Is The Mining Boom Masking a Major Problem for Commercial Property in Queensland and WA?

Queensland & WA will have the greatest amount of Distressed PropertyTHIS RATHER pressing issue appears to be receiving little or no coverage at all.

But if you listen to the insolvency firms, Western Australia is about to become the “hot spot” for distressed property.

And as you can see from the chart, Queensland well and truly holds the the crown at the moment. [Read more…]

How Commercial Property Investors Benefitted From The Past 7 Days?

The Reserve Bank believes things are on the up.LAST TUESDAY, the RBA left the cash rate on hold — much to the surprise of most pundits. And yet, only the week before, that’s exactly what I suggest would happened.

You might also remember I suggested that you lock in a fixed rate mortgage — because it was then about 1% below the variable mortgage rate.

Many scoffed, and said that rates will continue to come down. Well, the past 7 days have certainly put paid to that theory — with the big 4 Banks raising their rates, quite out of step with the RBA. [Read more…]

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…]

Do Banks Use a Formula When Lending on Commercial Property?

Getting the Money you need for your Loan

BANKS have a variety of ways of analysing a Commercial property; but there are a few guidelines they all tend to use.

For them, the most important number is the property’s Net Operating Income — which is basically rental minus expenses. As simple as that may seem, the calculation can vary dramatically from lender to lender.

Calculating the Net Operating Income is fairly straightforward. [Read more…]

Be Prepared for Strong Growth in Commercial Property During 2012

Australia stands poised ready to growThe underlying fundamentals for Australia are strong.

All that’s needed is a lift in the general confidence level, for our economy to really take off.

Therefore, the trick is … not to be caught by surprise when it does! [Read more…]

Discover How to Make the Best Choices When Investing in Commercial Property

Prepare for your Commercial Property DecisionsIf you’re looking to purchase a Commercial property to occupy yourself, perhaps you should make it a two-step process — by first renting a property within the location you prefer.

Finding somewhere to lease is relatively easy, as not everyone wants to sell their commercial property.

Most people own Commercial property for investment — which means you would be able to occupy the space, for as long as you keep paying the rent. Plus, you can then discover whether it is the location you want for your business.

Anyway, you may care to check out a few more tips on buying commercial real estate, as you continue reading. [Read more…]

Will the RBA Cut Rates Again?

 This may well be the last Interest Rate Cut
Last week’s inflation figures were certainly much better than expected.

As such, there had been considerable political pressure placed on the RBA from by the government to cut interest rates this week.

Retailers were virtually pleading with the RBA to do so. Plus, homeowners were also looking for some relief in the run up to Christmas.

However, this is probably the last interest rate cut by the RBA for quite some time. To understand why, you need to cast your mind back to when the GFC began in 2008.

RBA has a real Dilemma going forwardAt the time, business investment was falling.

This is unlikely to occur from now on — because planned mining investment (at $430 billion) is three times greater than in 2008, representing about a third of Australian’s GDP.

And overall, Australia is said to have around $900 billion of business investment in the pipeline.

Furthermore, our main trading partner (China) is now far less dependent upon Western countries for its growth.

In 2008, China’s 12% per annum growth in GDP reflected a 3% to 4% component of exports to the West. While this year’s 9.5% growth in GDP was basically driven by domestic demand — with virtually no exports involved.

Overall, there is said to be around $900 billion of business investment in the pipeline. Add to that the improved stability of Australian banks, with their reduced offshore exposure and improved domestic deposits. Plus, an increase in the Tier 1 capital ratios.

Finally you also need to remember the RBA’s cash rate has now fallen from 7.25% in 2008 to its current level of 4.5% today.

Bottom Line: Apart from the current turmoil in Europe, Australia’s underlying fundamentals are solid. And these augur well for strong growth in Commercial property over the next 5 years.

To reduce interest rates any further would only serve to artificially inflate asset prices — rather than allow the market to grow organically … based upon genuine, sustainable demand.

 

Why the Slow Economic Recovery?

The Vagaries of Financial UncertaintyExactly why have industrial companies around the world been slow to recover? And why did everything look so promising … and then suddenly, seem to grind to a halt?

Perhaps some insight into this dilemma was provided by the IMF’s recent World Economic Outlook.

According to Oliver Blanchard (its chief economist), there are the dual influences of a slowdown in advanced Western economies; and the overall financial uncertainty.

During the GFC, companies allowed their inventories to run down. Then, with a hint of global recovery, those same companies began replacing their depleted inventory levels. [Read more…]

Commercial Property: Home-study Course
Now Taking Shape

My new Training Course is quickly taking shape
Yesterday, I gave my Inner Circle a “sneak peek” at the outline for my brand-new training Course … “Mastering Commercial Property”.

And over the past couple of weeks, I have actually progressed a fair way down the track, in bringing it all together.

However, I just wanted you to see the direction in which it was heading.

Therefore, you can take a look now at just how the website is taking shape. And please keep your feedback coming — because no it’s been just so helpful.

 

Tried-and-True Tips to Profit from Commercial Real Estate Investing

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Tips for your Success with Commercial propertyTHE BEST looking property could actually represent the worst real estate investment you have ever made.

Remember that Commercial real estate investing is all about … the Deal, the Terms and the Return on investment. Here are some tips for successful Commercial real estate investing. [Read more…]

Why All The Panic?


Are we really heading for GFC Mark II?

Well, not here in Australia anyway! And even overseas, things are vastly different this time around.

In 2008/09, it was private debt causing the problems … because nobody was too sure which banks were overly exposed to the sub-prime mortgage problem. [Read more…]