April Property Market Review
Here is my April property market review. I am finding the market patchy and dangerous for buyers. Some properties are flying, reaching enormous prices and heated competition at auction. Others are passing in, selling after and not quite meeting the Vendor’s expectations. Interestingly, new REIV data for “the three months ended 31 March 2018 reveals […]
Dangerous gas heaters must not be used
A warning has been issued by Energy Victoria that dangerous gas heaters must not be used. If you own a property that has a Vulcan Heritage or a Pyrox Heritage gas heater do not use them until they are tested by a qualified gas fitter. Climate Technologies, who manufacture the heaters has a program in place to test every […]
Who uses negative gearing?
Who uses negative gearing? Well at Buyer Solutions we know that its not just the wealthy who negative gear when buying investment properties. I recently read that amongst the top people who use negative gearing are: Teachers Engineers Nurses and Midwives Retail workers Office/Practice Managers and General clerks Of course, as you would expect CEO’s […]
REIV Conference – Underquoting panel discussion
Estate Agents in Melbourne may be interested to attend the REIV Ignite Conference on the 21st of March at Crown Conference facilities. It should be a very informative day with some top speakers, including Simon Cohen from Consumer Affairs Victoria, Gus Balbontin from Lonely Planet and Stephen Scheeler former Managing Director of Facebook (Aus & NZ). I […]
Downsizing – How to do it well!
We were recently approached by a real estate publication for commentary on older Victorians downsizing from their larger family homes. Here are some top questions we answered: What Melbourne suburbs do you think are currently popular for downsizers and why? A lot of downsizers want to stay in the area in which they currently live, so […]
Victoria’s new underquoting laws
How is the real estate industry embracing and implementing Victoria’s new underquoting laws? Effective from the 1st of May, there are new laws introduced by Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) to prevent real estate agents and vendors from underquoting to prospective buyers. Many changes have been introduced. CAV’s website tells us the following: “All Victorian estate […]
Property tax changes from 1st of July
Property taxes are changing from the first of July, 2017. The Victorian state government will close a property duty loophole between spouses who own investment properties from that date. Transfers between partners will no longer be exempt from stamp duty, except for changes for the principal place of residence or following a relationship breakdown. […]
Impulsive Property Buying – What Can Go Wrong?
Impulsive Property Buying – What Can Go Wrong? If you’re in the market for a property or just have an interest in real estate you’ve probably been to an auction. Tensions are high, adrenaline is pumping, serious bidders are eyeing off their competition and vendors are nervously lurking about in anticipation. Auctions are dramatic spectacles […]
Is your House Winter Ready?
In Victoria we are well and truly in the throws of autumn with winter at our doorstep. The long dark, cold and rainy days ahead of us can be very expensive if you’re caught out unprepared. Keep your bills down and your house safe by following these tips: INSIDE YOUR HOME Service and clean your […]
Will stamp duty changes mean more homebuyers buy off the plan?- Buyer Beware
Changes to stamp duty rates from the 1st of July, 2017 will impact the property market in my opinion. From that date forward home buyers are being tempted into the off the plan market by reductions in stamp duty payable that will not apply for investors. Investors will no longer benefit from reduced stamp duty […]