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By deferring principal repayments, you free up cash flow

Many investors who bought in during the boom years with IO loans now face a squeeze

The main appeal is straightforward: lower repayments in the short to medium term

when a lender comes out offering a 10-year interest-only (IO) home loan, it naturally raises a few eyebrows

New rental laws for Queensland general tenancies

New state rental reforms have taken effect, with landlords now facing fines of up to $11,000 per offence for non-compliance as investors continue to exit the market.

A lease surrender might seem like the last resort, but here is why it might not be the worst idea to consider

Young Australians are overcoming housing challenges by downsizing, co-buying, and seeking early financial advice to enter the market

Valuers don’t just look at the land and dwelling that the bank is lending for. They also consider elements beyond the boundaries.

Land value is certainly the launch pad for value, but improvements are where things rocket

When assessing the value of the land in a given location, it’s about much more than size

There are two main methods that residential property valuers employ when determining what a place is worth.

With all this information collated, the valuer will now send a report to the banks

The basic, primary method of assessment is called the Market Approach and it simply relies on comparing your property to other properties

A property is typically inspected and viewed by a valuer as having three interrelated elements

First of all, it's important to recognise that property valuers hold professional qualifications and are registered with State authorities

A property valuer is very different from a real estate agent, although they will look at similar things

While abolishing negative gearing might seem like a quick fix, it overlooks deeper issues impacting housing affordability

Beyond the property market, negative gearing supports the broader economy.

A common argument for abolishing negative gearing is that it would improve housing affordability by making property investment less attractive

Negative gearing has often been vilified, with critics suggesting that it inflates home prices, reducing affordability for first-home buyers.

Negative gearing isn’t unique to Australia; it’s a widely accepted tax principle applied in many countries to encourage investment across various sectors

Negative gearing is not a recent phenomenon – it has been allowed under Australian tax laws since1936

At its core, negative gearing is a tax deduction available to property investors when their rental income falls short of their loan interest and property expenses

There’s an easy way to save the government up to $20 billion annually

History has proven that real estate is possibly the most forgiving investment asset over time

If you look at the results others have achieved, you have to say that property makes pretty good investment sense

With around a third of Australia’s population being tenants, the government can’t supply sufficient public housing

While nothing in life is guaranteed, there is no denying that property investment is more predictable than other investment classes

The property offers more financial leverage than many other asset classes

The property market is less volatile than other investment asset classes such as stocks or mutual funds

As long as there is demand for property, you have a good chance of realising solid growth from your investment

You know what a house, unit, or townhouse is and you don’t need a 60-page prospectus to tell you all about it

Property investment gives you a multitude of options when it comes to growing the value and income

LEAP is an acronym you should know to better understand what tenants want.

PIES is an acronym you should know to better understand what tenants want.

SOAP is an acronym you should know to better understand what tenants want.

You can get a good feel whether or not the price you set for your rental property is right by the number of inquiries you get

The best place to compare your property to other properties on the market is realestate.com.au or allhomes.com.au if you’re in the ACT

the best place to start is to compare your property with other properties currently available for rent

One of the most important aspects of renting out your property is determining the value of your property

Never ever buy sight unseen. That’s not to say that you should ignore all investing opportunities

I’ve known investors who own property without having landlords insurance and to me, that’s like playing Russian roulette!

It’s unrealistic to expect you’ll be able to take care of everything yourself as a property investor

Rushing into decisions before you have had a chance to mull over all the facts is never a good idea

While location does the heavy lifting in your investment property’s performance - owning the right property in that location is critical

Buying an investment property and then preparing your property for the rental market

As around 80% of your property's performance will be due to its location

This is perhaps the single best tip for newbies because purchasing any old property is likely to result in a failed investment

Here’s the good news: investing in property isn’t all that hard. But it does require you to follow some processes in order to be successful.

No one wants to part with a large amount of money to end up with a poor result

Put simply, investing in property means taking a risk that you could lose money

You might shudder to think that to invest properly in property, you must have at least a basic idea of mathematics

Investing can seem so overwhelming that it might feel easier to avoid it together.

The property market can be rife with mixed information

Investing in property is a proven way for Australians to build their financial nest egg

I prefer to type up my condition report and inventory (better when it comes to reusing them for your next tenant)

As important as the written report is, the old saying that a picture is worth a thousand words is still true.

A lot of property owners and managers like to keep an inventory of items that are to stay at the property in the comment section of the basic template

Legally, condition reports need to be written and include the minimum content defined by the law in each state

I always dreaded tenants moving out. I had to conduct the final inspection to determine what needed to be fixed, etc

When you've made the decision to approve tenants to move into your property, do not wait around to let them know

I believe that in many cases, your instincts about a person can be more accurate than raw data

So, you've called all their references and your tenants still sound good. The next step is to check them on the NTD

The most important person to speak with is the agent or owner your potential tenants are currently or previously rented through

When you are going through an application, it is important not to be side tracked by your own personal thoughts

Once you have selected the application (or two) that you want to screen, make sure you have proof of income and 100 points of ID

Your first impression of the tenants is very important, but you also need to look at things in black and white

Now, it is time for you to start picking up on the signs of a great tenant

When good tenants find a house they like, they will inspect it and have the application all filled out and ready for you within 24 hours

Shout from the Rooftops, Bang the Drums and Tell EVERYONE about Your House

Good photos, equals more tenants looking at your ad. This means you will rent the property out faster.

Before you start advertising, you need to get some good photos of your house. Good tenants will be attracted to good photos

In order to attract enough good quality tenants to your inspections, you will need to set your price at or just below similar properties

You may have noticed that the hard work begins even before you start advertising and screening your tenants

To attract the type of tenants you want, the property has to suit their needs

Even if you’re in your 50s, a property can still have a good 20 years to grow

At this point, you should use the guidance of a knowledgeable wealth-creation expert

Accumulation Phase, Consolidation Phase, and Lifestyle Phase

The aim of purchasing property is to build an asset base through long-term capital growth, which only happens over a period of many years or decades

Of course, any investment strategy involves some level of risk and this is especially true for investors starting later in life

All investors go through three stages of building wealth, which are

Banks are likely to be warier in handing out loans to baby boomers because they know that at some point, you’ll stop working

Is there ever a time when you’re just too old?

In order to be effective, you must look after the only tools you have control over – your mind, body, and spirit.

Creative cooperation among humans allows us to uncover new solutions to old problems.

Most people engage in conversation to be heard, rather than to understand.

More is gained from life through the art of cooperation than competition.

Once you have established attainable goals, you must then develop the habit of planning and implementing activities that will enable you to reach them

By focusing on your desired outcomes, you will be compelled to lead yourself toward those goals

Other changes in QLD. Ending tenancies, Goods left behind, Domestic and family violence, Rental application process, Protecting privacy, Request for fixtures and structural changes

New regulations and enforcement came in effect from 6 June 2024

New laws in effect from 6 June 2024 for Rental bond processes

Balancing privacy and access, Smoke alarms, Entry notice period, Entry frequency

New laws in effect from 6 June 2024

In every moment, you are faced with a choice and the opportunity to move forward in your life’s purpose.

successful investors make time to tend to their personal relationships

Successful people confront problems as soon as possible.

Successful people pursue what makes them happy without worrying about what others think

Interestingly most things we fear will happen, never do

Successful property investors don’t try and time the markets. They know there isn’t a "right” time to do anything.

Successful investors don’t look for the next “get rich quick” scheme

In an uncertain world, we love to be right because it helps us make sense of things

Successful investors are comfortable with the reality that their future can’t be predicted

If you notice something is amiss on your credit card statement, bank statement, or even your credit history, report it immediately.

While we have covered the 4 most common scams, it's certainly not an extensive list of the scams doing the rounds in Australia’s real estate market.

I’m sure you have received an invitation like in the past: Come to our ‘free’ seminar or attend our free webinar and hear about how they can deliver you financial freedom in six easy steps

Payment redirection scams are where scammers get into the email database of official and legitimate businesses.

A sales listing scam works similarly to a rental listing scam - the scammer creates a fake listing for a property that either doesn’t exist or isn’t for sale.

Rental listing scams advertise a fake rental listing or advertisement, usually with a real address, for a property that isn’t available for rent.

Attaining wealth through property doesn’t just happen, it’s the result of a well-executed plan

Failure to research results in buying the wrong property or in the wrong location. In the long run, that will only cost you in time and money.

Smart investors buy when they have their finances ready, or perhaps they have built up enough equity in their portfolio to purchase another property.

Understanding the real estate market is crucial for making informed decisions

Buyer's remorse is also rife for property investors, even if they are successful.

delaying the start of a property investment journey is one of the biggest regrets that investors have

Perhaps you’ve done all that hard work, only to find that the market or interest rates have moved unfavourably against you.

Some property investors seem to have made a fairly good living from becoming professional project managers and adopting a buy, renovate and sell strategy

After your first couple of renovations, you’ll have a much better idea of the people and processes involved and how long it all takes to play out

This should really be at the top of the list, because obviously if you can’t get the finance you need to first purchase and then improve the property

Deciding to acquire a whole new set of handyman (or handywoman) skills by tackling a renovation project

You need to answer this question before you even start scouring for the professionals you’ll require on-site.

I’m talking about the property that presents with ideal development potential in order to realise a beneficial return.

If like many Australians you work upwards of 50 hours per week, can you really expect to take on a major renovation project all by yourself?

Maybe you’ve spruced up your own home and feel confident taking on a project that’s all about the profitability.

Improving your own home to enhance its liveability for your family will generally entail a very different approach than fixing up a rental property.

Speaking of soul, it’s important unhealthy lifestyle habits are ditched.

Thinking you know it all and that you have nothing left to learn, is foolish.

Rather than try a different approach, they continue to butt up against a wall that is not going anywhere

It’s easy to look at other people’s successes and think they got an easy ride

A lot of people are quick to blame others when things go wrong and they fail to take responsibility for the role they may have played in the situation

Despite the high-interest rate environment, housing values have remained broadly resilient

The RBA has consistently highlighted the challenges involved with returning inflation to the target range of 2-3%

The decision to keep the cash rate on hold at 4.35% came as no surprise

n the meantime, get your duck in a row and take advantage of the window of opportunity before prices rise.

While it's tempting to try to time the market to maximise your profits, this strategy is often a poor choice for property investors.

It’s literally the million-dollar question: Do you buy a property now before prices rise even further

We can debate the pros and cons of shares and property until we are blue in the face, but I think it’s a meaningless debate. It’s like debating which golf club is better.

The Commonwealth Bank, Australia's biggest lender, is forecasting six interest rate cuts in 2024 and 2025 starting in September this year

2024 it is likely that more buyers will enter the market as they realise that inflation is under control

Historically low vacancy rates and skyrocketing rents and no end in sight for the rental crisis

Over the last few years or years, one of the biggest risks to investors was the era of cheap debt coming to an end

A relatively strong Australian economy with low unemployment rates

Continuing strong immigration is creating an unprecedented demand for dwellings

While it’s likely that property price growth will be lower in 2024 than it was last year, the good news is...

Last year property prices across Australia defied expectations, rebounding in the face of continued rate hikes and closing in on record highs or even hitting new peaks in some areas.

Even if you bought the worst house at the worst possible time, the chances are good that it would still go up in value over the next few years

There are hundreds of ways you can add value to your property, which will increase your income and your property's capital value

Property is a great investment because you make all the decisions and have direct control over the returns from your property.

The return you get on real estate if you pay for your purchase using all cash (without getting a loan) isn't much higher than what you can achieve with other types of investments.

Good capital city residential property has an unequaled track record of producing high and consistent capital growth.

The rental income you receive from your investment property allows you to borrow and get the benefit of leverage by helping you pay the interest on your mortgage.

It’s often said that residential real estate offers the security of "bricks and mortar", but let’s take a closer look at why

Property investment is not just for the wealthy. It doesn't really take large sums of money to get involved in real estate.

According to the AFR Rich 200 list, which is published each year, property has consistently been the major source of wealth for Australia's multimillionaires

RealRenta can manage your Residential, Commercial, renting rooms, share/student accommodation, short term or holiday letting properties.

In every city, there are suburbs where people live because they really have no choice.

This is where most homeowners and many investors look because that’s where they can afford to buy

In general, these locations are the established inner-ring suburbs of our capital cities or suburbs close to water.

These are the upper-middle-class areas and gentrifying locations of our big cities which would also be considered A-grade suburbs

Not all real estate locations are equal and just like there are different precincts on the Monopoly board

Areas with a low crime rate are far more desirable to live in than those with a higher crime rate

Another factor to take into account for an investment-grade location is those neighbourhoods that have undergone gentrification

You will see tired old warehouses or run-down shops in surrounding streets, starting to be given a new lease on life.

Beauty, amenities, services, and walkability are all key factors that help set a high-value investment-grade suburb apart from the rest.

The availability of infrastructure and amenities is another important factor contributing to what makes a location "investment-grade.”

Investing in an area with strong job growth can increase demand for rental properties and the likelihood of finding long-term tenants

While a lot of people suggest population growth is a key driver of demand for property, it is important to look at the supply side of the equation

The first factor to consider when choosing an investment-grade location is the demographics.

You should have a plan B in case you don’t have enough cash flow to meet your debt repayment target.

Using your cash flow to repay debt is an obvious strategy. However, for some people, that won’t be enough.

In many cases, it is likely that they would have easily repaid their home loan by the time they retired, as their debt was relatively immaterial.

The goal is to reduce debt to a level where your standard of living can remain unchanged almost irrespective of the interest rate

The second consideration once you have financial buffers in place is to ensure you are repaying enough money each month to achieve two things

Many people can be very focused on repaying their home loan in full before they begin investing

With a new property cycle upon us, if history repeats itself, and it surely will, many investors will get it wrong.

It’s becoming apparent that more and more investors are looking for the next property “hotspot.”

For some reason, Australians are not as comfortable with the idea of negotiating as some of their overseas counterparts

It’s important that you inspects the property carefully and more than once to really assess its suitability.

While they say the only certainties in life are death and taxes, it’s obviously important to teach your children to plan for their future

Some things are non-negotiable when it comes to shopping for a first home.

This requires a bit of vision and a willingness to do some manual labour but is a worthwhile strategy for first homebuyers to adopt

While our first home might not be the palatial residence we dream of one day owning, it is the first step up the property ladder

Knowing how much you have to spend means avoiding disappointment and importantly

When it comes to creating a realistic budget, you have to consider the additional costs that come with owning a home of your own

Their budget should include all monthly expenses, including insurance, entertainment, and of course, things like maintenance costs and rates that come with the responsibility of homeownership.

There is a positive relationship between household income (“real income” after inflation) and housing demand

Currently, Australia’s population is around 26.5 million people, and it’s forecast to grow to 30,000,000 people by 2030

Demographics, which describes the composition of a population including population growth, structure, migration patterns, and income growth

When the government wants to inject more demand into the market it looks to incentives. Over the long term, property investors make up about 30% of the housing market.

Rising consumer confidence increases consumer spending, especially on significant purchases such as a new home or an investment property

Generally, if demand for accommodation outweighs supply, property prices will rise.

Now I’m not talking about interest rates here, but a borrower's actual access to credit

Obviously, low-interest rates make it easier for buyers to borrow more, as money is cheaper

it’s important to remember that our property markets move in cycles

We recently experienced a “once in a generation property boom” in 2020 and 2021 where the value of almost every property in Australia increased by 20% -30%

Over the last year, we experienced twelve interest rate rises, stubbornly high inflation, and economic growth has all but come to a standstill

Similar to the principle of patience, discipline sees strategic investors continue to do the right things

They recognise that wealth is the transfer of money from the impatient to the patient.

Residential Property, neither the Government, the Reserve Bank, or even the private banks are going to allow it to fail.

Attaining wealth doesn’t just happen, it’s the result of a well-executed plan. Planning is bringing the future into the present so you can do something about it now!

Almost all property investors have a goal to create some kind of financial independence.

Perhaps the biggest mistake we often see in this part of the property cycle is investors shifting their focus to cash flow.

The most obvious, but also the most uncomfortable, is to reduce your living expenses.

Understanding what your holding costs will be and then creating a buffer to get through the next 3 – 5 years.

Avoid using a bank or just an average mortgage broker, as your options may be more limited.

Higher interest rates and inflation look like they are here to stay, at least for the short to medium term

Many investors will panic and some will not stay the course, choosing to exit as things become too uncomfortable for them

Over the long-term demographics — how many of us there are, how we live, where we want to live, and what we can afford to live in

Location will do 80 % of the heavy lifting for your property’s performance

And don't believe all the hype in the media... It's too easy to get caught up in panic and drama.

few properties are “investment grade” and will strongly outperform the averages over the long term.

Remember 90% of property investors never get past the first or second investment property

The secret to financial freedom is to spend less than you earn, save the balance and then wisely invest your savings in growth assets.

In many cases, they are set up with an individual person as the trustee, which effectively neutralises a major component of asset protection.

If the trust has a loss it is trapped inside of the trust and needs to be funded with after-tax income.

Unfortunately, if incorrectly used, a Family Trust can create serious financial repercussions.

Tax risks, The name holding the assets, Loss of ownership of assets, and Additional administration

Asset protection, Minimising tax, Planning for retirement savings, Flexibility to invest in property, and Capital Gains Tax

There are seven key steps when it comes to setting up a family trust in Australia and done right, it’s a fairly simple process.

There are not just the setup costs to consider, trustees in a family trust are also liable to pay tax on any income they get from the trust.

Like any type of legal documentation, setting up a family trust does cost money.

A family trust in Australia works in a similar way to a bank account.

A beneficiary of a family trust is someone who can benefit from the assets held in the trust.

A family trust is a trust set up to hold a family's assets or to conduct a family business.

The problem is that too many investors begin their investment journey without considering what will be the best ownership structure.

These X-factors can be negative or positive and can be local or from abroad

While it’s often said you make your money when you buy your property, and that’s true, it’s because you buy the right property not because you buy cheaply

In an area that has a long history of strong capital growth and that will continue to outperform the averages because of the demographics in the area

Remember that each property boom sets us up for the next downturn, just as each downturn sets the scene for the next upswing.

Cash flow management is critical to successful property investing.

This will be more important in shaping our property markets

Have your say on 5 key legislative reform priorities to inform the development of Stage 2 rental law reform

Most jobs, most wages growth, most population growth and most of our economy happens in Australia’s capital cities

Try switching off the nightly news before the finance segment begins and watch some bad reality television instead.

any property can become an investment but few properties are “investment grade”

While cash flow is important to keep you in the game, it’s capital growth that will get you out of the rat race

One of the reasons most investors don’t develop the financial freedom they deserve is that they don’t understand the rules of money and they end up buying their properties with emotion

But don't sit around waiting for your bank to send you an email or a letter informing you if they’ve passed on the rate increase

I recommend getting your broker to send a discharge authority to your existing lender.

Most banks allow brokers to apply for higher discounts via online platforms

Typically, you should start 2 to 3 months prior to any fixed rate or the interest-only term expiration

If you would like to offer your kids a family guarantee to help them, get into the property market

If your fixed rate is expiring, then you must ensure the variable rate that will eventually apply to your loan is competitive

Different lenders will use different valuers, and valuations can vary significantly.

If you have multiple loans that relate to one property or investment, you should consider consolidating them

you need to ensure you have access to equity to fund a deposit

Some investors like to have access to as much equity in the property, even if they have no plans on using the funds.

A change in employment, income, or financial situation could either improve or impair your borrowing capacity.

Contractually, the bank doesn’t have to offer you another interest-only term – they can insist that you repay the principal and interest for the remainder of the loan term.

It has been very well reported that many mortgage holders will soon be paying much higher interest rates when their fixed rate terms expire.

Time spent worrying is time that you could spend identifying opportunities and taking action

Don’t be afraid of failing, because the biggest risk is not doing anything to protect your financial future

While knowledge is important, successful investors take action

Diversification is for people who don’t know how to invest

Be greedy when others are fearful and be fearful when others are greedy. Don’t follow the crowd because the “crowd” is either wrong or late to the party.

Don’t rely entirely on property data - it can be misleading and can be twisted to say almost anything.

Have you noticed how some investors seem to do well in good times and do even better in bad times?

Don't listen to so-called professionals, Accountants, mortgage brokers, etc.

There are 25 million property experts in Australia - everyone seems to have an opinion about the property

There will always be someone out there telling you to or not to invest in property.

Strategic investors not only buy properties, but they buy themselves time to ride out the cycle

Residential investment is a game of finance with some houses thrown in the middle

Residential property investment is a high-growth, relatively low-yield investment class

It takes the average property investor around 30 years to become financially independent.

Don’t pay attention when people tell you what the Australian property markets are doing

an unforeseen event or situation that blows all our carefully laid plans away

Even though they are armed with all the research available in today’s information age

This long-term growth of property values is underpinned by Australia’s population growth

Booms never last forever, and neither do busts.

You need resilience to be successful.

Time spent worrying is time that you could spend identifying opportunities and taking action.

Don’t be afraid of failing, because the biggest risk is not doing anything to protect your financial future.

there will always be risks when making investment decisions.

Your outside world is a reflection of your inside world

You’ll never become an expert doing a hundred things once

Don’t look for fun or excitement in your investing

Location will do around 80% of the heavy lifting of your property’s capital growth.

You need your money working for you even when you’re asleep

Cash flow is important to keep you in the property game, but capital growth will get you out of the rat race.

Property investment is part science and part art

just kick out the owner and put a tenant in

Any property can become an investment property

Timing the property market is just too hard. It’s much better to buy the best asset you can afford and hold it for the long term

Don’t listen to whom most property investors listen to for investment advice

No one really knows what’s going to happen to the property markets, but everyone seems to have an opinion.

Savvy investors surround themselves with a great team and are prepared to pay their advisors

There will always be someone out there telling you not to invest in property.

Successful investors have a long-term strategy to grow their wealth and use the correct asset protection

Taking on debt is not a problem. Not being able to repay debt is an issue, meaning cash flow management is a critical part of wealth creation.

At times of poor or no capital growth

Residential property investment is a high-growth, relatively low-yield investment class

don’t look for “what works now.” Instead, look for “what has always worked"

Property investment is risky in the short term, but secure in the long term

Within each capital city, there are multiple property markets divided by geography, price point, and type of property.

Every year we get hit by an X factor

Economists never seem to agree on where our property markets are heading and usually get their forecasts wrong

Despite the ups and downs, the long-term trend for well-located capital city properties is rising values

The economy and our property markets move in cycles

The Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA) decision to implement a sixth consecutive cash rate increase will add further burden to the pockets of everyday Australians

Landlords who own property in Queensland are being urged to apply for a new initiative aimed at boosting the supply of social housing in the state.

New emergency planning changes will urge homeowners to lease secondary dwellings in Queensland over the next three years.

You can end up paying this fee in 2 ways. Firstly, when you fall in love with a property and overpay.

A couple of 25-year-olds charge off to one of those investment property seminars that promise you’ll make a million dollars in six months.

This is the learning fee that you must pay when you realise that renovations are hard work

This is the fee that you pay when you buy an investment with poor capital growth because it’s in the wrong city, suburb, or street.

Did you know that statistics show that 20% of investors sell up their property in the first year and 50% in the first 5 years

We know that the Reserve Bank Board decided to increase the cash rate by 50bps to 2.35% at its September meeting.

The alarming figures are higher compared to last year when 48 reports of similar scams left 18 victims $32,320 out of pocket.

A spate of Sunshine Coast rental scams that have emerged this past week highlight the ever-constant threat of cybercrime.

Lender's Mortgage Insurance or LMI is required by lenders when you borrow at a certain loan-to-value ratio.

One of the biggest mistakes first-time borrowers make is not knowing what lenders look at when they assess your current financial commitments.

Over the last few years, lenders have restricted their criteria when it comes to the type of property they'll accept as security against a loan

Over the last few years, lenders have restricted their criteria when it comes to the type of property they'll accept as security against a loan

While the legislation was introduced to give lenders a greater duty of care when it comes to ensuring borrowers can afford the loans they're offered

One of the toughest challenges facing first-home buyers is saving a deposit.

Over the last few years, APRA has been reviving competition in the finance sector, particularly between the big banks and non-bank lenders.

Rather than going directly to a bank, savvy borrowers are now choosing to use mortgage brokers to apply for a home loan on their behalf.

In the good old days, you had to dress to the nines and visit the bank manager to get the nod of approval if you wanted a home loan

First home buyers in particular are often unaware of just how much the true cost of home ownership is.

When interest rates are on the rise, it's common for borrowers to panic and goes about fixing their loans in an attempt to avoid skyrocketing repayments.

Given that the most talked about topic when it comes to home loans are interest rates, it's not surprising that getting the best rate often becomes the sole focus of home buyers and investors.

Some landlords mistakenly think that standard home and contents insurance is the right choice for their investment property.

Are you a Queensland property investor or are you considering investing in Queensland? Well, hold onto your hats!

we already know that investors need to put an effective investment plan in place in order to outperform market averages.

Since ‘Major Renovations’ are not clearly defined in the Strata Act, all work that does not fall under the classifications of minor renovations or cosmetic work is considered a major renovation

For this type of renovation, you need approval, which is often given by the strata committee. The strata committee is typically given the authority to approve plans, If not, a general meeting vote will be required for approval.

A strata lot, often known as an apartment, building, or office, is legally represented by a strata title, which serves as proof of ownership to the buyer of a specific unit on the strata lot

Household and individual wealth is a very influential factor for property markets and is very topical in today's markets, so let's drill down into this topic further to show exactly why it drives prices higher.

Demographics, Future population growth, and The wealth of the nation

Now we know all about property market cycles and at what stage in the cycle we’re currently in, let's talk about property price rises, and how and why they grow short-term

Yes, we’ve moved to the next phase of the property cycle. Australia’s property market boom appears to have ended, and now we’re onto the downturn phase of the cycle.

While the Covid-19 pandemic shut down life as we knew it, many businesses closed and economies tanked, there was one market that flourished – our housing market.

We already know that Australia’s property markets move in cycles.

A Queensland property manager has offered some insight into the mental and emotional toll that’s being shared by the profession and prospective tenants during the current rental squeeze.

Tenants in regional NSW are feeling the pinch of rising interest rates, with new research naming five regions set to be the worst hit by the rental crunch

Western Australia’s consumer protection body is reminding rental providers that they must still follow the letter of the law when disaster strikes.

New Queensland rental legislative reforms could have a damaging impact on the industry, according to the Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ).

Even in light of consecutive 0.5 percent rate hikes, LJ Hooker’s head of research says the RBA board's action shouldn't have a dramatic impact on Australia's property markets.

When it comes to our homes though, rugging them up too much can invite an unwanted visitor – mould!

If your rental is badly damaged and becomes uninhabitable, you may need to relocate your tenants. But who covers the relocation costs?

When you consider all the expenses involved in owning your investment property, tax benefits don’t just include immediate tax deductions.

I’ve highlighted what you can claim on an investment property – but what about the costs that are not tax-deductible?

Utility fees, Pest control, Repairs & maintenance, Some legal costs, and Capital gains

Property management fees, Depreciation, Negative gearing, and Land tax

What kinds of expenses can you claim when you own an investment property?

The majority of the costs associated with owning a rental property can be deducted against your regular income tax bill, which reduces the amount of tax you pay overall.

Ideally, you want the next tenants to move in the day your property is available to avoid any loss of income

Rental demand doesn’t look likely to ease any time soon, particularly with our borders reopening and international students returning, filling the once vacant CBD apartments.

It all started in 2017 when APRA restricted funding to investors, meaning the number of investors providing rental accommodation decreased

There’s a shortage of rental properties available, both houses and apartments

Life is an unpredictable myriad of moments full of many highs, lows, and all the mundane stuff.

When buying a home, about 90% of your purchasing decision will be based on emotion, and only 10% on logic

It’s a common question and one which is very important to answer before embarking on a new investment: Will the cash flow from this property be sufficient to service my financial requirements?

Working out how to structure your investment property purchase is a critical consideration that must be determined before you buy (it’s too expensive to change ownership structures later on).

Smart property investors use other people’s money in three ways…

Finance is the leveraging tool to help you get into the property, and property will be the vehicle that will create your long-term wealth.

It is very important to understand what has driven the data you’re using to make your decisions because not all data is reliable or meaningful.

Two houses, side by side in the same street could be valued differently because of their individual attributes.

The once-in-a-generation property boom we experienced during the Covid pandemic and which was fuelled by historically low-interest rates

Property on the Gold Coast, QLD for sale

Planning is bringing your future into the present so that you can do something about it now.

This is the part of the process where you can truly celebrate a job well done and cash in on all of your hard work!

Sometimes, just replacing small fixtures and fittings can make a difference

These are the two main areas of renovation that will chew through your budget.

Flooring is an affordable way to transform a property’s look and aesthetic.

As well as a fresh lick of paint on the outside of the house, a revamped paint job inside can make all the difference.

An appealing first impression is the beginning step to attract tenants' (or eventual buyers') interest.

Work out early in the piece which experts you would like to hire and start arranging quotes.

It goes without saying that you will need to work out a budget for your renovations.

Before you begin doing the work, do your homework. What’s the demographic of the area? What’s the particular style of the neighborhood?

Find out if you need council approval – or body corporate approval if the property is in a unit complex

Buy low, renovate cheap, and add substantial value is the aim of the game. It sounds simple enough, right?

Over the long term the value of well-located residential real estate increases but there are times every property cycle when values stagnate

Having afriendly property manager is great. Having a property manager who is overly friendly and too trusting is not.

Your property manager should be providing you with a report each month that details your property’s financials

They don’t inspect the property regularly

Hiring a property manager is just one of those expenses that come with having a property investment - Or is it

No one likes being bombarded by endless calls, texts, and emails, but it’s much worse if your property manager never checks in.

A property appraisal is when a real estate agent determines and quotes the estimated sale price of your property based on their experience of the area, similar sales, and their knowledge of buyer demand.

A property valuation is a formal, detailed report undertaken by a certified practicing valuer (CPV) that determines a property’s market value and examines the property beyond its size and location.

You’ll almost certainly find problems in every property – even experienced investors do

One of the simplest ways to do this is to undertake a cosmetic renovation to ensure the property is looking modern and clean

As an investor, you need to focus on the type of property and location that has always worked – not what is working right now

Having a good team around you to support you through the entire process is essential.

The agent works for the sellers, not the buyers, so don’t be fooled into thinking they have your best interests at heart.

There’s an entire world of rental markets outside your own neighborhood, so don’t limit yourself.

When buying an investment, don’t look for a property that you would love to live in, or where you plan to holiday

It’s essential you make sure you have a budget to cover the unavoidable but sometimes unexpected costs of owning a home.

It’s so important to get the right finance, and having a great mortgage broker can really help.

When you’re buying a property, there are three major factors involved

While your team of professionals will be able to help you decide on the location and property type, you should keep the following in mind.

You need to budget carefully to allow for contingencies associated with your income-producing asset.

The ability to save and practice financial discipline is a crucial part of real estate investing and getting approved for finance:

Once you’ve found the right home loan for you, apply for pre-approval as this offers increased negotiating power.

The investment loan market is highly competitive and this means you can find a mortgage product with features such as an offset account, the ability to make additional repayments, a redraw facility, and minimal ongoing fees.

You may want to consider co-borrowing, which involves two or more owners agreeing to share the costs of ownership.

As a rule of thumb, banks want you to come up with at least a 20% deposit of the purchase price, even though sometimes you can put less down and pay for lenders’ mortgage insurance (LMI).

If you want to invest in property, you need to start saving as early as possible.

Leverage a pool of qualified professionals by speaking with local agents and brokers to help you understand the market and decipher whether or not the purchase would meet your investment needs.

Young investors should become familiar with property investing and different markets

It can be an exciting time when buying real estate, can’t it?

During a boom, everyone is an optimist and expects the good times to last forever, just as we lose our confidence during a downturn.

Most investors believe there is a direct relationship between risk and reward

If you are the smartest person in your team you’re in trouble.

We are getting married later, divorcing more often, and living longer.

Of course, not every property in a given suburb will make a good investment or have similar capital growth.

Smart investors buy properties with a high land-to-asset ratio.

Investors know the only way to eventually become financially free through property is to build a substantial asset base.

Wise investors never forget the age-old fundamental of buying the best property they can afford in proven locations.

Even though they think they are investing, many property investors are actually speculating.

So let’s look at some time-tested rules these successful investors use to make their fortunes.

If you’ve failed in your duty of care (e.g. failed to repair broken locks), you could also be liable for losses your tenants suffer too.

It’s not something anyone wants to think about, but as a landlord, you just may find yourself having to go to court

You might be surprised just how often landlords need to make a claim for damage caused by a water pipe bursting and flooding the home.

Mother Nature can be very unpredictable and there’s no telling what will happen when wild weather strikes.

You can have the best tenants in the world, but your rental might suffer accidental damage.

As a landlord, you could find yourself dealing with the financial hole that’s left if your tenant fails to pay their rent.

Insurance can seem like a waste of money, especially if you don’t need to make a claim.

While some things change, one thing remains clear – landlord insurance is a wise investment.

Having the right mindset is critical to investment success.

Be greedy when others are fearful and be fearful when others are greedy.

Property investment is part science and part art

No one really knows what’s going to happen to the property markets.

There will always be someone out there telling you not to invest in property.

Taking on debt is not a problem. Not being able to repay debt is an issue, meaning cashflow management is a critical part of wealth creation.

Property investment is risky in the short term, but secure in the long term. It is definitely not a way to get rich quickly.

The economy and our property markets move in cycles. Booms never last forever, neither do busts.

The property pessimists will still be out there next year telling us not to invest and that our property markets are going to crash.

So far this property cycle has been driven by owner-occupiers and first home buyers, but now more and more investors are getting in the market.

During the last few years, fear of missing out led inexperienced investors and homebuyers to purchase almost any property that their budget would allow

APRA has only really tapped its foot on the brake pedal

The official RBA interest rate is likely to remain unchanged throughout 2022

With the prolonged lockdowns in Australia’s two largest cities keeping people indoors and spending less, households have squirreled away an estimated $200 billion this year.

Most property markets have performed strongly so far this cycle. Moving forward the rate of price growth will slow and there are several reasons for this.

In general property values should increase throughout 2022, but at a slower rate of growth than 2021.

You’ll never find a perfect property. You’ll almost certainly find problems in every property

Don’t look for the next hotspot.

Having a good team around you to support you through the entire process is essential.

The agent works for the sellers, not the buyers, so don’t be fooled into thinking they have your best interests at heart.

There’s an entire world of rental markets outside your own neighborhood, so don’t limit yourself.

When buying an investment, don’t look for a property that you would love to live in, or where you plan to holiday.

It is essential you make sure you have a budget to cover the unavoidable costs

It’s so important to get the right finance, and having a great mortgage broker can really help.

The hectic conditions of the current property market have many first-time investors feeling the pressure to secure a property before they’re priced out.

All four big banks have now hiked fixed rates following the RBA meeting 10 days ago.

However, analysis of the largest 7 capital cities in Australia shows a clear trend of both house and unit prices growing faster than incomes over the last four decades.

APRA’s recent increases to banks’ loan serviceability expectations are intended to cool rapidly rising prices, but industry experts warn that there could be unintended consequences.

When it comes to investing in property for the first time, you may feel like you’re in over your head. - What are the risks?

When it comes to investing in property for the first time, you may feel like you’re in over your head. - Control

When it comes to investing in property for the first time, you may feel like you’re in over your head. - Financial benefits

When it comes to investing in property for the first time, you may feel like you’re in over your head. - Compounding over time

Is your desire to sell driven by fear or finances?

Is it a good time to sell?

Is the property investment grade?

55.2% of the respondents of a recent survey believe now is a good time to invest in residential real estate

New lending rules are about to kick in, which will limit the amount people can borrow from the bank.

Buying your first home has always been one of the highlights of many people’s lives. - Not doing proper due diligence

Buying your first home has always been one of the highlights of many people’s lives. - Over-extending financially

Buying your first home has always been one of the highlights of many people’s lives. - Not factoring in all the real costs

Buying your first home has always been one of the highlights of many people’s lives. - Avoid buying emotionally

Time is always of the essence when it comes to a notice to vacate. As a self-managing landlord, it’s important for you to be proactive to reduce confrontation and headaches, but also move new tenants into your house without losing weeks of rent.

When a tenant vacates your property, it’s important to understand your rights and responsibilities to avoid disputes and potentially save time and money.

The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA), has made a simple, but significant change to the lending rules for banks and other authorised lenders.

In the simplest of terms, tenants pay money to the property owner in exchange for being able to live in the place.

Many investors are hesitant about buying property interstate because they’re uncertain about buying a property without both seeing it first, and also being able to revisit when they like.

As far as I’m concerned, there are two main things to consider when becoming a borderless property investor, and they’ll be the make or break of your investment.

There are a number of clear benefits of becoming a borderless investor.

When you’re thinking about investing in property, there are three key things to consider. Your budget, Location, and The right property

Landlord-tenant law includes rights and obligations each landlord and each tenant has with regard to the rental property

It depends on how long you intend to lease the property, but in most cases, homeowners insurance coverage won't be an appropriate substitute for rental property insurance

When you're shopping for rental property insurance policies, you may notice that there are different types of policies

Rental property insurance, also called landlord insurance, covers the unique risks taken in renting out your home or condo for long periods of time

70 percent of landlords want to receive rent immediately from their tenants or to have the flexibility to choose when they are paid.

More than 30,000 Australians relocated to the Sunshine State in 2020, a 15-year high.

House prices in some of Australia’s more popular school catchment areas have soared by as much as 46% over the past 12 months.

Use this handy checklist to help you with your next rental property inspection.

As a landlord, you’re ultimately responsible for the upkeep and condition of your property, even when you’re renting it out.

Breach a Tenant’s Right to Quiet Enjoyment, Show Up Unexpectedly, Ignore State and Local Law, Give a Vague Notice

Give Proper Notice of Any and All Inspections (24-48 hours)

Maybe you’re suspicious one of your tenants is breaking the lease’s pet policy. Maybe you just haven’t checked in with them for a while.

Here are a few do's and don’ts to keep in mind when performing a rental property inspection.

Rental property inspections come in several types, including Move-in inspections, Quarterly inspections, Drive-by inspections, and Move-out inspections

What are they? A rental property inspection can be performed by the owner, tenant, or both whenever they move in or out of the property

If buying your own home still seems out of reach, consider buying a home for someone else instead.

For example, if you’re an apprentice earning first-year wages, you might not qualify for a loan – but you can start putting aside $50 a week for a deposit.

First, get to the bottom of the reason why haven’t bought you.

But complaining about a lack of affordability isn’t going to get them anywhere: instead, they need to starting turn attitude into action.

This is where experienced investors will have the advantage over you every time.

Maybe you took advice from a well-meaning relative, or read on a blog somewhere about the next big thing in real estate

This is a common mistake many investors make, and it can ruin them.

If you’re looking to buy an investment property and you can’t quote vacancy rates and median rents verbatim, then you need to go back to the drawing board.

Sure the property itself needs to be desirable to owner-occupiers and tenants, but buying in the right location is the most important factor.

You’re investing in property to secure your financial future and build wealth

Make sure you buy the right property for its location.

If you’re a first-time investor, champing at the bit to purchase the first property in what will become your wealth-building real estate portfolio, it can be a daunting task knowing where to start.

A lack of properties to buy at a time of rising property values creates uncertainty about being able to find a better alternative.

Furry friends will be more welcome in New South Wales strata schemes from 25 August

With the Australian Capital Territory extending its lockdown, the government has urged landlords, tenants and rental providers to work together closely over the coming weeks.

However, throughout my years in the industry, I’m struck by the number of agents who have an exterior display of “wealth” yet continue to struggle with something as basic as owning their own home.

But they are asking the wrong question: creating lasting wealth through real estate investing is not about the actual transaction or event of buying a property

Developing a life-long pursuit of learning and educating yourself is important for every individual

This is the phase where the investor’s asset base grows sufficiently, to allow them to leverage off their increasing equity and cash flow to buy more properties.

This is the next phase some property investors move into if they have critically examined what works for them and what doesn’t

This is the earliest phase, where property investors learn about investing by trying different strategies and listening to every point of view in the market.

Buffett’s entrepreneurial spirit dates back to when he was a little boy.

As Benjamin Franklin once said:“A penny saved is a penny earned.”

The best way to inspire the next warren Buffett out of your child is to act as a great financial role model yourself.

Saving even a little bit of money on a regular basis pays off

Warren Buffett is arguably one of the best investors of all time and has an excellent track record of creating and maintaining his wealth dating back to his early entrepreneurial days starting at just five years old.

Ashleigh Petrie nominated her mother as the sole beneficiary of her super. However, Ashleigh’s 63-year-old fiancé was successful in claiming her full super balance after she died in a car accident.

They say you should beware of common tax traps that can delay refunds or lead to an audit costing you time and money

Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.

The Reserve Bank of Australia has made its latest call on the official cash rate.

Thinking of converting your home to an investment property one day? You’re not alone…

Another major difference between residential and retail leases is that the tenant is required to pay additional costs.

Unlike residential leases where tenants are usually not allowed to make any changes to the property, retail leases are kind of the opposite.

Retail lease rent increases generally happen every year and can be by a fixed-rate, percentage increase, or commonly reflect the Consumer Price Index increase.

More and more sophisticated investors are considering commercial real estate as a viable investment strategy.

With lockdown restrictions tightening across NSW and extending in Victoria, Australia’s banks have rolled out extra support to affected customers.

Having a mortgage is even more likely to be cheaper than renting than it was pre-pandemic, new research has revealed.

In just four short years, the Refalo family has doubled their investment portfolio, enabling them to explore the possibility of a semi-retirement in the near future.

I’ve known investors who own property without having landlords insurance and to me, that’s like playing Russian roulette!

Rushing into decisions before you have had a chance to mull over all the facts is never a good idea

While location does the heavy lifting in your investment property’s performance

Buying an investment property and then preparing your property for the rental market will require a certain amount of time and money.

As around 80% of your property’s performance will be due to its location

Buy the type of property that would appeal to owner-occupiers

Supply and demand are important – and I don’t just mean supply and demand of rental properties.

When you make the decision to become a landlord, there are a number of ways to minimise your risks

There are a number of reasons why a person may want to invest in property, but they never actually get around to it.

Leading economists are now predicting that rates will move faster than the RBA’s lower for longer forecasts, with those who want to lock in record-low rates urged to act before it’s too late.

The past year has raised new tax issues for mum and dad property investors, with many expected to cop a hit this tax time.

Let’s say you’ve gone full steam ahead and just wiped the final dust from your upscale bathroom renovation.

Understanding what separates repair or maintenance work from an improvement requires asking yourself the right questions prior to starting

No doubt, remodeling a space is a sure-fire way to attract a rental crowd and increase its value to potential tenants.

Ultimately, maintenance claims can include any type of work done to the property that prevents it (or a part of it) from deteriorating or eventually becoming broken or unusable.

The Australian Taxation Office stipulates that a rental owner is entitled to claim the costs of any type of work done to an investment property, provided that the expense ultimately contributes towards its overall maintenance and repair.

The bigger the better. Ideally, you will have about 20 percent of the house purchase price saved up. This is a good idea for a couple of reasons.

The lender may ask for three to six months of bank statements for your transactional accounts so they can identify incomings and outgoings.

Pulling together the information for a loan application can seem daunting, and may even feel a little invasive.

Finally, where is the wriggle room? When you buy a brand new property, your room to negotiate prices is strictly regulated by a set-price list.

New properties don’t cost that much more than established properties.

People think there is less maintenance involved in a new property

why buying a brand new house or unit is enticing. However, that doesn’t mean it is a smart decision. There are more tax benefits for new properties

The fresh smell, the clean slate, the low maintenance - are just some of the reasons why buying a brand new house or unit is enticing. However, that doesn’t mean it is a smart decision.

Short term lets – more vacancy, more costs

Tenants love them and they can really add value so try and get as many of these in your property.

I own lots of Pet-friendly accommodation

This one is a little bit counterintuitive but it means you will have much better inquiries

Professional photos advertising your property, feature property status putting them on page 1 of the most dominant portals

Rents need to increase to keep up with inflation

Westpac has said that moves to tighten lending standards could come earlier than it previously predicted.

The goal for most investors is to accumulate enough wealth so your investment assets generate sufficient passive income to meet living expenses.

Every insurance policy is different and you have to look at what is coved and what is not

Do not wait until it is too late. While it seems odd to delay issuing a breach notice, it is common in a downturned property market where rents are decreasing

Landlord insurance is a great safety net when something goes wrong.

That is great news! Apart from making sure, you have a thorough record of the breach

Tribunals have been known to completely reject a landlord’s claim in court simply because the notice wasn’t served correctly.

As soon as a tenant is behind in rent, a breach notice should be issued immediately to prevent further loss.

But, what happens when they break the rules on the lease and how does it impact your insurance?

So let’s take a look at why some properties are more valuable than others - Solid returns on investment

So let’s take a look at why some properties are more valuable than others - Gentrification

So let’s take a look at why some properties are more valuable than others - Infrastructure

So let’s take a look at why some properties are more valuable than others - The character, style, and appeal of homes

So let’s take a look at why some properties are more valuable than others - It turns out size does matter, after all

So let’s take a look at why some properties are more valuable than others - Where we want to live

If you think it’s harder to rent out your property than ever before, you’re not imagining it. - Choose the right way to rent your property

If you think it’s harder to rent out your property than ever before, you’re not imagining it. - Listen to constructive feedback

If you think it’s harder to rent out your property than ever before, you’re not imagining it. - Pivot your target market

If you think it’s harder to rent out your property than ever before, you’re not imagining it -Invest in stronger marketing

If you think it’s harder to rent out your property than ever before, you’re not imagining it. - Renovate the property while it’s vacant

An apartment is the first rung on the property ladder for many first home buyers, especially those priced out of a freestanding or attached house in Australia’s priciest capital cities.

More and more investors are using their Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) to buy an investment property. Some of the most common mistakes people are making and how you can avoid them - Purchasing from a member

More and more investors are using their Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) to buy an investment property. Some of the most common mistakes people are making and how you can avoid them - Stamp Duty

More and more investors are using their Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) to buy an investment property. Some of the most common mistakes people are making and how you can avoid them - Life Insurance

More and more investors are using their Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) to buy an investment property. Some of the most common mistakes people are making and how you can avoid them - Renovations

More and more investors are using their Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) to buy an investment property. Some of the most common mistakes people are making and how you can avoid them. - Associated Party Loan

More and more investors, and particularly Baby Boomers, are using their Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) as a vehicle to buy an investment property. So, I’d like to share some of the most common mistakes people are making so you can avoid them - Debt

Ending a Rental Agreement - Reasonable and proportionate test for VCAT - Claiming bond - Notice to vacate for endangering safety

During a rental agreement - Modifications - Urgent repairs - Inspections and rights of entry - Electrical and gas safety

Moving in - Rental minimum standards - Keys and security

Before you sign a lease

Whether you’re a renter or rental provider (the “official” new name for a landlord), there are a new set of rental rules that you should understand.

Take action - Begin by developing a mindset for your business success

If you are serious about growing a very significant property portfolio and establishing a real “property investment business” – Begin with the End in Mind

Retirees / Downsizers

Are you looking to invest in property and take advantage of the new property cycle?

You can’t have successful property investment without tenants but too many landlords pay scant regard to their tenants – to their financial detriment.

With an increasing number of Australians now residing in apartment complexes, certain activities that residents used to freely carry out in freehold house has become a contentious topic of discussion among a number of Body Corporates.

12 KEY TIPS

Children drawing on walls or sticking gum in lifts is enough to raise the ire of any tenant.

Smoking in enclosed areas of the common area of common property is prohibited by law under theTobacco and Other Smoking Products Act 1998

It isn’t uncommon for strong cooking odours to waft through mechanical ventilation systems and impact larger areas.

Most body corporates have a by-law that states a unit can’t be used for immoral or improper purposes.

Excessive noise is always an issue and isn’t just restricted to the unit dwelling

The issue of animals being kept in unit dwellings has long been an emotive topic that has generated heated debate among both tenants and the wider community.

It’s the body corporate’s responsibility to maintain the building and ensure the upkeep of common areas.

Tenants parking in the visitor bays, tenants parking in the wrong bays

The quality of landscaping in common areas, as well as the style and type of plants used, can result in tenant complaints.

Children running amok in a unit complex are bound to attract the attention of other tenants.

Residents of NSW apartments are another step closer towards being allowed to legally keep a pet with the passing of a crucial law in parliament last week.

A writ­ten lease is very import­ant. You need the right rental agree­ment for your situ­ation and state

Debt recycling may be a little confusing, so let’s explain it with a seven-step guide.

Simply put, debt recycling is a strategy that turns your current home equity into a tax-deductible investment loan.

Somewhere along the line, you were probably taught that debt is a problem. But, I don’t agree with that.

You were probably taught by your parents to get a good education, a good job, buy a home, work really hard and pay off your debt.

Rent reality

External features

Security matters

Allowing pets

It’s no secret that the rental market in some parts of the country is sluggish. Renovation