If you think you’ve found a home loan that sounds almost too good to be true, unfortunately, it probably is. Here we look at some of the traps you should look to avoid in taking out a mortgage. No such thing as a free lunch In the...
Understanding cash flow Understanding cash flow can be the difference between a solid long-term investment and a costly mistake, writes Michael Sloan. So do your research – and get good advice before you buy. What is negative cash flow? Oftentimes investment properties generate negative cash flow. That means,...
Purchasing an investment property that already has a tenant means you collect rent from day one, with no vacant period and no lease fees to find a new tenant. The lease just carries on as it did before you purchased the property. There are plenty of upsides...
Deposit required for a home loan Generally, you’ll need 20% of the purchase price of the home to put down as deposit for your loan. Lenders favor large deposits as it provides a good indication that you can manage your money. For deposits lower than 20%,...
Whether you’re selling, looking to buy or simply wanting to refinance, you need to know the value of the property in question. The tricky thing is there can be a distinct difference in values depending on who assesses the property – whether it’s the bank, council,...
Why invest in property? Investing in property is a popular choice for many people as you can both earn rental income and benefit from capital growth. Another advantage of investing in property is the ability to negatively gear the property. Negative gearing allows you to deduct some of...
Define your renovation goals Renovations can be an exciting time to re-shape the look and feel of your home, however before you start getting into the details, it’s important take a step back and clarify ‘why’ you’re renovating. For instance: Do you need more space? Is your kitchen...
Why bank valuations matter? When you’re buying a home, refinancing or accessing the equity in your property, your lender needs to know exactly how much the property is worth. This is where a bank valuation comes in, a process where the bank independently assesses the market value...
Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you will make. Once the inspections are complete and you’re ready to proceed to purchase, it’s recommended to contact your broker or lender. The next step depends on whether the property is being sold at...
With property remaining a high-priced asset, it’s more important than ever for investors to ensure their property investments are a financial success. The latest data demonstrates property’s popularity. One-in-five households (21%) owns a home in addition to their usual residence Maximizing taxation benefits is one key element...
He is also an accomplished presenter and educator
Co-authoring the popular investment book, Property vs Shares.