syee,look up this article http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24326606-14741,00.htmlgoogle the names of the growth plans for each capital city ie Melbourne 2030 for Melbourne, as mentioned in the article. You'll get a feel for how the cities are going to grow. property appreciation is underpinned by population growth – that'll give…[Read more]

Hi,avoid places where it's restricted to just students(either as renters or buyers)…in the fine print of some projects they are quite restrictive, and the more so, the lesser the value those properties should be.also, avoid those that come with lease-back deals where you are locked into long-term leases.In general, stick to properties where you…[Read more]

I just did both. Not long ago I posted a unique studio property and managed to get lots of enquiries on Gumtree, so it's worth the effort. There are a couple of other free sites that may be worth posting on as well – see below.melbourneexchange.com.au and webindustry.asn.au

hi pagey9,fyi, just remember that student accom is a niche, and therefore you are removing yourself from the wider market. it is generally better to invest in a property that have widespread appeal and reach(to give you greater renter options), although there may be times that niche is so high in demand/short supply that it's attractive at…[Read more]

Hi Louise M77,generally speaking, residential property investing is simple to understand, a lot of it is common sense. One's intuition is pretty handy too. Things like property data, demographics, social trends, lifestyle trends are all powerful indicators to where people want to live and therefore where properties will appreciate more.I echo…[Read more]

I should correct myself and say my parents were always property believers and instilled in me that buying property is a great way to build wealth. So I realise they are in fact role models to me there, and got me the break when I was 18. My dad said something to me this year that I never knew – he said that in Chinese circles, our clan(or dialect…[Read more]

My parents came from poor families, however my dad was one of the first in his generation to get a university degree. Through my parents sacrifices including unrooting an established life to come to Australia, I gained the benefit of growing up in Australia and getting a uni degree myself, and now in a stable job. My parents were strong savers and…[Read more]

You would have to say that on pure macroeconomics, the Australian domestic economy is very strong, and on property demand and supply, it's very rosy for those holding property. I hold a very bullish view for the next 2 years on nearly all capital city real estate within 10km of the CBD or anywhere regarded as blue-chip, in middle and high end…[Read more]

State land tax is probably higher as well under a trust.Similar experience to you, a lot more hassles with trusts. Some bank officers have no real understanding of trusts, in the end they will want all sorts of personal guarantees. ANZ and NAB did accept it in the end.My other half and I are divided on the issue. I still maintain that asset…[Read more]

I have been self-managing a cluster of 1 & 2 bedroom apartments in the Melb CBD near Vic Markets for my family, all in the same building. It does tremendously well and achieves close to 10% gross rental yield. It rents out like hot cakes as it attracts both students and professional working people alike. In agreement with the other comments,…[Read more]

I'm not your financial planner, so take this with a few grains of salt. If you can stomach it, I'd advocate sticking to the areas you know (whether local or further afield), and by doing extensive research, go for the best capital growth area you can afford even if the current yield is sub 4%. You're right, you mostly can't have both capital…[Read more]

Hi Stumunro,Coincidentally I tallied things up and it's about 65-70% leverage across my property portfolio. Not quite at the stage of using equity to service debt however I am open to another property acquisition in the next 12 months which will push things higher. I understand the risks of debt if taken to the extreme, however I'm at a stage in…[Read more]

Hi,Not sure about apartments – you should visit their display or if unable then give Mirvac a quick call or visit their project website. I visited the estate earlier this year and the mix of architectural styles wasn't to my entire liking. You can tell that some designs won't date gracefully. It's probably booming but so is the rest of inner…[Read more]

The Western governments and their respective reserve banks have given us a taste of their intent – that of being the White Knight in any impending crisis. The Fed swiftly cut rates by 0.5% while the Bank of England bailed out Northern Rock, which otherwise would've folded under a bank run. You can bet that little Johnny or Kevin for that matter…[Read more]

Same with Salacious…learnt from missing the Melbourne 2000 boom by buying in big in mid/late 2006, reaping paper rewards now. Also dipped into Sydney and planning to buy some more. Sydney is ripe for the taking, and best time to buy there was late 06-Feb 07 in hindsight.as for steady boom this time around, not too sure with all the excess money…[Read more]

Lostie,I echo the sentiments here that say it's worth DIY so long as you can see the benefits, as there'll be downsides(which is greatly reduced as you get more experienced). Think of it as running a business, as they say you need to be hands on to learn anything and also protect your investment better.When you self-manage it's not just for saving…[Read more]

Stretch yourself and try and get closer to Frankston centre where a lot of development money is going in. I prefer Seaford as close to the bay as possible. That should be your goal rather than go inland. Also, in time, there may be a difference in price b/w properties west of Eastlink vs east. Given you're an investor, try for an older house that…[Read more]

Hi Reno,Since beginning of this year it's really taken off, stories that locals and interstate investors as far as WA are buying up on the seemingly no brainer that these areas are undervalued considering how close they are to water, with Frankston development boom and Eastlink to come.So reinforcing your perception that it's really heated, the…[Read more]

Hi Karen,try going to the websites of developers in your city. Don't forget quasi-state development bodies (Landcorp, VicUrban)Units/apartments – Meriton, Central Equity, Houses – Mirvac, australand, Stockland, Lend Lease etcNot advocating these particular brands however once you start on this track hopefully it'll open your eyes to the projects…[Read more]

One way you can find out is either visit properties in the area on auction day, and read the vendor’s statement. it will contain a council or land tax certificate and council valuation on land. Size of land is not often published but you can check with the agent and put 2 and 2 together.

The desktop version would be to simply ring up those agents…[Read more]