Dear Resiwealth,

Please give us an indication of where and what you would recommend as an investment. My feeling is that in the property market things are down and will continue to drop for a while yet.

We were in France recently trying to find a property there but the agent kept telling us that the place to buy in is Estonia. It is hard enough…[Read more]

Have I missed the point of this thread? A few years ago property was booming and so was this forum. Now property investing is a calculated long term plod and the lively money has gone elsewhere and, presumably, they are communicating on other forums. The “vested interests”, mtge brokers, real estate agents are still here and happy to give free,…[Read more]

I think it is very important to get some of your own money involved so I feel it is vital that you save some of your own cash before buying. Having sacrificed to accumulate some cash will help in future investments. First Home owners, Defense force funds and money from the parents make it all too easy. It is all too easy to spend other peoples…[Read more]

My only bit of encouragement is that I was eighteen when I collected my first bit of rent.
I wasn’t born rich but had a the ability to save enough of a deposit. Save money for a deposit and this activety alone will teach you the first step.

Generally speaking, cash flow positive properties are not available! So called ‘constructive’ concepts are just a play on words, for example, you can put much hard work in renovation to make a property cash flow by not counting your labour.
The market is adjusting with many properties under pressure to lose value. We may soon see lower prices and…[Read more]

A lot of good info provided so far! If you haven’t already found out you will discover that weatherboards are tongue and groove and you may have to cut the tongue to remove sections. Again, if you are going to patch and therefore cut out a slice along a joist you may have to fill out the joist with a batten to allow you to nail the new piece into…[Read more]

There have been a few discusions about country properties in the past. A lot of negative feeling exists regarding the value of buying in the country largely to do with future growth in small rural towns. While you have to look into the reason for the continued existance of some of these towns some have very promising prospects. I feel that country…[Read more]

It is very difficult to find cash flow positive in this market. In twisting the definition by adding extra deposit you really are no further ahead. Values are high and rents are low….and it will take some time to change. Add more deposit and you run the risk of having that effort eroded by increased interest rates. Even renovating is a…[Read more]

Termites live in Australia, that is, everywhere except possibly Tasmania. Every piece of dead wood can be a target. If termites are found in a house a least you know they are present and can be treated. The main cure is vigilance and regular checking. I would not walk away from a house because termites were apparent. I have an IP that I bought…[Read more]

I found this thread hard to find, I had to scale a long way down before i could find it. I read your message and will do some of my own research before I can post a reply.

You may not get many replies because It appears that your message has been wiped!

Orange is a nice place! I think it has been discovered as far as real estate is concerned. Orange is no longer a small town but more a regional centre. Some nice spots, villages, etc outside of town that may offer better buys as PPOR but don’t expect to find a lot of cash flow positive IPs in Orange. Good luck!

Amen Giddo, many builder & pest report contractors
are not worth the money. You pay a lot of money for pages of disclaimers. They are somtimes essential to secure a loan, however.

With home buying for many being a rare event these operators can get away with the crap they churn out. Good pest operators or building inspectors are priceless.

Looked at a house a few years ago that appeared a bit rough but had new ceiling. Agent could not explain why this older house had brand new immaculate ceilings throughout the house. Suggested it was just maintenance. Turned out it was a “plantation”. The roof space was filled with plastic tubs, flouro lights and a sprinkler system. Look in the…[Read more]

Sounds like g7 has the right advise…..at least it appears he does not harbour a vested interest.

There are a lot of top houses in Bathurst! In fact it is a real boom area with good eateries and shows. The University is a good size and you may still be able to convert somthing to student accomodation. Some of those bigger houses may be worth converting. 4 to 5 students paying a good rent could make for positive cash flow.

A 12 week vacancy allowance is a sensible thing to do and I have always used it as a guide. I also try to be generous in determining expenses.
Why not? It is my money that I don’t want to lose!
These factors have contributed to my selling off most of my IPs because they no longer work out as ‘safe’ propositions anymore. I am not a gambler or a loser.

Dear Dave,

I hope you do your research on your small town and decide for yourself about this investment.

The Baby Boomers have had a huge impact on property investment over the past 40 years and have been a key part, worldwide, in every property boom. They are about to retire and with them retires their huge influence on the property market.…[Read more]

I suppose, Mono, that there are some very remote ‘small towns’ that lack these services. On the other hand, there are many, many more that have a complete range of services designed to take care of all the problems you outline. Remarkably, the police are extremely mobile and if you are speeding it is always wise to be aware of that fact. Medical…[Read more]

Seems to be a lot of sarcasm and very little constructive advice on the go. Smaller towns seem to suit some people and not others. There is money to be made in small towns and, at the moment they offer better oportunities than urban areas. As far as your town is concerned, Dave, you have to examine the pros and cons carefully. There isn’t a ‘rule’…[Read more]

I wouldn’t write off a two pub town either. There must be a reason for the place to keep ticking along.