First, let me extend a warm welcome to all our new readers, and of course, welcome back to our regular subscribers. 

A couple of issues ago we suggested the market fundamentals could soon fuel renewed enthusiasm in the Brisbane residential market.  It was based on the 1,000 new interstate and international arrivals per week being confronted with high rents deciding they might buy instead of renting.  And those recent arrivals that had been holding off buying (until they settled into jobs and the kids were okay at school etc) decided it was all going to be okay and came back into the market.  Well that might just be coming together.

The market has continued to show promise with increased activity in October.  Auction clearance rates are continuing to improve, and Real Estate agents are reporting increased inquiry levels.  This is supported by our own experience in sourcing and negotiating purchases for clients.  Last week our Research Team reported five good quality vacant blocks of land go under contracts (some of which had been on the market for months).  This activity may well be the early signs of the price floor returning to the market – how far it goes is yet to be seen.  If you’re thinking of purchasing you may well benefit from moving sooner rather than later.

In the office, there’s been a great deal of excitement with the launch of our new real estate arm “In-House Real Estate”.  In the past we’ve looked to work with local real estate agents to sell our client’s properties (with mixed success).  As is so often the case – if you want it done right, you’ve got to do it yourself.  So now the buck stops here – and to make sure we get excellent results for you, we’ve hired the best in the business in Mr Mal Cayley.  Mal comes with a very impressive track record and will be heading up “In-House Real Estate”.   More on how Mal plans to “service your socks off” later in the newsletter. 

In this issue you’ll see

• Critique of an important Courier Mail article regarding subdivision and council regulations
• A major shift in the market place that all investors should be aware of
• How Mal plans to “Service your Socks Off”

Of course, if you have any specific questions regarding any of the articles, please feel free to contact our team on (+61 7) 3369 0111. And feel free to forward our newsletter to anyone you feel may find it of interest - our best promotion has always been word of mouth.

Best regards,

Colin Ferguson

Imagine you’re running for office (okay – it’s a nightmare, but run with it for a moment).  Your primary objective is to get elected, so you march out into the public arena and “listen to the people”.  As is often the case, the people making the loudest noise are those complaining.., and over recent years much noise was made about small lot development encroaching upon the neighbour’s liveability... >>more