Buying rural property throws up a unique set of circumstances for property buyers. People that have never purchased a property in a rural area would be well advised to seek independent advice before taking the plunge. Over the last few years I have assisted several buyers purchase rural property. I am confident I can add…
A pre-purchase building and pest inspection is essential for all property purchases. I am astounded that many buyers do not obtain a report. With the Melbourne median house price at around $820,000 a report costing just hundreds of dollars should be considered essential. Over the years I have had some clients grumble about the amount…
Buyers of brick or masonry homes should pay particular attention to the serious building defect known as rising damp. Through capillary action, moisture can make its way up a brick wall from the ground. A breakdown in the waterproofing barrier or garden beds being constructed above an existing damp proof course can result in rising…
Real estate is a very egalitarian investment option. It doesn’t matter how many university degrees you have, where you went to school, who you know or where you come from. You don’t even have to laugh at the bosses jokes. Provided you make the optimum selection your investment property will keep appreciating at a fast…
Apartments and villa units are becoming the investment of choice for many Melburnians. With house prices going through the roof these types of properties provide an affordable alternative. Provided the optimum selection is made they will produce exceptional capital growth. As a result more and more Melburnians are becoming members of an owners corporation. Having…
Making a sub-standard investment property selection has a series of negative implications for investors. A poor decision isn’t easily rectified as divesting out of property incurs substantial costs. Also, the time frame between placing a property on the market and receiving the proceeds of the sale is lengthy compared with other asset classes. The optimum…
It is important that property buyers are aware of any infrastructure projects or any other type of change of use planned in the vicinity of their proposed purchase. Construction of tunnels, bridges, car parks and the like can have a detrimental impact on property prices. These types of works invariably result in undesirable outcomes such…
When it comes to residential property investment capital growth is king. Exceptional capital growth as against rental return will put an investor hundreds of thousands of dollars in front in the medium to long term. Furthermore exceptional capital growth allows an investor to accumulate equity. This makes it possible to purchase additional assets. In my…
Not influenced or controlled by others in matters of opinion, conduct, etc; thinking or acting. This is the dictionary definition of independent. Many organizations in the real estate industry make false claims about being independent. Even the bastion of the “Independent. Always” The Age newspaper can at best in reality be independent sometimes. When…
Some property owners are unwittingly breaking the law when undertaking home improvements. In Victoria building regulations state that if total works are greater than $16,000 there must either be a major domestic building contract in place between the property owner and a registered builder or the building owner must register as an owner builder. If…