Amid all the recent change it is hard to believe that tax time is approaching again! Was that a groan? We understand and we can help. If you’re like most property investors, trawling through receipt upon receipt to tally up your allowable deductions is probably not your idea of fun. So, as tax time looms we wanted to share our pre-tax time checklist to make things just a bit easier for you.

1. Organise your receipts and records
2. Make an appointment with your tax accountant to complete your tax return
3. Tally up your allowable deductions
4. Determine your assessable rental income
5. Review your loans and finances
6. Start planning for the year ahead

We can help you determine if you can access your equity to renovate, or perhaps expand your investment portfolio if you’re in a position to do so. Remember, asking us to give you a free property investment loan health check could potentially save you money, so it’s worth giving us a call.

If you have any questions about the pre-tax time checklist or would like us to assess your situation, please contact us – we are here to help.

Click here for information about ATO measures and tailored support during COVID-19.
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Winter has arrived quickly and we’re hoping you’re well and keeping warm. Recently the property market slowed down considerably with the COVID-19 pandemic having a huge impact. Find out more about home value movements in each state below.Interest rate news
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) announced it has decided to keep the official cash rate unchanged at 0.25% at its meeting on the 2nd June.
According to the RBA, the pace of recovery for the quarter beyond June is uncertain. The outlook will depend on the extent to which the market continues to be affected by social distancing and other containment restrictions. RBA governor Philip Lowe said in the previous meeting that the Board will not increase the cash rate until progress is being made towards full employment and inflation is sustainably within the 2-3 per cent target band.
Interest rates remain low for some time and there are plenty of competitive home and property investment loans available. Talk to us to make sure you’re getting the right deal for you.
Home value movements
We have seen a reduction in home values in May as the market activity showed more positive signs. The Home Value Index report from CoreLogic shows that the estimate of sales activity bounced back by 18.5% in May after a drop of 33% in April. CoreLogic head of research, Tim Lawless, said “Considering the weak economic conditions associated with the pandemic, a fall of less than half a percent in housing values over the month shows the market has remained resilient to a material correction. With restrictive policies being progressively lifted or relaxed, the downwards trajectory of housing values could be milder than first expected.”
Melbourne’s housing market has posted the largest fall over the month, down at -0.9% May. Home values were also down in Sydney (-0.42%), Brisbane (-0.08), Perth (-0.56%) and Darwin (-1.59%), but rose in Canberra (+0.55%), Hobart (+0.77%) and Adelaide (+0.45%).

Welcome to our December Newsletter
Record low interest rates and values on the rise. It could be the perfect time to strike while the iron is hot! Find out what’s happening in the property market near you.

4 traps to look out for as a first home buyer

Excited to buy your first home?
Watch out for these traps for new players, and how you can avoid them.

Looking for an investment apartment?
Tips for finding the right one

Purchasing an investment apartment is often a great entry point into the
property investment scene. Here are our tips for finding the right one
for you and your investment plans.

How to drive a hard bargain at the
End of Year car sales

End of Year car sales are here! Thinking about upgrading to a new car
before the year’s out? Here’s how you can drive a hard bargain at EOY car sales

Spring has arrived and we are supercharged for a bumper season in the property world. Dwelling values have been creeping up in many markets and auction clearance rates have been higher recently too. Interest rate reductions and changed lending rules have fuelled increased buyer activity, though stock volumes remain low. Overall, the housing recovery looks set to continue.

Interest rate news
At its September meeting, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) decided to leave the official cash rate on hold at 1% pa. The move follows rate cuts in June and July.
While this month’s decision was widely anticipated, economists say there could be more cuts by the end of the year, potentially starting in October. Recently we’ve seen some lenders slash fixed interest rates on both owner-occupier and investor loans.
Given rates are on the move, now is the time to review your finance. It may even be worth considering fixing your home loan – speak to us about your options!

Home value movements
Property prices are continuing to rise, up 1.03% across the combined 5 capital cities in August. Prices in Sydney and Melbourne continue to trend higher. Sydney recorded a month-on-month change of 1.57%, while Melbourne’s property values grew by 1.40%. In Canberra, prices increased by 0.79%, while in Hobart they rose by 0.51%. Brisbane saw modest growth (0.2%), while Perth and Adelaide experienced falls of 0.51% and 0.24% respectively.
In recent weeks, we’ve seen auction clearance rates soar in many markets. In fact, auctions across Australia’s capital cities reached a two-year high in August.

​Property market activity

Ready for a spring property purchase?

​If you’re considering buying this spring, speak to us about organising your finance. Given that stock volumes are low, there’s bound to be strong competition amongst buyers, but having pre-approval in place may give you a competitive edge. Get in touch today so we can get it sorted!