We really feel that we need to get into the market at some point just to secure our retirement and this I put to you, should we start building a portfolio of investment properties ie one bedroom flats and continue to rent on the lower north shore and enjoy the space of a home or should we continue to save and realistically we would have a deposit in about 3 - 4 years for something half decent for us to buy and live in! If you feel we should go the investment route are one or two bedrooms better to buy and which area in Sydney has growth. I was thinking west ryde, ryde as examples of these. If you could take the time to reply I would be most appreciative. Many thanks.

John,

With working hours in Sydney increasing and travel times to work also increasing I'm looking to purchase a property in close vacinity to Sydneys CBD . The areas that stick out to me for convenience are Newtown and Erskineville . These suburbs are considered by many to be quiet eccentric. What changes have you seen in these areas recently and are the demographics changing. Do you see value in these areas ?
 

We are looking to renovate an existing 3 bedroom house by converting 2 of the bedrooms into extra living space, (one into an ensuite and the other informal living). We then have the ability to add 2 or 3 new bedrooms in a currently unutilised downstairs area, ultimately resulting in a 3 or 4 bedroom house, (with a separate study).

However, if we go for 4 bedrooms, 2 of them will be quite small, whereas if we only go for 3, they will all be a reasonably good size. Purely from a re-sale perspective, would it be better to go for 4 small bedrooms or 3 good sized ones?

I am interested in buying and living in a 2 bed unit in Dee Why. My budget is $350-$400K can I ask you your opinion of Dee Why as a suburb and also a prediction of Dee Whys unit prices going forward?

I know Dee Why is unit city but reading your article about finding the next Paddington my gut feeling is with its new proposed town centre, existing cafe scene & beautiful beach I think Dee Why will be a good performer.

Hi John

I am looking to open a real estate agency and understand I need to be different than what is currently in the market. I am wanting to open a total services real estate company that is young and fresh.

In terms of names and branding I noticed that McGraths and Oxygen are marketed differently to the same market and woulkd like to know your opinion on branding for the future for real estate companies.

Regards

Peter