Category: News

Downsizing: A Smart Move for Many Homeowners

Downsizing is a common trend among homeowners, particularly those approaching retirement or experiencing lifestyle changes. This shift can offer financial benefits and a simpler living arrangement that better suits evolving needs. As an experienced local agent, I’ve observed that cash transactions often increase during periods when financing becomes more challenging. This trend can benefit those…
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Eight ways to win that elusive deal

In many real estate markets, the number of homes for sale can fall below historical averages, creating a competitive environment for buyers. When inventory is low and demand is high, potential homeowners often find themselves navigating bidding wars. Understanding this landscape and having a solid strategy can make all the difference in securing your dream…
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Rental income growth tempts investors back

Rental revenue continues to rise across Australia, giving fresh impetus to the property investment scene. Whether you’re thinking about growing your portfolio or starting out as an investor, the trend in rents indicates that great opportunities may be available. Rental incomes are being supercharged by a post-Covid surge in overseas migrants and international students, according…
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New data indicates price revival on way

Confidence continues to return to the property market despite the continued pressure on mortgage costs, according to the latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. It looked at the number of new loans that are being issued and found an uptick of 4.9% for March compared with the previous month. That represents a value…
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Check your lease-break protection before increasing rents

The rent increases we’re witnessing nationwide have been a relief to some financially-squeezed investors as maintenance costs and interest rates continue to climb. But if you’re considering hiking your price, be aware there’s a right and wrong way of going about it. If you use a property management team, you should talk to them about…
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Buying tips as unit values move into positive territory

The outlook for apartments has improved as the financial world predicts the burgeoning inflation that has forced up interest rates may be close to peaking. Prices for units have increased for the first time in 11 months, according to researcher CoreLogic. News of the 0.6% uptick in values comes as separate data shows investor income…
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How the Federal Budget will impact the property market

Many investors and homeowners will have kept a keen eye on the recent Federal Budget to see if it will ease some of the challenges caused by 12 months of interest rate rises implemented to tame inflation. This snapshot looks at the Budget’s leading programs aimed at encouraging investors, helping first-time buyers and committing to…
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New ATO rules on work-from-home expenses

Since the Covid-19 pandemic reached our shores, one of the big points of focus for many buyers has been finding a property with space to work from home comfortably. Anyone who perched around the dining table, jostling for space as their children did their homework, knows the importance of work-from-home space. The Australian Taxation Department…
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Reserve Bank moves to boost lending opportunities

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand is proposing to ease mortgage loan rules this month to give buyers a better opportunity to find finance. It will allow lenders to increase from 10% to 15% the number of loans they can issue that require a Loan-to-Value Ratio above 80%. The Reserve Bank imposed the regulation in…
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Researcher predicts end to slump

Real estate prices could be at a turning point according to forecasts from leading industry researcher, Core Logic. With data showing that average values were down just 0.6% in April, negative market sentiment could be coming to an end. CoreLogic economist Kelvin Davidson issued an important reminder about prices, saying property values were still $200,000…
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