It depends upon the outcome that you are after and the long-term plan for the property. That is, if you are looking to purchase a house to live in for the next 5-10 years then (without knowing your circumstances) it is possibly best for you to purchase without a loan. If on the other hand you are looking to purchase as an investment (or to live in…[Read more]

Consider the following 2 options:1 – Serve notice to complete, get the solicitor to sue for specific performance if the vendor does not comply. It is not your problem if the vendor has insufficient assets to cover his liabilities (assuming that the vendor has sufficient coverage at the moment, how does selling this property affect that balance?)2…[Read more]

Solo, Corian looks like stone however it is 'plastic'. Several other companies had a go at copying it, mostly unsuccessful having failures in appearance, porosity, heat resistance, durability etc. Correct me if I am wrong but composite stone products are a manufactured stone/epoxy mix not pvc hence they will be porous and will require car…[Read more]

The appointment of the strata manager goes to a vote at the AGM (with proxies for those unable to attend). The cost of having the document reviewed would be borne by all owners and paid for from the admin fund (not the sinking fund). A solicitor could review and explain the document for you (or you may try the strata managers association or REI).…[Read more]

What do you need to know specifically? Which state (although there is some degree of uniformity across all states now). Have you been issued with the annual fire safety statement from council and wondering how to get it completed or been served with a fire safety order? What type of building, GFA, volume (yes, specific regulations apply depending…[Read more]

Most bricklayers would be able to fix this. Check your local newspaper for brickies who do lintel replacements.

Easement or covenant? You may need to check with your conveyancer/lawyer as to whether this covenant is irrevocable and enforceable or whether it is merely setting the standard for dwellings in the subdivision. This would mean that it applies to all dwellings in the subdivision, not just some and that all homeowners must abide by it.

If you've spent the cash on the design, it may pay to get the plans through development approval with council (ie prove that it can be done) then get the new val. Once you have a DA you will have 5 years (depending upon the state) to act upon it. If you do get a DA, you may be able to find a purchaser who wants a DA site (ie it has less risk than…[Read more]

As ex-motel rooms they will most likely be <50m2 which may mean that you will have some difficulty in financing a purchase. Turnover of tenants will be reasonably high and your levies will also be high if there is to be a fulltime concierge onsite/swimming pool/lift etc. This will hammer any returns.

You'll need to check out all of your options as highlighted above however if block as are allowable down to 400 m2 you may be able to subdivide quite easily, even better if the existing house sits on the right part of the block. At 900 m2 you may even be able to erect 3  – worth checking out as it makes each block very cheap.

Id also recommend that you purchase one of the texts on strata management as well as getting a copy of the strata act for your state.

You will  need to determine who the liability for the levies between commmencement of the sp and commencement of the levies lies with. Obviously some bills will be recieved in the intervening period and are paid in advance. These costs must be paid pro-rata by the owners (both the developer and purchasers)

There are still many unknowns however if the house is treated and is liveable (probably with a little work – say $10-$15k max), it may be worthwhile buying & renting it out until you demolish & rebuild. As it has a larger block, it may be possible to subdivide (STCA) or to erect a duplex. You will need to investigate your options with the town…[Read more]

Are we meant to be concerned? As many of the members are not FHB (or have already taken advantage of it), we would only be concerned if we are selling properties aimed at that market. Pulling the temporary support is inevitable as it has always been touted as a short-term measure to stimulate activity, which in many areas has had an effect esp in…[Read more]

If the house was in the Eastern Suburbs, then yes. If the house is in the outer west, probably not. It is hard to make a valid reply without a little more substance.If you know what the land is worth, the size of the house (m2) and a replacement cost for a similar house, say $700-$800/m2 you can estimate the depreciated value of the house and/or…[Read more]

Generally the builder/developer is liable for the levies on each unit up to the point of settlement on each unit. That is, you are not liable for any levies until you take possession (of the title) – your solicitor would adjust any levies paid at the time of purchase.

Who owned the units between commencement of the scheme and the commencement of the levies?

50  x 50mm battens at 450 – 600 mm centres, not glue

Any other opinions? How do they differ from any of the other crowds? What do they do differently?

Sorry, all my contacts around there are either industrial, commercial or retail.