Can’t believe it has been 11 weeks since our last Q&A! We’ve got quite a line-up of great guests on the show for the past couple of months so for today’s podcast, we will be doing a Q&A instead. Thanks for sending in your question and Bryce and Ben will be answering questions from:

 

• Bernard on Borderless Investing: I love your show; it’s really given me a different perspective from some other property educators, and it’s one of these differences which gives rise to the following issue. You speak a lot about being a borderless investor and buying quality assets in those locations where the market is in the right stage of the cycle. At the moment, this might mean Brisbane or Hobart or Adelaide or wherever. That’s all good. You are also clear that Sydney and Melbourne are the places which will grow most long term. That’s all good too. If I’m only going to buy 4-5 properties to secure my retirement though, as you advocate in your book, I certainly want to be buying the best long-term performers that I can. I know that done well, I can make good money doing this in smaller markets, but long term I wouldn’t expect to do as well as in the larger metropolises.

If I was buying ten houses, I could carry some weaker assets, but with four it’s obviously vital to get them right. How would you advise someone who already owned a couple of (hopefully!) well-selected properties in Brisbane or Adelaide or wherever who was able to re-invest? Should they hold off, build up a bit of equity and increase their cash buffer before looking at Sydney or Melbourne when the heat has come off there? Or would you suggest buying again and taking the risk that they will never get into the larger markets?

• Alisdair on Loan Redraw Facilities: Can we have a finance expert tax expert come on the podcast? I have a loan where I have paid in extra to the redraw, not offset. I had a strategy to break the loan and refix for a few reasons. The rate is significantly lower. I’m hoping I can claim the break fees as a cost, reducing their effect. Also I want to pay my interest out of the redraw. Can this be done? I feel the break fees are permitted, but the part where I pay interest from the redraw seems an impossible dream due to a mixed purpose loan affect and that the ATO considers it tax avoidance. Any guidance in this matter?

• Lakhwinder on Location Research: I have been listening to your podcasts while driving, thank you so much for such a priceless info you share with us. I recently started my property investment journey bought new house in Western Sydney to get government benefits and bought two investment properties in Loganlea after rezoning, after listening to your podcasts I realised I didn’t apply most of the filters you guys talked about. Both my properties are over the median price of suburb. Both are over 6% yield so not that painful to hold.

First investment property 3bed 2 bath 2 living areas 800msq with pool for $400k. Second 4beds 2baths 800msqr $380k. Westen Sydney property (owner occupier)did great, bought in end of 2014

By June 2016 property revalued at $150k more without landscaping done.I know you guys talked about Brisbane few times but it will be great to listen what you think about logan area and recent rezoning of Loganlea. Questions:- is it ok pay higher price for the properties (houses)that fall within the high-medium density or residential core for a future land bank?

• Clayton on buying off the plan properties: Hi, I would LOVE to get your opinion on buying off the plan properties and what to look out for. This course of action has been put forward by a mortgage broker/real estate developer in Brisbane who will benefit from both the commission on the mortgage and the property itself (they have openly disclosed this). The property will be an investment and NOT my PPR. Love the show and keep up the good work.

 

If you like this Q&A episode (Borderless Investing, Loan Redraw, Suburb Demographic and more), don’t forget to rate us on our iTunes channel (The Property Couch Podcast) and our Facebook page. Any questions or ideas? Feel free to drop us your thoughts here: http://tpcaustralia.wpengine.com/topics/