API-126 August 2011

COVER STORY

The annual API Hot 100

With property prices in many areas softening, now is the prime time to study API’s Hot 100 list to find out which suburbs across the nation offer the most potential for future property price growth.

Feature

5 weird and wonderful ways to find property

API reveals how you can locate the perfect piece of real estate in ways you never would have thought of before.

Renovations & repairs

How to project manage a renovation

By popular demand, API provides a step-by-step instruction guide on how to coordinate a smooth, successful and profitable renovation.

My development

Development series – part 3

House demolition, firing and hiring a sales agent, and discussing final resort strategies in case the first dwelling doesn’t sell by the finance deadline is all part of the game for small developer David Charlton.

Profiles

My US investment – part 2

API continues to follow Sue and Michael Shillabeer as they take the next steps to purchasing a property in the controversial US market.

My short story

Heather and Pete Wargent’s investment properties helped fund their road trip around Australia in a campervan. They explain how.

My life changing story

From one of the most expensive markets in Australia to one of the most affordable, Leanne and Byron King reveal how an unexpected property decision has changed their lives forever.

Young Gun: Dan Sowden

How one investor kickstarted his journey at age 18 thanks to a helping hand from family.

Property Intelligence

Is the RBA bluffing with its threat of interest rate rises?

Strata Insights

Will your strata-titled dwelling be covered by insurance in a flood?

My Property Nightmare

One couple reveals how they almost bought a property sight-unseen based on the wrong photos in an online ad.

FINANCE

Take the stress test challenge

Work out if your portfolio can stand up to API’s financial stress test.

TAX

Kids, puppies and bills...

How to juggle it all plus an investment.

REGULARS

Dash of Salt

The fascinating insights of demographics.

Real Estate Escapes

Discover the insurance risks of being a commercial landlord.

Legal Help Desk

Why asking the bank manager the right questions is a smart move for investors.

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 investors any question they fancy.

Investor Psychology

Michael Yardney discusses how mindset can influence the property market.

STATES

New South Wales

Which beachside beauty might actually be the exception to the baby boomer retreat?

Victoria

Coburg is tipped to be the next boom suburb for Melbourne due to its close proximity to pricier neighbouring suburbs.

Queensland

Recovery on the Gold and Sunshine coasts? API investigates the real issues and opportunities.

Western Australia

With China’s demand for food increasing, should we add Kununurra to the ‘property wanted’ hit list?

South Australia

How offshore employment could lead to onshore opportunities in Cowell.

Tasmania

Six steps to faster house construction is coming online. What will this mean for renovators?

ACT

The controversial ‘change of use charge’ is being swapped for a more transparent, yet pricier ‘lease variation charge’. We look at the implications.

NT

Where can you find strong rental yields and low vacancy rates? Hint: A famous gorge bears its name.