sorry, I just realised the report format is not great in my post.Elwood units have grown at 10.3% over the last 10 years.And here is the link to the domain.com.au reporthttp://www.domain.com.au/public/suburbprofile.aspx?searchTerm=elwood&mode=research#mapanchorHope this helps

Hi Hal,Elwood seems to be showing steady growth.Here is some data from a free report from domain.com.auYou may want to buy a suburb report from rpdata.com.au or residex.com.au12 months to October 2007HOUSESUNITSElwoodRegionElwoodRegionMedian Prices$760,000$671,000$395,000$370,000Long Term Trend10.2%9.8%10.3%8.4%Auction clearance…[Read more]

Hi Daniko,It is extremely hard to get an agent/landlord to agree to sub-letting. I tried to do something similar and applied for numerous properties but there was no joy. I had to give up. But that's not to say its not possible. Try advertising in the local newspaper or put a ad in the local noticeboards. As Xenia said, be upfront about…[Read more]

Look for 'ugly duckling' close to the suburbs that have grown by 20%. Usually there is a ripple effect and these 'ugly ducklings' grow pretty fast as well.

You will struggle to find CF+ in main cities but they are still there in regional towns. You may need to look at some mining towns as well.

As a condition of purchase, I would include a clause for the vendor to get the approval at their expense.

Thanks Terry,This is pretty useful information.

You can try free suburb profile from http://www.domain.com.au or http://www.homepriceguide.com.auYou can also buy reports from http://www.rpdata.com.au or http://www.residex.com.auThe last few pages of Australian Property Investor magazine has information on median prices, etc.Hope this helps

He definately needs some help.

He definately needs some help.

You may want to consider buying a property off the plan (preferably with a 12+ month settlement). This should not require a significant deposit upfront and if you buy right (in an uptrending market), you may not have to put any more of your money because the bank will lend against the end value (and not the contract price because your contract is…[Read more]

I am not sure if investments in car park is the best thing to do especially with cash. I think the return is around 6-7% nett. You can get that kind of a return with a term deposit. Also, I believe the capital growth on car parks is lower.If you decide to borrow to buy, the LVR is usually low (65-70%, I believe). Because they are managed by…[Read more]

I am not sure if investments in car park is the best thing to do especially with cash. I think the return is around 6-7% nett. You can get that kind of a return with a term deposit. Also, I believe the capital growth on car parks is lower.If you decide to borrow to buy, the LVR is usually low (65-70%, I believe). Because they are managed by…[Read more]

Try Nancy Keep from Nancy Keep & Associates (http://www.nancykeep.com.au, 03 9544 9577). I have been using her services for over 6 years and she is great. She is a keen property investor herself and she can suggest some "out of the box" investments that can minimise your tax bill significantly.

It could be the next Ugly Duckling.

Hi Pete,An interest only loan does not stop you from making extra repayments towards the principal.Lets say you have a $300k loan on your $350 property and the property price doubles in 10 years. Assuming you make interest only repayments for 10 years (without increasing your loan amount), the loan amount at the end of 10 years will still be $300k…[Read more]

Hi Boy in Blue,I believe the contract dates are used for calculating CGT.

I have heard some positive things about Forest Lake and surrounding areas. What do people know/think about it?

Hi Scottybe,It depends on how you use the money. If you use it for a non-income generating purchase (e.g. the car you mentioned), you cannot claim the extra interest as a deduction. However, if you use the money to put as a deposit on another investment property or share portfolio, you can claim the interest as a deduction.Hope this helps.

Hi AO,Borrowing is only one side of the coin. Should your friend even consider buying if there is a high risk of property value falling in the next 2-3 years? I suggest your friend gets another independent valuation (and this time for market value rather than for lending because the valuation for lending is usually more conservative). I know this…[Read more]