Introduction

Buying an investment property is a well-worn road to riches for many Australians. Despite a few ups and downs residential housing has delivered strong returns over many years, and experts predict property prices will continue to rise in the foreseeable future.

The key driver of this growth is record low interest rates. On the one hand they make it cheaper to borrow. On the other hand they reduce the interest rates on bank accounts. With banks offering a very low return on deposit accounts, the potentially higher yields available on a rental property are attractive to many investors. On top of that, the current high level of household savings means there is more money chasing that higher yield.

Introduction

Whether it’s doing up the bathroom or kitchen, or adding an entire new wing to the house, some focused planning will help your home renovation project run smoothly. Here are some tips to help you get the biggest ‘bang’ for your renovation buck.

Introduction

The kids have finally left home and now you’re rattling around in a house way bigger than you need. If it’s time to think about downsizing, there’s more to it than simply selling one house and buying another. Here are a few things to consider.

Introduction

Perhaps due to the popularity of do-it-yourself (DIY) television programs, home renovations are big business. The rewards are there, but watch out for the hidden costs – and we’re not talking about fancy tap-wear!

Australians in increasing numbers are becoming building experts and style gurus. It’s no surprise that Bunnings shareholders are smiling.

Equally unsurprising is the surge in DIY injuries being treated at hospital emergency centres.

Many DIY-ers jump in with bags of enthusiasm but are often unskilled and unprepared. Done the right way, however, self-renovating can reap rewards. Take these examples.

Introduction

Home ownership continues to be our Great Dream, yet according to Domain.com.au, many of us are investing in bricks and mortar much later in life. So, what does it take to bring this dream to life with retirement looming?

There are many reasons you might purchase a home later in life: perhaps you’re starting fresh post-divorce, or you own a home and have decided to buy a second property to help out your kidults.

Regardless, it comes down to the same thing: knowing what you’re getting into and being ready.

Introduction

The deal is done, a property is bought, and it’s smiles and handshakes all round. But the agreed purchase price is just the beginning. The happy purchaser must cover a number of other costs, and failure to take these extras into account could take the gloss off this exciting time.

Whether you are buying a home to live in or an investment property, it’s important to identify and estimate all the associated costs. Only then can you work out the absolute maximum amount you can offer on your dream home or investment gem.

The following list will get you started.

Introduction

At first glance it seems like a strange thing to do: rent out a property that you own while paying rent to live in somebody else’s place. Yet this phenomenon of ‘rentvesting’ is proving popular, driven by a mix of lifestyle and financial factors.

Why do it?

A prime reason to rentvest is to get a foot in the door of the housing market. While...

Introduction

We all know the feeling. The sun is shining, the waves are lapping peacefully on the shore, there’s a cool ocean breeze wafting gently through your hair and the crisp sand is etched between your toes. Sometimes you wish your holiday romance could last forever.

Technically it could!

Hundreds of thousands of Australians own their holiday getaways. With the temptation to escape the daily grind, a holiday home can be a very rewarding purchase.

But do holiday homes make a good investment?

Introduction

Purchasing a property for investment purposes can involve a different set of considerations compared to purchasing a home to live in. Here are some tips to get you started.

Introduction

In times of boom and bust, it’s hard to have a rational discussion about different assets. Opinions tend to move to the extremes. We hear statements such as “shares are too risky but you can’t lose with property” or “the property bubble will burst soon”. After all, everyone is entitled to his or her opinion.

There are undoubtedly shares that are “risky” and property that will be sold at a loss, but before putting any of your hard-earned money into any type of investment, always take the time to stop and revisit the fundamentals of each asset class.

Introduction

Buying a house is probably the biggest financial commitment we make in our lives, so it's not a decision to be taken lightly.

Here are some thoughts to help you weigh up what’s best for you.

Introduction

We are often asked if it is a good time to invest in residential property. Quite simply there is no yes or no answer to this question. The real question you need to ask yourself is, “is this the right time to invest in property for me?”

There are many different styles of property (houses, units, townhouses, and so on) in many different locations (CBD, inner suburbs, outer areas, rural, etc). The choice of property for investment purposes is enormous, so here are six useful guidelines to help you make an informed decision.