Most investors walk straight past villa units on their way to something that feels more impressive. I think that’s a mistake, and after years of watching what actually builds wealth through property, I’ve come to appreciate these quietly reliable assets far more than most people give them credit for. A villa unit sits in an…
In the ever-evolving landscape of real estate, there has been a notable shift in focus towards neighbourhood when homeowners have been making their buying decisions. And investors should similarly focus on selecting the right neighbourhood as this trend transcends mere aesthetic appeal or status symbols; it delves into the more profound aspects of socio-economic dynamics…
For decades, Australians became accustomed to the idea that each generation would enjoy a better standard of living than the one before it. We worked, we saved, we bought homes, we built businesses and, despite the occasional recession or economic shock, most households expected their incomes and wealth to rise over time. Unfortunately, that expectation…
How do I invest? What approaches do I use and which strategies do I use? Those questions were recently put to me by a journalist wanting to write a feature article. He also asked what’s been the “secret” to my success in building a very substantial property portfolio and having succeeded through multiple property cycles. So…
Three months on from the federal budget changes, the verdict is in, and it isn’t pretty. Fewer first home buyers are active in the market than before the changes landed, and everyday property investors have almost entirely been swept aside. For anyone who has ever wanted to work hard and improve their position by buying…
One of the reasons I’ve always been attracted to property is that it’s an imperfect market. And I mean that in the best possible way. When I look at investments, I’m drawn to asset classes where knowledge, strategy, relationships, patience and negotiation can give me an edge. That’s why property appeals to me. It gives…
Do you want to buy an investment property but don’t have the cash readily available for a deposit? The good news is, if you already own a property, there is a way of buying a second property using equity instead. So if you’re wondering how equity works when buying a second home, read on and…
Over the past week, all four of Australia’s biggest banks have reported falls of between 12% to 20% in new home loan applications since the May federal budget. After announcing it would keep interest rates on hold, the Reserve Bank confirmed demand for new home loans has “declined noticeably”. For anyone currently in the market…
What if the greatest financial risk facing you isn’t the next property downturn, another interest rate rise or even a recession, but the possibility that you live much longer than your money does? Many Australians approaching retirement are planning around a model that belongs to another generation. They assume they’ll stop working somewhere around 65…
We Australians are very good at finding fault with the cities in which we live. We complain about congestion, expensive housing, crowded trains, planning delays and infrastructure that often seems to arrive years after it is needed. Sure, many of those concerns are justified, but every so often an international comparison allows us to step…
