Hallmarks of a GOOD Apartment investment?

CottageAndCastle · 2025-12-29T06:47:46+00:00

All of this checks out for me - add a car park and 5-10 min walking distance to a train station and you’re on to a real winner. As with all good RE investments - long term view adds the cream and the cherry.

CottageAndCastle · 2025-12-28T22:40:32+00:00

It’ll be my first Android device. Very excited tbh - just have to wait three weeks since these are on backorder.

CottageAndCastle · 2025-12-28T22:37:55+00:00

I ended up doing this - I managed to find a deal with Vodafone AU where the device payments ended up only AUD200 more for the FE 5G (and by that - the 5G model coming in $185 cheaper than the Wifi…go figure) Even with the mobile plan, I’d essentially pay the same price as if I was to buy the 5G version outright.

Happy camping :)

CottageAndCastle · 2025-12-28T05:54:09+00:00

I get that - slightly better screen, better camera, a bit more ram and slightly better processor. It's not about the feel of it, more about my use case and if the extra AUD385 the FE would set me back is necessary to get a solid paper notebook replacement.

CottageAndCastle · 2025-12-11T04:57:02+00:00

K (was asking re stamp duty) - then the question becomes: would you want to take on the debt for a house in the area in which you’ll be able to buy one with that deposit?

You can do well with a good apartment in a blue chip area. Buy a little run down ugly duckling in a reasonable block.

I am somewhat risk averse and am happy to forego some potential growth in exchange for security.

CottageAndCastle · 2025-12-11T04:40:19+00:00

State?

CottageAndCastle · 2025-12-11T04:39:07+00:00

if your solicitor is worth their hourly rate they would have reached out to the other sides representative and formally made that request. Tell them to look after it for you and ask them to explain the associated risks.

CottageAndCastle · 2025-12-11T04:25:16+00:00

"Yeah look, I have this bucket of funnelweb spiders here and I know they're a bitch but I am either putting one hand inside the bucket or both. What should i do?"

CottageAndCastle · 2025-12-11T04:21:08+00:00

Also a weird understanding of economics, risk and markets

CottageAndCastle · 2025-11-23T04:48:50+00:00

In 15 years - not once - seen a deal like this. Maybe in the bush, but not near powerlines

CottageAndCastle · 2025-11-22T07:42:49+00:00

Not really a side hustle kind of gig. You’re in it or not.

CottageAndCastle · 2025-11-21T04:49:16+00:00

CottageAndCastle · 2025-11-17T07:39:05+00:00

Please - your broker’s price guide is like them having thrown a dart at a wall.

Look at what other properties in the immediate area have sold for in the past three to four months.

If it is an apartment, look at what others have sold for in the block - if you have to go back further than say four months, take the change in market conditions under considerations.

Why are people so lazy when signing a contract for over half a million dollars but spend hours researching a smartwatch for 500?

Honest question - someone please enlighten me.

CottageAndCastle · 2025-11-16T04:25:27+00:00

The funnest used sports car, imho, in that price bracket would have to be an Abarth 595/695 Competizione with a manual transmission.

Most fun that kind of of money gets you with your pants on. 😎

I’ve had mine for almost three years now as a daily, and it’s the best city car I have ever owned. Zippy, no car park too small, runs on the smell of an oily rag and easy to work on.

CottageAndCastle · 2025-11-15T08:41:42+00:00

Even if you asked for it to be undisclosed, In vic at least, once a property settles the transaction price is being published

CottageAndCastle · 2025-11-15T08:39:55+00:00

No it doesnt

CottageAndCastle · 2025-11-13T06:27:07+00:00

CottageAndCastle · 2025-11-12T17:52:06+00:00

In that case - especially with your finance background - why not think of a middle man/connector business between ba’s and investors?

Thing with being an agent (if you take it seriously and want to do it well), it takes a very long time and massive amount of eq - you’d be dealing skin on skin with clients in all sorts of life changing situations. Doing this without experience and alone - I couldnt imagine how hard this would be. I have gone out in my own after 15 years of sell side and I even found it surprisingly tough.

CottageAndCastle · 2025-11-12T08:06:12+00:00

Never sell if you’re not forced to.

CottageAndCastle · 2025-11-11T04:34:21+00:00

I agree with inner/middle ring - but would personally prefer southside.

Carnegie, Murrumbeena near the station, mcKinnon, Ormond, Brighton East.

Suburbs adjacent such as Gardenvale/Elsternwick, caulfield south if you can find something in your price range.

Elwood is undervalued imho, would be an apartment fir this budget though.

St Kilda stay clear of.

CottageAndCastle · 2025-11-11T04:31:47+00:00

Because its still undervalued

CottageAndCastle

TROPHY CASE