The Wakelin Blog

It’s an understatement to write that property-buying transaction costs are significant. The combination of estate agent fees, advertising and conveyancing costs and stamp duty invariably consumes several tens of thousands of dollars. So it’s natural for buyers – especially cash-strapped first timers – to seek ways to trim their costs. But is it wise to cut out the building inspections?

We all love a property with sunlit rooms, and conventional wisdom intones that such a property will be more valuable than a darker one, all other things being equal. But when selecting a property, what weight should an investor attach to good natural light, and is some light better than other?

Retaining the former home as an investment cuts out all those selling costs: real estate agent fees, marketing costs as well as the time and inconvenience of preparing for and undertaking the campaign. And you won’t have had to bear the additional costs of buying an investment property – stamp duty, building inspections, conveyancing fees. In total these transaction costs can shrink your pot of money by 10 per cent.

In Richmond, focus on older brick and timber cottages built between 1880 and 1930 and the collection of older style apartments when looking to buy investment properties, with classic designs more likely to have consistent rentals and higher capital growth over the long term.

In South Yarra, good apartments in low rise blocks with dedicated parking prices start at $450,000 to $500,000 for a one bedder and approximately $600,000 to $650,000 for a two bedder.Free standing quality investment grade two-bedroom houses in the suburb can cost upwards of $1.1 million.