generally, the mean is the average ie total value of sales/number of properties sold (otherwise known as the arithmetic mean, there is also a geometric mean). The median is more of a statistician’s average ie if all of the sales were listed in order of value then the list divided in two and the middle number (sale) being the median. Both methods are open to criticism, the first can be skewed by a large number of higher or lower values & the latter by the greater number of higher priced sales in the major capitals compared to total sales in regional areas.

Likewise, the stats can be skewed if the data is corrupt eg mixed data which doesn’t exclude say 2 & 4 bedroom houses as opposed to including all sales.

There is a lot of infrastructure proposed for the area just to keep up with the mining which is planned for the next 10-30 years. Little things like a major private rail line which is in the planning will require a lot of long-term rentals.

It depends on a couple of things – are you selling? If so, then you will need to select a real estate agent who is aware of what these things are, how they affect the running cost of the house, (the income generated by feed-in tarriffs etc) and the REA points them out in the sales process ie do you have a green rating for the house (NABERS etc).?

Have you claimed all of your credits for the installation?
Is the house located in an area where people are aware of the value of these installations?
Does your target market value these items? (eg are you in an alpine area where it can clearly be demonstrated of the savings in running costs/heat loss)

I'd suggest going straight to tender to some selected medium density builders (you may wish to engage a project manager or QS to undertake the tender, quality inspections etc).

start with the yellow pages, but seriously try the master builders association or the australian property institute.

These are 2 separate contracts. SD is payable on both but not at the same time.

Ie pay SD on the option contract when you enter into the contract.

If you sell the option to someone else, they pay the sd on exercising the option (balance of the value when exercised).

The gst does not go to the vendor, it is passed on by the vendor to the govt – so not an issue with the vendor (although they must receive the gst in order to pay it).

By being registered for gst, you could purchase 'as going concern' hence not paying the tax, providing it meets the other requirements of the ATO.

Fwiw, agents in WA are a bit OTT on price. The eastern states are much cheaper.

The vendor bid allows the vendor to stimulate bidding if it has stalled or to kill off bidding. Killing off bidding then allows the vendor not to negotiate with the highest underbidder. This can be a strategic play for those who do not like buying at auction.

Bidding on the property failed to reach the vendor’s reserve price. Subsequent negotiations within 24 hrs are still subject to auction conditions.