Let’s face it, in a turbulent nation-wide cost of living crisis that’s pushing many Sydney renters (and homeowners) to the brink, there’s a whole lot of factors that could be impacting your tenant’s ability to pay their rent. Though the narrative has been rather poorly painted for tenants (I didn’t know my rent was due… my car broke down… the money is in the mail…), this is a pretty unrealistic picture of the (very) human reasons that could cause anyone to land in arrears; genuine grounds could be a sudden loss of employment, a family tragedy, an unexpected large bill, or even a health emergen ..read more

The rental bond: For most tenants, it’s often one of the biggest costs when moving into a new rental, and that lump-sum dent in the account at the start of the lease. Typically equating to four weeks’ rent, bonds form a security ‘deposit’ for the landlord, with the aim of having it returned to the tenant in full when moving out – but the outcome isn’t always quite that simple. In fact, in NSW last year, just under 14% of tenants lost their full bond, with around another 24% losing part of it. One of the most common factors costing tenants? Inadequate end-of-lease cleaning – or an entire lack o ..read more

As an investor, your property is not just an asset, it’s a significant part of your financial future. Ensuring it is in capable hands starts with hiring the right property manager.  A good property manager should be: An effective communicator who keeps open lines of communication with you and your tenants. Proactive, with a strategic, proactive approach to protecting your investment and avoiding “band-aid” fixes. Have established protocols, ensuring everything runs smoothly and when unexpected issues pop up, they know what to do next. Staying on top of maintenance to keep tenants happy a ..read more

Enhancing outdoor spaces in an investment property might seem like a luxury at first glance, but crafting a tenant-friendly garden is a strategic move that can attract and retain tenants, as well as significantly boost your property’s rental value. Here are simple tips for landlords to create inviting, low-maintenance gardens that elevate curb appeal and ensure year-round attractiveness. 1. Prioritise low maintenance While tenants are required to maintain the garden in the same condition as the start of the tenancy, this doesn’t mean you should plant an elaborate, high-maintenance masterpiece ..read more

As we step into 2024, the Sydney property market is on the cusp of exciting changes, presenting opportunities for those looking to buy, sell, or invest. Here are our predictions for the Sydney market in 2024 – they might just give you the edge you need. 1. A 0.25 interest rate reduction in late March The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) aims to keep consumer price inflation between 2% and 3% on average, over time. Currently, the annual consumer price index for the September quarter is at 5.4%, with a monthly indicator of 4.3%.  Though not within the RBA’s target just yet, the trend is posi ..read more

Whether you’re chasing financial stability, a passive income, want to build a retirement nest egg for the future, or just have an insatiable obsession with real estate (we hear you!), property investing is a strategy that millions of Australians have embarked on. In fact, according to the 2019-20 stats from Australian Bureau of Statistics, one in five Australian households – that’s 2.02 million – own property besides the one they’re residing in. But learning about property investing takes time and with that, comes key lessons. Here are 5 things we wish we had known when we started, all those y ..read more

As the cost of living rises and savings come under pressure, rentvesting has gained in popularity, especially among young buyers eager to break into the property market. But what exactly is rentvesting, and with soaring rental prices, does it still hold up as a viable option? What is rentvesting? Rentvesting, a blend of ‘renting’ and ‘investing’, is a strategy where you choose to live in a rental property that suits your lifestyle, while owning an investment property in a more affordable market. For example, you might live in a rental property near the Sydney CBD or along the coast, while owni ..read more

It’s no secret that property markets cycle through highs and lows, but what do these cycles mean for your investment property – or perhaps your next one? Here’s what you need to know about property cycles in the seemingly endlessly booming Sydney market and how to use them to your advantage. What is a property cycle? The price of property has risen across Australia in the long term, but how fast it grows tends to speed up and slow down, forming what is referred to as a “property cycle”. Essentially, this is a series of four phases used to describe the movement of property prices and market act ..read more

The 2023-24 bushfire season has officially begun, and with the NSW Rural Fire Service firefighters gearing up for what’s expected to be a challenging season, landlords in southwest Sydney need to be prepared. Due to the extended wet weather across NSW, only about 25% of the planned hazard reduction work has been completed by July this year, increasing the potential threat. The NSW Government is advising every household to prepare, and landlords have a unique set of responsibilities to consider to protect the safety of their tenants and properties. The Reality of Ember Attacks While you might t ..read more

Owning an investment property in NSW can be rewarding, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. One of the most stressful situations for a landlord is dealing with unexpected property emergencies. Whether it’s a burst pipe, unpaid rent, wilful damage, or a sudden vacancy, it’s important to be prepared and know how to handle these situations calmly and effectively.  Here’s how to tackle those unexpected property emergencies with confidence: 1. Don’t panic It’s natural to feel upset when things don’t go as planned with your investment. Remember, all investments carry risk, but t ..read more