Top5

By Antony Bucello

Having successfully purchased over $50million of property for our clients throughout 2014, our talented buyers agents are well equipped to identify a good investment when it comes their way. Here are my top picks of 2014.

Best Bargain

Tasman St

Category: Investment Property

Type: Apartment

Location: Tasman St, Preston

Purchase Method: Auction, July 2014

Price Quoted by Selling Agent: $320-350k

NPB Assessment of Value: $370,000-395,000

Purchase Price: $371,000

Rental Return: $330 per week

Gross Rental Yield: 4.6%

Antony says: This refurbished ground floor apartment in a small block offers great potential for growth and a very good rental yield. Bought at the low end of our range, we have an extremely happy client as they were prepared to pay more if required.


Best Investment

Elphin Grove

Category: Investment Property

Type: Apartment

Location: Elphin Grv, Hawthorn

Purchase Method: Auction, March 2014

Price Quoted by Selling Agent: $450,000+

NPB Assessment of Value: $510,000-530,000

Purchase Price: $517,500

Rental Return: $390 per week

Gross Rental Yield: 3.9%

Antony says: We consider this position “blue chip”. This is a large and spacious 2 bedroom apartment at the rear of the block in a high quality street in Hawthorn. The natural light and sweeping views of the city make this a highly desirable place to live. Additional features include excellent security and undercover parking. Providing a solid rental return in the short term and certain capital growth over the medium-long term.


Best First Home Buy

 Devon St

Category: Owner Occupier

Type: Villa Unit

Location: Devon St, Cheltenham

Purchase Method: Auction, November 2014

Price Quoted by Selling Agent: $440,000+

NPB Assessment of Value: $470-490k

Purchase Price: $475,000

Antony says: This villa unit was completely renovated, with street frontage, it’s own driveway, and an abundance of natural light. Located within the desirable “Golden Triangle” of Cheltenham, this property is walking distance to Charman Rd.’s shopping strip and train station, within easy reach of Southland and bay beaches, which was a priority for our first home buyer client.


Best Owner Occupier Purchase

James St

Category: Owner Occupier

Type: Freestanding House

Location: James St, Williamstown

Purchase Method: Auction, June 2014

Price Quoted by Selling Agent: $800,000 – $880,000

NPB Assessment of Value: $970,000 – $1,010,000

Purchase Price: $990,000

Antony says: Our overseas clients were prepared to pay over $1m for this property, located in the heart of Williamstown close to The Strand Waterfront and Ferguson Streets café culture. With district Victorian features and character, and potential to improve, we were wrapt to secure this home for less than $1m under competitive buying conditions.


Best High End Purchase

Holywood

Category: Owner Occupier

Type: House

Location: Holywood Grv, Carnegie

Purchase Method: Auction, September 2014

Price Quoted by Selling Agent: $1.15m-$1.25m

NPB Assessment of Value: $1.5m-$1.55m

Purchase Price: $1,575,000

Antony says: This highly contested Edwardian period home was in a great position, attracted a big crowd on auction day with no less than 5 bidders. Within walking distance to Koornang Road shops, cafes, train and schools, our interstate clients fell in love with this property (as did others) and plan to live there for the long term. Patience and a considered bidding strategy were key to securing this fantastic home.