Q.Why should I consider buying a property in the Port Douglas-Cairns region
Whether you're an Australian citizen looking to make solid, financially secure long-term investments in real estate, or an overseas property buyer who can see the incredible value in Australian real estate investment generally, Australia offers an unrivalled level of security plus magnificent opportunity for capital growth. When it comes to Australian real estate, Port Douglas and Cairns uniquely offer the 3 main things we're all told to look for when buying a property - location, location and location.
Q. I'm planning on relocating to Port Douglas, The Tablelands or Northern B
We will help you make the move and transition to The Tropics smooth and easy. Ray White Port Douglas offers personalised counselling prior to during and after your arrival. Our relocation staff are well versed on property values, the changing dynamics of the marketplace, and the cultural and historical factors that make our tropical paradise special. Your needs and interests are our priority in selecting a relocation specialist to assist you.
Q. What's involved in buying a residential property?
Buying a new home is not only an exciting time but, probably one of the largest purchases you're likely to make, it can also be seen as one of your best long-term investments - so it's important that you get it right. This means doing your homework and making sure that the property you will eventually is buy is the right one for you in terms of price, location, value, size and lifestyle. There are two main ways to buy a home - by private treaty or by auction. As a buyer, the choice is not really yours, as it is the seller who decides the most appropriate method to use to sell their property.
Q. What's The First Home Owner Grant?
To offset the impact of the introduction of the goods and services tax (GST), the Commonwealth has requested that the States and Territories assist first homebuyers through the establishment of the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG). The First Home Owner Grant applies from 1 July 2000. Each State and Territory Revenue Office is responsible for administrating the grant it's respective jurisdiction. For more information visit: www.firsthome.gov.au
Q. What are my options for buying an investment property?
It is generally excepted that the average investor feels more confident with real estate as a place to secure their future, believing that over all it will outperform cash and fixed interest deposits, particularly for the medium to long term. Many Australians prefer to invest in residential property, as it's a tangible, "bricks and mortar" asset.
Q. What Are Property Tax Allowances?
Property tax allowances are a valuable aspect of any property investment due to their ability to enhance an investor's return and produce a better cash flow. However, a high level of expertise is required to ensure that investors obtain maximum allowable entitlements.
Property tax allowances form part of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 (ITAA 1997) and provide an opportunity for owners of income producing property to reduce their assessable income. There are a number of property tax allowances available to property owners, investors, and developers, including allowances for building structure and depreciation on plant. Property tax allowances are often simply referred to as tax depreciation.
Q. What Are The Rules For Overseas Buyers?
The Australian Government's foreign investment policy has been developed to encourage investment in Australia and ensure that such investment is consistent with the needs of the Australian community. The Government recognises the important contribution offshore investment makes to the development of Australia's industry, resources and community.
Q. What Are My Property Financing Options?
Over the past few years the Australian mortgage industry has undergone enormous change and upheaval.The dozens of lenders and hundreds of products now on offer is proving to be a great windfall for you, the consumer. Australian Lending Tree is a Cairns based mortgage consulting firm specialising in sourcing residential home and investment loans as well as business and commercial finance and debt consolidation. They are one of several local companies that offer a service to help you find your way through the maze of lenders and products.
Q. Should We Consult A Solicitor?
The buying and selling of your home may be one of the most important transactions in your life. Factors other than the price of the property need to be considered. To ensure that no unexpected costs arise or problems appear in the transaction, it is best to seek the advice of your solicitor before any contract is signed.
For more information on the legal aspects of real estate transactions, please see our guides on:
Buying and Selling a House
Buying and Selling A Unit Or Townhouse
The conveyancing market is competitive so discuss with your agent and solicitor the fees involved, but remember that the cheapest is not always the best value. Please contact us for a list of local solicitors.
Q. How Do Management Rights Work?
The concept of strata and community title Management Rights originated in America, but developed a uniquely Australian form on the Gold Coast in the early 1960's. It is now estimated there are over 260,000 apartments in Queensland alone operating under this system.
Q. How Does An Auction Work?
A sale by public auction is arguably one of the most exciting, effective and rewarding methods of buying and selling real property and seen by many as the ultimate indication of value of the actioned property on the day.
More information about selling at auction
More information about buying at auction
Ray White Port Douglas runs a series of monthly auctions over the holiday season to take advantage of the 500,000 or so visitors we get every year. Held normally on the first Saturday of the month, in what is the perfect location here in Port Douglas, the Verandah Bar, at the Central Hotel.
