Setting the right budget for a property purchase, be it a home or investment, is a very important financial decision. If your budget is too conservative, you risk missing out on potential capital growth or settling for a property that does not meet all your lifestyle needs. On the other hand, if you overspend and…
If you own a property that you suspect may not be investment-grade, how do you work out if it is worth selling and replacing it with a better-quality property? Risks and costs associated with replacing a poor investment Replacing an investment asset comes with risks and several costs: Asset selection risk: This is the risk…
A Goldilocks investment strategy means that you are making the most of your financial opportunities without overdoing it and taking unnecessary risks. That is, your level of investing is exactly right (i.e., perfectly balanced). Underinvesting means that you risk not having enough investment assets to enjoy a comfortable retirement. Overinvesting means that you have taken…
My personal philosophy on wealth building is simple: invest slightly more than necessary to achieve my financial and lifestyle goals comfortably, but no more than that! None of us knows how long we have left on this planet, so I think it’s essential to maximise enjoyment today or at least enjoy the wealth-building journey as…
Typically, accountants tend to advise against using a private company structure to hold geared property investments. However, investors shouldn’t automatically dismiss this approach, as it can provide substantial capital gains tax (CGT) savings. Commonly cited disadvantages of a company ownership structure There are two main disadvantages of using a company structure for property investment: No…
It is often debated which is a better investment, property or shares. It is my thesis that property is an okay investment, but not as good as shares. However, when you factor in gearing (the ability to borrow to invest), property becomes a wonderful investment – better than shares. Property versus shares The main advantages of shares…
The main difference between property and shares lies in the depth and reliability of historical data. The share market offers extensive and dependable data, making it a valuable resource for financial decision-making. In contrast, property data often lacks the same level of reliability due to various factors, which I discuss below. Therefore, when making decisions…
Rentvesting has become an increasingly popular strategy for wealth creation, especially as a response to the challenges of home ownership in major Australian capital cities. This approach involves renting where you desire to live while investing in property. It has emerged as an alternative to traditional home ownership, particularly with the rising issue of housing…
Australia is likely heading for a federal election in May 2025, and as always, housing affordability will be a major talking point. Sadly, these discussions often end up more about rhetoric than effective policy change. However, at some point, a solution will have to be found. For property investors, who typically hold assets for decades, it’s important…
When it comes to property investment, many investors strive to strike a balance between the income and the capital growth a property generates, hoping to maximise both. However, I have written a lot about the fact that the income from a property, after expenses, probably won’t help you achieve financial independence. It’s the power of…
