Cities worldwide are increasingly adopting improvement districts as a strategy to enhance urban living and stimulate investment. These districts involve collaboration between business owners and local authorities, aimed at collectively improving areas by focusing on sustainability, community engagement, and infrastructure development.

Opportunity London CEO Jace Tyrrell recently discussed the significance of improvement districts during an event. He highlighted London’s success in employing this model, fostering both investment and community transformation.

Tyrrell noted that Australia represents a crucial market for London, contributing approximately 10% of capital investment. He outlined opportunities for collaboration, specifically emphasising the strong historical economic ties between the two nations.

In this episode of The Property Playbook, Tim Graham interviewed Jacob Caine, Interim CEO of the Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV), to discuss the ongoing issue of underquoting in the Australian property market. Despite reforms introduced in 2017, concerns and dissatisfaction from the public remain prevalent. Caine shed light on the root causes of consumer mistrust and outlined the REIV’s initiatives aimed at enhancing price guide transparency.

Together, they examined the reasons behind the persistence of underquoting and its extent within the industry. They also evaluated the successes and shortcomings of the 2017 legislation. The conversation highlighted the importance of data transparency in alleviating confusion for both buyers and real estate agents.

Is comfort the enemy of profit? On this episode of The Property Playbook, Tim Graham speaks with Michael Wilkins, Managing Director of Nuestar, about the pitfalls of sticking to a single asset type. He highlights the importance of smart diversification, particularly through industrial property, to increase yields and reduce risk.Investors are encouraged to explore options beyond residential properties. This includes townhouses, house and land packages, and industrial assets to achieve better income outcomes.

Understanding the fundamentals of industrial investing is crucial. Key aspects include strategic location and reliable tenants, which often cover most expenses associated with the property.

Financing plays a significant role in property investment. Typical loan-to-value ratios (LVRs) range from 70% to 80%, with opportunities for higher leverage depending on individual circumstances. Tenancy-based lending is also worth exploring for investors.