<html><body>
When is the best time to buy an investment property? This is a question I’m asked a lot. Is it when interest rates are low? When the property market is going through a downturn period? In winter?
The simple answer is: whenever and as often as you can afford to.
During my 25 years of investing in property, many “experts” have told me that a given time was not the right period to buy. There was always some excuse. In the 1980s it was the recession and high interest rates. “The economy is in dire straits,” I was told. “Tenants won’t be able to pay your rent.” What about the fact that people could not afford to buy so they had to rent?  No one ever mentioned that.
In the mid-'80s tax legislation changed and many of the benefits associated with negative gearing were abolished. Again, people talked down the pros of property investing, saying it was pointless without the tax refund. In the early '90s, the story changed again. Low inflation meant property investing was dead (apparently). Later in the '90s we had the Asian financial crisis, then the introduction of the GST, then the global financial crisis more recently. If I had listened to all the naysayers I would never have bought any property or indeed continued to build a large portfolio of my own.
I can tell you one thing: I glad now that I did. Following each of these crises, I emerged still holding my portfolio of properties and not living in the poorhouse. How I did I survive in the face of unstable economic times? Some say it was luck, that it was a fluke to have bought all those properties when they were cheap.
In fact, my properties weren’t cheap at the time. I always negotiated well and bought smart, but I also regularly paid market rates for properties that I knew would outperform the average. And lucky? No way. It takes a great deal of commitment, not luck, to stick to a plan and buy property when no one else is.
And even today, with the market in Melbourne going through a slow period, investors still seem to be shying away from property investing when, in fact, right now is a fantastic time to buy. Why would anyone want to sell in a flat market? For most, it’s because they have to for their own personal financial reasons, not because they think they are going to make a killing. So, for investors, that can often mean lots of distressed sales so, of course, lots of bargains.
If you are in the financial position to act now, in 10 years’ time you, too, will look back and be amazed at how cheap property is right now. We can all think back to times when we thought prices were ridiculously high and remember thinking that people were paying way too much. But look at how the market has moved along. If you look at a property that sold for $500,000 in 2002, that property would most likely be worth over $1 million now. Was it expensive then? Is it expensive now? You’d be surprised at how your interpretation of “expensive” changes.
Building wealth is achieved through borrowing, buying and keeping residential property for the long term. It requires time – not timing.
Melissa Opie, aka “The Property Lady”, is  a multi-award-winning buyers’ advocate, bestselling author and managing director at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.kpi.net.au/">Keyhole Property Investments</a>.  The team at KPI act for investors and owner-occupiers Melbourne wide from $400,000 to $5,000,000. You can follow <a href="https://twitter.com/thepropertylady" target="_blank">“The Property Lady” on Twitter.</a>
</body></html>

mopie-oqKqoZWZ7D

The time to buy an investment property is whenever you can afford it

<html><body>
To build a successful property portfolio, you will need a team of experts to help you on your way. You will need advice on researching, choosing, buying, financing and maintaining a successful investment property.
A buyers’ advocate is only one part of a team of trusted professionals you will need behind you if you are going to take building a property portfolio seriously. You will need a trusted accountant, a knowledgeable solicitor, an experienced conveyancer, a good mortgage broker and possibly some good tradespeople who you know you can rely on to make repairs or enhancements to your properties.
If you are in a relationship, it is also important that your partner is understanding; preferably someone who understands and actively supports what you’re doing, who also understands the market and can help you make judgements about individual properties, and can act as a sounding board and voice of reason when you are starting to get too attached to a property. That person should also understand your need to disappear for hours at a time to view properties on the weekends, not to mention hours trawling through the internet every day. It would be great if your partner joined you in your endeavours, or you split the work.
I’m lucky. I have a very understanding partner who trusts my judgement when it comes to our investment decisions. Of course, it helps that I’m in the industry!
If you are making investments with a partner, that person at least needs to be comfortable that the decisions you make will be for the good of your shared future together. He or she has to be confident that you know what you’re doing.
Money already causes too much friction in long-term relationships. You don’t want to become a property investor at the cost of your partner or family.
Building your team
Behind every successful property investor is a dynamic support team of professionals from real estate and other fields.
I recommend setting up a team of the following professionals:
• A property mentor. A property mentor will help keep you on the right path. Your mentor might be a buyers’ advocate who has invested successfully in her own property portfolio and has purchased hundreds of properties for clients.
• Family or friends. Do you have any millionaires in your family or circle of friends who have made their money by successfully investing in property? If the answer is yes, you may be able to call on them for some help.
• Solicitor. Your solicitor should be someone who specialises in property investment, and whom you trust to look after all your conveyancing and other legal requirements.
• Financial planner. A financial planner will oversee your long-term financial strategy, advise on matters such as superannuation and ensure that you and your assets are protected against ill health or periods of unemployment. (However, be wary of financial planners who try to get you to buy into property from which he gets a commission.)
• Accountant. Your accountant should be someone who understands tax legislation and can use the laws to your best advantage. Your accountant should also be able to advise you on the best way to structure yourself financially, and about keeping your own financial records. Ideally, she should have used the same strategies to set herself up as she are recommending to you.
• Mortgage/finance broker. Your mortgage broker should be a specialist who is up to date with the lending criteria of a wide variety of lenders and who can advise you on how best to structure your loans to help you leverage into multiple properties.
If at any point you find you know more than any of the professionals in your team, it’s time to replace them!
<img src="/images/stories/rightpricecover.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 5px;">
Melissa Opie is known as "The Property Lady" and is founder and managing director of Keyhole Property Investments and helps everyday investors make decisions tailored to their names. She is the author of Find the Right Property, Buy at the Right Price, which is <a target="_blank" href="https://au.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-1118188020">published by Wiley</a>. This is an excerpt of Find the Right Property, Buy at the Right Price.
</body></html>

How to build a successful property investment team

<html><body>
Everyone wants to earn the kind of money in their lifetime that will allow them to do the things they want to do and to retire with enough money to keep living the same lifestyle. 
The vast majority of people don’t earn their dream income through working for somebody else; in fact, most of the world’s richest people became that way through their own business ventures or by investing in property. Share trading is another way many people have achieved real wealth. 
Let’s look at these three ways to build wealth, finishing with my favourite ­– property. 
Shares
The great thing about shares is that, technically, you can start with almost any amount of money. However, in reality, to make serious gains you need to invest big to earn big. For 95% of us, that will mean taking out a loan to invest in a decent-sized portfolio. Some things to consider are: 
<ul>
<li>In most cases, you will need to outsource the management of your portfolio to a fund manager or stockbroker, which involves fees. I wouldn’t recommend going it alone if you are just starting out.</li>
<li>Share investing can be volatile, and no matter how good a company is, if the market falls, nearly everything falls with it. The majority of the nation’s superannuation funds have typically been placed in the share market and, following a crash, many 65-year-olds have found they can’t afford to retire as planned. </li>
<li>Shares can be de-valued at anytime, leaving you with no assets.</li>
<li>Shares are liquid and can be sold. </li>
</ul>
Business
Owning a business can be a great way to build wealth, certainly through making money along the way but, more significantly, when you sell it. The more profitable you can make your business and the more systems you have in place for running it, the greater chance you will have of maximising your sale price. If you’re thinking of starting your own business, or already have one in place, some of the things you need to consider are: 
<ul>
<li>It often takes many years to establish a business and, statistically, 80% of small businesses fail within their first five years.</li>
<li>Owning a business is hard work, and the hard work doesn’t end when you lock up at the end of the day. Even when you’re not working in the business you will find yourself thinking about it after hours. Interest-based businesses never close.</li>
<li>There are often a lot of fixed overheads and set-up costs, including premises, fixtures and staff. These overheads are often payable whether the business is open or not. In addition to this upfront injection of funds most businesses need a ‘buffer’ to get them through the slower times. This is particularly relevant for seasonal businesses like snow-gear rental. </li>
<li>If you take on staff you can end up spending more time managing them than you do the business itself. Managing people, with all the OHS and other worker rights and responsibilities that go along with it, in some ways is more complicated than ever. You must make it a priority to understand your HR responsibilities to your employees.</li>
<li>It’s important to have an exit strategy, including a succession plan. Will you pass on the business to a family member or sell it to an unknown third party?</li>
</ul>
 
Property
Property is often seen as an easy-to-understand investment because we all live in a home and therefore we all have reasonable knowledge of what is good real estate and what is not. A quick snapshot of investing in property includes: 
<ul>
<li>Well-chosen residential property is guaranteed to rise in the long term because of the basic fact that the land is in short supply and our population is increasing.</li>
<li>Tenancy and maintenance issues must be managed properly. Your property investing must be treated as seriously as you would any other business venture. </li>
<li>Property gives you more leverage than most other investments because banks often lend 80-100% of its value.</li>
<li>Property is a steadier investment and the rule of thumb with residential property is that it tends to rise by 7–10% per year over the long term.</li>
<li>Property leverages your time.  Property is one of the most passive investments you can buy, which is great if you value the limited time you have away from work.</li>
<li>Tenants will help pay the mortgage. It is important to keep your properties well maintained so that your tenants stay for longer.</li>
<li>Property will never be worth nothing – the land value alone will always increase. </li>
</ul>
If you read the annual BRW Rich List you will see that every year about 80% of people on that list for the most part made their money through property, or they hold their money in property. So why not follow their lead? 
I’ve been investing in property since a young age and over that time I’ve learned a lot, both through listening and doing. I’ve paid attention to property experts along the way and then I’ve taken action. I’ve made sure I completely understood what I was getting myself into – both the potential risks and the benefits. 
Education is the key to successful property investing. Read books, attend seminars, listen to the experts. Take all that knowledge on board, process it, and then go and buy. The longer you procrastinate, the more opportunities will pass you by. The way to make money in property is to choose wisely, then wait. The waiting is important. Of course you have to maintain your properties well and stay on top of any tenant issues, but the wealth has to be built over time. The longer you wait to jump into the market the longer it will take to build wealth. 
As with all investments, property rises and falls as other economic factors change. Property tends to rise for a number of years, fall slightly, flatten and then rise again. So the key with property investing is to have enough cashflow to support it in the short term – it will always rise in the long term. 
Melbourne is currently experiencing a flat period in the market, which means it is bound to rise again in the medium term. Investors take note: now is the perfect time to buy into the Melbourne residential property market. There are plenty of bargains to be had but they won’t last forever.
Property investing is a great way to build wealth.
Melissa Opie, aka “The Property Lady”, is  a multi-award-winning buyers’ advocate, bestselling author and managing director at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.kpi.net.au/">Keyhole Property Investments</a>.  The team at KPI act for investors and owner-occupiers Melbourne wide from $400,000 to $5,000,000. You can follow <a href="https://twitter.com/thepropertylady" target="_blank">“The Property Lady” on Twitter.</a>
</body></html>

Why property investing is a way to build great wealth

<html><body>
As an investor it’s important that you safeguard your properties and prepare them for whatever weather conditions may be thrown at them. In summer, that means jobs like mulching the garden to protect plants from drying out. But with winter here, there’s lots to do to make sure you’re prepared for the havoc Mother Nature is about to mount on poorly maintained investment properties. Strong winds and heavy rain can cause the kind of damage that, although often covered by insurance, will inconvenience your tenants and could hike up your premiums.
The importance of proactive maintenance cannot be understated, especially when it comes to winter-proofing your rental properties. I always recommend that my clients assess any potential or existing issues around their properties before the problems have a chance to escalate. To check if your property is ready for winter you should think about the following tasks, which can be completed by you if you’re that way inclined, or by employing a handyman.
Minimise drafts
Gaps under doors and windows can add significantly to a heating bill for your tenants, which they won’t appreciate. Add or replace worn weather stripping around the doors and windows and any other gaps. If doorstops are worn, replace them.
Fences
Fences should be well maintained and secure. Check the footings are stable and that the palings are in good condition. If the fences are particularly bad you might consider replacing them all together. This might mean speaking with your neighbours about sharing the cost or, if the fences border public land, asking the council to go halves.
Roofing and eaves
Cracked or loose roof panels can cause leaking and water damage. Be on the lookout for rotting or water-damaged eaves, which can lead to rising damp and mould on both interior and exterior walls. Not only does that look ugly, it also makes your property smell terrible and can cause bigger problems than just being vacant.
Gutters
One of the most common winter household maintenance issues is clogged gutters, which can cause leaking and water damage. Make sure the gutters are free from leaves, twigs and other debris. This is a simple prevention and can be done on your own. However, climbing up ladders can be dangerous. If you’re not confident up a ladder employ a handyman.
Trees and shrubs
Prune loose or dead branches and check if there are any branches that have a dangerous overhang. With strong winds that are more common in winter, you don’t want a tree branch smashing through a window in the middle of the night (or any time, for that matter!).
Tiles and pavers
Check the condition of pavers and tiling for large cracks. If they seem dangerous, repair or replace them immediately because they may pose a legal risk if a tenant or one of their visitors trips and becomes injured.
Ventilation
Warm, humid rooms such as the bathroom and laundry are particularly susceptible to an outbreak of mould, especially in winter. The best way to defeat mould is to ensure there’s plenty of ventilation available. Make sure windows and doors can be opened easily and, if necessary, install an exhaust fan.
Good property management
A good property manager will always comment on any obvious signs of deterioration after routine inspections; however, it’s important to note that during these inspections, they will not be able to access all areas of the property such as the roof. So, particularly as we approach the colder months, I recommend you employ a building inspector to give you professional building advice regarding any emerging issues around your properties. Prevention is better than cure!
Melissa Opie, aka “The Property Lady”, is  a multi-award-winning buyers’ advocate, bestselling author and managing director at <a href="https://www.kpi.net.au/">Keyhole Property Investments</a>.  The team at KPI act for investors and owner-occupiers Melbourne wide from $400,000 to $5,000,000. You can follow <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/thepropertylady">“The Property Lady” on Twitter.</a>
</body></html>

How to weather-proof your investment property in winter

<html><body>
At an early stage in your house-buying plans you will need to make numerous decisions.  These decisions are interconnected and will also be affected by your affordability.  Subject to your budget, choose a suburb and property that suits your lifestyle or investment needs.
In order to help you, I have broken down some tips that home buyers and investors need to take into consideration when targeting the right type of property to purchase.
Residential home buyers
Choosing the type of house you want requires you to determine what you actually need and what your long-term goals are.  You will need to think about the following:
<ul>
<li>Is this your dream home or a stepping stone?</li>
<li>Realistically, how long will you be living in the house?</li>
<li>Are you planning to have children?</li>
<li>Is the distance to work more important than having a garden or a big house?</li>
<li>Do you have the time, skill, patience and money to renovate or build a new house?</li>
</ul>
There will always be a trade-off between your needs and wants. Think carefully about what you really need and be honest about your own lifestyle and capabilities. All members of the household should be in agreement on basic needs.
If you work long hours or spend lots of time socialising at cafes or restaurants, a smaller home or apartment close to work may be more suitable than a large house that requires gardening and maintenance. If you are planning to start a family, maybe a quieter suburb close to parks might be more appropriate.
It’s a good idea to make a list of the features that you need and want in your home. You may wish to classify these features into “essentials” and “extras”, or to prioritise the features in terms of how essential they are to you and your family. You will never come across a house with every feature you want, and at some stage you may have to sacrifice one feature to get another.
If you are planning to be in this house long term, say for more than six or seven years, you will need to think about your future needs, especially if you have or plan to have children. Not only will the children like to have their own bedrooms, you may want to have an area into which you can escape, which makes open-plan houses unsuitable for the growing family. If the house has inadequate room, make sure that its floor plan is suitable for modification or an extension.
Investors
<ul>
<li>What sort of property do you want to invest in?</li>
<li>What is your financial position?</li>
<li>Do you want to be involved with an owners corporation?</li>
<li>Do you enjoy organising tradespeople?</li>
<li>Do you want to be able to drive past your property?</li>
</ul>
Location is essential. Good consistent capital growth is achieved in most areas where there is a stable and diverse economy.  For that reason, inner-city areas are preferable to country or regional towns with a small population, and where the economy may be based on a single factor.
Once you have decided on a location, the area should be examined in terms of both the attractions and detractions of the immediate environment. In general, tenants dislike properties that have the following:
<ul>
<li>Railway at the back fence</li>
<li>Next door to public toilets</li>
<li>Facing a busy road</li>
<li>Small bedrooms with no built-in wardrobes</li>
<li>No off-street parking </li>
<li>Small living area</li>
<li>Small outdated bathrooms</li>
<li>Lack of heating and/or air-conditioning</li>
<li>No balcony or courtyard </li>
</ul>
Properties should be handy to:
<ul>
<li>Public transport</li>
<li>Shops</li>
<li>Schools</li>
<li>Parks or water</li>
<li>Areas of employment</li>
<li>Within sought-after “lifestyle” locations</li>
<li>In established residential streets </li>
</ul>
Melissa Opie, aka “The Property Lady”, is  a multi-award-winning buyers’ advocate, bestselling author and managing director at <a href="https://www.kpi.net.au/">Keyhole Property Investments</a>.  The team at KPI act for investors and owner-occupiers Melbourne wide from $400,000 to $5,000,000. You can follow <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/thepropertylady">“The Property Lady” on Twitter.</a>
 
 
 
 
<ul></ul>
</body></html>

Know exactly what you’re looking for when buying property

<html><body>
Getting into the property market for the first time is tough, there’s no doubt, but there are many factors impacting on why people view this as a major problem.
 
High expectations
Gen Y are living at home longer than ever before. They are saving longer and accruing bigger deposits. Interest rates are low. So why can’t they afford to buy? 
In many cases it’s not that they can’t afford to buy property, it’s that they can’t afford to buy what they want. Expectations are too high. Many people expect to be able to buy a reasonable property in a desirable location close to the lifestyle amenities they want. This, obviously, is very difficult. There is a sense of wanting to have it all straight away. Australian households are paying more than they can afford for housing, with more than 740,000 renters and over 380,000 mortgaged home owners reporting significant financial stress. Sometimes you just have to take baby steps. 
This aversion to moving out of the inner city (where the lifestyle amenities are) is going to lead to a generation of renters, and the Aussie dream of home ownership will be sacrificed for lifestyle. This of course, will push up rents because of the simple rules of supply and demand. 
More than 75% of Australians live in and around our major cities along the eastern and south-eastern coastal areas. And that’s where they want to stay. The limited land available in these locations, along with a growing population of buyers and immigrants, naturally puts pressure on Australia’s metropolitan prices.
Small will become the new big
That leaves two options: a bigger property in an outer-ring location, or a (much) smaller property that is more centrally located. Gen Yers are willing to sacrifice space for location, so will more and  more opt to live in high-density housing (apartments, etc.) that are located close to where they work and play than a bigger place further out.
Governments will need to help out
If affordability issues are pushing people to the ‘burbs, governments will need to create business activity centres where people can work close to home in the outer areas. Lack of infrastructure is still a problem in many outlying areas, and this is preventing people from wanting to relocate to outer-ring suburbs.
In addition, the federal government should be looking at introducing a flexible and secure savings scheme for first-home buyers that is tax free and places no limits on the entry or exit time frames and amounts held in the account. This would go a long way to assist first-home buyers.
Banks need to drop interest rates
Banks will also need to play their part in solving the affordability crisis. The Reserve Bank does its bit to keep rates low and try to stimulate the economy but it’s up to individual banks to pass on those rates to consumers. The GFC, the lending crisis in the US and the experience in parts of Europe have left our banking sector overly cautious when it comes to lending. It’s harder now to get a loan than it has been in a long while. Although I don’t agree with the former US approach of basically handing out an unsecured loan to anyone who asks, if lending criteria were loosened up a bit more people would be able to jump into the property market much more easily.
We have to remember, however, that overall, interest rates are a lot lower than they were 20 years ago. Gen Y didn’t live through that. They don’t understand the pressure of the threat of losing your family home to the bank. 
Housing isn’t that expensive
Speaking of the rest of the world, on international standards, housing is Australia is still relatively affordable. 
If affordability was a real issue, then why do we have so many investors continuing to buy up residential property?  Again, the issues lies with first-home buyers, not the market overall. 
Growth is good!
We want our economy to grow and we want our property market to grow with it. It’s good for the whole country. Many people are doing very well investing in property and will continue to do so. Ultimately, people need to lower their expectations, bite the bullet and start off with a property they can afford while still making a good purchase decision in terms of potential for capital growth. There are lots of great, affordable properties out there. You just need to be prepared to live in one of them!
Melissa Opie, aka “The Property Lady”, is  a multi-award-winning buyers’ advocate, bestselling author and managing director at <a href="https://www.kpi.net.au/">Keyhole Property Investments</a>.  The team at KPI act for investors and owner-occupiers Melbourne wide from $400,000 to $5,000,000. You can follow <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/thepropertylady">“The Property Lady” on Twitter.</a>
 
 
 
</body></html>

Housing is not too expensive, but Gen Y expects to have it all

<html><body>
The factors that influence the purchase of an investment property are much more identifiable than what makes a good home.
1. Long-term capital growth. This is at the top of the list because it’s the most important. You invest to make money; it makes sense to make decisions that will mean you make the most money with the minimum effort.
The properties you buy should have the potential to double in value every seven to 10 years. The reason these properties grow faster than others on the market is because the demand will exceed the supply.
2. Proximity to the CBD and lifestyle amenities. Properties close to the CBD are in shorter supply than middle and outer-ring locations, so they will always be in demand. But look for the location within the location — it should be close to lifestyle amenities such as cafes, shops and public transport. Also, people who rent in inner-city areas are more likely to wear periodical rent increases because they are there for the lifestyle. Tenants in outer areas, particularly families, might be more sensitive to rent increases.
3. Classic architectural style or consistency. Land is an important factor in capital growth but so too is architectural style. Suburbs with a melting pot of styles, from fibro shacks to ’60s brick veneer and ’90s McMansions, will never hold their value as well as areas with predominantly classic architectural styles such a Federation and Californian bungalows. Properties not consistent with the style of the area will date quicker and therefore not perform as well in the long term.
4. Ability to add value. Some properties, while not immediately appealing because of décor or condition, might have loads of potential. You might not have the know-how or money to renovate now, but if the property is in good enough condition to rent at the time of purchase (or could quickly and cheaply be brought up to scratch), it’s still worth a look. Perhaps you could rent it out for a few years and renovate down the track. Perhaps you could pull down the house in the years to come, subdivide, and build a couple of units. Don’t immediately write off a property that might have potential to add value. There are opportunities to create depreciation instead of buying it; however, when renovating to add value you need to optimise, not overcapitalise. When adding value you also need to understand the demographics of the area.
5. Reliable rental return. The rental return you get from your investment properties should not only be at the premium end, you should also be able to increase it every year. And, while it is an important consideration when buying an investment property, it is not the most important consideration in a capital-growth strategy. The most important is growth — how much the value of the property will build over time compared with median prices. It is this rapidly growing asset that allows to you to build equity and buy more properties.
Generally speaking, the higher a property’s capital value, the lower the return in percentage terms. In a cashflow-positive strategy, the rule is that the rental return must cover the outgoings. That won’t happen in a capital-growth strategy. But setting rent is a balancing act. You want it high enough to offset your holding costs as much as possible, but low enough that you can attract and retain the right tenants. This is where investors who buy strictly based on positive cashflow can lose out: with tenants who either don’t treat the property well or are the kind who can’t shoulder regular rent increases.
6. Sensible configuration. An illogical floorplan will bring down houses with loads of street appeal and great architectural style. A slap-dash renovation or odd configuration can be very off-putting simply because it doesn’t feel right. The property needs to flow well from one room to the next. Bedrooms next to kitchens don’t work very well, nor does having to walk through a bedroom to get to another part of the property. If buyers and tenants are put off, the demand for this property will plummet. And so will its value.
7. Personality of a property. A property’s personality has something to do with the floorplan, but more to do with the feel of a property. How does it make you feel when you walk around? Is it light and bright or dark and dingy? Does it have a nice outlook through the windows? Does it have appealing features you don’t often come across that make it that little more interesting than the other properties you’ve been looking at?
All these things add up to the personality of a property. We all want to be around people who have magnetic personalities. The same applies to property.
8. General renter appeal. Always consider who will want to live in the property. How desirable will it be to your target tenant? You want a property that is not only easy to rent out, but is highly desired by quality tenants. That way, you will able to get the pick of the rental market.
9. Owner-occupier appeal. Although you should think of who will want to rent your property when conducting your property search, you should also consider if it will suit the owner-occupier market in the area. This will ultimately determine its long-term value because, when it comes time to sell, you will not be limiting your market to investors only.
<img style="float: left; margin: 5px;" src="/images/stories/rightpricecover.jpg">
Melissa Opie is known as "The Property Lady" and is founder and managing director of Keyhole Property Investments and helps everyday investors make decisions tailored to their names. She is the author of Find the Right Property, Buy at the Right Price, which is <a href="https://au.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-1118188020" target="_blank">published by Wiley</a>. This is an excerpt of Find the Right Property, Buy at the Right Price.
 
 
 
For more on buying your first investment property, sign up for Property Observer's free webinar Six Smart Steps Towards Buying Your First Investment Property with property expert Chris Gray this Thursday, March 22, at 12.30pm.
</body></html>

Nine things to look for when you buy your first investment property

Abadeen has released the whole-floor penthouse crowning its recently completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/park-residences-cremorne-2-sutherland-street-cremorne-nsw-2090">Park Residences</a> development in Cremorne, bringing the near-300 sqm residence to market for the first time.

Occupying the entire top floor of the boutique Lower North Shore development, the penthouse includes 221 sqm of internal living and a 74 sqm wraparound terrace, with a prized north-facing aspect taking in views across Middle Harbour.

The residence has been completed and fully furnished following a collaboration between Abadeen Executive Chairman Justin Brown and internationally recognised interior designer Jack Freeman, Founder and Managing Director of FREEMAN &amp; CO.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/abadeen">Abadeen</a> and Freeman approached the penthouse as a finished home, sourcing furniture, artwork, lighting and objects from Australia and overseas.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378718]

Pieces from Parisian design house Pierre Augustin Rose sit alongside contemporary artworks and bespoke lighting, with Freeman drawing on recent visits to PAD Paris and Salone del Mobile Milano for the final collection.

Brown said the aim was to create a penthouse that felt more like a large-scale private home than a traditional apartment.

"The experience begins the moment the lift doors open. You're welcomed into an elegant dining room before the home opens into an extraordinary living space framed by sun-drenched harbour views.

"Every time someone walks through the front door they pause. It's not just the view, it's the incredible sense of space, the warmth created by the northern sunlight that fills the interiors, and the way every room connects so effortlessly.

"It has all the proportions of a luxury home, while delivering the effortless lifestyle and personalised experience of living in a world-class six-star hotel, combined with the simplicity and convenience of apartment living."

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378713]

A secure lift provides exclusive access to the penthouse level, opening to a dedicated arrival foyer and dining area before the residence expands into its main living and entertaining spaces.

Floor-to-ceiling glazing runs across the northern side of the home, connecting the interiors with the terrace and Middle Harbour outlook.

The penthouse also features a fireplace and substantial chef's kitchen, while the wraparound terrace has been designed to accommodate both everyday outdoor living and larger-scale entertaining.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378720]

Freeman said the interiors had been deliberately kept restrained to complement the scale, natural light and outlook already established by the architecture.

"The penthouse is a serene study in quiet luxury," Freeman said.

"The interior pairs soft, sculptural forms with warm timber, pale stone and a restrained neutral palette. Curated artwork and metallic accents add depth, while abundant natural light creates a calm, effortlessly refined atmosphere. In my world, less is always more."

Freeman said the approach was centred around collecting individual pieces rather than simply decorating the apartment.

"Every material, every object and every piece of furniture has been curated with intention. I am a true believer in collecting versus decorating.

"The architecture already provided extraordinary natural light, remarkable volume and an uninterrupted connection to Middle Harbour. Our role was to complement those qualities with unique one-of-a-kind pieces of fine art and collectible design sourced from recent travels around the world."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378694]

Among the collection are solid bronze sculptures by Lorenzo Quinn, alongside a curated crystalware collection and pieces sourced from international design fairs.

Park Residences sits opposite Cammeray Golf Club, Cammeray Croquet Club and Grand Slam Tennis Cammeray, around 300 metres from Neutral Bay Village and its established collection of restaurants, cafés and retail.

Brown said the combination of a whole-floor floorplan, northern aspect and proximity to Neutral Bay was becoming increasingly difficult to find on the Lower North Shore.

"Completed whole-floor penthouses with a sun-drenched north-facing aspect and sweeping Middle Harbour views are exceptionally rare," Brown said.

"Add a quiet position opposite golf, croquet and tennis facilities, a level walk to Neutral Bay Village and only minutes to the CBD, and you have a lifestyle that's incredibly difficult to replicate.

"This is a home that offers the privacy and generosity of a luxury residence together with the convenience of one of Sydney's best-connected harbourside locations."

The penthouse will be exclusively marketed by SRM Residential.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=114246]

Joel Robinson

Abadeen unveils signature penthouse at Park Residences in Cremorne

New Brisbane developer Dalcott has unveiled Marrone, the first of three residential projects it is planning in and around Browning Street in South Brisbane.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marrone-south-brisbane-39-browning-street-south-brisbane-qld-4101">Marrone</a> will comprise 97 predominantly two- and three-bedroom apartments, with larger residences aimed squarely at the owner-occupier market.

The project will sit in a quiet pocket of South Brisbane between South Bank and West End, close to the restaurants, cultural attractions and riverfront amenity that have driven the suburb's continued transformation.

Dalcott is targeting buyers looking for more space and amenity than has traditionally been offered in the inner-city apartment market, particularly downsizers and professionals wanting to remain close to the city.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149951 project_image_fid=377072]

Resident facilities will be concentrated around an extensive rooftop amenity offering, including a swimming pool, spa, infrared sauna, warm and cold magnesium plunge pools, private lounge, dining room and outdoor entertaining areas.

Dalcott Managing Director Lachlan Cottee said South Brisbane's combination of lifestyle, connectivity and established character had been central to the approach to Marrone.

“South Brisbane offers a combination of lifestyle, connectivity and character that’s difficult to replicate elsewhere in Brisbane,” Cottee said.

“Our focus has been on creating homes that feel connected to that environment while providing the level of design, functionality and quality that today's owner-occupiers expect.”

The residences will feature an expressive material palette. Italian Calacatta Viola marble, known for its deep burgundy veining, will be paired with aged brass tapware, Chestnut engineered timber flooring and Tuscan Oak joinery.

<img alt="Marrone" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b8d833da-3b30-496a-ae30-07bdff371b50" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%2010.52.35%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=P6DAgOfaQzIXljKKK5j3e5NhWtrHIu9G" />

Bathrooms will feature Nara Japanese ceramics and glass bricks, while clay, walnut and brass lighting will be used throughout the apartments.

Dalcott has appointed Realm Projects, led by Managing Director Shane Foley, to handle sales and marketing following previous sold-out collaborations between the groups.

Foley said the Brisbane apartment buyer had become increasingly focused on the quality of the home itself rather than simply securing an inner-city address.

“We expect to see strong demand from buyers who still want all the advantages of inner-city living but aren’t prepared to compromise on the quality of their home,” Foley said.

“Many will be downsizers looking to leave behind the maintenance of a traditional family home without giving up the space they enjoy, while others are likely to be professionals wanting a residence that reflects the way they live today.”

“Marrone responds directly to that demand, with generous floorplans, exceptional resident amenity and a location that places some of Brisbane’s best dining, entertainment and cultural attractions within walking distance.”

<img alt="Marrone" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="61f7b22f-899e-4c0f-940a-7d3ab1bfb93a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%2010.52.44%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=PvN1JYxBgUpyCB7efKo52WGdSDs9nmim" />

Marrone will be the first project delivered as part of Dalcott's broader investment in the precinct.

It will be followed by La Terra, a boutique project comprising penthouse-style, single-level apartments on a northeast corner site with extensive resident amenity and city views.

Cottee said Marrone represented the first stage of the group's longer-term plans for the area.

Dalcott was established in 2025 by Lachlan Cottee and Ben Dalgliesh, combining development and construction capability under an integrated model and focusing on architecturally considered residential projects.

Marrone will initially be offered through a pre-release registration campaign ahead of its broader public launch.

Dalcott targets owner-occupiers with South Brisbane debut Marrone

Parnell Developments is the latest to seek significant uplift through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority on a Strathfield site previously approved for a much smaller apartment development.

Parnell has sought approval for a 32-storey mixed use tower across&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/7-lyons-street-strathfield-nsw-2135">3-7 Lyons Street and 18 Parnell Street</a>, a&nbsp;1,857 sqm site around 400 metres from Strathfield Station. The building would yield 160 apartments, 15 per cent of which will be dedicated affordable as per the government mandate for buildings seeking additional uplift.

Approved previously was a nine-storey building back in 2022 with just over 30 apartments. That approval came prior to the project being&nbsp;progressively reconsidered as planning policy shifted toward greater density around transport hubs.

<img alt="Strathfield" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c5af5281-a643-4eb2-b8c4-0081b59c04c7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%209.16.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=37bd3mI7rHNpThOV_75VO8xsGFwWOi1u" />

Turner has designed the latest building that would replace&nbsp;existing detached homes across the four lots.

The apartment mix comprises 22 one-bedroom apartments, 107 two-bedroom and two-bedroom-plus configurations, and 31 apartments with three or more bedrooms. The scheme also includes 203 car spaces across six basement levels and 58 bicycle spaces.

The proposal has been designed around a three-storey podium addressing Lyons Street, with the tower rising above and stepping toward its upper levels.

Turner said the podium was deliberately scaled to respond to the existing street, while the taller element has been designed as part of the emerging skyline anticipated around Strathfield Town Centre and the wider Homebush transport-oriented development precinct.

The Lyons Street frontage would have a more active, pedestrian-focused character, incorporating the commercial tenancy, landscaping and a brick-framed podium with an awning.

<img alt="Strathfield" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="14b20874-b8c3-4ac7-bc03-92be9a69fb78" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%209.17.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=av.9TxtqIRTC6v3PkSuu1rL9rreWoe2h" />

Parnell Street, which faces the railway corridor, has been given a different architectural treatment, with double-height breeze blocks, landscaping and communal areas used to soften the interface with the rail infrastructure.

The tower itself uses curved and recessed facade elements, with wave-like indentations across the northern elevation breaking the building into three vertical forms.

A palette of grey concrete, brick and breeze blocks is complemented by clay and terracotta accents, while the upper tower adopts a lighter expression through articulated slab edges, vertical fins and recessed glazing.

Residents would have access to 467 sqm of communal open space spread across three levels. The ground floor would accommodate the more active resident areas, including barbecue and group gathering spaces and an internal communal room capable of being used for working from home.

A more passive viewing deck is proposed at level three, overlooking the ground-level landscaping and neighbouring tennis courts, while a rooftop "sunset deck" at level 30 would provide another social and relaxation space.

<img alt="Parnell" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c3dce401-a80f-4682-8471-4caa01180880" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%209.17.34%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Xyo8JVqbOhSJXNy6Ih.1cHL.O6i0bGR." />

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Strathfield has been earmarked for substantial change through the Strathfield Town Centre planning work and the nearby Homebush TOD precinct.

Turner's report says the project has been designed to act as a transition between the existing low and mid-rise development surrounding the site and the taller built form expected to emerge across the town centre.

The proposal is being assessed as State Significant Development under the HDA pathway, alongside the concurrent request to amend the Burwood Local Environmental Plan.

First look: New apartment tower pitched for Strathfield Town Centre precinct

An $18 million penthouse has hit the market in Main Beach as construction tops out on La Mer, the $155 million apartment development rising just metres from the beach.

Spanning around 600 sqm across the top two levels of the 29-storey tower on Main Beach Parade, the four-bedroom penthouse is one of the latest eight-figure residences to test the upper end of the Gold Coast apartment market.

Its launch comes amid continued activity at the very top of the market, following the $30 million off-the-plan sale of a Burleigh Heads penthouse earlier this year, which surpassed the Gold Coast's previous $24 million apartment record set in 2023.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/la-mer-main-beach-3580-main-beach-parade-main-beach-qld-4217">La Mer penthouse</a> has been designed as a private residence in the sky, with 360-degree views spanning the ocean, Broadwater, hinterland and Gold Coast skyline.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378731]

All four bedrooms have ensuites, while the ocean-facing master retreat occupies around half of the upper level and includes its own lounge, private balcony, two walk-in wardrobes and an oversized ensuite with a freestanding stone bath positioned to take in the views.

The residence also features a kitchen designed to accommodate a private chef, a 3.6-metre island bench, expansive butler's pantry, wine cellar and integrated bar.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378732]

A rooftop pool and substantial outdoor entertaining area with its own kitchen sit above the residence, while a grand staircase connects the two internal levels. The penthouse also has its own express lift.

OTP Group Director James Elliott, who is marketing La Mer, said the penthouse was expected to appeal to high-net-worth buyers seeking either a permanent Main Beach residence or Gold Coast holiday home.

“The La Mer penthouse represents exceptional value, considering its quality design, size, privacy and location, not to mention the 360-degree views capturing the beach and Gold Coast Broadwater,” Elliott said.

“We’re anticipating interest from high-net-worth individuals and couples seeking a residence or holiday home in the sought-after village enclave of Main Beach, taking advantage of the unprecedented growth underway in the area and neighbouring The Spit.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378736]

La Mer is being developed by developer-builder ODUS and Nazero, in partnership with funder Metrics Credit Partners.

ODUS Director Byron Sakha said topping out the tower had provided the opportunity to release the project's most significant residence.

“We’ve worked with internationally-recognised studio Sici Design on the penthouse interiors, with a focus on ensuring it isn’t luxury for luxury’s sake. Every element has been thoughtfully designed to enhance quality of life for those who call it home,” Sakha said.

“The views are the hero of virtually every space, but we’ve given equal attention to the fittings and finishes, so every detail exudes elegance and refinement.”

Sici Design Founder and Director Maria Papadopoulos said the extensive views became an integral part of the interior design rather than simply something the residence was designed around.

“The views weren't something we designed around, they became part of the design itself, with the true luxury of La Mer in its feeling of peace, calm and wellbeing,” Papadopoulos said.

“Luxury isn't defined by how something looks, but how it makes you feel, and we believe a luxurious home should be beautiful to live in, not stressful to maintain.”

The interiors combine Austral Dream Dolomite natural stone and travertine with timber flooring and a restrained coastal palette.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378734]

Designed by Plus Studio, La Mer is one of the more boutique additions to the rapidly changing Main Beach apartment market.

The tower comprises just 24 full-floor, three-bedroom plus multipurpose room apartments below the two-level penthouse, giving the project a considerably lower density than many of the larger towers being developed across the Gold Coast.

Residents will have access to a pool and spa, gym, sauna, barbecue facilities, private sun lounges, yoga lawn and outdoor beach shower.

The penthouse has been released as part of the final collection of residences at La Mer, with remaining apartments priced from $4.3 million.

Construction is expected to complete later this year, with a fully furnished display apartment now open on level four.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=95606]

ODUS releases $18 million penthouse crowning La Mer Main Beach

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/far-east-consortium">Far East Consortium</a> is preparing to commence construction on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/640-bourke-street-melbourne-640-bourke-street-melbourne-vic-3000">640 Bourke Street</a> this October, marking the next milestone for the Melbourne CBD development and its higher-end Eliza Collection.

Spanning levels 44 to 68 of the 68-storey <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>-designed tower, the Eliza Collection has been conceived as a lower-density offering within the broader development, with only five apartments on each floor, dedicated lift access and a collection of resident spaces reserved exclusively for Eliza Collection residents.

The Eliza Collection forms part of Far East Consortium's broader move toward larger-format residences at 640 Bourke Street, where the number of apartments was reduced from earlier plans as apartment sizes increased.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=365685]

"What it's meant for 640 Bourke is we've actually reduced the number of apartments. We've increased the overall size of the apartments. We don't have any studios in here, and what that does for a project is it elevates it," Far East Consortium Director of Sales and Marketing Lauren Sheldon said.

Rothelowman Associate Jun Chang said the design process provided an opportunity to create more generous floorplans.

"We were given the opportunity to be more generous. The apartments became bigger and squarer than any other apartments which had been designed in the CBD before that."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=368869]

That thinking carries through to the Eliza Collection, where the residences have been designed around the space and functionality associated with a larger home, but positioned high above the centre of Melbourne.

Kitchens are equipped with Gaggenau appliances, a butler's pantry, temperature-controlled wine cabinet and sculptural pendant lighting, while engineered timber flooring, stone and porcelain finishes and custom cabinetry feature throughout the broader interiors.

Privacy and security are another point of distinction. Eliza Collection residents have dedicated lift access, while 640 Bourke Street will provide concierge services and secure resident parking. Short-stay accommodation, including Airbnb, will not be permitted within the development.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=365689]

Eliza Collection residents will also have exclusive access to selected amenity spaces across levels one and three of the restored Eliza Tinsley building. These include the Salon with grand piano, an art therapy room, private dining rooms and treatment rooms.

They sit within more than 3,000 sqm of amenity planned across 640 Bourke Street, alongside facilities including a pool, gym, whisky lounge and further social and wellness spaces.

The Eliza Tinsley building itself is central to the wider project's identity. Rather than treating the existing Eliza Tinsley façade as a separate element, Rothelowman used it as a starting point for the architecture of the new tower, with the historic building to accommodate the project's gallery and lobby.

"It's a significant asset and wants to be celebrated and experienced by all residents every single time they go in and out of the building," Rothelowman Principal Stuart Marsland said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=368872]

The tower will rise behind the retained heritage building at 640 Bourke Street, placing residents within walking distance of Southern Cross Station, Flagstaff Gardens, Queen Victoria Market and the Docklands waterfront.

With construction scheduled to begin in October, Far East Consortium has established an onsite display gallery at 640 Bourke Street, including fully built apartments that allow the project's layouts, materials and finishes to be inspected at full scale.

A fully built Eliza Collection apartment is also available to view at the display suite by appointment ahead of the planned October construction commencement.

Eligible purchasers who buy before construction commences can secure the full available off-the-plan stamp duty savings, subject to eligibility and applicable conditions.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=509]

Melissa Opie

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News