range of excellent fresh roasted beans. Their menu has a mixt of cuisines, including vegetarian-friendly meals. Duffy prides themselves on their traditional bread making, and their range of delicious cakes, pastries, bread and sweets are made in-house. Seating is available in the air-conditioned restaurant area, or you can enjoy the closed off decking/garden space outside furnished with lounge chairs and hanging pot plants. Securing a car parking space can be challenging in busy periods; however, the location is well-secured.  Vision City (Various restaurants and bars)Location: Lot 7, 8 and 9, Section 429, 131 National Capital District, Waigani Dr, Port MoresbyWebsite: www.visioncitypng.comContact: Phone: +675 302 8555Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday - 9am to 10pmVision City is PNGs largest shopping mall and hosts a great range of restaurants, cafés and bakeries, as well as a diverse food court.Quality steaks are available at Hog’s Breath Cafe, or enjoy classic Chinese cuisine at Dynasty’s Restaurant for full sit-down meals. There are several Asian restaurants available, including King Hot Pot, Korean Garden, Hosi Ramen, and Happy Dumpling. Cuppa also serves excellent coffee and offers both full meals and sandwiches. Food Junction is an integrated eatery with various cuisines at affordable prices, catering for local, Asian and Western tastes.Fast food outlets include Big Rooster, Burger House, Shakers, and Yellow Captain for pizza. Bon Café serves good coffee, sandwiches and pastries for takeaway. For a special treat, Italian Gelato has a full frozen selection for those with a sweet tooth. Fu GuiLocation: Kawai Drive, Gordon Port Moresby National Capital District Papua New GuineaPhone: +675 323 0188Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday - 10am to 9pmFu Gui Village Restaurant, or ‘Fu Gui’, serves Chinese and Malaysian cuisine and is popular for lunch; the standout dish on the lunch menu is the salt and pepper squid. The diner offers a wide range of meals that can be shared, with laksa, nasi lemak and the highland chicken all great options. The complex is well-secured with ample car parking. Jeanz Café - Gordon’s Plaza (Brian Bell Gordons)Location: Gordons Plaza, Kawai Drive, Port Moresby, NCD, PNG  Website: https://gordonsplaza.com/retailers/jeanz-cafe/Operating Hours: Monday to Friday - 8am to 6pm, Saturday - 8am to 5pm, Sunday - 9am to 5pm.Jeanz Café is a refined café dining experience. They serve excellent Arabica coffee and a range of diverse café food, cakes, and pastries. Conveniently located among various retailers within the Gordons Plaza, it’s an ideal spot for a caffeine boost and a bite to eat after a busy day shopping.     Gateway HotelLocation: Jacksons Parade, 7 Mile, Port Moresby, NCD, PNGWebsite: www.coralseahotels.com.pg/gateway-hotel-apartments/dining/General Operating Hours: 6am to 10pm DailySituated near Jacksons Airport, the Gateway Hotel has several restaurants and bars to enjoy. The Wild Orchid Restaurant and Bar near the poolside serves a buffet and à la carte menu with fresh produce from local markets. The Jackson’s Restaurant and Bar has scenic views overlooking the Jacksons Airport Runway with inside out and outside seating. There is a range of fantastic cuisine, including fresh salads, char-grilled meals, fresh seafood, steaks and pasta. If you need takeaway or are in a hurry, Enzo’s Express Takeaway serves food on-the-go, such as chicken wraps, muffins, and pizza. The Sizzlers Restaurant serves steaks, fresh seafood and boasts a buffet-style fresh salad for dining. Gateway also has a somewhat hidden bar called the Departure Bar located near the reception, and it’s a great place to enjoy a drink.   Ela Beach HotelLocation: Ela Beach Rd, Port MoresbyWebsite: www.coralseahotels.com.pg/ela-beach-hotel-apartmentsPhone: +675 321 2100General Operating Hours: 6am to 11pm DailyThe Ela Beach Hotel, unsurprisingly located along Ela Beach, has recently been revamped and offers diners a great selection from the Salt Restaurant, Beachside Bakery, Enzo’s Express Takeaway, and the Beachside Bar. The Salt Restaurant serves western-style and fresh seafood; they have cosy restaurant seating inside, or you can enjoy your meal by the poolside. Beachside Bar boasts a nice open space with a cooling sea breeze in the evenings. They have TV’s so you can watch sports while enjoying beers, wines, spirits or cocktails. The Beachside Bakery offers a range of freshly baked bread and pastries. Enzo’s Express Takeaway at Beachside is perfect for takeaway food or a quick coffee. The Ela Beach Hotel is a well-secured venue with ample parking.   Edge by the Sea (Edge Café)Location: Edge Apartments, Harbour City, Port Moresby, NCD, PNGWebsite: www.mojofood.co/Email: [email protected] Hours: Daily - 7am to 4pmEasily remembered as the ‘Edge Café’, this is a convenient location for that essential morning coffee or quick bite before you start the day. The food selection includes menus for both breakfast and lunch. Featuring an array of fresh & healthy salads bowls, burgers and fish and chips, there’s plenty to choose from any time of the day. Edge Cafe has a laid back atmosphere that customers enjoy, especially with the ocean views.  Mojo Social (Mojo’s)Location: Ground Floor PWC Haus, Harbour city Port Moresby, NCD, PNGWebsite: http://mojofood.co/Phone: +675 79955264Email: [email protected] Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday - 3pm to 12pmMojo Social, or as regulars call it ‘Mojo’s’, is a hidden gem within the confines of Harbour City. Enjoy Mediterranean and Western cuisine in a spacious setting with a refreshing beverage. Mojo’s steaks, slow-cooked beef brisket, pastas and pizzas have the regulars coming back for more.There is ample secure parking at Harbour City.  Element Restaurant and BarLocation: MRDC Haus - Corner of Musgrave Street and Champion Parade, NCD, Port MoresbyPhone: +675 72527887Operating Hours: Sunday: 8am to 12amMonday - Wednesday: 7am to 10pm Thursday and Friday: 7am to 2am Saturday: 8am to 2am Element Restaurant and Bar offers modern Vietnamese fusion cuisine, conveniently located in downtown Port Moresby. Element’s food can be enjoyed both indoors in their restaurant area or outdoors on their terrace. If you are craving good Vietnamese food, this is the place to go, with excellent classic Vietnamese dishes like beef pho and contemporary options such as coconut panna cotta. Elements is a great place to enjoy an evening out, especially seated on the terrace, with the downtown city lights and a refreshing breeze. There is also a lounge to enjoy drinks while watching sports on a big-screen TV. Ample parking is available both outside and underground with 24/7 security.
Life in Port Moresby
Life in Port Moresby
June 23, 2022, 6:26 a.m.
News
Lifestyle
The first thing anyone moving to Port Moresby should know is that it’s an extraordinary place to live. Expatriate life in the city naturally comes with an array of not inconsiderable challenges, but it is also culturally fascinating, an open forum of opportunity and often exceptionally beautiful. The hilly nature of the city allows for breath-taking views across the harbour, the ocean and its many islands, the sunsets are unbeatable and the air is unpolluted. A drive through the city may one minute present a network of settlements and inauspicious office blocks, before revealing around the next corner a dazzling slice of ocean and undulating coastline.Picture: Port Moresby | Source: remotelands.comA typical day in Port MoresbyA typical working day6.00am Wake up and read the Post Courier.6.30am Workout at the Yacht Club gym, followed by breakfast and fresh coffee.7:30am Drop the kids off at the Ela Murray School.8.00am Start of the working day.10.00am Coffee meeting with a customer at Duffy’s.12.00am Lunch meeting with a prospective client at Stanley.1.00pm Back to the office for a Zoom meeting.2.00pm Afternoon coffee meeting at The Edge.5.00pm Work finishes. Stop by at Waterfront to buy groceries.6.00pm Glass of wine on the balcony and enjoy spectacular sunset views over the Coral Sea from the balcony. 7.30pm Dinner of freshly caught tuna, local potatoes and salad.8.00pm Watch the international news on Hitron. Maybe an HBO or Netflix movie A typical weekend7:00am Brisk 4km around the Paga Ring Road with the dog.8:30m Full English breakfast at The Edge washed down with locally produced coffee.10:00am Shopping trip to Vision City. Drop the car off for valet service in the car park.12:00pm Lunch at Hogs Breath.1:00pm Paradise Cinema to watch the latest Hollywood blockbuster.4:00pm Grocery shopping at Waterfront and grab a quick coffee at Poppy’s.5:00pm Social drink with friends at the Aviat Club.8:00pm Date night at the Bacchus restaurant at Airways Hotel. Whether it’s for a short-term business secondment, or migrating with your family for a long stay, whatever your reason for moving to Port Moresby the prospect can seem daunting. Where to live and what to pack, where to shop and how to get about? This is the first in a series of articles aimed at providing some of the answers.Before addressing some of the finer points here, it’s worth pointing out that how smoothly and quickly you assimilate and settle into life in Port Moresby will depend on how you use the communities, both expatriate and local, that you find yourself in. The expatriate community in Port Moresby is welcoming and sympathetic to newcomers. There really is a wealth of variety when it comes to the types of communities that exist in its midst, and it is always waiting to be utilised. Whether you are into sport or films, there will be an informal group set up somewhere with shared interests. There are cycling and triathlon groups, scuba diving and fishing clubs, organised hill-walking groups, art classes and a book club to name but a few, and if you cannot find a group catering for your specific interest – starting one yourself in Port Moresby is easy since both the city and its diverse residents are especially open to people with energy and ideas for start-ups. You can find people offering all manner of services, from homemade take-away pizza delivery and made-to-order cakes, to acupuncture or tailoring.It is these communities which will likely provide most of what you’re looking for, because the transient nature, not only of expatriate life, but of life in a developing country, means that people do come and go and services available one year might not be available the next. Apart from car sales and house clearances, which are staples of Port Moresby life, its fluid nature makes creating any conclusive and comprehensive guide to life in Port Moresby tricky. However, with that in mind, the following articles will address some of the relatively reliable specifics about life in Port Moresby. Renting, Driving and Home MakingThe rental market in the city is competitive, the rental costs incomparable with most other cities in the world, and the presence of major companies in PNG can put added pressure on the most desirable properties (related link: Properties for Rent Port Moresby). However, construction of residential properties, especially apartment blocks, is currently major business in Port Moresby and the city is a myriad of apartment complexes in various stages of construction. Whether you want an incredible view of the sea, or somewhere close to work, there will be something for you. The key is to see a wide range of properties and then act quickly when you find the one you want. The market is in the hands of the landlords, so you need to be prepared to do the chasing. Don’t be hindered by an apathetic seller, pushing for what you want will pay off.Next you will want to equip your new home. Although it’s advisable to bring any specialist electronic or kitchen equipment with you (such as external hard-drives, tablets and coffee machines), when it comes to the basics Port Moresby can more than adequately provide what you need. There are a number of home stores including Brian Bell, Courts and Homemaker. RH Hypermarket in Vision City has a generous home-store section, as does the housewares store in the Waterfront. Prices will be high, the range and quality will be variable, but the unpredictable nature of Port Moresby means that once in a while you’ll make an unexpected discovery: recent examples include IKEA children’s products in BNBM Home Centre, Cath Kidston plates in SVS, and Maxwell & Williams dinnerware in Brian Bell.Where you will grocery shop will largely depend on your location. The Foodworld branches in Boroko and at the Waterfront are arguably the most accessible. The largest supermarket is RH Hypermarket in Vision City, and there are a number of smaller SVS Supermarkets scattered about the city. As with most aspects of life in Port Moresby supermarket stock is unpredictable and unreliable. That said, the range and diversity might surprise you, and as with the restaurants on offer in the city, grocery provision is clearly influenced by the city’s East Asian trade. In addition, expatriates of many other nations will find familiar produce on the shelves, especially in Foodworld, where there are sections dedicated to imported goods from America, New Zealand and India, among others. Another possibly surprising feature of Port Moresby’s supermarkets is its provision for people with special dietary requirements, with sections set aside for gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free and egg-free products.Where Port Moresby falls short when it comes to groceries is in its range of dairy products, which are always thin on the ground, as well as its range of fruit and veg. Most vegetables are imported, which of course makes them expensive, and although this is set to change in coming years with more investment in local production of vegetables, for the time being, it’s a good idea to get to grips with local produce, which is cheaper and more readily available.Electronic goods can be purchased in Port Moresby, with several dedicated stores in both Vision City Mall and the Waterfront Mall as well as specialist stores scattered about the city. The range of products available is fair but not extensive, and as prices are high electronic goods are often traded second-hand among the expat community.It’s very likely you’ll be able to purchase a second-hand car via these same channels and the sale of vehicles, especially, is advertised on public noticeboards in The Royal Yacht Club and The Aviat Club. Ela Motors, Boroko Motors and PNG Motors are the more prominent vendors of new cars in the city.A car is a necessity for anyone living for any length of time in Port Moresby. Unless travelling with an official guide, public transport should be avoided, as should walking any distance on the street. The roads in town are generally fair. The further one travels from the city centre, the greater the decline in the quality of the roads, but one of Port Moresby’s surprises is that traffic is not generally a problem. Rush hours are busier times, but even then traffic jams are unusual. Though it is important to remain vigilant, especially when waiting at traffic lights or pedestrian crossings, it does mean that getting from A to B is usually a fairly speedy process, and you should not find yourself on the road for long. As Port Moresby is not a large city and the roads are generally clear, crossing from one side to the other should not take longer than about twenty minutes. Every driver needs to take the precautions of ensuring the vehicle’s windows are tinted and kept closed, and the doors locked. Avoid making impromptu stops, plan your route ahead so as not to get lost, and let someone know when and where you will be travelling. If you are planning a trip outside of the city, it is wise to travel with others in convoy. Otherwise navigating the road systems is Port Moresby is relatively straightforward and as with any city anywhere in the world, road accidents are a more likely experience for drivers and passengers than car-jacking or robbery.Security issues are not confined to the roads, of course, and it is important to take special care to protect your home. Most compounds and apartment complexes will come with security provision: guards at the gate, sensor alarms and high fences. Nevertheless, it’s still important to lock doors and windows at night, especially if living on the lower floors, and when someone makes a house call make certain of whom you are letting inside. If you are employing local staff to work in your home, be sure that you can trust them before leaving them alone in the house, and ask them to not to disclose details of your life once they return home. If renting a house outside of a compound, you will need to access security services, install an alarm system and always check all windows, doors and exterior gates are locked well before dark.In addition to security, those planning to stay long-term and choosing to rent a house outside of a compound will need to set up refuse collection (usually handled by the National Capital District Commission), and install internet and television.Local cleaners, gardeners and odd-jobbers are easy to come by, and recruitment usually takes place via word-of-mouth. Be prepared for the possibility that it may take a few attempts before finding the right person for the job. Wherever possible, ask for recommendations from others who are happy with the people who work for them.It is imperative every newcomer to Port Moresby arrives with good insurance cover. Doctors with internationally recognised qualifications operate out of most of the city’s medical facilities and the Pacific International Hospital is known to provide a good level of care. Many companies with expatriate employees will invest in medical cover from the International SOS Clinic based in Airways Hotel. In addition, there is an accredited dentist operating from a clinic inside the Holiday Inn.Also, be aware that incoming visa requirements for Australian travellers to Papua New Guinea will change on 1 March 2014. Be sure to visit www.pngcanberra.org/visas for details on hot obtain the correct visa.Port Moresby has no single emergency number to call following an accident, but there are ambulances stationed in most major medical facilities in the city and so it is advisable to keep either a local number or your insurer’s number handy. DirectoryBrian Bell: Kennedy Road, GordonsCourts: Spring Garden RoadHomemaker: Scratchley Road, BadiliVision City Mall: Waigani Drive, WaiganiRH Hypermarket: Vision City MallWaterfront Shopping Mall: Champion ParadeBNBM Home Centre: Kennedy Road, GordonsSVS Foodland: Harbour CityFoodworld: Poreporena Freeway, Boroko, and Waterfront Shopping MallThe Royal Papua Yacht ClubThe Aviat Social and Sporting Club: Aviat StreetEla Motors: www.elamotors.com.pgBoroko Motors: www.boroko-motors.comPNG Motors: www.pngmotors.comSecurity Services Directory: www.png-online.com/business-category/security-servicesNational Capital District Commission: www.ncdc.gov.pgInternet: www.datec.com.pgDaltron http://www.daltron.net.pg/services/technical-services/Pay Telivision: http://hitron.com.pg/Mobile Phone Services: https://www.digicelgroup.com/pg/en/mobile.htmlMobile Phone Services: http://www.bmobile.com.pg/Pacific International Hospital: Stores Road, Boroko, www.pih.com.pgThe International SOS Clinic: Airways Hotel, Jacksons Parade, https://www.internationalsos.com/en/about-our-clinics_1518_3935.htmWR Dental Clinic: Holiday Inn Hotel, Waigani Drive & Wards Road