Selling property? Top 6 tips.

1. Most people rely on first impressions more than they'd admit. Ever heard of 'street appeal'? That's the aim.
2. Make sure you target your advertising to get the best bang for your buck. Do you need a colour brochure? Ads where your buyers will see them are better.
3. Get a good agent. They'll be working for you so interview them. Pick one that can negotiate you the best deal. Get a referral from a gun salesperson!
4. Know your market. Don't waste everyone's time (and your money) advertising a property for a lot more, or less, than it's worth. Do your research without emotion, if you can.
5. Once they're in the door, keep the street appeal going. Clean and clear to make rooms look bigger. Let in light (and dust!)
6. Small repairs are OK. Several small jobs to be done might put off a buyer or two so take the tidying up a level and fix broken roof tiles, fence palings, etc. Buyers probably want to pick their own new bathroom, but not want to replace the tap washers.

Investors on the comeback trail!

The average weekly rent in Australian capital cities increased by 2.7% on average last year and is predicted to jump in the next twelve months due to low vacancy rates. Which strengthens the argument for buying - whether to live in or to rent out.

Investors are coming back into the market: a recent NAB survey says 33% of purchases will be by investors in the next year. Lower returns on the stock market make property look attractive and many people feel pretty comfortable doing their own research, unlike shares. (If you aren't one of them, consider talking to a property advocate.)

Also notable is the alleged raid on Melbourne property by cashed up sandgropers. (If you know any, refer them to us!) The property market there has gone backward of late, unlike the Vic capital which crept up 2.5% last year..

How big can it get?

Victoria gains nearly 80000 new residents a year. That's a lot of new homes needed, on top of existing demand. You would have to think that it puts a floor under property prices and pushes up demand for rental properties and, in turn, rent.

We're certainly seeing more enquiry from first time investors than ever before. They're looking to buy anything from a two bedroom flat 5-10 kms from the city to a four bedroom house 20+ kms out.

Infrastructure continues to restrict growth in certain parts of Melbourne, at least, concentrating it in others. Horses for courses - you need to know what you want to achieve from a property before you even start looking. And, needless to say, get your finances in order before you start so you don't waste time looking in the wrong place.

More on population growth and what it might mean for we Vics here.