Retail properties continue to benefit from Self Managed Super Fund investors who see commercial property as a safe place for their money. However, commercial properties in certain areas are feeling the impact of weaker retail conditions.

Over the years Synergy has helped many clients identify, purchase and manage investment properties. One of the things that sets us apart is our ability to provide full-circle property service: from finding and buying the right investment property, right through to managing it and later selling on behalf of our clients.

With Melbourne’s property market experiencing significantly softer conditions, now is the time for investors to capitalise on lower prices. Investing in property is a big step towards securing your financial future.

We’ve received a number of questions recently about the wisdom of purchasing property that requires renovation in light of current market conditions

As the Melbourne property market heads into what is traditionally the slowest season of the year, the softened conditions we’ve witnessed in the first quarter of 2011 are continuing. Property prices and clearance rates are down to levels we haven’t seen since the GFC.

Understanding market cycles and current market conditions will put you in a much stronger position to buy and sell with the best results.

The 2011 Market calendar: best times to buy and sell. Sales campaigns for apartments and houses in Melbourne usually span four weeks: the first three Saturdays of the campaign are open for inspections; the fourth Saturday is auction day.

Suburbs to watch for Investors - Autumn 2011

The 2011 property year is off to a steady but unremarkable start, and there’s no doubt that the market has softened over the last quarter. Though we won’t know the true strength of market performance until auction season is in full swing, early signs are that the first quarter will be characterised by moderate but unexceptional property prices.

The interest rate rise recorded at the start of November rocked the confidence of many buyers and saw the clearance rate dip below 60%. Whenever we see an increase in interest rates the market always experiences a temporary softening for a few weeks while it absorbs the change, even though our rates are still at historically low levels. Stock levels are strong and smart buyers and investors will see beyond the barrage of media commentary and seize new purchasing opportunities as many auctions experience a short-term drop in competitive bidding.

Barbara Griffiths achieved outstanding results with her family’s multi-million dollar estate and Synergy’s total solution service. Barb Griffiths is a business professional who approached Synergy in mid 2009 for help with her late father’s estate. In a little over twelve months, the Synergy team has gone on to manage the sale and purchase of eight properties for the family valued at around $17 million.

Suburbs to watch for Investors - Summer 2011

Finding the right property manager is one of the smartest things you can do to protect and maximise your property investment. A good property manager will do more than just collect your rent – they’ll find and manage your tenants, organise maintenance, preserve the condition of your property, increase its value and maximise your rental return. Ultimately, your relationship with your property manager is an ongoing business partnership and like any partnership, it pays to do your research.

How to pick a high growth property in Melbourne over the next five to ten years. In the push for higher density living, land components are shrinking on new developments and this means investors and savvy home owners must consider not just the property features that have been desirable in the past, but those that will generate high growth in the future.

Last week we managed the sale of Pedders Suspension, an iconic commercial site at 569 Glenferrie Rd, Hawthorn. The property was a 1,310sqm family-run petrol station, zoned residential 1, and it was the first time it had been on the market in 50 years. Its outstanding position made it a prime site for residential development.

Managing the sale of a deceased estate can be extremely stressful. Emotions run high and the property often holds precious memories and sentimental value no sale price could ever match.

Thornbury, Coburg and Preston continue to impress as emerging markets with period homes, cosmopolitan shops and easy city access.

Spring is upon us, and the market is poised to shake off the sluggish winter conditions and heat up with the weather. The inner- Melbourne market promises good opportunities this spring for buyers, vendors and investors who've done their homework.

The Melbourne market experienced a strong start to the year, which has begun to level off over the last fortnight. We are now seeing the end to a busy autumn selling period as we head into the slower winter months.

Serviced accommodation and holiday unit leasing might initially seem an attractive investment but can quickly turn into a nightmare for investors.

Owners of investment properties know that it’s vital to keep rent payments up to date. This often isn’t easy – and it’s especially frustrating if rents are late when owners are paying a professional to collect them. Synergy clients have the edge. That’s because...

Should I Buy Property Off-the-Plan? Your questions answered. Synergy is often asked by Clients and Alliance Partners “should I consider buying off the plan?” Stamp Duty savings, depreciation allowances and perceived discounts will often attract buyers, and while we always...

Currently Synergy is seeing properties at Auction selling for markedly higher prices than originally quoted by Real Estate Agents. Unfortunately, the practice of under-quoting has led to high levels of dissatisfaction and frustration among potential buyers. Recently we have appraised many...

Should you fix your mortgage? At present we are experiencing the lowest cash rate in 49 years, with the offi cial rate sitting at 3% as of July 2009. In a pre-emptive strike to lessen the effects of the global recession, the Reserve Bank has cut the cash rate by 425 basis points since Septem...

Personal Risk Management Buying a property is a major and often life changing transaction. Whether you are purchasing as an investment or for a family home, it often involves large sums of money and a mortgage. So what happens if you have an accident, lose your job or even pass away?...