Drew, so really, if we were just looking after our our own interests, then owners of +ve property * should* campaign for NG to be abolished?

That video was both hilarious and educational! Should be compulsory viewing, imho.

I’m not spooked, I’m bemused. And of course, we’re talking about negatively gearing property only.

Approx 70% of individual investors use NG to fund their purchase. Around 1.6 million taxpayers used NG year ending 2010, generating a net rental loss of $6.5 billion. In my opinion, not a huge cost compared to providing about one third of the…[Read more]

Hi Red Man,It seems relatively straightforward to me – have a word with your insurers, ask them if this situation is covered, first up.  Your course of action will depend upon the answer to that question, in my opinion.  Normally one might have a claim against the agent – shouldn't they have withheld money for the carpets? – but as they are in r…[Read more]

I was faced with a similar dilemna.  I realised that there were two seperate issues here – wanting the emotional security of living in a "family" home, and investing.  I realised that with rent only around 2% of the value of the place I'm renting, and interest alone being double that, it makes better sense for me to rent, while investing e…[Read more]

Shape wrote:

Scott No Mates wrote:
Whilst you've got the income, you should still consider salary sacrifice as this is taxed at only 15% not your marginal rate. Why lose an additional 30%+?

I dont know ONE single "property investor/ stock investor" that pays the "normal" rate- i personally have ever only pay tax rate below 28-35%…and im…[Read more]

Hi mgerbiWell this is an Australian based site, so can't really help you out on the finance side of things (although someone else on the forum might be able to help)However some things are universal.  If you're just starting out, you need to be creative and think outside the box if you don't have much cash.  So, off the top of my head, how about r…[Read more]

Sydey99Oh dear, you got yourself in a bit of a pickle with this! Never mind, just learn from it.Firstly, it looks like the agent made a mistake. They are only human, remember.  However this is a very basic cock-up that a good agent should not make.  A tenant can only be "moving in" once a lease is signed (i.e. they are committed) and keys handed o…[Read more]

My opinion only, but…The advantage of cross securitizing is to your bank.  The disadvantage is to you.  The only reason to cross securitize is if it can be done no other wayThe advantage of de-seciritizing is flexibility – you can sell an uncrossed property when you want/need to, rather than having to have all properties in the "cross" valued, a…[Read more]

Hi Mick,Disclaimer:- I have only the barest knowledge of trusts, having just started looking into them myself, so check anything I say. (And no doubt someone more knowledgable than myself will reply soon.)Firstly, be very very careful.  The first thing I was told about trusts was, do not set one up just to lower your tax bill.  The ATO will not a…[Read more]

Jambv,I am in the exact same situation as you, but my IP is in Sydney.  I had a chat with 2 agents, and their advice is that it is preferable to sell the property with vacant possession.  Their take is that tenants will pose difficulties with regards to access (too many viewings spoiling the tenants' quiet enjoyment of their home), and also t…[Read more]

Amit,This is pretty standard with banks.  You are changing the purpose of the loan to an investment (business). Business loans, even if on residential property, are seen as slightly more risky by banks, therefore they charge a higher interest rate.Please remember, as an investment, interest on a loan is tax deductible.  Also, make sure you shop a…[Read more]

Hi Angel,Sprechen sie deutsch? Fortunately there are no restrictions on foreigners owning property in Germany. Anyone with a valid passport from any country can own property.  However that does not grant you residency rights of any kind.All I know re investing in residenial is hearsay that tenants rights are MUCH stronger in Germany compared to…[Read more]

http://www.landlordzone.co.uk/forums/forum.php – like propertyinvesting.com, only for uk landlords and tenantshttp://www.zoopla.co.uk/ – good guide to property sales and priceshttp://www.upmystreet.com/ – general neighborhood demograhics, crime stats, schoolshttp://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/floods/31650.aspx – flood…[Read more]

That's a very difficult question to answer specifically.  You need to take into account build costs, selling fees (legal, agents etc ) and also tax, which is totally dependent on your financial circumstances.  What would you like to know – just a breakdown of costs?S

Hi,What types of property – units I presume? What is the purchase price?…what is the rental yield?.  How much will you have to borrow?These are the types of question you need to look at, not just the suburb/stateSwampy

Hi,It's not impossible to invest in a different hemisphere, but…obviously, the property market in UK is completely different to Oz, different rules, etc. and of course there's the tyranny of distance.I imagine finance would be a big hurdle – banks in UK are currently reluctant to lend to UK residents with good credit, not sure how the…[Read more]

Hi Julian,I admire your aim of buying UK property.The only buyers agent I'm aware of is Garringtons. As it's chief exec is Phil Spencer of Location Location fame, I would image they'd be at the top end of the fee scale – that's just an assumption.They do say they cover the north west.What kind of service do you want? Full research of the area,…[Read more]

Hi dammit

(Like the name!)

Wow, the world is your father’s oyster here.

No-one can tell you what the best way to invest is, but would like to put forward some points for you to consider

If your father does go for the 10 properties option, would he be able to get finance? He’s close to retirement age, some banks might knock him back

What kind…[Read more]

Hi Syoung33,

I don’t think you are classed as a resident if you are not in Australia for more than six months. Non residents do not have to file tax returns. Anyway you are operating this property at a loss so you can’t pay tax on a loss.

But check out the ATO…[Read more]