If you hunt around, you should be able to get terazzo in a 10 mm thick tile, still laid in the traditional way with a grind & polish to finish.

Yes, but there have been simultaneous corrections in equities, property and hybrids coupled with (relatively) low interest rates (historic lows overseas), 20+ year highs for the AUD/USD and other horses in the race as well.Which one do we grab as the 'next big thing'?

A couple of things to consider: 1) buying at MV, 100-106% finance, $100k upfront rent payment, does your borrowing include the use of the $100k for the purchase (ie: buying for $400k but you only have the capacity to borrow $300k)/borrowing $400k with $100k in offset account?2) How will you manage repayments if you have recieved $100k upfront to…[Read more]

Well that's the first that I've heard of the rental market slowing down. Vacancy rates are still at all time lows, yields are still increasing (as prices drop) – I just don't know if I would be buying in some sectors at the moment however there is some value to be found in areas which have suffered the 20-30% price drops.

Well that's the first that I've heard of the rental market slowing down. Vacancy rates are still at all time lows, yields are still increasing (as prices drop) – I just don't know if I would be buying in some sectors at the moment however there is some value to be found in areas which have suffered the 20-30% price drops.

Agents will generally not charge to come out for an appraisal, especially if they think that they may score a 'management' or 'sundry letting' out of it. If need be, get 2 local agents – those that you feel are the most active in the area (biggest rent rolls). They will give you some consructive criticism (may need painting, tidying up, minor…[Read more]

There maybe some planning restrictions on letting out premises for short-term (need to refer to LEP), it may have been specifically restricted in the development approval and there may also be some restrictions contained in the bylaws governing the strata scheme.A few places that you'll need to check – council & secretary of body corporate (for a…[Read more]

Some items to consider: how many other strata offices in the same complex? How many more under construction in S Yarra/Toorak & other surrounding areas? Is the development in the premium part of SY? How close to the prime retail strip (can't remember the street numbers but around the fashion precinct? What is the vacancy rate for office…[Read more]

Look out for factory seconds – usually find some good deals there (damaged box or open crate)

And you wonder why builders get a bad name? Asked to do 'illegal' building works, that's a good place to start. If you want to get the latest info, check out the shenanagins at Wooloomooloo Wharf with several owners having bought 2 or three units, combined them knocking out walls. There has been a lot written in recent weeks.

It depends upon the LEP. If the council will permit 'home occupations' then you can run a business from the premises. Otherwise you may need to get a spot rezoning (which may take 1-2 years). Best to speak with the town planner at council to check what you intend (you never know, it may be permissible without too much hassle).

It all depends upon what you are after – M Comm (Prop Inv) or MComm (Dev) are great if you want advance financial modelling & project planning/management skills, the others, well….

No council approval???? This is structural work, it is a defined term (erection/demolition of a wall) – whether loadbearing or not. I would seek a second opinion unless you got the advice from council.

The other issue if there is structural work, you do not own the building. If there is so much as 1 mm of settlement affecting any other property within the strata scheme you may be sued for undertaking unapproved work, being an unlicensed builder, carrying out building work without authorisation etc. The body corporate may also need to approve any…[Read more]

LTO – Land Titles Office (http://www.lands.nsw.gov.au) if you are in nsw.You should be able to do most of your searches online (depending upon your state – eg not victoria).You will probably need to get one of the online search companies to do the searching for you – they do have a phone service (I used to use Lawpoint but not sure if they are still…[Read more]

If you are unsure where to start, engage a valuer – they have the resources to research sales (via RP Data etc), undertake searches at the LTO for registered leases, connections with agents/managers/owners etc. The quality of the report, the detail of the information provided are indispensible providing that they have been briefed correctly. This…[Read more]

Try Home & Housed in Adelaide – I have used Mel several times over the years.

One off $8k gain, long term 25% rent reduction. It don't take long to come out behind unless you have a new property on an extremely low rent base.

Since when did plasterboard or cement render need an etch primer? AFAIK it is used only on galvanised metal to get to a clean/oil-free surface – what are you on about?.As a painter, use your rule of thumb as to what the paint job is worth (two coats), why does the undercoat cost $1500 if the other 2 coats are worth $475 each – hasn't the builder a…[Read more]

Could I suggest complete your undergrad degree, get a few years experience in your field, then attack your PhD (all that acedemia without experience is worthless). Combine your PhD with a scholarship, a gig lecturing/running tutorials to supplement your income.