You need to run through the numbers and see which fits in with your strategy. Marrickville is going gangbusters. I personally have a semi in the marrickville and the capital growth has been fantastic. If you are chasing rentals yields then its not so good. I have just worked on a loan for an applicant who has purchased a house in Quakers Hill…[Read more]

That's an incredibly broad question – are you factoring site costs as part of construction? Do you want double brick? Brick veneer? What finishes are we talking about, i.e. carpet or ironbark timber floor boards? What is the sqm of the town houses? will they be built at the same time? Also do you have DA/CC yet?

Difficult to dispute yes – impossible no. We have successfully convinced the valuer to change the valuation but it wasn't by a huge amount. Also you dont need to wait 6 months. E.g you do a massive reno on the property and it takes you 3 months then there is no reason why you cannot revalue it 3 months later. I have done this with 2 of my…[Read more]

If you are not new to construction then why wouldn't you do the above yourself? Is a time poor issue?

Part of the reason you fix rates is due to risk management and the other part relates to your IP strategy. No one can give you the right answer unless they spend at least an hour with understanding your risk profile which includes current and future goals. Speak to your banker or broker and ensure that they ask you plenty of questions before…[Read more]

If your projects are local – best to speak to someone who is also local.

Why don't you put up a few scenarios and questions and the members on the forum can answer it?

Better yet go for Torrens title….

You havent' provided a lot of information but from the information you have provided – you can borrow if you have a 457 Visa. Renovation strategy is good in principle but speak to several investors who have done/do this regularly for specific advise, tips, pitfalls, etc. Which area are you looking to buy?

$250-$300. Anything over this amount is too expensive and you should shop around.

$440 is a lot for a valuation. Is the property rural or located within metro? If you are looking to take out new funds – most lenders provide free or discounted upfront valuations.

There are a lot of pitfalls, things people would do differently, etc. Best to start speaking to a few investors who have done this sort of work and get their feedback. They can comment on things to look out for, hidden costs that were not evident when doing original calculations and feedback on local builders, excavators, etc.

You can order upfront valuations with ANZ – have you done any renos or upgrades to the property since the last valuation?

I would be looking at QH, walking distance to the station (within 15 minutes) and larger block with the potential to either subdivide or build a GF at a later stage. Have you started to inspect the properties in the area?

You should be able to find a larger piece of land in QH for $400k. Look for something rentable with a view of either adding another dwelling (house or GF) or subdividing and selling off the vacant land. Either way you need to have a specific strategy in mind. 

It depends where in Quakers Hill you are purchasing. The problem with Kellyville has always been transportation. Generally speaking a lot of people work in the City and hence transportation is important. Quakers Hill has a trainline which makes the commute easier. The big benefit with Quakers Hill is the ability to develop land. The zonings in…[Read more]

1. You can challenge the valuation but you do need recent sales that are no more than 6 months old 
2. If you have conducted any specific renovations to the property you need to inform the valuer
3. In terms of increase percentage you may be able to ask for the valuer to increase the amount. Again depends on the percentage and the valuer
4..…[Read more]

Why dont you show the plans to a real estate agent and give some pessimistic figures. He/she will be able to tell you about some recent sales. Also it will not cost you $150 to build – add another at least $70k on top for site costs, DA costs, fencing, concreting, etc. 

Hi Joe,

No one will be able to give you a definitive answer without sitting down and crunching not only the numbers but a few scenarios. Only then will you get to your answer. 

Sit down with your banker or broker and nut out several scenarios to see which will fit your investment strategy. 

Up and down duplex or side by side? Why are you building a 2 bedder and not 3 bedder? Makes a huge a difference in resale. Have you factored site costs? whats the resale value?

Sometimes you cannot sacrifice the way of living for the sake of making a buck or 2.