MARKET Will the apartment boom end with a whimper or a bang? Banks are urging people to buy investment properties. But the apartment market is in decline. MANAGED FUNDS Helter shelter Listed property trusts are basking in the limelight, but dark clouds are gathering, reports John Collett. PROPERTY SYNDICATES Hands-off approach to property With bricks and mortar still an attractive investment over shares, property syndicates are rising in popularity, but how do you assess them?
				THE BASICS Why this is no time to write off real estate Bubble or boom? Business editor David Potts offers his good property guide. FINANCE I'll have it with the lot The strategy To get 100 per cent finance for my new investment property. WHERE TO START Concrete examples To do well in property people need to take research from different sources, reports Barbara Drury. GEARING Not so taxing A positively geared property has a lot going for it. Peter Weekes explains. TAX Join the minimalists The strategy To minimise Capital Gains Tax (CGT).

Taking cover

Before signing up for 'landlord insurance', check that it covers the following risk factors: Malicious damage by a tenant - This includes everything from holes punched in walls and kicked-in doors to intentional damage to carpets and floors. Accidental damage - This covers unintentional damage to a property. Accidental damage also covers the actions of small children, but excludes gradual wear and tear. Legal liability - Includes expenses incurred for any lawsuit that arises as a result of a tenant suffering bodily injury or property damage or loss. Loss of rental income - In instances where malicious damage has been caused to a property, a loss of rental income may result while the property is repaired or cleaned. Loss of rental income also can result from absconding tenants, defaulting payments, death of a sole tenant, failure to give vacant possession or a court awarding a tenant a release from lease obligations due to hardship. The Age

	Investment property loans Compare home loans in your state by interest rate, type (such as fixed or variable), optional features and fees.		Find a property fund
	Borrowing Power Calculator		Stamp Duty Calculator
	Extra Repayments Calculator		Loan repayments
	Lump Sum Repayments Calculator		What type of investor are you?

Money makeover

Maria, 32, is a finance manager who lives with her parents. She wants to buy a second investment property and ensure that she is financially secure before she marries and has children. Her story Hans and Ingrid want to be financially independent by the time they are age 35 to 40. They are keen to establish an investment strategy for the long and short term. Their story. Ray owns an investment property worth $185,000, on which he owes $133,000. The mortgage is at an interest rate of 6.06 per cent and Ray has rented the house out since he bought it in July last year. His story Peter and Sarah, both 36, have one child and plan to have another. They want to know whether they should move into their investment property and how to organise their finances. Their story. The Age

Guide to investing in property Navigate through the steps of buying a property, discover the hidden fees, and compare the most competitive lending rates. Guide to mortgages Be guided through one of the biggest purchases you will possibly make and use our specially designed mortgage calculators. Guide to Managed Funds Learn about managed funds and how they differ to shares as an investment vehicle. Guide to building wealth Make the move from saver to investor by learning how to work towards your long-term investment goals.