How much are real estate agents charging on average for property management in SA?

Curious for any feedback. Currently one of the only lenders offering 5% deposit loans for fhb

Hi all,

Has anyone used MA Money as a lender? I earn a good income but it’s foreign income and I’m single, so lenders are a bit wary of me. My broker says they’re offering me a higher borrowing capacity (430k) but a higher rate 6.94%
I have a big deposit, and this is my second property. Is MA money worth it?

Thank you.

Me and my Partner are in a good position and looking to buy an entry apartment in perth (600-700k range). We are also fortunate to have an arrangement with our current land lord where we can extend our lease for another 3 months if we still havent found a place to live.

Do you think its worth getting into the market with a purchase in the next month or wait another 4 months to make a decision.

Heya, first home buyers here. Seen a dream place that’s just outside our price range (we’re hoping to find somewhere for under 640-650K).

This place is listed as 660-680K for auction next month.
I’m wondering if it’s even worth putting in a lowball offer? Or wait and see if the auction passes without buyers?

For context it’s a two bed apartment that was last sold for $660k in 2021.

Any thoughts are appreciated, how much to offer always seems like a bit of a shot in the dark!

In Melbourne,

1. Are brick houses built in the 1970s, 80s, 90s or 2000s considered the best value, and why? Is there a particular decade buyers prefer?
2. How long do these houses realistically last if maintained well? Also came to know from an older agent that the real issue with brick-houses is not the bare structure, but the wood/other materials used within it. So overall in his perspective 'brick houses' still will cost you in longer term.
3. Also, why do older brick homes often seem more desirable than newer builds from builders like Carlisle, Henley or Metricon? Surely newer homes offer better energy efficiency and lower running costs over time?

Is it mainly about build quality, land, location, affordability or buyer perception?

Had look into few brick houses, (may be structurally good still), but plumbing/corridors/baths etc all have to be taken into vs New builds

Keen to hear/thoughts from the experienced hands here

We recently purchased a property after having a full building and pest inspection completed. The report stated that all areas of the house and property had been inspected, but we have since discovered that the inspector never assessed the garage.

Throughout the purchasing process, both the vendor and real estate agent were reluctant to provide access to the garage. Every time we inspected the property, it was locked, and we were told they didn’t have the key. We even requested photos and videos because we couldn’t access it ourselves. We thought the owners were being weird and finall received a video of the garage which was just full of shit, mostly covering the floors and wall.

Since settlement, we’ve unfortunately discovered that the garage floods when it rains, with water entering through the roof and causing damage to the walls and floor. Looks to have been happening for many years which is causing further damage.

We recently engaged a structural engineer, who identified:

•Category 3 (Moderate) damage: Wall cracks measuring up to 7mm wide.

• Category 4 (Severe) damage: Approximately 80mm of differential settlement in the front section of the concrete slab, exceeding acceptable serviceability limits.

We estimate full repairs of roof and walls could cost between $10,000 and $15,000.

Do we have any legal recourse against the building inspection company for failing to inspect the garage despite stating that the entire property had been assessed? Could we also pursue the vendor or real estate agent if we believe they knew about these issues and deliberately concealed them or prevented access?

Or does the fact that we’ve already settled mean we’re now fully responsible for the damage and repairs, regardless of whether these issues were known or should have been identified before purchase?

Interested to hear if anyone has experienced something similar or understands our options under Victorian property law.

Anyone under new airport’s flight path? How are the noise levels so far? Are you considering moving and to where?

Been looking at a few villas and townhosues around Melbourne lately and I think this part of the market is getting interesting again.

And just to clarify, when I say units I'm not talking about high-rise apartmnets. I'm talking about the older Melbourne-style villa/unit, maybe 4-8 on the block, usually 2 bedrooms, garage/car space and hopefully a bit of land. Plus townhouses.

Some of these have basically gone nowhere for years.

There are examples around Melbourne where units are selling for similar money to 5 or even 10 years ago, while houses in the same areas have become significantly more expesive.

Some of the data I've been looking at has units around the $500k-$550k mark in areas where houses can be $800k-$900k.

That's a pretty big diffrence.

So I ran a rough comparison between a $720k investment house and a $550k townhouse/villa.

For both I've assumed a 20% deposit, 6.5% interest-only loan, $540pw rent and no vacancy. I've used 6% for property managemnt, $120 a year for smoke alarm compliance and around 0.5% of the purchase price each year for maintenance.

Obviously these costs can vary quite a bit depending on the property and the investor. Particularly interest rates, rent, land tax, strata, insurance and maintenance. This is just using the same assumptions on both to compare theor the townhouse example, building insurance is assumed to be included in the strata.

What got my attention wasn't really the purchase price difference. It was the holding cost.

Both are getting $540pw in this example.

But the house is costing roughly $1,795 a month out of pocket, while the townhouse/villa is around $924.

That's around $10,450 a year difference.

You've also got roughly $187k required upfront for the house versus $143k for the townhouse/villa, so about another $44k of your cash tied up from day one.

Obviously I'm not saying that automatically makes the townhouse the better investment.

The house may end up having better capital growth. That's the trade-off and probably where most of the debate will be.

But I think this is why investors are starting to look at this type of stock differently.

Interest rates are higher, land tax in Victoria has increased and the yield on a lot of houses isn't particularly exciting.

If I can get around 5% gross yield instead of 4%, borrow $136k less and have roughly $10k less coming out of my pocket every year, I think it's at least worth considering.

You still need to look at the location, land component, supply, floorplan, owners corp, sinking fund, maintenance history and whether there's going to be owner-occupier demand when you eventually sell it.

And obviously a townhouse with ridiculous strata or a big special levy coming isn't suddenly a good investment.

But there's another side to this which I actually find just as interesting.

First-home buyers and owner occupiers are looking at the same properties for completely different reasons.

Using the same $720k house vs $550k townhouse/villa example, here's what it could look like for someone buying as their own home.

For this one I've kept the 20% deposit and 6.5% rate, but changed the loan to 30-year principal & interest repayments.

Again, this is just an example. Deposit size, interest rate, loan structure and actual repaymnets will depend on the buyer.

But you're talking about roughly $34k less for the 20% deposit, borrowing $136k less and around $860 less going towards the mortgage every month.

That's more than $10k a year in repayment difference.

And I think this is where the conversation gets interesting for first-home buyers.

Higher interest rates have reduced borrowing capacities, but people haven't suddenly stopped wanting to live near work, family, schools, transport and everything else.

Someone might be able to buy a $720k house, but it could mean moving another 20-30km further out.

Or they could spend around $550k on a decent townhouse or older villa in an established suburb they actually want to live in.

Personally I think townhouses are probably the sweet spot for a lot of buyers at the moment, depending on the suburb and budget.

You can still get 2-3 bedrooms, garage, some outdoor space and something that feels much closer to living in a house.

Older villas can make sense too, particularly something with a bit of land, simple construction, decent floorplan and only a handful of properties on the block.

I'm still cautious with apartmnet buildings, particularly the larger developments where you're one of 100+ similar properties.

I'm definitely not saying villas and townhouses are suddenly going to outperform houses.

I just think the numbers are starting to make the decision a lot more interesting.

You've got investors looking at them because of yield and holding costs.

Then you've got first-home buyers and owner occupiers looking at the same properties because they can potentially borrow less, have lower repayments and still live in an area they actually want to live in.

Two completely different reasons, but both are pushing buyers towards similar stock.

Anyone else seeing this in Melbourne at the moment?

Hey I'm looking to covert my 2 bed 2 bath house into a 3 bed 2 bath house.

Would anyone be able to tell me if it is actually possible? Particulaerly based on what's structural walls/ load bearing etc?

I understand the house itself is tiny, but I have no other option.

Cheers.

Hi everyone,

I have never had to navigate this so not sure of the process or steps.

My partner and I bought into a 10 unit block in 2022 that was built in 1965. We have 7 owner occupied and 3 rented units. We paid a little over 1mil (Sydney prices are insane).

We have now been approached by a developer who wants to purchase our block and the one/s either side to combine into a large complex. For reference we are number 10. The other blocks (number 8 and 12) would need our buy-in and they cannot build around us.

The developer has only sent very preliminary that we could potentially get 20 mil for our block and divide amongst size of units (essentially we would be getting about 2mil for our unit) but would not be able to sell for 2 years whilst they investigate viability and approvals and they could pull out at any time.
We were planning on selling in the next 5 years anyway but are not currently in a rush.

A few residents have expressed interest in selling but one has their reservations.

My questions are:
- does everyone in the unit block need to agree to sell?
- eventually we would need our own property lawyer but at what point do we engage them if it’s just preliminary talks at this stage to garner interest?
- should we be getting our own valuation at this stage?
- how likely is it that this would actually progress?

It would be life changing money for us but I don’t want to get my hopes up or get taken advantage of by a developer.

Hi,

I write this at 1am out of desperation

After sacrificing any holidays, pursuing job hopping and jobs on the side , I finally afforded my own apartment after years of renting (since 18)

I (26m) did everything right just to afford this , I have no family and just wanted to live a quiet life by myself

A few weeks ago, I moved into a third level apartment (with a fourth level on top ) in a building of under 100 units.

The first few days were great ,after this, there has been so much noise due to garbage sound proofing, the neighbour is up at all hours and it’s like I can hear them walking back and fourth . Every step they take on hardwood results in creaking , thudding and stomping noises . My apartment actually shakes at times

I have no idea what to do , ultimately if I end up saying something there is no reason for them to listen .

I spent all my money paying settlement costs

The apartment above is an exact replica to mine , if I pursue owners corp, I fear this will make the situation worse

I believe the person may have some mental issues because the behaviour is just not normal

I feel completely trapped , especially as a light sleeper and spent majority of nights on a few hours of sleep , what am I suppose to do ?

Hi Reddit legends,

After a very long journey, fam bam and I are about to move into our own home! There aren’t enough words to describe the elation.

I’ve trawled through the day one and week one must-dos.

Tell me what beautiful thing(s) you did in your first days/month to quietly celebrate home ownership?

Big or small, I’m here for it.

Hey people, I made a post a few days ago about renting at 17, what I've gathered is that even though I'll be making 90k annually, it is unlikely I'll get a rental as I am 17, so, Im opting to haven't dad sign his name on the lease and have him and myself both listed as approved occupants instead. This way the lease will not be signed to a minor and they will have my dad's proof of income ( which is over 100k so that's no worries)

Is there any advice you have for perhaps changing the lease to be in my name when I'm 18 in 6 months or removing dad as an approved occupant but maybe leaving him signed?

Noticed some huge price drops on 3 bedroom townhouses in my area recently (South West Brisbane).

In one complex of mostly identical 3 bedroom townhouses, sales in the last 6 months have been:

• $815k in April
• $810k in May
• $730k in September
• And now $650k in October.

That's a drop of around 20% in just 6 months.

What's interesting is how wildly different some asking prices still are. In the same complex as those listed above, there are 4 currently for sale but the 2 with prices are offers over $700k and offers over $790k for the exact same 3 bedroom townhouse.

In another townhouse complex in the same suburb, there are currently 2 for sale (exactly the same townhouse, 3 doors apart) with one listed at offers over $685k and other other offers over $849k.

Odd to see such a large difference in asking prices for identical properties, Some realistic and some completely unreasonable given recently sales data.

It feels like some sellers are adjusting their expectations to recent sales, while others are still pricing based on what properties were achieving earlier in the year.

Is anyone else seeing this around Brisbane? Are we starting to see sellers price expectations diverge significantly from what buyers are actually willing to pay?

Regional victoria- Bendigo to be exact has really insterested me with affordable houses. I understand for many people employment opportunities within pockets of regional areas could be a factor to not move in such places, but what other aspects of places like Bendigo would you recommend worth researching before making any commitment or perma moving there?

Thank you :)

Looking at the building and pest report for a house I’m interested in purchasing and the subfloor has these joists that are black. Anyone know what this is and whether I should be concerned? The report doesn’t mention why they are black.

As in title, would appreciate some advice! Thanks

Gday All, hope you are well??

I am wondering if anyone has had any dealings with 7xProperty Coaching??

I recently had my discovery call on Zoom, and it all seems pretty convincing (as it would). I got a walk through on the process, the coaching, the 1on1 meetings, etc.

It's about a $7.5k course, and I'm wondering if it is actually worth it??

Thanks in advance

Help to Buy is getting a lot of attention, especially since income limits went up on 1 July 2026 ($103k single, $165k joint or single parent). Most of what I’ve seen online is either “free money!” or “it’s a trap!”, so I read the actual rules: the Help to Buy Program Directions 2025, the legal instrument Housing Australia has to follow.

Here’s what stood out. Not financial advice, just what the document says.

1. The government’s share is a percentage, not a dollar amount
If they put in 30%, they own 30% of whatever the home is worth later. If your place goes up, their share goes up in dollars. If it goes down, so does theirs.

2. A low valuation at settlement can increase their percentage
If the lender values the property below what you paid, Housing Australia can bump up its percentage so its dollar contribution is preserved. Overpay, and you wear that, not them.

3. Going over the income limit isn’t an automatic buyback
Reviews happen at least every 5 years. If you’re over the limit for two consecutive years, your lender assesses whether you can afford to buy back at least 5%.

• If you can, you repay that within 90 days.
• If you can’t, you don’t pay, and you get reassessed later (at least 12 months on).
• They can’t force a repayment that would leave you paying LMI.
• Housing Australia can also choose not to enforce it, considering how far over the limit you are.

4. Renovations under $20,000 aren’t protected
If you renovate for less than $20k, the government shares in any value it adds. Above $20k, you have to notify them before starting and get valuations before and after, so the gain is carved out for you.

5. You pay the valuation costs
Every voluntary buyback and the eventual sale requires a valuation, and you cover it.

6. Voluntary buybacks are at least 5% at a time
You can’t chip away in small amounts. Each repayment has to reduce their share by at least 5% of the home’s value at the time, or pay it out in full.

7. How the home gets valued
The Directions say the value is whatever Housing Australia is satisfied most closely represents market value, based on an independent valuer and anything else it considers relevant. There’s an internal complaints process if you disagree.

Other things to know

• Edit: thanks to the commenter who flagged this. There are now 7 participating lenders: Bank Australia, Commonwealth Bank, Queensland Country Bank, and the Teachers Mutual group (Teachers Mutual, Health Professionals Bank, Firefighters Mutual, UniBank). Full list on firsthomebuyers.gov.au.
• You can’t rent the place out, except in limited cases like a work relocation or a Defence posting.
• You can’t use the 5% Deposit Scheme at the same time.

My take: it can be a genuinely good path in, especially for singles and single parents, but go in understanding how the government’s share moves.

One thing I couldn’t check is the participant agreement you actually sign, which can add terms on top of the Directions. If anyone has been through it, I’d love to hear whether anything in there differs.

Full Directions here if you want to read them: https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2025L00682/latest/text

Hi folks,

Some young folk were discussing Australian house prices around me and one lass was like “no point in buying a house, just rent forever and then retire on aged pension in a cheap SEA country”.

Got me wondering, what’s stopping more retirees from doing this currently? And what happens when younger generation just unsubscribe from the idea buying homes altogether in favour of skipping seas?

Is there a way to tell I have the right ones without having to pay someone to come take a look? Also if they aren't right, would I be reported for getting the right ones in when I can afford too, post January?

Listed 2.5 buyers guide. Previous unsuccessful advertising at 3.3.

https://www.onthehouse.com.au/property/nsw/drummoyne-2047/11-millar-st-drummoyne-nsw-2047-19213506