Overseas Buyers

We can assist clients from overseas by providing them with the ultimate service in buying property.

Firstly we determine your exact needs, taking into consideration your lifestyle, your wishlist, the needs of your family, your budget and the location that will suit you best.

We at ABAS are experienced in assisting expatriates returning to Australia to purchase a new home or to assist them in growing their investment portfolios.

WHY INVEST IN AUSTRALIA?

Australian property has continued to prove itself as a high performing asset class, with excellent capital growth and rental return when purchased in the right areas.

Why buy in Australia?

Property Investment is now a global business. Property investors increasingly understand that the best opportunities may not be in their own backyard. Australia has long been a favourite investment property destination for British buyers.

Now Asian and European investors are discovering that Australia’s unique combination of economic, political and social factors make it one of the most attractive locations for property investors in the world.

Proven Long Term Returns

Australian RRE capital returns have averaged 8.3% pa over the whole period for which national data is available (1982 to 2005), and a total return (including both capital gain and rental yields) of 14.8% pa. .

Political and Social Stability

Australia has one of the world’s most stable economic, political and social systems, with a very low probability of political unrest. The chances of upheavals, riots, coups or revolutions are minimal.

A Healthy Economy

Australia has enjoyed fifteen consecutive years of continuous economic growth (Sydney Morning Herald, Feb, 2006), and was ranked by the World Economic Forum as the 10th most competitive economy in the world (September 2005).

Rule of Law

Australia has an established legal system and one of the world’s best systems of land dealing registrations. Torrens Title ensures that once ownership is legally registered, the state guarantees the tile. Corruption in the Australian legal system is one of the lowest in the world.

Lifestyle

Australia has one of the most attractive lifestyles in the world. A recent survey by the Economist ranked Australia amongst the worlds’ ideal destinations thanks to the widespread availability of goods and services, low personal risk and an effective infrastructure. Anholt-GMI awarded Australia the titles of ‘The World’s Friendliest Nation’.

Australia is also renowned as home to a tolerant cosmopolitan community with residents from diverse cultural and ethnic origins.

Housing Affordability

Australia still has attractive property price levels relative to many developed countries. In particular, there is an abundance of housing at reasonable prices in areas with highly attractive climates, close to modern urban facilities, and within reach of wonderful coastal environments.

Diversification

The bottom line is that the stable, well managed, low risk Australian property market provides an excellent opportunity for diversification in any property portfolio

Tax friendly nation

Some of the States and Territories offer stamp duty relief when purchasing new residential properties off-the-plan, thus only a small portion of the stamp duty is payable on the value of the land component and any improvements, upon the signing of contracts. Australia also has relatively competitive depreciation rates, making an Australian property even more tax effective.

High Rental Yields, low vacancy rates

Australia’s residential vacancy rates are at an all time record low with vacancy rates in Australia’s capital cities ranging from 0.8 per cent in Perth to 2.3 per cent in Hobart in the March 2007 quarter.These low vacancy rates are driving rent increases across the country as demand outstrips supply for rental properties. Thus rental yields are on the rise which is fantastic for an investor seeking a capital growth oriented market whilst maintaining a good cash flow position.

Great exchange rates

The Australian dollar has traditionally been weak against the US dollar and Great British Pound. These favourable exchange rates make Australian property even cheaper for overseas investors.

A Government that welcomes overseas investment

Buying from overseas is simpler than it sounds. The Australian government encourages off-shore investors, with some restrictions managed by the Foreign Investment Review Board.   In very general terms, non-resident investors are free to invest in new residential property.

Finance in Australia is available to non-resident investors and the Australian taxation and legal system shares many similarities to the UK system, making it relatively simple for non-resident investors (particularly those from the UK) to invest in Australian property.

If you buy new property, you have a higher likelihood of meeting these guidelines, however many overseas buyers get stung with buying properties from glossy brochures where no one but the developer ever makes money. 

We provide independent advice on which properties will be suitable for investment and weed through the promises of rental guarantees and trumped up returns that are often masking bad investments.

To find out further information regarding the Foreign Investment Review Board, either contact our office via email on info@ausbas.com.au or follow this link www.firb.gov.au. 

Full information regarding the board's guidelines are located on this website, including application forms.

PURCHASING A HOME

We can start your property search before you even arrive in Australia and ensure you move into a home that perfectly suits your needs. After determining your needs, we inspect properties and provide you with a short list of suitable properties and photos by email. If you have a relative or friend in Australia, we invite them to join us when inspecting these properties as additional peace of mind.

Just as important as buying the right property is effective and efficient management of the property. An investor not only wants to maximise long-term capital growth potential but also wants to maximise the weekly cash flow and tax position.

Once you have finalised your purchase, Australian Property Solutions can help you with the administration of your new property, including property management, insurance options, taxation requirements, valuations and refinancing options.

Property Management

Property managers are the most convenient way for an overseas investor to deal with all the day-to-day property management issues. Property managers promote and advertise your property, find and approve tenants, submit bond application forms and write the lease agreements. They'll also look after any maintenance issues such as repairs to a leaky tap or fixing the picket fence. They send frequent consolidated reports illustrating all cash inflows and outflows and take the hard work out of maintaining your property.

We can research and recommend a property management company for you, ensuring they meet the following criteria:

Experience with overseas clients
Below market vacancy rates
Experienced staff members
Competitive fees
Comprehensive services
Consistent rent reviews

We offer a firm commitment that your property will be managed according to your wealth creation strategy.

Insurance

Insurance is relatively cheap in Australia compared to other countries. The main type of insurance cover required for an investment property is home contents, building and landlords insurance.

Australian Building Appraisal Services have undertaken detailed research of all the insurance companies and will provide the information and applications for your convenience.