Good refresher Benny. Yep lets hope the pollies act with some logic and don’t do anything too stupid.

From memory the labor party went to the last election with negative gearing changes in their policy mix and that didn’t appear to hurt them much votes wise. That’s why I’m thinking this is a high probability chance of coming to fruition.

Good question Nigel but that’s not what I think, that’s what the Labor policy clearly states. How they do that – I’m not sure but I’m assuming they know a bit about when they can and can’t make the policy effective from.

What I’m getting at and the evidence is clear for all to see is landlords in WA are getting ripped off compared to other parts of Australia.

So, what do we need to do about it?

Firstly, landlords need to negotiate – use the eastern states numbers as the lever and when the agents say costs are higher then over east then tell ’em that just aint…[Read more]

Did somebody say charges are higher in Perth because of salaries – just did a quick look in Seek – Sydney v Perth.

Its very consistent the average Property Manager in both cities is paid about $70k – its very consistent across many adverts on Seek.

Any body got any other excuses for the price difference?

Here are the charges – Perth v Sydney

Charge Perth ~ Sydney
Letting Fee 2 Weeks + GST ~110% of Weekly Rent
Agreement Fee Nil ~ $16.50
Management Fee 9.35% ~ 7.70%
Admin Fee pm Nil ~$5.50
Inspection Reports $49.50 ~Nil
Final Inspection $99 ~ Nil
Property Condition $220 ~ Nil
Fixed…[Read more]

Thanks for the responses

I’m collating some facts V Sydney I’ll provide soon

You should get a Depreciation Schedule done by a Quantity Surveyor asap – in my experience they are well worth the cost – unless your house has absolutely no valuable items making it up – you may be surprised what they find. Once you have that as a base you can add the cost of the fence or anything else you purchase to your capital base.

Your…[Read more]

From a quick observation of the current fixed rates on a 3 year loan they now look to be a pretty good option I reckon. Its always difficult knowing where the rates will be in 12 months time but the Reserve Bank here is pretty stingy dropping the rates and for that reason and the fact there are some green shoots appearing in retail and housing I…[Read more]

Its about time these up starts at the Reserve Bank got out of there ivory tower in Martin Place and realised the economy isn't doing so great and not to mention us property investors are struggling as well.

I'm hoping they keep dropping the interest rates so I can afford a Mercedes for the missus next year and not have to put up with her…[Read more]

To me the number one issue that investors buying into units need to be wary of is what's actually next door, across the road, and around the suburb generally in terms of possible supply of new units that may come on stream.

There is no greater killer of capital growth than somebody putting up another block of units in the local area.

I know this…[Read more]

HiI've been living in Perth for about 2 years now – moved from NSW. Your overall selection of Perth as a city to invest should be a good one based on what I'm seeing here compared to the Eastern states. Perth is a young growing city with massive opportunities in the future – while people talk about China only in terms of resource demands, Perth…[Read more]

Thanks BelindaI first posted this query back in 2009 but the issue is really starting to bight now. The costs on water usage are rising quickly.The legislation in NSW is pretty strict on this issue – almost forcing landlords to take on the cost. This is hardly condusive to reducing water usage.CheersThe Bish

HiI think the area has got huge potential as well. * Close to vinyards* Infrastructure improvements* Assuming Labour stays in power will be well supported politically (not being biased either way)In terms of timing just got to do the thing that all good investors must do:* Understand the area well – good and bad sections* Know the prices – make…[Read more]

HiAgree with YiF on this one. In simple terms using $17k negative impact as a starting point if you take off your tax credit that would leave a net impact of $12k (assuming your marginal tax rate is 30%) and this doesn't include any depreciation/write off benefits. If this is a new gated community then that depreciation/write off is going to be…[Read more]

No I actual didn't end up buying that property.Thanks anyway.

Thanks Wolfman – I feel better now – I own Westpac shares.

If the RBA has its way we'll all be living in 3 man tents.Bring it on Stevo – love the pain!!!