Oh Richard,I struggled, too.  But I couldn't bear the thought no one has answered her.  But it sure does seem like too brave a thing to do for a newbie.  They breed them tough these days.Take care.Angel

Hi jelovea2003,At the risk of being called a fool, I will attempt to answer the question, the equity contribution is the three townhouses you will lose to the vendor and the builder and the $240,000 payment after completion. Why?  Because it is what you contributed to make the project happen.  I think, Sweetheart, I assume that the $500K is to b…[Read more]

Hi Jamie,Don't know much about Canberra RE market so I'm happy to take your word for it.    But as for me, the CG would not tempt me on balance.  That's just me. 

Hi all,Lots and lots of mortgagee in possession in Rhodes.  If you're keen to buy there, homersyd, you might bag a bargain at the auctions.Take care,Angel

Hi Desilucky,Read you private message. Angel

Hi newbies,I've said it before and I'll say it again and I stand by it:Personally, I would never buy off the plan or buy brand new apartments.  I will buy, if I have to, one that's at least three years old.  Depreciation schedule is still healthy, hence there's still that hefty tax deductions; but remove myself from the pains of discovering c…[Read more]

Desilucky,You made me laugh…. that was so cute.I totally agree with you.  When the mortgage payment is the same as the rent, why pay the landlord's mortgage?  Doesn't make sense.  I'm on your corner.  Remind me not to be on your wrong side.  Bless you.Angel

Hi Larry,You're a good student.  You've done well.  Over analysing can also be a deal breaker.  It causes paralysis.  Whatever you do, there is bound to be an amount of risk.The important thing is base your decision on sound investment strategy and always, always have an EXIT STRATEGY.Bless you.Angel

Hi Jasno77,I have an advice which would be contrary to what others believe – but in the end, the decision is up to you.I don't advice buying off the plan.  I also don't advice buying a brand new apartment unit.  I could advice buying one that's at least three years old because the building construction kinks would have already surfaced by t…[Read more]

Hi didi1981,Firstly, you ought to be congratulated for acquiring a "practically" debt free house.  $100K loan against an $800K asset is marvelous, someone so young, too.Consider me your Agony Aunt, my advice will have nothing to do with finance but with life's practicalities.  You can say I've been there and done that.  I have four kids, one yo…[Read more]

Hi desilucky,Once you've done all the research, and has made up your mind, and you're 100% comfortable with it, go for it.Don't ask other people's opinion as if you still need affirmation.  What are you going to do if someone here pipes up and said, "No, it's not a good place to invest."?  Are you going to back out and throw everything you've l…[Read more]

Hi giovi 2003,The capital gains tax is not applicable on the sale of owner occupier.  This is the rule of thumb — owner occupiers can not claim tax deductions on the holding costs (e.g. repairs and maintenance and interest payments) but is CGT free.  Rental properties enjoy tax deductible benefits on holding costs but is CGT liable.The stamp d…[Read more]

Hi Larry,Depreciation works best for high income earners, if you are not in the high tax bracket, this is not a suitable strategy.Angel

Michael,Can you please email me information on the property you're intending to sell?angelinasytan@gmail.comI'm not promising anything but I may consider it.  Thanks.Angel

Larry,What's "best" is what works for you "best".  Our financial circumstances are all different,  we also have different comfort level and risks tolerance.Your best bet and to find out more from Nathan how he does things.  I'm pretty sure he'd be willing to mentor you.If you live in Sydney, you can catch up with me as I'm a retiree.  I can sho…[Read more]

You're welcome, hon.Angel

Hi Madchen,Learning about rental vacancy rates is immaterial.  It is all about choosing the right property in the right location.  As an investor, my philosophy is location, location, location.Even if there are 100 houses vacant at one time, and only 10 people looking for accommodation, those 10 people will still choose the house that is in the r…[Read more]

Hi all,I'm reading all posts in this forum and my head hurts now.  I so want to know more but the brain can only take so much in.A friend is going to the US soon, I might tag along if she doesn't mind.I'm still stuck in the wilderness.  Not like me to be so ambivalent.  Age has a lot to do with it, I'm sure.You guys rock.  Thanks for sha…[Read more]

Hi Ferdinand,All I can say is "Just do it."Good luck.Angel

Hi Larry,I wish my own 18 year old would ask these questions.Will property prices double in value?  Yes, eventually.  Some will do it in 5 years, others in 15 years and others probably never.  Depends on where you buy really.Historically, according to experts, house prices double every 7 to 10 years.  It depends who you believe.  But  reckon this…[Read more]