API-120 February 2011

COVER STORY

40 suburbs with the best rental returns.

With rental rates tipped to rise this year and price growth on pause, finding cash flow positive properties might not be so challenging. API uncovers the top 40 suburbs for rental returns.

FEATURES

9 ways to get top dollar in a tough market – and fast!

Buyers may have the purchasing power right now but it doesn’t mean vendors should be denied their right to a good price and a speedy sale. Vendors, discover nine ways to ‘turn the tables’ quick smart!

10 ways to future proof your investments

Now is as good a time as any to push fear and obstacles aside and charge ahead with your property portfolio... but don’t forget to pad your properties with a future proof defence strategy! Read about the top 10 tips here.

Regional or city?

Regional city prices are increasingly tempting, so should you jump in the car and zoom out of town or should you count on city growth? API digs deep to unearth the answer.

Selling out on water – the Murray-Darling debate

Save it or revive it, what will the first draft of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan mean for property owners and investors?

Alternative investor

Horse power

Horsing around trackside is where some investors contain their passion for these strong and graceful creatures. But should they bolt into an investment? API trots through what every investor should know about investing in a racehorse.

Renovations & repairs

How to... strip and hang wallpaper

Wallpaper is back in vogue. In the second article of our DIY renovation series API investigates the trend that defined ’70s home interiors and teaches you how to strip and hang wallpaper. Groovy!

PROFILES

Investor profile – Sheldon Boland

Striking the right balance between investing and life can be challenging for some. This investor with a $1.7 million property portfolio reveals how it’s possible.

My most profitable deal

Trad Thornton reveals how locking in his heels paid off on a property deal.

Young guns – Shaun and Nisha

Painting, plastering and planting is the pathway to profit for this couple.

REGULARS

Property Intelligence

Christopher Joye reveals his top investment tips.

Real Estate Escapes

Tim O’Dwyer details how developers’ off-the-plan sales can be put at risk.

Dash of Salt

Bernard Salt offers advice for both self-assured and cautious investors.

Legal Help Desk

Sole agent or exclusive agent?

Bricks and Mortar

API’s panel of experts tackles the big questions sent in by readers.

API Connect

Readers get the chance to ask API’s profiled investors any question they fancy.

My Property Nightmare

One landlord explains how renovating can avoid bad tenants.

Investor Psychology

Michael Yardney reveals it’s boom times for 2011.

FINANCE

Deposit bonds – an investor’s secret weapon

Are you asset rich but cash poor? Discover how deposit bonds can help open more doors.

TAX

Taking time out for a baby

Julia Hartman reveals what the new Paid Parental Leave Scheme will mean for property investors.

STATES

New South Wales

It’s full steam ahead for Newcastle, with a strengthening jobs market and a major proposed revitalisation.

Victoria

Collingwood’s name in the sports reports may overshadow the suburb’s investment potential. So does the suburb stack up?

Queensland

Is now the time for landlords to future proof their properties and pass on water bills to tenants?

Western Australia

Is this resources rich state set for a new mining boom? We find out.

South Australia

Where should you go in Adelaide to extract profit from small developments and renovations? 

ACT

The once rare one-bedroom apartment is now growing in popularity in the Canberra market. What’s driving this trend and are one-bedders a good investment?

Tasmania

Residential property sales will this year require mandatory disclosure of items. What are they?

Northern Territory

Where can you find some good renovation opportunities in Darwin? We take a look at Wulagi.