News & Media

How to save on tax by investing in property

Tuesday 16 Apr 2019

One of the big perks of property investment is saving on tax, but everyone knows taxation is a complex beast. So, how do you save? Investors should claim depreciation; vary their “pay as you go” tax; carefully time any capital gain (to buy more time to pay the tax on it), and also keep up-to-date with the rules. At least, that’s according to Rakesh Nairn. The chartered accountant at Brisbane-based BJT Financial Services shared with us his top tax tips for property investors, an ....

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The golden rules: How to build an investment property portfolio that will earn you money

Tuesday 16 Apr 2019

Stories of savvy investors acquiring numerous properties and generating a passive income are enough to inspire homeowners to look for ways to put their equity to work by building an investment portfolio. After all, investing in real estate is how many of Australia’s wealthiest people have made their fortunes. But it’s not just a matter of buying as many properties as possible. And when it comes to real estate investment, less rather than more may be a wiser approach.   Leveragin ....

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Four things to know before buying your first home

Tuesday 09 Apr 2019

If you’re hunting around for your first property, congratulations! Buying a house is one of the biggest achievements and scariest things you’ll ever do. And while it can feel exhilarating to finally find the one after months and months of house inspections, there are some important things to think about before speed-dialling the bank. Here are four things to consider before you take the homeowner plunge. Buy a house you can actually afford  Unless you win the lottery, very few p ....

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5 things to fix before putting your home on the market

Tuesday 09 Apr 2019

When the time comes to sell your home, particularly if it’s an older property, the last thing you want is potential buyers making a list of the things they’ll need to fix if they purchase it. Those barriers, however small they may be, could be the difference between having a few extra bidders at auction to help drive up the price and those same potential buyers walking away because they don’t want to play Mr. Fix-it once they move in. Here are five things you should consider fi ....

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What first-home buyers need to do to crack into the market in 2019

Wednesday 19 Dec 2018

Price pullbacks in the Sydney and Melbourne property markets have created an opportunity for first-home buyers, particularly those with deposits ready. Values in most capitals are expected to remain relatively flat throughout 2019, with some cities anticipated to post moderate gains, according to Domain’s Property Price Forecast. That gives prospective purchasers something they haven’t had in years – breathing room to make decisions. First-timers are also facing less competitio ....

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How to sell in a buyer’s market

Wednesday 19 Dec 2018

There’s no denying that Australia’s property market has entered a new phase, with a number of factors contributing to fewer buyers seeking homes, as well as a general cooling in the market. But while it might therefore be a great time to be a buyer, it doesn’t mean there aren’t still good opportunities to achieve a great price as a vendor, too. It might, however, require a slightly different approach to how you might have tackled the sale of your home two years ago. Here ....

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5 Tips to make your Christmas tree last longer

Wednesday 28 Nov 2018

Easy instructions for getting the most life out of your fresh tree There's nothing like the beautiful piney aroma given off by a real tree to say "it's Christmas". Even before you buy a tree however, how do you ensure it will last the distance for the festive season? You’ve done the hard yards on choosing the perfect tree, struggled it into your car and you’re about to stand it proudly in your home to be adorned with your favourite decorations. Have you considered all ....

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End of year bargains: How to get a discount when buying a home in December

Wednesday 28 Nov 2018

As the year draws to a close, house hunters who have been patiently waiting to strike this year may be presented with their best chance yet. With the Sydney and Melbourne markets in the midst of a price correction, the month ahead could allow buyers to secure a home at a lower price than at any other time this year. While most of us are preparing for the holidays or winding down at work, experts say many vendors are motivated to make a deal before the property market shuts down for Christma ....

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5 things you can do to protect your rental property

Wednesday 28 Nov 2018

Whether you’ve just purchased your first investment property or if you’re juggling multiple rentals, as with many things in life, the unexpected can and will happen. For peace of mind – and to save you time and money – it pays to be prepared and plan ahead to protect your rental property.  There’s no time like the present to get sorted: Here are five things you can do to protect your place. 1. Good communication From covering all details about your property in ....

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Big opportunities for property investors now and in 2019

Wednesday 28 Nov 2018

Labor’s negative gearing plans and softening house prices are creating a prime market for savvy For an outsider looking in, reports of ‘doom and gloom’ headlines might make property investment look unattractive; a banking royal commission is causing already paranoid banks to become even more paranoid with their lending, APRA measures are still enforced, and the circling threat of Labor’s tinkering with negative gearing could mean investors lose a helpful tool in the futur ....

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