When you think of those most likely to invest in property, you stereotypically think of the older generations… right? Gen X and Baby Boomers? Not Gen Y. Well, think again! Recent reports show quite the opposite. Highlighting that Gen Y is right up there with the best of them, definitely giving the older generations a run for their money when it comes to investing in property.

That’s right! The recent realestate.com.au 2014 Housing Affordability Sentiment Index (HASI) has found that while 13 per cent of Gen Ys may not own their own home, they are actually twice as likely to own an investment property over Gen X, which was only 7 per cent. The smallest segment was Baby Boomers with only 2 per cent.

This was certainly one of the more intriguing findings from the HASI report. However, what’s even more interesting is that these young Australian are actually opting to invest in regional property while continuing to rent or stay at home in the suburbs of our major capital cities.

The question is… what’s driving this current trend amongst Gen Y? Well, according to experts, there are several factors at play; one is budget and another is property size – i.e. what kind of dwelling they can get for their money.

Often young buyers can afford to buy a one-bedroom apartment in their existing location, however many are thinking of starting a family and don’t have a big enough deposit to buy a suitable family home in that same location. Hence, many are opting to invest in a lower-priced regional property and then rent in the city – so it becomes a lifestyle choice more than anything else.

Hannah Schuhmann, Principal of HS Brisbane Property says that Gen Y is certainly onto something. She says that regional investments provide a rational and strategic means for the younger generations to find their way into the property market

“The idea of buying regional property is a great way for those with a smaller budget, like Gen Y, to dip their feet in the water and start investing in the property market – a decision that is highly likely to pay-off in the long run,” says Hannah.

It’s all about knowing where to buy. Schuhmann says the key to finding an income-producing property in regional areas is to look for regional centres which have good employment, education options, transport and planned developments. All of these factors lead towards population growth and greater demand for property, which is ultimately what you what in an investment property.

However, what is really interesting about the report though is that while Gen Y is heading out to regional areas to buy cheaper investment properties, they are still opting to rent in the city.

“The decision for Gen Y to remain living in the CBD is great news for inner-city investors as it means the rental market among capital cities, including Brisbane, is in very high demand,” says Hannah.

Once again proving that inner-city living offers the younger generation an energetic and convenient lifestyle that simply can’t be matched by regional areas.

Want to purchase a Brisbane CBD investment property that will have Gen Y falling at your feet, and give you a solid return on investment? Please contact Hannah on 0419 782 133 for more information.

Over the past few years, since the 2010 – 2011 Queensland Floods, Brisbane’s real estate market has been through several periods of change.

However, according to QBE’s Australian Housing Outlook 2014 (which highlights recent real estate figures from research house BIS Shrapnel), the real estate market is about to get a lot whole brighter for Australia’s Sunshine State – allowing Queensland to truly live up to its name.

According to figures, the 2013/2014 financial year saw a 5.6 per cent growth in the median house price, demonstrating a positive sign of renewed strength for Brisbane’s market.

Best of all, this forwards progression is just the beginning, with the Australian Housing Outlook 2014 also revealing that Brisbane’s median house price is set to soar by a massive 17 per cent over the next three years – outperforming all other capital cities, including almost doubling that of Sydney.

The figures look like this… Sydney’s forecasted growth is 9 per cent, while Adelaide is expected to see 6 per cent growth, closely followed by Melbourne and Hobart with 5 per cent. Canberra and Darwin are predicted to stay much the same with only one per cent and two per cent growth respectively.

Meanwhile on the other side of Australia, Perth is expected to drop by 2 per cent over the three year period.

Brisbane’s growth begins next year, with the median price of housing expected to increase by 7.4 per cent in 2015. Later in 2016, BIS Shrapnel anticipates a record year of 7.5 per cent growth, which is followed by a further 1.3 per cent in 2017. This three year consecutive growth means that in 2017 the median house price in Brisbane will be $550,000.

There are many underlying factors set to play a role when it comes to the currently projected increase of Brisbane’s housing prices - low interest rates and increasing employment opportunities instantly come to mind.

Other contributing factors set to have an effect on Brisbane’s real estate market include a rise in the demand of first home owners; expanding residential construction; greater consumer spending and; reductions in the Australian dollar, which will see a boost in tourism and, consequently, the economy.

Want to get on the front foot and nab yourself a fabulous piece of CBD real estate before the projected price rise hits? Perhaps it’s time to sell your CBD property now and reap the rewards? Buying selling or investing, for all your Brisbane CBD real estate enquiries please contact Hannah on 0419 782 133.

In just a few short weeks, over the weekend of the 15 and 16 of November, Brisbane is set to be home to the 2014 G20 Leaders’ Summit. Considered the most important event in the G20 year, the summit provides a valuable opportunity for leaders to come together and discuss a wide range of global economic issues while also using their collective power to improve people’s lives.
 
The Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre will be the principal meeting venue for the G20; it is expected to host a somewhat 4,000 delegates and 3,000 media representatives from around the world over the course of the event.
 
The G20 summit is an event that draws global attention, thus making it an invaluable opportunity for Brisbane and its businesses. Being at the centre of this world event will inevitably promote tourism, build international networks and highlight the best of what Brisbane has to offer.
 
However, these are not the only things expected to come from the 2014 summit. The global-scale event is also anticipating hundreds of activists to attend over the weekend. Thus, in an effort to help control protestors and protect leaders, authorities have designated a number of declared and restricted zones throughout the CBD and surrounding suburbs.
 
According to Deputy Commissioner Barnett, the South Bank Cultural Precinct will be restricted for the public on the Friday and Saturday of the G20.
 
“The area will be ‘declared’ on the Friday and ‘restricted’ on the Saturday,” he said.
 
People are able to move freely throughout declared areas, however the police will have additional powers to stop and search people, and seize things they believe could become a threat. While, gaining access to a restricted area will be much stricter and formal accreditation from the Commonwealth Government will be required in order to gain access.
 
Barnett further explains, “In a declared area you are free to do what you please, but in restricted areas, it’s a no-go.”
 
More recently, extra restricted zones have been put in place from November 1 to November 17 to effectively give police the ability to prevent protests and protesters from getting close to the conference venue. These extra zones will occur at several road intersections surrounding the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, including short sections of Glenelg, Merivale, Melbourne, Russell and Hope Streets at South Brisbane.
 
Other restricted zones will occur between Musgrave Park - an important indigenous site in Brisbane - and the conference venue.
 
Three extra Brisbane hotels have also been added to the G20 restricted zone, including: Gambaro's Hotel on CaxtonStreet from November 14, the Intercontinental Hotel at Sanctuary Cove from November 9, and Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Brisbane from November 12.

Meanwhile, two extra Gold Coast hotels have been added to the list of declared zones - the Surfers Paradise Marriott and the Palazzo Versace.

So there you have it, that’s all the latest for the G20 Leader’s Summit. What are your thoughts… are you for or against all of the restrictions taking place? How do they affect you, your home or your business?

Just over two weeks ago, several Australian states turned their clocks forward by one hour for the country’s annual daylight savings ritual; a ritual that Queensland said goodbye to a couple of decades ago.
 
What is daylight savings all about and how did it start? Tasmania first introduced daylight saving in 1968 to utilise more natural light and thus effectively reduce power bills. (Seems fairly logical?) Soon thereafter, in1971, the remainder of Australia followed suit.
 
Before long, Australians were soon falling in love with the tradition that allowed them to extend the daylight hours and really take advantage of the summer months. However, not all states remained on board with the annual routine and later Northern Territory, Western Australia and, of course, Queensland decided it was time to march to the beat of their own drum.
 
That’s right, 22 years ago Queensland rejected the move to daylight saving. The state’s strong case against the change being due to the fact the state is hot, sub-tropical and its seasonal daylight patterns are consistent anyway.
 
Since this time Queensland has come under continued scrutiny and pressure to join daylight saving so it can be in sync with the rest of the eastern seaboard… with much of this pressure coming from the business sector.
 
When it comes to the business sector, including the real estate market, there are many arguments against Queensland’s decision. For example, some dispute that Queensland being on a different time zone to the rest of Australia’s eastern states makes it confusing and difficult for interstate buyers and sellers? Thus, one might argue… are we possibly missing out on lost opportunities because of our interstate counterparts failing to meet contract deadlines?
 
Let’s bring it even closer to home... real estate or not… surely having that extra hour in the morning makes a difference to the day? What do you think? Did Queensland make the right move… are we better off without daylight saving or should we join the rest of the eastern seaboard and wind our clocks forward?

Have you ever wondered if you are in a position to fund an investment property? If the answer is ‘yes’ then this article is well worth a read. When it comes to buying an investment property, there can be several benefits - some obvious and others not so much - the trick is in knowing what they are and where to look for them.
 
For example, did you know, if set up and structured correctly, an investment property can save you thousands of dollars in taxation alone? Obviously this depends on your individual circumstances as everyone’s situation is different. However, it is certainly an avenue worth exploring.
 
Now, this next point might seem really obvious, but it is still worth a mention… The key to setting up a successful investment property is cash flow. So, before you dive into funding your new abode, it is crucial to make sure you are in the best possible position financially.
 
To give you an idea of the forecasted expenses, fees and savings you could expect to see with a new investment property, we’ve compiled the following cash flow rental projection* based on a local Brisbane CBD property.
 

Still interested in finding out more information on how you can fund your own investment property? You’re in luck! For a limited time HS Brisbane Property are offering you, our clients and friends, a FREE 30 minute consultation with Damian Ebzery, Managing Director of Lifestyle & Investment Planning Solutions Pty Ltd (LIPS). LIPS offer personalised investment and finance advice, enabling selection of appropriate loans and investments that suit your needs to help you accumulate wealth. Furthermore, Damian specialises in sourcing and structuring a wide range of home and investment finance packages for clients.
 
Want to take advantage of this exclusive one-on-one opportunity with Damian or keen to find out more information about funding an investment property? Please contact Hannah on 0419 782 133.
 
*Cash flow rental projections are based on a one bed unit located at 212 Margaret Street, Brisbane City, Queensland 4000.