X
The Property Couch Logo

281 | Why The Easter Break Almost Ended in Disaster for Property Owners… and How it Was Avoided – Chat with Leah Calnan, President of REIV

By in Podcast, Q&A

Subscribe On Itunes Subscribe On Android

Yes, we’ve got TWO back-to-back episodes this week! ‘Cos let’s face it… there’s been A LOT that has disturbed the property industry over the week!

Case in point: Easter.

Oh, Easter. The break that had a lot of us biting our nails, not biting into chocolate eggs… and a lot of folks didn’t even KNOW it almost ended in disaster for property owners!

Thankfully, common sense prevailed – and today’s guest had a great deal to do with bringing that levelheadedness back to the table.

Joining us today is none other than Leah Calnan, President of the Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV), the peak body of real estate down here in VIC.

And she has a wealth of experience to bring to the discussion – not only has she got over 24 years’ experience in property management… and is the Director of Metro Property Management & Metro Property Sales… but also, she’s recently taken over as President of REIV (back in October last year) after being on their Board of Directors since 2014.

So, when some crazy policy was announced regarding Victoria’s COVID-19 Rent Relief Package… well, let’s just say Leah spent her Easter break fighting hard for all of us….

 

Free Resources Mentioned

 

What we cover in this episode…

  • What went down during the Easter Break (abbuur!)
  • What was outlined in the Rent Relief Package that almost ended in disaster for property owners?
  • How did Leah and REIV get the Victorian Government to change their policy?
  • How well is Victoria placed in the property market? (pre- and post- COVID-19)
  • The challenges with tenants and landlords during COVID-19
  • What are the processing applications for property managers like now?
  • Has the Job Seeker and Job Keeper payments helped keep to bring stability back to the market?
  • How much does the Victorian real estate industry contribute to the total income of the State?
  • Rent relief, reductions, evictions and deferred payments: What landlords need to know
  • What are tenants currently asking their property manager for?
  • What do tenants need to provide to show evidence of COVID-19 hardship?
  • Who is MOST vulnerable in all this?
  • The land tax levels that are being paid

 

 

And of course… Additional Helpful Resources on COVID-19

National Update: Click here

State Update:

And One Final Word…

If you’re worried about your finances or if you have no clarity on your cash flow position, we strongly recommend you to organise your finances now. It’s more important than ever to have a clear view, down to the exact cent, on how much you’re spending each month and how much surplus you’ve got. If you don’t know it, then log in to your Money SMARTS Platform here and update the numbers.

Don’t have an account yet? Create your free access below and we’ll also send you an e-copy of the instruction manual which is also our best-seller book, Make Money Simple Again. Just fill in the form below and we’ll email it to you right away.

 

 

 

280 | QLD Govt Shocker: Why the Renter Protection Package doesn’t protect everyone!… Chat with Antonia Mercorella

By in Podcast, Q&A

Subscribe On Itunes Subscribe On Android

There’s no doubt governments are “regulating on the run” with the current crisis on our hands. Coronavirus demands quick action… but, wow, the Queensland Government’s new “Renter Protection Package” is a SHOCKER.

What’s being proposed is, ahh, let’s just say, out of step with the rest of the country and, quite frankly, seems to ignore the COVID-19 stimulus package already on offer… and leaves us landlords particularly vulnerable, especially if we have a property up in the sunny state. And we CAN’T HAVE this shocking, poorly formed policy to seep across the borders and infiltrate into other states… because it would end badly.

Here to talk about these proposed amendments to the tenancy legislation (and why they’re slanted very much in favour of the tenant and can potentially damage the property industry… aka, a complete shocker!) is Antonia Mercorella, CEO of the Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ).

To give you an idea folks – REIQ is Queensland’s peak body in real estate, and Antonia, as well as being a solicitor, has over 16 years’ experience in the real estate and property sectors! And once you hear her passion and unshakable knowledge about her craft, you’ll quickly know why she’s been identified as one of the 20 most influential people in Queensland real estate!

And, of course, you’ll hear EXACTLY what the QLD Government has proposed in their new “Renter Protection Package” and why it’s a total doozy!!

 

Be Heard Before 22 April 2020 — EVERYONE MATTERS

CLICK HERE To Support REIQ BEFORE These Proposed Changes Are In (it literally takes 1 minute folks!)

 

Free Resources

 

What we Cover in Today’s Episode

 

 

And of course… Additional Helpful Resources on COVID-19

National Update: Click here

State Update:

And One Final Word…

If you’re worried about your finances or if you have no clarity on your cash flow position, we strongly recommend you to organise your finances now. It’s more important than ever to have a clear view, down to the exact cent, on how much you’re spending each month and how much surplus you’ve got. If you don’t know it, then log in to your Money SMARTS Platform here and update the numbers.

Don’t have an account yet? Create your free access below and we’ll also send you an e-copy of the instruction manual which is also our best-seller book, Make Money Simple Again. Just fill in the form below and we’ll email it to you right away.

 

 

 

UPDATE | QLD Emergency Rental Assistance Payment

By in Podcast, Q&A

Subscribe On Itunes Subscribe On Android

Just a quick update folks! There’s been some changes since we released today’s episode. The Queensland government had set up a grant program that offers an emergency rental assistance payment of up to $500 a week, for up to four weeks, for Queenslanders who cannot make rent. We thought it’s critical that we let you know about this considering it’s related to today’s episode on Landlords vs Tenants.

Hope you find it helpful and here are all the links for this update:

Don’t have access to our Platform? No worries! Just fill in the form below and we’ll create a free access for you. AND send you the instruction manual, Make Money Simple Again as well! 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

 

278 | Coronavirus: Landlords vs Tenants

By in Podcast, Q&A

Subscribe On Itunes Subscribe On Android

“Landlords vs Tenants.” Has this become the Unspoken Virus as the current pandemic escalates and more folks lose their jobs, fall into financial distress and struggle to pay rent? 

Well, to answer this question, let’s talk about the myths and misinformation out there. 

Because we want to set the record straight in order to help BOTH landlords and tenants navigate what is a difficult time for all of us. 

Because, YES, there’s a whole lot of folks out there who are doing it really tough right now… and we by no means want to understate this. We understand the severity of the situation. And we understand that there is NO “landlord vs. tenant” argument — because, realistically, there are no winners in this. 

Equally, we also know that the majority of investors only have ONE investment property and only the minority out there are super cash-flushed. Most of us are everyday Australians simply trying to self-fund…  

Put another way… investors ie. landlords also feeling the hit with job losses and reduced income like everyone else. And we want do whatever we can to assist the community, but the fact is most of us can’t afford to bear the cost of having reduced or no rental income while still needing to cover mortgage repayments, tax commitments and repairs and maintenance. Most of us aren’t in a position to shoulder the responsibility if rent stops coming in because, as we explained in last week’s episode the “6–month holiday” on your home loan, while helpful to those under duress, is merely a temporary freeze, which you will then have to make up for further down the track. 

So, in this episode, we want to share some ideas of what we think both the Federal AND State and Territory Governments need to do in order to step up and help all of us who are affected here. 

Again, WE’RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER… and it’s wise we take a look at both sides of the equation… for Landlords AND Tenants. 

So, let’s get into the nitty gritty, debunk the myths and offer some useful solutions that could be beneficial for everyone. 

 

Free Resources Mentioned 

 

What we Talk About in Today’s Episode: 

  • Why are Landlords and Tenants are in this together? 
  • Our ideas to help them BOTH 
  • Our Top Advice for Property Investors About Rent Reductions 
  • The Types of Landlords 
  • What’s NEW and What’s NOT New with tenancy hardship agreements? 
  • Misinformation about Landlords 
  • What monetary relief is available for tenants right now? 
  • “Job Keeper” vs. “Job Seeker” Payments 
  • What happens to an investor’s Landlord Protection Policy if you drop your rent? 
  • How long will your Landlord Protection Policy cover you for? 
  • What do you need to show to claim tenancy hardship? 
  • Rental relief package for landlords… 
  • What is Centrepay, and who is eligible for it? 
  • Ideas around tax depreciation that could help during the COVID-19 crisis 
  • How are property managers helping tenants during financial hardship? 
  • What are the ramifications for landlords? 
  • What should you do if you don’t have a tax depreciation schedule? 
  • Claiming tax refund early 
  • What would we like to see at a Federal Level? 
  • What would we like to see at a state and territory level? 
  • What is PICA doing to help Landlords during the time of COVID-19? 
  • Is there an option to switching to interest only? 
  • What’s stopping people from switching p and I to IO? 
  • Are we going to see volatility come through the property market? 
  • Realistically, will there be a DROP in median property prices? 

 

And of course… Additional Helpful Resources on COVID-19

National Update: Click here

State Update:

And One Final Word…

If you’re worried about your finances or if you have no clarity on your cash flow position, we strongly recommend you to organise your finances now. It’s more important than ever to have a clear view, down to the exact cent, on how much you’re spending each month and how much surplus you’ve got. If you don’t know it, then log in to your Money SMARTS Platform here and update the numbers.

Don’t have an account yet? Create your free access below and we’ll also send you an e-copy of the instruction manual which is also our best-seller book, Make Money Simple Again. Just fill in the form below and we’ll email it to you right away.

 

 

 

260 | Q&A: Picking The Right Investment Strategy and Beware: Proposed Changes to QLD Residential Tenancy Act

By in Podcast, Q&A

Subscribe On Itunes Subscribe On Android

How do you know if you’re following the right investment strategy? Like… how long are you meant to wait until you buy the next property? And how much should you look at spending? OR what about all the variables in the mix — say, you or your partner is about to take maternity leave, or your overall aim is to leave a decent inheritance for the kids? And where do cashflow-positive properties fit in to all this? (And what even are they??)

We get it folks… there’s A LOT to consider when it comes to picking and following the right investment strategy!! Let alone adding on top of that trying to factor in future costs, changes to income, individual needs and capital gains on each property!

So, in this special Q&A on property investment strategies, we’re going to answer a handful of our listeners’ very own questions that dive into the common dilemmas and unique situations folks are facing!

Plus, given the recent news, we’re going to touch on the proposed changes to Queensland’s Residential Tenancy Act as well!! Learn more about the ‘Opening the Doors to Renting’ Reform here.

 

Oh, and not to mention we have a very, very special gift for you…

(which we hope will even the par on the “Black Friday” discounts happening all over the globe, which let’s be honest, aren’t exactly designed to make your money work HARDER for you!)

 

FREE BOOK!! (yes, it’s a physical copy!) – The Armchair Guide to Property Investing – How to retire on $2,000 a week

www.TheArmchairGuide.com.au

 

Yes, really. We’ve got a stack of books ready to go in the office — and until we run out, we’re GIVING THEM AWAY! Here’s our crazy deal…. We pay for the book. You pay for the shipping.

CLICK HERE to Get Your FREE COPY of The Armchair Guide to Property Investing (just pay shipping, and it’s all yours, provided we have enough left!)

 

The Black Friday Announcements:

 

 

Today’s Questions

Question from Brad

Hi guys, awesome podcast! Very informative. My wife and myself are in a bit of  a unique position, we currently have a house on the family farm we pay minimal rent for. We recently bought our first home, which we are living in due to the First Home Buyers scheme, and will turn into our investment in February; my question is how long until we buy our next property? How much should we look at spending? How do you set up the next investment, as in interest only or principle and interest?

 

Question from Stephen

Hi. Just in relation to The Property Couch Facebook Page I was just wondering what makes a cash flow property if you could explain. Thanks all. Totally addicted to the podcast.

 

Question from Scott

G’Day property gurus, LOVE your work. For the case that we are holding multiple investment grade properties, have a strong cash buffer, and they are cashflow positive but not enough to fully live off. Is a hold strategy and living off the capital growth a possible retirement strategy? Of course, it’s important that they are growing at a faster rate than our living expenses, but can this strategy work long term in retirement?

The big pro for me is that it maximises the value of the inheritance which we’ll leave the kids. What are the watch outs for this strategy? Keep up the great work, and Go Pies. Scott

 

Question from Sara

Hi Bryce and Ben, thank you for your fantastic informative podcast. I listen to it a few times a week and am learning so much. I am a 36 year old woman and have a question regarding buying an investment property now, or family home in 3-4 years. I have $115K saved for a deposit. I am currently on maternity leave with my first baby and will return to work 3 days per week from March 2020 earning around $66K pa total (not pro-rata). I anticipate that I’ll stay at 3-4 days per week ($66-88K pa total) until we hopefully fall pregnant with a second baby in 2021. All of this means I will have part-time and maternity leave income until around 2023 when I’ll likely return to full-time work (earning around $115K pa).

I have wanted to get into the property market for ages but wanted to wait until I met a partner so we could consolidate our savings and buy a family home (and this only happened in the last 2 years). As it turns out my partner works freelance and has not been able to make enough to save for a deposit, so the responsibility for that is with me at the moment. We obviously hope that his earning capacity will improve. At the moment he makes ends meet with around 30K pa.

We currently rent in the inner city but would like to buy a family home in a regional area with a commutable distance to the city, as it is more affordable (median house price $650K), and offers a better quality of life for our family. With my work commitments we don’t see ourselves moving out of the city until after we have baby number 2 (so in 2-3 years).

My question is this: given that we don’t plan to move out of the city for 2-3 years should we keep saving during that time and then buy our family home in the regional area, or should we consider buying a 2 bd unit in the area we currently live (at around $500K) initially to live in (to save on stamp duty) and then as an investment property? I feel anxious about waiting another 3 years to get into the market as prices will continue to increase (albeit at a slower pace in the regional area), and at 36 years of age I am already leaving it very late to start out.  Additionally, if we were to buy a unit in the city, would we be able to use that as equity in buying a family home in 3 years’ time? Or would that mean we couldn’t get another loan? I know that our borrowing power will not be strong with me only working part-time and my partner’s low income.

I know you can’t give specific financial advice, but I thought this must be a common dilemma with the restrictions of maternity leave income bumping up against the pressures and timing of getting a foot on the property ladder. Thanks in advance for any insights you can offer,  Sara

Ps. Are you able to let me know when/if you answer my question? I’d hate to miss it.

 

 

 

Instagram

Free Resources

What to be notified when there are
new updates & free resources?

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

© The Property Couch. All Rights Reserved | Terms & Conditions | Privacy | Who Designed This Website?

×

MONEY SMARTS SYSTEM

  • The Best Money Management System Ever!
  • Worrying About Money is a Thing of the Past
  • Don’t “Unconsciously” Overspend Ever Again

Plus We Will Also Notify You When We Release New Episodes

We Only Send You Awesome Stuff

×

SUGGEST A GUEST!

We Only Send You Awesome Stuff

×