I think those that could afford a speculative 3 million dollar investment in the first place already had plenty of reasons to be happy.

The top end of the property market is a different game to the other property markets. Big winners and big losers, not too much in between.

Fundementals. For Singapore I look for what expats are looking for. Good sized rooms, nice facilities, good transport and above all, ensuring no construction to happen in the near future. There is nothing an expat hates more than being woken up to pile driving at 7am on a Sunday morning.

I’d also look at good sized older apartments that will…[Read more]

Hi Kenneth,

The data I used isn’t very scietific. Mainly from contacts I have and the also the commen rental database that all agents use. You can find links to search at http://singaporeexpats.com. Most agents have access and they generally cover all listed apartments that are listed by agents. Straits Times is good for rpivately listed…[Read more]

I’ve been living in Singapore on and off since ’97. While I do think now is as good a time as any to jump in, I’m still cautious and watching what happens. Last quarters property price growth was 1.5%. Hardly going to make 10%.

I’m also amazed that anyone can make the following claim “Vacancy rates are very low now. Rental is high.” There is…[Read more]

I wonder if you can get earthquake insurance on buildings, and if so, what the premiums are.

Thanks for your kind offer MH.

Originally posted by Mortgage Hunter:
His second sentence actually credits the fact that his first had no basis – simply something he made up.

If this gets emotional and abusive then it will be locked.

Point taken. But I didn’t state that people had lost money at this point in time.

It would be nice if you showed the same consistency of…[Read more]

Why should the thread be locked ? I thyink it’s important information seeing the D were being advertised all over this forum by members. It serves as a good warning to people next time someone floats another hairbrained idea that has no realworld experience to back up their claims.

personally I find the hype that was generated over Interest…[Read more]

I do.

I think it’s more likely a general downward trend reflective of the market in Sydney. After such a massive run up in prices, to a point where anyone not in property is now severely disadvantaged from entering, it’s only natural that we’ll see retraction. My guess is that the retraction will be as dramatic as the boom, which in this last phase…[Read more]

Rob dear, not everything I write is directed at you personally.

My post was generic in nature, offering some insights into how agencies work and how an example of someone we rejected due to their personal website.

Recruitment Agencies will only put forward candidates they feel will be suitable for the job. If they start putting forward any lame duck, their clients, the hiring firms, will very quickly get annoyed with them and stop doing business. I can only guess that they are unwilling to risk it with you.

Most Agencies employ extensive background…[Read more]

If it makes financial sense and the numbers stack up, go for it.

But I live by the adage “Don’t try and catch a falling knife”.

For what you need, the HSBC Online account sounds perfect.

Originally posted by Nobleone:
…After much disbelief that in this day and age of technology they could not just tell the computer to do what I was asking and even threatening to close my accounts and move to another ISP here I am stuck between a rock and a hard place coz I want to keep those sub addresses but I don’t want the spam….

I find…[Read more]

Edit: Wrist slapped, content deleted

I’m not too emotional about where we rent. We pay the going rate for what we have and where we are. Thanks largely to my partner, who is almost neurotic about cleanliness, we keep the place in as new condition and have always been thanked by agents when they come to visit.

If we come across a landlord that for the sake of principle wants to…[Read more]

I wouldn’t mind if my landlord tried to raise my rental. It would be just the catalyst I need to go and find a nice, newish inner city apt to rent from a desperate landlord.

Citibank are 5.4% and have been for a while. No fees.

Bankwest has 6% on a 12month honeymoon rate.

Ah, well spotted Derek. You’re right, Navra’s rental reality is based on solid fundementals but captial gain is key to it.

Not sure if any advisor would concentrate on positive cashflow in this environment.