Biggest Economic Threat For Australia

It might surprise you to hear this, however …

h3. A Strong US Recovery

… would probably be the worst thing to happen for Australia in 2010.

If that occurs, the US Federal Reserve would be forced to quickly raise interest rates, from zero to around 3%. And that would cause the collapse in the Australian dollar from its current level of around US90c.

Up until now, Australia has been shielded from inflationary pressures, with a high dollar holding down the cost of imports.
[Read more…]

Sentiment is Strong … Despite the Economy

Looking Up

Looking Up


These graphs are painting a very encouraging picture.

As you can see, the Westpac-Melbourne Institute consumer sentiment index increased strongly by 9.5% for June.

And that means it has now leapt by some 23% since May — the largest 2-month increase for over 30 years.

First-home buyers have also been active, accounting for nearly 30% of all loans during May.

And this overall level of confidence follows an increase in retail sales, for three months in a row.
[Read more…]

Depreciation : 4 Myths Keeping You From
Maximising Your Secret Tax Advantage

Capture The Benefits

Capture The Benefits

Depreciation is probably the most under-used weapon to legitimately shelter a significant portion of your property income.

And as a Commercial Investor, you really do have an unfair advantage over somebody investing in only residential property.

Therefore, let’s now set about dispelling a few of the common Myths concerning Depreciation.
[Read more…]

You May be a Doubter … But I say: “Yes, we can!”

The Weekend Financial Review ran several articles, which seemed to echo many of the sentiments contained in my last blog about the Capital City Markets — but perhaps putting things a little more bluntly.

h3. Brisbane

Qeensland DebtMark Ludlow (on page 2) referred to Queensland as having moved from “boom state to gloom state” — because of its heavy reliance on resources. [Read more…]

Recognise the Investment Opportunities …

Anecdotal evidence suggests that consumers are cutting back on their spending around Australia. And it’s likely that luxury items and overseas travel will be the most affected.

The Flight to ValueA recent article in The Age expounded “The Flight to Value” — where Australian Property Monitors reported a 24% drop in the median price for Toorak Homes, in the 6 months to September.
[Read more…]

Some Answers in These Troubled Times

There are a couple of questions on the minds of Commercial Property Investors at the moment.

And they go something like this.
[Read more…]

Retail — Where to from Here?

The Prime Minister’s “freezing” of parliamentary salaries is a clear endorsement of RBA Governor Stevens’ warning to curb our spending.

Last week, I mentioned the impact this could have on retail turnover — with a flow-on effect for growth in rental and sale prices for the Retail sector.
[Read more…]

How to Live with a Labor Government!

Will things really change all that much, now that Australia has wall-to-wall Labor governments across the country?

You’d better believe it!
[Read more…]

Keeping your Eye on Building Costs

Every six months, you’ll find Rider Levett Bucknall publish their “Oceania Construction Cost Commentary”. In this posting, you’ll find an extract from their July 2007 publication — which covers both the Australian and New Zealand markets.
[Read more…]

Retail Property Activity Continues

As the government spending and tax cuts add to consumer demand, you’ll see the Australian economy continue to grow strongly.
[Read more…]

When Your Tenants Leave …

Depending upon what your Lease specifies upon termination, the cost to “make good” the property can vary dramatically. Furthermore, the tenancy fit-out (and original condition) of the property can also impact on that cost.
[Read more…]