You've got a wonderful investment property, and you’re claiming the mortgage as a tax deduction. Are you also claiming depreciation? If yes, are you sure you are claiming all you are entitled to? Depreciation is like wear and tear – it’s a recognition that your buildings and assets have a finite ...

We often hear advice that we should work hard to pay off our mortgages as quickly as possible. This will, we are assured, save us a fortune in interest payments in the long term. But is this always the best advice? The answer is, well…it depends. Bad debt Is your mortgage on your family home? Is ...

Nobody knows it all! Especially if you are new to property investing, it’s best to get some quality advice from sources you can trust. Even the most experienced property investors usually have a ‘dream team’ – people they can call on to help make their investments work. Who should be on your team? ...

Here's another of our frequent questions: "I'm just about to buy an investment property. Should I  pay off interest and principal with my mortgage or should I just pay interest?" The answer will depend on your financial plan and your current situation. Most lenders offer an interest only period of ...

We’re often asked about the differences between offset and line of credit mortgages. We usually hear: "Which is best? Which should I go with?" Let’s have a quick look at what each mortgage is, and who it may suit. Remember, the best mortgage for you is the one that best suits your financial plan, ...

Most of our clients hire a property manager. This is one of the situations where good property managers shine; he or she will identify when a payment is late, liaise with the tenant to find a solution and instigate and follow through with Tribunal hearings and eviction orders if necessary. Even if ...

Have you considered buying a property with a partner? There are many benefits: you get to split the costs, the risks and the decision-making. There are also risks: if things go wrong you can lose financially and you can ruin your relationship. So, what should you think about before taking the ...

Wouldn’t it be great if we and our tenants always got along? Sometimes, though, the tenant-landlord relationship can go sour. Rent isn’t paid. The tenants have asked for repairs that haven’t been done.  There’s damage beyond normal wear and tear, and no one wants to pay. If you (or your property ...

Once you've bought your investment property, you’ll need to put some thought into how you’ll keep it at its optimum value. All properties experience wear and tear, and your decor, fixtures and fittings will eventually begin to look tired. If you keep on top of small jobs, factor in maintenance and ...

Strategic alliances are partnerships where two or more businesses work together. This might mean sharing information, skills and expertise, and resources. Both partners can potentially extend market reach or enter new markets. If done well, a strategic partnership can help both companies grow ...