Latest Posts
Property Myth Busters - How true is it that real estate is no longer a good investment?
Property Myth Busters - How true is it that real estate is no longer a good investment? Can you still make money in property? In this latest edition of Property Mythbusters, John Gilmovich, Ken Hew and Debra Beck-Mewing discuss their opinions for 2022 and beyond.
2022 Property Market Predictions
In this latest edition of Property Mythbusters, John Gilmovich, Ken Hew and Debra Beck-Mewing discuss their 2022 Property Market Predictions. Watch here.
Who's Responsible for A Tenants Personal Injury At Your Rental Property?
This article first appeared on REINSW. Can the owner of a residential rental property completely delegate responsibility for repairs and maintenance to their managing agent? Consider this recent real-life case. The tenant of a residential rental premises fractured her ankle slipping on stairs that required repair, and sued both the owner and the managing agent. The tenant was awarded over $400,000 in damages. Liability was apportioned two-thirds to the owner and one-third to the agent. Th...
COVID-19 and Commercial Leases
Tim and Leanne from REINSW discuss the impact of COVID-19 regulations on commercial leases. They are joined by Michael Miller, Director of Mediation Services – NSW Small Business Commissioner, who will be answering your questions. Together they answered questions from viewers about the impact of COVID-19 regulations on commercial leases and how these restrictions are affecting commercial tenants and landlords. Click here to watch
Important Update from NSW Government - The Residential Tenancy Support Program and COVID Restrictions
Due to the current NSW pandemic lockdowns ,new temporary measures will support both tenants and landlords to prevent financially impacted residential tenants from being evicted and to assist landlords who agree to renegotiate rent. Up to $1500.00 support payment is available for landlords who fulfill their application criteria.This is an update to let you know the website information on the Residential Tenancy Support Program has been updated. The update just refines the ...
John Gilmovich Appears on Executive Corner - Expert Talks
John Gilmovich appears on Executive Corner - Expert Talks with host Sage Kavita Godrei. You can watch the 10 minute video here.
9News feature: New Generation Boarding Houses
This article first appeared on 9News. You can watch the video here. New generation of boarding houses across Sydney are unrecognisable They were once more like halfway houses, offering cheap rent and short term stays for those with no other option. But the new generation boarding house is unrecognisable, taking hold across every Sydney suburb. It's estimated between 500 and 600 development applications for boarding houses are currently before Sydney cou...
Property Myth Busters - New property is better than existing property
You’re ready to make your property purchase. So what’s it going to be – an existing property or will you buy new? Find out what we think about this myth in this episode of Property Myth Busters.
A state by state landlord's guide to rent increases
This article was first published on Your Mortgage. House rents have continued to soar in almost every part of Australia, hitting a high of $471 per week nationally, up 4% from March last year when the pandemic began, the latest figures from real estate firm Domain has revealed. Perth registered the biggest year-on-year increase among capital cities at 14.7%, with median rents reaching $430 – the highest since 2015. Darwin came in close second, with median house rents topping $550, a 1...
My Property Brief - Podcast
A great conversation with Robert Brus of My Property Brief who is the host of this brand new and fresh approach property podcast. We enjoyed a wide ranging discussion including what the new property tax and stamp duty tax reforms will mean for you. Listen in and find out how the team at the POA continue to help and represent on our behalf keeping the NSW government in check. Listen to the podcast episode here.
Do Landlords have the right to refuse pets in a strata building?
A recent ruling by the NSW Court of Appeal, which struck down an attempt from a well-known Sydney building to ban pets, relates to ‘blanket bans’ in by-laws of strata schemes which as a result of this ruling now makes these types of by-laws invalid. The Court of Appeal ruled that a by-law imposing a blanket ban on the keeping of animals at the Horizon apartment tower in Darlinghurst was oppressive and breached strata laws: section 139(1) of the Strata Schemes Managem...
Small Business Dads Podcast Feature
I recently had the pleasure of speaking to Daniel Munday, owner of personal training business DPM Performance and host of Small Business Dads podcast. We spoke about the challenges of parenting in 2020 whilst running a business. You can listen to the episode here.
Dealing with Tenants' Uncollected or Abandoned Goods (NSW)
What do you do when goods are left behind by a tenant or occupant? The rules that apply to the management of abandoned goods or ‘uncollected goods’ were recently updated and are now located in the Uncollected Goods Act 1995 (NSW). This article explains what constitutes 'uncollected goods' and how they need to be treated. Goods are ‘uncollected goods’ if, amongst others: · a landlord reasonably believes the goods have been abandoned or left...
10 Questions you need to ask before engaging a property manager
John Gilmovich, Director of Real Property Manager, spoke with property investing strategist Julie Crocket from API about the 10 crucial Questions that you need to ask before engaging a Property Manager to manage your valuable investment property. You can watch the webinar for free here.
Sting in the tail from the HomeBuilder grant
This article first appeared on The Real Estate Conversation. While Property Owners Association of NSW president, John Gilmovich congratulates both the Federal and State Governments for taking positive steps to kickstart the economy, he warns of a dark side to their actions. “It’s great to see both Federal and State Governments taking positive steps to reawaken the economy, but there’s a dark side to the announcement of the Homebuilder grant,” said Mr Gilmovic...
Covid 19 and Tenancy Management Principles
We are continuing to provide up to date information as it becomes available to help you deal with the COVID-19 pandemic-related changes in the rental management and property industry. Property investors can follow all activities such as media releases, Government submissions and directions via our newsletter subscription here. You will also find regular updates on our Facebook Page and YouTube Channel, so make sure that you've liked and subscribed to follow.&n...
Impacts of COVID-19
We’ve been watching the COVID-19 situation as it evolves our country, state and suburbs. Each passing day brings new developments. Our nation is now in uncharted waters. We need to stay pro-active, responsive and FLEXIBLE.This world wide epidemic is very complex and emotions to process these circumstances are at an all time high. We recognise how stressful this particular situation is, and we share your concerns. We stand with all of you and the broader business community during a time ...
Important Announcement by Real Property Manager - Coronavirus (Covid-19) - Working together to keep us all safe
We’ve been watching the COVID-19 situation as it evolves our country,state and suburbs. Each passing day brings new developments, but our top priority remains the health and well-being of our staff, your tenants and of course you and your loved ones. This world wide epidemic is very complex and emotions to process these circumstances are at an all time high. We recognise how stressful this particular situation is, and we share your concerns. We stand with all of you and the broader bus...
The final bond inspection - property investor rights and responsibilities
This article first appeared on www.rent.com.au. What is a final bond inspection? A final bond inspection is what you carry out once your tenant has ended the tenancy and delivered a vacant property. When this inspection is carried out (either by you or your managing agent), the property should be compared against the Entry Property Condition Report. The Property Condition Report is a report that’s carried out prior to your tenant moving into your property. It is a compr...
Tenants reminded of rental rights amid the bushfire crisis
This article originally appeared on Domain.com.au. Written by Kate Burke. Renters whose homes have been damaged in the bushfires across the country are being reminded of their tenancy rights, although those whose properties are destroyed may face little option but to terminate their agreement. As residents of fire-affected communities return home and take stock of the damage, tenant groups are hopeful both landlords and renters will be able to work out a way forward with goodwill. ...
NSW Tenancy Reforms Commencing 23 March 2020
Real Property Manager is focused on providing an improved residential tenancy system. The reform package that was fought for by the community under "cabinet in confidence" will not meet everyone's expectations. These things never do. Tenancy lobbyists consulted the government over the past four years to bring about changes which will affect the way tenancies are created and managed. Following countless meetings and numerous submissions to NSW Fair Trading, the government listened to some, but...
Tax, Death and Property
Do you know what will happen to your property in the event of your death?Whilst it's not something that we like to think about, it's important to ensure that everything is in place to make it easier for your family to deal with. How the property is dealt with in terms of succession and taxes will depend on how the asset is held. Property can be held in individual names, joint names, by a self managed superannuation fund, a company or trust. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages b...
Residential Tenancy Regulations Consultation 2019 - Update
What is this about? The NSW Government Fair Trading has recently released this information regarding the Residential Tenancies Regulation 2010 (current Regulation): The NSW Government is remaking the Residential Tenancies Regulation 2010 (current Regulation) to progress the recent reforms to the residential tenancy laws which aim to improve the renting experience in NSW. Some examples include: making it easier for tenants to make certain minor alterations requiring landlords or ...
Here's is why Real Property Manager is a proud member of The Real Estate Institute of NSW (REINSW)
REINSW members are part of a real estate community that values professionalism and outstanding service, and is committed to ongoing training and professional development. As the peak industry body for real estate professionals, REINSW is responsive and always relevant to the needs of agents and consumers. Real Property Manager is a proud member of The Real Estate Institute of NSW (REINSW).
Taming Keyboard Warriors - How to Deal with Unreasonable Strata Communications
This article written by Carlo Fini, JS Mueller & Co Lawyers was published on Look Up Strata. You can read the full article here. A recent New South Wales District Court defamation case highlighted the dangers that lurk in communications (especially emails) passing between strata managers, strata committee members and strata residents. The perennial problem of burdensome email communications also plagues many strata schemes and as the case highlighted can escalate into a def...
Property investing scams and how to spot them!
Not all property seminars are scams, but these 7 tips will help you separate the experts from the potential scammers. Knowledge is power and education is a great thing, especially if you're thinking about investing a considerable amount of money in property. Unfortunately, not all property seminars are on the same level. In fact, some of them are downright scams run by professional property spruikers. Here are the 7 signs of a property scam: 1. Have they got an offer for you! Thes...
10 Regions to watch out for as they’re defying the current property downturn
There is a lot of noise at the moment about how dire the Australian property market is performing. But it’s not all doom and gloom! This article from Your Money demonstrates that there are a few bright lights that are worth a second look. In this article, Journalist Kylie Purcell spoke to real estate researcher Terry Ryder on his opinion of what’s currently happening. ”While it’s easy to lump Australia’s property market in one basket, Ryder says it’...
Dealing with mould in a rental property
As the cooler weather arrives, so does the increased risk of mould in rentals. While the fungi may be small, they can cause big problems. And as damage caused by mould is not covered by landlord insurance, it’s best to nip it in the spore before it spreads. Steaming hot showers. Tumbling clothes in the drier. Warming soups and stews blipping away on the stove. Every door and window closed with draft stoppers to keep the warmth in. Subdued lighting to create a cosy atmosphere. Thermosta...
NSW Property Investors Land Tax Objection Guide
One of the expenses that comes with being a property investor is land tax. This is a state-based tax that is levied on the land value component of property held by investors. All states and territories, except the Northern Territory, charge land tax at different rates and using different thresholds. In NSW, for example, land tax in 2018 kicks in when the value is more than $629,000 and is charged at a rate of $100 plus 1.6% up to the premium threshold of $3,846,000, then 2% ove...
5 tips to help renters secure the property of their dreams
Do you always miss out on renting the house of your dreams? A highly competitive market means that securing a rental property can be a difficult process. By simply being prepared, organised and serious about your application you can quickly and easily act on any rental properties that you are interested in. Just like a job interview, you need to put your best self forward and make an impression quickly. Follow these 5 tips and you’ll be well on your way to securing your dream rental pro...
Creative investors win in retail property
I recently spoke to the Australian Financial Review about my family's experience on being a commercial tenant and how landlords need to become more flexible to ensure their rents are maintained. Read the full article here > https://www.afr.com/personal-finance/creative-investors-win-in-retail-property-20181005-h169px
NSW Rental Reforms Announced: What’s about to change?
Introduced to the NSW Parliament on 20 September by Minister for Better Regulation Matt Kean, the Residential Tenancies Amendment (Review) Bill 2018 is set to give more powers to tenants in New South Wales. On their introduction to the NSW Parliament, Mr Kean said that the reforms were “common-sense changes” and that they “get the balance right”. I disagree. I think the reforms are disastrous for both tenants and landlords alike. The key changes Mr Kean highlighted in...
Fixed term versus periodic tenancies - what is best practice?
Fixed Term Versus Periodic Tenancies and Why Does this Matter? What is your property manager’s procedure when a fixed term is coming to an end? Do they proactively seek a formal renewal of the tenancy agreement or do they just automatically roll over the fixed agreements and yet you don’t know about it? At all times there are strategies to ensure you are minimising rental income loss which includes prolonged vacancy, falling rental value and exposure to income loss by having fix...
Does the rise of Airbnb impact your rental returns?
As you would well know, Airbnb is an online platform used to rent a house, apartment or even just a room for short term periods. Whilst there are benefits and disadvantages of the system, one question I get asked a lot from landlords is about the impact that this sort of crowdsourcing accommodation has on the rental returns of their own investment property. The barrier to entry into this type of market is low. Hosting is free on the Airbnb platform and the only cost is a 3% service fee charg...
7 ways to slash your property tax bill before the end of the financial year
Property investors should see tax time as an opportunity to make sure they are maximising their deductions. Property owners are able to claim a wide range of the expenses associated with owning a rental property to reduce taxable income and minimise their tax bill. Most investors would know about typical tax deductions, such as interest on loans, repairs and management fees, but there are lesser-known ways investors can reduce their taxable income this fin...
How to reduce vacancy with your Sydney investment property
We’ve had some great all round seasons in the Sydney rental market over the past few years, which has been such an opportunity for our investor clients. However, in 2018 things have turned. We are now witnessing for the first time in years what is a difficult rental market in terms of sourcing tenants and gaining optimal rent returns. Statistically, latest data on vacancy rates indicates a 1.1% rise in the Sydney metro area vacancy rate from 1.2% in 2017 to 2.3% as at March 2018. The c...
What are New Generation Boarding House Developments and Why the “Not in My Backyard" (NIMBY) Attitude from Neighbours?
Housing affordability especially in high price and population growth suburbs like Sydney’s Inner City and Inner West has become a serious and growing problem. This is turn has prompted our local, state and federal governments to bring changes to planning and development laws allowing private investors and non-for-profit housing organisations the opportunity for developing “modern micro apartments” or what is now known as new generation boarding house development. Introduced...
First Time Property Investing Mentor Luke Maroney Interviews John Gilmovich
A recent interview with Luke Maroney from First Time Property Investing discussing; What is a Property Manager Dealing with tenants One big happy family Minimising vacancy Screening tenants Tenants physically seeing the property
Should you allow tenants to keep a pet on your investment property?
Should you allow tenants to keep a pet on your investment property? Everyone has a different opinion on this topic. But we know pet ownership is on the rise as tenants look for a companion animal to introduce to their households. Rent.com.au surveyed more than 1,300 Australian renters on the topic of ‘renting with pets’ and found, overwhelmingly, that 42% of renters found it ‘extremely difficult’ to find a place to rent which would also accept their pets, despite alm...
Is Pest control a landlord or tenant responsibility?
Is Pest control a landlord or tenant responsibility? Just like garden maintenance this is one of the biggest areas of confusion and dispute between landlords and tenants. Why? Well mainly on two fronts: - 1.The legislation is not clear on responsibilities (it's open to interpretation) 2.The cause of pests is subject to dispute Pests may include: Fleas Cockroaches Ants Spiders (i.e. Redbacks) Rats and mice Snakes and possums Bees and wasps White ants (termites) Pest co...
Choosing the right manager for your property investment.
Choosing the right manager for your property investment. According to current statistics from realestate.com.au, there are over 8,500 real estate agents and franchises around Australia. But the question is - should you choose a franchise or an independent real estate agency to rent out your investment property? Both big name franchises and independent agencies can be worthwhile services depending on the specific situation. In the case of franchises, it is often believed these co...
Should landlords rent their properties furnished to maximize returns?
There are a number of ways for property investors to make their property available for rent: Fully furnished and equipped – In this instance, all household items are included: everything from kitchen utensils and cutlery to beds and desks. Fully furnished – You, as the landlord, provide all the furniture to the tenant that would expect to live freely and easily without buying all the items themselves. Partly furnished – Partly furnished properties come with partial furn...
How to best prepare your home for the rental market?
For residential property investors and landlords who want to maintain the value of their assets, keeping things in good order as far as the condition of their property is concerned is usually a priority. There is current discussion from tenancy stakeholders of minimum standards legislation by which governments can prevent the minority of landlords who don’t or won’t maintain their properties in reasonable repair from endangering and exploiting tenants. Such laws are a state matte...
When and how often should you increase your tenant's rent?
When and how often should you increase your tenant's rent? When it comes to rent reviews on an investment property, one of the most common mistakes that investors make is thinking that raising the rent will cause a good tenant to vacate a premises. The landlord therefore does not raise the rent at all, creating a downward spiral in relation to their ongoing cash flow and therefore their ability to maximise their return or grow their portfolio. What do we mean by ‘downward spiral&rsquo...
Top 10 tips to help rental property owners avoid common tax mistakes.
Top 10 tips to help rental property owners avoid common tax mistakes. Owning a rental property is just like running a business. If you're a first time investor or own a rental property that you receive an income from, you can claim any expense associated with earning that income. Rental property expenses are deductions (from your taxable income) relating to the owning and operating a rental property. And there are lots of them! For example, if you pay insurance on your rental prop...
Should property owners manage their own investment property?
Should property owners manage their own investment property? Those small initial savings could create a large impact on your return on investment Understandably, many property investors are enticed by the idea of managing their own investment properties. We wouldn’t be surprised if the thought had crossed your mind on at least one occasion. Buying a property is a costly investment, and it’s only natural to want to maintain as much control over that investment as possible. And i...
What are the minimum rental standards and who benefits from it?
What are the minimum rental standards and who benefits from it? You have long cherished the dream of owning your own home. One day you may find that your circumstances have changed and it’s time to move into another, yet keep and rent out your current one. What now? If you plan well in advance and do your homework diligently, there is no reason why you cannot attract the right sort of tenant and earn a decent income from your property in any market. Preparing your own home for o...
Why Real Property Manager partnered with Rent360.com.au?
Why Real Property Manager partnered with Rent360.com.au When I thought about launching Real Property Manager at the forefront of my vision was to offer a service unlike a traditional real estate agencies. Embracing the latest technology platforms in the property management industry to deliver better experiences for landlords, property investors and tenants was key to differentiate my offering. Real Property Manager was one of the first property management companies that ...
New Rental Data Will Be Made Accessible To Landlords, Investors And Tenants.
Rental Bond data that has never previously been publicly available or accessible. Real Property Manager supported this move to have open data available for landlords, tenants and property investors to make consumer decisions. The Rental Bond data is the most accurate information about the rental market place because it is based on actual "leased" rental property as opposed to asking prices traditionally available on rental listings websites such as realestate.com.au and domain.com.au. Read ...
NSW Landlords Need No Grounds - Eviction Notices to Remain Put
NSW Landlords Need No Grounds - Eviction Notices to Remain Put Weekly rents go up as well as down, repairs and maintenance requests keep coming and the cost of keeping an investment property keeps rising. Landlords as well as tenants have real fears too. One of them is if they will still be able to own their rental property next year. For a growing number of ordinary mum and dad landlords this is just how life is. More rental properties are coming into the hous...
