Before the GFC, most Australians were living the high life with debt-laden credit cards and highly leveraged investments. As the mining boom spread an extraordinary level of wealth amongst the masses, more people were indulging in expensive cars, bigger houses and all the finer things in life. The...READ MORE

The property choices Australians make are increasingly driven by lifestyle. For example, in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, it is not uncommon to see a premium being paid for properties that are a short walk to the beach versus those that are a few suburbs away from the water. By John McGrath READ MORE

It’s such a shame to see first home buying slump to such low levels in NSW and QLD since the scrapping of the $7,000 grants for established properties last October. As you know, these grants were replaced by incentives for purchasing new or off-the-plan in an effort to generate activity in the hou...READ MORE

Last week I gave you an overview of the major trends in NSW, the ACT and Regional NSW markets following the release of our 2013 Autumn McGrath Report. This week, we’re focusing on Brisbane and the Gold Coast and I’ll also give you my suburb picks for future price growth. By John McGrath.  �...READ MORE

Last week I gave you the highlights of our newly-released Autumn 2013 McGrath Report. We went over the macro factors affecting the market - including a stabilising global economy, China, improving business and consumer confidence, falling mortgage rates and low unemployment and inflation. Over the...READ MORE

We’ve just released our Autumn 2013 McGrath Report in which I give my perspective on the macro factors affecting our property market as well as local trends in several key east coast city and regional markets, including my suburb picks for future growth. By John McGrath.   READ MORE

It’s a common question among new property investors: “What’s the difference between repairs, maintenance and improvements?” This is important stuff to know if you’re going to invest in property because it affects your tax deductibility and hence your cash flow.  READ MORE

Buying in the wrong area and not shopping around enough for the right property are the two main regrets of Australian buyers, according to a new survey. However, these mistakes are entirely avoidable if you do your research properly. READ MORE

The reserve price is usually set on auction day or the day before. The figure is confidential between you, the agent and the auctioneer. You set the reserve in consultation with your agent, so take the time to go over your comparable sales data and all the market feedback you've received at inspecti...READ MORE

About 35% of buyers in Australia’s marketplace today are investors. Some will be seasoned investors buying a second, third or fourth asset while others will be first-timers with inevitable questions, such as how do you set the rent?  READ MORE

John McGrath has the rent verdict for 2013: A recent Rental Report from Australian Property Monitors paints a very positive picture for landlords and aspiring investors, particularly in Sydney, Darwin and Perth.     READ MORE

I’m expecting a more buoyant market in both Sydney and Brisbane in 2013, especially with the latest official interest rate cut taking rates to the historical low benchmark of 3%. This is the same interest rate as during the GFC and many in the financial markets predict more to come next year. In...READ MORE