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Mar 15, 2024

Brisbane CoreLogic RP Data Market Update March 2024

Feb 9, 2024

Brisbane CoreLogic RP Data Market Update February 2024

Feb 8, 2024

Financial planning tips for a stable & successful 2024!

The start of a new year always signifies an opportunity to reassess, refresh and make the coming year your best yet. But sometimes, lost between new gym memberships and healthy eating vows, one particular area of your life may be overlooked: financial wellness. Last year was an unpleasant cocktail of interest rate hikes, rises in the cost of living, inflation, and ongoing turbulence in the property sector. And with these factors predicted to hang around throughout much of 2024, your best defence is being prepared. Ready to become a master of your financial destiny? We have ten tips for navigating the new year with newfound financial confidence. Check in with your current financial wellbeing Before you do anything, understand what financial wellbeing looks like, how you performed against your 2023 goals (if you had some) and where you are sitting currently. According to research from the University of Melbourne and CommBank, financial wellbeing is defined as the ability to: Meet your financial obligations, e.g. pay bills and expenses. Freely make choices that allow you to enjoy life, e.g. take regular holidays. Control your finances, e.g. avoid unnecessary fees and charges. Feel secure about your future obligations, e.g. make choices that enable you to put away money for the future. If you’re unsure where you sit, take this 5-minute quiz and find out your financial wellbeing score. Set goals for the year ahead Armed with the knowledge of where you currently stand and where you could have done better in 2023, it’s time to set some goals for a prosperous year ahead. It can be helpful to break your goal setting into short-term goals (0-12 months), mid-term goals (1-5 years) and longer-term goals (5+ years) – with the short and mid-term goals acting as milestones towards achieving your longer-term goals. This can include short-term goals of sticking to a budget to increase your savings, enabling you to reach longer-term goals like a big overseas holiday, buying a first home, or even saving for retirement. If you’re already equipped with well-established goals, look at ways to get them working harder – you might be able to check them off sooner than you think. Break up with debt Debts come in all shapes and sizes, with varying terms, interest rates and intricacies. While it’s not always possible to completely end a relationship with debt (mortgages, we’re looking at you), minimising these and shopping around for better terms can significantly impact your financial wellbeing. Get in the habit of checking that your bank or financial institution is still giving you the best possible deal. If you’ve built up equity in a property, it might be worth a valuation to ensure you’re receiving a competitive rate. Your local real estate agent can provide a free property valuation to give you an idea – but you’ll need one from the bank, too. Make clearing debts a top priority, and put strategies in place to help you get them under control – it’ll minimise financial stress, improve your credit score, and overall, set you on the path to financial freedom. Don’t neglect your paperwork While keeping meticulous financial records may be dull, you won’t regret it come tax time – particularly if it leads to savings. For business owners, this includes tracking and claiming expenses, depreciation, and deductions on charitable donations. Both business owners and individuals will also benefit from filing and paying their taxes on time, avoiding penalties. It’s helpful to have a good accountant on your side; they’re experts in tax reduction strategies that ensure you’re paying your fair share while maximising your take-home income. Having a tight handle on ongoing expenses throughout the year also gives you more visibility into any financial sinkholes that could be avoided. Be prepared with an emergency fund Life can be unpredictable, so having a financial safety net is a smart way to protect yourself from unforeseen, life-altering changes. These can be anything from major employment changes to health issues, unexpected relocation, or stumping up for a new car. Most financial advisors recommend saving three to six months’ worth of cover for essential living expenses – which can seem like a lot – so start small and build it from there. Here’s how: Set your target. Include it in your budget. Set up an automatic payment going to your emergency fund. Redirect a portion of any bonuses or windfalls into the fund. Watch it grow. Adopt a budgeting strategy to suit One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to managing finances, and you’ll quickly discover some strategies that gel for you and some that repel. A solid strategy that resonates can help you save money, reduce expenses, and maximise your income. Some popular budgeting strategies to try are: The 50/30/20 rule – this budgeting method gives you a loose guideline for how much of your income to spend and save. It loosely means that 50% of your income should go to your needs, 20% to savings, and 30% to your wants. The envelope method – as the name suggests, with this strategy, you keep cold-hard cash in different envelopes for each budget category. It’s great if you are a chronic over spender on things like takeaways or eating out, as physically seeing the money will make you think twice. Pay yourself first – this strategy works by prioritising savings. When money comes in, your first action is to set aside savings and ‘pay yourself.’ This works well if you have a large long-term goal, like purchasing a home or retiring. Conduct an insurance review Most of us set and forget insurance policies, but with money flying out to cover our cars, pets, homes, health, life and more, regularly reviewing these can save you money and from being caught out too. If you’ve moved house, accumulated more stuff, gotten married, or started a family since you took out insurance, chances are you don’t have the cover you need. Failing to review your insurance regularly can result in having too much or too little coverage. Too much cover means you’ll be overpaying for something you don’t need, while the latter could mean you’re not supported should you need access to insurance. Invest in your future From term deposits to shares to property investment and managed funds, working towards having money invested is a positive step towards long-term financial stability. It’s essential for the investments you choose to fit with your financial goals and match your desired time frame and tolerance for risk. When done well, investments can provide additional income and opportunities to grow your wealth over the long term. It’s essential to regularly review any investments and adapt to market changes when necessary. Not sure how to invest? Find out which are the right investments for you. Call on a professional Perhaps the most valuable and important tip of them all is not to shy away from seeking expert advice. From accountants to financial advisers, mentors, mortgage brokers, and property experts, you’ll find they have something different to offer depending on your situation or goals. These industry professionals are not only well-versed in navigating the quirks of their respective sectors but are armed with up-to-date knowledge and the experience of being immersed in the industry daily. If you’re considering property investment, you’ll find a wealth of knowledge among your local First National Real Estate team. Often living within the community, they work in, you’ll benefit from local knowledge and a genuine desire to help you achieve your property goals. Don’t stop learning In the words of the wise Albert Einstein, “Once you stop learning, you start dying.” This rings true when it comes to achieving financial success, as a constantly changing financial landscape provides businesses and individuals with new opportunities and threats. It pays to keep informed about financial regulations, global financial trends, political and economic shifts, and the impacts these can have. By consciously dedicating yourself to ongoing financial literacy, you’ll become more adaptable, increase your ability to identify and seize opportunities and be more well-placed to achieve your financial goals. Financial success doesn’t happen by chance Aside from relying on a big Lotto win, effective financial planning is a lifelong commitment. It requires regular review and adjustment to ensure it continues to align with your life as it evolves and a thorough understanding of your long-term financial goals. If investment properties or purchasing your first home is part of your long-term financial plan, reach out to your local First National Real Estate agent for expert advice and the best in local knowledge. Remember, if your financial wellbeing is weighing you down, you can seek help at Beyond Blue.

Feb 8, 2024

Housing Upswing as Values Lift 0.4%

Australia’s housing upswing continued through the first month of 2024 with CoreLogic’s national Home Value Index (HVI) rising 0.4% in January. Up from the 0.3% increases seen in November and December, this marks the 12th straight month of value rises. Beneath the headline result, housing market performance remains diverse around the country. Three capitals recorded a subtle decline over the month (Melbourne -0.1%, Hobart -0.7% and Canberra -0.2%), while, Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane values continued to rise at the monthly rate of 1% or more. CoreLogic’s research director, Tim Lawless, identified Perth as a stand out among the capital cities for a persistently rapid rate of capital gains. “Perth home values rose a further 1.6% in January, on par with the city’s growth trend in November and December and only slightly lower than the recent high of 1.8% recorded in October. The western capital continues to see housing demand outweigh supply, helping to push values 16.7% higher over the past 12 months. Despite that, housing prices remain relatively affordable compared with most capital cities, with the median dwelling value sitting just under $677,000.” Australians Prepared to Pay Premium for Houses Over Units House values have continued rising at a faster rate relative to unit values in January, with the gap between the median capital city house and unit values rising to a record high of 45.2% in January. Across the combined capitals, detached housing values rose by half a percent over the month, adding the equivalent of around $4,800 to the median house value while units increased a smaller 0.1%, equivalent to a $900 lift. Regional Markets Strengthen Regional markets are now showing a stronger trend in value growth relative to the capital cities. The combined regional index rose 1.2% over the rolling quarter compared with a 1.0% rise across the combined capitals index. “While both the combined capitals and combined regional markets are losing momentum in the pace of value growth, the capital city trend has slowed more sharply, mostly due to the flattening of growth conditions in Melbourne and Sydney,” Mr Lawless said. “Across the other states, regional WA, SA and Queensland continue to record a slower pace of growth relative to their capital city counterparts; these are also the three regional markets where dwelling values are at record highs.” Choice of Properties Improving Despite worsening housing affordability, the volume of home sales has held slightly above average over the past three months. CoreLogic estimates there were 115,241 dwellings sold over the three months ending January; 11.9% higher than the same period last year and 0.5% above the previous five-year average for this time of the year. Monthly Change in Capital City Home Values

Jan 22, 2024

Find your fit – how to choose the best local real estate agent

Buying or selling a home is a big deal; it’s often one of the most significant transactions you’ll make, and you shouldn’t tackle it alone. The real estate industry can be complex and awash with intricacies – so having the right agent in your corner to support you can make all the difference. But how do you find the right one when they’re all waving you their way? It’s a combination of doing your research upfront, understanding the benefits of choosing a local agent, and asking the right questions once you’ve narrowed it down. Add a little bit of intuition to the equation, and you’re well on your way. Here, we guide you through the process. Canvas the crowds, consult your computer Like most things in life, researching and shortlisting is your best friend, and we recommend getting started with this as close to home as possible. Here’s what to consider when researching: Recommendations – canvas all your local connections for referrals or recommendations – you’ll be surprised at what you uncover. Relevant experience – overall industry experience is important, and so is specialisation – for instance, are you buying/selling residential, commercial, an investment or a luxury home? Testimonials and credentials – check any online reviews or testimonials, and ensure the agent has the necessary licensing and credentials to operate in your area.   Look to local From knowledge of location-specific market trends to well-established networks, connections, and insight, there are plenty of reasons why choosing a local agent who lives in your neighbourhood is advantageous. You’ll benefit from: Greater market insights – with an in-depth knowledge of the local market, you’ll have essential information like recent sales, current inventory, and neighbourhood trends at your fingertips. Valuable connections – established agents can come with a broad network of complementary connections you can leverage. This includes professionals such as mortgage brokers, surveyors, and property lawyers. Established network – a good local agent will be well-connected within the community. This means they may have access to homes or buyers that aren’t currently active but are soon to be or able to be influenced.   Ask the right questions When meeting with your shortlisted group of potential local agents, asking the right questions upfront can make the process smooth, transparent, and stress-free. It’ll also help with setting clear expectations from the outset. Arm yourself with these crucial questions: Tech, tools and targeting – find out what valuable digital tools, like Your Patch and offline platforms they use for marketing and communication. Ask for a detailed run-down on their marketing and advertising plans – presenting a property at its best can make a huge difference to the end result. Results, results, results – request information about their track record, including successful negotiation outcomes, average time listings are on the market and the number of properties they’ve sold. Costs and contracts – fee structures and contract clauses vary between agencies, so get clear on the ins and outs. Make sure you fully understand all the details, and if in doubt, consult your property lawyer. Team? Solo? Availability? – ask whether the agent works as part of a team (and how this structure works) or if they will be your sole point of contact. Ensure you understand how accessible they will (or won’t) be. Up-to-date knowledge – the real estate industry moves at a fast pace, so it’s essential to partner with an agent that keeps up to date with local, industry and regulatory changes. This includes foresight into up-and-coming local developments, REIA updates, and relevant state policies. Talk details – if you’re selling, discuss the methods of sale they recommend, how they conduct open homes, their availability for viewings outside of these, and their negotiation strategies. Ensure that their strategies align with your goals and expectations. Get it all on the table – no one likes conflict, and while taking all possible steps to avoid it should be a priority, it’s important to discuss how the agent approaches conflict resolution. It’s also the perfect time to discuss any contract terms and conditions.   Don’t dismiss your intuition Now that you’ve got the crucial questions and research out of the way, you’ve likely narrowed it down to a couple of agents that tick all the boxes. But when you’re talking about one of the biggest transactions of your life, it pays to run it by your intuition. While for us logical folk, that might sound a bit airy fairy, the origin of those ‘gut feelings’ is usually our very analytical brain. Think about: First impressions – while real estate agents have a busy job, if they bustle into the room stressed out and 10 minutes late, this could set the tone for the experience ahead. An agent who can remain calm, cool, and collected under pressure is a real asset. Choosing communication styles that align – pay attention to the agent’s communication style. You want someone responsive, who listens to your needs, makes you feel comfortable, whom you can trust, and communicates effectively. Presence of red flags – are they hesitant to provide references? Have they promised information that they haven’t supplied? Take note of any early warning signs that may lead to a lack of transparency. Quality of their follow-up (or lack thereof) – did they follow up on your meeting promptly and effectively or leave you hanging? If all you hear is crickets, you probably haven’t found your perfect agent match. Viewing them in action – head along (or send a friend) to an open home the agent is hosting. This will give you a feel for how they engage with potential buyers and present a home. Buying or selling a home is a partnership – and it’s one that extends beyond the transaction Finding an agent that aligns with your objective, goals, and personal values isn’t necessarily a quick process, but it’s one that’s worth investing in. It’ll save you from headaches further down the track, and often, once you’ve found the right local real estate agent, they’ll become a trusted advisor that you continue to partner with throughout your home ownership journey.\ Don’t underestimate the value of choosing a local agent, too. Partnering with someone who lives and works in the area will provide you with crucial insight into the local community, local property market and real immediate prospects that simply can’t be found browsing online. And when it comes to the crunch, having someone who is available and just around the corner means your local agent will always be in the right place at the right time! First National Real Estate is a team of qualified and committed agents based out of over 300 owner-operated offices throughout Australia and New Zealand. It’s a team that shares the same values, that lives in your neighbourhood, and that is committed to delivering local service backed by the power of the First National Real Estate brand. Find your local agent now.

Jan 12, 2024

12 Reasons Why Local is Best When Choosing a Real Estate Agent

From browsing properties online, researching estimated values, hopping into 3D virtual home tours, and checking out prospective neighbourhoods on Google Street View, digital technologies have become ingrained in how we buy and sell property. However, there’s one critical factor within the real estate industry that technology hasn’t changed. And that’s the vast and varied benefits of engaging a local agent with on-the-ground experience and expertise. Here’s why choosing local makes all the difference: Priceless community knowledge Whether you’re buying or selling, there’s so much more involved than the physical house – it’s also about the local neighbourhood – and your local agent is a part of this. From school zoning to proximity to public transport or just where to get a good cup of coffee, local agents know the ins and outs of the local area and how these align with buyer’s aspirations or needs. Extensive market insight                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Agents operating in your local neighbourhood have a wealth of knowledge when it comes to data like recent sales for comparable homes within your specific area, market trends and property                   values. This is invaluable when buying or selling. Local marketing and advertising know-how With an in-depth understanding of your neighbourhood’s demographics, local agents can hit ‘hot buttons’ when it comes to effective marketing and advertising strategies for your home. They’ll understand which key features of your property to promote, and which online platforms or media will best engage potential buyers. Crucial cultural insight Cultural nuances and customs can significantly influence real estate transactions. A local agent who lives within the community will likely better understand any cultural factors in play, ensuring no barriers to a smooth transaction arise. You simply can’t access this level of insight from data or trend reports. Understanding of local rules and regulations Real estate transactions are packed with legalities and regulations, and these often come with local nuances. From zoning laws to conveyancing procedures and differing sales contracts across different states and territories, local agent insight is vital for navigating these variances.   Nitty-gritty, granular data From timing to terms of sale, local real estate agents are often privy to more granular market data and insights to help you make more informed sale or purchase decisions. They may be aware of market micro-trends, which can influence how and when you sell or buy. It’s who you know (and what you know) Local agents build extensive local networks, often making connecting with complimentary services like mortgage brokers, property lawyers, and inspectors a breeze. Best of all, these connections will also have a solid understanding of any local nuances. Accessible and available Physical proximity counts when you want to view a home at short notice, need a quick face-to-face update, need a problem resolved quickly, or are ready to sign a document. This accessibility facilitates a smooth and efficient way of working – which is advantageous in the often fast-paced real estate industry. Superior access to local properties A good local agent will not only be familiar with the local inventory available but may even know homes coming on the market soon or people willing to sell for the right price. This superior access is hugely beneficial in a competitive market or when you have specific requirements.   Negotiation pros Familiarity with local market dynamics enables local agents to negotiate more effectively on your behalf. They may have insights into the seller’s motivations or local pricing trends that can work in your favour during negotiations.   Support local Choosing a local agent supports local businesses and, as a result, the community in which you reside. Real estate transactions involve various local professionals, and by working with them, you’re contributing to your community’s economic growth and future.   Care beyond the transaction Beyond the sale or purchase of a home, local agents will often continue to provide ongoing support and guidance. This can include recommendations for local contractors and community events to get involved in if you’re new to the area or purchasing an investment property; they may facilitate property management for you. Your local agent – a smart partnership that lasts a lifetime While it’s essential to consider the qualifications, experience, and reputation of the agent you choose, extensive local insight and lived-in community knowledge are invaluable when selling or buying a home. And in many cases, your relationship with a local agent will extend well beyond the initial transaction – as your life and needs change, they’ll be there to assist you with your next move. With over 300 offices throughout Australia and New Zealand, First National Real Estate agents are part of our local communities. Connect with your local agent today!.

Dec 19, 2023

Rental markets remain "EXTREMELY TIGHT"

CoreLogic’s national Home Value Index (HVI) rose 0.6% in November, the smallest monthly gain since the growth cycle commenced in February. Despite the slowdown, the national HVI reached a new record high in November. After falling -7.5% from a peak in April 2022 to a trough in January 2023, housing values have bounced 8.3% higher over the past 10 months, demonstrating a clear ‘V’ shaped recovery. While the headline trends have slowed, multi-speed conditions have become increasingly evident across the capitals, with three cities recording a decline in values over the month. These were Melbourne and Hobart, both down -0.1%, and Darwin, down -0.3%. Growth in Sydney home values also slowed sharply, reducing to 0.3%, the smallest monthly gain through the recovery cycle to-date. Rental Markets Remain ‘Extremely Tight’ Rental markets remained extremely tight in November with capital city vacancy rates at 1.0%. Adelaide (0.3%), Perth (0.6%) and Melbourne (0.8%) are recording the lowest rental vacancy rates, while Sydney (1.2%) and Brisbane (1.3%) continue to record rates well below average levels. Rents have been rising at the national level since August 2020 (40 months), with the quarterly trend ratcheting higher over the past two months. However, there is some diversity, with rental conditions easing in some markets. Vacancy rates in Hobart (1.9%) and Canberra (1.7%) are higher relative to other markets, providing some respite across both house and unit rents. At the other end of the rental growth spectrum is Perth, where growth in rental costs is leading the nation. House rents across Perth were up 3.1% over the three months ending November, while unit rents rose even faster, up 3.4%. November also marks the first time in six months where rents have risen at a faster rate than home values, providing some support for gross rental yields nationally. CoreLogic Research Director, Tim Lawless, said “Yields were on a recovery trajectory between early 2022 and early 2033 as housing values fell while rents rose. As housing values started to rise in February, gross yields stabilised, before once again compressing as growth in values outpaced rents,” “With the rate of growth in home values now easing in most regions while rents continue to rise, we could see yields trend higher in some cities once again. However, when considering the cost of debt and higher maintenance costs, net yields are likely to remain very low for leveraged investors.” Rental Conditions to Loosen Rental conditions are set to loosen. It’s likely we are moving through a peak in net overseas migration, but other factors should see vacancy rates rise and rental growth slow further including a gradual normalisation in household size, and reduced rental demand as ‘HomeBuilder’ completions flow through. Build-to-rent developments should also help to gradually add to rental supply, however we aren’t likely to see a material increase in built to rent supply until at least 2025.

Dec 12, 2023

Navigating Commercial Property Leases: A Closer Look at GST on Rental Payments

In the complex world of tax, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) plays a pivotal role in shaping the financial landscape. One area that often raises questions and sparks debates is whether GST is applicable to commercial property rents. As businesses navigate through the intricacies of tax compliance, understanding the implications of GST on commercial property rentals becomes crucial. In this post, we’ll delve into the nuances of this issue, shedding light on the factors that determine whether GST is payable on commercial property rents. The application of GST on commercial property rents hinges on various factors, and one of the primary determinants is the nature of the transaction. According to the GST laws, the lease, tenancy, easement, and license to occupy space fall under the definition of “supply.” However, not all supplies are subject to GST, and this is where the complexity arises. Key Factors Influencing GST Applicability: Threshold Limit: Small commercial property owners or those whose aggregate turnover is below the prescribed threshold may be exempt from GST on their rental income. The current threshold for small commercial property owners is $75,000. Type of Property: The nature of the property, such as whether it is used for residential or commercial purposes, can influence the GST applicability. Generally, residential properties are exempt from GST on rental income. Registration Threshold: Property owners whose aggregate turnover crosses the GST registration threshold are required to register for GST and, consequently, normally need to charge GST on their rental income. The current GST registration threshold is $75,000. Input Tax Credit (ITC): Property owners registered under GST may have the opportunity to claim input tax credits on certain expenses related to the property. This can affect the overall tax implications. For example, an owner charges GST on rent received, however, receives an input-credit on expenses paid that have GST on them to reduce their overall GST that they have to remit to the ATO as part of their Business Activity Statement (BAS). Conclusions: In conclusion, the applicability of GST on commercial property rents is a multifaceted issue that demands a careful examination of various factors. It is essential for property owners, businesses, and tax professionals to stay abreast of the latest updates in GST laws and regulations. As the GST landscape continues to evolve, seeking professional advice becomes paramount to ensure compliance and optimise tax strategies. While some property rentals may fall outside the purview of GST, many are subject to its provisions. Therefore, understanding the specific circumstances surrounding a commercial property lease is crucial for making informed financial decisions. Remember, navigating the intricacies of taxation is an ongoing process, and staying informed is the key to financial success in an ever-changing regulatory environment. Disclaimer: This blog provides general information on GST for commercial property rents and is not to be considered financial or taxation advice. Consult your accountant or financial professionals for advice tailored to your situation, objectives and needs.