Have you thought about investing in commercial property? You’re not alone — faced with the prospect of more moderate returns from their residential property investments, many investors are considering this as an alternative. By this, I mean offices, shops or warehouses. Some investors are looking for diversification in their investment portfolios; others are looking for…
Be careful… a new wave of sub-standard 1-bedroom apartments is set to catch some investors out. Whether or not property investors should consider adding a one-bedroom apartment to their portfolio is not just a question of demographics and demand these days – in other words, whether a market exists for smaller properties – but also…
The chances are that if you’ve just bought (or are planning to buy) an investment property in a multi-unit development such as a unit, townhouse, or apartment, you’ll have heard about an owner’s corporation or a Body Corporate. These are essential to the smooth functioning of any building or housing lot in which owners have…
Surely one of Australia’s most successful investors has snuck a holiday home (or even two) into his portfolio at some stage? It had never really crossed my mind, so I had never had the chance to ask Michael Yardney this question. It was only recently, when we were sitting with a few of our clients…
The 1970s may have been known for flamboyant clothing, but their architecture was somewhat less exciting. In fact, property from that time period could almost be described as quite “bland” – at least from the outside. Inside, of course, was a different story with the wallpaper often featuring paisley motifs and the floors festooned with…
When we talk about Australia’s property market, most people look inward — inflation data, RBA decisions, consumer sentiment. But increasingly, what happens overseas, particularly in the US and China, is influencing what happens here at home. According to Ray White Chief Economist Nerida Conisbee, there are three potential paths the Australian housing market could take…
In a year marked by economic upheavals and cost of living pressures, Australian households have not just survived; they’ve thrived. Believe it or not, the average wealth per household in Australia has now surpassed the $1.5 million mark. Yes, you read that right—$1.5 million! But let’s unpack what’s really going on here and why it…
A few years ago, I was asked what I would do if I was the Federal Housing Minister. This is what I outlined. So, what would I do if I was the Federal Housing Minister? At present over 60% of our domestic credit goes to housing-related activities and just over 30% goes to business. A…
Beware, property investors! If you’re considering investing in Melbourne’s enticing property market, it is a double-edged sword, filled with potential success but also hidden pitfalls and deceptive lures. Now that most commentators believe there is considerable upside in the languishing Melbourne market, interstate investors are flocking to Melbourne, drawn by visions of lucrative returns and…
Even if you’re in a comfortable debt position according to your own personal risk exposure, the only judgment that matters when you apply for a mortgage is that of the banks’ assessment of your serviceability. So here are eight strategies to make sure an invisible serviceability ceiling doesn’t stop you from growing your property portfolio…
