It’s Question and Answer Time! This week, Bryce and Ben look at the questions below. Thanks again for submitting your questions!

• Question on Growth and Yield from Steve: Growth and yield are like a seesaw. As one goes up, the other goes down. Where I wonder is that sweet spot? Where both balance nicely and their feet dangle without touching the ground? For example, the best growth may be on Sydney Harbour with a view, but you may be negative $1,000 a week. So you go one suburb back, negative $800 a week. So you go one more back, negative $600 a week. At some point you must hit a spot where you say, that’s the best growth I can afford. How do you decide that sweet spot? Is it different for all investors? Even if James Packer said to you, “Get me the best growth you can, income is not a problem” would there still be a point where you think, “Geez, even if we buy him a house on the harbour, the growth still won’t cover that massive shortfall over time.” Great show, keep it up. You are both a shining light in a dodgy, unregulated shark-filled industry. After all, my experience with people who talk very confidently but don’t know what they’re doing, (the enthusiastic amateur you effectively call them) I came up with my own saying, “Confidence does not equal competence“. Unfortunately, all you need is a little doubt in your own abilities and you default to the more confident person, who you may well know more than.

• Question on Metro or Regional from James: I am looking to invest in my second property with my partner, we live in a rural area (Albury Wodonga) and have around $100,000 in equity in our current owner occupied dwelling and good incomes with a maximum borrowing capacity of around $700-$800k. Do you suggest trying to break into a Metro market (i.e. Melbourne) with a property in an investment grade suburb, which will in turn max out our borrowing capacity, or alternatively buy 1-2 properties in a major rural city?

• Question on Forecasting Capital Growth from Kayne: Just have one question in regards to forecasting capital growth. I know you are conservative with your vacancy and interest rate assumptions (7.5% & 10% respectively) in your models. Are you also conservative in your CG assumptions (e.g. if historical growth was ‘x’ would you round down a percent or two, or keep it the same?) if you’ve covered this and I’ve missed it sorry for the double up; if not I look forward to your answer.

• Question on Active Investing from Brian: Hi guys, love the podcast immensely! If possible could you discuss views on being able to be an active investor to essentially create an income while still passively investing through leverage? Is this a possible scenario or what would someone need to look into to be able to do something similar? I’m a tradesman so majority of the work I could do myself. Thanks very much!

Some of the resources mentioned in this episode:

• Report from CoreLogic: A profile of the Australian Investor – Who, Where and What?
• Episode 37 | Understanding the Scarcity Factor in Property Investment – Listen here
• Case Demonstration: 4% Growth and 6% Yield vs. 6% Growth and 4% Yield – Watch here
• Episode 51 | Will Labor’s proposed changes to Negative Gearing policy be good or bad for ordinary Australians? – Listen here

If you liked this Q&A episode, 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/