Banking

If you own an investment property, there's every chance you may have had to deal with a rogue tenant - they might not pay their rent on time, they might damage your property, and perhaps worst of all, they could be difficult to evict. How do you deal with these tenants? Here are a few simple tips that could help:...

The hot Australian summers are perfect pool weather, so it might not be surprising to learn that Australia has the highest pool ownership per capita - there's around 1.2 million private pools currently installed and thirty thousand new pools being installed each year1. But, aside from the countless hours of enjoyment you and your family could experience with a pool,...

Having a positive credit rating could be essential to securing finance now, or for borrowing money for big ticket items, such as property or a car, in the future. As more people begin to use credit as a means of finance, it's important to understand what a credit rating is and what a good or bad credit rating could mean1....

You might not think finding the right property has much to do with luck, but around the world, there are countless superstitions people believe that could influence their decision to buy a property. From numerology to rainy days, here are a few interesting beliefs regarding property from around the world. * CHINA - The number eight is a sign of...

Renovating or building a new home can be exciting. But dream builds can quickly turn upside down if the contractor isn't suitable. Legislation in each state or territory differs; however there are some commonalities helping you spot the good builders from the bad: Choosing a builder checklist: Q: Has your builder got the correct registration or license for the job?...

With the rise in popularity of the auction, you might be forgiven in thinking it's the only way to sell a home. But private treaty sales are still as prevalent in the property market and can have their advantages. Which is the right way to sell your property? Auction action. Many experts argue that the competitive nature of an auction...

Spring is often seen as a busy time for buying and selling property. As the weather begins to heat up and people spring into life, traditionally so does the property market. So, if you're looking to buy a property, there are a few things you could do beforehand to ensure you're able to act quickly when you've found the right...

As home owners look for ways to maximise their investment, granny flats have seen a rise in popularity1. Classified as a 'secondary dwelling,' they sit separately to the main structure on a block and are self-contained, enabling the flat to be rented out independently for additional income. There are several considerations on whether a granny flat is suitable for either...

Redraw has become a standard feature of home loans, with many home owners taking advantage of accessing extra money at their home loan interest rate. 1 Simply put, redraw gives you access to additional payments you have made to your loan, allowing you to withdraw that 'extra money' if needed. 2,3 Many people choose to contribute additional funds to their...

Thinking about buying or building a property? Building insurance is likely just one thing on your long 'To Do' list - but as it's so important, should you make it number one? Understanding the hidden costs Whether the property you're about to purchase is a home or an investment, if it's severely damaged or destroyed down the track, the costs...

Making a house truly energy-efficient takes more than simply switching a few light bulbs. So, is green renovation worth it for an investor? Many experts, like Associate Professor Stuart McAuliffe of Bond University's Institute of Sustainable Development and Architecture, believe it is. He maintains that consumer demand for sustainable products is increasing.1 For example, he says, the huge demand for...

Some properties seem ideal for subdivision, but it's difficult to know until you start digging into the details. Subdividing can be a profitable investment strategy, but it's worth completing a detailed feasibility study of physical, legal and cost factors to avoid unwelcome surprises.1 Before you start planning, check the neighbourhood for precedents that is, recent developments similar to what you...

Although many kids won't be concerned about whether they are heading off to a top-performing school next year, their parents might be. According to some experts, being in the catchment area for one of the top 20 government schools in a major city can increase property prices from 5-15%.1,2 Plus, rental demand and yield in the same areas can be...