API Property Investing Tips

Nightmare tenants – how the body corporate can help

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 13:45:48 +1000

Body corporate by-laws aren’t necessarily a silver bullet when it comes to dealing with nightmare unit or townhouse tenants, unless investors are on top of the situation.

10 ways unit owners can avoid stiff fines

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 16:31:04 +1000

Queensland unit owners must be aware of the changes and updates made to body corporate laws over the past six months because otherwise stiff penalties apply for non-compliance, according to Archers Body Corporate Management director Andrew Staehr.

How to maintain a tenant and improve your rental return

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 12:04:55 +1000

We all want a great tenant and the rent on our investment property to go through the roof. Both can be hard to find and in terms of rent, even harder to keep increasing.

How do household formation rates affect property?

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 15:31:09 +1000

The biggest driver of demand for residential property is the household formation rate, according to Property Planning Australia (PPA).

Don’t forget to claim depreciation

Thu, 19 May 2011 13:06:10 +1000

There's nothing more exciting than buying your first investment property and getting that first slip from your property manager to show your rent coming in. However, rental income is just the start. Around tax time, there are even more ways to help you pay off your investment – and one of those is by getting a property depreciation schedule that you can claim on tax.

Now the time for first property investment?

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 13:16:22 +1000

For those who purchased their first home in recent years, it could be a case of 'no better time than now' to consider taking their first steps into property investment.

Much to consider in property partnership

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 19:54:06 +1000

Those who are keen to get on the first rung of the property ownership ladder but don't have the deposit and/or income behind them to do it on their own might consider 'buying in partnership'.

Tips to keep tenants happy and add value to your property

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 09:03:35 +1000

We've heard about adding value to an investment property, but have you ever considered a cool and cheap way to do it? Air conditioning is relatively cheap and will keep the tenants happy. It will also add a bit of value to your investment property.

First homebuyers: the new old rules for buying property

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 09:35:27 +1000

Buying your first home may not be as easy as it used to be, but it's definitely achievable, according to Smartline Personal Mortgage Advisers.

Tips to keep good tenants and secure a longer lease

Thu, 06 Jan 2011 09:23:05 +1000

As many strategically timed leases are up for renewal this month in what is typically a hot rental market nationally, landlords can afford to be a little fussier but the dream long-term tenant can still be hard to find, according to Damian Collins of Perth-based Momentum Wealth.

Top 5 most expensive repairs in housing

Thu, 25 Nov 2010 11:44:17 +1000

Investors looking to buy a bargain might think they’re saving money by avoiding a building and pest inspection, but the exact opposite is often the case. Archicentre, the property and building services division of the Australian Institute of Architects, says 80 per cent of property transactions don’t have an inspection for structural or termite problems.

Crucial tips when considering a unit investment

Fri, 05 Nov 2010 14:56:47 +1000

As infill and high-density apartment living rapidly appear on city landscapes across the nation it’s important to know what to consider when buying one as an investment, according to a Western Australian multi-unit builder.

Top tips for making a property purchase less scary

Thu, 04 Nov 2010 10:57:41 +1000

While first time property buyers are often spooked by the long-term financial obligation of a mortgage, fearing that it may reign in their way of life, Mortgage Choice spokeswoman Kristy Sheppard explains that it doesn’t have to put an end to all of life’s luxuries.

8 ways to avoid tenants being behind in rent

Thu, 07 Oct 2010 11:39:09 +1000

High rent arrears rates and maintenance costs can be easily avoided with eight handy tips, according to Michelle Williams of Launceston-based @Home Property Management Solutions.

Nail down every detail when buying off-the-plan apartments

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 14:22:57 +1000

As off-the-plan apartment purchases increase in popularity, buyers should nail down every detail prior to signing a contract, according to Archicentre Queensland manager Ian Agnew.

Top tips to trim mortgages

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 15:42:14 +1000

There are easy ways to save money on home mortgages, according to Yellow Brick Road Wealth Management.

How to raise value through energy efficiency

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 17:32:04 +1000

Increasing the energy efficiency star rating of a house by one star has increased its value by three per cent in the Australian Capital Territory, according to a recent study.

How to take the stress out of your mortgage

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 12:50:38 +1000

How can borrowers at risk of mortgage stress reverse the trend, save money and own the property more quickly?

ASIC’s four tips to survive interest rate rises

Fri, 07 May 2010 12:10:28 +1000

Following the recent interest rate rise, learning to manage repayments is essential, according to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).

5 tips for financing a property

Tue, 06 Apr 2010 15:44:38 +1000

Financing an investment property shouldn't be treated as a 'one size fits all' approach but instead as a tailored approach determined by the individual's end goals, according to Smartline Personal Mortgage Advisers managing director Chris Acret.

Tips for more efficient water and energy use

Sat, 13 Mar 2010 15:51:34 +1000

Simple measures around the home can help to prevent climate change, according to Archicentre Queensland spokesman Angus Kell.

Mortgage tips to cut costs

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:48:56 +1000

A mortgagee's circumstances can change, so it's important to regularly review your home loan structure to maximise cost savings, according to Commonwealth Bank Mortgage Wealth general manager James Sheffield.

Low maintenance wins out with gardens

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 06:56:12 +1000

Property buyers are becoming more open to different approaches to keeping a garden in good shape due to changing weather conditions and water restrictions, according to South Australian real estate firm Anreps.

Whatever you call them, exit fees sting

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 15:11:14 +1000

Homeowners and investors refinancing their loans need to understand the exit costs associated with changing a loan or lender, according to Smartline Personal Mortgage Advisers.

Consolidating your debt could ease financial pain

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 16:01:43 +1000

Refinancing might seem like too much trouble but it can be beneficial for homeowners, according to a mortgage broker.