Blog

Paying attention to contracts, and the information contained within them can often be the difference between a good and bad buy. A standard contract of sale, which may include a vendor’s statement, incorporates much of the financial, planning and legal details that will determine if you decide to proceed with your purchase.  These may include...

A beautiful piece of hand-crafted furniture or lighting is a joy unto itself.  Not only does it offer a striking feature for your interiors that owners and viewers can admire in equal measure. But it also builds upon an heirloom collection that offers enjoyment for future generations and makes sound investment sense.   Furniture and lighting...

The question of homeownership versus contributing to a landlord’s investment is an age-old conundrum when buying your first home. Homeownership is a worthy goal that can build wealth and provide security. But depending on different lifestyle stages and priorities, buying versus renting is not necessarily for everyone.    Pros and cons of change If you’re ready...

Buying a property requires more than a deposit.  Pre-purchase costs can add up to 10 per cent to the price of an average family home.  Some of these, such as conveyancing, stamp duty and mortgage costs, are only incurred once.  However, inspections and valuations may need to be carried out on more than one property. ...

There are two schools of thought when it comes to enhancing your lifestyle and increasing property values.  Making the most of raw material (i.e. your place of residence or investment property), where location and median house prices are desirable, suggests the need for a complete overhaul or partial home improvement. However, if your property is...

Selling your home is one of life’s major decisions — with successful outcomes often attributed to the real estate agent representing your property. So, it makes sense to do your research if you aim to minimise stress and maximise financial returns.  Big or small: tailoring a perfect fit  Broadly speaking, smaller boutique agencies can claim...

Industry analysts and the renting public alike are acutely aware of the housing affordability crisis.  Research by the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute shows Australia is short 173,000 affordable dwellings for rent, with Sydney alone short 60,000 dwellings. The research also shows that 71 per cent of all lower-income, private-rental households struggle to pay...

Not everyone can afford to spend a small fortune when buying their first home, which is why apartments will continue to be popular.  Factor in the often central location, low-maintenance lifestyle, other conveniences and resale potential, and their appeal is obvious.  Big issues of shared, smaller places But there are areas to consider before investing...

Simply put, depreciation is the act of a fixed asset losing value over time. It occurs in all acquired entities. The nature of this ongoing prospect in terms of an investment property precludes depreciation solely for end-of-financial year prioritising. Rather, a concerted financial planning approach and effort ensures that your investment and deprecation remain a...

The sold sticker has been freshly plastered on the board outside and the celebratory bottle of champagne is empty. It is only natural to feel the stress relief — but enjoy that breather because the process is only just beginning. Many people dread the thought of moving house, but it can be a cathartic and...