After two weeks of Donald Trump-related episode, we think it’s time to get back to our listeners and answer some questions! But before that, Bryce and Ben kickstarted today’s episode with a quick update on interest rates and which directions we might be heading to in the next few months. And for today’s episode, they will be answering questions from:

• Cody on First home buyers – I recently listened to episode 87. Listening to the content of first home buyers not being able to get into the market unless prices fell 30%. What is your moral standing on this? Are you okay with our kids getting locked out? Do you consider yourselves and like-minded people responsible for aiding in driving competition and prices? Do you think there should be any assistant to our kids from a government policy standpoint to own their homes? Look forward to hearing your thoughts.
• Tom on Overseas Investing – Hi guys, just listened to the latest podcast…thanks for the shout out to London, where I have just moved to from Australia. I have 2 IPs in Inner West Sydney and thinking I will be sitting on them to let them grow for a few years until I get back…London property is just ridiculously unaffordable! Would be interested in your thoughts on investing in overseas properties in countries such as NZ or the UK, from Australia, or vice versa and the process involved to purchase and manage. Enjoy what you guys are doing, and I think it’s the best podcast on IP in Australia. Thanks, Tom.
• Steve on Overseas Investing – Hi Guys, loving the podcast. In footy terms, you’re both ‘up and about.’ Question for Podcast: Investing in Property Overseas. You talk of ‘borderless investing‘, but that’s only Australia. Is it a bit un-diversified to put all one’s eggs in the ‘Australian Property Market’, just like a Pommy would be putting all of theirs in the UK market, or a Yankee putting them all in the U.S of A? You guys have read Kiyosaki, you must have dreamed of following the world’s market cycles like a real ‘world’ investor. My question is ‘Where can Aussies buy overseas?’ I know an Aussie buyers agent buying in the US for clients at the moment, and you hear of the Chinese buying here. Why aren’t we buying China? Thanks, Boys!
• Brett on Setting up an Offset Account – Hi guys, love the podcast, after meeting with a very respected investment mortgage broker, they suggested switching my PPR loan to interest only to help build savings for an investment deposit in an offset account. I couldn’t work out why this would be better than putting my money into the PPR loan to increase equity then drawing it out when there is enough. The money I draw out would be tax deductible on the interest, whereas the money I save in an offset, if I draw this out for an investment, this would keep my PPR loan higher and thus not tax deductible on the interest. Can you guys please discuss this as I am starting to lose respect for this particular broker. Thanks.
• Nicole on Canberra as the next Investment Spot – Hi guys. Love the show particularly being a Victorian, I love the sports chat at the start 🙂 However, I am now in Canberra and would love it if you could incorporate a bit more of our ‘different’ city into your commentary. It does not fit the usual capital city, but it is nonetheless. Also, can you tell me where you got Bernard Salt’s population predictions? I would love to see them in more detail. Many thanks and I look forward to the next show.
• Question 6 from Kieran on whether it’s ever too late to invest – Hi guys, I’m loving the wealth of knowledge you guys put out each week. As a 31-year-old who never really considered what I could be doing now to build for their future it is inspiring to see how accumulative action over time can have such a great impact and how accessible it is to anyone with the right knowledge, advisors and drive to succeed.

My wife and I recently met with your team at Empower Wealth and are now on savings track to secure our first investment property. Bring on the Rentvesting! My question, however, is related to my parent’s situation. I am wondering if it is every too late to help fund your retirement?

My parents are 63 and while they have worked hard all their life, they’ve had a couple of investments turn bad which has them worried about how they will fund their retirement. They currently pay P+I monthly with approx $220k left to pay off on a property valued at approx $550K. As I understand it, they have calculated that if they work for another 5 years they will be able to pay off the balance of their PPR using the superannuation they have accumulated. That will leave them with the house owned outright but only the pension to live on.

I am sure there any many approaching retirements and facing the prospect of having to keep working longer than they hoped or unsure what kind of lifestyle they will have when the do retire. What options are there for someone in their position when it becomes harder to get approved for a mortgage due to their age? Is it ever too late to get involved in property investing to create a passive income?

NOTE: Here’s the video that Bryce mentioned in the podcast > Investing in A Granny Flat

 

If you like this Q&A episode (Affordability for First Home Buyers, Overseas Investment, Is it ever too Late to Invest 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: https://thepropertycouch.com.au/topics/