Remember, your not buying the property to live in yourself, but for someone else to live in it. They may already be renting the property and think it is a palace.
I think he used to manage them himself, but now does not have the time. So to answer the question, I believe he has an agent or similar manage his properties.
I can’t see the price rise slowing in the near future either. As long as the interest rates stay as low as they are, prices will continue to rise. Still plenty of bargains out there though…
I wouldn’t say that I’m a lazy procrastinator, but I can’t wait for an interest rate correction!
Sooshie I hope you don’t mind me adding to this post without going through you first.
I found this link to a great research site for Queensland. I provides statistics on all the shires/council areas in Queensland.
It’s the Office of Economic and Statistical Research. (sounds impressive doesn’t it [])
“This site is the Queensland Government’s statistical and economic warehouse. It contains a wide range of demographic, economic and social data relating to the State of Queensland”
They manage the Body Corp for my IP here in Darwin. Can’t say I’ve had any serious problems with them, but my Tennant has had a few things to say. For example, the combination to the Security gate was supposed to be changed (the whole street knew it), well it took them weeks to get it done.
They seem happy to take the money, but I don’t see much of it being spent to keep the place in order.
* Timor Sea Gas Treaty/LNG Project
* Darwin hospital redevelopment
* New port facility
* Toll Holdings/Transport to build a major holding centre (associated with new railway)
* “China Town” development
* Numerous Defence projects
* etc, etc,
People are starting to get excited up here. With the rail link on the way (only 90km south of Darwin now!) and the signing of the Gas Project Darwin is starting to move. The Chief Minister, Clair Martin, is forever talking up Darwin’s economic potential and according to her the Gas deal is just the start of bigger things to come.
If building construction is anything to go by then things are indeed looking rosey. There are at least a dozen appartment complexes being built in the city at the moment with more on the way. According to a few of the real estate agents I’ve spoken to they believe that the Unit market (in the City) is still in undersupply.
Crime
In recent times, petty crime has increased. Break and enter and vandalism are growing problems, although they seems to be limited to the northern suburbs of Darwin and the older areas of Palmerston (a satlelite city. Juveniles are the main offenders.
Employment
Unemployment is fairly steady and lower than the national average. The gas project, a new port under construction and a few other projects, unemployment is tipped to drop in the near future.
Population Growth
According to the NT Government there are not enough skilled people in the Territory to construct and finally operate the Gas Facility. They are expecting a mini population “boom” in the near future. Defence personnel are also a large portion of the population. Most reside in DHA homes, but many single members gain rental assistance an live in the city.
Tourism
Tourism is a big industry up here, especially fishing. There are a few tourism related developments under way such as serviced appartments, or lodge type accomodation to cater for the backpackers. (“Melaleuca on Mitchell” is the backpacker one)
That’s all I can think of for now. If you want details on specific areas, or want me to have a look at a property for you (email photos, etc) just let me know.
Alternatively, divide the asking price by 1000, then multiply by 2. This will give you the minimum rent to achieve +ve cash flow (following the 11 sec rule)