The dismal worldwide economy may have left a lot of people scrambling financially, but it has also gone a long way towards creating a great income opportunity for those who are looking to build their investment portfolio. I’m talking of course about real estate, and a quick look at how the average price of homes has dropped is enough to let you know that we are currently operating in a buyer’s market. It’s now possible to get your hands on a property that is priced at tens of thousands of dollars less than its true value, knowing that when the market recovers, which it will, you will have made a very smart investment decision.
The market has also created far more renters than buyer’s, which means that getting someone to rent from you really shouldn’t be that difficult. In essence, someone else will be paying your mortgage as you build equity, but if it’s your first time considering real estate investment, then you may not be sure how to get started, or even which are you should buy into. This is where a little real estate investing advice will come in handy and that all begins with figuring out which property to buy.

Real Estate Investment First Step

The first step is deciding upon a property, and most people offering real estate investing advice will tell you that you should focus your attention on new or fully refurbished properties. The reason for doing so is that you will avoid a lot of the potential issues that could arise when opting for an older property. Your money should be used in the investment, and not in repairs and renovations that you will most likely never fully recover over the long haul. It’s also a good idea to buy in an established area, or one that is on the rise in some way. People like to be close to amenities, or where they work, so buying an investment property that is close to the Sydney CBD will have a better chance of being rented than a place that requires renters to drive great distances to get to their destinations.

Location, Location, Location

Deciding to invest in an area that has the potential of high growth and rental demand is also desirable, but that doesn’t mean that you should also lose sight of the property itself. You want to align yourself with a building that looks great inside and out, and which has amenities included that make your rental property seem all the more appealing. A specific example of such would be to invest in an apartment in the historic Goldsbrough Building, where renters are close to transportation and the bustling excitement of Darling Harbour, yet are also in a building that has tremendous amenities like a spa, pool and gym for the residents.

Investment Property Management

The final piece of the investment puzzle comes in finding a property that is maintained by a top notch property management group, that you can be assured will go out of their way to maintain your investment in a professional manner. Certainly, there are many more real estate investment advice tips to be had, but of you follow these basics, chances are you won’t go wrong in your property choice.

The time to sell your property could be just around the corner, if the high clearance rates, low interest rates and large number of interested buyers are anything to go by.

The current market is on the cusp of a Boom time according to Australian Property Monitors, particularly relating to high-end properties. Internationally, the economic outlook is continuing to brighten also, as the US gradually recovers from a difficult period. China is also showing signs of high growth which is great news for Australia’s resource exporting economy.

Sydney and Perth are the strongest markets in Australia, with Auction Clearance Rates in Sydney tracking nearly 20 per cent higher than the same time last year. In fact, the early season clearance rates are similar to those recorded during the boom period of Autumn 2010. Low unemployment, record population growth and a shortage of housing is what is driving these markets. Additionally, the shortage of housing is driving rent increases, and this is also helping to intensify buyer activity.

The strong start to the year is set to continue into winter with Sydney’s solid economy. The Australian Bureau of Statistics retail sales growth data shows that NSW is the best state performer so far this year, which is indicative of rising consumer confidence in Sydney’s property market. Great news if you are looking at selling your property!

For further information on selling with Oaks Property Sales, please don’t hesitate to contact our sales team.

Sydney’s real estate market appears to have bounced back, with thousands of prospective buyers out looking for property. Over the previous months the auction clearance rates, which is a key indicator of the property market, has been achieving record highs. Typically over the last year the auction clearance rate has been around 50% mark however, the last 4-5 week period its increased and has been averaging 60%
Certain areas of Sydney have seen more interest, like the beachside suburbs and inner-city, however in general the market is moving. As always, the underlying factor in Sydney property is the supply and demand relationship. There remains a housing shortage of available properties for sale with an increasing amount of demand from local and overseas purchasers. Not defined as a boom however the market is firming on the back of more confident in the State economy and recent interest rate cuts.
For those seeking to buy, making sure they are prepared is essential: When investors are researching their purchaser it usually about ‘the numbers’, an investment has to tick-all-the-boxes with the right location, solid rental prospects and purchased at, or below market value. Although it shouldn’t, emotion always plays a part in any purchase; most purchasers have a clear idea of what they are seeking from an investment and therefore have a focused approach to property investment.

Currently on offer with The Oaks Property Sales is a selection of properties that meet the most discerning purchasers investment criteria. For complete details contact sales office.

Investment properties, just like cars, decrease in value over time. So, if a property is used to generate an income, the Australian Taxation Office allows the property owner to claim back the decline in the value of the building. This is done by means of a Tax Deduction. The amount that can be claimed varies, and is based upon the date of the original building construction. It is usually either 2.5% or 4% of the construction cost or the ‘Capital Works Component‘ of the building.

The ATO also recognises that there are several components (i.e. appliances, carpet etc.), that generally have a shorter life span than the main building structure, and because of this they can be used as an accelerated rate of depreciation. These components are grouped into the ‘Plant and Equipment’ division, and are calculated separately to the Capital Works deductions.

There is a common misconception that only new properties are eligible for depreciation. This is not the case. Older properties can also produce attractive returns (generally referring to plant and equipment deductions).

Use Investment Depreciation to Reduce Your Tax

Claiming depreciation on your investment property is a great way to reduce your tax burden, and may help you keep positive cash flow by taking into account the general ‘wear and tear’ of a property. This makes sense because as the property owner, you then have the option to invest this extra money or reduce your loan liabilities.

For further information on the Tax Depreciation of future investment properties purchased through Oaks Property Sales, please contact our office.

It appears that Sydney will be leading the property boom in 2013 as economists are predicting property prices to increase by as much as five per cent in the next 12 months. Credit growth has been somewhat stagnant for some time, however there seems to be an increase in pre-approval loan applications in the last few months, perhaps due to the fact that Australian homeowners currently have more wealth than at any time over the last decade.

Home loan rates began falling in November 2011, meaning homeowners with an average $350,000 mortgage, are now saving $3641 per year. Migration is also at a three and a half year high, adding demand and therefore value to our property market.

However, what appears will be the greatest driver of growth, is rental yields. Currently vacancy rates are under 2 per cent, which will drive rents to increase, and in turn, people will begin looking the yield on these properties and saying “well, this home should be worth more”.

Based on the NAB forecast that interest rates will fall another 0.5 per cent, the bank predicts property prices to surge between five per cent and seven per cent in the coming year. This is great news for Sydney homeowners and investors, as 2013 will see them at the forefront of the property boom.

Australian property prices have risen for the second quarter in a row, according to the latest available data. This growth in the market is said to be related to the recent Mining Boom in Australia, and the low interest rates we are seeing. Figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics show that in the third quarter of 2012, prices have climbed 0.3% above what they were this time last year, and in the second quarter of this year, prices increased by 0.6%. These inclines follow five straight quarters of declines.

“Lower than average interest rates are providing some support to the demand in the economy”, said RBA Deputy Governor Philip Lowe, stating that these low interest rates have led to an improvement in the property market. Additionally, borrowing costs are also now below average, providing the support required to meet the demand. Australia’s largest mortgage broker, AFG, which accounts for 10% of the overall mortgage market, has reported that it has approved its biggest volume of new home loans in 3 years.

The Market Growth has been driven by a number of other factors too, including buyer incentives, local population growth, and value-buying momentum in prestige markets. And, it seems things are continuing to look up. Capital City forecast property prices rise between another 4% and 7% in 2013, according to the 2012 SQM Research ‘Boom and Bust Report’, with the report also stating that Sydney remains the ‘blue chip of real estate markets’.

Trafalgar Apartments stands out amongst the crowd of prime Sydney’s real estates. Its fashionable architectural clean lines and contemporary exterior design are ready to impress. A sleek exterior complemented by a high quality interior finish throughout exemplifies this well located Sydney apartment building.

Trafalgar Apartments on Kent Street puts you at the heart of Australia’s premier harbour city, Sydney. Trafalgar is in close proximity to Darling Harbour, Sydney’s business and shopping districts. With a varying choice of studio, one and two bedroom fully up to date modern apartments, this investment is perfectly positioned, to enjoy and explore Sydney. Most apartments are complete with balconies and spectacular views of either Sydney Harbour or the metropolis skyline.

As expected from all Sydney’s real estate properties of this status Trafalgar Apartments building’s resort facilities include a heated 20m swimming pool, sauna, spa and fully equipped gymnasium.
Professionally managed by The Oaks Group, Trafalgar Apartments is ideal for city executives or Sydney real estate investors.

For complete details on this suburb investment opportunity, contact The Oaks Property Sales for more details or visit our website – Trafalgar Apartments Sydney

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Often we are asked the simple question “why is it better to buy an Oaks investment property?” The answer this questions is fairly simple for several reasons. First of all, location. The Oaks Group only manage buildings in the very best 5-star locations. Only in the most popular and sought-after locations will they accept a management of a building and, therefore the management of the apartments there. This ensures that the occupancy is always high therefore maximising financial returns to owners. Also, properties in premium location usually have a higher capital growth.

Secondly there is the benefit to owners of having one of Australia’s largest property management groups professionally manage their investment. The Oaks Group now manage more than 40 buildings Australia and New Zealand wide. The reassurance of a large professional company that specialises in property management, looking after their apartment. All staff are fully trained and using computerised management systems.

Finally, there are the benefits to owners who rent with The Oaks Group. These include the option of a ‘lease-back’ rental agreement where The Oaks rent the property off an owner at a fixed amount for a fixed period of time. This is very popular way for owners to rent their units with the security of a 52-week per year income without the traditional problems of dealing with various tenants. Plus, on these lease agreements, owners have the lifestyle benefit being able to enjoy the use of their unit during parts of the year.

In short, why is it better to buy an Oaks investment property? Premium location, professional service and secure financial income with benefits.

For any other details regarding these popular investments contact property sales office.

Maestri Towers apartments are one of Sydney’s most contemporary buildings and well situated on the corner of Bathurst and Sussex Streets. This ideal location is right in the heart of Sydney’s CBD and between famous Darling Harbour and Sydney historic Town Hall. Also, it is right next door to some of Sydney’s best shopping outlets and award-winning restaurants.

Maestri Towers offers Sydney apartments with convenience, contemporary décor and many features to impress. There is a selection of very-well sized stylish studio apartments, or ultra-modern one and two bedroom apartments, all with private balconies and most with superb views over the Sydney skyline and sparkling Darling Harbour.

Perfect for the real estate investor seeking a high-income investment in a premium location. The Oaks are the specialist on-site managers and can offer a variety of rental options for investors to maintain and professionally manage their investment. Sold with secure 1-year lease at $560 per week.

Of course, the building has plenty of impressive features for your enjoyment, including a choice of cafés, a heated 15 metre indoor swimming pool, spa, sauna and gymnasium and also provides 24 hour concierge services.

For more information on this premium Sydney apartments, contact Stephen Marshall from The Oaks Property Sales Sydney or visit our website about Sydney Investment Properties
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Goldsbrough Apartments Pyrmont Darling Harbour is a 5-star location in the heart of Australia’s most popular cities, where you will find the historic Goldsbrough Apartments building.

With a rich history, the Goldsbrough Apartments building offers the charm and elegance of the early 1900s, yet with all the modern features and amenities you would expect in a contemporary apartment building. The original 1880s façade is an impressive feature, original timber floors throughout and exposed iron-bark columns add to the charm and character of the apartments. Most of the building enjoys sweeping views over the Sydney skyline, or over the green surrounding suburban fringes.

Darling Harbour is the most visited place in Australia and, the Goldsbrough Apartments are on its doorstep. Goldsbrough building is also very handy for conference and event guests with the Sydney Exhibition Center and Convention Center right next door.

In a changing world, the familiar things can provide comfort and, this unique and historic building has a timeless and stately atmosphere, which does not change. The building comprises of either Studio, 1 or 2 bedroom apartments, featuring full kitchen, laundry facilities and some with balconies.

The Goldsbrough Apartment building has complete conveniences including heated 25m lap pool, sauna, spa and professional gym, also clerical offices and two coffee shops. To get around while living or staying in Goldsbrough, it’s very close to the light-rail or monorail stations and a short stroll to Town Hall railway station.