BLOGS

ATO crackdown on work related deductions and business expenditure

Whilst historically ATO audits were targeted at big business and the wealthy, this has changed. Now more than ever, individuals, business and self-managed superannuation funds are at risk of being selected for an audit, investigation or review.  The Commissioner of Taxation, Chris Jordan has confirmed the ATO has been instructed to undertake random audits targeting …

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What makes a better investment? A house or apartment?

Last week, I highlighted some evidence that indicates investment-grade apartments in Melbourne are perhaps intrinsically undervalued. The topic of this week’s blog is all about whether a house or apartment makes a better investment, specially: If your investment budget is $1.3 million or more, should you invest in one house or two apartments? If your …

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Evidence is mounting that investment-grade apartments are positioned to appreciate

I wrote this blog in February suggesting that I thought investment-grade apartments were intrinsically under-valued. Well, according to Jarrod McCabe, director of Wakelin Property Advisory, “the investment-grade apartment market in Melbourne is showing signs of growth this year”. My view that apartments are intrinsically under-valued has become even stronger over the last 6 months and …

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New data: Interest rates, super returns and more

Some interesting information and data has been released this week which I would like to discuss with you. Variable mortgage rates will probably rise soon Interest rates that apply to interbank lending have increased significantly since the beginning of the year. These benchmark rates are used to set the banks borrowing costs. This benchmark rate …

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Be honest. Are you a spender or saver?

Are you a spender or saver? Do you find it hard to stick to a budget? Do you find it difficult to save towards a goal? For some people, saving money comes easy to them. For others, it’s like pulling teeth. You might need to adopt a different investment strategy depending on your answers to …

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SMSF’s may no longer be able to borrow to invest in property

I wanted to communicate an important change in the lending marketplace. If you have ever contemplated using your super to invest in residential property with borrowings, you must work out if its appropriate and advisable to do so now as your window of opportunity is closing. A major lender in this space, St George/Bank of Melbourne announced today …

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Should you switch your investment loan to principal and interest?

Over the past two years lenders have been incrementally increasing interest rates on investment loans and loans with interest only repayments (as opposed to principal and interest). As the chart below illustrates, the average interest rate margin between a principal and interest home loan and an interest only investment loan is now 1.04% p.a. As …

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What’s more important? Minimising tax or building wealth?

Tax is most people’s largest lifetime expense! Therefore, it is not difficult to understand how taking proactive steps to minimise your taxes can produce significant financial benefits. Different taxes will impact you at different stages of life depending on the wealth you have accumulated i.e. types of investments, amounts and ownership structures used. The common …

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