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March property market update (2024)

March property market update (2024)

The housing shortage crisis continues to cause concern with vacancy rates decreasing to 1.0% in February and rental prices continuing to rise in many cities. Vacancy rates Decreasing vacancy rates in February demonstrates that the housing shortage crisis is continuing to impact renters across t...

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February property market update (2024)

February property market update (2024)

Vacancy rates decreased sharply in January to 1.1%, rental asking prices continued to rise and February saw a surge in new listing activity. Vacancy rates The residential vacancy rates decreased sharply from 1.3% in December to 1.1% in January, with the total number of vacancies decreasing to 3...

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January property market update (2024)

January property market update (2024)

Residential vacancy rates rose slightly in December, with seasonal patterns affecting most areas; rental values increased overall despite more properties entering the market, and property listings dropped in January with a strong start to the auction season expected to boost February's housing ac...

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December property market update (2023)

December property market update (2023)

The national residential rental vacancy rate experienced a seasonal stabilisation in November with a marginal increase to 1.1%, while asking prices continue to increase for both houses and units nationwide. Vacancy rates The national residential rental vacancy rate stabilised in November with a...

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What electrical issues are URGENT?

What electrical issues are URGENT?

Is it after hours, the weekend or during a holiday period and you're having electrical issues? Read on to find out more about how to identify what constitutes an urgent electrical callout, along with some handy tips from the amazing team at Well Connected Electrical Services... Urgent: 🆘 No powe...

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November property market update (2023)

November property market update (2023)

National residential rental vacancy rates continue to fall, with October experiencing a 1.0% vacancy, tightening the rental crisis across most capital cities and regional areas. Over the past 30 days, national rental values increased by a combined 1.6%, while combined capital city and national sa...

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October property market update (2023)

October property market update (2023)

National rental vacancy rates fell for a second consecutive month to 1.1% in September and weekly asking prices rose by 2.6% for houses and decreased -1.7% for units. New listings increased by 2.7% nationally and national asking prices increased by 1.3% for houses and 0.7% for units. Vacancy rat...

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How to secure a rental property

How to secure a rental property

In a tough rental market, you need to stand out from the crowd. Often, we receive multiple applications for a property, and they are all very similar. So, here's my top tips ✅ When you first start looking, ask your agent for a copy of your current rental ledger (if that's applicable to you).✅ Ph...

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September property market update (2023)

September property market update (2023)

National rental vacancy rates fell to 1.2% in August, putting more pressure on the rental housing market in Australia. A significant increase in listings for sale in September, alongside an increase in asking prices marks the strongest September recorded since 2018. Vacancy rates National renta...

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August property market update (2023)

August property market update (2023)

National rental vacancy rates remained steady at 1.3% in July, national rental asking prices increased by 1.9% for houses and 1.4% for units. National total property listings for sale rose in the last 30 days by 2%. Vacancy rates National rental vacancy rates remained steady at 1.3% in July whi...

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July property market update (2023)

July property market update (2023)

Rental vacancy rates experienced a sharp increase to 1.6% in June from 1.2% in May. Across the past 30 days to 4 August 2023 national rental asking prices remained steady, and property prices increased by 1.4%. The number of listings decreased by 4.4% significantly more than the historical season...

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June property market update (2023)

June property market update (2023)

Vacancy rates remain steady at 1.2%, National rental asking prices increase marginally by 0.45% over the past 30 days, and property prices decrease by 2%. Vacancy rates The number of vacant properties increased by 122 properties nationally from 36,785 in April to 36,907 in May, with the vacancy...

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May property market update (2023)

May property market update (2023)

SQM Research has revealed national residential property rental vacancy rates continued to rise to 1.2% in April 2023, marking the third consecutive monthly rise. Across the past 30 days, national asking rents increased by 0.2%, and national vendor asking prices recorded a second consecutive month...

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April property market update (2023)

April property market update (2023)

The national residential vacancy rate rose slightly to 1.1% in March from 1.0% recorded in February. Across the capital cities, there has been an increase in vacancies in Brisbane, Perth, and Hobart, while Sydney and Melbourne remained steady. Asking rents have risen across most regional and capi...

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March property market update (2023)

March property market update (2023)

SQM Research reported that the nationwide residential rental vacancy rate remained unchanged in February at 1.0% while the number of rental vacancies in Australia slightly increased by 448 dwellings. Over the past 30 days, national asking rents have remained steady with a 0% rise for houses and d...

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February property market update (2023)

February property market update (2023)

The national vacancy rate decreased in January, back to 1.0% after the seasonal rise recorded in December. Overall capital city rents rose by 2.4%, with Melbourne experiencing the highest increase at 2.7%, while Hobart and Canberra decreased by 2.9% and 1.3% respectively. Vacancy rates SQM Rese...

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Rent Bidding Q&A

Rent Bidding Q&A

REINSW recently sought guidance from NSW Fair Trading in relation to the queries we've received from agents about different rent bidding scenarios. Read on to find out Fair Trading's responses to our members' questions below. Q: The Property and Stock Agents Amendment (Solicited Rent Bidding) Re...

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January property market update (2023)

January property market update (2023)

The national vacancy rate increased to 1.3% in December, which has been attributed to seasonal factors by SQM Research, with a warning still in place for extremely tight rental market conditions in January and February. National weekly asking prices have increased by 1.1% over the past 30 days (1...

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The ultimate glossary of Real Estate terms and abbreviations

The ultimate glossary of Real Estate terms and abbreviations

Looking for real estate terms, abbreviations and jargon? Here’s the ultimate glossary of real estate terms and abbreviations updated in 2023 from the Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA), Property Council of Australia, Australian Property Institute, realestate.com.au and more. How to...

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December property market update (2022)

December property market update (2022)

The national vacancy rate in November remained unchanged at 1%. While the CBD Market has returned to more normal levels of occupancy and an easing in some regional areas has been seen, nationally weekly asking rents continued to increase over the past month at 1.6% for houses and 2.3% for units. ...

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November property market update

November property market update

Continuing recent trends, the most recent data has demonstrated an overall rise in asking rents and a decrease in vacancy rates — further tightening the market. SQM Research predicts that the rental market strain may not ease until late 2023 at the earliest. Vacancy rates With an update t...

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The bonds that tie (tenants to landlords)...

The bonds that tie (tenants to landlords)...

The name’s Bond. Rental Bond. And just like 007, there can be a bit of mystery surrounding these bonds. Just whose money is it? Who can access it? Under what circumstances? They’re a source of confusion for landlords and tenants alike, so here’s a rundown on what you need to kno...

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October property market update

October property market update

Australia is currently experiencing the lowest vacancy rate we have witnessed since 2006, remaining steady at 0.9%. With the rental market remaining exceptionally tight, the past month saw another increase in asking rents. Additionally, the increased cash rate suggests inflation will peak at a fa...

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September property market update

September property market update

The national residential vacancy rate has fallen to the lowest rate since 2006, sitting at 0.9%. Over the past month to the 4th of October, weekly asking rents have increased by 1% for houses and 1.1% for units. Compared to the same time last year, Sydney home asking prices have decreased by 0.8%...

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What is a Utility Connection Company?

What is a Utility Connection Company?

To help you move into your new home, Frontdoor has partnered with MyConnect to assist you with your utility connections. The article below from MyConnect explains more… There’s plenty to worry about when moving into a new home, but one that can easily be ticked off is ensuring the l...

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August property market update

August property market update

The national residential property rental vacancy rates remained unchanged over the month at 1%. Over the month to 6 September 2022, asking prices across Australia rose by 0.3% for houses and remained unchanged for units. The RBA has raised the cash rate by 0.5% for the fourth month in a row bring...

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July property market update

July property market update

The latest research reveals that distressed listings continued to increase across Australia. Additionally, vacancy rates have remained steady over the past month, with experts indicating that the rental market remains in favour of landlords. Vacancy rate The most recently available vacancy rate...

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Home and contents vs landlord insurance

Home and contents vs landlord insurance

In this article, EBM, a company that specialises in landlord insurance, explains the difference in insurance policies: Some landlords mistakenly think that standard home and contents insurance is the right choice for their investment property. That could prove costly if they need to make a claim...

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June property market update

June property market update

The latest research reveals vacancy rights are tightening even further across Australia. Experts suggest this will lead to significant ramifications for headline inflation. Additionally, rental prices continue to grow across most cities, while house prices are beginning to decline slightly compar...

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Tax time tips for landlords

Tax time tips for landlords

How quickly does a year pass? It’s tax time again; for many property investors, some of the costs of owning a rental can be claimed as a tax deduction. In the lead-up to the end of the financial year, the ATO lets taxpayers know their key priorities when assessing returns. This year, the A...

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Looks like a cold, cold winter: weather-proof your rental

Looks like a cold, cold winter: weather-proof your rental

Wet and windy weather has wreaked havoc on rental properties. Ahead of more bad weather, ensure your investment property is prepared with these maintenance tips... Winter should be all about cozying up on the couch with a mug of something hot – but all too often, landlords and their agents...

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May property market update

May property market update

The latest research reveals the national residential property rental vacancy rates increased to 1.1% in April 2022, up from 1% in March. Across Australia’s regional areas, vacancy rates remained tight with the average rate sitting well below 1%. The RBA is expected to raise interest rates f...

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Tax time – review your landlord insurance

Tax time – review your landlord insurance

EOFY is approaching! While you’re preparing your paperwork it’s the perfect time to take stock and consider what financial arrangements will serve you best in the year ahead. That includes your landlord insurance cover. This financial year, around 20 percent of taxpayers (around 2.2 ...

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Tips for choosing a Property Manager

Tips for choosing a Property Manager

Self-managing your investment property might seem simple but there is a lot more involved than just collecting the rent. Three-quarters of all landlords opt to have a professional manage their rental. What are the benefits and how do you choose the best PM? Unpaid rent… absconding tenants...

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How old do you need to be to sign a lease?

How old do you need to be to sign a lease?

How old do you need to be to sign a lease? While the majority of renters across Australia are over 18, there are situations where people under 18 want to rent a property. How old does a person need to be to sign a lease? Do the rules differ depending on the state? In Australia, it’s ill...

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April property market update

April property market update

Vacancy rates have continued to drop, reaching their lowest point since 2006. Compared to the same time last year, vacancies have halved. Accordingly, rental values continue to rise Australia-wide for both homes and units. Additionally, for the first time in over 11 years, the RBA has made the de...

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March property market update

March property market update

A national rental crisis is emerging as vacancy rates drop to a new 16-year low. It is predicted vacancy rates will likely drop again over the coming months. Additionally, capital city rents will likely rise by over 10% in 2022. Currently, rental rises present the biggest increase since the 1970s...

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Townhouse, house or apartment: which is a better investment?

Townhouse, house or apartment: which is a better investment?

Homeownership is changing in Australia, with many buyers moving away from the traditional house instead of becoming open to purchasing dwellings of different shapes and sizes. Depending on what you are looking for in a home, one of these types of properties may be more suitable than the traditio...

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February property market update

February property market update

Over the past month, rental vacancy rates hit a 16-year low of 1.3% while rents in capital cities rose by 7.5%. National asking rents grew by 0.7% for homes to $560 per week, and 1.9% for units, reaching $424 a week. Asking prices Australia-wide grew by 1.8% for homes and 3.6% for units. Vacancy...

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Rooms to renovate

Rooms to renovate

There are certain rooms in a home that, when in pristine condition, will maximise your rental returns. If your budget doesn't allow for a more extensive renovation, we highly recommend keeping the carpet and paint looking great. It's quick and relatively inexpensive when you take into account the...

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The basics of body corporate fees in strata properties

The basics of body corporate fees in strata properties

Body corporate fees - also called owner's corporation fees or levies – are vital for ensuring strata properties run smoothly. While the fees can seem like a burden, having adequate funds available for the upkeep of common areas and more significant maintenance and repairs means the propert...

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Using tenancy databases to help secure quality tenants

Using tenancy databases to help secure quality tenants

There is a range of tools and resources available to landlords to help you find quality tenants. Tenant databases can be a helpful resource to check and determine if prospective tenants have any "black marks" against their names. Read on to see the process and what database we at Frontdoor, find ...

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Pets in investment properties

Pets in investment properties

The idea of allowing pets at your rental property may send a shiver up your spine. What if a pet damages the property? What if a noisy dog upsets the neighbours? There is a lot to consider, and it may seem easier to decide no pets are allowed. However, with more and more people owning pets today...

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How to renovate an investment property

How to renovate an investment property

There are a few things you need to consider when renovating an investment. Creating a budget to pick the best fixtures and fittings and getting the administration and project management right is vital. Below, we outline some of the primary considerations. Make a project list Make a list of all ...

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How to proactively protect your property from termites

How to proactively protect your property from termites

If any of your investment properties are at risk of termite infestation, then it's time to be proactive. The best way to prevent termites is by first understanding what attracts these pests in the first place. Here, we share some of the things you should do to protect your property so it's kept t...

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Top tips for tax

Top tips for tax

It's almost the end of another financial year, and that means tax time. In this article, we outline a few things to get organised. Double-check and declare all income. If you've had more than one lease throughout the financial year, or you've used your property for a short-term rental, you may ...

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Negative, neutral, positive gearing: Which is best?

Negative, neutral, positive gearing: Which is best?

Tax law in Australia is inherently complex. As an ever-evolving beast, a change in one area of tax law has implications across many other areas, especially regarding people's finances and investing. Negative gearing is one of these areas, and it's been a hot topic in recent years. Deciding whethe...

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How to find the right property manager

How to find the right property manager

An essential factor in maintaining a profitable investment property portfolio is engaging a good property manager. While it might be tempting to manage everything yourself, a property manager not only knows the ins and outs of the market, but they have systems and processes to make sure everythin...

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Should you stage your rental property?

Should you stage your rental property?

Ensuring your property listing looks attractive to prospective tenants is a vital part of leasing your property quickly. While it may seem like an extra expense, having your property staged is a great way to help prospective tenants feel at home as soon as they look at your property. In this arti...

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Who pays for water usage?

Who pays for water usage?

Who pays for water usage can be confusing for both property owners and tenants. For a landlord to be able to pass on water usage charges to the tenant, the residential property must be separately metered, meet the water efficiency measures, and the charges must not exceed the amount payable by t...

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Top 10 mistakes of new landlords

Top 10 mistakes of new landlords

Being a landlord for the first time can be a daunting experience. As well as needing to know the legislation inside out, there is a myriad of issues that can arise. Read on to see the top top pitfalls that new landlords can find themselves in and just what they can do about it... Forming a direc...

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When is the best time to change property managers?

When is the best time to change property managers?

A well managed tenancy is more likely to be renewed, therefore if your current property manager is not exceeding your expectations, now is the time to change. Most property owners believe the time to change is when their tenants move out. This could not be farther from the truth. It’s imp...

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It can be a daunting process choosing a property manager. How do companies differ?

It can be a daunting process choosing a property manager. How do companies differ?

Where to start? What to ask? We've put together some top questions to ask your property manager. + Do you offer a service guarantee? + Are you passionate about property management or is property management a side line to your sales business? + Can you offer me comprehensive landlord insurance ...

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I've heard of buyer's agents but what are they?

I've heard of buyer's agents but what are they?

A buyer's agent is a licensed real estate professional who specialise in searching, negotiating and purchasing property. They represent the buyers interests in a property transaction. On the other side of the transaction, the selling agent has the legal and ethical responsibility to achieve the ...

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Can my property manager pay my bills?

Can my property manager pay my bills?

Your residential property manager can pay bills on your behalf from your rental income. Ensure you ask the relevant companies to direct any regular invoices to your Property Manager e.g. owner’s corporation fees, water and council rates and landlord insurance. At the end of the financial ...

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Do you have a property empty part of the year?

Do you have a property empty part of the year?

If you have a fully furnished property sitting empty for periods of time during the year, holiday rentals are the way to go. As fees are charged on a nightly basis and tend to be much higher than residential rentals, short term or holiday rentals have the potential to be very lucrative. Visit ou...

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