The apartment market – Act 2
When analysing the apartment market, it feels like we are at intermission of a murder mystery in the theatre. Act 1 was a roller coaster. During intermission with choc top in hand, thumbing the program, we have got to know the main players. But how will it play out? Will there be new players? Will…Read More→
Rising rents – Construction falling. Wait …what?
How can we have a situation of rising rents but construction falling? You can’t turn on the TV or pick up a newspaper without seeing stories about the shortage of rental property and rising rents. In response to the housing shortage, we would expect to see a boom of new construction meeting that demand. Oddly,…Read More→
Should I have landlord insurance?
Apartment investors often have lots of questions about landlord insurance. Should apartment investors have landlord insurance? Is apartment landlord insurance different from house landlord insurance? What does apartment landlord insurance cover and how much does it cost? Landlord insurance is generally voluntary for apartment investors. Otherwise a bank may require it a part of the…Read More→
Will apartment values surge like rents?
Apartment values are set to rise as soon as the value drivers align like they have with the rental market. The capital market and rental market however have different drivers. It seems logical that if apartment rents are rising, then investment buyers will pile into the market and bid up the price. Investment buyers however,…Read More→
Land tax changes are coming. Who will pay?
Following Victoria’s State Budget land tax changes are on the way. The existing land tax structure will be adjusted to catch more property investors, secondary property owners (holiday homes) and increase the take from those already paying it. Quick land tax refresher. Land Tax is calculated on the land value of a property as assessed…Read More→
Tax deductions for landlords.
Calculating what are legitimate tax deductions for landlords can be tricky. It is not surprising this time of year to see the ATO announce crack downs on areas where they feel tax revenue is slipping through the net. This week was landlords, capital gains and work-related tax deductions. ATO claim 9 out of 10 landlords…Read More→
How do rent increases work?
The apartment rental market is red hot and owners and renters are all talking about rent increases. They have lots of questions and are asking what the rent increase rules are. Owners and renters are asking… How much can the rent be increased? When can it be increased? Can the rent go up during a…Read More→
Rising rents & interest rates will end WFH.
The shortage of housing, rising rents and the sharp increase in interest rates could reduce working from home (WFH) and force people back to the office or workplace. Here is why. Housing shortage. This week the National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation (NHFIC) released is third “State of the Nation’s Housing 22-23” research report. You…Read More→
Putting in a rent freeze has been tried. What happened?
Putting in a rent freeze or controls has been floated by the Greens as a solution to cool Australia’s red-hot rental market. It’s a feel good idea but most people agree that it wouldn’t work. Rather than debate what impact a rent freeze might have, we can see the results where it has already been tried….Read More→
Eviction notices – What is the process?
Eviction notices can be a tricky area and the best outcome is achieved when owners, agents and renters all stay in close communication and respect each other’s situation. Below we discuss. 1. What are the main types of notices? 2. Why do they need to be issued? 3. What is the process for issuing them?…Read More→
Stamp duty on the way out. 🤞
If you could choose between paying stamp duty (once) or an annual land tax, which one would you pick? This is not a live option in Victoria yet, but it’s on the table as part of the Victorian Government’s wide ranging inquiry into stamp duty. Several state governments (and ACT) have either started to wind…Read More→
Rent increases – How much and when?
Rent increases can be tricky waters for both owners and renters and for good reason. There are 6 points to know and below we cover them all. 1. How much should or can rent be increased? 2. Do I lose money if the renter moves out? 3. When can rent be increased? 4. Does a…Read More→