Arranging for a property valuation prior to purchase, or a valuation on a property you already own for refinancing is relatively straightforward. That said, it’s important to understand potential pitfalls associated with a valuation so you can brace for a possibly unfavourable outcome. If you are applying for a loan from a bank, they will…
How foreign investors really created Australia’s housing crisis. Some commentary in the media suggest that’s the case, but recently Tim Reardon, the Chief Economist at the Housing Industry Association (HIA), offered a different perspective that challenges these common misconceptions. Misconception 1: Foreign investors leave homes vacant It’s a popular belief that foreign investors are buying up properties…
If the dreaded black spores are invading your rental property, you want to deal with them quickly. But just who is responsible for removing mould? It starts as one little spore, then two… and, before you know it, there is a horrible black fungus spreading, well, like mushrooms. Like all fungi, mould grows best in…
What makes a particular location liveable? That would be nice to know, wouldn’t it? It would be particularly important if you’re a homebuyer, but as an investor, it’s critical to only own properties in the type of location that will be in continuous strong demand by more affluent owner-occupiers. Of course, the concept of livability is…
Many of the property investors I speak with are often confused about the differences between Line of Credit facilities and Offset Accounts. Understanding how these two types of loan-related products can function will help determine the best fit for your property investment strategy. What is a Line of Credit? A Line of Credit (often abbreviated to ‘LOC’) is a…
The federal government’s Help to Buy scheme is before the parliament. Both the Coalition and the Greens are opposed to it. If the bill is passed, the government will provide an equity contribution of up to 40% of the purchase price of a new home, and up to 30% for an existing dwelling, with buyers…
Making the leap from homeowner to property investor comes with a unique set of challenges and opportunities. While many landlords try to minimise their outlay and maximise their return – and understandably so – insurance is the one essential expense you simply can’t afford to scrimp on. It’s so important that you are adequately covered…
How do you choose an investment-grade property? One that will outperform the averages and deliver wealth-producing rates of return? Well…you probably know by now that property investment is part science and part art. The art component is the market intelligence that comes from decades of experience in buying and investing on the ground. And this…
It’s no secret that Australians are now valuing sustainable, energy-efficient homes not just for environmental reasons but as a smart way to save money. With the cost of living pressures escalating, incorporating energy-efficient features into homes is becoming a financially savvy strategy. This trend is especially relevant as high utility bills are increasingly stretching household…
One of the skills of being a good negotiator is knowing when not to talk but to listen. I have found that many inexperienced negotiators are too eager to show off just what they know. This can work against them as they often reveal too much too soon, in particular about what they are willing…
