One would think that just because its sister cities, Melbourne and Sydney, are experiencing a sudden down turn in property and business growth that Brisbane would follow suit. However, just the opposite has happened. It seems that here in the late 1990's and early on in this century that her gorgeous coastlines and inner city culture has made Brisbane an ideal place for businesses, tourist and residents.

BRISBANE IS BOOMING

Before the boom really gets going, this is the time to invest in Brisbane rental property - if you are looking into real estate investments, this is the market you want to be in on - but don't wait too long! You should invest now to make the most of the situation.

There have been an increasing number of new residents moving into the city, making this the perfect time to move in and get some great deals on rental properties. However, you will need stable, long term tenants in order to make the most of your investment; this will require finding some talented property management personnel.

Melbourne and Sydney both saw their business and population growth hit a plateau in the 1980's, followed by a market crash which led to an economic downturn in these cities, with many residents choosing to leave for nearby Brisbane.

PERFECT TIME TO INVEST INNER CITY

Throughout the financial turmoil that affected Adelaide, Geelong and Perth, Brisbane was left relatively unscathed by the tumult. Rather than a boom as seen in other cities, Brisbane has seen steady, sustained growth in population and business, which has been the secret to its success since the 1980's. In fact, Brisbane now can boast of the highest growth rate in the nation and is the ideal place for Australian companies to do business today.

The continued inner city growth and beautiful coastlines make Brisbane an incredible place to have a business, visit or live. The economic growth of the city has created a real estate market ideal for investors interested in long term income potential.

BEST WAY TO INVEST WISELY IS BY GETTING A PROPERTY MANAGER

Why do you need a property manager? Because hiring a property manager is a wise investment which protects your property investments. Having a property manager means that your property will be looked after by professional hands so that you don't need to become a professional negotiator and care taker. You wont need to invest much of your time in dealing with your tenants, ensuring the property is kept up to code, ensuring that the insurance is adequate, or trying to keep up with current market trends.

To keep your properties fully tenanted, well maintained, and steadily bringing you a return you need to have someone who goes to bat for you. You don't just need anyone either, you need someone experienced and specialised who doesn't just manage your books, but you need someone who actually takes care of all the responsibilities a great manager should.

A mediocre management firm and a great management firm are often hard to tell apart on the surface, especially if you're new to the game. Therefore, it is wise to shop around before signing on the line. You need a property manager that can communicate effectively, who really listens to what is being said and tries to come up with effective solutions that work for you and your goals, not that just cover the bottom line.

A truly great property manager will make sure that you are aware of all the management options available to you through their firm. You need to know if task and portfolio management will be covered and whether the firm has a proactive or reactive management philosophy.

Ask yourself; will the property managers take the lead in making sure that tenants are not abusing the property? Are tasks split up amongst several people in the firm, or is there a more hands on manager who delegates tasks but heads things up themselves?

Look for experience, knowledge, guaranteed service, effective protocols for property management and good communication skills in a property management company. All of these aspects should be considered before signing anything; also make an instinctive judgment call and trust your gut.

BRISBANE IS WAITING

Now is the right time to get in on the Brisbane growth spurt. The urban areas are the perfect place to purchase rental condos and properties for business or residential leasing. The economy is good and has lived through the recent crises that have effectively made a downturn in other locations. Additionally, with proper management handling your property and keeping you up to date, you can be sure your investment will be protected.