A little bit concerned about the sub $550k part of the market, but anything over about $850k seems to have value.  Would buy anything at the moment for the right price

Hi Graham,Congrats on the decision to get into it.  As far as advice is concerned, you can't do much better than spending some time on this forum reading the various threads – it's a wealth of knowledge, and most of it from people are are doing it and who are good at it.  Actually, now you think of it, you could compile a pretty big book from a…[Read more]

There is nothing worse than making the wrong decision and being stuck with it for a long time, however that is what can happen if you get a property purchase wrong.   If you would like to pass on some details about the property and what is going on, I might be able to give you a hand.  I've sent you an email, additionally, you can visit out we…[Read more]

Hey there,It sounds like you are starting to get a good idea of what it is that you want.  I know a few people that I personally and professionally trust who might be able to help.  At least a good chat on the phone with them may provide you with either insight, comfort or maybe even a solution.  We review the trust deeds of accountants and ot…[Read more]

Try calling this guy, I get my advice off him for my Melbourne transactions:Stefan DeffertGroup Director Level 5, 34 Queen StreetMelbourne  Victoria  3000 T  +61 3 8610 3900F  +61 3 8610 3999http://www.structuredco.com.au 

A lot depends on the valuer that you are using.  I've used lots of different valuers over the years, it really depends on what you're trying to work out.  If you find someone with development experience, they may be able to work back.  You'll also have examples of other golf courses, and see if the land/houses next to them have a premium or no…[Read more]

Seems like this is a community project – easy way to explain is that it's a strata division of land, so the same as buying a unit, except it's land.  You don't have full and free title to the property and your activities can be subject to the approval of the body corporate.Typically, you'll find that land like this is a lot cheaper, but then…[Read more]

There are so many variables – but it depends on the footprint, access to the property (are they both fronting the property, or will you need a driveway down the side becuase you're building them sideways?).Also depends if you want to subdivide as freehold or keep it as strata.  Got any more info on what you're thinking?FS

Hi there!I work in a financial planning firm, and we often recommend income protection to our clients.  If you want some more specific information so you can have a good idea of what you should be looking for, we've got a fair bit of material that you can have a look at.  We also have software that will rank just about every income protection p…[Read more]

It all comes down to a plan – think ahead and think of what you are wanting to achieve.  Think about the types of risks that you feel comfortable with.  A few things to keep in mind:1. if you have a debt that was used for business or investment purposes, then the interest is tax deductible.  That being the case, on a tax bracket of 30%, your ef…[Read more]

Honestly don't know why the MISA exists these days, I really feels like a 1990's product!  CBA should really just bin it and catch up with the rest of the world.I agree… do things properly, it's not worth the hassle in the future if you get something wrong.

Have to say, it's so much better in in NSW – I've got a great propery manager and would not give them up even if someone offered to do it for free.  Sydney is a much more competitive market, however the costs are not really lower for running a property rent roll.Bit by bit, competition will push prices lower, but it takes time!

Ohhh, that's good… making it's way around the office now, I can hear the laughter!

Andrew is pretty much on the money.  However, your total position has to be taken into consideration.  If you sustain a loss of that size, can you wear it?  And if you can wear it, what will be the probability of being able to invest in the future?  One of the things that a lot of people get wrong is that they sell when things are bad, and the…[Read more]

You may have some loan break fees (depends on the product – but the less you pay going in, the more you pay going out – so there may be some loan set up costs if you find a product that has few or any exit fees).  Additionally, holding costs may incur some utility costs plus rates etc.Not sure if you have included conveyancing fees in your…[Read more]

Haha, time to do a little spruiking Our Financial Planning firm charges no commission at all on super and managed funds etc.  Nil upfront, and nil ongoing.  We only charge for the advice that we give.  So, you pay for what you get, you don't have to worry about paying 0.8% for the next 10,20, 30 yrs and not getting any service or advice.  Eve…[Read more]

Are we right to assume that you're not self employed?  Fletcher Tax is right, you should be conservative and leave some room.  If you do go hard and trying and get as much back, just be prepared if you get wrong, as you'll need to come up with more money.  Don't hinge your future cash flows (and gearing levels) on the additional cash flow, as th…[Read more]

We've managed to put a few loans through of that size recently at the 1% discount mark, however we have not been able to do anything more than 1% for a while now – the banks are just not as competitive as they used to be.  Loan quality also plays a role in the discount that you can get now.Keep trying, it's possible to do it !!!  If you keep h…[Read more]

You really just have to weigh up the options and look at things mathematically – if you pump money into something else, what will be the potential financial reward over the same period of time, and will it be superior to owning the block of land?  If it is, then you're better off doing something else, then using the proceeds from that to buy the…[Read more]

I know the guys at C&N very well, and they are great at what they do.  However, if you're after something basic, like a SMSF, you can get the same things are lower rates elsewhere.  They're great at some of the more complex trust issues, however keep in mind that if you can find someone else with the same IP, they'll probably do it for less.You c…[Read more]