To further your point Freya, the agent works harder in a downturn both to secure listings as well as in putting in extra yards to close a sale. Squeezing agents on price is not the way to go (see property market several years ago when offers of holidays,cars and other incentives were common place). Alternatively, consider providing vendor finance…[Read more]

Whilst you hold the property without income, it is not an investment yet you have to pay your rates, land tax, water/sewer charges. You will also need to pay levies to the rural fire service, undertake such measures as required to prevent the spread of noxious weeds on your land (eg pattersons curse), insurance (public liability in case someone…[Read more]

3 trains of thought – if you have a $20 rent increase and they leave, how long is it going to take for you to recoup 1 week's lost rent (let alone agent's fees and the rest of the vacancy period)?What is the market price if the premises is vacant ie how much would a tenant pay for similar accommodation? – How much more will the tenant have to pay…[Read more]

In the current market, ie very tight rentals, you will be offering the tenant a payment based on the reversion of what it is going to cost them to occupy another premises for six months as well as removalists, lease costs etc. I know that'd be my absolute lowest point as the tenant – they have all the power for the negotiation in this situation i…[Read more]

If you are looking for house to live in for the next 12-18 months, this is not it – it is occupied and not available. Does it still meet your requirements?Secondly, as soon as possible in this case is in six months time. Yes, you do lose some of your PPOR benefits regard to a full cgt exemption however if it is six months out of 2 years then you…[Read more]

Same rules apply for all auctions – bidder registration, one vendor bid etc. Is the property vacant possession or with a lease on foot? You will need to be aware of what net current rent is, net yield for comparables etc.

A buyers advocate brings to the table a wealth of property, negotiation and owner representation expertise which the layperson can only ponder. Would you design your own house? Design engineering components, submit complex tax returns (for your business etc)? No, of course not. That is why we utilise the skills of these bods. Others use them, like…[Read more]

You're perfectly correct tools, I misread it – that's why I'd be surprised that it was pebble crete as it is mainly used in pools or specialist applications and is quite expensive.

Your solitor won't charge to review the contract, it is a matter of good will. As for the building inspection, it is your insurance about the place you are buying – you then become very choosy as to which properties to have a paid inspection on.

I'd agree with Chopper – at the moment it is a hold. Prices for sales are being hammered unless you are in the Eastern Subs or North Shore where the market has been quite strong or you have an exceptional/unique property (victorian terrace etc). If you aren't under the flight path (not many aren't) spend some money on noise abatement/insulation to…[Read more]

Most chippies can do the benchtop without too many problems. The dill I used many years ago couldn't follow the template for the sink and cut the hole out too large (about 1mm cover all round) – use the template, not the sink!!!!

Policy probably has some coverage for public liability – it would be a claim on that part of the policy. As to the insured, you have not changed only your occupancy of the property, being a rental should not make a difference.

There are legitimite reasons for the information to be provided (to valuers & real estate agents) beyond that there can be little reason (possibly developers) to access such information. I had not heard of such a restriction but will follow up closely with the valuers that I am dealing with on a number of sites. Vals generally donot provide the…[Read more]

Why ruin exposed aggregate? It costs more than plain concrete and will again have its day – it attests to the quality of the concrete used in the drive. You would only consider replacing it if it were unsightly, poorly done, severely cracked etc not as a fashion statement. FWIW stamped concrete too will have had its day soon and they will be…[Read more]

If the property is residential, already on the main drag then the effect will be minor (detriment) due to the additional traffic generated. If you are facing the loading dock or on the street where all the deliveries/braking/accelaration of trucks is to occur then it will be a little more (say 5-10%).If you are in it for the long haul, what does…[Read more]

Where? On an island? Syd/Melb/Perth? Bourke?  It varies. Bottom of the range or Exec?

Tenants ALWAYS pay the phone rental, water consumption (unless it is not metered), power & gas. You pay rates, land tax, building insurance, sewer/water service, initial phone system connection in a newly built premises.If it is a commercial rental, then you may get rates, taxes & insurances back if it is a net rental.

davidcball wrote:
Sorry Scott i don't quite understand. Wouldn't the vendor going into foreclosure mean that even if i did exercise my option they don't really have the capacity to give it to me – because the bank is now in control over what happens? Regards,David

It would depend upon what is in the option contract whether there is a p…[Read more]

Look for facilities, proximity to transport/shops etc. On the LNS you could consider some undervalued areas such as Meadowbank, West Ryde, Ryde, North Ryde, Macquarie Park – these suburbs have a wide variety of apartments for all budget, close to trains (and future train/metro), good shopping facilities (Macquarie Centre, Top Ryde under…[Read more]

It all depends upon what else they are bringing with them – locally they are building a small shopping centre (15-20 specialty stores, Supermarket & Gym).As the local council has 'bent over' and accepted a few shiny beads, they have approved an oversized white elephant with major concessions for parking (net loss from existing levels) and…[Read more]