Property Investing

[bderich]

I've been in Toronto for this past week with some work colleagues who got into a heated discussion about the current state of the global property market. Depending on which side of the media you want to believe, the market is either steady-plateauing or on the downslide. Considering how bad the US market is at the moment, do you think it'd be a wise move to jump into the Aussie market now? And if so, what strategies would you engage to ensure you were successful?

[Brendan]

I have been tossig this up for the past few months.. a few of my friends recently brought properties in oz.. as they still beleive that prices are still going to increase considerably.. I am a little more hesitant.. as I can see whats happening here in the UK and the US.

But as others have said.. Australia is still in economic growth.. and hasnt been heavily affected by the downturnn in global markets as much - or at least they aren't publicising it!

I am hoping to have my 3rd property in oz by Nov this year.. so hopefully things stay good :)

Are you looking to invest in Canada mate?

[BreTTy]

Anyone got any tips on investing in the property market? I know you can negative gear it come tax time but what other options are there?
I've looked into it about a year ago but found that sticking renters in a house I would still have to put in an extra $150-180 per week roughly and I found it a bit too much for me at that point.

Discuss... :)

[Brendan]

Bretty,

I suggest you look into a few books by a lady called Margaret Lomaz, she runs eDestiny - Investment Properties - Property Investment - Property Advisors (http://www.edestiny.com.au/)

Rather than negative gearing she discusses positive gearing and investing in properties that make you money from day one. She has a great spin on how to invest in properties and using depreciating asset classes to make a profit.

I think negative gearing is a con.. think about it, what other investment class do you invest in with the intention of losing money!? None!

Anyway, check out some of the books by Margaret, they are fantastic.. she also does a few blogs and webcasts on realestate.com.au
- Property Investment Expert - realestate.com.au (http://blogs.realestate.com.au/expertchat/)

Another great site for property investment and what goes on in the industry is Neil Jenmans site, very constructive type stuff on there, check it out here;
- http://www.jenman.com.au/index.php

Good luck..