Is a spare bedroom, second bathroom or ensuite a must? Will everyone be safe or comfortable climbing stairs? Does your dog need space to roam? Be realistic about the features you can’t live without. Floor plan and room sizes Walk around the property to get a sense of how one room flows into the next. Check whether the rooms are the right size and shape for your existing furniture and appliances. If not, are you prepared to splash out on replacements? The rooms should also be practical. For example, does the kitchen layout suit your needs? Is there enough space for a dining table? Orientation and natural light Check where the property’s windows are, and whether trees or nearby buildings w
It’s important to look after the tenants in your investment property – it encourages them to stay long term and take care of your property. So how can you keep your tenants happy? By treating your property like a business and your tenants like valued customers. The tenant as customer The rental market in most Australian cities is tight, with plenty of renters looking for accommodation. But that doesn’t mean you have your tenants over a barrel. They pay good money to rent a property and in return they expect a clean, safe and well-maintained place to live. If you can keep your property in good order and your current tenants satisfied, you’ll save yourself the time and money it takes to find
The year is well and truly underway with most markets starting to establish their direction for the next 12 months. As 2018 plays out, there are the knowns and unknowns that will undoubtedly adjust the course of our real estate markets. The key will be building upon a solid foundation of knowledge while staying abreast of the markets and their influencers. This month, the Herron Todd White team have taken on the task of detailing their middle ring markets so you can spot potential opportunities and hurdles in this heavily traded band. To read about what about Brisbane's middle ring market, head to page page 44.
At its meeting today, the Board decided to leave the cash rate unchanged at 1.50 per cent. The global economy has strengthened over the past year. A number of advanced economies are growing at an above-trend rate and unemployment rates are low. Growth picked up in the Asian economies in 2017, partly supported by increased international trade. The Chinese economy continues to grow solidly, with the authorities paying increased attention to the risks in the financial sector and the sustainability of growth. The pick-up in the global economy has contributed to a rise in oil and other commodity prices over the past year. Even so, Australia's terms of trade are expected to decline over the next
