TPP = Town Planning Permit.Sometimes also referred to as the DA (depending on where you're from).

With exceptions, the rule seems to be that country properties will provide a better rental yield, and city properties a better capital gain. That's not to say it all evens out. I'm sure you'll get plenty of feedback on this from forumites.

Well sm, you're not the only one! I was driving through Dandenong recently and (after taking a wrong turn) was astonished to see the level of apartment development going on. Dandenong, as you are probably aware, is a designated higher density zone (along with several other activity centres) and the area is also enjoying massive spending on…[Read more]

A five unit development can be potentially very time consuming and a strain financially. But I assume you already know that! I would suggest that you find someone that can help you with the process more than any single part of the process.A well considered outcome will include an architect and builder (and perhaps a planner) and their opinions,…[Read more]

god_of_money wrote:
Does it require only a building approval, or is a town planning permit also required?Who do I need to contact to get an approval?How do I start? contacting the council…. will give me a myriad answerHow complicated to get it retrospectively… the granny flat has been built about 5 years ago

The local council is the body…[Read more]

There's no simple answer, but I'll let you know what I know!There are different types of building: for the sake of simplification will call these project building and custom building.Project building is "mass produced" housing, and is the most cost effective form of traditional building, and plays a very important role in the housing industry.…[Read more]

Generally speaking, one would think that a pre-existing building would have an approval in place? So first step would be to determine its status. If no planning or building approvals exist, the next step is to ascertain what approvals are required. Does it require only a building approval, or is a town planning permit also required?Both building…[Read more]

The quote seems reasonable. The cost is however relative to the rest of the project expenses – get the design and documentation wrong and you will keep on paying for any oversights right through the project. Remember that they are working for you, so be clear about what it is you want and what your budget is. Try also this process of…[Read more]

No worries, if I can work out how to upload pictures I'll post them for your amusement!

Of my kitchen or Henry's….?

Ideally, a plumber and electrician should ensure the services are isolated. Then it's a matter of commitment and a sledge hammer. And yes, you should have a design, budget and schedule established before you do anything else!

Try this.www.fahcsia.gov.au/sa/housing/progserv/…/nras/…/default.aspx.

Without coming off as too cynical, a builder will want some sort of "exclusivity" if they are charging only $500 for plans and costings. However, getting the advice of a builder at draft stage is a good idea – they'll generally have some good ideas on the major cost items (especially structural) that can be incorporated into the final working…[Read more]

Think about choosing floor coverings that are suitable for the amount of traffic they will have to cope with as well as the feel under foot. Hard surfaces tend to make you feel colder, carpets are perhaps a little cosier. Also, much easier to mop a hard floor than carpets!

cowenan wrote:
for resale purposes, am i better off spending the extra money and putting the second story (to retain the yard) or spending less and keeping it single story?

For resale purposes….this is a phrase we hear a lot!In my experience a fourth bedroom is more often about having a utility space (home office, hobby room, workshop, guest…[Read more]

The part of the driveway to which you are referring is generally referred to as the "cross over" and it's one of those assets that comes under the control of the municipal authorities (council) and they like to have a say in the construction or repair of these items. Generally speaking they will have some specifications to which you will need to…[Read more]

The Federal Government's various Stimulus Package web sites also have a wealth of information.In (really) short form. You own the property and rent it to low income earners at a discount (of at least 20%) in return for tax breaks of $8,000 (adjusted for inflationary impacts)  per  year.

Hi James,I'm not sure if you have done this sort of thing before, but if you are intending to be a property developer you really need to treat it like a business and consider how much time and money (yours and the bank's) you need in order to generate the profit you are proposing. Have a plan that sets out what you want to achieve and how you're…[Read more]

Henry,Yes, the IKEA is located in Richmond.Their stuff is designed to be put together by anyone. I found that there was a lot of repetitive work in putting together the carcasses and other bits and pieces, and the only thing that really needed my carpentry skills was the fixing of the overheads to the wall ( a little bit tricky) and the…[Read more]

Is this working smart, not hard??