Property Searchers Blog

At Property Searchers we are very keen to keep each of our valued clients updated on the absolute latest occurrences in the property market, not just in South East Queensland and northern New South Wales but updates on national and world trends that have an impact on our clients and the market.

Stay tuned to this blog for the absolute latest information.

• Units outperform Houses

  The results of the RP Data-Rismark Home Value Index for June showed that the unit market has outperformed houses over the last 12 months and during the last five years. Read more about Units outperform Houses

• The Federal Election and interest rates

  Do Federal Elections really have an impact on the housing market? Read more about The Federal Election and interest rates

• Interest Rates still on hold

  Why the cash rate has remained at 4.5% Read more about Interest Rates still on hold

• Rental Market Softens slightly

  Property Minders Asset Management gives the no-nonsense truth about rental returns. Read more about Rental Market Softens slightly

• Mining Towns back on the radar?

  The returns can be significant however, there is also significant downside risk. Read more about Mining Towns back on the radar?

• Distance versus Dollars

  Affordable homes are not necessarily confined to the city fringes. Read more about Distance versus Dollars

• The facts on vendor advocacy in Qld

  Find out how our vendor advocacy business really works. Read more about The facts on vendor advocacy in Qld

• End of financial year investment property checklist

  With the end of the financial year upon us, property managers and investors need to consider a wide variety of factors when preparing for taxation. Read more about End of financial year investment property checklist

• A new financial year, a new financial strategy

  Now is a great time to review your financial goals and strategies to achieve them. Read more about A new financial year, a new financial strategy

• Housing Bubble?  Not here.

  US investment strategist stirring up the property bubble argument once more. Read more about Housing Bubble?  Not here.

• Housing Supply - Over, not undersupplied!

  Despite media claims of a housing undersupply, all the evidence at the coalface suggests otherwise. Read more about Housing Supply - Over, not undersupplied!

• Where can the average house buyer afford to purchase?

  Housing affordability remains an issue however, there are still options for the price sensitive purchaser… they just need to target areas further away from the CBD. Read more about Where can the average house buyer afford to purchase?

• Where can the average unit buyer afford to purchase?

  Housing affordability remains an issue however, there are still options for the price sensitive purchaser… particularly within the unit market. Read more about Where can the average unit buyer afford to purchase?

• Tax Time - get your property depreciation entitlements

  Property investors should ensure they are claiming all the tax deductions they are entitled to. Read more about Tax Time - get your property depreciation entitlements

• Reserve Bank’s sixth interest rate hike since Oct-09

  The major banks have responded quickly to pass on the rise to consumers. Read more about Reserve Bank’s sixth interest rate hike since Oct-09

• Buyers Agents urge caution as property market heats up

  Buyers be cautious amid a surging market, escalating interest rates and global financial uncertainty. Read more about Buyers Agents urge caution as property market heats up

• Opportunities for First Home Buyers

  First home buyers who want to live close to the city are more likely to buy units rather than detached houses. Read more about Opportunities for First Home Buyers

• What the Henry Review means for the property sector

  Despite a comprehensive review of the Australian tax system, the playing field remains largely unchanged for property investors. Read more about What the Henry Review means for the property sector

• The truth about Foreign Investors

  Despite media hype, Foreign Investors were never going to dominate the local housing market. Read more about The truth about Foreign Investors

• Non bank lenders return

  After their market share collapsing during the GFC, non bank lenders are finally returning. Read more about Non bank lenders return

• First homebuyer numbers continue to plunge as investors regain control

  The proportion of first homebuyers entering the property market continued its rapid decline. Read more about First homebuyer numbers continue to plunge as investors regain control

• Changes to billing for rates and water in Qld

  Find out how to effectively pass on water charges to you tenants. Read more about Changes to billing for rates and water in Qld

• Interest rates up again

  The fifth increase in the space of seven months. Read more about Interest rates up again

• Premium housing values are up but sales volumes remain low in the million plus housing sector

  There were 19,417 house and unit sales priced at or over one million dollars last year, 21 per cent lower than what was recorded in 2007. Read more about Premium housing values are up but sales volumes remain low in the million plus housing sector

• City home values continue to climb despite rate rises…

  while growth in non-capital city markets much slower. Read more about City home values continue to climb despite rate rises…

• Matusik - cheaper energy efficiency for your home

  Prominent Qld property analyst, Michael Matusik, gives some tips on how to save money on home energy consumption - without paying a fortune! Read more about Matusik - cheaper energy efficiency for your home

• More property purchases tipped as consumer confidence grows

  New figures released by Westpac and the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry show that economic conditions have continued to exceed expectations during 2010. Read more about More property purchases tipped as consumer confidence grows

• Best performing suburbs over the past ten years

  Great performing suburbs they may be, but it's probably too late to invest there now... Read more about Best performing suburbs over the past ten years

• The cost of NOT using a buyer’s agent

  7 ways we can help buyers save thousands off their next purchase. Read more about The cost of NOT using a buyer’s agent

• Buyers must insure their newly acquired properties straight away

  Recent heavy rains damaging a house just sold at auction in Mt Tambourine reinforce the need for buyers to insure properties as soon as they sign a contract. Read more about Buyers must insure their newly acquired properties straight away

• Neil Jenman asks buyers to consider using a buyer’s agent

  A tireless advocate of ethics in the real estate industry, Neil Jenman puts forward his views on the benefits of using a buyer's agent. Read more about Neil Jenman asks buyers to consider using a buyer’s agent

• Matusik Missive - Beggars Belief

  The Real Estate Institute of Australia is calling for an increase in the First-Home Owners Grant (FHOG) to offset house price movements since the incentive was introduced in 2000. Read more about Matusik Missive - Beggars Belief

• Most expensive properties are the best performers nationally

  Despite the fact dwelling values climbed 11.1% during 2009 the story was much different across different price points and markets, with more expensive properties generally seeing the strongest growth. Read more about Most expensive properties are the best performers nationally

• Units no longer housing’s poor cousin

  The capital growth associated with apartments has virtually been on par with detached housing over the last five years, putting to bed the myth that houses appreciate at a faster rate than units. Read more about Units no longer housing’s poor cousin

• The Australian property market’s last decade in review

  Brisbane outperforms 10-year national average growth rate Read more about The Australian property market’s last decade in review

• RBA Leaves interest rates on hold

  The RBA delivered a welcome surprise this week by not raising interest rates Read more about RBA Leaves interest rates on hold

• Sustainability Declarations - What they mean for Buyers

  All residential property sellers now have to give buyers Sustainability Declarations. Read more about Sustainability Declarations - What they mean for Buyers

• HIA Commentary

  The HIA says the surge in land sales points to a lift in new home starts in 2010 Read more about HIA Commentary

• The best of the best - 2009

  Better than all the rest…. As we approach Christmas we take stock and look at the top performers during the last 12 months. Read more about The best of the best - 2009

• The truth about median house prices

  The truth about median house price statistics - how they can tell two very different stories. Read more about The truth about median house prices

• Insights into why people move

  Insights into why people move - Housing mobility and conditions survey Read more about Insights into why people move

• Interest Rate rises by RBA & Westpac: Mr Swan not happy

  The Reserve Bank lifted the official cash rate by 0.25%, but Westpac hikes their standard variable rate by 0.45%. The Treasurer, Wayne Swan, has warned other banks not to follow their lead. Read more about Interest Rate rises by RBA & Westpac: Mr Swan not happy

• Buyers Beware - the real cost of “free” buyers agents

  Buyers - Don't be lured by slick advertising offering “free buyers agent” services! Read more about Buyers Beware - the real cost of “free” buyers agents

• Warning Statements-Beware of Counter Offers

  Warning Statements - Beware of Counter Offers! Read more about Warning Statements-Beware of Counter Offers

• What the average buyer faces in the market place.

  How many hours does it take to spend Six Hundred Thousand Dollars? Read more about What the average buyer faces in the market place.

• If there are so many listings…where are all the good ones!!

  I read in the media this weekend that there are a record number of listings. Read more about If there are so many listings…where are all the good ones!!

• A bargain is not necessarily a good deal, but a good deal more often turns out to be a bargain!

  Commenting that quality will win over price every time. Read more about A bargain is not necessarily a good deal, but a good deal more often turns out to be a bargain!

• The first home buyer grant, where to from now?

  Commenting on whether the Government will extend the boost in the FHOG. Read more about The first home buyer grant, where to from now?

• Does a perfect storm provide a perfect opportunity?

  Commenting on the state of the market and now being a good time to buy. Read more about Does a perfect storm provide a perfect opportunity?

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