Exceptional Product, Outstanding Investment Opportunities

May22

Great Investment Opportunity…

‘Victoria Gardens’ is soon to be constructed in Gecko Valley, one of Gladstone’s premier housing estates located close to the Botanical Gardens, Schools, Sporting Fields & Shopping Centres.  Gladstone is currently experiencing unprecedented demand for quality rental accommodation. Expected rental returns are to be approximately $900 per week based on the units being fully furnished.

Victoria Gardens will be constructed by Altum Constructions, a multi award winning builder and developer based on the Sunshine Coast. Settlements are expected late 2012.

Please contact me on 0403 087 727 for a detailed Information Memorandum.  Some of the features of these townhouses  include:
*Spacious 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom duplex with additional study/media room *Architect designed *Private and secure gated community *Dedicated grounds caretaker and manager *8 Minutes from Gladstone CBD *Parking for two cars *European designed stainless appliances *Air Conditioned *Variation in colour schemes *Large tiled covered patio.

Are you making the right rate reaction? Refinancing has saved customers on average $10,000 each*

Feb17

Lenders’ recent interest rate movements are sure to be bewildering for borrowers, making now an opportune time to enlist the help of a home loan professional, according to Australia’s largest independently operated mortgage broker, Mortgage Choice.

Local Mortgage Choice Manager, Rob Murdoch said, “The bold decision this month by some lenders to move their home loan interest rates out of step with the Reserve Bank has signalled to borrowers that home loan interest rates could shift at any time, in any direction and by any amount.”

“Borrowers need to be aware of this changed interest rate environment and should be prepared to switch to a better suited lender and/or loan product. Otherwise, they may risk paying more over the life of their loan.

“The savings made by reviewing a loan can be significant. An analysis of our recent loan data shows we have saved our refinancing customers on average $10,000 each over five years*.

“Borrowers who want to investigate any savings that could be made on their own home loan, and who may not have the time or know-how to research the market themselves, can call on a home loan expert.

“A professional mortgage broker provides borrowers with the latest home loan information on a wide range of lenders and loan products. It is a brokers’ job to be across changes in interest rates, new products and any special discounts that may be available to borrowers.

“When considering refinancing, our brokers will help borrowers to assess the overall costs versus benefits, taking into consideration not only home loan interest rates but also any upfront, ongoing and exit fees, loan features, lender service and accessibility, etc.

“Now is the time for borrowers to make the right move and develop a much closer relationship with their local mortgage broker who will help them stay on top of the home loan market.”

For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact: Rob Murdoch Mortgage Choice 4978 7365 Rob.murdoch@mortgagechoice.com.au

About Mortgage Choice Australia’s largest independently operated mortgage broker, Mortgage Choice has sourced a home loan for well over 350,000 people since 1992. It works with all manner of property finance borrowers via hundreds of franchises. The company writes one in every 25 home loans in Australia by providing professional guidance on, and choice of, products offered by an extensive panel of leading lenders. Many of its brokers provide a broader service, helping customers source commercial and personal loans, asset finance, deposit bonds and risk and general insurances.

 

 

Hold on tight – 2012′s going to be a big one!

Jan9

WOW! 2011 certainly flew by, and by early accounts I think 2012 will go just as quickly (especially when Hot Cross Buns and Easter Eggs are already hitting the shelves in supermarkets – scary!)

I’m constantly getting asked what’s the latest with the local property market.  The past 6 weeks have been steady, but relatively quiet compared to a few months ago.  We’re expecting the market to really heat up in the next few week so the recent lull has been quite welcome.

I’ve compiled a list below of some great properties that are currently available.

Feel free to pass this information on to anyone who you think might be interested.  Please don’t hesitate to let me know if there is anything at all I’m able to help you with.

BRAND NEW, ALMOST COMPLETE.  $10,000 NHBB & STRONG TENANT IN PLACE!

8 / 26 Flinders Street, Gladstone  -  $ 499,000

Brand new complex consisting of 15, 2 and 3 bedroom townhouses.  Opposite hospital, prime CBD fringe location.  Unit 8 is 3 bedrooms with study, single lock up garage.  International corporate tenant in place with 18 month lease at $560 per week.  You may be eligible for QLD Govt $10,000 New Building Boost.

NEAR NEW HOME IN POPULAR ESTATE

37 Liriope Drive, Gladstone (*Emmadale Gardens Estate)- $ 545,000

Only 12 months old, the owners are sad to sell, but work has them relocating to NSW.  Lovely tiled air-conditioned living areas, 3 bedrooms, two bathrooms, double garage.  Elevated block to capture the breezes.  Great family home or investment opportunity with potential capital growth, depreciation and strong returns.

BIGGER THAN MOST! ROOM TO SWING THAT CAT!

37 Skyline Drive, New Auckland – $ 525,000

4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, double garage.  Two separate living areas plus outdoor patio.  Massive flat block.  Fabulous opportunity for investor or owner occupier.
SPACIOUS HOME IN SOUGHT AFTER TELINA

14 Vernon Road, Telina – $ 480,000

A great well designed 3 bedroom home with two bathrooms and double garage.  Two living areas and outdoor patio.  Telina is a very popular part of Gladstone, where homes and gardens are well presented and values continue to rise.

FURNISHED TOWNHOUSE WITH 7% RETURN

6 / 20 Short Street, Gladstone – $ 425,000

Fantastic  2 bedroom fully furnished townhouse.  Walk to CBD.  Fully gutted and refurbished 3 years ago.  Depreciation estimate available.  Strong corporate tenant in place on 2 year lease.

BRAND NEW UNITS – PRECOMPLETION PRICES

G60- 60 Glenlyon Street, Gladstone CBD – from $ 470,000

Construction has commenced and only a handful remain in this exciting new development.  Gladstone CBD.  Late 2012 settlement.  Be quick so you don’t miss out.

SERENITY, SPACE & VIEWS  

47 Cupitt Road, South Trees (10 mins south of Gladstone) – $ 599,000

Perched on top of the hill, with views over South Trees to the ocean.  3 air-conditioned bedrooms, study, rumpus (that could be separated and self-contained).  Additional shower and toilet. Massive shed, swimming pool, shade house.  3 ½ acres

BRAND NEW HOUSE AND LAND PACKAGES

Assortment of house and land packages available, due for completion at various stages throughout the year.  Contracts undertaken by January 31 2012 may be eligible for $ 10,000 QLD Govt New Building Boost.

 

Look forward to hearing from you soon.  Take care and don’t forget to let me know if there’s anything I’m able to help you with.  To keep up to date with the latest happenings and property listings in Australia’s property and lifestyle hotspot – subscribe to this blog.  Please feel free to pass this on to anyone who you think may be interested.

Rio Tinto streamlines Aluminium product group

Oct17

 17 October 2011

Rio Tinto is streamlining its Aluminium product group following a strategic review. Thirteen assets will be divested at an appropriate point in the future, and some of these will be managed separately in the meantime. The move will allow Rio Tinto Alcan to concentrate on its strategy to grow the value of its high quality, tier one assets and improve the product group’s financial performance.

Rio Tinto’s interests in six Australian and New Zealand assets will transfer into a new business unit, to be called Pacific Aluminium, and be managed and reported separately from the Rio Tinto Alcan product group prior to divestment. These are:

 Australia: Gove bauxite mine and alumina refinery, Boyne Smelters and the associated Gladstone Power Station, the Tomago smelter and the Bell Bay smelter

 New Zealand: New Zealand Aluminium Smelters

A second group of seven non-core assets will continue to be managed by Rio Tinto Alcan while it further investigates divestment options. These assets include:

 France and Germany: Three Specialty Alumina plants and the Gardanne refinery

 United States: Sebree smelter

 United Kingdom: Lynemouth smelter and associated power station, for which potential options include closure

Rio Tinto chief executive Tom Albanese said “The assets identified for divestment are sound businesses that are well-managed with productive workforces. But they are no longer aligned with our strategy and we believe they have a bright future under new ownership. The strength of our balance sheet means that we can choose the most opportune method and timing to divest these assets, which may not occur until the economic climate improves. In the meantime, we will continue to run these operations safely and efficiently.

“This move is a further significant step towards achieving our performance targets in the Aluminium product group. We have already made good progress, with plans in place to generate sustainable performance improvement, and we are investing at a number of our core assets.”

Rio Tinto Alcan chief executive Jacynthe Cote said “We are already well on our way to building a truly outstanding aluminium business. Streamlining the product group allows Rio Tinto Alcan to concentrate its efforts even more on driving performance improvements and investing in growth to increase shareholder value.”

Rio Tinto has begun consultations with affected stakeholders and will engage with the relevant governments and regulators. The relevant Rio Tinto business units will engage with their workforces during the process.

The chief executive of Pacific Aluminium will be Sandeep Biswas. He will report to Rio Tinto business support & operations group executive Bret Clayton.

About Rio Tinto

Rio Tinto is a leading international mining group headquartered in the UK, combining Rio Tinto plc, a London and New York Stock Exchange listed company, and Rio Tinto Limited, which is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange.

Rio Tinto’s business is finding, mining, and processing mineral resources. Major products are aluminium, copper, diamonds, thermal and metallurgical coal, uranium, gold, industrial minerals (borax, titanium dioxide and salt) and iron ore. Activities span the world and are strongly represented in Australia and North America with significant businesses in Asia, Europe, Africa and South America.

 

Delving into investment properties .. The shoe on the other foot

Oct15

Working closely with property developers and residential property investors over the past 19 months has given me a great insight into property investing, but predominantly from one side of the fence. I’ve learnt about what investors are looking for when making their purchasing decisions and have helped them to find suitable properties.

This has brought me to the point of seriously considering property investment myself.

The final details such as what to look for in terms of age, features, location etc have come from what I’ve learnt in my time as a Real Estate agent, but its the getting starting and understanding tax benefits and implications that can become an absolute mine field when starting out and wanting to learn.

Where to start? Who to turn to? I want to understand as much as I can before I go to my Accountant, but wow, I would never have thought it would be so hard to get unbiased advice.

I enlisted the trusty world wide web in the search for some answers. Fail. Everything I found was linked to marketing for a particular firm or service.

Surely in this day and age of technology, all the answers to the multitude of questions I have in my head should be at my finger tips, at the touch of a button? Obviously not.

Looks as though I’ll be going back to the tried and true sources of information – the local library for a printed book. Just hope the information is current and relevant. Buying more investment magazines is on the agenda also, fingers crossed the editorial content out weighs the advertorial.

Wish me luck …. seems as though it’s a jungle out there!

Interest rates stay where they are

Oct4

RBA extends interest rate pause

Chris Zappone – domain.com.au

The Reserve Bank has left its key interest rate unchanged for another month, ignoring for now the gathering signs of a slowdown in global growth.

The central bank kept its cash rate at 4.75 per cent where it’s sat since Melbourne Cup Day last year.

The RBA’s decision was widely expected as the central bank attempts to weigh the threat of higher inflation from a rekindled mining boom against weaker growth for much of the rest of the economy. Turmoil on financial markets – which has knocked about 15 per cent off local share values in the past three months alone – was also not enough to prompt a rate reduction.

”It will take more time for evidence of any effects of the recent European and US financial turbulence on economic activity in other regions to emerge,” RBA governor Glenn Stevens said in a statement accompanying today’s rates decision.

”Thus far, indications are that economic activity is continuing to expand in China and most of Asia,” he added, citing Australia’s main export markets.

The RBA’s board had to consider a slew of mixed economic data over the past month. For instance the jobless rate surprisingly increased to 5.3 per cent last month from 5.1 per cent in August.

Against that, though, mining investment continues to stoke demand in the economy – even as commodity prices slump.

Data out today also showed Australia posted its second-largest trade surplus ever – at $3.1 billion – for August. Building approvals also rose 11.4 per cent, seasonally adjusted for the month, its best monthly increase since March 2010, and an indication of improving confidence in the volatile housing construction industry.

$ 900 million deal for QR National

Sep6

GLADSTONE OBSERVER – 6.9.2011

QR NATIONAL has signed a $900 million agreement to construct the Wiggins Island Rail Project.

The project will carry coal from various mines to the new export terminal being built on Wiggins Island.

QR National signed the deal with eight coal companies, which are all part of the Wiggins Island Coal Export Terminal group (WICET).

Construction of the rail project is due to begin in early 2012, with the first train loads scheduled for mid-2014.

QR National managing director and chief executive Lance Hockridge said he was delighted with the announcement.

“The Wiggins Island Rail Project will be one of the largest rail expansions in Australia and represents a significant commitment to the future growth of the Queensland coal industry,” he said.

“This is the first major rail infrastructure investment by QR National as a privatised entity and underscores our strategy to invest in growth projects in coal.

“Our priorities are to deliver the right infrastructure for our customers when they need it with world-class efficiency, to achieve commercial outcomes for our shareholders and to meet our regulatory obligations.”

WICET also welcomed the announcement.

“Development of the terminal is progressing on many fronts and the rail project is an important step,” WICET project director Mark West said.

“Development of Wiggins Island Coal Export Terminal is on track to commence substantial construction on site in September 2011.”

The new deal is tied to stage 1 of the new coal terminal, which will have an export capacity of 27 million tonnes a year.

Once all stages are completed, the export terminal is expected to have a capacity of more than 80 million tonnes a year.

The project is expected to generate up to 3000 direct and indirect jobs during construction and will draw on the services of many local companies and suppliers

QLD Stamp Duty changes and boosts and bonuses ….

Aug30

Concessions and grants when selling or buying your home have changed as of 1 August 2011.

The changes include a new $10,000 QLD Building Boost Grant and changes to stamp Duty Rates including the removal of the home concession stamp duty concession and changes to the first home concession and vacant land concession.

The $10,000 Queensland Building Boost Grant is available for anyone buying or building a new home valued less than $600,000 between 1 August 2011 and 31 January 2012.

The definition of a new home is:  One that has not been previously occupied or sold as a place of residence, or is a substantially renovated home.

If you are going to claim for the Building Boost Grant the good news is that you as the buyer can be a first home owner, a person you has already owned their own home or an investor.  Corporations and trustees can also be eligible, however a person such as a builder who builds a home and sells it before its occupied cannot claim the grant.

Another few important points to mention are that an existing home owner or investor must have the home occupied for at least 3 months in the first year of owning the home.  The contract to buy must be entered into within 1 August 2011 and 31 January 2012 and applications must be lodged with the QLD Office of State Revenue.

How does it work for first home buyers?  As of 1 August 2011 the $7000 first home owner grant will continue and is available if buying or building your first home.  Here is where the Double-Dip Bonus comes into play.  This bonus is available until 31 January 2012 and is worth a total of $17,000 if buying or building a new home (First Home Owners Grant and the Building Boost Grant combined).  To be eligible, the first home buyer needs to move into the property within twelve months of purchasing and live in it for at least six months as the principle place of residence.

For further information, visit http://boost.treasury.qld.gov.au/

Cash flow positive – brand new townhouses

Jul19

“26 Flinders Street” Gladstone is currently under construction and will consist of eight, three bedroom plus study and seven, two bedroom plus study townhouses.

Streetscape – 26 Flinders Street – Artist Impression

Each townhouse will feature the following :

- Tiled living areas on the ground level

- Modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances

- Air conditioning to the living areas and master bedroom

- Remote controlled lock up garage

- Separate study/office area & separate toilet on ground level

- Paved & landscaped courtyard

The townhouses are located across the road from Gladstone & Mater Hospitals, and within walking distance to the CBD, marina, Gladstone Central Shopping Complex, cinemas, and schools.

The complex has been designed by Finn Rasmussen Architects based in Brisbane and each unit will offer an excellent investment opportunity for the owner occupier or investor.  Hutchinson Builders have commenced construction of the complex, with completion due early 2012.

The units are available for sale off the plan now for $449,000 each for the two bedroom townhouses and $499,000 each for the three bedroom townhouses.

The units are located across the road from Gladstone & Mater Hospitals, and within walking distance to the CBD, marina, Gladstone Central Shopping Complex, cinemas, and schools.

Internal view – 26 Flinders Street – Artist Impression

Similar self-contained townhouses are currently tenanted at over $ 600 per week, making these an exceptional investment proposition.

Take advantage of the massive growth expected in Gladstone over the coming years with four LNG plants, current major industry expansions, a new coal terminal and steel plant all bringing nearly $ 100 billion in projects, and tens of thousands of workers and their families to the fabulous Gladstone region.
For further information, including Sustainability Declaration, Body Corporate contributions and contracts, please call me directly on 07  4976 8016 or email jluce.gladstone@ljh.com.au

QLD Transfer Duty Comparisons

Jul15

Effective 1 August 2011 there will no longer be a transfer duty concession for persons purchasing a home to live in as their principle place of residence.

The First Home concession and Vacant Land concession will continue to apply.

Key points to note ….

*     The home concession continues to apply to transactions where the transfer duty liability date is before 1 August 2011.

*     For transactions evidenced by a contract, the transfer duty liability date is the date the contract is signed.

*     Condition placed on the contract do not affect the liability date.  The home concession would apply to a contract signed before 1 August 2011 even if it becomes unconditional after 1 August 2011.

*     Where there is no contract, such as transfers between related parties, the liability date is the date that the property is transferred.