I am in Brisbane also and have objected several times over more than 20 years. My parents have a number of IPs in Brisbane also and have objected many more times than I have (with supporting arguments etc.) On a couple of occasions the valuations have been reduced by a token amount. My parents still object as a matter of principal (they pay a HUGE…[Read more]

As long as you can handle the negative gearing, I wouldn’t worry about it. I assume it will bring your tax rate down. We’ve been in this position with each IP we have bought over 20 or so years. Only one property was positively geared from the outset.

We like to buy and hold, however three boys tend to make a dint in the expenses (and I don’t…[Read more]

We have had this scenario before. Contact a broker and see if he/she can get cover for you. I know we have even offered for one of us to move in while renovations are done, but some insurance companies say a bed and a fridge do not constitute “moving in” and still refuse. Let’s face it, someone renovating is on site more hours per day that once it…[Read more]

Sorry, that should have read “hassle”.

Just for what it is worth, I have owned investment propert/ies since I was about 19 (25 years ago) and have never paid to have them managed. I had a bad experience last year, but insurance looked after minor damage and I was out of pocket less than $1000 (excess plus bits and pieces).

I have sometimes asked agents to find tenants in exchange for…[Read more]

Thanks Sue and Matt. Yes, we do have some number crunching to do. The only reason we could afford to do this is by getting the land for “free”.

Matt’s point is valid. When we first went into this the cost of building new was roughly line-ball with moving the Queenslander and then making it comply with current regulations. It is only because since…[Read more]

I have had long settlements, but be very careful about insurance. Check with your insurance company as usually the house won’t be covered after 30 or possibly 60 days. My understanding is also that if you go on a long holiday and leave your own house empty, insurance would be denied. I imagine many folks who go away for several months don’t know…[Read more]