Not sure I agree with buying an inner city unit. Over time land appreciates and buildings depreciate.
How much can you rent each unit for ?

AJBS

Which housing market ? Its different whereever you live. Ipswich is booming, Gold Coast is suffering at the top end and Brisbane is slowing in different areas. Each case is different just research the area first. If you are in for the long term a small dip shouldn’t hurt.

AJBS

I would go and talk with the local Council first they are usually very helpfull. Land sizes are getting smaller so you may be able to subdivide now but that would depend on how close each house is. Beware though the Council will use the opportunity to get you to upgrade the driveways and footpaths, and then there are all the fees they charge.…[Read more]

At least you have somewhere to live. 10 years ago I walked away with my only my bags and 2 kids. We moved away to make a fresh start and really dropped our standard of living to save money. It took 5 years to get over the emotional and finacial pain of the divorce but things are looking good now. The best bit of advice given to me was put…[Read more]

Ipswich is the go !! Flinders View has some nice low maintenance houses with the RAAF base only 10 mine drive away.

AJBS

What a great story PK.

AJBS

Thank you to those who left details, I’ll be in touch soon.

AJBS

Is this for Gold Coasties only ? We live in Rosewood,west of Ipswich, and would like to be included in the occasional get together.
Amanda

AJBS

I’ve only had experience with Asbestos inside. We hired an asbestos lined bin from the council and suited up for the day with quality breathing gear. First we wet the sheeting like they recommend but we soon found it easily broke. The Council came to collect the bin and charges around $350. We then put up new gyprock walls.
After the work was…[Read more]

Being from Qld I don’t think you can go past a timber and tin house on stumps!!
Check out http://www.colorbond.com.au for ideas.
A Colorbond roof has less weight than a tile roof. Avoid the dark colours as they do fade.
Amanda

Try Ipswich in Qld for positive cash flows. The area is growing rapidly.

AJBS

I agree walk before you run.
Start by subdividing 1 into 2 and learn the process and develop a relationship with Council, Engineers, Surveyors etc.
We are finding the interest a real squeeze on land we’re subdividing (1 into 7). The DA still not through after 10 months.

Go back to your Council and ask for a Pre Lodgement meeting. This is where you sit down with a town planner who will give you more accurate figures. Take a plan of the property showing where buildings are located and mark in the new boundary, sewer, water etc, and go from there as all Council have different fees.

AJBS

That’s a good idea. We’re about to tackle our next reno so dont have the time but how about a Penpal system ?

They are both worth a read for support. The only way to learn is by experience. Look in areas where there is a lot of growth (ie. Ipswich region)
Ipswich is set to become the largest satelite city in Qld within 20 years.
Swanbank & Willowbank industrial developments, Riverlinks and Amberley Aerospace.
We’ve just bought a house with a 8.2%…[Read more]

Personally I like carpet in the bedrooms as it gives a homely feel. Last year we lifted the worn carpet in our lounge/hallway and had them polished ($26 p/m) and with 4 kids its just great!! A tip to get a good result is to make sure you vacuum the gaps before and for a really professional look gap fill with Sellys Caulk’N’ Colours. Its best to…[Read more]

I worked for 15 years in tax accounting and this is a common question asked.
You can only claim expenditure that replaces/repairs a property back to its condition when purchased. Be wary of people who say they have claimed expenses after only 1 week as the tax office accept all tax returns as lodged and its only when you get an audit that you…[Read more]