The Wakelin Blog

We property types tend to see ourselves as a breed apart from professionals of other investment asset classes. We inhabit a domain of bricks and mortar, auctions as street theatre and home sweet home. ...

Death, debt and divorce are three major drivers of property listings. Unhappy events for those involved, but manna from heaven for estate agents in their eternal quest for listings.

Neither over-capitalise nor under-capitalise Direct property investment has never been a passive occupation. Unlike shares or bonds, one can’t set and forget for years on end. Tenants must be found, served and replaced from time to time. Checking in regularly with the managing agent should be an ingrained discipline to maintain an even keel and avoid surprises.  And, every few years, the property will require renovations...

Whilst state politicians have a strong influence over property taxes, grants and planning rules, elections themselves and the stripe of the Premier are of little consequence to house prices. The real drivers are the major structural economic issues - the opening up of the economy, the increased participation of women in the workforce, and changes in inflation and interest rates - and these are arguably outside the control of state governments.

Know your Neighbourhood Residential Zone from your Residential Growth Zone   A look at recent changes in Victorian planning zones and some tips for owners and developers on how to navigate the system. Paul Nugent from Wakelin Property Advisory interviews Daniel Bowden from Song Bowden Planning...