Hi NishuG

I am also in the market for buying my first property (not IP). And I have done some research on reservoir, preston & Altona and can indeed confirm that these areas have a higher crime rate (on paper atleast). However, I live in Sth. Yarra (rent) and “on paper” it too has a high crime rate (than the suburbs mentioned above), yet I haven’t come across a single incident (touch wood).

The “crime activities & hot spots” exist in every area, and I wont generally rate an area on these basis unless its like “Cabramatta” in Sydney (no offense intended). An area like that, you wont want to buy or invest. (The latest news is that its all changing, and the place has become a lot safer than it used to be).

Anyway, have you considered Hoppers Crossing ? Last weekend, I found a property @ 165K (brick veneer), a full 3 bedroom house + huge backyard & in quite good condition. Didnt buy that because my wife still does public transport and that place wasnt close to any.

You can email me offline ([email protected]) and we can discuss (since we are in the same boat

rgds

Nick