That seems pretty reasonable, there is a bit of time in measuring, calculating, drawing and writing up what you need, so for the work that goes into it, it seems like a reasonable cost.

Just had an update from one of our lenders:"It's back – 95% LVR's with NO genuine savings!"It was only a matter of time.

If you have a fixed price contract, and depending on current valuation, how much you owe etc, it's possible that the bank will give you either all the money, or a percentage of the funds required to build, and complete the home.  If you have sufficient equity, often a bank will use that to fund the contructions.  Eg:Current valuation, $400,000, l…[Read more]

As a side note, it is also expected that the business and investment purpose declaration is gonig to change in the near future in order to bring most consumer lending under control – business and commercial lending is slotted to be reviewed thereafter.

Best of luck for the future !!Happy reading

Richard is spot on – there is no possible way to buy your own PPOR with your super fund.  In fact, you can't buy any property off yourself.  If you find someone that says they have a way, run, run a long way away. 

I think speaking to your PM is a good idea, maybe get a few opinions.  We always design and build based on the demographics of the area rather than specific rules.

I've only used it on Demo, but I've heard good things about it.  Just like any tool, it comes down to how well you use it, how often and understanding what it can and can't do for you.

I would suggest Shukri at Property Tax Specialists (http://www.propertytaxspecialists.com.au).  He's in Chatswood, and as the name suggests, he knows a lot about property tax as well as asset protection.

I'm based in Sydney, but our firm has Brisbane clients that are really happy with Tony Lee & Associates.  They have a couple of offices, and know a LOT about property and asset protection.  Google them.

While the answer is a little more in length and I suggest you take the time to sit down with someone on the matter, the ATO typically holds that funds that are used for a particular purpose, without thought of where the funds actually came from, are linked.  Ie, if you borrow money to buy an asset, then those borrowings are linked to that…[Read more]

That is quite the pickle – life is made up of a balance of enjoying yourself, and working hard.  For some people, it's all about the money, while for others the money means much less to them.What I usually do is analyse the situation and do a case study.  Try and be as realistic as possible, and work out what is the profit of moving.  Think ab…[Read more]

Definately – again, if you've got a good plan and stick to it

The first thing I usually look at with off the plan purchases are comparable sales in the area.  Also, I look at units that are up to 5 years old just to see what people are really willing to pay on the open market, not just off the plan.  If you can find a 2br unit that has a similar aspect etc, and the price is the same, then it's a great s…[Read more]

Hi Kim,It can be a scary moment taking the investment plunge, however as you have read it can be a very worthwhile exercise.  There are a lot of things to take into consideration, however a very important one is time frame.  Property is a long term investment, so providing you are able and willing to hold onto an investment for an extended p…[Read more]

Your brother would have to come up with the cash to buy your half somehow – usually this will come from the bank.  It is really just him buying another half of the property, so it can be very straight forward providing the bank approves it.  He will have to have sufficient equity so that the total debt on the property is within the banks g…[Read more]

There are numerous resourses on the net that you can use, smh, news & infochoice are just three that come to mind.  Technically, a good broker should be keeping you up to date, so you can always try and find one of those as well.

Definately the offset account.  An expression I use often is:Penny saved is a penny made – and often tax free!You would have to earn a higher amount of money (and therefore take risk) then pay tax on that money to make the same as what you would save with the funds in the offset account.  Word of warning however, ensure that you put extra money s…[Read more]

I'm with Andy, Excel.  However I do have quite a few clients that use either Quicken or MYOB personal accounting packages – and MS Money every now and then.

Just like every profession, you're going to have your good and bad.  I think that I know who you're talking about on the internet as well.Good buyers agents can get you access to things you wish you had access to – and they can offer exceptional value for money when you consider what you're getting.  However, there are also plent of guys running a…[Read more]