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Recently, ABC’s podcast The Money ran a very poignant episode on the financial risks of unregulated property investment advice (which we highly recommend you check out – details below folks)… which revealed the pitfalls of buying Off The Plan properties and getting snagged on the end of “one-stop-shop” spruiker seminars.
As well as interviewing two unlucky folks who learnt about investing in Off The Plan in the worst way possible, the episode also features a property ”sales person” … and the look from the other side… is… well… let’s just say we’ve got something to say about it!
‘Cos as you know folks, we hold a VERY strong view on these types of investments — and we’ve been very vocal about this since we first started croaking out this podcast — so why then … would we have an “an exception to the rule”???
Well… that’s where today’s episode comes in! ‘cos if you’re going to go there….. (and many of you STILL write to us about investing in Off the Plan properties AND House and Land packages.… then we want to make sure you stay FULLY informed.
AND we’re also going through a Q&A on this tackle this exact topic, so you might get the answer you happen to be pondering right now!
Other Free Resources Mentioned In This Episode
The Questions…
Question from Brittany
Hey guys! Absolutely love your podcast. Wanted to share something I found. The offer is – buy an off the plan apartment, and get a free Mazda 2. Reeks of a buyer beware scam! Is this even legal? I have never seen anything quite like it and had to share it with you guys.
Question from Alana
I have been listening to your podcast, I have invested in a house and land package in Tarniet, I will be owner occupier . I will be investing with a friend, therefore half the debt will be mine we will be investing around 450,000 total. There are proposed schools next door and a shopping mall and train station going in. Everything in your podcast leads to don’t buy a house and land package… have I stuffed this up already?
Question from Juan — Is It ALWAYS A No To Buy Off The Plan?
Hi guys, First of all – thanks for your great material! It’s great, ‘specially for someone like me who is new to Australia, understanding the way everything works here is gold. I have heard most of your podcasts and also done some research online and I wanted to ask a question around Off-the-plan investments that I still can’t understand. Everywhere people say it’s a big NO-NO. I understand the risks involved (delays, not seeing the finished product beforehand etc) but my wife and I have found an OTP property in a suburb we like (Bentleigh, within the Mckinnon School zone) and we think it’s a good place to live. The developer has done at least 3 different developments in the area all of which we like the finishes and have built it in perfect timing. I wanted to ask why would this be considered a really poor investment? Are OTP properties definitely a NO? I understand the case of Docklands and closer to the city suburbs where you had thousands of developments which made the price go down but in Bentleigh I don’t think this is the case. I have subscribed to locationscore.com.au and the score is relatively well considering that I will live in this property and it’s within my budget. I just wanted to get a sense of your thoughts around this as I am a true follower of your words of wisdom. Hopefully you have some words for me. Thanks in advance and keep up the excellent work of empowering people like me with information. Juan
Question from Phoebe
Hi Property Couch,
I have a question for you. My partner and I recently signed a contract for a 2 bedroom 2 bathroom apartment in Camp Hill, Brisbane. It is a brand new apartment building (small block – only 7 apartments). We plan on living in the apartment (for now but would like to rent it in the future – roughly 3-5 years time). The developer originally wanted $569k, dropped it down to $539k and we signed a contract for $529K. When applying for a home loan, the property was valued at the property $29,000 less than the purchase price. Their report considered market direction, volatility and segment conditions to be of medium to high risk. This is very concerning for us as first home buyers. We don’t know whether the banks are just being overly cautious. What are your thoughts on this? I know you mentioned in your very first podcast, if you are buying new, you are most likely paying too much. We think the apartment is really good quality and ticks a lot of our boxes. Help! Thanks for your time.
