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We've been thinking about this lately, as it is an interesting time with conflicting information out there and a lot of warnings about the property market or the economy. I'm curious what others are thinking - property, shares, or cash & pay down debt. We are building a cash buffer and access...

Hi All, I have this house open for inspection, but alot of viewers are complaining the kitchen is dated. So I want to renovate the kitchen for two main reasons: 1. Enhance appeal to tenants 2. Re-valuation to pull out equity My budget is loosely $10k including labour. I am using...

Hi All, I acquired a property a couple of months ago in Brisbane. There were some palm trees close to the fence, and we removed them. Then we wrote to the neighbour and asked about replacing the fence. However now the neighbour tells me that the palm trees have damaged his retaining...

Hi All, What are St George giving for discounts > $1m these days? I've been paying 4.79 for a while now, how much should I ask for? I know they aren't as loose as NAB but reckon I could get 4.7% or better? Note I'm talking about before the rate cut.. as it may be harder to negotiate...

Hi All, At the moment this house is "officially" a 4 bedroom. I've never done major renovations before and I'm wondering how much benefit (to valuation and rent) it would be to fully make it a 5,3,2. The layout is as follows: UPSTAIRS: * Massive main bedroom with Ensuite (no bath) * Second...

Hi All, A dishwasher has leaked (or hose burst) and flooded a whole apartment, including damaging the one below. So we are organising plumber and insurance assessor at the moment. My question to those who've had this before - who is normally responsible for the apartment below? The insurance...

Where a lender charges a $300 variation fee in order to increase the limit and take out a second loan, is it tax deductible immediately in that year? Or does it need to be claimed over a 5 year period like the initial borrowing costs? Note it was charged to the existing first loan, and not...

I'm looking into title insurance for the settlement currently going into, but I'm not that familiar with this type of insurance. So far I only know of two insurers, Stewart Title, and First Title. Are they the only reliable ones or are there other options? Has anyone had dealings with them...

What do you locals in ACT think - Will the market change after the government buys and demolishes all the Mr Fluffy properties due to supply reduction? That was my PMs only hope for a rental increase next year.. Is there really enough to make any difference though? Also what's going to...

Hi All, I'm still searching for one more IP in the leadup to Christmas, and wary of the Christmas period but also don't want it to stop me. This is the first time I've been buying at this time of year. Some things I'm thinking about now: 1. Placing offers on vacant non-investor houses...

Hi All, Having doubled my IP debt recently and increased LVRs, I'm thinking it's time I took out some insurance for my income. However I've never ever looked at this kind of insurance before. With lots of loans and more than the usual amount of properties, I'm assuming buying insurance...

I had put in a request to fix interest rates on one loan. The bank called me back today and said we're sorry you cannot fix as that fixed rate period would end after your interest only period ends. So - they are only supporting fixed rates that end "within" the interest only period? If you...

Hi All, My Dad has recently retired but wants to put a portion of the money into some sort of cash investment. I've never invested cash before :eek: so I can't really help him.. although I know of canstar and those kind of sites, but rates these days are looking pretty small. Can any of...

Hi All, Currently considering next IP and have been thinking about making my first commercial investment. I've been looking at 9-10% gross, 7-8% net small medical/doctors offices and other offices. However I only have enough deposit for $200-$250k purchase, assuming 30% deposit, and...

Hi All, I'm looking at one area and can determine how to value a leased property or an unleased property But there's one available (office space) with only a month by month in place, where they have not renegotiated the lease. The lease is only a little below market, so could only be...

Hi All, I subscribe to the RBA updates, but don't really read the news so much. I'd like to keep track of the Australian economy, indicators etc, but I'd prefer a push service when something happens/changes rather than having to read the news every day. Global economy is interesting but...

Anyone else a gamer or used to be? I used to love gaming, flight sim, steam sales, all kind of PC games. I'm away for work at the moment and have some time on my hands after work, but I've just lost my mojo and can't be bothered with games anymore :eek: Have I just gotten old (35)? and...

Hi All, My girlfriend is in the process of buying a townhouse, subject to strata report, building inspection etc. Her particular townhouse has had no termite issues. However there were issues in other units, that had been treated, and there are regular inspections. This concerns her...

Hi All I'm thinking of using my new SMSF as a way to try out commercial property without slowing down my residential investment or using up any equity. Has anyone purchased commercial property in their SMSF and how satisfied are you with the result? Excluding setup costs (I already...

Hi All Anyone got a situation where a granny flat or dual living is on the same power and you use a managing agent? Some agents are saying they won't do that unless it's a single lease. Do you just pay the services and charge slightly higher rent? Any legal issues? This is in QLD...