Basically, the vendor is trying to recoup land tax that they have paid – there is no obligation to pay unless you have agreed on the contract (I usually nominate that as it will be a PPOR then I won't be taxed so I shouldn't bear this cost – confirm with your solicitor & accountant). There is no benefit to you for paying someone else's tax…[Read more]

Basically, the vendor is trying to recoup land tax that they have paid – there is no obligation to pay unless you have agreed on the contract (I usually nominate that as it will be a PPOR then I won't be taxed so I shouldn't bear this cost – confirm with your solicitor & accountant). There is no benefit to you for paying someone else's tax…[Read more]

There are a number of threads on DHA investments Louise. Typically they are set & forget however you pay a premium for them, ie higer purchase price as well as higher management fees. It depends what you are after – the ups and downs of the market with vacancies or a 10 year lease with annual reviews backed by a AAA tenant and all outgoings,…[Read more]

We engage a PM to do what they do. You give them specific instructions as to the type of people you want to lease the property (within reason) ie you can't ask for a specific however the area may dictate a specific type of tenant eg area for migrant settlement or itenerant workers etc.The PM will keep you informed of the types of tenants and will…[Read more]

Hit and run. If you are prepared to sit on $50k investment/risk in the company, take your profits now (and keep them), leave the balance ie $50k there if you want to carry the risk again of the price hitting the target – it will still be worthwhile to you.

See the answer to MK's question and contact http://www.osr.nsw.gov.au

AO, assuming that you are in NSW, then it can be either y/n. Basically, it means that the vendor was the owner as at 31/12/07 & has been assessed for land tax (which they may have already paid). They are seeking reimbursement of the portion from settlement thru to december ie 75% of it. There is no benefit to yourself in reimbursing the vendor and…[Read more]

AO, assuming that you are in NSW, then it can be either y/n. Basically, it means that the vendor was the owner as at 31/12/07 & has been assessed for land tax (which they may have already paid). They are seeking reimbursement of the portion from settlement thru to december ie 75% of it. There is no benefit to yourself in reimbursing the vendor and…[Read more]

AO, assuming that you are in NSW, then it can be either y/n. Basically, it means that the vendor was the owner as at 31/12/07 & has been assessed for land tax (which they may have already paid). They are seeking reimbursement of the portion from settlement thru to december ie 75% of it. There is no benefit to yourself in reimbursing the vendor and…[Read more]

See today's Sydney Morning Herald – $80k in Qld or WA, no experience. $80k+ food/accom for truck driver/water cart.

Land tax is levied on all combined holdings above $359k (with a limited  exception for your PPOR) refer: http://www.osr.nsw.gov.au/taxes/land/rates/. Cost and land content are two different things. Have your registered for land tax? (there may be penalties involved if you haven't). Review the budget for the body corporate's sinking and…[Read more]

Do yourself a favour and purchase a copy of Rawlinsons Cost Guide 2008 and scour the second hand book stores for Fundamentals of Real Estate by Carl Gunther.

Firstly, what does the report say specifically ie 1 in 100, 1 in 50,  1 in 10 year flood? This is how often you can expect innundation.Secondly, you will find that you may have difficulty getting insurance, you must disclose the flooding issue with the prospective insurers. Speak to the town planners at council to understand more fully the e…[Read more]

Peachy, you have 3 options as a tenant: 1) Move (if your lease has expired) 2) Accept the increase or 3) Fight it ie: dispute the increase if it is exhorbitant, eg more than 10%

Michael, as superhoops notes it is a very well positioned suburb on the lower north shore (abour 3-5 km from cbd). Prices aren't the cheapest around (even less so if it has any views).If you aren't from Sydney, you'd probably be best advised to rent for 6 months to acquaint yourself with suitable areas (price isn't the only thing) – other areas…[Read more]

nejas wrote:
When you talk about being ripped off on purchase or rent can you please elabourate? Or are you talking about not seeing the property in person?

Nejas, the risk increases on both sides when you have not seen the property in person. As you haven't seen the property you may not be aware of any externalities (agents and others may be…[Read more]

If pushing the dates back isn't an issue for you ie your finance approval still stands, you are requiring vp (no tenant) etc and you still have a roof over your head (or can extend your current occupation) would there be an issue? You may be able to argue a price reduction equivalent to the rent that they are recieving (and you would otherwise…[Read more]

Get a local supplier to come out and do a measure/quote for new blinds (include size on the quote).Then source new blinds based on these measurements.Hmmm getting the tenant to do measurement/install – what are your risks? How's your insurance? Do they have the properr tools ?You pay the agent to look after the property – get them to call the…[Read more]

A couple of issues come to mind – firstly, what is your solicitor doing/advising?Why does the banks valuer require access to the property? Vals for banks are usually done as 'drive-bys' ie external appraisal of the property – this confirms that the building exists (security for the lender), the state of the improvements and allows the valuer to…[Read more]

I'd go along pretty much with Linar's comments – depending upon how the agent operates will depend upon how much information he will be willing to give you regarding the current offer.I have recently been working on a deal for a couple of months – purchasing a very difficult site with a DA in place. I have now been left with 2 options with the D…[Read more]