Tips

Downsizing is hard…but it doesn’t have to be!

Downsizing. It sounds so simple in theory. Sell the big family home, move into something smaller, free up cash, and enjoy a more manageable lifestyle. Easy, right? If only! I appreciate that In reality, downsizing is an emotional rollercoaster. Deciding what to keep and what to let go, can feel like a full-time job. The logistics of selling, packing, and moving are overwhelming. And let’s be...

Eight tips for starting an investment portfolio in 2025

Eight tips for starting an investment portfolio in 2025

If you're thinking of making 2025 the year you begin a property portfolio, your timing couldn't be better. Planning a portfolio takes time, requiring market research and due diligence regarding your financial arrangements and the tax implications. The Reserve Bank of Australia cut interest rates last week, which may impact buyer activity and property values in the coming months. However, as an...

struggling with strata fees?

Struggle with strata fees? Here’s an explainer

Buying your first property is one of the most exciting moments in your life. For most first homebuyers, they will be hatching plans to renovate or make cosmetic improvements so their first apartment feels like their own home. The price of property – plus current interest rates – has forced many young buyers to modify their original plans to buy a house and instead look for a flat that's within...

what tenants want

What Tenants Want…

Aside from the glaringly obvious answers like a roof over their head, stability, security or free rent (rolls eyes jokingly). I have compiled a list of observations, learnings and experiences from meeting with tens of thousands of tenants over the years, to nail down the most common things wanted (or expected) in a property these days. 1. Climate relief. Perth gets hot and stays hot for a long...

Determined buyers pivot to handle affordability challenge

Property is a reliable case study of how a market responds to varying economic factors. Whether you are a buyer or seller, the dynamics that influence real estate rarely change – confidence in the economy, perceptions of job security, mortgage costs, and supply and demand. Right now, we're seeing buyers pivoting as they grapple with high mortgage rates combined with strong value...

How rising building costs boost home values

New business insolvency data is a sharp reminder for owners and buyers that the building industry is still operating on shaky ground across Australia. Those who want to renovate before selling, or buy land and then build, need to carefully consider their risks before pushing ahead. Insolvency data from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) shows 27% of some 11,000...

7 Budget-Friendly Tips to Boost Your Property’s Value

One of the most common questions I am asked is how to best increase the value of a property, with limited budget. Being rather thrifty by nature, I take great pride in getting maximum bang for buck. Here are the most cost-effective ways to get a maximum return in no particular order. Painting From around $3,000 a fresh coat of paint will transform a tired or dated property. Neutral colour...

Why property is a great choice to create wealth

Creating wealth for later in life is a goal most of us embrace and spend our entire working lives trying to accomplish. And for the vast majority, property investment is a huge component of their strategies. Many young people today feel the idea of owning property is beyond their reach. However, there are strategies to conquer the challenge of affordability, such as becoming a “rentvestor” –...

Time to decide! Swift spring sale is still possible

As we enjoy the start of spring, many homeowners will be working hard to prepare their properties for the biggest selling season of the year. Even if you've not made a final decision about whether to sell, there's still time to catch the market's spring vibes. It will not take long to prepare for your prospective buyers so long as your home is already well-maintained. In our area,...

How will property trends affect your decision to sell?

When planning to sell your home, it's natural to want to understand the health of the real estate market and the likelihood you'll achieve the desired price for your property. Yet, for many owners, today's marketplace is difficult to read. Currently, we have high interest rates as the Reserve Bank of Australia continues to put pressure on post-Covid inflation, and still home...