It's hard to see how the cost of construction won't increase, and therefore builder's margins etc. will too.I suspect insurance will also increase (as the cost of replacement will increase).It may also lead to an increase in secondhand house prices generally (as it costs more to build new, people will move into second hand homes and increase their…[Read more]

Lewis O'Brien.03 9888 6388- Steve

Hi (again),Yes – first loans were P&I. In fact, most of the loans done in the early days were 80% LVRs as that is one of the ways that we borrowed so much money.In regards to wraps, see:https://www.propertyinvesting.com/strategies/wrapsIt's also explained in From 0 to 130…- Steve McKnight

Hi Rob,Make sure you check out realtor.com, and search for the area of interest.The post-foreclosure (short sale) is an interesting option.- Steve McKnight

Opusca1,In the early days is was P&I on the basis of 20% down.Today, I tend to be involved with more development projects where it is interest only, and the interest is capitalised into the loan balance.I'm still a CA… proud of it (just not practising).- Steve

Angiebabe…Are you related to this site?It just seems a bit odd that you would join today and then post this.Is seems to me to be some seeding for something new.For what it is worth, what I'd like to know are:a. Are the original listing prices genuine? If so, are they independently verified, or is it up to the agents to input?b. How much is paid…[Read more]

Hi,You won't find $1m in Property… in stores anymore as it is out of print.You might get a copy on ebay.Suggest you get the revised 0 to 130 which has just been released. Should be in bookstores from this week.Also recommend you read:* Rich Dad Poor Dad* Richest Man In Babalyon* You Can Do It* Money Secrets Of The RichAll the best with your…[Read more]

I've a couple of thoughts to add here:a) 1 Br Apartments. These are the bottom of the market and hence are attractive to those seeking affordability. As such, they are likely to underperfom the median house price growth and rent. If you can, you are better off with a 2br second hand apartment than a new 1 br apartment.b) How do you plan to make…[Read more]

Hi Bronte,It's uncommon but not unusual to rent the property before settlement for the sake of getting early access.Sometimes no payment is needed, just agreeing to take the property as it is now, and to pay for the rates etc. from now on, plus insure the property.An experienced property solicitor will be able to help you.All the best and congrats…[Read more]

Hi,I agree with other posts about needing the preliminaries sorted.That said, you have a goal and if you lack the funds it is smart to invest with others. Make sure you have each role defined though, as if you are all doing the same thing then it will cause arguments.Open communication among the partners is the most important requirement. Common…[Read more]

Okay… finally recovered from lots of hot crossed buns. Thanks for your patience.Seems Qantas has jumped on the unemployment bandwagon. Interesting how these things build momentum… I wonder which major corporate will be next.First up, please remember that my thoughts are just one of many opinions. You will need to take and leave what you feel…[Read more]

Happy Easter!I am about to sign off for some family time, but will be sure to answer this post on the other side of Easter.Regards,- Steve McKnight

Reviving this post….Although interest rates have fallen, clearly the gloom is placing pressure on property prices.The near term prognosis remains gloomy, which is why I continue to recommend trading in and out, rather than buy and hold.Just because something is cheap does not mean that it is good.Cheers,- Steve

The rules were stated when you joined up as a member.If we allow an inch, people tend to take a mile.- Steve

Hi,Would this be State specific? I know there are state-by-state rules about the qualifications and experience needed to become a real estate agent.Cheers,- Steve

A great book that everyone should read is 'The Great Depression Ahead' by Harry S Dent.It's a new release and is compelling reading.The tea leaves of demographic analysis paint an interesting picture.- Steve

Hi,The problem you have is that a change to the title usually attracts duties.However, (I think) in WA and Vic you can transfer the property to your spouse's name for 'love and affection' (that is – $nil) without any stamp duty applicable.Worth a phone call to your solicitor though to find out.- Steve

Hi,It sounds like you are taking a pre-existing house and then renting it to students (by the room), as opposed to buying a 1-Br purpose built student accom dwelling.As such, here are some points I recommend you work though:1. Leasing: are you buying or renting? If you are renting the property then you will be sub-letting to tenants. That's fine,…[Read more]

Hmmm….I would demoish what I could and strip things back and then get the trades in to fit off.Yes, with the kitchen, get the sparky in to junction box the mains to the stove, as it will be easier to do this with the old kitchen gone then trying to do it with a half-installed kitchen.Hope all goes well,- Steve

Hi,Beware of the foreign controlled corporation rules, which you should ask your accountant about.I invest in NZ and use a NZ family trust (not an LAQC).- Steve