With an unexpectedly low inflation reading over the past few months across Australia, there is a good chance that the RBA will now cut official tax rates in the future. This is good news for those looking to enter the market or start their investment portfolio as signs continually show we are in a buyer’s market. This information coupled with a study carried out in December 2011 also showing that Canberra units hold the highest gross rental yields of all the capital cities in the country, evidence suggests that now is a great time to get your foot in the door in the real estate market.

 A recent survey courtesy of RP Data (dated 16/12/11) has shown that units in Canberra currently hold the highest indicative gross rental yields of any in the country. With this is mind what more incentive do you need as an investor to buy or add an investment property to your portfolio in 2012? Contact Maloney’s for a friendly chat to see how we can point you in the right direction from a buying perspective  or service your property management needs.

At the beginning of December, the RBA has made the move to cut interest rates by 25 basis points for the second month in succession (taking the cash rate to 4.25%). So what does this mean for the home buyer?

The end of November saw the average standard variable mortgage rate at 7.55% and the average 3 year fixed rate was 6.4% mortgage payers are still to see if the whole 25 basis points cut will be passed on. If this happens, variable mortgage rates will revert to decade average levels. If 3 year fixed rates remain unchanged, they will be 66 basis points below the decade average.

With this news of suspected interest rate falls coupled with the rapid growth of disposable income of the average household, Australians are set to benefit considerably over the coming months.

December 2011

Dixon Advisory Seminar

The seminar we held on the 15^th of November was a big hit and we hope that those investors who attended got a lot of helpful information. If you were unable to attend and would like a copy of the slides that were handed out on the night please email Kim Talledo who can forward these on for you, Kim's email address is ktalledo@maloneys.com.au

Maloney's Online

If you haven't yet accessed Maloney's online we have had some very positive feedback from owners and recommend that you give it a try. You have access 24 hours a day 7 days a week to view past statements, copies of invoices, inspection reports and change your contact and bank details as well. If you have not received your login details please let us know.

Merry Christmas

Christmas is here again and it is remarkable how quick this year has gone. The team at Maloney's would like to wish all our property investors and their families a happy and safe Christmas. We will have a skeleton staff between Christmas and New Year who will be available for any urgent matters. Our trading hours over the Christmas period will be as below:

Saturday 24 December - Tuesday 27 December - Office Closed  

Wednesday 28 December - Friday 30 December - 9 am to 5 pm Skeleton staff only

Saturday 31 December - Monday 2 January - Office closed

Barclays Mis

In the next week or so you will receive some information about a product that we have introduced for our landlords. We feel it is excellent for assisting the control of rental arrears and provides the potential to follow up any debts left by tenants past a tribunal hearing. If you have any questions regarding this please do not hesitate to contact us.

Sales and Rental comment

Both the sales and rental markets continue to be slower than the last couple of years and the market is now down about 6% for the year, however compared to the rest of the country we are still faring reasonably well.  The rental market is still overstocked particularly in the Inner South and it is important to remember to be competitive if your property is coming available to avoid any extended vacancy periods.