Far too many novice investors falsely believe that their property managers are entirely responsible for their investment properties. They adopt a “set and forget” mindset and blindly hand over the care of their investment to someone who probably is overworked and underpaid! Savvy investors, on the other hand, understand that while they might hand over…
Relationship breakdowns are hard on everyone and particularly so if there is property involved. During such an emotional time, financial missteps can be made which may have long-term implications. So what are the biggest property mistakes people make when a relationship ends and how can you avoid them? Trying to sell under the radar In…
You often hear location is paramount when choosing a great investment property. But what makes a good location? While a lot of factors come into play, easy access to facilities must be near the top of the list. Walking distance to transport, shops and the café lifestyle is one of the strongest trends attracting buyers…
Most homeowners and investors are long-term borrowers. That is, they will have a mortgage for many decades. We must realise that over many decades, there will be periods where interest rates will be higher than the average and vice versa. The average standard variable rate since 1959 is 8.20% p.a. Noting that most borrowers enjoy…
Inflation reduced from 7.8% in the December quarter to 7.0% in the March quarter, which was good news, of course. Many economists believe that inflation (CPI) will continue to decline over the coming months. However, history tells us that when inflation has exceeded 8% (like in the US last year), it has taken over a…
We know Warren Buffett made his fortune in the stock market, and in many respects equities and real estate present very different challenges. But let’s take a brief look at what parallels property investors might be able to draw from the psyche and investment approach of the world’s most famous and successful investor. It’s fairly…
Finances across Australian households remain resilient in 2023, even despite the rising cost of living and pressure on mortgage holders as interest rates continue to climb. After falling 9.1% in the 10 months to February 2023, it is becoming increasingly clear the housing market has moved through an inflection point, posting a number of consecutive…
Have you considered refinancing your loan? Maybe you’re wondering how much borrowers need to pay to refinance their home loans? According to Canstar, the average cost to refinance an owner-occupied home loan in Australia is $803. This includes fees such as the discharge, application, valuation, documentation, legal and settlement costs. Canstar pointed out that to…
The June cash rate decision doused hopes for many Australians that rate hikes were nearing an end. It prompted the major bank economists to reset their forecasts for the terminal cash rate to at least 4.35%, dragged on consumer sentiment, and may take some steam out of the recent housing market recovery. Of the 400…
Melbourne house values have increased a mere 1.6% between the onset of COVID in March 2020 and the end of May 2023. Every other capital city has seen double-digit growth, ranging from a 16.5% gain in Sydney to a 45.2% surge in Adelaide house values during that period. Melbourne homeowners might be disappointed at the…
