Hi Lizard,New homes have quite a limited scope when it comes to value adding. It also depends on to what the finish the build is, basic shell or turn key. Also, new houses in areas are often built to a similar spec, so try and avoid over capitalising. Some ideas can include:- Landscaping (mentioned before)- Display furniture (if selling)- Cur…[Read more]

A lot of this stuff comes from understanding areas in detail and studying them over a period of time. For future supply two of a many areas we look to include forewarned zoning changes (what will be built on these sites) and geography (is there land physically available). Demographics can be a little harder, because ABS stuff is often out of…[Read more]

Hi Frank,Past result and statistics should always be questioned. This is especially the case with median house prices. A few reason why median prices can be skewed include:1) Subdividing large parcels of land into smaller blocks can cause the "median" prices to drop, but per sqr mtr prices to increase.2) An increase in new units can skew median…[Read more]

Hi Salacious,Everyone's situation is different and you would need to talk to a finance broker or bank before doing anything. However, I have personally done a "Security Swap" on a property. My bank allowed me to have the money in a term deposit (loosing a small spread on the loan ofcourse) untill I had another property I could swap the mortgage…[Read more]

Hi,Here is a link to one of the charts I use very often. This is for WA. Always remember that due to different council requirments, even if the R-Codes suggest you can do something, always check with the council to make sure.

Hi Azalea,You are looking around the correct areas, but those areas are not just limited to units in Glendalough / Wembely. I would say if you want to maximise the ability to rent a property and still have good capital growth, here are a few industry tips:1) Aim for townhouses or villas (dont have to be that close into the city – as closes as you…[Read more]

Hi Duckman,I'm quite familiar with the Perth market, but not so much about Melbourne (3rd party articles). A few things you should consider and if you want to speak with me any further, feel free the cost is only a phone-call.1) It doesn't matter how good a loan app is, if a bank isn't lending, it isn't lending. I know of cases in the GFC where…[Read more]

Carpet Pros: – Cheap- Washable- Favoured in the bedrooms (excluded floorboards in period homes)- WarmerCarpet Cons:- Damageable & hard to repair- Wearing- A Big NO in kitchens- Need to be professionally laidLino Pros:- Durable- Gaining Acceptability- Easy Clean- CheapLino Cons:- Burnable- Can look cheap- need to be professionally laidFloor Board…[Read more]

There are lenders changing policy on a daily basis. The general understanding is most lenders will require you to wait 12 months for a re-val with no work done. However, often with documented renovations you can get a re-val done at about the 6 months mark. Some banks are also different to what I mentioned above – however most fit into the a…[Read more]