A fire in your home can happen at any time, but the danger increases with the setting of wood-burning heaters and the use of candles to create a cozy atmosphere. Most fires start in the kitchen and are caused by neglect. You set something on the stove and then get distracted by a phone, children,…
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Many investors will put their money into an apartment, especially when they’re at the early stages of building their property portfolio. With apartments generally more affordable than houses, this can make sense for many. However, investing in a house also has significant advantages. Most have higher rental returns because many tenants have families and want…
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If the home you own is one of Australia’s favourite architectural designs – Federation, Queen Anne or a Californian bungalow – then you’ll likely know all about tuck-pointing. It’s the art of restoring bricks, mortar and stonework by grinding back loose or compromised materials and replacing them seamlessly so your home looks as good as…
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Successful investors regularly assess their portfolio for potential improvements to enhance tenant appeal, increase rental income and grow the capital value of their assets. A keen eye for potential improvements is a valuable asset when inspecting rental properties to buy. Take notice not just of the quality of the building but any simple, low-cost potential…
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A property manager with local knowledge is hard to beat when selecting who should look after your rental. The best ones will maximise your return on investment and minimise the stress of tenant issues. They will know price trends, have a list of potential tenants and use trusted tradespeople and service providers who’ll keep your…
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An empty rental property burns a hole in your pocket as an investor so you need to minimise this risk by drawing up a pre-leasing plan with your property manager to find a new, trustworthy tenant as soon as the current one leaves. Good tenants who pay their rent on time are gold, and you…
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Owning an investment property is a little like running a business. It provides a great source of income and builds personal wealth but inevitably comes with a series of costs that hit your bottom line. The excellent news for property investors is that many of these expenses are tax-deductible. Tax advantages are not just available…
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A common source of confusion among property investors revolves around the difference between a market appraisal and a valuation. Each report focuses on the worth of a property. They’re popular with investors who’ve chosen to cash out or are planning to sell and upgrade rather than expand the number of properties in their portfolio. Let’s…
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Property renovation is not only a great way to improve the value of your biggest financial asset but a sensible strategy to enhance your lifestyle without the expense of buying a new home. State government stamp duty fees are significant in most states. If you love your neighbourhood, it can make little sense to go…
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It’s not uncommon to need to refinance your home as your lifestyle and aspirations change. Perhaps you want to buy a bigger home or invest in a major renovation that can’t be covered by the equity you’ve earned from regularly paying down your mortgage. Or perhaps the way your mortgage is structured doesn’t allow enough…
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