This week will see Brisbane play homage to our iconic, heritage listed Story Bridge, celebrating its 75^th Birthday!  To celebrate this event, this week we will be looking back in time to glimpse a snapshot of what life was like in our city all those years ago.

The average cost of living:

• In 1940 the average Australian factory worker brought home an annual wage of £248 a year
• The average home was less then $38,000
•  A quart of milk would cost you 7 pence 

It was an interesting time in our history as we found ourselves officially ‘at war’ and as such, experienced significant social, political and economic changes. 

As the federal government introduced rationing laws, every day items such as tea were reduced to an allowed weekly purchase of 58 grams, and sugar 450 grams.  Clothing, butter and meat purchases were all eventually rationed down also.

Between 1940 and 1945 around 27,000 women entered the workface to replace the men who were away fighting in the war and this instigated a huge shift in the rights of women in the country and the fight for ‘equality’ that we would see in later years.

In a time where e-anything was not even an idea and email was a solid 50 years away, the communication method of choice was telegrams where you could write up to 12 words to your family, friend or business colleague for 1 pence.

The population of Queensland was around 1,015,927, to put that into perspective the current estimated population of our state sits at 4,782,506.

When you look around Brisbane and the wonderful mecca of culture, history, entertainment and lifestyle it is today it is amazing to consider how much our city has changed over the last 75 years and to imagine what the future has in hold for our booming State Capital.

One thing is for sure, we are honoured and excited to help people purchase their own piece of this wonderful city every day at HS Brisbane Property as together we create the next chapter in our cities history.

All the information you need for this weekends celebrations:

The Story Bridge Birthday Event

The Story Bridge will be closing in the early hours of Sunday morning in preparation for the celebrations, which run all day from 9am to 4pm.

Ticket holders to the event will be spoilt for choice with 80 food vendors and trucks rolling onto the bridge courtesy of the Eat Street Markets, bridge history displays and four band stages will be featured through the bridge with live music.

Please note tickets sales have now been exhausted and unfortunately you are unable to attend the event without a ticket.

Interesting facts about the Story Bridge

• It is the longest steel cantilever bridge in Australia.
• John Bradfield won the tender to design the bridge and it is believed he based his design off the Jacques Cartier Bridge in Montreal.
• Construction on the bridge began in May 1935
• Components for the bridge were fabricated in a purpose-built factory at Rocklea.
• The bridge was opened in July 1940 by Sir Leslie Orme Wilson, Governor of Queensland
• The bridge was named after John Douglas Story, a senior and influential public servant who had advocated strongly for the bridge’s construction.
• The bridge is 777 metres in length and originally it was a toll bridge.

Road Closures Brisbane residents need to be aware of during the event:

The Story Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic from 4am-7pm on Sunday 5 July 2015 for Story Bridge 75. Traffic along approach routes to the Story Bridge and in surrounding suburbs will be affected and road closures will be in force.

Motorists are encouraged to plan their travel ahead on this day as major delays will occur north and south of the bridge.

For more information and alternative routes please visit  

http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/whats-brisbane/featured-events/story-bridge-75/story-bridge-75-traffic-information-road-closures 

Source:

 http://www.moneymanagement.com.au/expert-analysis/editorial/there-property-bubble-australia

 http://www.ausstats.abs.gov.au/

 http://www.qgso.qld.gov.au/products/reports/pop-growth-qld/qld-pop-counter.php

It is hard to believe that we are now half through 2015 (did you know it is only 183 days until Christmas is upon us once again).  As June 30 closes in, we thought now is a prudent time to look at a few common ‘legends’ that Property Investors are faced with at this time of year and sort the truths from the myths.

1. Refinancing a homeloan means you can put yourself in a better position, negative gearing wise come tax time.

Myth: This is not necessarily so.  Bundling in credit card debt or a car loan into a homeloan can be a great move financially but there must be a clear link between the initial mortgage to acquire the property and the refinanced amount to claim all the tax benefits you would like.  Before doing anything, check with your accountant to ensure you make the right decisions for your circumstances and do not jeopardise your situation and benefits.

2. The market will slow down after June 30.

Myth:  We often find the opposite of this is true.  As the new financial year begins come July we generally find an influx of buyers and vendors into the market when it comes to the Brisbane CBD and it is a very exciting time for real estate movements!  With new purchasers entering the market it is a fantastic time of year to consider selling a property.

3. Prepaying your interest can be a great forward planning tool

Truth: If you are expecting to have a lower income next year (perhaps changing careers or factors such as maternity leave) it can be a good option to consider!  You could make life easier for your family come the new financial year and also reduce your higher income come tax time.  As with any financial discussion, it is best to speak with your financial advisor when considering this possibility.

4. Any amount you spend on your investment property is a tax deduction.

Myth: This is not as clear cut as it may seem.  If you are carrying out ‘repairs’ to a rental property then yes it is likely you may be eligble for a tax deduction, but if the repairs are purely to ‘improve’ the property this may not be the case and you should seek the advice of a taxation specialist before carrying out the work to find out where you will stand.

The moral of the story is, speak to an expert and do your research to ensure you make the right decisions for you. 

For more information about what is happening in the Brisbane Real Estate market, email Hannah today by clicking here.

**Please note this article and all information on the HS Brisbane Property website does not constitute as advice.  While every care has been taken in the compilation of this information and every attempt made to present up-to-date and accurate information, we cannot guarantee that inaccuracies will not occur. HS Brisbane Property will not be held responsible for any claim, loss, damage or inconvenience caused as a result of any information within these pages or any information accessed through this site.

When purchasing an off-the-plan apartment, there are definitely some dangers and risks you want to try and avoid.

We often have investors ask us ‘should I buy an apartment off the plan’?  While it can be a good approach for some people when buying an investment or their first home, there are definitely some risks associated with the process that you need to be aware of when entering into a purchase.

1. Pay close attention to the measurements on the plan

Often you will find on a plan the bedroom may be drawn featuring a double bed and study desk or perhaps the living/dining area appears to easily accommodate a large lounge suite and dining table.  This however might not be the case in real life, so ensuring you look closely at the measurements of the room and ideally, inspect the display suite of the apartments, is extremely important to ensure you have an accurate idea of exactly what the ‘space’ is and the furniture it can accommodate.

2. What facilities are offered in the complex

Is there a gym?  A pool?  Perhaps a common area?  These items can add significant value to your investment in the long term so somewhere with good facilities is definitely a drawcard when looking to purchase into a new development.  Also ensure the facilities that you see on the plan or in the marketing collateral are also included in the contract and are locked in as a definite inclusion for the project.

3. Finishings and fittings

The quality of your finishings and fittings will determine how your property ages, which is particularly important when purchasing a property for investment purposes.  Carpets, tiles, light switches, bathroom fittings and kitchen appliances… there is a lot to organise.  Opting for minimalists yet comforting designs rather than current trends, and selecting quality fittings will help your property to ‘age gracefully’ and continue to appeal to investors as the years pass.

4. Ensure you are familiar with any special ‘clauses’ included in the contract

One of the biggest class actions of its kind is about to commence on July 20 after a group of 34 luxury apartment buyers in a 94-unit complex in Sydney pursue a $5m case against the developer who tore up their purchase contracts under the sunset clause.

The controversial sunset clause is certainly something every off-the-plan investor needs to be aware of before they take the plunge with any developer. Basically this clause gives either party the right to repeal if construction is not completed by a given date – in the case of this particular development, it was two and a half years.

Buyers beware, in recent years this clause has been proving a massive loophole which can allow developers to cancel contracts and resell the properties at higher prices – this is not ideal for any investor.  Seeking legal advice is always a good idea before entering into a contract for a new development.

For a safe investment, talk to the Brisbane CBD apartment expert - call Hannah today on 0419 782 133.

In recent times real estate prices in Sydney and Melbourne have been noticeably high – especially considering Australia’s current low interest rates. One factor contributing to these elevated prices is the increase of Chinese real estate investors who have been focusing their attention on buying investments in both cities. Until now.

According to a recent study Demystifying Chinese Investment in Australia by KPMG Australia, the University of Sydney Business School and China Studies Centre, analysis showed that real estate investors from China have begun switching their focus to smaller Australian cities - this includes Brisbane.

“Chinese high net worth investors and developers are looking to new destinations offering discounts on prime property such as Miami in the US, and in Australia, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Adelaide and regional suburbs of NSW and Victoria will start to gain more traction,” the report says.

Chinese developers are drawn to Australia for numerous reasons including our quality of life, good weather, clean air and world-class education institutions – just to name a few. While there is an obvious increase in interest, Australia has always been a favourite destination for Chinese investors looking for a stable investment that offers greater returns and lower funding costs.

What areas are these investors outlaying their money? During 2014, as illustrated in the report, Chinese direct investment in Australia was predominantly focused on commercial real estate (46%, up from 14% in 2013). In fact, Chinese investment volume in commercial real estate nearly quadrupled to $4.37 billion over the 12 months.

While the commercial sector is being largely effected, a snapshot of HS Brisbane Property sales in the last 6 months have indicated that the main portion of domestic real estate buyers in the Brisbane CBD are typically more skewed towards local investors – making up a massive 38% of sales. This figure is closely followed by local owner-occupiers who purchased 33% of CBD units, Sydney investors making up 13%, Melbourne investors totalling 11% and Chinese investors making up only 5%.

However, according to the report, other areas that saw an increase thanks to Chinese direct investment were infrastructure (21%) and for the first time, material investment in the tourism and leisure sectors (12%). So while our CBD property remains a local investors market at present, evidence points towards Chinese investors looking to invest in commercial real estate, infrastructure, tourism and leisure sectors of smaller Australia cities, just like ours.

What does this mean for Brisbane real estate? Put simply, it means we can expect to see a strong injection of growth into our local CBD economy in the near future. This in turn will help boost the Brisbane real estate market and help our state to experience positive growth. If you are looking at potentially increasing your investment portfolio in the future it is worth having a chat to CBD Property experts now to ‘get in at the right time’.

For more information contact Hannah Schuhmann, Principal of HS Brisbane Property on 0419 782 133 – because understanding Brisbane’s local CBD market is what HSBP does best.

Buying an investment property in the heart of the CBD can certainly deliver strong returns over time – especially as space becomes more premium in our wonderful capital. However, in addition to a superior Brisbane CBD location, there are several other things you can look for to ensure your apartment is a sound investment. 

Here’s a list of tips to assist you in finding the perfect Brisbane gem when it comes times to purchase your next investment property.

Room with a view

When it comes to city living, one of the biggest attractions of living up high is the view, so make sure your investment property has a nice outlook. It’s also a good idea to ensure that captivating view also allows plenty of natural light and airflow into your apartment – both are highly sought after.  As an extra advantage, an apartment with views of the beautiful Brisbane River or the sparkly lights of the Storey Bridge can be a huge attraction for tenants.

A space for the car

When it comes to living in the city, finding a space for the car is an investment in its own right. If you can find a property that includes a car space on the title or ‘exclusive use’ then you’re halfway there.  An extra car space, or even two can equate to thousands of dollars in extra revenue over the years and as public car parking rates in the city continue to skyrocket private carparks are set to become even more valuable.

A different floorplan

Many apartments have a similar floor plan, so it’s good to try and find something a little different from the rest. In addition, opt for a well thought-out floorplan that offers a generous living area and maximum lifestyle appeal.  A generous living space that allows for a small study nook can mean a larger weekly rent and a better performing investment.

Gets better with age

While there is always temptation to buy a shiny new apartment straight off the plan in order to save on stamp duty, it’s always best to do your research first. Often many buyers experience a post-construction drop in the value of their apartment for the first few years after completion. This tends to stop around years three or four. For this reason we recommend looking for a more established (older) apartment, which may be better positioned– plus a little historical appeal can really go a long way when it comes to attracting quality tenants.

Sound noise ratings

When it comes to finding a peaceful city dwelling, being aware of the apartment location and how it will appeal to your ideal tenant is very important.  For example, is the building next to the city’s most popular nightclub or café hotspot?  Will this appeal to the tenants you would like to rent to?  Another thing to look for when it comes to noise control is to ensure your new investment has an AAAC 5 or 6 star sound rating instead of the BCA minimum. Of course double-glazed windows can also help to reduce noise also!

To help you find a CBD investment that ticks all the boxes, contact Hannah from HS Brisbane Property today on 0419 782 133.