News Archive
09 February 2010
Building wealth with property
Real estate investment is an Australian favourite but it's not without its pitfalls, writes Bina Brown.
There's something about being able to see and touch property that makes it a popular investment.
The fact it comes with tax advantages, can offer income and capital gains and is perceived to be low-risk adds to its attractiveness.
Talk of higher interest rates and a reduc... read news item »
09 February 2010
Don't be left in the dark on renovations
NEARLY 75 per cent of homeowners expect to renovate in the near future, so it's important to remember that research and information can protect you from financial disaster.
If renovating turns into a nightmare because of poor workmanship from tradespeople, you can seek assistance through your state's department of consumer affairs or fair trading.
However, careful p... read news item »
08 February 2010
Fixed interest rate ideas are in a spin
THE Reserve Bank's decision last week to leave the official cash rate on hold has put a new spin on the "fixed or variable'' debate.
Financial markets have gone from pricing in a cash rate of 5.5 per cent by the end of the year to pricing in a rate of less than 4.5 per cent.
That means variable rates are unlikely to rise by as much as was feared, and also that fixed r... read news item »
08 February 2010
Getting a toehold in the market
Think you can't afford an investment property? Kate Robertson investigates how much money you'll need to get across the threshold.
If your wage hovers around the $45,000 mark, you might think investing in property is out of your league, but if you have $37,000 in cash or equity in your own home — or less if you are prepared to buy with a friend — you could jump-start an... read news item »
08 February 2010
Off to a good start
Sydney house values recovered in the second half of last year, with the median house price of $595,000 exceeding the previous peak of $568,000 in February 2004.
The year's unexpectedly strong growth erased the remnants of the downturn that ran for three years from early 2004, during which Sydney house values eased off by about 6 per cent.
Despite the recent headlines about the dream ... read news item »
08 February 2010
Reclaim your green space
Will we get sick of sustainability? The topic is on everyone's mind and there are ripples of discontent.
Being environmentally aware will remain the focus for 2010 and gardeners will continue looking for sensible and sustainable products.
There is a feeling that sustainable gardens simply aren't attractive but in 2010 you will see some of Melbourne's best garden designers and landscap... read news item »
04 February 2010
Three new players to offer cheap loans
A NEW generation of lenders are set to challenge the major banks, with three players flagging big moves on discount home loans.
Leading wholesale mortgage funder Resimac is to launch a new retail lending business next week that will trade as Hemisphere Financial Solutions.
Resimac has been piloting Hemisphere since late November and has decided to proceed with the vent... read news item »
02 February 2010
Reserve Bank's official interest rate kept on hold at 3.75pc
THE Reserve Bank board has surprised the market, and left home owners relieved, by leaving its official interest rate on hold today.
The market had expected that the Reserve Bank would increase its rate by 25 basis points.
The central bank board has decided to take stock of the recovering economy, even as core inflation remains above its target range and house prices continue to ris... read news item »
28 January 2010
Handouts for first-home buyers
Be it a grant, a boost or a concession, there is helpful cash available to realise the great Australian dream.
The First Home Owners Boost, which was introduced in October 2008, came to an end on December 31 but there is still assistance for first-home buyers. The $7000 First Home Owners Grant (FHOG) remains in place and most of the states and territories have additional benefits.
If y... read news item »
28 January 2010
Investors' rights at risk, agent warns
Planned changes to New South Wales tenancy legislation shift the balance of power too far in favour of tenants and could drive investors out of the market, according to Laing+Simmons general manager Leanne Pilkington.
The NSW Office of Fair Trading recently released the Residential Tenancies Bill 2009 , which is anticipated to be introduced this year.
The government is at risk of causing... read news item »