The Reserve Bank meeting in early December declared that the cash rate will remain at 2%. Most of the experts on the panel agreed that Australia’s improving economy will be the most likely reason to keep the cash rate as it is.

However, commentators are suggesting that 2016 will be much more difficult for both borrowers and lenders.

“It’s going to be tougher for households next year and it’s not just borrowers … Read more »

Using a self-managed super fund (SMSF) to buy property is becoming increasingly popular but the decision requires careful consideration.

There are significant advantages to having a property in an SMSF for example tax effectiveness: your super fund will be taxed at 15 per cent which is considerably lower than most people’s personal tax rates.

However, there are a few things to bear in mind if you … Read more »

To keep a grounded view of the market and ensure you don’t lose quality tenants, consider following some simple steps to maximise your rental returns.

One step is to regularly review your rents and ensure they are at market levels, while giving tenants ample prior notice of rental increases. This will assist you in keeping your tenants content living in your investment property.

Multiply the average rental yield of comparable properties in … Read more »

When you start thinking about selling your property, it’s common to consider renovating. Renovating to increase the value of your home can be tricky, and costly. You don’t want to overspend on things that won’t increase value, or under deliver in the areas and rooms that really matter.
Here are 10 easy renovation ideas that instantly increase your property’s value, including painting your interior and updating your patio.
Read the … Read more »

Whether you’re a first home buyer or a seasoned property investor, it’s important to choose the right loan for your needs.

When choosing a variable-rate loan, remember that the right loan will offer a combination of flexibility and convenience as well as competitive rates and fees. Of course, everyone has different needs and specific financial goals.

Read the full article from realestate.com.au to find out more.

Speak to … Read more »

Investing in property is one of the best strategies for building wealth. While there is no definitive right and wrong approach, there are a few things you should consider before investing in a property to minimise risk and maximise your returns.

Infrastructure

Infrastructure such as roads, bridges, telecommunications, transport access, and amenities can impact on the value of a potential investment. A location with sound infrastructure is likely to offer more predictable … Read more »

Over the last four years the number of investment property loans in Australia has grown by 37% compared to an increase of only 4% in the number of owner occupied loans.

Check out the latest findings from the Roy Morgan Research Consumer Single Source survey of approximately 45,000 people per annum thanks to Announcer.

Investors

The survey reported that the 35 to 64 age group accounted for 78% of the … Read more »

Announcer considers the pros and cons.

I’m confused – my bank teller is telling me to transfer my savings onto my mortgage but you are encouraging me to leave the money in my offset account. Isn’t the end result the same? Why am I being told something different from the bank?

Great question!

Besides the obvious answer that the banks would prefer the security of having your savings paying off the money they … Read more »

After being at record lows for some time, interest rates may soon be back on the rise with Westpac, Commonwealth Bank, NAB and ANZ increasing their rates for all mortgage holders.

Mortgage holders may find themselves with mortgages that cost more than expected but there are some things you can do to ready yourself when rates rise, such as refinancing, budgeting and insurances.

Read the full article at domain.com.au

Considering refinancing? Talk … Read more »

No investment is risk free, so the more you know about the less glamorous aspects of being a property owner, the more likely you are to recover if things go wrong.

Understanding how to manage the various risks associated with being a landlord enables you to make the most of your portfolio.

If you’re prepared for all outcomes, small bumps in the road won’t knock you out of the game. Lisa Indge shares her … Read more »