API-108 February 2010

Cover Story Follow the infrastructure It's a big word with big implications. Discover how this single factor can reshape a property market and provide an immediate boost to capital growth and rental returns. Find out what to look for, the risks, market timing, and upcoming projects. Features The cultural connection Understanding what appeals to Australia's growing migrant population could reap financial benefits when selling your property. The dreaded bank valuation Bank valuations have been extremely unpredictable in a recovering market, so avoid frustration and instead understand how the system works and how to maximise it. 9 easy rent boosters Did you know that some tenants are prepared to pay more for certain property features? Boost your rental return this year by finding out what they are and how much extra cash they'll put in your pocket. The alternative investor The studio debate There's no disputing the high rental yield of the studio apartment... so why do investors and lenders shy away? Investor profile Living the dream Discover how this couple converted to reality what seemed like a far fetched dream of making $300,000 a year from full time property investment. My development From crash pad to cash flow This DJ admits when he initially bought his first property it was so he wouldn't get left behind. But then it became his launch pad for greater things. Project profiles Awesome foursome When four likeminded family members got their hands on two duplex units and some renovation tools, they found their investment jumping by $150,000 in value and 73 per cent in rental growth. Development finance - part 3 In part 3 of Peter Koulizos' Adelaide townhouse development project story he explains what he went through to obtain finance. Strata Renovate or detonate? How do you decide whether to pretty up a unit complex or flatten it and start afresh? TAX Developing the block you live on What tax implications are involved when you undertake a minor development on the home you live in? Julia Hartman explains. My short stories Striking the right balance A dash of positive cash flow and a touch of negative gearing can make for the perfect mix. Mucking in Renovating with children doesn't have to be a nightmare if you follow some simple rules. Investor couple warns others Changing the name on the contract of the buying entity before settlement day arrives can have nasty financial implications. Hope after divorce A marriage breakdown doesn't mean you have to say adios to your property ambitions. YOUNG GUNS In the olden days, the wedding came first, then the house and baby. But in Stephen and Belinda's case property investing came first to establish financial security early on. FINANCE As lenders toughen up on borrowers, savvy investors are lining their back pockets through person-to-person lending. MY PROPERTY NIGHTMARE Student accommodation isn’t the easiest of investments to own or seek finance for, so why does Kate Bickley still choose to hang on? LEGAL HELP DESK Rob Balanda explains the ins and outs of on-selling a call option. BRICKS AND MORTAR API’s panel of experts tackles the big questions from readers. API CONNECT Readers get the chance to ask our profiled investors any question they fancy about that investor's strategy or experience. HAPPY HOME TRUTHS Phoenix Arrien bunkers down and asks how prepared is your property investment for a bushfire? DASH OF SALT Bernard Salt kicks back and reflects on the decade's top 10 demographic trends that impacted property demand. REAL ESTATE ESCAPES Last month Tim O’Dwyer wrote about a ruling determining a solicitor's signed letter as insufficient. This month he reveals how a different judicial approach was taken to legal correspondence. INVESTOR PSYCHOLOGY Michael Yardney feels it's a good time for strategy and self analysis, and asks himself what he would do differently in property investing if he started all over again? NEW SOUTH WALES Discover how proposed tenancy law reforms in New South Wales could have a significant impact on investment in the state. VICTORIA Find out why Melbourne's bayside areas aren't just holiday destinations anymore. QUEENSLAND So the Traveston dam project's not going ahead. API finds out what this means for the local market. WESTERN AUSTRALIA Find out which mining town in WA is experiencing boom times. SOUTH AUSTRALIA Which historical country town in SA is being talked about widely and is earmarked for growth? ACT Dual occupancy development in the ACT could become increasingly difficult with new law changes. TASMANIA The Apple Isle's residential tenancy landscape is set for some changes to impact landlords, tenants and property managers. NORTHERN TERRITORY The Darwin market shows no signs of falling down or even behind in the near future, instead it continues to power ahead.