I may be a bit late with my reply but found that by giving each property a job number that I can track expenses and income that way!

Is there some legal obligation to install smoke alarms in IPs? I don’t think it is a requirement in rented properties. Tenants should be allowed to install their own which will make them more considerate of their treatment!

Not all fibro has asbestos! Since about mid-80s only asbestos free has been allowed. Some early products were just a fibro cement. As long as you don’t sand or drill asbestos content fibro everything is safe and free of worry.

A suggestion for adding value to a fibro house is to add a layer of weatherboards or even composite weatherboard to the…[Read more]

Not all fibro has asbestos! Since about mid-80s only asbestos free has been allowed. Some early products were just a fibro cement. As long as you don’t sand or drill asbestos content fibro everything is safe and free of worry.

A suggestion for adding value to a fibro house is to add a layer of weatherboards or even composite weatherboard to the…[Read more]

Listen to Milly. There is a lot of wisdom in what she says. Cheapest and best form of reno is to make everything clean! Fresh interior paint and new carpets!

A nicely painted “fibro” can also make a very nice presentation. A new coat of paint can be more effective than a relatively expensive cladding job.

I don’t know if Milly agrees but…[Read more]

Little dogs seem to be a real problem because they always seem to ‘wee’ on the carpet. It is somthing that can be cleaned so I guess it really shouldn’t be a barrier. You make a good point that not many landlords permit pets but very often a tenant will slip one in anyway.
Good timely topic!

I do not think this is completely correct. I would recommend a discussion with a qualified accountant.

I’ll bet the old buggers got a dog!

I think your neighbour has a valid complaint, you are profiting from his loss. You are also making things difficult for the next family that may have a legit ‘granny’ that they need to help. These flats are usually approved on a ‘needs’ basis, that is, when a family wants to take care of aging parents.

How about a tent in the backyard! What would…[Read more]

The LOE theory relies on the concept that property values will rise by 5% plus indefinitely. While property values have, at least since 1946, responded favourably, they may not continue to rise regularly and steadily. In fact, it appears that we may see a protracted period of no growth and perhaps a decline. Twenty years of little or no growth is…[Read more]

I’m with seechange, I think you retire from ‘jobs’ but if you are self employed or an investor you just keep going. I have never had a real job because I got lucky in property and just carried on from there. I must admit that the peoperty I have (or would consider to purchase) has to have an ‘special’ feature about them. So perhaps I am a…[Read more]

Dear JustAllen, There is no reason why you can’t still live on a farm and receive a pension. I do not think it unreasonable for Centrelink to assume you are capable of making money if you are holding 20 to 30 acres. It is similar to holding a lot of cash, Centrelink will ‘deem’ you are capable of earning interest and assess you accordingly. Even…[Read more]

Perhaps you had better be proactive and start looking for a new place. The type of work you describe suggests it can be done quicker if the property is empty. It also sounds like a rent increase is possible after renovations. Your Landlord and his PM certainly don’t put you at the top of their “consideration” list, do they?

I have installed ceiling fans as a quick, visable improvement. The remote control type are the easiest to instal and, while I use an electrician, they could be installed by a careful handyman. The overall cost with installation works out to be on average $150. They have a cooling benefit in summer and help with the heat in the winter. I don’t know…[Read more]

Previously tenanted properties are usually in need of a good clean/rubbish removal when you buy. Even private vendors tend to leave a lot of junk behind. I can remember only one house that was spotless when we took over. A little old lady was determined to leave the place as she had found it when she had moved in many years before. Another house,…[Read more]

Exactly Foundation and well put! The ‘vested interest’ brigade are relentless in the production of meaningless statistics but their ‘job’ is to sell not provide sensible arguement.

Living off equity depends on continued and sustained capital growth. It assumes that while capital growth may decline and grow these factors will in the long run average out to a growth factor of about 5%. As proof, proponents refer to growth figures from around 1965 on. Again, this positive growth has to be sustained or you are just eating your…[Read more]

Dear Mortgage Advisor, From a investor standpoint your summary of Tasmania may be correct. I think that lifestyle considerations make It a wonderful place for people to consider when looking for a place to live. Believe it or not, waterfront properties are still available at, by northern standards, reasonable prices.

I have recently acquired a “dog” from a family member we had to bail out. I am going to say that it may be important to realize a mistake has been made and it may be best to ‘cut your losses’. I had generally cashed up until this ‘gem’ arrived so it is not going to hurt but I am unable to make it pay on the original figures. Maybe it is time to…[Read more]

I feel compelled to offer support to those that want to use these forums to express their views on property. Views that conflict with mine are really the only views that will contribute to my knowledge & awareness of property investing. It seems unfair to continually criticise a contibutor just because his/her ideas conflict! To argue and dispute…[Read more]