Australians are delaying moving to new homes due to concerns about housing affordability, high stamp duty costs, fears of not earning enough from selling their current homes, and the uncertainty of finding better alternatives. This has led them to stay in homes that may not be the best fit for their needs. In fact, a…
After the largely unanticipated COVID-19 property market boom, we were hit with twelve successive interest rate hikes, sapping buyer confidence and demand. Since then we’ve witnessed six months of strong price growth in virtually all housing markets, despite those high interest rates. I’ll explain why these events took place and what the future holds for property…
I am sure you have seen the TV shows. So easy, to transform an entire house from top to bottom in less than an hour, while making thousands of dollars in the process! All you need is a top team of tradies, preferably someone in short shorts and a cute puppy dog. Before you know…
It’s been a wild ride for property investors over the past 6 years – from a cutoff of interest-only loans to threats of a negative gearing ban, to aggressive interest rate hikes, high property prices… and now, a spotlight on Australia’s rental laws. Ultra-low vacancy rates, high rent prices, strong demand, and a rising population…
Have you ever had a strong opinion (belief) about investment markets that was subsequently proven to be incorrect? A recent example was when many people predicted borrowers would be forced to sell their properties due to the Covid lockdowns and the market would crash. This outcome now seems unlikely. It is my view that a…
As expected by markets, the monthly inflation indicator came in at 5.2 per cent for the year to August. This was an increase from the very sharp drop to 4.9 per cent last month but below the 5.4 per cent recorded in June. The increase was mainly driven by rising fuel prices, driven more so…
When it comes to property investment you’ll often hear two conflicting philosophies advocated. Some suggest you should invest in property to achieve positive cash flow – that’s when rental returns are higher than your mortgage repayments and expenses leaving money in your pocket each month. Others suggest you should invest for capital growth looking for…
The Spring selling season has arrived. Will this now bring good news for buyers who have been faced with limited options for much of this year? Well, according to PropTrack’s Senior Economist, Eleanor Creagh, the choice has improved significantly in the major capitals, with buyers benefiting from the rush of properties hitting the market. She…
Valuations are an essential aspect of the property investment game, with the potential to either help your portfolio prosper or stop it dead in its tracks. Financing a new purchase or restructuring or refinancing your existing debt are generally the main reasons for a property investor to have their assets valued. Because the result of…
When it comes to selling property, everyone wants the best price for the lowest possible expense. But how open to negotiation is your real estate agent likely to be? In this article, a group of experts reveal the pros and cons of haggling on costs and strategies to do it well. Picture this – you…
