Category: General

Tax checklist: What to do when you inherit a property

Inheriting a property can be a special, emotional gift to some people, while others will consider it simply a procurement of bricks and mortar. Either way, property inheritance or succession requires the inheritor, or beneficiary, to consider issues such as tax implications and government regulations. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) says that while there are…
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How to make renting with roommates a success

With rents on the rise and vacancy rates extremely low, renting with roommates has rarely looked so attractive. At the same time, caution is needed, especially when renting with others. Negotiations to create a cohabitation deal are crucial, and you’ll need to be prepared to make compromises.  Firstly, splitting the rent with roommates should be…
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Could you incur Capital Gains Tax when selling your home?

Selling your family home is a big decision, and it’s natural to have questions about the potential tax implications.  Homeowners in Australia enjoy what is called “main residence exemption”, which shields your home from capital gains tax (CGT) when you sell. However, the rules can be a bit tricky. Think of the main residence exemption…
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As hopes rise for a rate cut amid rare window of opportunity

New data from property media company OneRoof provides a stark view of the current housing market in New Zealand as pressure continues to build on the Reserve Bank (RBNZ) to drop interest rates. In the past month, it has kept the Official Cash Rate (OCR) at 5.5% – significantly higher than Australia’s (4.56%) and Canada’s…
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Seven tips for choosing the right colors for your home

If you’re thinking of selling and wondering how to maximize the value of your property quickly – and on a budget – you’ll have to look very hard to find a better solution than repainting your home. A fresh coat of paint throughout the home will hide the dents and scratches that walls suffer as…
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Investors under pressure as Biden bids for 5% rent cap

Facing voter frustration at housing affordability, the White House has pushed legislation to Congress seeking to cap annual rent increases at 5% and punish corporate landlords by withdrawing their federal tax breaks if they ignore the limit. The Biden administration also pledged to repurpose public land in Nevada so 15,000 affordable housing units can be…
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Make your small bathroom feel spacious

First-time buyers rarely have the spending power to purchase a large family home as their initial transaction on the property ladder.  Whether they’ve bought a small detached home or an apartment, their greatest challenge is usually square footage, or the lack of it. The ability to make the most of every inch will maximize their…
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Housing affordability to influence Gen Z vote, survey finds

Your head is probably still spinning from the political events of the last few weeks.  Arguably, voter needs took a temporary backseat amid the political drama that unfolded on our screens and in our newspapers. No doubt, the aspirations of Americans will now become increasingly clear as we head toward the first Tuesday in November.…
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Upgraders making a comeback, says CoreLogic

If you’re considering putting your property on the market in the next few months to catch the spring selling season, you’ll likely be researching New Zealand’s real estate trends. With house prices still averaging $975,000 and rising nationally by 3.3% year-on-year, you’d be right in thinking we have a solid, if not spectacular, market. Yet,…
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Leaving your shoes at the door

When it comes to inspecting a property, many potential buyers may wonder whether it’s appropriate to remove their shoes or leave them on.  The answer to this question depends on various factors, including cultural norms, personal preferences, and the condition of the property. In some cultures, it is customary to remove shoes before entering a…
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