You'd easily burn through a figure in the order of $150k to build in the backyard, and that will not include the creation of the driveway, fencing etc.

Remember that you require a driveway width of minimum 3metres for the rear property to utilise.

If you intend to subdivide, double check with council the minimum block sizes for the area and ensure your two resulting blocks will comply.

Talk to Barwon Water to understand if there are any pipes under the ground that would prevent building and/or subdivision.  Have the same conversation with council and a local surveyor.

Remember – do not assume that the answers the vendor gives you are correct.  You must do your own homework.  Do a ring around of the insurance companies and find out for yourself – can you actually get insurance for this property, and if so, how much would it cost?  What would the claim excess be?

Regardless, in any offer, always offer "subject to buyer being able to secure insurance that is satisfactory to buyer"

Stick to the question of the helpfulness of the course content… not necessary to discuss other people's private relationships on open forum.

Yep that is about standard… sometimes things are negotiable… for eg if you have multiple properties to be managed.

As fWord says, don't choose only based on price.

Some things to consider are:

– What advertising streams do they offer to advertise rentals? (realestate.com.au? local paper? window ads?)
– What days and hours are they open?
– Re the above two points, how easy will it be for all kinds of people to hear about your property, or for tenants to contact the agent about maintenance problems? will the agency be able to get keys to tradies for urgent weekend maintenance? will tenants be able to get a spare key from the agent if they accidentally lock themselves out?
– how many property managers do they have? do these people work each day? the answer to this question will sometimes shock you.
– what days/times do they offer opens for rentals?
– where is the office located? is it in the main traffic area of geelong?

As a general rule I would be cautious about agreeing to pay an agent an hourly fee to attend tribunal hearings.  If you did there would be little incentive for them to get the right tenant in the first place, or keep a close eye on your property.

Alrighty let's get particular about this.  It says you can't build units or flats.  Doesn't rule out houses or townhouses, or subdivision of land…

It also doesn't rule out getting the land subdivided, getting council permits for the build, and selling the land with the permit.  ie don't both building.

Either way talk to your solicitor.

Um… you have bought the block.  It is no longer his.  It is yours.  If there is no covenant, then that is that.  If council says yes then you should be fine.  In fact I'd think council will not be able to approve it if there is a covenant.  If you get stuck or are worried, chat to yor solicitor.  Then you will know exactly where you stand, and will be able to thank him for his keen interest in your development and decline the offer to give him a cash donation.

I'd call straight away, as it will be a matter of the contract of sale details.   Once you are clear in your mind about where you stand, you will be able to stand firm and not crumble and hand over money prematurely.

I would like to see this also!!  Post on here for all to enjoy

If you google NRAS (National Rental Affordability Scheme) there is heaps of info.  The general idea is that the government pays a portion of the rent, and that portion is guaranteed for a certain number of years.

why would it look hotch bodged? do you mean because the rear house would look different?  a fence will fix that.