Tremelo, there is no central database of rental yields & vacancies only legwork.Long term growth figures – try the ABS but they will only be general figures. The information provided by each supplier comes from the same source. It is accurate as it is comprised of actual sales data. If you want more detailed information you will need to engage an…[Read more]

2nd hand kitchens – check out demolition sales in the local paperToilet – replace the pan and the cistern (you will need a plumber to do this) – you will need to choose the fixture carefully to make sure it will suit the setback for the pipework.Is the plumber supplying the vanity & tapware or is he only removing and installing the…[Read more]

A little word of advice Nat, when you are competing against builders who have the purchasing power of buying 10+ units of fixtures fittings at the same time on the one project, you will have little chance of securing much more discount than the average punter. You may  be better off paying with cash or  credit card upon delivery than 30 day t…[Read more]

Of course there is an over supply in this part of the north shore. The boffins in the Dept of Planning took the planning powers away from Kuringgai council, foisted its own plan for 20000 additional residents (about a 30% increase) and released all of the land at the same time. This area is traditionally low density and should have been kept that…[Read more]

It goes to show how toothless the Dept of Fair Trading really is. No real disincentive to stop doing what she does. If she does it again she'll get a second life ban. What good is that?

Seek out  some of the more commercial agents (even though it is only a small resi project). Get a few of them to put a proposal to you including their estimate of site value, proposed method of sale (auction, EOI, tender or private treaty), their experience in similar sales, how many similar proposals that they may have on the market at the…[Read more]

Generally not. Depending upon the state that you are in, leases longer than 10 or 20 years can be considered a subdivision (sometimes not permitted under LEP/DCP) or alternatively a way of getting around paying stampduty and not permitted.Even if a long-term lease was feasible, you would only be getting a return on the value of the land, not the…[Read more]

Any agent worth their salt would have several developers and investors in their networks – why hasn't the agent hit on their network? (I've not heard of this agent before).Does the agent have a sole agency agreement or can you approach another more proactive agency?One way to consider the project, depending upon how much you owe on the land, is…[Read more]

If you know who the builder was then look up dept of fair trading website or contact DFT to see if there are any outstanding claims against this builder. $1000 pq is not extraordinary – the building does have lifts and probably a pool/gym etc – these are expensive items. What is the balance between the sinking fund and the operational funds? Are a…[Read more]

The portion of the BC fees which were unpaid at the time of settlement are your responsibility as you were the legal owner of the property and 'enjoyed' the services provided by the BC. If there was any adjustment of the levies made by your solicitor it would have been noted eg 32 days of 90 days with the balance being paid by the purchaser.The…[Read more]

Definitely standard practice in NSW – I'd hammer my agents if they weren't diligent in managing the lease. If they are not recouping water consumption from the tenant, then advise them you want it out of their fees as they aren't doing their job.

If current fixed interest rates are above your fixed rate, the bank would be paying you an incentive to refinance as they have more lucrative products on the market (ie at higher rates). How long ago did you get them to quote your exit fee?

I dare say that you are a little optimistic at  trying to realise more than 1/3 as your profit ie the largest town house (most expensive to build) as well as the retaining the best position, that leaves the developer to cover his costs and very little else.Consider the way to go may be taking out an advert (at least 3 days) in the Age under…[Read more]

What is under heritage – the area, the house or the tree?A couple of pointers – most councils will permit removal of trees within 3 m of the house, an arborist's report indicating that the tree is unsound will back up your request to remove a tree.If it is a vacant site, you will still need an arborist to identify each of the trees which are to be…[Read more]

Not only does the kid have a toy car in the box but also a black rocket ship!!!

Contact your super fund managers – many have add-on benefits such as free or low-cost financial planners, they should take into consideration your aims without locking your funds up in super for 40 odd years.

It does not matter who builds the house (the article refers to a developer and that is what the person who builds speculatively is). If they do this for a living, then they pay tax on the profit, if you do it as a one off, then you may be paying CGT. If you are doing it to live in as your ppor, there is generally no cgt.

Aren't they all ?

Spec home – house built for speculative purpose ie develop & quick sale.

Only if the CC requires more detailed plans otherwise the DA drawings will suffice. The council will provide copies of these to the owner of the land for use in connection with the land.