Market insights

Rental Market Snapshot – December 2019

According to the The Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV) :- The proportion of vacant properties in metro Melbourne remained unchanged at 2.2%. The proportion of vacant properties in regional Victoria rose to 1.7%. The weekly median rent for houses in metropolitan Melbourne increased by $20 per week from $460 in September 2019 to $480. The weekly median rent for houses in regional...

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Common landlord insurance claims

Landlord insurance is an important means of protecting your investment property. Landlords' insurance is an insurance policy that covers a property owner from financial losses connected with rental properties. The most common landlord claims are tenant related issues over non-tenant related. According to EBM RentCover the majority of insurance claims were caused through tenant-related issues. The...

How to survive in a multi-generational home

In may parts of the world, multi-generational living is a cultural family lifestyle, but historically in Melbourne, it hasn't been the case. Well that's when property affordability became challenging.... It is quite common for many families to support one another with multiple generations living under the same roof. It allows family members to either travel the world during their youth or provide more...

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What is capital gains tax?

When buying an investment property, the conversation around maximising returns and capital gains tax are always high on the agenda. Investment returns come in the way of rent (income) and property growth (capital growth).  Rent is assessable income and taxable within the same financial year they are earned.  Property growth, known as capital gains is the profit generated once the property is...

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Government Mortgage Guarantee Scheme for first home buyers

It is finally official. The Government has established a new policy called the mortgage guarantee scheme, which is aimed to help first home buyers enter the property market. The mortgage guarantee scheme will offer first home buyers the opportunity to purchase a property with just a 5% deposit subject to eligibility. The scheme will essentially boost up to 10,000 first home buyers each year on low and...

Median Property Prices – September 2019

Quarterly results highlight Victoria’s housing comeback The Real Estate Institute of Victoria’s latest data indicates Victoria’s housing market is bouncing back. Lower interest rates and rise in loan approvals have contributed in significant growth for the real estate sector as properties are being snapped up more quickly. A springtime boost is helping to restore the property market with house...

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What is the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB)?

The Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) is an Australian government department. They assesses applications from foreigners who would like to buy a property in Australia. FIRB makes recommendations to the Treasurer on those subject to the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975 and Australia's foreign investment policy. Who needs an approval from FIRB? Foreign investors A foreign investor is...

Market_Insights

Top reasons to build your own home

When buying a place to live we are spoiled with choice. Do you buy a cheaper old home that needs fixing or do you pay top dollar for a newly renovated home? Building a brand new home is a particularly popular choice. This is very evident with first home buyers and owner occupiers looking to live in a home for a long period of time. Here is a list of reasons to build your own home: Longevity -...

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What are Shared Equity Schemes?

It is a fine accomplishment to buy yourself a property. Regardless of the property type or the location, congratulations on an amazing achievement. As the population increases, property becomes more scarce and in demand. In recent decades, Melbourne property has increased substantially making it very difficult for many people to achieve that dream. Saving for a property deposit is one of the hardest...

Buying a property under market value

One of the most anticipated property goals is buying under market value. But price is what you pay and value is what you get! Don't mistaken this goal to be the secret to a successful property investment. It is not... Many who approach property investment with this prime objective to buying under value, often lack the tools to fully understand what is under market value and what is not. Savvy...

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