Yep, I agree. Rents rising because investors can't eat the...

Yep, I agree. Rents rising because investors can't eat the expenses of strata fees, council fees and other costs without the promise of capital gains.

Fella I work with just rented a nice apartment with a view of the opera house. Shared with 3/4 others he pays 300 a week.

Someone once said that in Sydney investors subsidise the lifestyles of renters. This is becoming more and more evident.

I am looking at buying an investment apartment and the figures don't add up re costs of owning it.

I need a 10% drop in prices at least or the hope of a 10% rise over 5 years before even considering buying at the moment.

Which is more likely? That's the question that has me locking up the checkbook and beefing up my offset account.