https://propertyplanning.com.au/propertyplannerbuyerprofessor/ In this week's episode #70 of the Property Planner, Buyer and Professor Podcast, the team discuss "Tax optimisation - using mortgage strategy to create wealth ", as Dave, Cate and Pete take you through: Weekly market insights 1. RBA revises low interest rate forecast Governor of the RBA Phillip Lowe has said that he expects interest rates to remain low for the next 4 years, extending from his previous forecast of 3 years. In addition, there are no concerns on the horizon about an asset bubble forming for the property and share markets. It's game on! 2. Demand spikes for hot property At the coal face, we're seeing floods of prospective buyers at open for inspections, with not everyone in the queue able to inspect the property. Supply is not dramatically shorter, but the numbers of buyers have gone through the roof. The last time there was this much activity was after the GFC where the government was throwing money at first time buyers and interest rates dropped to 5%. Now, rates are even lower, stimulus is greater, and consumer sentiment has spiked; creating the perfect storm to propel the property market. 3. Comparative sales In light of demand and market movements, if you're interested in purchasing a property, you should be looking at comparative sales from the last 2 to 4 weeks. Anything over that is too old in many markets, and likely to give you dated sales results to depend on. 4. Property predictions The trio share their predictions for when regulators will step in with macro prudential measures to dampen property market activity and run-away prices. They also share their individual insights into how they feel the measures will be rolled out. Tax optimisation 1. How can you optimise your tax deductions? Tax optimisation is multi-dimensional and you only have one opportunity to borrow funds to purchase an investment asset. There are many mortgage strategies you can put in place to ensure you're getting the most bang for your buck. 2. Using equity to maximise borrowings Although counter-intuitive, maximising your investment loan can put you in a better financial position. The trio explain why you should consider borrowing the full purchase price plus costs of the investment if you have equity available in an existing property. 3. Paying principle and interest on your home and interest only on your investment loan The aim of the game is to pay down your non-deductible debt as fast as possible, while preserving your deductible debt to make holding your investment property more affordable. 4. Preserving the balance of your home loan if you plan to upgrade This is a critical point to consider for anyone who has purchased a stepping stone home and has plans to keep their home as an investment when upgrading to the long-term home. The Property Planner outlines the mortgage strategies that can be employed to make the most of your future tax deductions. 5. Why do so many people get this wrong? Many of us are taught by our parents and grandparents to pay down debt as fast as possible, without realising that you may be shooting yourself in the foot and killing wealth. We advocate that everyone should pay down their debt by using the right strategy, which will hold you in great stead when you transition to the flexibility stage of life. 6. Redraw v offset accounts The Property Planner explains the difference between redraw and offset accounts, and why the smart use of offset accounts means...