FP Blog 2010

Welcome to the Furnsihed Properties Blog Page. Keep up to date with all matters related to Sydney
and daily FP challenges, laughs and much more. 

 

20 July 2010

The next Australian Federal election has been called for August 21 2010 and there is definitely one member in this office that would like Labor not to have another term.

14 July 2010

Two new properties have recently been added to the Furnsihed Properties portfolio. A two bedroom corporate rental in North Sydney and a one bedroom executive apartment in Woolloomooloo. 

9 July 2010

Asylum seekers: Myths and facts

The public debate on asylum seekers has been focusing on boat arrivals, but government figures recently show that the large majority of asylum applicants arrive into Australia by plane.  

The article found over at the SBS webpage certainly sets a few points straight in the FP office. 

7 July 2010

Navigating Shark Infested Waters

June 24, 2010 changed the landscape of Australian politics in more than one way. Historically speaking, it marked the beginning of the first female prime minister's reign in a government even more male-dominated than most. Where machissmo and old-boy's club solidarity was once an absolute, Julia Gillard seized upon a moment in time when both citizens and fellow party members recognized that the old guard needed a change. Assuming power as the majority party leader and then consequently the Prime Minister, Gillard was not raised to this level because she is a woman, but for the first time it did not preclude her from being put in charge. After her predecessor and boss, Kevin Rudd, stepped aside, Gillard was appointed to the position and immediately breathed life into a struggling Labor Party that seemed destined to be overrun by the opposing Liberal/National party in the next round of elections.

This unconventional change in leadership has sparked questions of timing and deepening divisions within the Labor Party. Hungry for a turnaround in the polls and public perception some understand such a dramatic step, but others look at it as just another treachorous political manoeuvre fueled by a desire for power and to make history rather than the good of the party or more importantly of the Australian people. With the next rounds of elections being so close (they must be held by August 2011 although Gillard has indicated that they will take place before the end of 2010), however, such motives would seem extremely short-sighted and the product short-lived. The realilty is probably closer to both Gillard and the majority of her party recognizing that Rudd was the face of recent unpopular party policies and to stake their chances on him again would be political suicide. If a change was to made, it had to be now in order to allow time for the party to rebuild its image in the public. In a good way, Gillard is perceived as a very visible departure from Rudd and the added distraction of being the first female prime minister will temporarily shift the media and public's focus away from the party's unpopular policies.

Now that history has been made, many are wondering if it will last. If the Labor Party is ousted with the next elections, this change may be remembered more as a desperate political stunt than a substantive change for the public good. Some have questions whether Gillard will even make it to the next election, but another shift at the top would be a self-indictment to Gillard's appointment and would truly look indecisive and desperate so it is unlikely that another candidate will be put forward at election time. As it is, Gillard has already made strides to repairing the parties image weighing in on several hot issue including a vow for tougher immigration laws. Most notably, however, Gillard reached an agreement with the resources industry on a Mineral Resource Rent Tax. Under Rudd's administration, the deal was deadlocked and their inability, or unwillingness, to negotiate became one of the major contributors to Rudd's and the Labor Party's falling support. Gillard got the deal off-center in just a few weeks by making significant concessions (entirely too many concenssions according to critics), clearing what was considered one of her parties major obstructions to re-election. With the new tax agreed upon, the consensus now is that Gillard can start scheduling the new elections with confidence that both her party and herself have a fighting chance. 

29 June 2010

A fine is not enough!

The Oil "Spill" in the Gulf of Mexico has raged on since the April 20th explosion of the Deepwater Horizon rig, and BP has yet to find a solution to the problem. Thus far, the oil leak has emptied large unimaginable quantities of oil into the Gulf which poses as a threat to the fragile ecosystems found within the entire Gulf of Mexico. As time progressed, BP has tried various methods of halting or slowing the crude oil that is flooding out from one mile under the water's surface. Unfortunately, their attempts at stopping the spill have been futile. They are however remaining the reliable party, and vow to pay those that have been harmed financially by the spill.

There is over 2.5 million gallons of oil being released into the Gulf each day, which will have a major effect on the ecosystem. Researchers believe that for some animals, it may be too late to reverse any damage that has surely been done. Oil is a toxic substance that can easily kill producers and microorganisms, which can throw the whole aquatic food chain into chaos. The timing of the spill is also a major issue for the coastal wildlife, because many animals such as bottlenose dolphins, bluefin tuna and brown pelicans come to the Gulf coast to mate and reproduce. Therefore, this spill is also affecting the young, unsuspecting and ill-prepared wildlife that is needed in order to protect their species. Although there have been many animals found dead due to the oil disaster, there have been recent discoveries that might mean hope for some of our favorite marine animals. Large deep-water aquatic animals, such as sharks, whale sharks, and sword fish have been found near the shores of some of the coastal states, away from where the oil has reached. This might mean that the animals have detected danger within the oiled area and have taken action to avoid it.

BP's oil disaster is the largest oil spill in United States history, and is bound to have long-term effects. There will be both economic and ecological devastation ranging from higher unemployment rates, and the extinction of different species. Because oil has invaded some wetlands, there will probably be significantly less vegetation for years to come. Although there are many predictions of the outcomes of the oil leak, no one can say for certain what will happen. Small amounts of oil have made its way into the Atlantic and may begin to change the oceans as we know them. The only way to prevent something like this from happening again, would be to find a new source of energy. Until we can do that, all anyone can do is shake their heads at the ordeal and hope for a solution.  

24 June 2010

How Sydney House Prices Are To Soar 20% By 2013

How Sydney house prices are to soar 20 percent by 2013 is a topic of interest for many people looking to buy and/or sell homes in the lovely city within the next few years. While other real estate markets around the globe have been experiencing decreased rates of growth due to an overall weak international economy, residences in Sydney have seen their prices rise substantially, a trend that is expected to continue into at least the near future. The reasons for this include a continued increased demand for housing in Sydney's undersupplied market; increased levels of lending; and a solid overall economy in the city. These areas will be discussed in further detail below.

To begin, there is a solid level of demand for housing in Sydney, which at the same time has a tight supply of homes. The city's population growth along with investors looking to purchase properties from which they could earn rental income are both factors attributed to the increased demand for housing in Sydney. An increased demand and a low supply are the perfect combination to drive up home values.

In addition to Sydney having a strong demand for housing despite it's tight supply, another factor that explains why the city's housing prices will continue to rise is the increased level of lending that has taken place as of late in the Australian location. Figures from a prominent bureau in Australia indicate that the overall value of lending to Australian investors in February 2010 was substantially above the levels of 2009. Lending was up 26%. The key is that the total volume of funds borrowed increased, due in no small part to interest rates remaining tax-deductible in Australia. As long as investors can continue to claim the interest as a deduction, the increased levels of borrowing to buy homes will remain a factor in increasing home prices in Australia.

Last but not least, Sydney's overall solid economy has remained a key factor used to explain the city's high housing prices. The area's thriving economy and stable job market have offered homeowners the inspiration to invest more in their properties, thus driving up property values overall.

In conclusion, it is expected that home values in Sydney, Australia will continue to rise in the next few years. The reasons for this include a continued increased demand for housing in Sydney's undersupplied market; increased levels of lending; and a solid overall economy in the city. 

22 June 2010

Very busy here in the FP office, hence no blogs for the last two weeks. Late nights watching the football world cup does not help!!

9 June 2010

Purchasing your first investment property for furnished rental in Sydney can pose some problems without a plan of action. For a house, apartment building or other structure the marketing strategy and legal responsibilities may be different.

Is the location important and is it a bargain for the price asked?

Location can undermine a wonderful bargain if it is someplace where no one wants to live. Next to a landfill or sump may hold great promise for future income but does not provide enough promise for current investments.Locations such as Sydney CBD, Pyrmont and Balmain are always in high demand for furnished rental.

Do I need to know how many tenants to expect to be interested?

Even with a great location and wonderful property it will go nowhere without tenants. Before you buy be sure there is enough of a market for the rentals. Is there interest in the terms offered? Will they accept monthly payment or weekly payment? Will it be costly to advertise in local papers or pay realtors to find tenants? As renters there will be more turnover that buyers and the associated cost of getting new tenants needs to be considered.

How about cost other than the purchase price and start up expenses?

As a furnished rental there is the cost of furniture and appliances. Refrigerator, stove and anything that may be mandated by laws where the property will be located.

Fuel cost for oil or gas heat may differ greatly making one heating system more profitable than the other. If the decision is to convert the system then the cost for the conversion is part of the initial investment.

Parking may be an absolute requirement in the attempt to get tenants who may want their vehicles garaged or will settle for a parking spot on the property. Street or curbside parking may not be acceptable depending on the location.

How should I determine how much rent should be charged?

To make a profit you need an idea of what you would like to clear after expenses including fuel, improvements, services or outside repair shops, ordinances that may affect the property and any other contingencies. It may be necessary to include security depending on the size and location of the property.

What about contracts and my responsibility as a landlord?

What contract or legal requirements are in the location? What are the steps for eviction or damage to property and your obligations as the owner? Investigate litigation against you for injury by a tenant and the best coverage to be in a rental agreement. What stipulations or interest charges should be in a contract for late rental payments?

Get all the information first, evaluate and then decide.

4 June 2010

Will the Australian Grand Prix Come to Sydney?

Formula 1 racing has been a popular sport in Australia for many years. Each year, tens of millions of fans tune in to see the most prestigious race in the sport, the Australian Grand Prix. The first race was held in 1927, and though it was not an official Formula 1 Championship race at the time, it was still extremely popular.

But in spite of its obvious appeal, the race did not become an official Formula 1 race until decades later. Of course, several Formula 1 cars still found their way to Australian racetracks.

The first World Championship race was held in Adelaide in 1985. Because there was no racetrack, the drivers had to race on a street circuit that was replete with bumps, potholes and rough roads. Somehow they made it though and the sport became even more popular in Australia. So, should Sydney have the Australian F1 from 2012?

As you may know, Sydney is the largest city in Australia. They have a population of more than 4.5 million and there are many motor racing fans. Sydney is also home to one of the country's most famous racetracks - Eastern Creek.

Why not hold the championship race in Sydney? Well, one reason is that racing in Sydney is seen as only a minor sport. Yes, there are many fans. But the fact is that the city was home to three racetracks as recently as 1990, and now it has but one, Easter Creek. And because there is only one racetrack in the city, the fees at Easter Creek are well above the national average. That fact alone is enough to scare off organisers of important races like the Grand Prix.  

2 June 2010

Will New Bicycle Lanes Bring out the Cyclists in Sydney? 

The 2006 Census confirmed what many residents of Sydney already knew, the city is growing, rapidly. From 2002 to 2006, the population of Sydney grew by about half a million. That's an increase of more than eight percent!

As you might expect, a more congested metropolitan area can present a myriad of problems. That is why the city recently announced plans to add 100 kilometres of new bike paths. At a cost of $158 million, it is by far the most ambitious government-run scheme aimed at reducing congestion. But will the bicycle lanes being built bring out more cyclists in Sydney?

Cycling has long been a popular sport in Sydney. But as the population has grown, so too has the number of cars on city streets. This has led to an increase in the number of accidents involving cyclists and drivers. As you might expect, the cyclist is often the injured party. And because riding on the street of Sydney can be dangerous, many people leave their bikes at home.

How have residents responded to the plan? Most believe that it is a good idea, but many believe it will never happen. They have all but dismissed it as an election year stunt. But if these paths are actually built, city planners expect them to take several thousand cars off the road each day. This will not only make life easier for pedestrians, but it will also reduce pollution.

Most paths will be built off-road, so they will not reduce the size of vehicle lanes. At present, the plan is to connect Sydney Olympic Park, Nepean River, North Ryde and Macquarie University with a series of high performance paths. 

1 June 2010

Can Australia win the 2010 Football World Cup?

In a recent magazine interview, the Coach of the Australian National team, Pim Verbeek, caused a bit of a scandal by proclaiming that his team could not win the World Cup. According to Verbeek, the team lacks the experience and talent to compete at the highest level. His exact words were, "We can surprise, but to win the World Cup you need at least 20 very good players."

Apparently, the coach does not consider his statements controversial, and has taken umbrage at the accusation that he was bashing his own players. In his defence, Verbeek did praise many of his players for their experience and tenacity in the very same interview. But in the end, he concluded that the inexperienced players would not be able to compete at the Word Cup level.

This observation did not sit well with critics, who were quick to point out that Australia led Group Asia and qualified without losing a single match. Furthermore, they only conceded one goal in the qualifying round. So, can the Aussies win the World Cup?

It is hard to say. Of course, even the best, most accomplished national teams have only a slim chance of winning the World Cup. And it seems to us that Verbeek does have a point. The Australian team has a number of inexperienced players.

However, it is impossible to overlook how well they played in the qualifying round, even if it was against lesser competition. One thing is for sure, every football fan Down Under will be watching when Australia meets Germany in the opening match on June 13^th. 

31 May 2010

Furnished Apartment or Hotel?

In the wake of the Global economic recession, the travel industry throughout the world has taken quite a hit. Even tourist hotspots like Paris, London and Rome have experienced declines of nearly ten percent. We also know that guests are spending far less money than they did in the past. More often than not, this means short vacations and more affordable forms of accommodation. In this article we will discuss the advantages of staying in an apartment rental rather than a hotel.

Apartment or holiday rentals have been popular in Australia for quite some time. If you have never stayed in one, they are really nothing more than furnished apartments that are rented out on a nightly or weekly basis. For years, they were extremely popular with travelling businessmen, but due to the recession, regular tourists are finally starting to take heed of them.

Why stay in an apartment over a hotel? For starters, furnished rentals are less expensive than hotel rooms. On average, an apartment rental is twenty percent less than a comparable hotel room. Discount rates for extended stays may also be available.

What else? Well, there is also the privacy issue. When you stay in a hotel you have to deal with crowded lobbies and lifts, officious bellboys and chambermaids, not to mention the other guests. But with a vacation rental you can keep to yourself.

Last but not least, a furnished rental has a fully stocked kitchen. This is a godsend for folks who are travelling on a shoestring budget or those who want a home cooked meal every now and again. After all, room service and restaurants can be quite expensive in a foreign country. 

26 May 2010

FP was very busy over the end of last week and into the weekend, with good bookings coming through for various locations. BB and family had a great time up in the Blue Mountains and stayed in a lovely house named the Secret Garden Cottage in Katoomba. Queensland showed again how dominant they are over the below par NSW blues last night in the first game of the 2010 State of Origin series. Photos below taken by BB (Three Sisters and Echo Point in Katoomba, NSW). 

18 May 2010

Rain and more rain, then again we cannot complain as it has been a wonderful May in terms of weather so far. BB certainly hopes it improves come the weekend. Mr Tony Abbott is doing wonders again for his election campaign stating " I am no good under pressure".

13 May 2010

Have to catch a movie again soon at the famous Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace in Cremorne as it is a landmark cinema in Sydney and has been some 17 years since BB has seen a movie there. Maybe Robin Hood. Looks promising for a three bedroom apartment being added to the portfolio down in Darling Harbour.

12 May 2010

The enquiries for furnished rentals in Castle Hill and surrounding suburbs has picked up over the last week, which is obviously a good thing when you have available properties. Would love to see the Poms and the Aussies in the final of the T20 Cricket World Cup, however theboys in greenand yellow have to beat Sri Lanka on Friday for this to happen.

11 May 2010

Sorry to report that we had to terminate our links page as we were receiving to much spam email requests.

10 May 2010

Happy birthday to Mr Bowie who turned 39 yesterday!!BB and family spent the day at Taronga Zoo.

30 April 2010

Happy Queens day for all the Dutchies out there including Marije and Aoife!! FP office is busy with new properties coming online. The next 6 months should very interesting in the growth of the FP portfolio. How many smokers of cigarettes gave up their habit today as the price of a packet went up by 25% today across Australia?

21 April 2010

VB is off to Orana for a couple of nights with his family while JP and BB run the show in the office in Pyrmont.

15 April 2010

Hard to believe it is half way through April already. BB is 39 next month and that is even more difficult to take!! 

9 April 2010

Two more properties added to the portfolio this week and both already booked. The boys are happy as are the owners. Both properties are two bedroom apartments with great facilities and magnificent views of the Sydney skyline. Being situated in Pyrmont and Camperdown they will both be sort after properties.

29 March 2010

Hot sticky weather for late March here in Sydney over the weekend. Rain in Melbourne for the F1 GP, however a a dramatic race with home favourite Webber not doing so well finishing 9th.

25 March 2010

BB is off to the Lyric theatre tonight to catch up with some of his old mates from Glasgow. New properties coming online in Pyrmont and Bondi shortly.

23 March 2010

A new property has been added to our Sydney furnished accommodation portfolio in Surry Hills. This is good news as we do not have many properties in the eastern suburbs of Sydney. This two bedroom and two bathroom property situated just off Crown st is within walking distance to the restraunts and cafes and nightlife of Oxford St and Taylors Square.

22 March 2010

VB was in the office for a while this morning. All things are going good at home for VB except sleep. An inetresting article about the battle across Sydney between those who want ever more housing and those who seek to preserve what we value. 

18 March 2010

A new property has been added to our Executive Sydney Rentals portfolio in Pelican St Sydney(just off Oxford St). This one bedroom property with secure parking is a 5 min walk from Hyde Park and on the doorstep of Oxford St.

15 March 2010

VB has a new addition to the family. A boy named Lucas. Congratulations to both him and his family. This does mean however, that he is not at work nor will he be in the near future. Bb and James will surely run the office to its full potential in his absence. New properties coming online shortly.

8 March 2010

Tickets went on sale for one of BB's favourite bands this morning and he was happy to get the front row, not that there will be much sitting down. The three boys and their famalies got together yesterday in Maroubra to enjoy a BBQ together at the house of BB. Good food, cold beer and loads of laughs. FP needs more properties as they are all tired of saying "fully booked". 

3 March 2010

A good article on Sydney Apartment Accommodation can be found here

1 March 2010

The first day of Autumn has arrived and with it rain and a drop in temperature. The most requested property for the last 6 months on our site for furnished rentals Sydney is a one bedroom apartment on Market Street. Niall Bowie was starting to lay a new wooden floor in one of the Pyrmont furnished apartments today. Welcome back Mr Bowie!! A new blog for a new website relating to travel in Australia is starting to take shape.

28 Feb 2010

The ex Midnight Oil frontman may well be back singing Beds are Burning after his constant battle with the Federal Government opposition re the insulation issue , which for BB at least would not be a bad thing as he is a fan of the Oils and not of the man's policies of late. All Sydney beaches were closed on Sunday due to the tsunami warning after the Chile earthquake, the frantic search for survivors continues throughout the country.  On a more pleasant tone, Happy birthday Marije!!!! 

24 Feb 2010

Corporate apartment accommodation in Sydney will be made easier in the Sydney suburb of Ryde, as another property is added to the FP portfolio today. 

22 Feb 2010

The NSW government has again done what it does best and that is not very much, by finally agreeing that the Sydney Metro will be scrapped and in the process dumping 27 Million dollars. Another huge blundering fall, by this current state government of 12 years. Bring on the next election!!!  We will be adding another property in Mosman this week to our Sydney lower north shore portfolio to help sustain the demand for apartment accommodation in Sydney. 

17 Feb 2010

How did people years ago live without air co??  Heavens forbid, people are off the planet when they do not have it these days. A good point of discussion!  

16 Feb 2010

No valentines cards received for any of the men in the FP office on Sunday or Monday, and it was the worst year for many Australian florists as the 14th fell on a Sunday. The old Oils frontman Peter Garrett is in a tad of hot water at the moment over the Countrywide Insulation

Business for FP is going very well apart from a few hiccups with the new building in Ultimo, teething problems of a watering nature. Sounds familiar BB!!

BB's brother arrived back home yesterday from a 8 year stint in Scotland, and it is good to have him back!!!

5 Feb 2010

Temps have dropped and quite a bit of rain over the last weeks, however very hummid in Sydney.Business is going well and phone calls are coming in from property owners wishing to add their property to the site. The FP boys and wives are off to see Porcupine Tree on Sat night .... BB is especially looking forward to this. I will not be buying a t shirt (message for the Brady's) Review will come Monday.

26 Jan 2010

Australia Day. BBQ and more BBQ and for Brendan unblocking the sewage drain in his back yard. 

19 Jan 2010

Happy new year to all, and apologies for the lack of blogs. Very busy here at FP headquarters, the busiest January on record!!. BB has moved into a new house, and Vince is still renovating his castle. The proposed Sydney metro looks as though it is dying a slow death which will make 95% of Sydney people very happy, including ourselves as our office would be right next door to one of the proposed metro stations. The Aussies won the three test cricket series against Pakistan 3-0 with some fabulous cricket being played by both sides. More properties will be coming online very shortly.