1.

Due to recessionary effects, the sentiment to purchase Australian real estate has weakened. Interest rate reductions by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) and government initiatives such as the first home buyer boost are aimed at maintaining the strength in the property market. Most recently (April 8, 2009) the RBA slashed interest rates by 0.25% points to 3%. Although the full reduction has not been passed on to home loan consumers, the interest rate cut is predicted to encourage buyers back into the real estate market.

2.

Despite the economic downturn, purchasing property in Australia seems to be a wise long-term investment. According to the 2009-2012 Residential Property Prospects report by BIS Shrapnel, average residential house prices in the Australia property market are forecast to rise as much as 22%. Among the capital cities, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide are forecast to show the strongest price growth at 19% over the next three years.

3.

Foreigners interested in purchasing property in Australia must seek approval via the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB). The FIRB is a non-statutory body established in 1976 to advise the Government on foreign investment policy and its administration. Their role is to protect Australian citizens while at the same time allowing investment which benefits communities within Australia.

4.

Non-resident buyers are generally able to purchase property in Australia in the following categories: i) Real estate for residential redevelopment, ii) vacant land, iii) home units, townhouses that have not been occupied or previously sold. Any construction must begin within 24 months of purchase.

5.

Asia Property Consultants works with international entrepreneurs and property investors to effectively and efficiently manage all required steps for purchasing property in Australia, and for selling property in Australia. Services offered cater to all client's requirements for investing in real estate. The purpose can be for:

6.

Providing an overview of the Australian residential and commercial property market is one way Asia Property Consultants assists clients with decisions regarding purchasing property in Australia. This analysis can include general economic indicators, real estate cycles, current and future property trends, interest rate and currency fluctuations and how they impact on purchasing property in Australia. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), Housing Industry Association (HIA) and RP Data are examples of reputable sources that are referenced to develop the most useful analysis of the property market.

7.

Providing clients with options for purchasing property in Australia based on the pre-determined objectives and needs related to aspects such as location, size, budget, property facilities, proximity to transport, Australian schools, security etc. This could include photos, locations summaries, rental yields, price histories and similar transactions.

8.

Arranging property finance for the purchase of Australian real estate is an important step in the process. Asia Property Consultants will present clients with financing options and negotiate mortgage terms and conditions. Leading international banks including Commonwealth Bank, ANZ Bank, DBS Bank and OCBC Bank are preferred for obtaining mortgages.

9.

To ensure the legal matters associated with purchasing property in Australia are undertaken correctly, Asia Property Consultants will appoint and supervise a local lawyer. This allows the strengths of local laws to be utilized to protect asset ownership for foreign investors.

10.

Asia Property Consultants assists investors to efficiently manage current and future tax obligations by providing invaluable tax and accounting advice related to purchasing property in Australia. The tax system is in-depth and seeking expert advice is beneficial.

11.

In the recent past, there has been an increasing demand for purchasing property in Australia. The Australian property market is not following the declining trends seen in many markets around the world. Prices have actually risen sharply by 3.7% for the June-August 2009 period. Perth was the only capital city not to experience average price increases. Of these capital cities, Melbourne had the highest increase at 6.1%, while Sydney and Canberra showed gains of 3.6% and 4.8% respectively.

12.

The primary factor behind the increase in prices in the Australian property market is a surplus in demand for houses.  However, this is not the sole explanation, it is more likely a combination of attractive first home buyer grants from the government, low interest rates, poorly performing share markets along with the tight rental markets seen in most of cities.

Asia Property Consultants assists clients with, not only the entire purchasing process, but a full range of post purchase requirements including:

i)

Supervising property management activities such as property refurbishment, property maintenance, property valuations, property security, ad hoc problem solving and issues resolution.

ii)

Obtaining comprehensive property insurance to secure the structure and contents of your newly acquired asset.

iii)

Managing the process of migration to Australia including obtaining relevant visas, move co-ordination, residential services and country familiarization programs.

For more information on the purchasing property in Australia, call us in Sydney at +61 280 147 568 or contact us at email@healyconsultants.com