I too would side with some of the others: find a cheaper property without all the whistles & bells on the same size (or bigger block). Is the train line a certainty? Has construction started at this end? If so, what else is available in the area which meets your requirements?What will it cost to bring the other things to another block? Ie new…[Read more]

I too would side with some of the others: find a cheaper property without all the whistles & bells on the same size (or bigger block). Is the train line a certainty? Has construction started at this end? If so, what else is available in the area which meets your requirements?What will it cost to bring the other things to another block? Ie new…[Read more]

Sound like you might need a 3rd block as well.

Owning 2 adjoining houses means you can choose some of your neighbours (if you live in one). Yes, it can make sense to pay a premium for the second block if it gives rise to additional development potential eg a single block will allow 2 dwellings however  2 blocks will allow 5 dwellings (or better still an increase of 30%+ on 2 single lots).Have…[Read more]

If you settle, you pay stamp duty. If you sell after settlement you pay cgt.Many states no longer allow you to put 'nominee' as the purchaser.Look into 'put and call' options.

Generally, it is only those who are listed on the title (all of the parties) or those who have a power of attorney, may contract to sell a property. Of course, if the person can prove that they are you ie identity fraud, then they may be able to sell the property as well.Remember that a sale does require the vendor to sign the transfer document, a…[Read more]

Before rushing in, the biggest bogie will be zoning. Can you find a large site, with access to services which can be rezoned to allow medium density or more than a single dwelling? Speak to a town planner or the TP at council before rushing in.

It may depend upon when you get it done. If you get 2 or 3 extra sets cut when you purchase the lock, then it could be argued it is a capital cost, if you are simply replacing lost keys, then it is maintenance.Either way, the cost is insignificant (unless you are rekeying a multistorey building).

The ETS may have been canned, at least for the moment, however the BCA will be the standard by which all buildings will be constructed.

I was only reading yesterday that the proposed changes to the Building Code of Australia will enshrine energy efficiency into the requirements for new houses. These measures will be costly, not attributed to the ETS or other scheme but still affect overall construction costs and affordability.

If the 'get out of jail clauses' are so loosely structured, then the vendor may be able to arrange finance or an val to satisfy those conditions. They need to be specific if you are going to be able to rely upon them.

The only  thing the vendor has to provide to you is the home warranty insurance for the balance of the period of coverage ie less than 1 year of the six year insurance policy.As Linar points out, it simply is not worth anyone's while to go for legal enforcement of a non-contractual item.

Generally speaking although both are different forms of Torrens Title ownership, strata title is the lesser of the two forms. That said, each serves a specific purpose eg strata title is best suited where you require access over a common area eg driveway serving several blocks.Here's a link from a past forum: https://www.propertyinvesting.com/forum…[Read more]

Contrary to your view D, family sizes are growing for the  first time in living memory – this will carry on for a few more years whilst there is a baby bonus being offered.

What an absolute furphy! We all want to keep up with the Jones's, so we all want to go one bigger. Housing size in Oz is not driven by need but by ego. Why else would we be seeing units which are bigger than the old 10 square house? Buyers might not be able to afford a freestanding house with 4 beds/study/etc located in the cbd but they can buy a…[Read more]

You are probably better off with a solicitor in the jurisdiction in which you are purchasing – at least they are au fait with local legislation, building/pest inspectors etc in the area without having to read the local (state) property act.

Personally, I don't believe that residential owners will feel the effects as much as those involved in commercial property however I will look at both sides.Residential owners – have very little direct recource to reclaim any increased costs due to an ETS other than by raising rent (a very blunt instrument in a soft rent market). Areas which will…[Read more]

You are more likely to be better off (asset-protection wise) by having the unit owned in a separate entity to the working company, a family trust or other structure would do this. Your company could then lease the property from the other entity, thus ensuring income to pay the loan (although you, or a director of the company may have to guarantor…[Read more]

Put it into the disputes register asap, then argue the toss. an email should be a single billing unit (6 minutes), obviously a letter would take longer. The lawyer should include some degree of follow up etc within their price regardless.

If the lease expires the vendor (and tenant) can relocate, provided that there is alternative suitable premises for them, they may sell the business to someone who may want to remain or relocate or thirdly, they may simply be looking to retire/close a loss-making business.Capital values rise and fall at different rates depending upon the category…[Read more]