All Topics / Help Needed! / Too good to be true?

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  • Profile photo of MikandMikand
    Member
    @mikand
    Join Date: 2013
    Post Count: 7

    Hi all,

    I'm looking to break back into the property market and found a property that seems a little too good to be true.

    To get started, I have been considering buying a 1 bedroom unit that has a decent rental return and hang on to it for a period of time until I'm ready to invest in a larger property. I found one where the asking price is $145,000 – $155,000. The agent is claiming that the unit is rented for $200 a week, which based on using online repayment calculators, it would cover the repayments of the loan that I would take out. I have a suspicion that something might not be right with the property based on how long it has been on the market for.

    Am I missing something here? Is it too good to be true? I've tried contacting the agent to clarify some information but haven't heard back. Obviously I'll actually look at the property  before making any decisions, but I'm happy to take any advice or suggestions.

    Thanks in advance!

    Profile photo of FreckleFreckle
    Blocked
    @freckle
    Join Date: 2012
    Post Count: 1,680

    I bought a crystal ball years ago but I could never get the damn thing to work. [/sarc]

    Profile photo of CatalystCatalyst
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    @catalyst
    Join Date: 2008
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    Doesn't sound too good to be true to me. Sounds good but not alarming. Why is it not selling?

    Have you compared it to others in the same area? Just check that it's not a company title or a serviced apartment.

    Where is it located?  That will make the difference to me. If it's regional and you don't experience CG then it's not a good investment (to me). However if it's well located and the price comparison stacks up, go for it.

    If you care to give more info you may get better responses.

    Profile photo of Mick CMick C
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    @shape
    Join Date: 2010
    Post Count: 1,099

    ummmm not much details/info to go off- but the numbers and details you have presented are not uncommon – it's an ~6,7% yield- which is common for units in some part of Sydney.

    Without giving the address away; if you can provide a bit more details that would be helpful. 

    Mick C | Shape Home Loans
    http://www.shapehomeloans.com.au/
    Email Me | Phone Me

    Same Banks. Better Rates. Served With a Passion.

    Profile photo of MikandMikand
    Member
    @mikand
    Join Date: 2013
    Post Count: 7

    Thanks for your replies. It's in a Victorian regional town – Ballarat. It's actually my home town, and I have read that you shouldn't buy in your local area as you can get too attached, but if it's such a good buy, why not.

    It's in a good area, close to shops, schools, entertainment. It is the rear most unit in a block of 3 units. It backs on to parkland.

    It still raises a concern with me as to why it hasn't sold yet.

    Profile photo of TerrywTerryw
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    @terryw
    Join Date: 2001
    Post Count: 16,213

    Under 50sq m?

    Terryw | Structuring Lawyers Pty Ltd / Loan Structuring Pty Ltd
    http://www.Structuring.com.au
    Email Me

    Lawyer, Mortgage Broker and Tax Advisor (Sydney based but advising Aust wide) http://www.Structuring.com.au

    Profile photo of MikandMikand
    Member
    @mikand
    Join Date: 2013
    Post Count: 7
    Terryw wrote:
    Under 50sq m?

    According to the title, it is approx 160sqm.

    Profile photo of Scott No MatesScott No Mates
    Participant
    @scott-no-mates
    Join Date: 2005
    Post Count: 3,856
    Mikand wrote:
    Terryw wrote:
    Under 50sq m?

    According to the title, it is approx 160sqm.

    A one bedder with extensive gardens/entertaining area/triple garage?

    Profile photo of BoughtWithEquityBoughtWithEquity
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    @boughtwithequity
    Join Date: 2013
    Post Count: 68

    I don't know values in your part of the world but a 6% yield really isn't bad for most people.  Most of our stuff does 10% to 20% but it's a different program with shared housing.  Most smaller investors are best served by buying something in their immediate are so they can keep an eye on it.  One of my friends did well for 30 some years just buying properties that were on his way to & from home on his commute to work.  He'd notice when a light was out and pop by to take a look so his tenants paid better and performed better because they knew he was about.  Even if you have a professional manager involved be cognizant of the fees involved and cautious of churning….prop companies in the states are known for dropping a tenant in and not worrying about how long they will be there because they take 1st month rent on any replacements.  Look for some sort of performance warranty.  We guaranty our renters for 6 months….if they don't perform, we replace them at no cost.  Again, our model is pretty unique.

    If you're really interested in the unit, spring for some money on a home inspection.  Not sure if they do due diligence over there but here, usually you write a contract with a kick-out clause for inspection issues.  You usually get 5 to 7 days to have an inspection done at your cost but this gives an idea of the property's true condition.  Just make sure you find a qualified inspection from some of your fellow investors.  Try not to us an inspector recommended by the listing agent as they tend to favor inspectors who go light on the property review…remember, the listing agent wants a sale and a commission check!  LUCK!

    Profile photo of wobblysquarewobblysquare
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    @wobblysquare
    Join Date: 2010
    Post Count: 95

    1-bedders have a limited market….that said, this market may well increase as all the baby boomers retire…but 1-bedders will always be at the bottom of the market. A two-bedder is so much more versatile and appeals to a much wider target market.

    Other questions

    1) Comparative sales (is it over-priced compared to other sales of the same type)

    2) Vacancy rates? What are they for the area, how easy will it be to re-tenant if you should lose your existing tenant

    3) is the rent being quoted to you true market rent? Could you re-rent it ok if you had to at what is being quoted to you.

    160sqm may be the section size, what is the building area. As Terry alludes to Banks do not like lending to small units. THIS could explain why it has not sold – because no-one can get a loan to buy it !! Or if they can get a loan it is it a max of 70% LVR.

    Positioning sounds excellent, which should help with tenant demand.

    All above being said make sure your offer includes a clause for finance to YOUR Satisfaction. 70% LVR is more like a commercial loan, except that a commercial property would yield more like 8% NET, not 7% GROSS. If you cant get a 80%+ LVR using one of the big 4 banks, then most likely who-ever buys it off you will struggle to do so also.

    This is more of a cash-flow as opposed to a CG purchase.

    Profile photo of Colin RiceColin Rice
    Participant
    @fms
    Join Date: 2011
    Post Count: 338

    If you make an offer have a "subject to building inspection" condition inserted.

    Before you even make an offer ask for a copy of the last two years minutes of the body corporate AGM plus full financials. Get someone to help you read them if not confident in interpreting the figures. A decent broker should be able to assist you in this regard.  

    This will reveal if any major repairs such as concrete cancer, roof replacement or a non existent sinking fund is evident and may shed light on the reason it has been on the market for an extended period. Also ask the the REA why it has been on the market for so long making sure you BS radar is turned up to FULL. 

    Colin Rice | CDR Finance
    http://cdrfinance.com.au/
    Email Me | Phone Me

    Perth Based Mortgage Broker - Investment Property Finance Specialist | E: [email protected]

    Profile photo of Jamie MooreJamie Moore
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    @jamie-m
    Join Date: 2010
    Post Count: 5,069

    Hi there

    Personally – I'm not a big fan of one beddies. The yields aren't usually as strong compared to a two beddie unit – and the body corp fees can relative to the rent can be quite high.

    If it's less than 50m2 then there could be some limitation when it comes to arranging finance.

    Cheers

    Jamie

    Jamie Moore | Pass Go Home Loans Pty Ltd
    http://www.passgo.com.au
    Email Me | Phone Me

    Mortgage Broker assisting clients Australia wide Email: [email protected]

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