01-08-2009

August '09 Issue

1. News
2. 2009
3. August

The issues of methamphetamine, or P, are becoming more and more prevalent in our society, infiltrating aspects of Kiwi culture one would never have associated with drug abuse, real estate investment being one of them.

But a National Drug Intelligence Bureau report in 2008 revealed 51% of P-labs were found in rentals.

Most of us are naïve when it comes to drug abuse. Not that it's a bad thing, mind, but there are things you as property owners should be aware of in order to protect your lives and assets from predators such as P.

Our lead story goes into what you need to know about P-labs and also addresses the issues surrounding clean-up and disclosure.

We also have three new not-to-miss series starting this issue.

The first is on affordable housing options for investors, and the August instalment looks at relocating existing housing. Done properly, this is an excellent way to create positive cash flow for investors.

The second series looks at insulation subsidies and exactly what's involved. The government announced a nation-wide insulation scheme at the beginning of July, which is being driven hard by tenants. Are you clued up to the benefits and what, where and how you can go about finding insulation grants if your tenants come knocking?

And the third is an ANZ-sponsored series aimed at making investing easier. The first issue looks at how obtaining knowledge and creating a supportive team will see you build a solid base for your portfolio.

We profile investor Coral Wong, whose strategy of buying properties with subdividable potential has seen her create a rock-solid property portfolio. As well as her investment business, she also has two others... find out how big goals and even bigger dreams can lead to great things.

Our other main feature in the August looks at guaranteed rent, via Housing New Zealand leases. Are they a lucrative option for investors and if so - should you go new, or buy an existing lease? We look at what's really involved.

And a mag wouldn't be complete without guidance from the guru, Michael Yardney. In August he looks at what investments are suitable for this stage of the property cycle.

Also in the August 2009 issue: 

• News: Auckland rentals steady, bouyed by migration; Investors can't count on cash when selling; Disappointment with property managers' exclusion; New 'scoring system' receives mixed response
   
• Diary: What's on for property investors this month? Find out where the hottest events are happening around the country.
• Housing commentary: The housing market is flying low but steady
• Ask an expert: Our experts this month, answer your tax structuring, landlording, and mortgage questions. What's involved in valuing chattels for depreciation and parental rent guarantee for students?
• Renovation: Maintaining your properties is the key to running a smooth investment business
• Columns:
  • Accounting: Mark Withers looks into the IRD's planned audit activity affecting investors
  • Mortgages: Jonathan Michell looks at how re-jigging your shareholder's account will save you money
  • Economics: The housing market is doing a bungee-jump of sorts, writes Khoon Goh  
  • Valuation: Rene McLean looks into the three types of investors in the current market. Are you a survivor, thriver or cadaver?
• NZPIF: News and events from around the regions, plus Wellington PIA joins the NZPIF
• Regional review: Porirua holds some capital investment opportunities for investors, with a more stable property market than many places around the country  
• Mortgage commentary: Lenders are still being extremely cautious who they lend to and how much
• Property book: Kieran Trass' new book The Housing Bubble reveals all you need to know to be successful in a down market