Thanks for the heads up!

GRM,This sounds like a very inexpensive property to support that sort of density. You need to get some very basic, high level planning advice as to the feasibility of your proposed project – particularly in terms of the likelihood of the Municipal TP department getting behind your project. Great advice from Scott and DWolfe, understand what it is…[Read more]

sinkers wrote:
Hi all we own our own home outright( no finance/ yea) in Camberwell Vic and want to develop two townhouses on the block,We are at the stage of designing the townhouses and are concerned about the TAX implications on the development.At what stage do we loose our tax free status on the land, after we have demolished the existing…[Read more]

Hi Bronte (and Dave),This is a broad question!There are of course many, many variables, some pitfalls to avoid, and potentially significant financial rewards.Here are (some of) the things you must do:1. Assess your property and idea (or have someone assess it for you) to determine if you're barking up the right tree!2. Create a strategy for your…[Read more]

Would love to have been there, will look forward to the next one.

Justin,If you have a DA, in my opinion, you have an improved asset.This point should be considered a potential exit point, or at least a point at which the numbers and potential risk should be re-assessed.If you are able to sub-divide then you are talking about selling land, so check what land is for sale in the proposed area and for what price it…[Read more]

Julie,It's great advice from Richard and Dan, but I thought I might offer another suggestion.If you were to sell the property for $520,000 (and I agree with Richard about doing the cosmetic work) then you would have $180,000 (give or take) to put towards your goal of having an IP and PPOR.You could consider using that money to secure funding to…[Read more]

Hi Justin,It depends, in the first instance, on two issues: where you want to invest, what the investment goals are.Generally speaking, yes you will need to sub-divide, especially if you plan to sell one of the properties. This is not a particularly difficult process, but it's time consuming, requires a process to be followed, and is easy to get…[Read more]

smoule1 wrote:
Hi All, I just have a few questions I was hoping to get a little feedback on. I'm a 26 year old female living in Brisbane city. I recently came into some financial freedom, having a little over 300k in the bank and not sure which way I should invest it. I'm planning a 6 month overseas trip in a few months time and hope to have a…[Read more]

I would have kept the following phrase always close at hand and heart:"Successful investment is an exercise in the control of time and money"

Dale,Perhaps look at finding an IP that is cash flow positive (you'll see from other posts that this is possible) as the rent you collect  will become part of the servicing equation. Correct me if I'm on the wrong track, but I think Richard is suggesting splitting the deposit monies over two IPs, maybe $35,000 as your equity contribution in each…[Read more]

Phyllis wrote:
Where do you find out block sizes in comparison to house sizes, alsohow big a block needs to be to put a building on, i.e. if you had a 1000m2 block how man units could be put on itPhyllis

It varies from state to state, and from council to council. Strange but true!It also depends on proximity to the nearest city centre,…[Read more]

Another option is to "bag" the walls with a sand and cement slurry applied with a broom. Then it can be painted over, or if you're adventurous use a light coloured sand and off white cement (with some waterproofer) and leave it.Bagging is a bit "rustic" but it's also cheap and effective. I believe the term came from the practice of using hessian…[Read more]

itch64 wrote:
hi all,i am a new member to this forum and looking for some advise. I currently own a house in East of Melbourne. Our block is just under 1000m2. I am thinking about subdividing and creating a vacant block at the rear of the house size approx 350m2. I realise councils are the best place to find information but after finding this…[Read more]

Property can be bought in partnership in a variety of ways, and the "best way" is usually a function of your intentions, be they investing, trading, developing, improving etc. Whatever entity structure you use, you need to be sure to document the plan and the roles each of you have.One method you didn't consider in your post is a simple Tenants in…[Read more]

I like this topic! And I look forward to seeing the comments.The issue seems to be twofold from what I see and hear:The perception that there is a great demand for 4 br+ houses, as in "I don't really need that many bedrooms, but I'm doing it for re-sale". This is a mistake in terms of our changing demographics. The demand is for smaller houses for…[Read more]

Should I be looking to buy up small cars – I note they're plentiful!You're right in suggesting that inflation will drive up prices for all assets, goods and services. The issue for those looking for property – as an investor – is to keep ahead of that inflationary curve, and produce some income.

DWolfe wrote:
If you email adam risborg he will email you all the details. If you do a search on the Melbourne get together you can find hes email etc, it's in the active topics. Seeya there!D

Thanks, I saw Adam's update on the other thread initiated by you.Look forward to catching up then.

DWolfe wrote:
Christian will you be coming to the get together in Melbourne, sounds like you would bring a lot to the party especially in Melb with the subdivision bonanza that is going on!

Thanks for the compliments on the web-site. Yes, I want to be part of the get-together in Melbourne (as an investor, not a consultant!) but haven't received…[Read more]

It may not be that complex. This could simply be supply and demand at work.Demographers are united in their reasoning that there are not enough houses, or too many people (this was certainly not the case in the US and other inflated property markets). This would suggest that only a massive population exodus, or an equally significant upswing in…[Read more]