Ten years ago I sanded an internal fibro wall on a lean-to built, probably, in the 1970s. Was it asbestos? I’m not sure. But ever since it has played on my mind.
It certainly was a dumb thing to do, that’s for sure, when you consider the risks that sanding, cutting or otherwise disturbing building materials containing asbestos. Continue reading Asbestos: a silent time bomb
1. Don’t renovate without first fixing faults. If the house needs re-stumping, re-wiring or re-roofing do this first. Putting time and money into cosmetic improvements without first making sure the building is sound is like putting lipstick on a gorilla. Continue reading 5 Renovation Blunders to Avoid
About to sell? Who do you target your property to – and how? Costa Charalambous and Your Investment Property reveal how.
When you bought your first property, you had a purpose, the property met your needs, and certainly there was a special connection. Now as the vendor, you are on the other side of the fence. But stepping into that old hat again and being in the buyer’s mind can help you be at the top of the selling game. Continue reading How to sell fast in a slow market
The Reserve Bank has left its key interest rate unchanged for another month, ignoring for now the gathering signs of a slowdown in global growth.
The central bank kept its cash rate at 4.75 per cent where it’s sat since Melbourne Cup Day last year.
The RBA’s decision was widely expected as the central bank attempts to weigh the threat of higher inflation from a rekindled mining boom against weaker growth for much of the rest of the economy. Turmoil on financial markets – which has knocked about 15 per cent off local share values in the past three months alone – was also not enough to prompt a rate reduction. Continue reading RBA extends interest rate pause
With all the hype around the mining industry, anyone would be forgiven for wondering where the benefits are being seen – housing markets are generally slow, consumer confidence is low and everyone is saving rather than spending.
However, the good news on the resources front is that the mining boom is real and many housing markets around the resource and agricultural regions of the country are benefiting from strong demand, which is driving up transaction numbers and home prices. Continue reading Go west to invest for best property growth prospects
Did you see the one about the boy who just wouldn’t leave home? So desperate were his Italian parents to get this “Mama’s boy” to move out, they hired a lawyer and threatened to take out a protection order.
You can imagine the formalities in the letter: “Thou shalt not ask your Mama to pick up your dirty undergarments or iron your shirts. Furthermore, demands for pasta and antipasto platters shall be limited to Sundays only.” Continue reading Full nest ruffles parents’ feathers
Owner-occupier home loans are up, but fewer of them are first-home buyers.
The number of owner-occupiers taking out home loans jumped 1.5 per cent in July, but fewer of them were first-home buyers.
Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows the number of first-home buyers remains low and decreased by 4.4 per cent during July. The proportion of first-time buyers in the market is now the lowest for more than six years. Continue reading First-time buyers are a disappearing breed
As a tenant, it is important you understand your rights and responsibilities. Being aware of the laws as they relate to renting can help you to avoid or resolve accommodation problems.
We look at some of the potential issues and how to deal with them so you can have a hassle-free tenancy.
Areas in which problems can occur include rent, repairs and maintenance, privacy and sub-letting. Continue reading Renting – How to deal with a problem or dispute
The state government has set an end-of-year deadline on its stamp duty concessions for first-home buyers wanting to buy second-hand homes.
The move is a welcome boost to the spring property market, with first-timers likely to stampede the affordable end of the general property market in order to capitalise on the current stamp duty savings. Continue reading Build it or lose it: government sets deadline for stamp duty concessions
Have you attended an open house and wondered what style of house it is? Edwardian? Victorian? Modern? Continue reading House style help just a click away