Real Estate

Property investment is one of the most popular investments for Australians but it is not just about whether you decide to buy a unit or a house, you also have the option of new or old. Here is a quick summary on the pros and cons of each option to help you choose the one that is right for you and hopefully provide solid returns over the long term.

Buying off the Plan

Property investment is not just about whether you decide to buy a unit or a house, you also have the option of new or old.

Buying off-the-plan has proved popular with many Australians for many years but how do you know if it’s the right investment strategy for you?

One of the main attractions of buying off-the-plan is the chance to lock in today’s prices for a property that may not be completed for another year or two. What’s more, until the property is complete you won’t have to make any mortgage repayments – the only commitment is a deposit.

Another key benefit is that you have the advantage of offering prospective tenants a brand new property which is less likely to require maintenance and this may also help attract a higher rental.

The downside with an off-the-plan purchase is that there are no guarantees the value of the property will rise between purchase and completion – and if the value has dropped your lender may not be prepared to fund as much of the purchase price as you had hoped.

Houses for cash Sacramento

Buying and Existing Property

The alternative to buying off-the-plan is to dip into the resale market and buy an existing property.

One of the key benefits of this option is that you may have more scope to negotiate on price in a slower market.

There’s also the capacity to add value to a property by making your own improvements, which may also increase the rental it attracts.

But be aware that if you purchase an older property you may face the added expense of maintenance and repairs; you may also find it harder to attract good tenants.

Whichever option you choose, property remains one of the most popular investments for Australians. Bought at the right price and financed with a well matched mortgage your investment property should provide solid returns over the long-term.

We have been looking at a lot of different areas of the home this spring, particularly how to make some deft touches to them for a great sale of your home. This time around, we’re going to take a look at one of the most important rooms in any home sale – the kitchen. Acting as both food prep zone and a social hub, the kitchen needs to perform a wide range of functions, and there are a lot of small tasks you can undertake that will allow potential buyers to feel immediately at home in yours. Here’s how to get started.

Make the kitchen sparkle

We have been looking at a lot of different areas of the home this spring, particularly how to make some deft touches to them for a great sale of your home. This time around, we’re going to take a look at one of the most important rooms in any home sale – the kitchen.

Acting as both food prep zone and a social hub, the kitchen needs to perform a wide range of functions, and there are a lot of small tasks you can undertake that will allow potential buyers to feel immediately at home in yours. Here’s how to get started.

It’s amazing what we can end up being used to in our kitchens over a long period of time. Splashbacks and kitchen walls can accumulate dust and grime that we just don’t notice in the long term, but can be a huge red flag for buyers. By tackling every surface in your kitchen before you even go on the market, you’re presenting a shining clean area that will immediately attract positive attention.

The thorough once-over won’t be enough, either – keep it up every day or two! This way, your kitchen won’t just stay fresh-looking, it will also smell wonderful any time someone views it. And instead of going overboard on the chemical smells, consider touching up the space with some herbs for a crisp but homely scent around the kitchen. Or gently simmer cinnamon sticks and orange peel with water in a saucepan for a comforting aroma (just make sure you’re around to keep an eye on the stove!).

Keep the Spaces Clear

Anyone with a busy lifestyle can tell you how easily clutter builds up on your benchtops – but as always, clutter needs to go!

Keeping benches clear of appliances, spice racks, dishes and cookbooks will help your kitchen seem much more open, and present that coveted blank slate to potential buyers. Even if you don’t eat at the kitchen bench, a buyer might.

The same goes for your pantry and cupboards – out of sight doesn’t mean out of mind when buyers are about!

Invest in the Best

If you have the capital, investing in items like kitchen cabinetry and countertops can make all the difference. Fresh paint works if your budget is low, but matching cabinets in light colours and sturdy, clean countertops are catnip to buyers – they can’t resist!

For extra flair, consider a stainless steel look – it could even enable you to match appliances to the cabinets, giving your kitchen an attractive modern look.