It’s Q&A time again! This week on The Property Couch, Bryce Holdaway and Ben Kingsley will be answering the questions below from our fellow listeners. Thanks again for submitting your questions!

• Next step to building a portfolio question from Derrick: I was listening to your “tips for FHO’s” episode where you advised a gentleman to think about getting a one bedder in a desirable suburb (like Bondi) as his first place. Coincidentally I pretty much did that 4.5 years ago…buying a 1 bedroom unit in Woollahra. So you could say that I am that guy four years later! The only difference is that my apartment wasn’t part of an investment strategy at the time, I just liked the apartment! I am at the stage now that I want to get into property investing but at the same time I’m conscious about finding my second place of residence for my wife and I in about three years…preferably living in a similar area. So I’m trying to tackle two thoughts at once: how do I invest in my long term future while figuring out how to afford my next home? What should someone like myself be thinking? Should I be looking to invest and build more equity for our second place? Should I sit on our current property and save, while looking to use my current place of residency as a future investment property? Or is there another route? Thanks for your advice and thanks again for the show!

• Size of portfolio question from Jason: Started to listen to podcast recently and love it keep up the good work. I just wanted your guys opinion on the ability to build large portfolios now in this current lending environment. I have heard you guys mention that you only need 4 to 5 properties to have a passive income and live into retirement but what if you want to have larger portfolio say of 10 or 20 properties is this achievable for people on average incomes like previously? Or has the APRA changes stopped this from occurring in the future?

• Question on leverage from James: I’m 27 and looking to make a good go at property investing. I have recently sold my first investment property and now have a lot of capital from the sale. My investment now is a new property being finished in 12 months . My question is after selling down the 1st investment property, am I better off paying for the new one in full (using the rental income to service another investment property afterwards), or should I purchase a few more properties while i have a large sum off money and spreading the cash around to gain more houses for a larger passive income later down the line. Bearing in mind my age and goals. Thanks guys! and keep up the great work.

• IP or PPOR question from Karla: Hey guys. I love the podcast and the sign offs too Ben! My question is, if you are renting and have the ability to purchase a property. Is it better to buy an investment property or a principle place of residence (IP or PPOR) first? Which would set you up better for the next step? It feels like a bit of “chicken or the egg”. I’d love to know hour thoughts! Keep up the good work and I can’t wait for footy season to hear your commentary!

• Case study question from Deanna:  I am 22 yrs old and am convinced of the benefits of property as along term wealth building strategy, for now I am trying to develop as much understanding as I can. My questions are as follows:
  • Do you recommend that the first property that someone buys is for PPOR or can it sometimes be an IP? For example this may be relevant for young people currently living in Sydney who are renting but would also looking to be a border-less investor. In what/ if any scenarios do you think this could be a smart plan?
  • What is your opinion of young people utilising the first home buyers grant. I understand that in majority of discussion that you advocate for established buildings rather than new dwellings, however when I read a case study you wrote for Money magazine the 20 something year old strategy included using the first home buyers grant for their first property (PPR).
  • This is a broad question and may potentially be outside you scope of practice but I was wondering what your opinion was in diversifying wealth building strategies. For example do you observe in your successful clients that they are involved in property investment only or do they often also include other investments such as a share portfolio to their strategy.

References:

• Money magazine – Special Real Estate Edition – Buy here
• ABC News article: Who uses negative gearing in Australia? – Read here
• RP Data: Weekly rents have continued to fall over the past year – Read here
• 2GB Ross Greenwood chat with Roger Montgomery – Listen here
• Qantas in-flight radio: Alan Kohler chat with Bryce Holdaway – Listen Here

If you like this Q&A episode (Exiting a contract, crowdfunding, what’s the impact of global events on Australia Property Market and more), don’t forget to rate us at 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/