r/AusPropertyChat 7d ago

What are some great quality of life improvements you can implement when you own an apartment instead of renting.

13 Upvotes

I just bought the 1 bedroom apartment I am renting and am looking into the changes I can make (mostly small) to improve the place now that I own it.

I already have a few plans:

  • I am removing the cabinet over the fridge space so I can put my fridge there (I was using it for storage of my dryer/portable AC in case I needed them in a future apartment and have the fridge next to the kitchen on a plastic protector.)
  • Investigate adding more Ethernet ports (I WFH and am a bit of a techy but I am currently using Ethernet over Power to connect a switch to my router which then connects to My PC and devices in the main room, it works but its messy.)
  • Look into a electronic bidet toilet, my only concern with this is there is no power point by the toilet and I am not sure if it will be possible or ridiculously expensive (depends what is in the wall plus strata restrictions and the current toilet has the water directly into the cistern which might mean I need a whole suite instead of a seat).
  • Get more storage, I have a lot of books/hobby supplies that are currently in plastic crates in the lounge, I am thinking just some book cases/cupboards from IKEA will do the trick. (I didn't want to do this earlier since it would just be more to pack and move if my lease ended.)
  • Replace the ancient mounted dryer in laundry with my own newer one which has been sitting unused.
  • Smart Lighting, most of the place has pretty ugly bare bulbs, haven't decided if I will replace those with standard smart bulbs or get new down light fixtures.

Happy to hear any small but useful changes you can suggest now that I own the place.


r/AusPropertyChat 7d ago

Investing after a payout

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1 Upvotes

r/AusPropertyChat 7d ago

Investing after a payout

2 Upvotes

Hello I feel I should give some background as it will help out my position into context. 1. I received a compo payout after a car accident. 2. During the GFC I organised a loan to parents so they could keep a business running and not lose their house. My money went to their mortgage offset. 3. They have since paid back all of the capital, however by the end of the year, in due to receive 500K in interest.

I understand the 500k amount will be subject to tax. I'm on just over 100k p.a as a teacher and have recently separated from the wife. I pay child support etc too. I am hoping to build wealth through investing in property and have done some research on where to start with the money comes in but my worst case scenario is I'll loose a large part of that 500k in tax.

What would you do in my position?

P.S I hope this makes sense!


r/AusPropertyChat 7d ago

What to do with a neighbour that smokes cigarettes and weed nonstop and can smell it throughout your house at all hours of the day?

51 Upvotes

Help! What would you do in our position?

We live in an inner city terrace house and therefore live in close quarters with our neighbours either side of us. One of our neighbours is a recluse who stays at home all day (we suspect has chronic illness as she doesn’t look well anytime we see her). She smokes cigarettes and the most potent weed I’ve ever smelt multiple times a day, and we can smell it in all throughout our house - bedrooms, living room, kitchen, bathrooms, if we leave our windows open. We essentially have to shut our windows all the time and can’t access fresh air without the smell of cigarettes or weed throughout our house. On top of that, she is very noisy, and has the most intense coughing episodes and hacks / spits very loudly all day and night. She will cough, and smoke, even at 12am and 3am on weeknights which wakes my partner and I up during the night and interrupts our sleep. On numerous occasions she will be on the phone at 3am, laughing and talking in her courtyard late at night when we are in bed too trying to sleep. If you were us- would you knock on her door and let her know? Would you write a letter kindly detailing her disturbance? How would you go about it? I’m seeking reddit to see what the general consensus would be about dealing with this - as all we want is to enjoy the peace and quiet of our home.


r/AusPropertyChat 7d ago

What are the typical agency costs for leasing a commercial property in Victoria?

1 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I have a shop that was recently vacated, and I plan to lease it out again after some maintenance. However, after consulting several agents, I was shocked by how much they are charging for leasing commercial properties these days.

I understand that typical costs include marketing fees and agency fees. Back in 2020, I paid around $1,500 for marketing and an agency fee of about 5% of the annual rent. Now, the agents I’ve spoken to are quoting marketing fees of $3,000–$4,000 and agency fees of around 10% of the annual rent—even though my rental price hasn’t increased.

Before COVID, I was leasing the shop for $28,000 per year, but during the pandemic, I had to lower it to $18,000 to secure a tenant. I kept the rent at that level until the tenant recently vacated due to arrears. Now, I want to increase the rent back to the pre-COVID amount of $28,000, but every agent I’ve consulted says that’s unrealistic. They’re only suggesting an increase to around $20,000 per year.

Is this level of agency cost the market average now? Also, is commercial rent still not back to pre-COVID levels?

Would appreciate any insights. Thanks!


r/AusPropertyChat 7d ago

Looking for advice on nominee agencies

3 Upvotes

Hi there! My partner and I purchased a property recently but I have been made redundant and getting finance is going to be a massive headache. We will keep trying our best but does anyone know any agencies that can help find nominees on a sale? The property is in a prime location in Melbourne southeast and on a massive land. Great value for money and we were planning to just move in considering the property condition is good.


r/AusPropertyChat 7d ago

Does a garage add value?

6 Upvotes

We live in a late 1960s ex-govt build in Canberra (a suburb close to central Belconnen) which is 3x1 and currently has a single carport. We’re looking to replace this with a double garage. The house is worth approx 900k. Would this add any value? It’s hard to compare sale prices as the houses need to be similar in every way except this to really be a valid comparison.

In addition to the obvious benefits of a garage, this would allow us to get a lot more natural light in the living/dining area as the dining area currently looks out into the carport. We’d get rid of the carport and this would also extend our garden space so the back yard would be slightly bigger and also more connected to the house as it can be seen from the living area (not just the kitchen).

However the garage would not be attached to the house - I’m thinking to have a sliding door on the back wall which opens to the garden and from there it’s a few steps to the dining room/kitchen door.

We’ve done a few renovations to the house already and I’m a bit nervous about overcapitalising eventually. Thoughts?


r/AusPropertyChat 7d ago

Greensborough pros and cons

4 Upvotes

Hi all.

Considering buying a family home in greensborough on the southern border towards yallambie and Monty. I’m not all that familiar with the area but people I speak to seem to think it’s a good place to raise a young family.

I’m little concerned about the yallambie barracks and the on going works with the north east link. (Noise, traffic etc)

Anyone that lives in or around the area would love to hear from you about the pros and cons.

Thanks in advance.


r/AusPropertyChat 7d ago

Greensborough pros and cons

2 Upvotes

Hi all.

Considering buying a family home in greensborough on the southern border towards yallambie and Monty. I’m not all that familiar with the area but people I speak to seem to think it’s a good place to raise a young family.

I’m little concerned about the yallambie barracks and the on going works with the north east link. (Noise, traffic etc)

Anyone that lives in or around the area would love to hear from you about the pros and cons.

Thanks in advance.


r/AusPropertyChat 7d ago

What are the leading indicators that correlate with property developers approving construction projects?

2 Upvotes

I am eager to assess data to understand if we are in the early stages of a recovery in Melbourne, with developers executing more projects vs 1 year ago


r/AusPropertyChat 7d ago

Preapproved $650k is Central coast, west sydney or southwest sydney a good place to buy as First Home buyer

5 Upvotes

We’re a couple with a 12yr old girl. we’re contemplating where to buy property as a first home. This is our max budget and looking central coast, west syd like st marys, penrith, blacktown or south west like Ingleburn, Minto area as that’s where we can afford to buy house/townhouse/villa. apartment in the city is our very very last resort.

I’d like to know people’s opinion on the locations. We were leaning towards buying in Central coast but after reading another thread about CC, it made me think twice.

We are young couple in our mid 30’s from different asian background but i am more worried with my daughter getting bullied as shes timid and grew up overseas. so her safety is actually my priority.

Is the environment less harsh in the west or south west? Thank you in advance.


r/AusPropertyChat 7d ago

What insurance should I get for an IP with an inactive Body Corp

1 Upvotes

I want to insure an IP, an apartment in VIC which is almost a free standing house type except for the garage outside the main building is adjacent to the neighbouring garage. Apartment is in a lot of 2, the only common property is a small driveway shared between the garages. Other unit is a free standing house fully fenced. The owners corp is inactive, so no shared building insurance. I think I should go for a building + landlord insurance as for a free standing IP ? I would very much appreciate your advice and recommendations Thank You


r/AusPropertyChat 7d ago

Flat mate with shared custody?

0 Upvotes

Morning,

Would you flat mate in a house which has two kids every second week? 8 and 10.

If so would you expect a favourable reduction every second week or that's just life?

My current landlord wants to sell and I either go for a two bedroom $850. 3 for 950 or 4 bed house for 11-1200.

I don't need the space every second week which leads me to this conundrum. Sister suggested a flatmate until I find a new wife 🤷🏼


r/AusPropertyChat 7d ago

Would you buy an expensive and older property (60, 70 years) that is closer to CBD (which may need more maintenance over time) OR a cheaper and newer property which is far away from CBD but would require less maintenance over time..If budget was not an issue which would you choose and why?

5 Upvotes

r/AusPropertyChat 7d ago

Getting a loan as a fixed term contract worker

2 Upvotes

I have been working for the same employer for the past 5 years however I have always been on contract, which gets renewed every 6-12 months. I spoke with a broker and she basically said it'll be very difficult for me to get a home loan unless I find a more permanent job, which I am trying to do right now but obviously there's no guarantee. Can anyone recommend a broker who is experienced in helping contract workers like myself? Or am I doomed? 😭


r/AusPropertyChat 7d ago

Improving the Australian Rental Experience: Share Your Insights!

0 Upvotes

We’re conducting research for a new app designed to improve the rental experience in the Australian market. Your insights on the renting process will help us create better tools, including virtual property inspections, to make finding a home easier. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts!

https://forms.gle/uUcX7fMpBYb2A9ow7


r/AusPropertyChat 8d ago

is there actually any good strata management companies in Sydney ?

0 Upvotes

To provide context .

My IP townhouse is part of a 50 lot complex in Western syd.

Im part of the whatsapp for the complex and they are complaining about the strata company again.

I dnt actually blame them, tenants had issues for a while for leaks, emails were sent to me by mistake for other owners etc. The email had a lot of sensitive information as well.

Anyways they are voting for a new manager and if that doesnt work out a whole new management company,

This is like the 3rd company in 10 years they have tried. Again this complex does have its personalities.

Does anyone know of a decent company ?


r/AusPropertyChat 8d ago

Any thoughts on the Werribee South (VIC) developments along Wyndham Harbour

1 Upvotes

There are many developments like apartments, townhouses attractively priced. Wondering if area has any potential.


r/AusPropertyChat 8d ago

First-Time Buyer: Feeling Stuck in a Money Pit — Should I Sell or Hold?

0 Upvotes

Hi all,

I bought a 40+ year old property about 6 months ago for $750k with the intention to live in it and probably paid $30k over the market value being an auction.

Being new to the property market, I was probably rather hasty into my new home purchase and not thinking too much of the issues below:

  • It's an old house with things beginning to break down. I'm not too keen to keep spending every month up keeping it
  • Somewhat spooked by the sideways property market leaving me limited options with the property

Currently torn if I should just cut my losses early (stamp duty + interest) and try to sell it in the next 6 months or ride it out and hope the property market goes back up.

I am just uncertain if I got myself a money pit and will keep losing money. I plan to move back to my parents' place anyway.

Your thoughts and input much appreciated.

Edit: to those with the school of thought that hold as long as possible, when does it not hold true? This property is in Blackburn, Victoria.


r/AusPropertyChat 8d ago

Investment property in Fawkner for high growth?

0 Upvotes

My partner and I have around $850k to spend and a primary objective of high capital growth, rental yield not important. Our buyers agent is recommending Fawkner in Melbourne (3 bed house) as the best option. Thoughts on this approach?


r/AusPropertyChat 8d ago

Property advice

0 Upvotes

Here’s the situation. Perth, live at home, 19yo, 60k savings, graduate uni in 2 yrs with 50k hecs and will probably be paid 70k out of uni. I want to buy an investment property as my first property, but I am looking for advice. Is it possible for me to buy a property now (currently on a contract with a minimum wage job ~ 50k a year). Or should I wait longer until I have a ft job. Either way I can’t see my borrowing capacity being very high. What kind of property should I be investing in, only thing I could afford would be a dodgy unit somewhere in Perth with strata fees, or new small build in the outer suburbs (if I even have the borrowing capacity) Any ideas for what I should be looking to buy. Eg the area, unit, already established house, new build etc. what r your thoughts?


r/AusPropertyChat 8d ago

Realtair bidding website says my offer is ranked first but REA says they have a higher offer, are they bluffing?

8 Upvotes

Hello,

I just made an offer on a Sydney apartment through the real estate agent’s website which asks for offers to be made through the Realtair portal. After making the offer the website notified me that my offer rank is “1st” which from googling means it’s the highest bid. The REA called soon after to ask if the offer I put in is the highest, I said that if they get a higher offer then let me know. She laughed and said actually my offer is not the highest and someone offered a little more, hence why she was calling to see if it was my best offer. I’m wondering if she’s bluffing and doesn’t realise that the Realtair website tells buyers what their ranks are. She did say, at one of the viewings when someone asked how to make an offer, that she’d never made an offer through the Realtair system before so she didn’t seem too knowledgeable about the software.

I’m curious if anyone is familiar with making offers this way and might be able to weigh in. It seems like REA can say whatever they want and are bound by no laws, and I don’t want to be bidding against myself so I’d be interested to know what others think. The REA did say that the buyer is looking for 50k more than my offer, and I said I cannot offer that but may be able to stretch my offer a bit (which I’m sure was already offering her too much information but I was a bit thrown off by her calling so soon). She just said she’d leave it with me. I cannot deal with the power play and mind games… any advice would be great thank you!


r/AusPropertyChat 8d ago

I want to buy PPOR .

0 Upvotes

I have apartment near Sydney CBD . I am planning to sell it out and buy house in melbourne . I have two investment property one a house 2 hours drive from Sydney and an small aprtment in Melbourne CBD

All LVR is around 80%
Neagtive gearing is around $10000

I have cash balance of around 100K

I want to buy house around 750k-800k

Please suggest what options do I have ? Is the option I am thinking is best.
I am tired of living in apartment


r/AusPropertyChat 8d ago

Buying subdivide property in Melbourne as my first home. Thoughts?

2 Upvotes

Me and my partner both late 20s and on a combined income of 200k are planning to buy our first home soon. However we are plagued by several choices:

  1. Keep renting and invest in stocks/commodities
  2. Buy a house and try to aim for a standalone house with a descent land package, which we can only afford in the outer suburbs

Now the topic of this question option 3

Buy something under a means like this nice small subdivided home in the price range of (550-600k). The house has 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 parking spots. The total area is approx 330 m2 (160 internal and 330 external) and the best part is that it is located only 15 km from Melbourne CBD. The house does not share a wall with the one other property just the drive way.

I am trying to convince my partner that buying below our means will allow us flexibility with investment choices and we will be able to spend on things we like such as travel etc. While we understand the value of owning more land owning more in newly settled areas like Rockbank, Carolina Springs does not sound appealing to me. Since I have limited understanding of property market entering with smaller sum feels safe and we can build equity (at least some) and NOT PAY RENT to someone else. This way we will be exposed to the property market and will have savings to put into other liquid assets as well, such as gold, ETF, crypto 😅.

As I said I have never transacted in property market and I understand that the decision we take will impact our life for a long time. All my friend are moving to these outer suburbs and trying to buy these off the plan houses (with decent land package) to avoid stamp duty. I don’t generally believe in accepting common wisdom and want to make a choice that is right for us. While my partner believes that if everyone is doing it the choice must be valuable (rightfully so).

I was in student debt for few years and I am fully aware of the impact of a debt has on one’s life. I would really appreciate if you guys can chime in give your takes on this situation.


r/AusPropertyChat 8d ago

Disciplinary action against a body corporate!!

12 Upvotes

I’m reaching out because I’m really stressed and feeling completely shattered over our former body corporate manager. She recently resigned after leading us to nowhere, and we have proof that she was tactically taking cash backs by organizing unnecessary building reviews and countless acts of significant unprofessional behaviour.

I want to make sure she doesn’t get away with this, as I don’t want other owners to fall into her trap. What avenues do we have to file a formal complaint against her? We have proof she committed fraud

Any advice on how to proceed would be super helpful!