Once you have nominated your house design, floor plans, builder and received your building permit, it’s time to watch your home start building. This is a very exciting time, but it can be a nervous one if you are not aware of the build process. In this article we take the opportunity to highlight the different construction stages to minimise your nerves and help you enjoy this special...
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...
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...
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...
Buying a home isn't easy and it generally requires you borrowing money to achieve this. In order to successfully obtain a loan, you need to place your financial circumstances in the best possible situation. While you don’t need to be debt-free to secure a mortgage, you still need to provide evidence that you are financial capable of borrowing money, maintain a financially responsible lifestyle can...
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 -...
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...
Renting vs owning a property has some significantly differences, particularity long term. To put it in a nutshell here are some key differences between renting vs owning a property: Owning a Property: You are accumulating your own wealth. You have the ability to customise the property to suit your own needs. Most investors borrow to invest in property. The monthly loan payments are likely...
Inheriting a property isn't always an easy process. Most Australians are unsure of the actual implications of inheriting a property. There are a number of tax issues to consider when inheriting a property. The large contributor to cause implications is capital gains tax (CGT). Assessing your tax obligations is dependent on how the property was used prior to the decease passing away and what it will be...
This is a very interesting discussion. Many feel it is based on opinion, while some feel it’s the same thing. However, there is a difference between repairs and improvements. Property investors this is a snapshot for you. This will help you know what’s tax deductible and what is not. What is a repair? Put quite simply, a repair replaces a part of something that’s already there. This has occurred...