Australia Property Good investment?

Reasons to buy Property in Australia

• Low down payment of ONLY 10% now, balance on Completion (either by cash or loan application in 6 months before completion
• Stamp Duty Savings - Get a substantial savings in Stamp duty of up to 80-90% if you buy NOW (Off Plan) as compared to FULL 100% Stamp Duty payment if you buy at Completion
• Tax Benefits - There are also some noteworthy tax benefits to be aware of. There are more deductions available the newer the property is, especially when being brand-new so this maximises your tax deductions especially your Real Cap Gain Tax.
• Favorable currency exchange rate due to current weakness in Aussie Dollar (e.g. Sing Dollar vs Aussie Dollar)
• Low interest rate of 2.5% in Australia (source here)
• Future Migration to Australia - If you are contemplating migration to Australia at some future date, then acquiring property prior to our arrival is indeed beneficial. As you acquire your future residence at “today’s” price rather than the increased value when you actually relocate, but it will provide you with a strong financial platform upon your arrival to build a more secure life in your new country. It may also provide you with distinct tax planning advantages to reduce the impact of Australian taxation when you become an Australian resident.
• Very low vacancy rate (source here ) due to growing demand with Melbourne's rental demand remaining tight (source here)
• Continual population growth (current approx. 23 million) due to Australia Foreign Immigration Policy attracting  foreign migration for its local economy benefits that has help creating shortage of housing demand.
• Huttons - Sole Marketing Agent for Collins House Melbourne offer on-stop services to assist buyer in securing loan, linking up with local Estate Realtor for buyer with apartment seeking or ready to be rented out.

Why Collins House Melbourne !

1. The most coveted address in Melbourne, Australia - Collins Street - the main shopping belt and Central  Business District Area.
2. Low entry level with only 10% down payment to own a collection item, balance on completion date (Defered payment)
3. Freehold Tenure situated at Collins Street, at the heart of MelbourneFinancial CBD
4. Located in Australia's Premier Street rich in Historical Culture
5. CBD living close proximity to Little Paris of Melbourne, Universities, Burke Street Melbourne, Crown Cassino, Yara River, Southern Cross Station etc.
6. Choice of Interest only loan installment for Cashflow model
7. Massive savings of up to 80% on Stamp Duty and Tax Incentives
8. Potential Strong Returns vs Equity in 2 years 
9. Can invest and Nominate anytime with no Seller Stamp Duty ( Singapore example)
10. Invest Now and future options to live in the World Most Liveable City, Melbourne or as Education Funds for children and grandchildren

For more information visit http://overseascondo.sg/properties/collins-house/ or http://collinshouse-melb.com

80% of London units sold to overseas buyers

"In the latest twist in the whole “squeezed out” debate, media reports in the United Kingdom have claimed that 80 percent of the units in a series of new Thameside developments have been bought by foreign purchasers.
As is generally the case, the definition of “foreign” isn’t entirely clear, but according to statistics obtained from Knight Frank by the Guardian, buyers from the Far East accounted for a quarter of properties sold in the four as-yet unnamed schemes. Around 20 percent have seemingly gone to buyers from the Middle East.
The newspaper claimed that 40 percent of the units were sold to investors, and has picked up on Knight Frank’s marketing material for a new scheme at Vauxhall Cross, which is quoted as saying that London is “widely regarded as the ‘gold bullion’ of international property markets” and goes on to talk about returns that have been “better than…the FTSE 100 and gold”.
A spokesman for Knight Frank explained that this level of foreign investment only related to “a narrow percentage of the market, and in the total market across London it is a much smaller proportion”.

Last year, Savills went in-depth on the subject in its World in London report. The agency found that 68 percent of prime London private residential property were owned by domestic U.K. buyers – but that 37 percent of Londoners were born overseas."

Source from property guru

Insider news is that 50% of buyers who bought Royal Wharf, a new launch condo in London are Singaporean buyers. Why are Singaporeans so invested in UK property?

1.) London is like a mini Singapore

2.) UK is the country we are most familiar with in Europe because we were once ruled by the British, hence, our education system and governing system has some similarities with London.

3.) London property are similar to Singapore. Pricey and small yet the value still goes up. 

4.) Who wouldn't want to own a property in UK? 

Good time to buy Europe Property?

The euro is shaping to be the biggest casualty of Switzerland’s decision to scrap its currency cap. 

Soon after the Swiss National Bank unexpectedly ended its three-year policy of keeping the franc weaker than 1.20 per euro, bearish bets on Europe’s common currency soared. While setting a record low versus the franc yesterday, the euro also plunged 3.5 percent against a basket of 10 developed-nation peers, the most since its 1999 debut, and reached an 11-year low against the dollar today. 

The SNB’s decision removes a key pillar of support for the euro, boosting the odds that its recent slide will accelerate. Companies from Goldman Sachs Group Inc. to Pacific Investment Management Co., the world’s biggest manager of active bond funds, have in recent days talked about the euro falling to parity with the dollar, a 14 percent decline from its current level. 

Options Jump 

The difference in the cost of options to sell the euro against the dollar, over those allowing for purchases, jumped by the most in almost two years yesterday, and extended its advance today to the highest since August 2012. 

The euro also sank below parity with the franc yesterday to an all-time low of 85.17 centimes, recovering to 98.88 today. 

In defending its cap on the franc, the SNB almost doubled its holdings of the 19-nation currency to 174.3 billion euros ($202 billion) since September 2011. Speculation the European Central Bank is only days away from announcing a government-bond purchase program, or quantitative easing, at its Jan. 22 meeting had already weakened the euro against its major peers. 

“The euro can’t find a friend for love nor money,” said London-based Kit Juckes, a strategist at Societe Generale SA, which predicts a decline to $1.14 by year-end. When one of the biggest buyers of euros “leaves the building,” losses are inevitable, he said. 

Options traders appear to agree. The premium on three-month contracts to sell the euro versus the dollar, over those to buy, rose 0.4 percentage point in the wake of the SNB announcement and another 0.5 percentage point today. 

That took the cost premium to 2.17 percentage points, 25-delta risk-reversal data compiled by Bloomberg show. Yesterday’s jump was the biggest one-day increase since February 2013. 

The shared currency’s next-biggest daily decline was a drop of 1.6 percent on Jan. 5, 2009, when the dollar surged as details emerged of a U.S. fiscal stimulus plan to tackle the global financial crisis. The franc jumped 21 percent against the basket yesterday as policy makers removed the euro cap.

So, is it a good time to buy properties in Europe??

“I will tell you how to become rich. Close the doors. Be fearful when others are greedy. Be greedy when others are fearful.” – Warren Buffett

Seize the opportunity to buy when prices are low!

Property in Bali to rise by 10%??

Source from property guru

"Property prices on the Indonesian island of Bali could rise by as much as 10 percent, according to forecasts issued by Bank Indonesia citing fluctuations in fuel prices as the main reason.

Speaking to reporters last weekend, the Head of Bank Indonesia Bali Dewi Setyowati said: “It is estimated that the market outlook for properties (primarily home) is still good, in line with the estimated increase of about 5 percent to 10 percent in prices.”

She added a number of government policies that are positively supporting both businesses and employment influenced her predictions.

The Central Bank had previously surveyed members of the Indonesian Real Estate Association (REI) and the Indonesian Real Estate and Broker Association (AREBI), and that revealed favourable business conditions that are forecast to remain positive in 2015.

“The indicator is the consumers demand for properties less than Rp1 billion,” Setyowati added, noting prospective areas considered for development with the selling prices around Rp1 billion include Tabanan District, Negara District, Klungkung District, Bangli District, and the eastern region of Karangasem District.

She also cautioned that developers will likely become more selective in selling or marketing their properties."

Bali has now become a tourist country. A few months ago, when i visited bali, about 2/3 of the people there were foreigners. Westeners love the sun, beaches and food catered to their taste. I won't be surprised if it Bali would be their Top few islands to retire in. 

7 Reasons to invest in Bangkok

Article abstracted from property guru

Bangkok, in the opinions of many market-watchers, currently offers a potentially lucrative property investment opportunity, although as with all investments buyers should do their due diligence and ensure they are comfortable with their purchase.

What are some of the attractive reasons to buy in Bangkok?

Record prices.
Record-breaking prices were also witnessed in Q3 2014 when CBRE sold a unit at Raimon Land’s 185 Rajdamri development, a project which was completed in Q1 2014, for around THB330,000 per sqm. The firm also sold units at more than THB300,000 per sqm in four other projects.

High numbers of expat tenants.
More than 90 percent of residential tenants in Bangkok with rents in excess of THB20,000 per month are expatriates, and the most recent figures showed that at the end of Q3 2014 there were some 74,000 holders of work permits in Bangkok, a rise of more than 7 percent in the turbulent previous 12 months.

A preference for renting.
The majority of expatriates who work in Thailand prefer to rent rather than purchase property because they are usually only in the city for a few years.

Lack of finance opportunities.
It’s almost impossible for expatriates, even with a solid credit record and work permit, to obtain finance at competitive rates from Thai banks to purchase property in the country. That’s another reason why renting is preferred to buying.

Buy as big as you can.
CBRE predicted that between 30 percent and 40 percent of purchases made at new condominium units in Bangkok during Q3 were made by buy-to-rent investors, with 70 percent of units under construction in downtown Bangkok being one-bedroom units or smaller. Highlighting a significant mismatch in supply and demand, CBRE noted it has seen strong demand for two- and three-bedroom units – with two-bed units are bigger making up a massive 75 percent of its leasing business. It said demand us starting to exceed supply in the bigger-unit.

Join the queue.
For the first time, several agencies have acknowledged the existence of waiting lists at some of the most popular developments in central Bangkok – underlining how the best developments are in demand and are commanding premium prices.

Rates are likely to rise.

Because demand will exceed supply, rental rates that have remained at the same levels for almost 25 years will finally have to rise

Want to know which bangkok property to invest in? Click here.

Where should Singaporeans buy property in 2015?

Post source from http://sbr.com.sg/residential-property/commentary/where-should-singaporeans-buy-property-in-2015

Property is one of the safest investments anyone can make. Bricks and mortar. A roof over your head. Solid and tangible. In most markets, property is surging ahead for good reason - interest rates are low and new stock is plentiful.

Two notable cities that look like having a stellar year in 2015 are Manchester - England's second city - and Los Angeles in California. Here is my outlook of some markets around the world to help you start your search.

United Kingdom: Even with an election pending, property is on the up - gains are the biggest in the G7. London offers the best capital gains (over 22% in some areas in 2014) and Manchester, the UK's second city, is also recording double digit growth - with no end in sight. Outlook: POSITIVE

Click here for London properties or Manchester 

Philippines: A mass of new projects are currently under construction, including a mega casino project, although problems with oversupply may arise, Manila is still a solid buy and prices are increasing. Excellent rental yields too. Outlook: POSITIVE

USA: Uncle Sam is back on his feet, property-wise, and the market has started to accelerate. California is the hottest place for property investors looking at the USA in 2015 - who wouldn't want a piece of Hollywood or a sliver of Silicon Valley? Outlook: POSITIVE

Thailand: While the junta has put back any hope of elections until 2016, the property market is still growing at a good clip. Fears of oversupply appear to be unfounded, and Bangkok and Phuket are still tops. Outlook: POSITIVE

Australia: Low interest rates - forecast to be cut again soon - will keep property buoyant in 2015. Cheaper square foot prices make the Gold Coast and Brisbane attractive. Sydney and Melbourne are set to grow at lower levels than 2014. Outlook: POSITIVE

Indonesia: A new president, a new surge in property prices. While rental yields may not be quite as good as they used to, capital gains are looking promising, with gains of over 10% predicted for Jakarta in 2015. Bali is set to continue its 10% per year increase. Outlook: POSITIVE

Click here for Australian properties.

Malaysia is third best place to retire

Was reading property guru. Malaysia has been voted the world’s third best place to retire based on International Living’s Annual Global Retirement Index for 2014.

Malaysia came in behind Ecuador, Mexico and Panama, but was ahead of all retirement destinations in Asia. Other Asian nations included in the index, although way behind Malaysia, were Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam.

Under the caption “Malaysia – Great Value for Money in a Cultural Melting Pot”, the index noted that more and more expats see the amazing opportunities offered by Malaysia each year.
“The country has one of the most robust economies in Asia, and this is reflected in the consistently high standard of living available to locals and expats alike. It’s just one of many factors that led to it being ranked the highest Asian nation in this year’s index,” it shared.

Why is Malaysia a great places to retire?

1. Quality of life within the country is considered to be excellent and cost-efficient. 
2. Explore innumerable natural, historical, and cultural treasures that Southeast Asia has to offer. 
3. The proliferation of cheap Asian airlines in recent years has made it easier (and more affordable) than ever to explore Thailand, Indonesia, India, and Japan. In Malaysia, Asia is truly at your doorstep”.

International Living cites the example of Thomas O’Neal, a New Yorker who lives in Penang.
“I rent a 1,600-square-foot apartment with an amazing pool, just five minutes’ walk from the ritzy Gurney Plaza shopping mall,” O’Neal is quoted as saying.
“It costs me just US$ 850 (RM3,000) a month. I don’t need a car, either, so I’m saving money left, right, and centre. I love the weather – 82 degrees Fahrenheit on average – and the ease of getting to Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos. When you combine that with a cost of living of US$ 1,500 (RM5,295) per month, including my rent, it’s almost unbeatable.”

Nonetheless, International Living informs potential retirees that “ultimately no list or formula can automatically deliver the best destination for you. Only you can decide that”.
“Only you can assess your personal preferences, needs, budget and desires, and look at the options available to see which nation best suits your needs”.

Invest in D'inspire Residences! Prices start at $1xxK. Book with only $800.

Why Invest in overseas property?

Seeing that local properties were moving slow due to the cooling measures, i decided to venture to overseas proprieties. Why has investing in overseas properties seen a rise in sales? It because it provides low capital layout and high rental return yields.

Though home prices in most Asia countries are extremely expensive and see slow capital appreciation, emerging counties like Cambodia, Philippines are still great investments.  Just today, news about property prices in Cambodia abstracted from Phnom Penh Post.

"Political stability, economic growth and foreign investment have led to doubled land prices in four of the capital’s central districts compared to 2008, when prices bottomed out due to the financial crisis, according to a report.

From the second to the third quarter of 2014 alone, land prices in the districts of Chamkarmon, Daun Penh, Prampi Makara and Tuol Kork went up by 20 per cent in commercial areas and 30 per cent in residential areas, the Bonna Realty Group study found.

In Chamkarmon’s Tonle Bassac village, high-end condominiums such as The Bridge and Casa Meridian helped push residential land prices up to $2,000 to $2,500 per square metre, while commercial land sold for up to $4,000 to $6,000. 

Tonle Bassac remains cheaper, however, than Chamkarmon district’s Sihanouk Boulevard. On the centrally-located strip of land from Monivong Boulevard to Independence Monument, commercial land is priced at $8,000 to $9,000 per square metre, a 10 to 15 per cent increase from the second to the third quarter of 2014. The high prices have scared off some investors from developing land in Chamkarmon, the report noted.

The riverfront’s Daun Penh district, on the other hand, had a wider variation in prices, with residential land priced from $500 to $4,000 per square metre. The study noted that the district’s price range, along with the fact that there are relatively few high-rises, made it a promising area for hotel development." 
To read more click here.

The hottest selling overseas property in 2014 in Huttons is The Bridge.

11 Reasons why The Bridge is popular amongst investors.

1. FREEHOLD
2. Guaranteed Rental Return of 18% over 3 years!
3. Extremely Affordable from only US$100K+!
4. Low Upfront Payment!
5. Staggering 45-storey high Iconic Integrated Condo with F&B, Retail n SOHO
6. 1st of Its Kind – Mixed Development – Live, Work & Play!
7. FANTASTIC PRIME LOCATION. NEAR CBD
8. Walking distance to NagaWorld, the One & Only Casino/Hotel/Shopping in Phnom Penh!
9. Near Embassy of Australia, Russia & National Assembly
10. Near Phnom Penh’s biggest mall (AEON from Japan)
11. High Demand from Expats & Yuppies with High Occupancy!

More more information click here.

How to be a property agent?

It's the brand new year! 2015! Been watching chinese variety shows. 2015 seems to be a lucky year for Leos and Virgos! Yay! Though its an unlucky year for goat, cow, snake, one of which is my zodiac!

Last year, 2014 I decided to take a plunge and a career switch from being a Pastry Chef/ Teacher to being a property agent! Major switch as I have zero background in sales. People have been saying 2014 is a bad year to be in property. With cooling measures, the CEA coming out with strict policies, DNC(Do Not Call) and PDPA(Personal Data Protection Act), its getting harder for agents to do their marketing and close deals!  More agents are also exiting the industry. A total of 3,382 agents - about 11 per cent of the overall total - left the industry last year, compared to 2,996 the year before.

Yet, I decided to make switch after hearing a friend of mine who is a property agent making $200k a year! Sure, it was fun teaching baking. But a $2.5-$3k per month salary couldn't bring me to a lifestyle I wanted. 

To be a property agent you need to put aside $3k for exams and marketing. I paid about $1.3k for the RES course and examinations. I failed paper 2 4 times so i paid an extra $150 each time. It was demoralising but the wait of retaking my exams gave me a burst of eagerness to close on my 1st month. I started marketing, creating my website, email, linked in profile etc. Lo-and-behold, i closed 3 deals on my 1st month, making a couple months shy of my 1 year's salary from my previous job! 

There's no prefect timing in a career switch. Neither is there a prefect house. If you have a house with great location, prefect furnishing and fantastic facilities, it bound to be tagged with a hefty price. Therefore, it's important to make the best of the situation. Make it work. 

Hope 2015 will be a great year for everyone! With election this year, hopefully the government will bring us good news!