Hi Bez,
I reckon you should have insurance for the following – building, chattels, loss of rent, tenant default rent, malicious damage, public liability and motor/fusion burnout.

pcm = per calendar month

Hi chuckles,
It does not matter whether you base yourself in Sydney or Melbourne. There are plenty of opportunities. if I were in your situation I will invest in different states in Australia. Each state within Australis is like a mini-market in itself and may go through its property cycle. This ensures you are not putting all your eggs in one basket. Also, you need to balance your portfolio with few buy & hold properties and few trading properties (renovation, subdivision, etc).

On the block of 4 units (separate titles) purchased at $320k, you will pay stamp duty for each unit separately at a purchase price of $80k (assuming each unit is of the same value).
You could use some online tools for calculating the exact amount of stamp duty for both scenarios – units on one title or strata titled. I use the National bank online calculators:
http://www.nab.com.au/Personal_Finance/0,,81262,00.html

Hi trac,
If the units are on one title then you pay one lot of stamp duty. If the units are strata titled then you pay pay stamp duty separately for each unit.

Good news for the time being. But its just delaying the inevitable.

Hi kobe888,
I think you need to do a goal setting workshop. What do you want to do with $250k? What kind of returns do you want and then determine the best vehicle (property, shares, options, etc.) for achieving it. With that kind of capital you should look at diversifying a bit and include investments in shares/funds as well.
With regards to investments in properties, what do you want to achieve – capital growth or cashflow? The type of assets you buy will depend on your investment goals.
Hope this helps.

cheers,
Sanjiv Gupta

“There is no passion to be found playing small – in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.” – Nelson Mandela

Hi Kim,
I think you should look at what works in your area and then decide. Some areas have strong auction history and it may be best to stick with it. Speak to few agents as well to get an idea of the fees and services offered.

cheers,
Sanjiv Gupta

“There is no passion to be found playing small – in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.” – Nelson Mandela