The Vacant Residential Land Tax (VRLT) in Victoria has been a topic of much discussion, especially among property investors and homeowners who may be affected by this tax. Originally, this tax applied only to residential land in the inner and middle suburbs of Melbourne, but recent legislation has expanded its scope to include all of…
You probably know – like I do – a number of few people who’ve done very well out of property over the years… despite not taking much interest in it, and having no special skills. And although I don’t want to discourage you in your quest to be an elite and highly informed investor, this…
Investing in property can be one of the most effective ways to build wealth, but it’s not without its pitfalls. Over the years, I’ve seen many investors make the same mistakes repeatedly, often derailing their financial goals. Here are 10 common missteps property investors make and how you can steer clear of them. 1. Falling…
Proposed changes to the minimum energy efficiency standards for rental properties in Victoria could soon see landlords facing increased costs in a bid to help the state move towards net zero emissions. While the intentions behind these reforms are commendable, the reality is that these changes will have significant financial implications for landlords, many of…
Top economists are unanimous in believing Australia’s housing market is in crisis. Offered a choice of 14 measures identified by the Economic Society of Australia as likely to restrain prices for buyers and renters, none of the 49 leading economists polled picked: “Do nothing, the market will determine appropriate prices”. The economists chosen for the…
Brisbane’s property market might not match the sky-high prices seen in Sydney and Melbourne, but over the past few years, the sea-change shift effect has seen its population boom, with even our richest property buyers flocking northwards. And it has put some of the city’s most affluent streets on the map. Brisbane’s house prices boomed…
Australia’s demographic landscape is shifting dramatically, with one of the most significant trends being the rapid increase in our elderly population. This change is set to profoundly impact everything from housing demand to the workforce, and especially the aged care sector. In this episode of the Demographics Decoded Podcast, we explore how this “Silver Tsunami”…
Potential sellers are often told that spring is the best time to sell their property and at first, this seems a no-brainer. The weather is warming up, gardens look their flowering best and buyers are returning to the property market in droves after hibernating during the long cold winter. Sellers are also frequently warned that…
Sydney is home to some of Australia’s (and even the world’s) most expensive properties. Its notoriously robust real estate market has remained impressively resilient, with property values defying predictions and steadily rising over the past 18 months. Sydney has led the current property upturn – prices started to rise in January 2023 at a time…
In this article, I’ll explain the role of a town planning consultant and what you need to be asking yourself. Town planning consultants are professionals with qualifications in town planning or urban planning. Those in private practice have usually been employed by local councils or planning organisations for a number of years, meaning they know…
