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244 | Borrowing Power in 2019: Everything You Need To Know

APRA has recently made changes that affect a lender’s borrowing power — what does this mean for property investors and home owners… and their interest rate?

Well, folks… we’re deep diving on this today (and getting a little bit technical), because in July 2019, the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) came out with their revisions to the “buffer” and “floor rates” of their Prudential Practice Guide APG 223.

And why are we telling you this? In a nutshell: this results in a change, potentially an increase, in a lender’s borrowing power… which means YOU can potentially borrow more money!!! (Not sure why this is a good thing? Listen to this episode on the basics of borrowing power first).

Now, if you’re wondering what on earth we mean by “buffer, “floor rates” and “potentially”… take it easy… we’ve totally got you covered here — we explain all this, incl. examples of a single person AND a couple, so you can get a “real life” angle on all this. Plus, Ben’s obviously in his element so he drops a lot of new gold and mortgage broking insights!

Oh, and did we mention that we’ve also sneaked in a little Finance Q&A as well?? Yep, true story. You can find the exact questions a little further down in these show notes 🙂

 

Free Resources

 

Key Learning Points

  • Debrief: How do APRA’s changes affect borrowing power?
  • Why is Ben describing lending in 2020 with the world throttle?
  • What is the variance in borrowing power of Principle and Interest vs. Interest Only Home Loans now? What does that mean for an investor?
  • Quickstart History Guide on Lending
  • What has happened to the Floor Rate?
  • What is each of the “big four” bank’s NEW floor rate?
  • What is a Sensitivity Margin?
  • How did poor regulation contribute to the Global Financial Crisis?
  • What’s a gig economy?
  • How much is the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) now spending per year to rectify and enforce new changes following the Royal Commission?
  • Example: A Single Person’s Borrowing Power
  • Example: A Couple’s Borrowing Power

 

The Questions

Question from Bella

We just bought a house and are setting up our loan. Should we get our wages put directly into our offset account and then pull money into our everyday account for expenses and keep a minimum amount in there, say $2,000? My husband wants to do it the opposite way. And just pay our offset with leftovers after expenses. What should we do?! HELP! 

 

Question from Todd

Hi Ben and Bryce, Love your podcast! Have learnt so much since I found it 6 months ago. My question is loan structure related, with tighter lending these days is it an optimal strategy to split my PPOR Loan into 3 or more splits so I can pay them off quicker and then re-borrow once payed off to invest? Or is it better to build up a large sum in my offset account? Thanks in advance guys and go Eagles Stig!

 

Question from James

With the RBA’s drop in interest rates to 1%, I (like most people) are considering refinancing away from my current mortgage provider. We have been looking into a few options, but keep hitting a hurdle due to being on one wage and having 2 properties (our owner occupied and one investment) as I am currently on a non-permanent workers compensation payment through DVA, the banks will not recognise my wage as a salary.
So, my question is, with APRA’s change and loosening the reigns on lending, has this already came into effect? If not, when is this due to be implemented by the banks? Thank you

Question from Stuart

Hi Bryce and Ben, long time listener, first-time caller from NZ. Love listening to all your podcasts every week. Quick question regarding my PPR and mortgage offset. I have received a windfall, which I am wondering the best use of. I could put it all into my offset account against my mortgage and with my current offset savings this would 100% offset my mortgage and I continue to pay it down over the next 10 years. Or am I better off paying down a large portion off it immediately leaving the balance fully offset to pay off over just a few years. I guess it’s a matter of keeping the offset bucket full against the mortgage, or paying down the mortgage ASAP. I also have 1 investment property, which I’ll need to reorganise to start offsetting ASAP. Hope that makes sense, thanks.

 

And here’s the table that Ben promised on the show! 😉

 

 

RBA August 2019 – Should you be FIXING your Rate?

This is NOT the time to fix your mortgage.

It’s odd, isn’t it? The cash rate is on an all-time low and the lenders have been cutting their rates, both fixed and variable. So why is it not the time to go for a fixed loan?

We know it’s a big statement and that’s why Ben will be explaining all that in today’s RBA commentary folks! Apart from that, he’ll also be covering a variety of topics such as:

  • What’s happening with the US-China Trade Deal and how did the US Chair of Federal Reserve, Jerome Powell reacted to it?
  • What’s the main focus for the RBA at the moment?
  • How will the slight improvement in inflation impact the economy?
  • Is retail spending moving in the right trend?
  • Have we finally bottomed out in the Property Market or are there a couple more months to go?

Now, let’s dive into RBA August 2019 Cash Rate Announcement!

 

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is general information only and is an opinion comment by Ben Kingsley. The information contained in this video is for Australian residents only. The information does not take into account the particular investment objectives or financial situation of any potential viewer. It does not constitute, and should not be relied on as, financial or investment advice or recommendations (expressed or implied) and it should not be used as an invitation to take up any investments or investment services. No investment decision or activity should be undertaken on the basis of this information without first seeking qualified and professional advice.

The Property Couch, its employees or contractors do not represent or guarantee that the information is accurate or free from errors or omissions and therefore provide no warranties or guarantees. The Property Couch disclaims any and all duty of care in relation to the information and liability for any reliance on investment decisions, claiming the use or guidance of this publication or information contained within it.

For more information, please visit: http://thepropertycouch.com.au

243 | This is How You’ll Be Buying Property in the Future… Steve & Trent from Phoria

Want to know EXACTLY HOW you’ll be buying property in the (not too distant!) future??

We know we sure do!

So folks, here to tell us what the future in real estate is with augmented reality, virtual reality and a whole lot of jaw-dropping new tech is Steve Kounnas and Trent Clews-de Castella from Phoria, a world leading immersive tech studio that specialises in just this! Not to mention the fact that Phoria’s good mates with the likes of some “kinda known” brands like Google, REA Group and News Corp — oh, and they also happen to be neck deep in their mission to transform human experiences!

And, yep, the reason we’ve got them on isn’t just because Steve and Trent have ALREADY changed the game in the “extended reality” space… but also, they’re about to clue you in on what’s to come!!

Sure, you might think this stuff is like something straight out of a sci-fi film … but we kid you not folks… it’s anything but! Yep… it IS coming (in fact… it’s already here)… so you can only imagine how fast some of these changes are going to land in the real estate industry!!

Picture this… buying property in a VIRTUAL world!

And before you get all weirded out… just remember… not too long ago the thought of an iPhone seemed impossible/ridiculous/the brain child of someone completely nuts… but NOW??  Well… we’ve all got one in our back pockets, don’t we?

Stay ahead of the curb and you’ll always be ahead folks!  😉

 

Resources Mentioned:

 

The Top Highlights…

  • What’s virtual reality going to do to property?
  • What’s a Matterport camera and how’s it going to change the way you SEE property?
  • What will you eventually be able to scan and create in your own home?
  • WHEN will this tech be in 80% of the property market?
  • How are real estate agents going to deal with you when these changes roll in?

 

Plus These Gold Nuggets…

  • What’s the difference between virtual reality and augmented reality?
  • How will this tech transform the way you maintain your property ie. construction, water pipes etc? (well, the entire building and trade industry really!)
  • How did Steve and Trent get interested in augmented reality?
  • When did they realise they were seriously onto something?
  • How’d the first ever “virtual inspection” of a property come about?
  • Who’s investing in these types of companies? And what does that tell us?
  • What industries are also being lead and transformed by this tech?
  • Is this stuff super expensive?
  • 10 years from now… what are you looking at? How are you buying property?

 

 

Bonusisode with Nerida – US-China Trade Wars | How does it impact Australia? 🇺🇸 🇨🇳🙄

It’s that time again for our Monthly Wrap Up with Nerida Conisbee, Chief Economist for REA Group!

And we’ve introduced a new style to our monthly catch up too! Nerida has generously agreed to use the white board to explain this whole US-China Trade War thing because let’s face it, not all of us are across it. So… what to expect in this Bonusisode?

 

The Top Insights in this Bonusisode:

  • Exactly what impact does the US-China Trade Wars has on Australia?
  • The Cash Rate Outlook – where is it heading?
  • How will that affect the Property Market Outlook in each of the major cities?
  • And of course, the usual most viewed and most expensive listings!

 

Plus, The Top Performing Properties from the month:

  • The Most Viewed Rental Property
  • The Most Viewed Residential
  • The Most Expensive Property Sold
  • The Most Viewed Property Going To Auction This Weekend

Want to see these properties? Click here to View the Properties (all are in the Comments section)

P.S. Want more from Nerida?

242 | Proof That You Can Get on the Property Ladder AND Invest in Property in Your 20s – Chat with Courtney Te’ray

Let’s face it. There’s a lot of millennials and first home buyers among us who are frustrated and struggling to get onto the property ladder. And we don’t blame them!

It’s hard work hauling yourself up on that first rung… and it can seriously knock you around, especially if your friends are out “brunching” and you’re choosing to stay home again and… save more money.

Are we right? Believe us… we feel ya, folks! If you’re just starting out, often times it can seem like you’re making snail-pace progress, so much so that it becomes all-too-easy to believe there’s zero point to your efforts at all. So, guess what?? We’ve got your back… ‘cos you’re actually NOT alone and, as a matter of fact, it pays (quite literally) to check in with someone you can relate to who has been exactly where you are, has seen success and can help you get over the line (or at least know that, yes, it IS possible!).

That’s why we’ve got Courtney Te’ray on The Couch today!!

And at 28, it would be easy to confuse Courtney as a stereotypical millennial — you know, “smashed avo”… “living in the now”… and “delayed gratification” a WORLD away — BUT in actual fact… Courtney is ANYTHING BUT this….

She and her partner Aaron have been slowing chipping at their own property portfolio and putting into practice

“If it’s meant to be… it’s up to be”. And the thing you might find a lot of comfort in, is they’ve invested in property on ordinary incomes — to give you an idea, Courtney has NEVER earned more than $60K while building up this Property Portfolio… Impressive, right?! Want to know how she did it? And how thinking (and acting) differently can ultimately set up your future for life?? And if you’d like to learn more about her backstory, check out her video here!

Psst… you DON’T need to be in your twenties to take some #inspo from this episode!!

 

Resources mentioned…

 

The TOP SEVEN Highlights…

  1. What made Courtney think differently about “Having It All Now” versus “Having A Better Future”?
  2. How Can You Navigate Different Views of Friends and Family?
  3. Why is Future Planning Critical for a Property Investor?
  4. How to Spot a GOOD Buyers Agent!
  5. How to Spot an Investment Savvy Mortgage Broker!
  6. What’s MOST Important: Rate or Pre-Approval?
  7. Tips and Advice for Young People and First Home Buyers…

 

Keen to Get Started with Money SMARTS like Courtney?

Fill in the form below and create your account on our Money SMARTS Platform now!

Already have an account? Log in here.

 

 

 

 

241 | 12 Steps To A Profitable Property Development – Chat with Peter Koulizos

Raise your hand if you’re curious to hear the profitable, 12-Step Process to Property Development…?

Now, keep it there if you’re already a developer, or you’re keen to give property development a crack yourself or, hey, maybe you just wanna build on your property investment knowledge before you lock yourself into anything?

Righto then folks, if your hand’s UP, then this episode was tailor-made for you!!

‘cos today we’ve dragged the big boss back into the studio — Mr Peter Koulizos!! And he’s about to unpack some of his best stuff on property development!

For those who haven’t yet been privy to the Property Professor’s gold on gentrification (EP 30 and EP 47) or the Five Golden Rules of Property Investment (EP 030) or his most recent episode on negative gearing (EP 204)…  it might come clear to you now that our good mate Peter Koulizos — Chair of Property Investors Council of Australia (PIPA), property developer, specialist in property valuation and economics (with a teaching degree, a Graduate Diploma in Property and a Masters of Business – Property) —  is a SERIAL Coucher and one of Australia’s leading property investment experts whose opinion we greatly admire J

Sure, he’s got all the qualifications and skillset, but he’s also got invaluable, in-the-trench experience, ESPECIALLY when it comes to property developing… and not just a little bit, mind you folks… a WHOLE LOT of it!

So… let’s just pick the Property Professor’s brain, yeah?

He was in town, so we’ve dragged him back in to the studio!

Resources mentioned…

The TOP FIVE Highlights…

  1. The Framework to Figure Out if Developing is (or absolutely isn’t) For You
  2. The 12 Steps To a Profitable Property Development (and what to look out for during each step!)
  3. The Gross Profit You Should Aim to Get BEFORE Embarking on A Development Project (incl. the “worst case scenario” profit)
  4. The Difference Between Planning Approval And Building Rules Approval
  5. The Lenders That Have An Appetite for Financing Developments Right Now

Get Noteworthy Answers On…

Quote of The Day

“You don’t want to go from Zero to Hero.

You don’t want to know nothing about property straight to property development!”

– Peter Koulizos

 

 

 

 

240 | Is Now The Right Time to Buy a High Rise Apartment? – ft. Bonus Q&A

Folks, things sure have been heating up in the high rise apartment space recently and we MUST address a seriously important question, for property investors and home owners alike…

Should you be considering buying high rise apartments in the wake of some very high profile cases revealing significant issues??

We’re talking about the high-rise apartment evacuations that’ve been happening our main centres due to building defects — Opal Tower, Mascot Tower, LaCrosse apartments and Neo 200 —which have resulted in cracks to main structures, severe and unsafe water damage, FIRE (such as the cladding fire in Melbourne’s CBD) … all things that we can all agree are very problematic. Not to mention are also leaving a fair few folks homeless, out of pocket and fed up!

So, not only are you likely to struggle to get a return from high rise apartments, it’s evident that some (we’re definitely not saying all here) may pose a safety risk as well.

But if 1 in 5 wanting people are actually WANTING to live in apartments (which is up from 1 in 7 in the 1990s)…. it can definitely be argued that there IS a growing demand for one/two bedroom living… the question is… What should you be considering (and avoiding!) if you are wanting to invest in apartments?

And when it comes to high rise buildings, has the landscape well and truly changed?

… We’ve thrown in a Bonus Q & A to answer your specific apartment Q’s too, folks!!

House Keeping…!

We’re working on a brand new Podcast Picture (thumbnail) and we reckon we’ve got it down to two…  can you please Tell Us Which One You Like Most – Option A … OR …. Option B (both on our Facebook Page)

Favour WANTED from Long term listeners (please!)….

Folks, we’re doing a shameless shout out for selfies!!! Yep.. this is the brief: if The Property Couch has changed you or the way you invest, or your money management or has helped you in any way,  can you please record a selfie video of 60 seconds or less to let us know?? The reason we want these is to put the word out there, grow our community and ultimately help other folks avoid bad property decisions!!

Send Your Video Testimonial to [email protected]

Resources Mentioned…

Bonus Q & A on Apartments  

Question from Keren

What do I do with the apartment I bought prior to finding your podcast?? 😂😂😂

Question from Sabrina

I want to know if it’s worth buying an Off the Plan townhouse in Deanside (next to Caroline Springs in Melbourne)  3 bedroom townhouse, no body corp, under $390k

Question from Jake

Things to consider in regards to the sinking fund and if or how can the body corporate request to raise money from owners for certain issues? 
Keep up the good work ✌️

Question from Rory

Have an old apartment built around 60’s. Bought it in December 2013 since then I’ve put in new carpet and vinyl. Should I get a deprecation schedule in it?

Question from Tania

What are some of the unexpected costs of buying/holding an apartment?

Question from Nicholas

How do you determine capital growth on an apartment if you are the second purchaser assuming that the original price has been inflated for developer costs and not an accurate figure?

Question from Sonya

With a budget of 700 to 800k. I would like to know if an apartment (not brand new) in Moonee Ponds is a better buy than a house on a 700sm size block in Glenroy, as a comparison apartment vs house. Thank you.

Question from Bryan

 Is it safe to buy now in Brisbane apartments give lots of the newer builds have dropped 20% in price?Or do you think that is still overpriced?

Question from Laura

I want to know if it’s worth buying an apartment as an investment vs a house.

Question from Marah

Whether the ugly 60s / 70s brick monsters are a good investment how to protect yourself in an Opal tower situation…

P.S. Looking to get a free copy of Susan Alberti’s book, The Trailblazing Story of Susan Alberti – The Footy Lady? Click here and tell us which part of Susan’s story had the most impact on you! (ends on July 17th!)

239 | From Working-Class to Multimillion Dollar Philanthropist: How This AFL Royalty Mastered The Art of Delayed Gratification – Chat with Susan Alberti

What’s a footy oval and a VERY successful investor got in common?

… none other than one gutsy, 72-year-old woman… Susan Alberti!!

For the folks who aren’t quite into AFL like we are, Susan is not only Football Royalty down here in Melbourne — particularly when it comes to the AFL Western Bulldogs Football Club and opening up the sport to women players… but also, Susan has lived an EXTREMELY incredible life… she’s experienced everything from very humble beginnings, unspeakable tragedies, not being able to get a loan as a woman (yep), the heights of true accomplishment (see all of the positions she’s held here – ‘cos there’s more than a few!) and giving back in a way that is profound and unbelievably inspiring — all of which has been documented in The Trailblazing Story of Susan Alberti – The Footy Lady.

She is living proof that hard work, investing and delayed gratification pays off and is, of course, as respected as they come.

To give you an idea, not only is “Sue” one of Australia’s pre-eminent philanthropists, having donated millions of dollars to medical research and other charitable causes — when her only child, Danielle, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and later passed away due to the illness, Sue embarked on a global mission to find a cure, and is now Chair of the Susan Alberti Medical Research Foundation. And earlier, when her first husband was killed by a truck, Susan took over their construction business and discovered firsthand how to survive and prosper in what was very much a man’s world. Oh, and she’s also the 2018 Victorian of the Year, 2017 Melburnian of the Year and 2018 Victorian State Government Outstanding Contribution to Sport Award!

Basically… this woman has stared down adversity of all kinds and prevailed beyond doubt.

So, if you’re like us and are very excited to hear what this wise and wonderful woman has to say about investing and, indeed, life… then you MUST check this episode out, folks!

Also, special shout out to our listener Jill Stewart for suggesting such an awesome guest!! If you’ve got a guest idea yourself, feel free to let us know who you want to hear from HERE 🙂

As usual, there are a few resources today folks! So here goes…

The Top Things We Talk About >>>

  • How exactly did Susan transform herself from humble beginnings to impressive wealth?
  • Where did her drive come from?
  • How did her first husband Angelo, look at life and work? Why?
  • What was the origin of their property story?
  • How did Susan and Angelo start their first 16-units development?
  • Where did her desire to learn come from?
  • How much did her “very own” property cost when she first bought it?
  • How did she get a loan when most lenders wouldn’t lend in only a woman’s name?
  • How much was she paying interest on the loan?
  • How quickly were they growing their development business?
  • When did they cross the threshold into financial wealth?
  • How did Susan balance grief and running a business?
  • Did she have any female peers?
  • What does she now think is “true” wealth?
  • How has mindset influenced her success?
  • When did she get really involved in the Western Bulldogs?
  • How long did it take to get women’s AFL over the line? How’d she do it?
  • Will there likely be a cure for type 1 diabetes?
  • What does Susan regret or would do differently? Why?

P.S. Looking to get a free copy of Susan Alberti’s book, The Trailblazing Story of Susan Alberti – The Footy Lady? Click here and tell us which part of Susan’s story had the most impact on you!

RBA July 2019 – Twice in a row??

75% of economists predicted another rate drop… Are they right?… or wrong?

As mentioned previously, unemployment and wage growth is a priority for the RBA and despite last month’s cut, there wasn’t a lot of movement found in these two economic indicators.

So the RBA Board has decided to drop another 25 basis points bringing the cash rate to 1%. Find out what other factors have triggered this decision including if the US-China Trade Deals has anything to do with it!

AND if you’d like more data on Ben’s commentary today, here are a few resources:

Now, let’s dive into RBA July 2019 Cash Rate Announcement!

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is general information only and is an opinion comment by Ben Kingsley. The information contained in this video is for Australian residents only. The information does not take into account the particular investment objectives or financial situation of any potential viewer. It does not constitute, and should not be relied on as, financial or investment advice or recommendations (expressed or implied) and it should not be used as an invitation to take up any investments or investment services. No investment decision or activity should be undertaken on the basis of this information without first seeking qualified and professional advice.

The Property Couch, its employees or contractors do not represent or guarantee that the information is accurate or free from errors or omissions and therefore provide no warranties or guarantees. The Property Couch disclaims any and all duty of care in relation to the information and liability for any reliance on investment decisions, claiming the use or guidance of this publication or information contained within it.

For more information, please visit: http://thepropertycouch.com.au

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