vicgirl wrote:
Well, I've been keeping an eye on some properties lately and as I was checking my saved list on the weekend, I saw that 5-6 of them were sold in the last two weeks, so it's not like people have stopped buying. I do see more properties coming on the market in my neighbourhood, nothing more than what I regard as normal, and a lot…[Read more]

blogs wrote:

vicgirl wrote:
Michael Matusik disagrees.

That guy is a joker-tell him hes dreamin!!! lol interest rates have plenty of up before they can even THINK about coming back down….Simple -you just watch the supply come on the market when all the fixed rate loans come off and have to be re financed. Im sue all the armchair expert…[Read more]

Another opinion about whether or not we are likely to meet the same fate as the US/UK:NEGATIVE SENTIMENT IS MISGUIDEDThere is an increasing number of detractors warning us that Australian house prices are overvalued and comparing the US credit crisis with our current situation. However, local research specialist Michael Matusik disagrees. CLICK…[Read more]

Well, I've been keeping an eye on some properties lately and as I was checking my saved list on the weekend, I saw that 5-6 of them were sold in the last two weeks, so it's not like people have stopped buying. I do see more properties coming on the market in my neighbourhood, nothing more than what I regard as normal, and a lot of them are…[Read more]

Well, I've just seen this today:http://hp-consumer.aol.com.au/news/story/-Special-investigation-Agent-orange-town/480201/index.html

The official cash rate in the US is 2% and it could stay flat for the rest of the year.In Australia it's 7.25% and still no signs of easing.Roll on the property market crash!  I would much rather hold property than cash when rates are starting to fall. Yes, a seasoned investor will survive and even make money in down-trending markets. I notice, e…[Read more]

Well, finally found something on the ATO website but I don't know if my interpretation is correct. According to this information the "cost base" apart from the purchase price, legal fees, building inspection fees, agent commission, also includes capital works that qualify for a deduction but of course without any deduction that was made if the pr…[Read more]

It's tempting to draw a comparison with the American and UK (or even the NZ) market but the situation is a bit more complex here. For example, NZ's net migration is in decline whilst we continue to grow. Or aside commodities, Australia can benefit from increasing food prices (just look at the price of dairy products) that could result from the…[Read more]

Three terms of Labour government in New Zealand did not break the property cycle there…vicgirl

What if you have bought a block in November, then build a house on it and sell it a year later?vicgirl

Terry, thanks for the suggestion. I'm continuing the research and have found a course that seems to be exactly what I need, through Deakin…I will try to determine the usefulness of completing this course.Cheers,vicgirl

Regina, it seems like you have done well purchasing in Safety Beach as not many interesting properties seem to be on sale there at the moment. What are your thoughts about buying in Dromana?vicgirl

Nats and Michael, thanks for sharing your thoughts. The idea of building a single house has been on my mind too for a while because of it's perceived (?) simplicity. Unfortunately, moving in every second year or so is not so attractive to me at my age and in my circumstances (I've had my fair share of moving in the last 15 years).  Would you use…[Read more]

Michael, you do have a point. I am still interested in other people's experiences with their local councils, especially in the inner suburbs or coastal areas. vicgirl

NATS, thanks for the insight, I get the picture, there are a lot of people with that attitude and I think I can risk saying that it's fuelled by jealousy and it's best to understand their motives and move on to somewhere else

"It's about time someone said it. Well done!I too believe it is impossible to find these CF +ve properties."You can always "create" a CF+ property.  Knowing you've got the backing of the bank, you can make unconditional offers and buy at a bit of discount, go for the highest number of bedrooms on the largest block of land you can afford. Also c…[Read more]

Although the bond was 35,000 in Knox too

Regina, thanks for your valuable comments. (my daughter's name is Regina too). I will cross Maroondah off my list. Dealing with Knox City was not a bad experience, I was lucky to get my permit though as one of the last ones in that area of Boronia (close to the hills). I might do another one closer to Wantirna, although somebody told me that if I…[Read more]

I thought building on a subdivided 1/4 acre would be a costly exercise but after a brief look at the first quote for a 17 SQ house I am definitely inclined to put the backyard up for sale, rather than pouring $250K or who knows how much more into the project and come out with a house worth $300-320K.

Michael, you’re spot on!

vicgirl