I had to cut a chq for $18,000 for stamp duty on 21 units I purchased in Qld for $530,000 before settlement – which is not until October!
This was news to me as in Vic. stamp duty is payable on settlement.
Just another reminder about the different laws in different States and the everlasting education as a property investor.
Re: calcs. In the ‘Links’ area there are links to several useful online property calculators. People who buy the Wrap Library also get access to several calculators that I have designed and published that are specific to wrapping.
I understand the nature of this uncertainty and cannot provide any hard and fast rules, except to say:
1. There is no tax law that specifically deals with wraps, and as such the information available is subject to opinion based on other the nearest legislation and case law.
2. In tax you need to establish a reasonably arguable position.
As far as wraps are concerned, the key is to appreciate the uncertainty and create a reasonably arguable position.
To this end I think it is important to:
A. Bring to account the realised profit each year split, as Euge points out, between interest and principal.
B. Apply your method of reasoning on a consistent basis. Swapping to get the best tax advantage won’t appear too good if you are audited.
I know wrappers in Qld who have been audited by the ATO and passed with flying colours based on points A & B above.
As an accountant, I regularly disagree with other people’s opinions. This is why it is important for investors to establish and consider the difference between fact and opinion.
WOW! This forum is only a day old and already there is plenty of great information. Thanks to everyone who is already contributing.
As far as the role play for this first post goes, here are the answers to some of the questions that have been asked so far:
Light Industrial?
When I inspected the property in the early afternoon the noise was not particularly noticeable outdoors and certainly quiet indoors. It’s a great tip though to inspect a property near an industrial zone in the middle of a working day though and not on a weekend []
Finance
Bank has approved an open chequebook based on 80% finance. Wraps are OK in this postcode.
Vendor
Vendor is moderatley motivated to sell and has priced it at $50,000 to get out quickly if possible. Property has only been on the market a few weeks and inquries are starting to pick up. No offers have yet been made.
Exit Strategy
My exit strategy for this property is either:
1. Wrap
Sell it for $70k with a $7k deposit at +2% to my interest rate. Rough figures have the nett cashflow at $55 per week and a cash on cash return of around 47%.
2. Rent It
Rent it at $120 per week would see me derive positive cashflow – but it would not be as profitable as if I wrapped it.
3. Worst Case Scenario
I look that so long as I can cover my mortgage at $65 per week, plus ownership costs of about $35 a week, then I am covered. This means that I could offer the property for rent at a discount of 16% to it’s current amount and still break even.
Tenants
Tenants are friends of the vendor and are happy to sign a six month lease at $120 per week. There is no lease in place at the moment.
Condition
I would call the property ‘tired’ but still in reasonable condition. There are some maintenance issues that I observed during my inspection, but nothing too big as to cause a big problem.
I have been quoted $350 for a building inspection… should I spend the money?
Economy
Unemployment is about 8%, but in reality anyone really looking for a job can find it.
Local infrastructure is good and forecast capital gains in the current market is about 3% per annum.
Similar Properties
Other 4 bedroom properties are prices at $60,000+ and rent for $140+ per week. This places this property in the cheap range, partly due to the proximity to the industrial area.
A 3 Br property two doors up and across the road just sold for $55,000.
Next move?
The bottom line is that the property is priced at $50,000 because of its proximity to the light industrial area and also because the owner would like to sell quickly.
No offers have been made yet… what do you think my next move should be?
In reality I have purchased this property already, but as a case study I’m interested to see what the community thinks… It’s an excellent learning tool
This will be a good exercise for you since you haven’t purchased property before and I think you are on the right track.
To answer your questions…
Asking Price
$50,000
It is currently tenanted on a month to month basis at $120 per week. Tenants have good references, but there is no formal lease in place as they are friends of the vendor.
Size
I don’t have a title, but having been through the property I can say that there isn’t much street frontage, but the property runs very deep. There are two bedrooms at the front, two down the passage, and then a living room that runs into the kitchen with a bathroom / laundry out the back. The place has off street parking and a small to medium back yard.
What’s nearby?
House is on the fringe of a light industrial area. Some car workshops around, but residential area runs down the street away from the light industrial area.
Generally a good location that would appeal to tenants aged 20 – 40, not a great family home though. More of a communal living type of place.