Archives for January 2012

What Will Happen to Interest Rates
When The RBA Meets Next Week?

THE GENERAL consensus seems to be that the RBA will further reduce rates by 25 basis points. But can this view be fully justified; and what does all this mean for Commercial property investors?

The RBA faces a real DilemmaMost pundits would point to the recent CPI figures and say “Yes”! And on the surface, an underlying inflation rate of 2.5% per annum is plumb in the middle of the RBA’s stated target zone.

Yet despite what seems to be a rather hesitant mood by consumers, inflation in the service sector actually surged by massive 4.4% per annum. And some other sectors (not affected by overseas competition) also finished the year strongly, growing by 3.9% per annum. [Read more…]

Commercial Property: Global Influence?

Things are picking up within the US EconomyTHE LAST quarter of 2011 saw a definite improvement in the US economy — with consumer spending up, and companies finally replenishing their inventories.

GDP increased by an annualised 3%, with improved sales for durable goods and new homes.

Petrol prices have been cheaper, since mid-2011; and the US jobless rate was the lowest in nearly 3 years.

Therefore, with improved employment figures, consumers have felt more comfortable spending — which represents around 70% of US economic activity. [Read more…]

Commercial Property: What Makes for a Balanced Office Market?

EVERY capital city has both a CBD and suburban Office market. And as you can appreciate, keeping tabs on all the various suburban markets is almost an impossible task for most investors.

But generally speaking, the health (or otherwise) of the CBD Office markets within each capital city will provide you with a fairly good gauge of the overall Office scene around Australia.

Accordingly, this graph will provide you with a clear picture of what has occurred over the past 4 years.

As a rule of thumb, Office markets are said to the “in balance”, when their Vacancy Rate lies between 5% and 7%. [Read more…]

Is There a Credit Squeeze Looming?

WILL COMMERCIAL property investors and businesses be starved of ready funds during 2012?

Is there a Credit Squeeze looming?The banks seemed to be protesting about the increased cost of offshore borrowing. And using that as their excuse for not wanting to pass on any future RBA rate reductions in full.

But are they really telling you the whole truth? [Read more…]

Trusted Consultants ~ Part 4
Validating Your Purchase

MY ADVICE to clients is to always accept whatever the vendor is telling you about his or her property, as being “true”.

Then simply “reserve your right” within the Contract, to validate all the wonderful things you’ve been told about the Commercial property you’re about to purchase.

You see, most vendors believe their property to be perfect. And will therefore raise little objection to the final contract giving you a Due Diligence period … to confirm the overall status of the property.

[Read more…]

Commercial Property: Things You Need to Know

You cannot go anywhere nowadays, without somebody offering you their advice about Commercial property.

And it’s hard to know whether they are giving you good information, or just passing on ideas they have picked up on from rather dubious sources.

A thorough Due Diligence is so importantBut once you understand that Commercial property and Residential property completely different, you then begin to understand how the commercial market actually works.

That’s why these articles are intended to give you the real information — to help you become an expert on the subject.

So let’s start with doing homework properly. [Read more…]