An investment consists of money spent, time for outcome versus eventual outcome. This all revolves around how much demand exists for the current location and the property type. You may have an outcome to the positive on this .. but it will take A LOT of time.And when it does come time to sell .. it will be hard to sell. How's that for an…[Read more]

You are looking at the wrong factors.If in anything you want to look at the ongoing potential. Given roughly the same position and location .. both can be good investments. The lower liability on the half block may mean lower rates and overall expenses such as heating and garden are minimised. The investment potential on the land component of the…[Read more]

This isnt a property question really."I dont need to be rich" ……………….. Well … to be honest .. no-one NEEDS to be rich.Money is just options. And with more money comes more options.I came from a situation where for years I was very socialist in my mentality. I used to wear blank T shirts because I didn't believe in advertising or…[Read more]

Consult a good architect on how to plan a solution.In Doncaster its not uncommon for a block to allow for  more than expected number of units by substitution of things like underground parking and clever layouts for compliance with general council rules. The correct thing to do with this is consult council on their actual requirements and…[Read more]

Kouts,It really all depends on your area of expertise.From what is set out here it sounds like you've had an unfortunate passing and found yourself lumped with an inheritance and literally no experience with how to deal with it. Thats not a good portend for the future.To sum it up .. what if this was the family business .. a coffee shop or a…[Read more]

I feel like doing the Dr Evil pose for you .. and going .. A MILLION DOLLARS !Actually the whole Austin Powers first movie travelling back and forth in time gives you a good idea of what your first problem is. And thats thinking that in the early 21st century a million dollars is a lot. Its a substantial amount but its no longer a lot.Two bits you…[Read more]

It all depends on requirement,capacity and saturation of the markets.

A unit is great l if you want a low maintainence asset that returns reasonably well proportionate to outlay. It has no backyards to maintain, and it has usually got low overheads.

A townhouse is great for fulfilling the needs of working families with the possibility of kids.…[Read more]

It all depends on requirement,capacity and saturation of the markets.A unit is great l if you want a low maintainence asset that returns reasonably well proportionate to outlay. It has no backyards to maintain, and it has usually got low overheads.A townhouse is great for fulfilling the needs of working families with the possibility of kids. It…[Read more]

kennychlorine,Where do i start on this one?First .. you've given WAY too much information on the property venture. With the details you supplied in this thread i've already investigated the property area thoroughly. Be more cautious on details. Property eagles swoop.Second … why are you taking advice from a broker? Finance brokers are not…[Read more]

You must get a P sheet from Centrelink notifying them on a change in your property asset and income circumstances if you purchase property. The property details are only relevant to be amended on settlement of the property (actual ownership and/or receipt of rents).If Centrelink does an audit on you and finds your representation to them of your…[Read more]

Bringing what i just said back to your actual concerns.Since you are on a low doc situation .. your long term issue remains LACK OF ASSESSABLE INCOME. Thats going to be a problem with ongoing lending unless you are coming back with a reasonable rental income in the near future.So your immediate adjustment will be a requirement for a more solid…[Read more]

There are more than one way to get to a million. Starting with 600k .. a great start.The answer comes to what else you bring to the party. Cash .. nice .. but leverage requires income. Assets? can bring those?Bank looks  at the three issues and makes their decisions on those.ASSETINCOME (INC RENT)LIABILITIES AND EXPENSES (INC CREDIT CARDS)If you…[Read more]

This is where and why you need to learn negotiation when dealing with authorities and institutions.You are dealing with a US government authority and assuming that its not corrupt or deliberately asking for bakshish. You sit there and go on your high horse about what is in the longer term a pissy amount compared to potential gains, and you'll lose…[Read more]

JacM wrote:
Not being funny, but what can they do if you choose not to pay these fines?  You are not an American citizen, so what is their plan?  Extradition?  Hehhee

Its not a laughing matter. In one state I saw a property pushed all the way from being viable to being 26k in ongoing fines and interest payable. The sherriff steps in and or…[Read more]

Negotiate on the whole amount.Say you are prepared to pay a certain amount as the fines are obviously due. However .. you say that they have had your number wrong for a significant period of time .. despite you providing the correct details. Thats not owner onus .. thats THEIR responsibility.That actually will go well in court. Should you need to…[Read more]

maria jaya wrote:
Hi There!I am a newbie myself and seriously considering to buy a 1BR flat since that's the only kind of property I can afford at the moment.But they are mostly student accomodations and people's been telling me it's a bad idea.What am I to do to ever own my own property then?

Maria, in property circles there are things called…[Read more]

alfrescodining wrote:
Thanks Xdrew – great advice. I will definitely stick to something small first off, and I'm trying to save a bigger deposit than $200k.I have a question. When you mentioned holding costs, what do you have in mind besides loan repayments, opportunity cost, and council rates?Cheers 

Holding costs includes everything outs…[Read more]

Congratulations Samuel for starting !!!Heres the trick. You can sit there and save and save and save for your next deposit. Or, you can play smarter than that and look around for a situation where you can make your 20K a starter deposit for what you want to buy.Lenders will want to see the following from you. Assets. Income (ongoing not temp or…[Read more]

The best place to start is close to or near your comfort zone.Dont you DARE think you can start wheeling and dealing large figures multiple properties and large bank accounts all while creating viable taxation offsets …………….. from going out there and picking up the latest Property Magazine and reading an article about someone with barely…[Read more]

I follow up with asking.Where did you come across this exciting bit of informational recall?I have placed two posts about Queensland. Both were about the Gold Coast and its relevant troubles. None were about Queensland as a whole. I dont look at Queensland as a speculative market outside of the areas i am already aware of and concentrate on. I…[Read more]