There’s been plenty of attention on this week’s Federal Budget after Treasurer Josh Frydenberg put a clear focus on creating jobs and lifting the economy out of recession. However, was there enough in the budget to help property markets?

Statement by Philip Lowe, Governor: Monetary Policy Decision

September marked a striking turn in housing market sentiment; consumer confidence increased, new listings rose, and six of the eight capital cities recorded a rise in home values over the month, according to the Core Logic Home Value Index.

In the current climate, we are starting to see a big push away from CBDs, with both investors and homebuyers looking to regional areas and even interstate to find properties. With the low level of stock on the market, it is causing a number of buyers to put in offers on properties without ever seeing them. For many people, the idea of buying property sight unseen could be a scary proposition, however, there are a number of things you can do to make sure you’re mitigating any risks.

Although ‘upgraders’ once dominated the Australian house buyers market, there has been a rapidly growing trend over recent years for turning a home into an investment property and building a small yet strong portfolio.

To own, or to rent? That's the question many investors and home owners ask themselves. So how do you know which option is better for your hip pocket, now and for your future?  The location of your property can help determine which avenue is smarter. This infographic shows the top three suburbs in Queensland, Victoria and New South Wales that make more sense to purchase than to rent. 

Renovating an investment property can lead to a tidy profit when done strategically, and has become more popular as property investors seek to create their own opportunities to add value to their portfolio. In this article you will find seven tips to help you plan and execute your next renovation, an infographic and links to helpful renovating resources.

For new property investors, the jargon can sometimes get confusing. This quick video includes some of the most commonly used property investment terms to help you get started. 

All the focus at the moment remains on how COVID will impact the economy and house prices in the weeks and months ahead. As has been the case for some time now, the forecast of large scale falls in property prices doesn’t appear to be happening. And in certain segments of the market, property prices are remaining very strong underpinned by low stock levels and high demand.

For real estate investors looking for their next opportunity, property investment auctions present unique opportunities and also challenges. Compared to private treaty sales, at an auction you are bidding against other potential buyers and the highest bidder will win. And if you are bidding against a competitive field, coming out on top without overpaying can be a difficult task. So here are six tips that can help you succeed negotiating at auction.

For most people, whether they are owner-occupiers or property investors, purchasing a property is not a decision to be taken lightly. For that reason, it’s important that you understand the process of making an offer, which will allow you to hopefully get the best deal you can. One of the final stages in the buying process is putting an offer in, however, there is a fair bit of groundwork you need to do before you get to that point. Putting an offer in on a property is a combination of understanding the value of the property and then negotiating to try and achieve the best outcome for all parties. Here are five tips for you to consider before making an offer on a property, whether it is going to be your home or an investment property.

Despite the fears for 30 per cent price falls, property markets across the country are remaining resilient.

In Australia, less than one in ten people own an investment property. The vast majority of homeowners are what we might label as ‘upgraders’ who only ever own their own home. After buying their first home, upgraders continue to buy a bigger and better home as their family needs change and sell off their previous home in part to finance the upgrade. But is that actually the best way to go about it? Or should you consider turning your first home into an investment property?

In years gone by deciding whether to buy a first home or invest wasn’t a choice. When it was time to settle down and have a family, it was expected that you took out a loan and bought your forever home, where you could raise your kids and live until retirement. These days, the landscape has changed and younger generations are looking at the situation through a different lens.

Investar Search is a powerful search engine that allows you to use all sorts of search filters to find investment property that match your investment strategy or buying rules. We had a quick brainstorm in the office, and here are ten simple tips to help you use Investar Search more efficiently to get better and more targeted results. Please note this blog is aimed at Real Estate Investar subscribers.