API-005 - August/September 1998

COVER STORY... BUYER BEWARE -

Hidden Structural Problems Can Sink Your Investment!

Hidden structural problems can turn your dream purchase into a financially devastating nightmare. Major repairs can cost tens of thousands of dollars and, in some cases, have required the total demolition of the house. Jackie Burgess shows you what to look for and how to protect yourself BEFORE you buy.

CASE STUDIES

How the winners do it... Australia's most successful property investors share their secrets and strategies.

    * MIKE KINNON - Mike Kinnon has made a lot of money with residential property - and, on occasion, he's lost it as well. In this article he offers some tips on how to get it right the first time.

    * KEVIN YOUNG - Kevin bought his first property at the age of 22. Now his 28 properties range in value from $125,000 to $195,000. His structured methods have put many other investors on the road to financial independence.

BRICKS AND MORTAR WITH GRAHAM AIREY (Readers' Forum)

Bestselling author Graham Airey's book The Property Investor's Handbook is one of the most comprehensive books on the business of property investing. In this column Graham answers readers' questions about residential property investing.

SMART INVESTING WITH NOEL WHITTAKER

Selling a property? Noel explains the various types of agency agreements, and why you're much better off using a real estate agent than trying to sell your property yourself.

INVESTMENT ANALYSIS WITH JAN SOMERS

The substantial tax advantages offered by residential property can result in surprisingly low taxable incomes. Jan analyses the effects of non-cash deductions on 'real' vs. 'taxable' income.

THE MOST FAVOURED BUYS - LEASEBACKS

Many Australian corporations have decided to free up working capital by divesting themselves of property holdings, yet they still want to retain use of the premises. Tim Graham looks at how investors are profiting from the growing number of sale-leaseback arrangements.

LANDLORDING TIPS - AVOIDING PROBLEM TENANTS

Planning to manage your rental property yourself? You may want to think again. But if you're determined, David DeMoor provides some tips on how to prevent your property from being turned into a junkyard, war zone or marijuana farm.

IS THE SNOW THE GO?

It's that time of year again. Australia's alpine areas are blanketed with snow and the resorts are attracting hordes of skiers... and investors. Tim Graham examines the investment opportunities available in the high country.

GEOGRAPHICS, DEMOGRAPHICS AND PSYCHOGRAPHICS

Professional real estate marketers are using new tools such as 'psychographic profiling' to maintain the selling edge. Philip Webb reports.

SOLICITOR'S COMMENT

David Atkinson of Atkinson & Vinden Lawyers discusses the pre-purchase contract, where the 'fine print' must be thoroughly understood. Intending property buyers take note!

ACCOUNTANT'S COMMENT

Peter Dawkins of Griffiths, Forrest & Greer (Chartered Accountants) looks at capital gains tax and the family home.

Plus PROPERTY NEWS FROM AROUND AUSTRALIA

    * AUSTRALIA Some highs and lows in real estate

    * Housing market still showing signs of growth

      NEW SOUTH WALES/ACT

    * Sydney: Key Indicators and Statistics

    * Residex comment: Sydney property values

    * Concord and Eastern Suburbs top apartment price growth list

      VICTORIA

    * Melbourne: Key Indicators and Statistics

    * Introduction of the new Residential Tenancies Act

    * The renting vs. buying trend... what are the implications?

    * Uncertain times for Melbourne residential property

      QUEENSLAND

    * Brisbane: Key Indicators and Statistics

    * Brisbane city fringe industrial on the up

    * Property prices and returns slow as inflation bites

    * Southeast Queensland - Where's hot and where's not... the Matusik Property Matrix

    * Inner northeast and riverfront units are hot property

    * Why invest on the Gold Coast?

    * Investment performance of Gold Coast units by suburb

      WESTERN AUSTRALIA

    * Perth: Key Indicators and Statistics

    * Financial market uncertainty leads to surge in higher priced property sales in Perth

    * Expect more rent increases in Perth as rental vacancies shrink

    * Housing more affordable but home loan lending flat

    * Get your negative gearing to comply with tax laws

    * Housing market fundamentals strong despite currency volatility

      SOUTH AUSTRALIA

    * Adelaide: Key Indicators and Statistics

    * House sales figures (from DAIS) confirm slowdown in South Australia's property sector

This is only a sample of this issue's contents... don't miss it!