API-129 November 2011

COVER STORY

How to retire early through property

Desperate to leave the working life behind? Well, here are 15 strategies you can use to fast-track your journey towards financial freedom. Plus, meet the ordinary Australians who have achieved independent wealth through real estate and find out how they did it.

FEATURES

Ones that got away

Have you ever sold a property, only to then watch it triple in value? We speak to investors about the properties they regret letting go of and why.

The areas where rents will rise

We reveal 107 locations where rents are predicted to rise. Plus, find out what to look for when hunting down a good rental performer.

RENOVATIONS & REPAIRS

How to restore flooboards

By popular demand, here’s API’s step by step guide to restoring floorboards to their former glory.

MY DEVELOPMENT

Development Series – part 6

David Charlton talks us through the next stage of his development and tells us about his frustrations with the slower sales cycle.

Michael Whitehouse

Find out how this 26-year-old managed to get out of a number of bank backflips on  his coastal development.

PROFILES

The Bartleys

Rick and Juanita Bartley explain how they paid off their home in just five years and amassed a portfolio worth $2.1 million.

My US Investment ­– part 5

Sue Shillabeer tells us why she still wants to own three investment properties in the US, despite her latest drama.

My Most Profitable Deal

Find out how Melissa and Colin Thomsen made an impressive $80,000 in equity in just eight months.

Where Are They Now?

Why Frank Valentic bought a property on The Block and rebuilt his portfolio.

Young Gun

How has a 25-year-old built a property portfolio worth more than $1.35 million?

TAX

Passing on your assets

What you should and shouldn’t sell and tax minimisation strategies.

FINANCE

Portable accounts

Will the tick-and-flick system benefit you?

REGULARS

Property Intelligence

Why Australia’s population demographics will drive a rise in demand for housing.

Happy Home Truths

Phoenix Arrien explains what a covenant is and how it can affect your investment.

Dash of Salt

Bernard Salt explains why manners matter in the world of real estate.

API Connect

Readers get the chance to ask API’s investors all the tough questions.

Real Estate Escapes

Tim O’Dwyer explains how two vendors were betrayed by their own agent.

My Property Nightmare

What happens when your property is trashed and your manager is negligent.

Legal Help Desk

Know how to protect yourself if values fall after buying off the plan.

Bricks and Mortar

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

Investor Psychology

Michael Yardney discusses how the rich get richer using other people’s money.

STATES

New South Wales

Why Sutherland is becoming the transport hub of south Sydney. Find out which areas are the best to buy in.

Victoria

We tell you how Belmont in Geelong’s inner south is set to go ahead and where you can still find cheap houses.

Queensland

Now is a good time to get into Toowoomba before the town’s full mining potential is realised.

South Australia

We reveal the reasons why uranium-rich Woomera could be at the centre of SA’s next property boom.

Western Australia

Super towns come with super profits. Discover the nine areas in Western Australia set for growth.

Tasmania

Why a revolutionary rates system by Brighton Council is under threat and the impact of possible changes.

ACT

Rivett is still considered undervalued in Weston Creek, yet it could be a rewarding choice in the future.

NT

Terrific Tiwi is a beachside suburb and in a prime position to catch up with its neighbouring suburbs.