Hi Super Stig.We are in your general area and have developed a hammerhead block ourselves.  They are cheaper because they are not as appealing to buyers, who are used to having a street frontage.  You should know that their value may be a bit less because of this too.  However, they provide good security for tenants, and if done well are a gr…[Read more]

Hi Johann22.Previous responses have provided useful alternatives to complete new kitchens.  I just thought I'd add that if the cupboards are 600 mm deep (not the old-fashioned 450 narrow ones) you can replace the doors, kickboards and the benchtops, add new handles plus appliances and voila!! a new kitchen.  These suppliers are usually listed in t…[Read more]

Hi KCVards.I assume the area has a heritage restriction protecting the houses (as in Colonel Light Gardens) stopping demolishing in that area?  To enquire about the hammerhead block, you ring your local council and ask for the planning and development officer. My experience with hammerhead blocks elsewhere in Adelaide is that you must have a…[Read more]

Hi Andrew.I think it would be really beneficial if you read some quality literature to see what others have done to create a successful real estate portfolio.  Personally I like Margaret Lomas, but there are lots of others, all good and a book only costs $25!  Many are in the local library.From my experience, it is a matter of buying things you c…[Read more]

Hi Sasha.I am in SA and that is only slightly more than we have paid to subdivide in the Onkaparinga Council area, so I think it was reasonable, especially if they were able to give expert advice that was useful as others have indicated.  G

Hi Anthony.As a local I'd have to say anywhere within the Marion and Holdfast council areas, on 'the flats' between the beach, Marion Shopping Centre and vicinity.  It  appears to be a hot-spot for retirees and young trendies looking for a first home.  A lot of redevelopment is going on with blocks that can be subdivided, but things on smaller bl…[Read more]

Hi draidis.Personally I really don't like carpet.  It stains, holds smells and for allergy sufferers its not good in bedrooms either. I think the laminated flooring is a good option, especially if you have some handyperson skills, as its not that hard to do.  We have done it in 4 houses. (It is worth mentioning that it needs a nice level surface a…[Read more]

Hi Ken.Yes, I believe this problem relates to newer properties built recently.  When looking in locations such as Florida the advertisements refer to it as 'Chinese drywall'.  I assume a building inspection would rule it out?Regards,G

Hi Brendy.We have Mildura on our list too, and it is one of the places that Margaret Lomas has recommended and bought in herself.She targets larger rural centres with growth and good infrastructure that have positive (or near) cash flow.  I have also read that Mildura is somewhat underpriced compared to similar cities in Victoria.  Margaret L…[Read more]

Hi.  We have a house in a holiday location and currently have it rented permanently, but would consider doing what you are contemplating in the future, so we can use it some of the time.  When I discussed the idea with the local agent they stressed the need to have it well appointed with furniture and fittings, but I assume it all depends on the m…[Read more]

Hi carlin.I think you need to see a specialist lawyer/financial consultant.  They can help maximize your parent'sincome and options. As one parent is in a nursing home and your mother may require something similar at some stage,it is prudent to hang on to the house as the funds may be needed to pay for this.  This is what my family are doing. Y…[Read more]

Hi Ryan.I am a former teacher and mother of four, from twenties down to twelve.  All advice so far is great, but I know you'll find that each child is VERY different! Hence, role model, play monopoly and teach delayed gratification with each one, and I am pretty sure you'll still get a different result!!  One possibility is that they may react a…[Read more]

Hi tiffmad.A lot of sound advice has already been offered I see.I am not knowledgeable about that particular area, but for me it would depend on what else is available.   If you can get something: already up/in a better location/under five years old/on a subdividable block,  for that price AND the possibility of finding someone willing to n…[Read more]

Hi again Eva.My information at the time was that the management company (Breakaway) take the unit AND carpark!!  I know my brother in law was paying $35 a week a couple of years ago to park in town, but sorry, I don't know much about that area .CU,G

Hi nargall,The project builder we've used a couple of times told us he frequently gets developers faxing them block plans for a preliminary run through of various designs that could work with that block.  They liaise with a large surveyor company that is up to date with the council requirements for various locations.  This is free, they do it on s…[Read more]

Hi Eva,We're in SA and I've looked at similar things.  This one looks spacious enough for someone to live/invest in beyond being like a hotel room.  The ones I investigated are managed by Breakaway and are located in the city west area (Hindley, train station, Uni SA, TAFE).  They also have car parks underneath (at least the 2 bedroom ones do) wh…[Read more]

Hi William.Unless I have missed something, it sounds as though the client hasn't yet obtained approval to subdivide from the council?  I certainly wouldn't start any digging or similar without it. Once they have the verbal preliminary concept approval from the council, (which they hopefully did before purchasing, to ensure the land is in the…[Read more]

This is an interesting discussion everyone, thanks.Last year I got all excited about investing in America after seeing all the properties available on US ebay!  My mother and I thought we'd go in together, as it seemed for such a small amount of money, you wouldn't be taking much of a risk.  Then I got on to big auction sites and went as far as c…[Read more]

Hi Dave.It really seems as though the two previous replies have all the bases covered.  I did think to suggest 'graysonline' auctions though.That's the name in SA but probably interstate as well, or possibly under another name?  Basically it is a clearing house for mainly new things, surplus, closing downs, etc. and as the name suggests you bid o…[Read more]

Hi chriscarman.I am a new member and I have seen people who contribute frequently with real estate related businesses named as part of their details on the end of their comments. Most of them seem to have fairly sensible advice to offer.  My opinion as a family investor is that these people are as knowledgeable (if not more so) as anyone else,…[Read more]