Women ahead of men in home ownership

Women are increasingly turning to property to provide financial security through different stages of their life.

Source: Women ahead of men in home ownership

Chinese investors leave half their properties vacant: UBS

A UBS survey has found that nearly half of all real estate owned by Chinese investors is not fully used.

Source: Chinese investors leave half their properties vacant: UBS

Investors can now have their say on proposed depreciation changes

The Australian Government has released draft legislation for public consultation that provides property investors with the opportunity to have their say around proposed changes to depreciation deductions that were announced in this year’s Federal Budget.

Source: Investors can now have their say on proposed depreciation changes

Today’s first home buyers

In this series, we sit down with some of Australia’s freshest new home owners and learn first hand how have new home owners done it.

Source: Today’s first home buyers

How one young homebuyer made it into the housing market

While many young Australians fear the property market has risen beyond their reach, eighteen-year-old Charles Bates was able to buy his own home with savings, government assistance, and a little help from his parents.

Source: How one young homebuyer made it into the housing market

Using home equity like an ATM: the pros and cons

We look at the good, the bad and the ugly of dipping into home equity. If you’ve owned your home for a number of years, it’s likely you’ve racked up some impressive gains in home equity – that’s the difference between the property’s market value and the balance of your home loan.

Source: Using home equity like an ATM: the pros and cons

Australians rely on property to fund retirement

Australians are more likely than residents of any other country to rely on proceeds from the sale of property to fund their retirement, says HSBC’s Future of Retirement report.

Source: Australians rely on property to fund retirement

Four reasons to buy in a cool market

It’s a common mistake made by many first-time investors – delaying an acquisition due to a cooling market. So why can it be wise to buy in a downturn? It’s widely known that property markets are cyclical and will experience ebbs and flows. However, when any given market experiences a slowdown, many investors, particularly novice investors, will defer buying a property because they’re deterred by the widespread negative sentiment. Acquiring an investment property in a cooler market can be highly beneficial, though.

Source: Four reasons to buy in a cool market

Mum and Dad investors are the lifeblood of Australia’s rental accommodation

Federal, state, and local governments are flat out trying to fund the Nation’s essential infrastructure let alone rental accommodation. The percentage of Australian residential dwellings that are funded by governments has shrunk to a miserly 2.9% per year. Mum-and-dad property investors need to continue to be encouraged to add to the rental pool of Australia’s growing population. According to official ATO records, 30% of all Australian residential dwellings receive rental income. The other 70% of dwellings are occupied by the owner (whether mortgaged or debt free).

Source: Mum and Dad investors are the lifeblood of Australia’s rental accommodation

Negative gearing: a few areas to consider

In proposing reforms to negative gearing structures, any Government in power should consider a long-term approach and monitor any changes and their effects on the economy very closely, before pulling the negatively geared rug from under the feet of investors.

Source: Negative gearing: a few areas to consider