overview.
I asked Dad whether a first home buyer is better off with a new build or a fixer-upper. He walks me through the renovation maths: what actually adds value, what quietly loses it, and how the financing works when you want to improve a place after you buy it.
On this one it's Dad — John Kefalianos, a finance broker and property developer who's built homes himself. He walks me through the renovation maths the way he runs it for clients.
"A renovation only counts if the market pays you back for it. Spend where the value is, not where your heart is."
John Kefalianos
what you'll learn.
- How to spot a property with real renovation potential, not just a tired one
- The way renovation financing works (and where a parental guarantee fits)
- Which improvements build equity and which ones you never get back
- How the bank looks at financing an extension once you own the place
Prefer to read? Grab the free first home buyer guides.
part of: building and new homes guide.
The Borrowing Power Truth-Sheet
Roughly what the bank will lend you on $60k / $80k / $120k / $180k income — single and couple, before-kids and with-kids. The actual numbers Dad runs in his office.
chapters.
Tap a chapter to jump the video to that point.
links Nicola & John mentioned.
more on Building & new builds.
Same topic, different angle.