We predicted at the beginning of 2007, that this year would deliver high yields for property owners and it would be fair to say that in review, prices exceeded all expectations. First hand, we witnessed a change in Federal government and a “first ever” interest rate increase during a Federal election. Just as important, a new Reserve Bank governor declared that this previously tight – lipped institution is now transparent in its concerns and findings which will now be delivered in an open forum. No doubt this new public forum will place the government of the day under increasing pressure given that real estate rental properties continue to drive the Consumer Price Index and this will continue throughout 2008. Continue reading »

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Without a doubt one of the most alarming trends facing the real estate industry today is the movement of monies out of investment property into the principal place of residence, where home owners receive the greatest returns. A report by Wizard Home Loans found that investor demand (nationwide) fell by 7 per cent in the September quarter. Mosman house sales for 2007 have this week broken the billion dollar mark for the first time, with 411 sales totalling $1,000,333,000 (according to Home Price Guide). The average price for a home in Mosman is now $2,501,000 which also happens to be a new record and we believe it will climb higher in 2008. With the principal place of residence offering property owners tax – free capital gains, this is now the preferred wealth vehicle. Productivity Commission Chairman Gary Banks, announced this week that “one of the factors pushing up the cost of housing was the desire for even larger houses, with Australia now boasting the biggest homes in the world. The average Australian home is 3 square metres bigger than a US house, 30 square metres bigger than the New Zealand equivalent and 130 square metres bigger than a typical British home.” Continue reading »

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They say that “money makes the world go around” although this week the resonating message was that “money is the route of all evil” and more than a few business journalists are of the opinion that world economies are fast tracking pay – back time. The recently launched online business E-zine www.businessspectator.com.au (a brilliant website) filed some amazing commentaries by Messrs. Kohler and Gottliebsen that identified more than a few issues of concern (both here and overseas) that demand strong consideration. Continue reading »

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Sadly and now official, Australia is the world champion in unaffordable housing and just as disturbing, is that both political persuasions have absolutely no idea what is required to correct this. Last week’s interest rate rise by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) identified that today, it independently manages our economy. It broke tradition and “fined” the economy for creeping above the designated inflation rate, better known economically, as “monetary policy” which the RBA monitors independently. Whilst popular belief has it that federal governments actually manage economies today, it is obvious that they simply collect taxes and allocate spending. All of which paints a landscape that identifies Australia as the gold medal holder for an embarrassing housing crisis. Continue reading »

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Congratulations to the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) for its independence with clear policy that no political party is bigger than the economy at large. Politicians then set out (unsuccessfully) and attempted to mask this latest rate increase by the RBA, as necessary, because of Australia’s unprecedented strong economic growth. Continue reading »

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Despite the recent evaporation of available housing in Mosman (not to be confused with housing affordability) until the announcement of the Federal Election, business had indeed been boisterous. It is obvious Mosman house owners don’t like elections and a quick glance at Home Price Guide confirmed this. It identifies an amazing trend in the 2088 postcode. We have compared the first month of the December quarter 2006 and December quarter 2007 and the results are quite startling to say the least. Continue reading »

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First we had the “recession we had to have” and soon, we may have “the interest rate increase we had to have.” Whilst businesses remain robust, it is obvious that the same can’t be said for our economy which continues to struggle. The Macquarie Research Economics report was released on Wednesday 24 October 2007 “Australian economics. CPI: An untimely wake-up call”. Analysts were Brian Redican and Annette Martins. Continue reading »

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Request a Unique Marketing Strategy Report: Whether you are thinking of selling, or just want some advice, you can get an obligation free marketing strategy report and opinion of value by filling in the form below. Continue reading »

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The real estate industry has experienced many changes over the last twenty years. None greater than the emergence of new technologies and with education, these new electronic technologies have revolutionised behaviour, based on the “need for speed”. Today, we find consumer online practices now dominate our immediate search functionality requirements. Gone are the days of dial up connections – today we feel this need for the delivery of information. This information highway is now forced to produce faster and faster consumer-driven fuel where these “must know now” mentalities are the order of the day. More importantly, these applications deliver and coerce consumer confidence which explains why so many find online searches so appealing and explain why consumers keep coming back for more and more. Continue reading »

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“Trailer for sale or rent – rooms to let 50 cents”!! Yes – ladies and gentleman a trailer park (or in the Aussie vernacular, a caravan park) will be coming to a suburb near you soon. Or subject to council approval, a caravan in a back garden adjacent to the Hills Hoist (and just when you thought the days of Millard and Viscount were a thing of the past). This is not just something that happens in America! Continue reading »

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The housing affordability debate has been brewing for some considerable time now although it is not only the housing market that is in crisis. You can also throw in hospitals, education, transport, infrastructure and more importantly a gross lack of economic management. Continue reading »

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