Hi Nigel,

Probably you didn't check my post. Or maybe I put it in the wrong section. I am looking for house in outer suburbs. I just wanted to decided between the options in terms of suburbs.

As I am a complete noob when it comes to property purchase in Australia, could you recommend any reputed property broker who would deal with clients for…[Read more]

I am back to bring this thread back to life. After feedback from various people and personally visiting a few places, I have decided against the city apartments idea. Instead I am looking for a house where I can live for a few years and then perhaps rent it out. My budget is maximum $280 k. 

I am looking at the western suburbs of Laverton and…[Read more]

Thanks for all your replies. (And special thanks for xdrew for your detailed insight).  My situation is as explained where I will move overseas in around 7 years. 
I have investments back overseas which provide with CG and capital yield and also I am getting my house constructed there. I would have chosen to invest the remaining money too overseas…[Read more]

Thanks for the info. So how does this buyer's agent thing work ? 
If I like a listing, then should I then let the buyer's agent deal with the negotiation from start to end ? Or should I first approach the buyer's agent and let him know which areas and the budget I am looking at ?  

And is the buyer's agent paid as a fee or is it a commission…[Read more]

Thanks guys. The maintenance costs is something I will definitely consider. 

When a property is advertised for a certain price, can I use someone like a buyer's advocate to get the best deal ? 

Thanks Jacm, I am a bit concerned about the road traffic in the Western suburbs but I travel by train daily. So will check the train line at peak times.

Thanks for all the comments. That was great to read your view points. I've been breaking my head about this for the past few weeks. 

Zanshibui – I will definitely be staying for 10 years (maybe even more). 
Derek – 260 K is the loan I will be getting after depositing the 5 %. So I'll be looking for a house around the 270 K mark. 

I am still…[Read more]

Thanks folks for the input. I'll be looking for houses in Thomastown and Epping. Most likely a pre established property. Am I better off buying a pre established property in these areas compared to a house in the suburbs I mentioned above ? 

Both these suburbs are zone 2 but this is the area I am used to (I live in Reservoir).  

In that case, am I better off investing in Werribee ? I really don't understand how one area is good compared to another. Like people told me that Laverton is good place for investing as it is close to the freeway and all, but HC is just like a 10 min drive from Laverton. And others said Werribee is better than HC which is a bit further away from…[Read more]

Thanks jmsrachel and plc. I will be looking to houses in Epping.  Is Hoppers crossing any good amongst the ares I mentioned  ? 

omg 100 ? no way i wanna live like a vegetable.