how the housing market defied economic indicators
Key takeaways Traditionally, economic indicators such as interest rates and consumer sentiment have influenced the housing market. However, during the pandemic and beyond, these relationships have shifted, challenging conventional wisdom. Normally, rising interest rates lead to a decrease in home…
Navigating Australia’s largest intergenerational wealth transfer
Key takeaways Australia, like the rest of the world, is about to experience a significant transfer of wealth, estimated at around US$68 trillion globally and A$3.5 trillion in Australia alone over the next few decades. The amount Australians inherit annually…
This is what it takes to be in the top 1% of wealthy people
We know that true wealth is much more than how much money you’ve got in the bank or how many properties you own. But you don’t have to look too far to see references to the top 1% of money…
Melbourne housing market update [video]
Australia’s housing upswing continued through the first month of 2024 with CoreLogic’s National Home Value Index rising by 0.4% in January. Melbourne dwelling values have been drifting lower since November, falling nearly 1% over the past three months. House values…
How the retailing contest between CBDs, shopping centres and online will reshape our cities
Retail activity has been a defining facet of cities since antiquity. The Greek Agora and Roman Forum may be viewed as the original CBDs – central business districts, or what urban planners call activity centres. Retail spaces have evolved over…
CoreLogic National housing market update [video]
Australia’s housing upswing continued through the first month of 2024 with CoreLogic’s National Home Value Index rising by 0.4% in January. That was up from the 0.3% increases seen in November and December, and it marks the 12th straight month…
4 Important Lessons to Remember for 2024
Key takeaways What investment lessons did you learn in 2023 and how will you use these learnings in 2024? As investors, we gain invaluable insights by experiencing various markets and events, and by reflecting on our actions—those we took and…
The 16 Best Suburbs to Invest in Melbourne 2023
Perhaps you want to invest in Melbourne’s property market but don’t know where to start. Or maybe you’re wondering what the best Melbourne suburbs to invest in are for 2024. Let me talk you through it. Melbourne’s property market bottomed…
16 Best Suburbs to Invest in Brisbane 2023
If you’re considering investing in Brisbane’s property market but don’t know where to start or the best locations to look into, this blog will help. You see, after Sydney and Melbourne, Brisbane is clearly Australia’s third-biggest property market. And it’s…
Your Wealth Window – How Many Months Do You Have Left?
There are only two types of people – those who outlive their money and those who don’t. Of course, everyone wants to be in the latter group, but most Australians don’t fall into that category. I found that you need…
10 property forecasts for the next decade and 10 things that will stay the same
We’re already well into a new year, which means it’s time that little creatures come out of hibernation – they’re called forecasters and their predictions of what lies ahead of us abound. These relate to all areas particularly property because…
Australian economic and financial markets update
Key takeaways If a picture paints a thousand words, then this collection of charts should do a pretty good job of painting the landscape as it affects our economy and our property markets. Australia’s economy doesn’t operate in isolation, so…
If housing is so undersupplied, why are some markets falling in value?
Key takeaways The Australian housing market is often viewed as undersupplied, yet there are instances of declining home values, particularly in areas like Melbourne. There’s a distinction between the market for purchasing housing and the actual need for housing as…
Aussie suburbs where home prices have doubled in 5 years
Key takeaways Amidst uncertainties like rising interest rates and living costs, Australian suburbs, especially in regional areas, have seen a remarkable doubling of median house and unit prices over the past five years. This real estate surge isn’t confined to…
where opportunities are as rare as hen’s teeth
Key takeaways In highly desirable Australian suburbs, finding rental properties has become increasingly difficult due to limited supply and fierce competition among tenants, leading to soaring rental prices. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly influenced rental market dynamics, with inner-city suburbs…
Property development guide part 16 – Digging in the dirt
In this continuing series of articles, I’ll take readers on a step-by-step journey through the property development process. You’ve selected your site, conducted your feasibility studies, gathered a team of professional industry experts to help you navigate the sometimes rocky…
Cash rate on hold and inflation forecast revised lower
The decision to keep the cash rate on hold at 4.35% was almost universally expected, given the low inflation figures released for the December quarter, which came in roughly 45 basis points under the RBA’s forecast. Other factors supporting a…
10 most expensive suburbs in Sydney
It’s well known that Sydney is one of the best cities in the world to live in, but also one of the most expensive cities in the world. After booming through 2020 and 2021 with prices rising by 27.2%, Sydney…
Melbourne’s property prices will soar to new highs
Key takeaways A new report is forecasting Melbourne’s median house price will surge more than $110,000 to an almost $1.16m record high in the next 18 months – the equivalent of $200 a day. And it’s not just house prices,…
how 31 top economists see 2024
A panel of 31 leading economists assembled by The Conversation sees no cut in interest rates before the middle of this year, and only a slight cut by December, enough to trim just $55 per month off the cost of…
analysing the impact of inflation, tax cuts and market dynamics
Key takeaways Uncertainty regarding inflation and interest rates will be a dominant theme in 2024, influencing property market dynamics. The direction of inflation and potential interest rate adjustments remain pivotal considerations for investors and vendors alike. Scheduled tax cuts and…
How Much Does It Cost to Build a House in Australia?
The cost of building a new house in Australia has surged over the past few years as supply and trade shortages continue to weigh on the market. And at the same time, the construction industry has seen a surge in…
9 rules for success in today’s property market
Key takeaways 2024 will be seen as the year of when property values and rents continue to rise – but our markets will be fragmented. As a property investor your aim should be to build a substantial asset base through…
New ABS lending data shows the value of new lending fell for the first time in five months
The latest ABS Lending Indicators data reveals a surprising shift in December, marking an end to the recent growth spurt in new housing loans. A noteworthy decline of 4.1%, down to $26.27 billion, breaks the consecutive five-month growth streak. The…
How to Choose a Home Loan
Securing a home loan is a significant milestone on the path to homeownership. With a multitude of options available, it’s crucial for Australians to make informed decisions when choosing a home loan. This comprehensive guide provides valuable insights on the…
Why You Should Set Up a Family Trust in Australia
There’s a common saying that you should ‘begin with the end in mind’ – this is especially true for property investment. The problem is that too many investors begin their investment journey without considering what will be the best ownership…
the real story about mortgage stress
Key takeaways What’s really happening with mortgage stress. Remember all those predictions of a mortgage cliff and lots of distressed selling? Despite rising interest rates over the last couple of years, and all the talk about mortgage stress, to date…
The 8 Best Property Investment Strategies in Australia
Buying a property is not an investment strategy. However, investing in property with the right property investment strategy can be both lucrative and rewarding. Not only that, it’s essential. Planning is bringing your future into the present so that you…
An update on inflation – key take outs for the housing market
Key takeaways CPI results for the December quarter show a decline in inflation from 5.4% to 4.1%, marking the fourth consecutive quarter of decline. This decline is attributed to softer demand in the economy, reflected in areas like retail trade…
3 Lessons I learned at Wealth Retreat 2023
Key takeaways Opportunities to attend an event like Wealth Retreat are few and far between and not to be missed. The first exercise gave me a level of certainty as I no longer have to focus on the short term,…
Property Renovation for Profit: Complete Guide
Key takeaways Renovating is a smart investment strategy at this stage of the property cycle. I don’t suggest renovating to “flip”, I prefer the BRRRR strategy of ‘Buy, Renovate, Rent Out, Refinance And Repeat There are 8 steps to profitable…
These cities have the most millionaires in the world – 2 Australian surprises
Where do the wealthy live around the world? Heading the list, compiled by Henley & Partners is New York City which boasts of an astonishing 340,000 millionaire residents, accounting for approximately 4% of the city’s total population. In the second…
Navigating the Uncharted Waters of Urban Planning
Key takeaways Australia’s population ticked over the 27-million mark last week, a milestone we’ve hit a staggering 30 years ahead of schedule. The ramifications for our housing, infrastructure, and urban planning are profound. This explosive growth has concrete implications for…
This is how much the average Aussie needs to feel wealthy
Key takeaways A new survey shows the average Aussie feels they’d need to earn a significant amount of money to feel rich, Millennials need the most money to feel rich ($418,325), followed by gen Z at $392,077. Baby boomers think…
Australian Property Market Trends for 2023-2024
Key takeaways Despite my crystal ball being a little cloudy, let’s look at eight property trends I expect to happen in 2024. 1. Property values will continue rising 2. We’re in for a 2-tier property market moving forward 3. Our…
Buying Investment Property with Equity in Australia
Key takeaways Equity in a property is the difference between the current market value of your property and how much you owe on it. Useable equity is the amount of equity in your home you can access and use. Equity…
Sydney property prices to soar up to 23% higher in 3 years
Key takeaways Sydney house prices are expected to increase by 15.8% over the next 3 years while units are expected to significantly outpace, climbing 23% over the same period as reduced borrowing capacity pushes many buyers to cheaper property purchases….
Finding a property with development potential
Are you interested in property development? While many properties make good homes, fewer are “investment grade” properties and even fewer are potentially profitable development sites. In a recent blog, I outlined why I choose the suburbs where I undertake developments very carefully….
a perfect storm driving prices higher in 2024
Key takeaways Australia’s housing market is facing a perfect storm: a chronic undersupply of dwellings, a construction industry in crisis, and a surging population. This potent cocktail is all but guaranteed to push house prices and rents higher in 2024…
A Third Of Australia’s Regional Beachside Markets Maintain Peak Values Amid Economic Challenges
Just over one-third (35%) of Australia’s regional coastal markets recorded housing values at record highs at the end of last year despite multiple rates rises, cost of living pressures, and market uncertainty, CoreLogic figures reveal. A thorough examination of Australia’s…
Unit price growth to outpace houses as affordability issues continue to bite
Key takeaways Deteriorating affordability in Australia’s housing market combined with increased stock is expected to cause price growth to moderate across the country. And this will cause many buyers who are priced out of the market into the unit market…
Australia is not commencing enough housing to meet the 1.2 million target
There is currently a shortage of properties both for sale and for rent, and this is one of the reasons house prices of kept rising and rents have skyrocketed over the last few years. Sure the government has talked about…
How Cryptocurrency is Reshaping Real Estate Transactions
The financial landscape will never be the same after the appearance of cryptocurrency, and the potential of blockchain to influence and modify industries, including the healthcare or real estate sector. Due to the security, efficiency, and accessibility, blockchain, which records…
Why You Need To Change To Become Wealthy
Sometimes we love change and sometimes we hate it. In fact, some of us love to change and others fear it. Why is change difficult for many of us? Because change makes us move out of our comfort zones. It…
Home prices hit a new all-time high; expert anticipates a new record in 2024
Key takeaways New home price record reached: The December quarter data from Domain shows as of the end of 2023, Australia’s housing market has fully recovered from the 2022 downturn, with combined capital house and unit prices ending 2023 at…
Why Investing for Cashflow Won’t Work in 2024
Key takeaways While a lot of investors are looking for cash flow, they should really be aiming at growth. Cash flow keeps you in the game, growth gets you out of the rat race. A particular property is neither cash…
8 Ways to Increase Your Rental Property’s Value in Australia
As an investment property owner, making strategic upgrades to your rental property pays dividends when looking to boost future sale valuation. Whether you are seeking a profitable flip or simply maximising your long-term rental returns, there are some renovations and…
52 years of valid reasons not to invest
Key takeaways The property pessimists are out again telling us how a rising interest rates will strangle our property markets and lead to real estate Armageddon. There has always been a good excuse to avoid investing in real estate, but…
7 reasons for property investors to feel positive about 2024
Key takeaways It looks like we’re going to have another good year in property in 2024. However, signs of softer market conditions emerged late last year, when the pace of price growth and auction clearance rates eased – and that…
The worst properties to buy in an uncertain market
We are living in interesting times, aren’t we? After strong property price growth in our major property markets in 2023, we are now moving to a perios of slower capital growth. The current market is creating two types of property…
most important property investing golden rule
Key takeaways There is one property investing golden rule that is more important than everything else. The golden rule is that the quality of the property you invest in will determine your long-term investment returns. If you invest in an average-quality property, your long-term…
4 things that successful people never say
Long-term success is never an accident. No one ever woke up in the morning to career or financial success without putting years of hard work into it. Do you know that one of the indicators that can highlight who is…
Australia’s Rental Riddle: Unpacking the Post-Pandemic Landscape
Since the pandemic’s onset, finding a rental in Australia has become as challenging as snagging a seat at the AFL Grand Final. Rental availability has plunged by half, and rents in our capital cities have rocketed by a staggering 33%…
What would Warren Buffett do
There seem to be so many mixed opinions on what’s ahead. And clearly, there is no shortage of people with opinions on what we should be doing with our lives, be it in savings, spending, or investing. However, over the…
What would I do differently if I started all over again?
Key takeaways One of the most common questions I’m asked by beginning investors wanting to fast-track their success is: “Knowing what you know now, if you were to start all over again, what would you do differently to speed up…
Will Melbourne’s median house price be more than $2M by 2032?
The unrefuted trend in all investment markets is mean reversion. It means that a period of below-average returns is always followed by a period of above-average returns. My thesis is that investment-grade property in Melbourne looks attractive compared to other…
Dispelling 20 common myths about property investment in Australia
Key takeaways While many Australians are keen to invest in property to secure their financial future, the statistics clearly show that most investors fail to achieve their goals. More than half of those who buy an investment property sell up…
6 reasons you should hold off on buying that next property
Have you ever experienced that situation where you want to get into the property market or add to your portfolio, but the planets just are not aligning? You may start to feel a bit stressed because house prices are booming…
The Latest Rental Vacancy Rates around Australia
The national vacancy rates increased to 1.3% in December from 1.1% recorded in November. The total number of rental vacancies Australia-wide now stands at 39,797 residential properties, which is an increase from 33,471 in November. Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane showed…
The 3 Key Factors Responsible for Your Wealth
Are you eager to create a greater level of wealth? I know a lot of people are reflecting on their personal situations during these times of change and are looking to improve their circumstances. While thoughts are important, the more…
How Much Does A Carpenter Earn In Australia In 2024
Considering a career in carpentry? You’re likely curious about the financial rewards. In Australia, carpenters are in high demand, and their earnings reflect the skilled nature of their work. But just how much can you pocket as a chisel-wielding pro?…
Let’s play a game and re-imagine Australia
What would you do if you were tasked with spreading the 26.5 million people in Australia across the continent? In how many cities would you place them? How many regional settlements would you build? Where would you build wheat towns,…
The key to financial freedom? Finding your mentor
When we think of entrepreneurs we often think of trailblazers forging ahead on their own, someone who’s doing something different or creating something new. While it’s true that in order to achieve financial freedom, you’ll have to rely on your…
Fake Experts Abound. Here’s How to Find a Real One.
There are two types of experts in the world: real experts, and fake ones. The real experts are the people who spend many years refining their knowledge and skill set in a particular area and becoming masters of pattern recognition….
40 property investment lessons I learned in the last 40 years
Key takeaways With the benefit of hindsight and knowing what you know now if you had the opportunity to do so, would you have bought an investment property 40 years ago? If I had a time machine I would warn…
10 money habits that are keeping you poor, and how to overcome them
Have you ever questioned where your money went? Do you live paycheque-to-paycheque? No matter what your income, good money habits can help to build wealth and set you up for financial success… but bad money habits can do the opposite….
Believe it or not – the median dwelling value in Brisbane just overtook Melbourne
Key takeaways Brisbane now has the third-highest median dwelling value among the capitals, behind Sydney and Canberra. In December, the Greater Brisbane median dwelling value surpassed Melbourne’s median value for the first time since July 2009 by around $7,000. Since…
Australia’s population grows by 2.4%
Australia’s population grew by 2.4 per cent in the year to 30 June 2023, according to the figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) at the end of last year. On 30 June 2023, our population was 26.6…
Why is Michael Yardney still working?
Today I’m going to do something a little bit different – I’m going to give you some insights into what makes me tick. Maybe you’ll learn something useful from it, maybe you won’t. You see… I remember a while ago…
Do I need to be rich to set up a family trust?
There’s a common saying that you should start most endeavours with the end in mind, and this is especially true for property investment. Unfortunately, too many investors begin their journey without considering the best ownership structure and wind up owning…
A Sign Of Hope For Renters
It’s been a nightmare for tenants over the last few years, hasn’t it? Historically low vacancy rates and skyrocketing rents at a time when the general cost of living has made things very difficult for that third of the Australian…
The Benefits of Landscape Lighting in Rental Properties
Brimming with an intriguing spark of harmony, the importance of landscape lighting hums a vibrant yet quiet song of transformation. It’s more than just a base coat on a canvas; it’s the fine brushstrokes that bring a picture to life,…
Capital Gains Tax Exemptions in Australia
Capital gains tax (CGT) is a tax that is levied on the sale of certain assets, including real estate, shares, and other investments purchased with the intention to keep as opposed to buying with the intention to sell for a…
Mindsets and Habits of a Veteran Property Mentor
It’s the time of the year when many of us are looking back at 2023 to see what’s ahead for our housing markets in 2024. I was recently interviewed by Aaron Christie-David of Atelier Wealth for his Australian Property Investment…
The honest truth about where property prices are headed in 2024
There is no doubt that we’re now one year into a new property cycle and many housing markets around Australia are likely to experience significant growth over the next year driven by a confluence of factors that will underpin strong…
Is Your Suburb on the List? See Melbourne’s Biggest Home Price Winners of 2023
Melbourne property watchers – get ready to be surprised. While the overall Melbourne housing market has underperformed many other state capitals in 2023, there were some suburbs that defied the odds and skyrocketed in value providing their property owners with…
Why 2024 could be the WORST time to buy property
Key takeaways 2024 will be a very different property market to last year and the year before, but there is really no “best” time or “worst” time to buy property. Property investment is a process, not just an event. So…
[Podcast] Do you understand the Demographic Tribes and how they influence our property markets With Simon Kuestenmacher, Summer Series
We all belong to one – a demographic tribe, that is. In fact, Australia is one big country of many tribes. If you don’t belong to the one, you don’t survive. Some are easy to find: it might be your…
The importance of a growth mindset to make 2024 your best year ever
To help you in making this a great year, I’d like to share with you the importance of having a growth mindset. I want you to think back…way back in time. Go back to the days when you were a…
Beware of the new breed of property experts
It seems we have become a nation of “experts.” Just check your inbox or turn on the television and there they are. Experts on politics who have never run a business, let alone a country. Experts on football, even though…
The Latest CoreLogic’s Rental Market Update
Key takeaways Nationally rents were up 8.3% in 2023. Growth in unit rents (10.2%) has outpaced the rise in house rents (7.5%) this year. We can also see some significant differences across the broad regions of the country. Rental growth…
[Podcast] How do you choose a property advisor or a buyers’ agent, with Brett Warren, Summer Series
Are you looking at getting investment advice this year? How do you know who to ask? How do you know who to choose how to choose a property advisor, how do you know how to choose a buyers’ agent? These…
What is your most important habit to guarantee success in the New Year?
We’re at the beginning of a new year, a time when many people start thinking about how to make this a great year. Every year, millions of people make New Year’s resolutions, hoping to spark positive change. The recurring themes…
Rhetorical questions to make you think…
Why not start your New Year with a little fun? Here are some rhetorical questions you may like to ponder: If it’s true that we are here to help others, then what exactly are the others here for? How come no…
3 questions to help make 2024 your best year yet
Happy New Year – 2024 promises to be a fantastic year. 2023 delivered more than the usual number of challenges but looking back over the year I am happy, and grateful and have developed the “useful belief” that 2023 was…
The top 4 New Year money resolutions you should be making
As we move into 2024 — can you believe another year has passed so quickly — it’s a good time to sit back and look at how your money is working for you. How have you gone with your finances…
Assessing Your Property Development Feasibility
In this article, I talk us through the feasibility of a development project and whether or not to pursue it. Undertaking a property development requires many months of preparation before you actually get to see your hard labour bear any fruit. As we’ve…
Commonwealth Bank tips the RBA will massively cut interest rates in 2024
Mr Halmarick said while the Australian economy is losing momentum, led by a slowdown in household spending, inflation was also decelerating – albeit at a slower pace than other nations. “The good news is that the pace of global inflation…
Crucial money lessons every parent must teach their child
The concept of ‘living within your means’ used to be a simple way of life. In years gone by, credit cards and personal loans were much more difficult to obtain, so there was really no other option. Today, however, we…
The rich use these 7 wealth accelerators to keep getting richer
Do understand what a wealth accelerator is? Well, maybe you should… because that’s the way the rich keep getting richer. Now you’ve probably heard the expression money begets money. Maybe you’ve ever wondered why it’s easier for people who already…
Believe it or not – these ARE the good old days
If we were to judge whether 2023 was a good time in the history of the world, many people would probably think not, wouldn’t they? This year alone we have experienced a war in the Middle East that has created…
How many people need to be in a room for two to share a birthday? It’s less than you think. Here’s why
Have you ever bumped into someone with the same birthday as you? What about someone sharing a birthday in your workplace? How common is a shared birthday, anyway? The birthday problem, as it’s called by mathematicians, reveals problems with our…
the ‘bank of mum and dad’ is increasingly helping fund the lives of young Australians
Much has been made of the increasing presence of the “bank of mum and dad” in the lives of Australians. We know financial support from parents to adult children is increasingly used for entering the housing market. But our new…
Can pets inherit property?
People have enjoyed the companionship of animals for thousands of years, but can we protect their futures by leaving them property in our wills? Around two-thirds of Australian homes have a pet of some sort. Not only do dogs and…
Wrapping up 2023 and peering into 2024
If you’re like many Australians, you’re probably wondering what’s ahead for our property markets in 2024. Clearly, inflation will be with us longer and interest rates will remain higher than we were hoping for, so what does this mean for…
10 Things every landlord wishes tenants knew
The job of being a tenant should be simple, but as with all things that involve human beings, it often isn’t. If every tenant knew these ten things, life would be a little happier for everyone. 1. Paying rent on…
Don’t fall for these 3 huge property investing mistakes
There are several mistakes that I regularly see property investors make. From emotional investing to failing to mitigate risk or even failing to get the right advice, many property investment mistakes cost a lot of money, time, and stress and…
How to stop a fear of change holding you back
If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my many years of business, it’s that change is the one constant. Just when you think things are settled, something will happen to upset the apple cart. Investors and entrepreneurs may think this…
The 3 Biggest Obstacles to Becoming Financially Free
What has been the single greatest obstacle stopping you from becoming financially free? Why do I ask? Well… a few weeks ago at a private client function I was conducting I had the good fortune to have conversations with a…
a candid history of the Christmas tree
The Christmas tree is a modern invention. It is a largely secular symbol, having no basis in the Bible. There are many trees in the Bible, from the Tree of Knowledge and the Tree of Life in Genesis to the…
What would Warren Buffett say about how I approach property investing?
What would Warren Buffett say about how I approach my property investing? And why do I even care? Well… Buffett who is 93 years old is consistently ranked amongst the world’s richest people, is arguably the most successful investor of…
What to do when your tenants won’t leave
A tenant refusing to leave the rental is one of those nightmare scenarios no landlord or agent wants to have to deal with. But it’s one you might have to. So if your tenant isn’t budging, what’s next? Not paying…
What changed in the property market in 2023?
What was different about our housing markets in 2023? As we close out 2023, the Australian property market looks significantly different from 2022 – we’ve defied all the naysayers and property pessimists and experienced eleven consecutive months of national price…
The most important lesson to teach your children about money
We live in a world of consumption, where people seek immediate gratification with the latest and greatest gadgets and products as soon as they hit the shelves. Think about Apple and the ridiculously long line of people who queue for…
Short term loss-making resales continue to rise
Key takeaways CoreLogic analysed approximately 86,000 dwelling resales in Q3 2023. The incidence of profit-making sales nationally increased to 93.5%, higher than the decade average of 90.8%, and the highest rate of profitability since the three months to July 2022….
There is a War for Your Mind
When you change the Lens through which you view the world, your view of the world changes, forever. The Lens I’m referring to = your Assumptions, Beliefs, and Ideologies. When a new, unknown Truth comes along, it forever changes how…
More Australians prefer suburban living – new data reveals
Have you dreamed of living a house in the suburbs? Well, according to the latest survey from Compare the Market, the majority of people across Australia, Canada and the United States would prefer living in suburbia rather than to live…
How to win the gift-stealing game Bad Santa, according to a mathematician
Christmas comes but once a year – as do Christmas party games. With such little practice, it’s hard to get good at any of them. Let me help. I’m going to share with you some expert tips, tested through mathematical…
Common Risks Related To Property Development
In this article, I talk us through the risks involved in property development so you know how to manage them. Many investors approach property development with rose-coloured glasses, but in order to minimise your risks and maximise your chances of…
We all know about JobKeeper, which helped Australians keep their jobs in a global crisis. So how about HomeKeeper?
Bipartisan support for temporary extra government spending to preserve businesses and jobs through JobKeeper was one of the few positive outcomes of the COVID-19 pandemic. Recognition that the long-term damage caused by short-term economic crises far exceeds the cost of…
Property Market Forecast 2023 — House Prices Predictions from Expert
Key takeaways Australia’s housing market continues to defy expectations! Despite 13 interest rate increases from the Reserve Bank of Australia, which have seen official rates rise by 4.25 per cent over the 18 months, property prices have not only stopped…
The 10 best beach suburbs in Sydney
Sydney has some of the most spectacular and well-known beaches in the country, and even the world. It also, therefore, has some of the most sought-after beachside suburbs. Sure it’s winter now, but Spring and then Summer are just around…
43 simple financial lessons that you’ll benefit from.
Nassim Nicholas Taleb became famous for his book The Black Swan which taught us to look out for the unexpected X-Factor. He also wrote The Bed of Procrustes, a collection of hundreds of “philosophical and practical aphorisms” – pithy one-line…
Everyone Wants to be on Top of the Mountain But Few Are Willing to Make the Climb
When things don’t go as planned, most people quit the struggle and move on to greener (meaning – easier) pastures. And the world is filled with quitters. Without pursuing success, life is a struggle. Even for the vast majority who…
Australia’s population boom!
Australia’s population growth has rocketed back to the boom rates of the mid-1950s, increasing by 2.4 per cent in the 12 months to June according to the latest figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). A record half…
The morning routines of successful people
Ever had one of those days when you roll out of bed the wrong way and nothing seems to go right from that point on? We all have. Getting a jump on the day, and starting it in the right…
How A Shade Structure Can Help Boost Your School’s Property
The impact of a school environment doesn’t stop at the four walls of a classroom. They also reach beyond the classrooms, seeping into the hallways, the lab, the gym, and the school’s exterior. If you’re a school owner, it’s in…
why do Aussies shorten so many words?
Australians sure do like those brekkies, barbies and mozzies. We’re not talking about “actual” mozzies here. We’re defo (definitely) talking about words — and Aussies can’t seem to get enough of these shortened words. Some say we’re lazy for clipping…
Addressing Australia’s housing crisis: the role of BTS and BTR markets
Australia’s housing crisis has been a topic of intense discussion and concern over the last year. In an ambitious response, the Federal Government, along with the New South Wales and Victorian Governments, have set targets to deliver a substantial number…
Should You Buy Bitcoin? Ask a Different Question First
I received these two messages within three minutes of each other recently: Several years back I used to mine Bitcoin, and then I sold most of them off for a down payment for our house.I had 400 BTC at one…
Property development guide part 8 – Increasing your chance of success & managing risk
In this series article, I talk us through managing the risks associated with property development to increase the chances of success. I’ve found that once many property investors who’ve collected a few properties in their portfolio become keen to “dabble”…
33 Lessons Learned with Mark Creedon
Today, I am joined by Mark Creedon, a business coach and mentor to some of Australia’s leading business people and CEO of the Metropole Property Group. Today, our discussion is centred around a fascinating list shared by Vala Afshar on…
Everything you need to know about the state of Australia’s property markets in 20 charts – December 2023
Key takeaways The value of residential real estate increased to an estimated $10.3 trillion at the end of November, up from $10.2 trillion in the previous month. Dwelling values across the combined capitals rose 0.6% in November. Monthly growth across…
7 reasons you could fail and how to avoid it
We all fail at times – even the most successful people. I know I seem to have had more than my share of failures along the way. One of my biggest lessons along the way was to learn to take…
What does the rental yield tell you about a property?
A property’s rental yield is the amount of gross rental income that it attracts relative to its market value. In Australia, gross residential property rental yields typically fall between 2% and 5% annually. This yield can provide insights into a…
Tempted to Worry? Try Making Concrete Plans Instead
Worrying is a terrible business strategy. In the not-so-distant past, however, it was the only one I knew. For example, each time I wrote this column, I worried that my editor would say, “Sorry, Carl. This just isn’t very good….
What is an A-Grade Investment Property?
Why do some properties significantly outperform others with regard to capital growth? Why are some properties always in strong demand and sell quickly? These are what I’d call “A-grade” properties. But what sets these exceptional properties apart from the rest,…
4 Daily Habits That Make You Smarter
Best-selling author Thomas Corley found some curious data in his 5-year study of wealthy people. He found that: 76% of the wealthy engaged in 30 minutes or more of aerobic activity four days a week. 77% of the poor did…
Location, location, location: Why it’s so important
Location is probably the most important thing to consider when it comes to buying your next investment property. Perhaps you’ve heard me say that the location of your property will do around 80% of the heavy lifting of its capital…
Where in Australia is property price growth still slow?
The Australian property markets are continuing to defy all those who predicted a downturn this year with an eleventh straight month of price increase in November, reaching a new record high. However, according to PropTrack, some markets are seeing growth…
Flipping houses could soon be subject to 47% tax
Australians who have ever thought of renovating an old property and on-selling it to make a quick profit might soon face a whopping 47% tax. The idea, also known as ‘flipping’ has been made popular by TV reality shows like…
[Podcast] 11 traits shared by the most successful property investors, with Brett Warren
Ever wondered why some property investors hit the jackpot while others barely scrape by? Well in today’s show Brett Warren, and I shed light on strategies and philosophies that make a successful property investor. We reveal that the high-achievers do…
Millennial NETTELs – the booming demographic shaping our property markets
The number of Millennials reaching the family formation stage of their life is booming, and it’s creating an entire generation of Australians who are shaping our suburbs and property markets. Back in 2009, Bernard Salt wrote an article about Baby…
Property development guide part 7 – Researching the perfect site
In this continuing series of articles, I’ll take readers on a step-by-step journey through the property development process. Once you understand the importance of securing a development site in the right location and you have the big picture firmly in…
RBA Board holds in December, but November rate hike may have already slowed housing market
The RBA held the cash rate steady at 4.35% for its last meeting of the year. This was broadly expected as several data flows came in weaker through November. Retail trade fell -0.2% month-on-month, and although still low, the unemployment…
[Podcast] Have you considered setting up a third Super Fund? With Stuart Wemyss
We tend to talk a lot about property on this Podcast, but the aim of property investment is to give you the financial freedom that leads to life choices. The truth is that your superannuation balance is unlikely to be…
Vacancy rate at an all-time low for the third month
Key takeaways Australia’s vacancy rate holds at a record low for the third month in a row, at 0.8%. Nationally, the rental market remains competitive for tenants, however, marginal improvements continue to be observed in some capital cities. Vacancy rates…
Here’s the type of property that will outperform in the long term
I’ll get straight to the point… I believe the inner and middle-ring suburbs of our big capital cities will be the best medium to long-term investment locations. Here’s my logic… The latest government forecasts suggest that Australia’s population will increase…
Five property market trends for 2024
Key takeaways The outlook for the property market in 2024 will be shaped by various push-pull factors at play between a supply shortfall, strong population growth and interest rates remaining higher for longer. By the end of 2024, combined capital…
This weekend’s auction results – Clearance rates around Australia
Key takeaways Capital city weekend auction markets have commenced December with generally steady results despite another big day of late year auctions in most capitals. Adelaide had the strongest auction clearance rate of 70.3%. Auction clearance results for the other…
12 Ways to Fail When Building a Property Portfolio
There seems to be a disconnect between what is myth and reality when it comes to the number of investment properties that people own. We sometimes hear about “greedy” investors who own dozens of properties when this is not really…
Stop talking about mortgage stress
It’s time that we all stopped talking about mortgage stress. It’s been a hot topic over the last year and a half, following a spate of interest rate hikes by the Reserve Bank propelling mortgage rates to heights unseen since…
The Latest Proptrack Home Price Index
Key takeaways This year home prices have remained resilient to the higher interest rate environment and prices nationally are higher than they were a year ago (+5.42% year-on-year). This continued in November with national home prices jumping 0.22% month-on-month to…
The Latest CoreLogic’s Home Value Index (HVI)
Key takeaways CoreLogic’s national Home Value Index rose 0.6% in November, the smallest monthly gain since the growth cycle commenced in February. However, Melbourne, Hobart and Darwin recorded declines in values over the month, and Sydney home values slipped into…
Australia’s unprecedented migration surge has now peaked
Australia’s recent surge in migration, largely driven by the influx of international students and backpackers, appears to have reached its peak. We have experienced a record-breaking rate of net overseas migration, estimated to have reached 500,000 people in the year…
The Latest My Housing Market Stats
Key takeaways The national capital city median house price increased by 0.7% over the November quarter compared to the October quarter, and is now $0.7 higher than the previous peak price recorded over April 2022. All capital cities reported increases…
Australian Property Cycles: Current Stage & Prospects
Key takeaways We’re at the beginning of a new property cycle. Early in 2023 our housing markets reset, and property values started rising, despite that fact that the RBA kept raising interest rates. Currently our property markets are fragmented and…
Latest Australian Property Markets News and Forecasts
In this week’s Property Insider chat with Dr Andrew Wilson, I explore a topic that’s on the mind of every property investor, homeowner, and economic enthusiast: the role of the Reserve Bank of Australia in our dynamic property market. In…
The suburbs where each generation dominates and why
Australia is on the cusp of a significant demographic shift. Baby Boomers – born 1946-1965 – who have previously been our largest generation and a driving force in shaping Australia’s economy and society, are reaching retirement age. The latest ABS…
This week’s Australian Property Market Update
Key takeaways Wew’re almost at the end of the year and property prices have kept rising for almost 11 months in a row despite 13 interest rate rises, high inflation and reduced borrowing capacity. The peak-to-trough change in Australian house…
How Many Billionaires Are There in Australia?
Australians make up 47 of the world’s richest people, according to Forbes’ latest list of 2558 billionaires. Who is the richest person in Australia? Mining magnate Gina Rinehart has once again achieved the title of Australia’s richest person, with a…
11 reasons why we aren’t all property moguls
Are you looking for financial freedom through property? Are you keen to build a substantial property portfolio? Well…statistics show that most property investors stop at just one investment property. In fact, the latest ATO data shows that 71.5% of investors…
How long between property cycles?
Here are two numbers worth remembering: 4 and 13 4 Since 1980 the time between house price growth peaks is four (4) years and not the often quipped seven (7) years. And it would appear that the time between peaks…
The Pros and Cons of Property Investment
When it comes to investing your hard-earned cash, there are many investment options available – but my favourite is property. In my mind, if you want to develop financial freedom, you need to choose an investment vehicle that will generate…
7 key principles you should know
An understanding of basic economic principles will set you in good stead to understand financial commentary, and political rhetoric and make your own assessment of economic risks and opportunities. That is not to suggest you need to become an economic…
Australia’s unstoppable property market, revealed (Hint: It’s not Sydney)
Australia’s property market has moved to the recovery stage of the cycle, with prices in many locations having made up all the losses of 2022. And while Sydney’s high-priced market and bumper prices tend to dominate the discussion, there is…
How to add value to your property when selling but you’re on a budget
If you’re planning to sell your home adding value to your property doesn’t need to cost a small fortune. If times, and the purse strings, are tight then there are still things you can do to boost buyer appeal or…
Here’s how I interpret auction clearance results
Now that our property markets are on the move no Sunday morning is complete without checking the weekend clearance rates, especially for property pundits in Melbourne and Sydney. That’s because the auction results are a timely gauge of conditions of…