Mike Mortlock, Author at MCG Quantity Surveyors

The RBA has increased rates for the first time in more than 11 years. That’s significant because as the RBA says itself, many households have never experienced rising interest rates. They’re also going to go up further, likely in the next few months. Before we panic though, let’s get some context. As a guide, if…

It’s been tough reading the news lately. Recent coverage of the war in Ukraine and the devastating impact of the floods in Queensland and New South Wales has pushed reports of COVID cases and lockdowns down the rankings, at least for the time being. It’s enough to make us yearn for the daily briefings from…

I love a surfing analogy in a headline. Hell… anything that helps up my ‘cool quotient’ after all these years as a quantity surveyor is more than welcome. So, the chance to waffle on about catching the rising swell of interest in commercial property investment suits me fine. Here’s why I say paddle hard and…

While I’m a generally upbeat person, there are some aspects of the Australian residential investment market that are cause for concern. Worse still is that some of the struggles we see in the rental market can be remedied, but they’re founded in a common misconception about real estate investors. I think we’re in the habit…

If you’ve been paying attention to your superannuation or share portfolio balance over the past few weeks you’ve probably noticed the Australian stock market has had a bumpy ride. There’s many reasons for that, but one worth noting in relation to the property market is the current volatility in iron ore, steel and lumber costs.…

While the provocative title of this blog may have some readers intrigued, I want to put your mind at ease. My hairstyle isn’t changing. I won’t be peroxiding my crewcut in some vain attempt to start an 80s synth cover band. No… the tips I want to show you relate to the property market, so…

Around the country, the affordability of housing is a key and growing concern for many people. It’s a problem not only for first home buyers and key workers on minimum wages, who are often the ‘go to’ for sensationalised media, but also a concern for a growing number of Mum and Dad and the smaller…

Imagine you are building your dream house. The one you’ve been thinking about for as long as you can remember. The whole family is on board. You know how many bedrooms and bathrooms it needs to put an end to shared rooms and bunk beds. You’ve included a butler’s pantry, and a walk-in robe, and…

A parent’s drive to protect and nurture their offspring is an unstoppable force. Humans are, quite simply, programmed for it. From the first moment those insidious little buggers look into your eyes, you are smitten. Suddenly, dreams of early retirement, that Lamborghini and quiet holiday getaways at your beachfront unit must be set aside. You’ve…