This is from Yahoo Finance, its American but very interesting. Good read. Suggesting our whole suburban lifstyle is going to change.A New Real Estate Realityby Charles Wheelan, Ph.D.Email this Page IM this StoryBookmark this StoryAdd to your Del.icio.us accountDigg this StoryPrint this Story Very Good (568 Ratings) 3.998234/5 Posted on Monday,…[Read more]

JL,     Thanks for info. I have been back to visit a few times – due for next trip ( good for tax claims ). Don't forget the strand , its fantastic. One downside along the coast near south townsville is the flooding on king tides – which should get worse as global warming sets in?

Scott no matesActually, Queensland law says you need to fit at least a 9V alarm not a 240VAC alarm!All new buildings need a 240VAC alarm or extensions to old buildings!So there.Also cost of servicing 240AC alarms is double the cost for 9V alarms at about $90 each? each year..

Actually,                Conveyencing? I haven't purchased for a few years now ( due to prices etc ) will need to look that up. Or someone else to jump in thanks.

Both when you sell

Mark,         I lived in Townsville back in end of 80 to early 90's. I still have a house rented in Kirwan , its an old type highset.Growth in Townsville was very low for about 15 years, but is now going ahead well over last few years, mostly I think due to Townsville infrustructure expansion and reliable water supplies.        I liked the town…[Read more]

Lino is good in older houses.Tiles are best in newer more expensive houses.

Answer – Just read the topic "Best advice:Don't invest into property:The Australian market is CRASHING" – it is still active after 14 pages – lots of good info.

Smoke Alarms – now theres a new never ending expense.Yes, you will need to install the alarm or two depending on size etc of unit.New laws in Queensland ( over one year old now ) mean you need to fit one. Also you need to have it tested and new batteries before new tenant starts each time, and once a year have it tested. New companies are now…[Read more]

First Home Grant is per transaction. You will get half each. If you are both eligible. Go to State Government web site for details as is handed out by state but federal gives the money.If you go Tenants in Common, you keep your share of the property ( can elect 50 50 ) but if you go Joint Owners you can loose your share to the other ( its like…[Read more]

Hi,   Not a lot of detail regards your property supplied, but just a few things first. Any landscaping like lawns, plants, etc is not a tax claim, only retaining walls can be claimed.   Working inside and outside the house could be problem if you do any injuries or cause an accident so if you do not have insurance for such work, then be very car…[Read more]