Buying property at auction can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. But careful planning can make the process a whole lot easier. Here are five tips for nailing the bidding experience and maximising your chances of success on the day. 1. Attend plenty of auctions before you bid Before your bidding debut, it's important to observe several auctions to understand how they work. Get a feel for the language used and the process involved. In general, here's what you might expect: ...

If you think downsizing is a step backwards, think again. There are many reasons why downsizing has become a popular choice for homeowners, especially retirees. Let's take a look. 1. Less maintenance and upkeep While larger properties offer more space, they also require more cleaning, gardening and upkeep. For some, the time and money involved can be better spent elsewhere. This is especially applicable if the kids have left home and certain areas of the property are no longer bei...

Spring is generally the busiest time of year in the Australian property market, and this season could be a ripper. In recent months, we've seen ongoing signs of improving market conditions, driven by a Coalition federal election win, interest rate cuts and a softening of lending restrictions. And it's clear that buyers are returning to the market. In August, capital city auction markets recorded the highest preliminary clearance rate in over two years. That said, listings remain...

Rentvesting has become increasingly popular in recent times. Last year, research from the Property Investment Professionals of Australia (PIPA) found that one third of first-time buyers opted to become 'rentvestors', rather than homeowners. Here's what you need to know before deciding whether rentvesting is right for you. But first, let's look at an age-old question. To rent or buy?
If you're wondering whether it's cheaper to rent or buy, the answer depend...

The busy Spring property season is just around the corner and you know what that means? Whether you're planning to buy or sell, NOW is the time to start getting organised. Here's how. Tips if you're planning to BUY this Spring: Get your finance sorted pronto There's no point starting the property hunt until you know how much you can comfortably afford. In the last few months lending criteria has changed. You may be surprised how much this has impacted your abili...