Investment Properties

Home prices in Sydney have increased by 10.6 per cent over the last 12 months with a median dwelling price now more than $1.1 million (CoreLogic, March 2024). Whilst Shane Oliver argues that property in all cities is currently overvalued on the basis of the average 2.7% rental returns, he also acknowledges that house prices are unlikely to correct in... Read more

An individual can claim an exemption from land tax on a property if it is their principal place of residence (the exemption does not apply to land owned by a company or held in a Special Trust). The general requirements for the exemption include: You can only claim one exemption per family. You can only claim one principal place of... Read more

Interest rates fell to record lows during the pandemic, which lead to a dramatic rise in fixed rate borrowing and refinancing. Many borrowers who locked in low rates for two to three years, are now coming off their fixed term onto the now much higher variable rate. This is the so called “mortgage cliff” that we are hearing about frequently... Read more

With expectations that the Reserve Bank will continue to increase interest rates given inflationary pressures, now is the time for borrowers to reassess their existing loans. At the time of borrowing, loans are assessed for serviceability based on interest rates well above the rates we’ve experienced over recent years. The RBA suggests that most households are ahead on mortgage repayments,... Read more

Following years of ultra-low interest rates, discussion is rising amongst economists about a sooner-than-expected interest rate rise. The Reserve Bank of Australia has indicated that if economic recovery continues faster than expected, then the timing of interest rate rises would be brought forward from the RBA’s previous suggestion of 2024. Which raises the question, for the six million home loans... Read more

If you are classified as a foreign person and purchase residential property in NSW, you will have to pay an eight percent surcharge on the value of the property. This is in addition to any applicable stamp duty. It is important to note that you are generally classified as a foreign person, unless: You are an Australian citizen, or You... Read more

Property prices remain strong with the median price of a house in Sydney now $1.186 million, while the median unit price is $782,000, according to CoreLogic. Prices increased during May on the back of earlier growth this year. We are offering Edney Ryan Group clients a free Property Profile Report. Produced by CoreLogic, the report provides a comprehensive view of... Read more

Banks have outlined how they are supporting those affected by the coronavirus pandemic and its economic impacts. All members of the Australian Banking Association (ABA) will suspend principal and interest loan repayments for distressed small-business customers for six months. All four major banks (CBA, NAB, ANZ and Westpac) will also extend this to distressed home loan customers, enabling them to... Read more

With interest rates low, many Australian’s are looking to transition from renting to home ownership. Housing affordability continues to be a major challenge, however there are areas where home ownership could be a reality for renters. CoreLogic recently released data showing that more than a third of properties across Australia had estimated mortgage repayments that were less than weekly rental... Read more

By Shane Oliver, Head of Investment Strategy & Chief Economist from Oliver’s Insights, AMP Capital, 19th February 2020 Shane Oliver’s latest article addresses the concern that central banks are distorting market forces, leading to overvaluation of prices for assets like shares and property. Key Points: Shares are vulnerable to a short-term correction. But with inflation low, and as long as... Read more