This brief summary will enable you to get a sense of Australian property investment and how Australian off-plan or established [investment] properties can be a great asset to your investment portfolio.
Since of the popularity of Cairns as a residential hub, a lot of Australians, interstate/overseas property buyers/investors are looking to buy re-locate to this wonderful unique tropical world heritage gateway to the reef and rainforest.
Australian Property Investment a specialist in finding advising of Houses & land in the Cairns area. These can range from luxury villas, apartments, townhouses and penthouses to plots of land for you to choose from. Or built and bought by a landlord for someone else to live in. Owning the land and houses is a bonus. We provide information on exclusive investment property which are unavailable packages in the Cairns Northern Beaches one of the best places to be and...to buy or long term invest .
Aside from the wealth effect from the terms of trade, population growth in Australia has also been higher than other advance economies, mainly because of strong immigration. Australian Investment Institute: Wealth, Retirement, Superannuation.
Retirement Planning: Wealth Creation and Superannuation Strategies.
Australian Investment Institute through associates are advising to more and more people about how to manage their own wealth creation strategies as the government struggles to fund Australia's ageing population.
If you are planning investing in Australian property - take the time and do your own research: sure use local knowledge, hire your own lawyers and valuers so that they work for you. Often you can get important key figures and advice from local licensed real-estate agents.
We advice to find out information on tax planning to help make your investment in Australian property a successful one i.e. Australia's Investment Industry, Investment Opportunities, Financial Planning, Accountants, Banks, Fund Managers, Market Reports, Research, Investment Properties, Risk Management. Superannuation planning and wealth creation for your retirement strategy is complex.
Future:
Australia's unique ecology, vast swathes of wilderness and rich environmental diversity and the urgent need to protect it, have made it a world leader in the rapidly growing market in environmental and clean energy technologies. AIP offers exclusive plots in some of Australia's property hotspots.
Population
Strong population growth and high real income growth in the wake of record-high commodity prices this year will continue to support house prices. Aside from the wealth effect from the terms of trade, population growth in Australia has also been higher than other advance economies, mainly because of strong immigration. Population growth and rising incomes ensure the demand for housing outpaces current supply, causing prices to rise.
For more information or enquiry please contact API
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Important facts to ponder on before buying Australian property
Thursday, January 20, 2011
General Australian Travel Tips
Weather and the Environment
Guard against sunburn at all times, but particularly in summer. Use a wide brimmed hat, 15+ sunscreen, sunglasses, protecting clothes and shoes. Australian sunlight has very high UV levels and skin damage occurs quickly, especially during the middle of the day.
Check future storm fronts for signs of a greenish tinge. This often indicates a hail storm that may cause damage to persons and property.
Always observe correct beach safety. Swim only at patrolled beaches. Only swim between flagged areas. If in doubt, ask. Always check for caution signs.
If you intend to swim in shallow coastal waters north of Gladstone, make it your business to be educated about box jellyfish (marine stingers). Usually found in shallow waters near creek or river mouths, more likely after local rain, usually absent in rough water. Not usually found over deep water or coral. Stinger season is usually from December to March in the Gladstone (south) area and longer, from October to June, in the Cairns (north) area. Most popular beaches in the stinger areas are netted to give swimmer protection.
At all times wear thick soled shoes when walking in shallow tropical waters or reef walking as protection against the highly disguised stonefish. It has dorsal spikes which will rupture the skin of the foot and inject poison causing extreme swelling and agony. Deaths have been occurred as a result of stonefish poisoning.
There are other venomous creatures on the reef such as some of the cone shell species and coral snakes, both of which are capable of causing death. If you intend spending time on the Barrier Reef without expert guidance, ensure you have a good knowledge of what can harm you before you start.
Road Travel
Australian traffic drives on the left hand side of the road.
If you are in doubt about your driving license being acknowledged in Australia, obtain an International License from your local automobile association prior to your departure.
Road speed limits differ between states but are usually 100-110kph on the highways and 50-60kph in built-up areas. Interstate highways are not of the same standard as USA and European highway systems but nor do they carry the same traffic volumes.
Don't hitch-hike, it is illegal.
Never leave small children or animals locked in vehicles in very hot weather. Dehydration occurs very rapidly. This practice is illegal.
The most serious danger on the road is fatigue. Look for driver refreshment stations and pull off and rest after driving for some hours.
Be cautious when driving on country roads at night in cold weather. Cattle and native animals such as kangaroos lie on the bitumen road surface which holds the warmth of the sun. Car lights blind and mesmerise the animals and they may just as easily run into your vehicle as run away from it.
When traveling on remote outback roads/tracks, always tell someone at the destination of your expected arrival time and number of people in your party. If you fail to arrive within a reasonable time, help procedures can be started. Do NOT leave your vehicle as a missing vehicle is much easier to find that a missing person.
When traveling on unsurfaced or poor quality roads, always carry out a vehicle check before starting off on the next sector.
Extra care is needed when sharing the road with road-trains. These are main movers with multiple trailers of cattle attached and are about 50 metres (170 feet) long. Always give them plenty of space as the buffeting from displaced air as you pass in opposite directions can be quite severe. Allow at least 1 kilometre (3000 feet) of clear road before overtaking a road train.
Do not try to cross flooded rivers and causeways unless you are sure of the water depth and road surface damage. Most flash floods recede within 24 hours.
Dirt from passing vehicles on outback roads can obscure your vision. Don't take risks, slow down or stop until it settles.
Air Travel
Steer clear of flying early morning and late afternoon on the eastern seaboard routes. These flights are usually heavily booked by business people traveling between the capital cities.
Require extra leg room? Ask to be seated in a row that serves the exit doors as these rows seem to have more room.
When checking in and getting seat allocation, ask if your seat is in the first row immediately adjacent one of the large central video screens. You may wish to ask for a different spot, especially if on a long international flight.
A departure tax of A$30 per adult is payable when leaving Australia.
Language and Religion
There is no official religion in Australia. Churches can be located in most towns for both the Catholic and Church of England faith. Other general religions are Methodist, Presbyterian and Uniting Church. Places of worship for Jewish, Moslem, Buddist and other religious denominations not frequent to Australia will only be found in the major towns and cities.
Need an interpreter? The telecommunications provider Telstra offers a 24 hour translation and interpreter service for an extensive range of languages. Dial 13 14 50. The local white pages telephone book will give more information.
Medical and Pharmaecutical
Australian nationals and New Zealand visitors are covered by Medicare, the national health cover scheme. It does not apply to visitors from any other country.
Visitors should always get medical cover insurance prior to departure from their home country.
Visitors will only require specific vaccinations if they have traveled through an area infected with yellow fever. Visitors passing through other countries when entering or leaving Australia should check the vaccination needs of those countries.
All cities and most towns offer 24 hour medical facilities by way of private practice clinics or government run hospital amenities. They will be listed in the telephone book of the area you are visiting.
Chemists are located in all towns and cities all over Australia. The Australian chemist does not operate the "soda fountain" type of drug store found in the USA.
Telephone and Communications
In an emergency dial 000 (not 999). This will connect you to the ambulance, fire and police services.
Phone cards are a popular way of accessing the public phone system. Cards are obtainable from selected newsagents and stores. Select public phones also accept credit cards. Public phone call assistance is available by dialing 013.
Tips and Gratuities
Australians working in the tourist, hospitality and transport industries are paid a minimum salary. Tipping is not normal practice but is generally considered a suitable gesture of approval when the level of service has exceeded expectations. A tip of around 10% would be considered appropriate.
Customs, Quarantine and Visas
To enter Australia you will need an up to date passport valid for the duration of your stay and a valid tourist visa issued in your own country and entered into the passport prior to the travel date. New Zealand visitors are exempt from these requirements and are granted an entry permit on arrival. Visa applications are made to the Australian Embassy, Consulate or High Commission, as applicable, in your home country. Make sure you apply for the correct visa type. For example, if you plan to work, you will need to apply for a work permit which is generally limited to singles under 25 and which only allows for casual work to be performed for up to 3 months. Tourist visas are usually valid for a stay of 3 or 6 months. At the time of making your visa application you will have to sign an undertaking that you have an outward bound ticket and sufficient funds for the period of your stay.
No duty is payable on personal effects. Adults may carry up to 250 cigarettes and 1 litre of alcoholic liquor in their personal effects provided it is carried with them. Duty and sales tax is applied to dutiable goods exceeding A$400. Strict regulations apply to narcotics and prohibited substances.
When entering Australia you will have to surrender all fresh food, animal and plant products and any unprocessed foodstuffs. You will be required to sign a statement to this effect. This is a quarantine regulation to prevent the entry of foreign organisms that may have a harmful effect on Australia's native vegetation, wildlife and farming goods.
Strict policys apply to the import and export of protected wildlife and items made from protected species. Any such items will be seized by customs officials upon arrival.
Currency, Banks and Shops
Major shopping centres do not open on Sundays. Tourism oriented outlets do have a 7 day trade as do convenience stores supplying essential needs.
Banks are only open Mondays through Fridays and usually only between the hours of 9.00 to 4.00. Most towns have automatic teller machines to cater for after-hours transactions.
Australian currency consists of 5c 10c 20c 50c $1 $2 as coins. Notes are $5 $10 $20 $50 and $100.
Electrical Appliances
Australian electricity supply is 220-240 volts. Most electronics stores stock adaptors for 110v appliances as well as adaptors for 220-240v appliances with different plug types.
Samuel Richardson
Seasons Travel
Finding The Right Dog For You
Choosing the right dog for your lifestyle is a bit of a challenge. Our lives are very busy and as adults we have formed our own opinions on how we want to live and what we want in our lives.
At one point or another the thought of a pet creeps into our thinking and usually the types of pet we choose is either a cat or dog.
Cats as a general rule can fit into a lifestyle quite nicely. Dogs on the other hand require a bit more thought as they do require more space, time, and general care.
The purpose of this article is to alert you to some of the types of breeds there are and how their demands might fit into your lifestyle.
The first thing we will consider is "apartment living and the dog."
Granted there are many apartments that will not allow a dog for obvious reasons. Some dog owners who are not responsible have made it almost impossible for the responsible dog owner to find a place to live.
Animal shelters are filled with dogs that their owners have either abandoned or have turned over to the shelter because they cannot keep them in an apartment.
It is very hard to keep a barking dog in an apartment. It is equally unfair to keep a large dog that needs plenty of exercise and doesn't get it, from tearing up the carpet or chewing on the woodwork out of sheer boredom. If you want a dog and live in an apartment there are certain breeds that make good apartment dogs. Some dogs secretly want to become "couch Potatoes" and would love living in an apartment or condominium.
Some of these low energy dogs are: Cocker Spaniels, Clumber Spaniels, Bichon Frise, Poodles, Lhasa Apso, Shih-Tzu, Yorkshire Terriers, Chihuahua, Maltese, Papillon, Pekinese, Pomeranian, and Cockapoo to name a few. Mixed breeds with combinations of these dogs can make good pets, too. This does not mean they do not need exercise; it means that they don't demand a great deal of it and for the most part are not noisy (granted a few are.)
If you are moving into an apartment and already have a similar dog and the apartment owner or manager is not too happy with the idea of you moving in, you might consider this game plan.
Put together a packet that includes a list of references such as your vet, current neighbors, possibly a former landlord and others, that will state the pet is well kept and that you are a responsible owner. Include information on your pet's current vaccinations, proof of license, a record that shows the pet was spayed or neutered and a copy of obedience school training, if applicable. Also include a promise to clean up after the pet inside (should an accident occur) and outside, agree to a pet deposit, promise to keep the pet "flea free" as well as the apartment and agree to sign a policy agreement if necessary.
Offer to bring the pet in for an interview and allow the owner or manager the opportunity to visit your apartment at times that are convenient.
If you are living in an apartment that has no set rules about pets, I would consider asking for permission before I ventured out and became a pet parent.
Depending on the situation, I would also present, when I applied for permission, a list of references stating that you are a responsible person and the name of a vet you are considering on using for your pet. Offer to pay a pet security deposit and make list of things you will do in caring for your pet and the apartment, should you be allowed a pet.
It has been proven that most pet owners are responsible people.
It is unfortunate that there are some people that do not care about the property of others and truly do not care about taken proper care of their pets.
When trying to convince your future landlord or your current landlord that having a pet in the building is a good idea, keep a cool head. Spend some time gathering evidence that a responsible pet owner is also a responsible tenant. Be willing to compromise.
If having a dog is no problem and you are looking for a dog that demands "only some exercise." Here are a few breeds or to consider: Bulldog, Pug, Italian Greyhound, and Miniature Fox Terrier, Bichon Frise, Lhasa Apso, Maltese, Pekepoo, plus there are many more.
If shedding is another point of contention, when thinking of getting a dog I have included some of those breeds. There are many people that do not think having cat or dog hair on their clothes is a sign of a well-groomed person.
Keep in mind there truly isn't a dog that is totally "non-shedding." All dogs shed some, however there are some breeds that shed little and here is a list of some of them: Airdale Terrier, Basenj, Bichon Frise, Bichon/Yorkie, Cairn Terrier, Cockapoo, Schnauzer, Kerry Blue Terrier, Labradoodle, Maltese, Schnoodles, Shih Tzu, Silky Terrier and many more.
Some of us really just want a "lap dog." The truth being most dogs "big or small" would love to be a lap dog. However, I am going to list a few that are truly lap dogs: American Cocker Spaniel, Bichon Frise, Bichon/Yorkie, Chihuahua, Dachshund, Lhasa Apso, Maltese, Malti-poo, poodles, many Terriers, Shih-Tzu, Schnoodles and many more of the smaller dogs.
If you are a jogger, you may want a companion to run with you and there are some dogs that just love to run. Among the breeds that love running you will find: Airedale Terriers, American Pit Bull Terriers, Australian Cattle Dogs, Basenjis, Bearded Collies, Boxers, Dalmatians, Doberman Pinschers, Golden Retrievers, Greyhounds, Irish Setters, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Rottweilers only to name a few.
Along with running there are some dogs that have a high need for exercise. These are dogs that need long walks, running and big yards to play in.
I cannot name them all, but here are a few of the standard breeds: Airedale Terrier, Afghan Hound, Australian Cattle Dog, Border Collie, Brittany Spaniel, Dalmatian, English Setter, Great Pyrenees, Irish Setter, Vizula, Weimaraner, and the Redbone Coonhound.
There are many popular mixed breeds in dogs. The poodle has more combinations than you can count from Boxerdoodle, Cockapoo, Lhasapoo, Schnoodle, Shih-Poo, to a Weimardoodle (which I would love to see.) Think of a combination of dogs and somewhere you will be able to find it. There are breeders that raise mixed breeds, all you need to do is get on the Internet and find one. Just be certain to check out their credentials before you buy and try to see the dogs before your buy.
If you already have a pet and wonder what kind of dog would get along with your cat, bird or whatever. Here is a list of some dogs that are usually good with other pets (notice I said usually, there are no guarantees.)
The generally good ones are: Affenpinscher, American Cocker Spaniel, American Eskimo Dog, Australian Shepherd, Basset Hound, Bearded Collie, Bichon Frise, Boston Terrier, Bulldog, Dachshund, Gordon Setter, Keeshond, and there are many more.
Some dogs will get along with other types of pets if they are raised with them from puppy-hood. Among those are: American Bulldog, American Pit Bull Terrier, Cairn Terrier, Chihuahua, English Springer Spaniel, Great Dane, Mastiff and many more.
Now there are some that are not trustworthy with other pets, (what comes to my mind is a picture of a Greyhound and a bunny.) Here is a short list of some of the breeds: Bichon/Yorkie, Bull terrier, Dingo, Fox Terrier, Irish Terrier, Lhasa Apso, Miniature Fox Terrier, Rat Terrier, Silky Terrier and more. I believe the Terrier breed was bred by the English to hunt rodents and small prey and that may be why they do not get along with other pets.
In order to cover all categories I will mention some breeds that do not get along with anything except another dog and I would be careful there, too. Afghan Hounds will start our list and I will continue with Australian Cattle Dog, Basenji, Beagle, Border Collie, Greyhound, Jack Russell Terrier, Parson Russell Terrier, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Samoyed, Whippet and Weimaraner, however there are more.
If you are looking for a dog that will be great with your children, I will cover some of those, too. The better dogs are: American Cocker Spaniel, American Mastiff, American Bulldog, Basset Hound, Bloodhound, English Setter, Golden Retriever, Great Dane, Gordon Setter, Keeshond, Labrador Retriever, Pug, Saint Bernard, and there are others.
Some of the best dogs for older children (children that will not tease the dogs are:) Alaskan Malamute, Border Collie, Cairn Terrier, Chihuahua, Chow Chow, Greyhound, Jack Russell Terrier, Maltese, Miniature Poodle, Pekingese, Pekepoo, Pomeranian, Shih-Tzu, and of course there are more.
There truly is a "dog" for every lifestyle, you just need to take your time and search for it.
The Internet is a great source for finding information on breeds. There are many breeders that are willing to help you find the perfect pet.
Dogs can be a challenge. You need patience and you need to be willing to give of your time and love. Do not consider a dog, if you are not willing to take complete responsibility for it. Being a dog parent requires time, money, patience, love and respect for another life. If you are up to the responsibility, a dog will give you so much more in return.
If this article has been of benefit, please visit my web site and blog at http://www.cats-and-dogs-on-the-web.com
The Appraisal of Real Estate, 12th Edition
The Appraisal of Real Estate provides readers with a solid foundation for a broad and substantial understanding of real property valuation, with detailed information on appraisal theory, highest and best use analysis, land value, valuation procedures, and the preparation of appraisal reports.Price: $75.00
The Australian Dream and $1 Properties
Could you turn $100 into 2000 properties and land-bank lots? Ridiculous? This book shows you how. In this book, Huang shares his personal and business coaching, property marketing, management, investment and development advice to show you how to potentially create an extra $2 million to $10 million net equity for yourself and your family. Huang arrived in Australia with US$100 in his pocket and through sheer determination made his fortune, creating Yong Real Estate, which is now the largest of its kind in Queensland. A must read for those who want to take their lives to the next level financially, while enjoying a balanced quality of life prioritising health, family, career, wealth and entertainment.Price: $29.95
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Wednesday, January 19, 2011
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Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Flecker Botanic Gardens in Cairns
Consisting of 38 hectares, Flecker Botanic Gardens in Cairns is ideally located on Collins Avenue. Positioned a mere 5 kilometres from the heart of the city, the Gardens are known to be a tropical retreat for the nature lover. A majority of plants found in the Flecker Botanic Gardens cannot be found anywhere else in the world. These native Australian gardens consist of Flecker Gardens, Centenary Lakes, Mt Whitfield Conservation Park and Tanks Arts Centre.
The Flecker Botanic Gardens offers the visitor a comprehensive knowledge on three distinctive eco-systems. An initiative of the local council, Centenary Lakes, The Mount Whitfield Conservation Park and The Flecker Botanic Gardens are all put in place to preserve and create awareness on Australia's natural environmental wonders.
Flecker Botanic Gardens is regarded as the only existing Wet Tropics garden in the country. Visitors will come across tall trees, palms, exotic flowers and numerous low growing plants. The book shop and information centre provides the visitor with maps and guide books and other leaflets providing valuable information. Set amid a tropical ambience, visitors will also find an open air cafe serving snacks, tea and meals.
The Centenary Lakes is linked with the Botanic Gardens through a boardwalk with unspoiled lowland forest and water lands and is comprised of a salt water and fresh water lake. Visitors of all ages will get the chance to get a closer look at aquatic life, turtles, plants and various kinds of birds. Centenary Lakes provides space to enjoy a relaxing picnic, savour delicious BBQ and a playground filled with so much fun for the children.
Mt Whitfield Conservation Park that is positioned right at the back of the Flecker Botanic Gardens is known to be a place for the more daring and active visitor. Whitfield Conservation Park covers a total land area of 300 hectares of forest mountain ranges. It is considered to be an ideal place for activity and for the improvement of knowledge. Bird enthusiast too will have lots to do here.
Travellers from all across the world can easily plan their stay at a nearby Cairns luxury hotel and further explore the Flecker Botanic Gardens. The refurbished, Shangri-La Hotel, The Marina, Cairns is a modern, spacious and elegant accommodation that suits any type of traveller.
Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.
Things to Do in Australia - Queensland
Queensland is Australia's second largest state. Commonly called the -Sunshine State-, it boasts a warm climate, tropical beaches, World Heritage rainforests, a portion of the outback, the Great Barrier Reef, cozy beach communities and Brisbane, the third largest city in Australia.
Most visitors to Queensland arrive in Brisbane, as it is the main gateway to this region. Brisbane is a city for every traveler, offering an abundance of outdoor activities, art galleries and museums, shopping, beaches, fine dining and nightlife.
Here are some of the most popular attractions in Brisbane:
- South Bank is a community vibrant in arts and culture, situated on 16 hectares of waterfront property. It is full of outdoor markets, cafes, restaurants, walk ways and bike paths. And for those warm Aussie days, cool off at Streets Beach by taking a dip in the swimming lagoon. Home of the Queensland Art Gallery, Queensland Museum, Queensland Gallery of Modern Art and the Performing Arts Center it's a great destination with those who have art in their hearts.
- Story Bridge: Bridge tours are available on this famous bridge. A guide will take you on a 2 ½ hour climb, almost a kilometer up the bridge, providing stunning 360 degree views of the city, the Bunya Mountains and the Brisbane River.
- Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is the world's first and largest koala sanctuary. The Sanctuary offers opportunities to get close to many different types of Australian wildlife, including kangaroos, wombats, dingos, and of course koalas! You can even experience holding a koala. The soft marsupial will cling to you like a young child; it is not your average animal!
- Riverlife Adventure Center is a perfect way for any outdoor adventurer to spend the day. Located on the edge of the Brisbane River, they offer rock climbing, abseiling, kayaking, cycling and rollerblading.
- Moreton Bay Islands are just a short drive and ferry ride from Brisbane. Offering dozens of sandy islands in the sheltered blue waters, Moreton Bay is a favorite getaway for Brisbane locals and visitors alike. Here you can feed the wild dolphins or make the rewarding hike up to the summit of Mount Tempest.
The Gold Coast is a very popular destination. In fact, it is where many Aussies go for holiday. With 70 kilometers of sandy beaches, theme parks, restaurants and shopping, you can't go wrong.
Here are some highlights of the Gold Coast:
- There are 35 beautiful beaches on the Gold Coast boasting activities like sailing, scuba diving, snorkeling, speed boating, deep sea fishing, and simply enjoying the beach. Some of the more popular ones are Surfers Paradise, Coolangatta, Broadbeach and Currumbin.
- The major theme parks in this region include Dreamworld, Sea World, Warner Bros Movie World, Wet N Wild Water World and Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. These parks are a wonderful way to bring out the kid in you!
- The Gold Coast is home to some of Australia's best National Parks and Rainforests. Lamington National Park is where you will find Australia's largest preserved subtropical rainforest. If you visit Lamington, make sure to try the Tree Top Walk. It is an elevated track, 15 meters above the rainforest floor made up of 9 suspension bridges. This park also has many walking and hiking trails, and picnic areas complete with bbq's.
- Also in this area are Springbrook National Park and Tamborine Mountain. Both have a plethora of gorges cascading water, interesting native flora and fauna and scenic walking trails.
The Sunshine Coast is located just 1 hour north of Brisbane. It is known for its 100 kilometers of gorgeous beaches and quaint villages. It is also home to the internationally renowned Australia Zoo.
Here are some highlights of the Sunshine Coast:
- Reaching into the sky at 500m, the Glass House Mountains offer an array of hiking trails for all levels, picnic areas and amazing lookouts of the 16 volcanic crags.
- Known for being a swanky holiday resort, Noosa is one of the more sophisticated beach towns in Queensland. Still offering activities like surfing, horseback riding, sea-kayaking, diving and rock climbing, it attracts travelers of all types and styles making for an enjoyable place to hang out.
Fraser Island is about 180 miles north of Brisbane. At 120 km long and 15 km wide, it is one of the largest sand islands in the world. It is well known for its beautiful white sand beaches, dense rainforests and over 100 fresh water lakes. Unfortunately the beaches on Fraser Island are not safe for swimming due to strong undertows and tiger sharks in the area. There are many great swimming spots at most of the lakes including Lake McKenzie and Yankee Jack Lake.
Just north of Fraser Island is Great Keppel Island. It's tropical climate and 17 km of fine, white sand beaches have been attracting visitors for years. Since about 90 percent of the island is covered in natural bushland, there are many hiking options. Some of the many popular activities on the island include snorkeling, diving, swimming, water skiing, and parasailing.
The Whitsunday Islands are described by many as pure island paradise. They are made up of 74 islands, however only 8 are inhabited. These beautiful islands are bordered by the Great Barrier Reef. Known for its spectacular sailing, scuba diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, golf and tennis, it's a great destination for the active traveler.
Cairns is a tropical relaxed city bordered by rainforest mountain ranges on one side, and the Coral Sea on the other. It is the primary gateway to this area and the Great Barrier Reef.
Here are some of the main highlights of Cairns:
- The Cairns Esplanade is an oceanfront promenade full of restaurants, outside cafes, shops, waterfront hotels and even a saltwater swimming lagoon.
- Cairns features an abundance of adventure activities, such as sky divining, bungee jumping, white water rafting, and tours to the Great Barrier Reef.
The Great Barrier Reef is a must-see for anyone visiting Australia. It the largest reef system in the world, at more than 2,000 kilometers long. It is home to more than 400 types of coral reef, fish and sea life. Take a tour by boat, plane, helicopter, or underwater observatories. To get a closer look at life on the reef, consider taking one of hundreds of snorkeling and/or dive tours as it offers some of the best diving in the world.
Approximately one hour north of Cairns is the sophisticated yet laid-back town of Port Douglas. Here one can find the pristine 4 Mile Beach, many fine dining options, upscale boutique shops, and a variety of oceanfront resorts and hotels.
Kuranda is a vibrant little village hidden high in the rainforest and it quite famous for its markets. Making your way to Kuranda can be even more fun than the actual visit. The two main options are:
- Scenic Railway departs from Cairns, going through 15 tunnels and over more than 30 bridges.
- Skyrail Rainforest Cableway runs between Caravonica to Kuranda, above the Barron Gorge National Park.
Cape Tribulation is the most northern settlement in Queensland. It is a beautiful, small village in the rainforest, where the rainforest literally meets the reef!
Daintree Rainforest is the largest rainforest in Australia and is over 135 million years old. It also has the largest and most diverse range of plants and animals on earth. For visitors, it features hiking trails, camp sites, picnic tables, swimming holes and beaches. Guided tours are available, including river tours on the Daintree River.
Look for our series of articles on the five other states of Australia including Victoria, New South Wales, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia, and its mainland territory, Northern Territory.
Contact a Professional Travel Agent today to book your dream vacation to Australia!
Trisha has been working with the Travel Team for over 10 years. She has traveled extensively across the world and has been booking travel to Australia for 8 years.
The Travel Team
2 Nickerson Street Suite 102
Seattle WA 98109
206-301-0443
http://www.travelteam.com
Trinity Beach - A Little Known TNQ Secret
You hear about the Australian Coast, and your thoughts drift back and forth between the Gold Coast region and the Sunshine Coast. Both beautiful and highly publicized Australian beach destinations are beyond lovely, but they are not the only beaches to partake of in this region.
The tropical north is often thought of for its rain forests and lush greenery. If you hear anything about the water in this region it is usually something about the amazing coral lined Great Barrier Reef, but the Tropical North Queensland offers several incredible beaches and one such is Trinity Beach. Trinity Beach is located right on the Coral Sea for a more tranquil beach experience.
If you are a beach lover, one who not only enjoys laying on the beach and allowing the sun to caress your skin, but someone who also loves the peace and tranquility of being on the water than you must consider a stay at the Beach Holiday Apartments located right on Trinity Beach. These magnificent one and two bedroom apartments are all beachfront properties, allowing you to stroll the beach day and evening. Each unit offers its guests a private balcony and an incredible view of the Coral Sea.
To get here is easy, it's only fifteen minutes from Cairns Airport, and surrounded by good shopping and great restaurants. There are many amenities at the Trinity Beach Holiday Apartments that make your stay relaxing, they have laundry machines and fully equipped kitchens in each unit, along with daily or weekly cleaning, it's your choice. You will feel like you are at home while you are in their apartments.
You will find the Trinity Beach Apartments to be accommodations that are a good value of the money. They are clean, well staffed and offer a full range of extras including a pool and a spa. The views are incredible and the rooms are good sized and nicely furnished. Overall, a beautiful setting for a holiday, Trinity Beach in the Tropical North Queensland region is a little known secret and an excellent place for a quiet romantic getaway.
Come visit the beauty of Tropical North Queensland. For all the facts you require about Port Douglas hotels click on tropicalnorthqueensland.com today, if you have questions there are representatives available. Tropicalnorthqueensland.com will also have the information regarding all tnq accommodation.
Queensland - Beautiful One Day, Perfect the Next
Queensland has so much to offer in scenery, activities and luxury travel.
With its sun drenched beaches, golden sands and night life, the renowned Gold Coast offers many luxury suites. Stay at the wonderful Palazzo Versace, a luxury 5 star hotel on Main Beach, a stone's throw from Sea World. Also here is the luxury Sheraton Mirage Resort and Spa where your private villa is surrounded by sparkling lagoons.
When the Indy comes to town, book into any number of five star hotels and resorts on the Gold Coast. The Mantra Wings Resort and the Watermark Hotel and Spa both offer opulent surroundings, pools, gyms and a wealth of fine dining to choose from. The Palazzo Colonnades and the Marriott are both central to the Indy and offer privacy and comfortable rooms to help you unwind.
After visiting the Gold Coast head up the Queensland coast, staying at some of the most secluded and luxurious islands the world has to offer. Stay in the privacy of your own pavilion at Qualia on Hamilton Island. Relax in the spa, stroll the beaches or luxuriate in the natural rainforests. Pepper Palm Bay in the Whitsundays is another five star hotel offering all modern comforts in your own secluded bungalow. Sip your champagne while enjoying the changing colours of the day.
All the Voyages five star resorts offer breathtaking views, seclusion, luxury accommodation and luxury tours of the region. With a maximum of twelve guests, Voyages Wilson Island offers luxury tent accommodation giving a closeness to Nature that other resorts cannot match.
Further north and located directly on the famous Great Barrier Reef, Voyages has more secluded hideaways for your enjoyment. Stay in a secluded luxury villa on Bedarra Island with your own hammock to relax in and exquisite cuisine to delight your taste buds. If scuba diving is your passion, then head on over to Lizard Island where the local Voyages Hotel is close to the famous Cod Hole. Enjoy a special picnic for two on one of the lonely beaches after diving or snorkelling.
Orpheus Island can only be reached by sea plane giving it the privacy that many other luxury five star hotels and resorts can only dream of. With its premium service and only 42 guests who are all aged fifteen or over, this luxury resort will feed your soul.
For a truly amazing Australian experience visit the sun drenched lands of the far north coast of Queensland. Here, the tropical rainforests meet the beaches giving the best of both worlds. Stay at any number of luxury resorts including the Cape Tribulation Resort and Spa. This luxury retreat offers 4WD tours, deep sea fishing, snorkelling and scuba diving.
Nestled at the edge of the famous Daintree National Park, stay in one of the ultra modern tree houses at the Silky Oaks Lodge and Healing Waters Spa. Delight your senses in the lush surroundings and rejuvenate in the healing properties of water at the spa. If you like to swing a golf club while on vacation then book into the luxurious Sea Temple Resort and Spa and play their championship course.
Set right on the shore of Four Mile Beach, the Sheraton Mirage is surrounded by salt water lagoons and the natural beauty of Port Douglas. Stay in a luxury suite with your own jacuzzi, play tennis or golf and end the day with delectable food and a swim in the pools.
Stay a night or two in Cairns, at the Mantra Trilogy, located right on The Esplanade overlooking Trinity Bay. With many shops and restaurants within walking distance you will have ample opportunity to take in the friendly atmosphere. Just 330 kilometres west of Cairns, Voyages offers the Wrothan Park Lodge Homestead. This working cattle station combines opulent comfort with a live cattle muster. Take a gourmet picnic to the river, swim, and enjoy the camp fire.
To really experience the Aussie outback, join the eleven-day Outback Rail Adventure from Brisbane to Longreach. Soak up the atmosphere, relive the history at the Stockman's Hall of Fame, visit the home of Qantas and enjoy a candlelit river cruise.
For a unique look at the beaches, the Coastal Contrasts tour includes two nights at the luxurious Palazzo Versace in Surfers Paradise and two nights at The Byron at Byron Bay.
This short break away offers luxury accommodation and a rejuvenation, leaving you ready to re-embrace your life.
Queensland has much to offer the discerning traveller in the way of luxury tours and accommodation.
Karen Cooke is a professional consultant with Travel Associates, an exclusive Australian travel agency catering to the premium travel market. More helpful travel tips and suggestions are available at http://www.travel-associates.com.au
7 Best Accommodation Choices in Australia
Australian accommodation is second to none for no-worries best quality. That's mainly due to the fact that Australia's resorts are ferociously competitive. The competition is good news for holiday makers, because the list of services and amenities keeps growing. Even the most picky Aussies find it hard to resist a list of extras which is literally as long as your arm.
Briefly, the Top Seven are:
1. Cedar Creek Lodges, Gold Coast, Queensland
This is a real Queensland lifestyle luxury bush resort in the beautiful Gold Coast hinterland. 112 acres of everything you could possibly want, and a business centre, with the busy Gold Coast just a few kilometres away. It's a really beautiful, peaceful place, self contained bliss for holiday makers.
2. Executive Retreats, Cairns, Queensland
Executive Retreats is 5 star, architect designed, and it's the last word in amenities. Executive Retreats is a portfolio of accommodation properties for you and the family. These properties are unique, and they're big. If you want the absolute best in the absolute top of the market, the Executive Retreats properties are the places you need to see.
3. Jemby Rinjah Eco Lodge, Blackheath, New South Wales
Blackheath, in the Blue Mountains outside Sydney, is an eco-tourist's dream. The resort is a complex of beautiful timber cabins, complete with any type of onsite service you could ever need, and lots of dazzling countryside in Australia's magical World Heritage listed Blue Mountains.
4. Kirribilli Village Apartments, Kirribilli, Sydney, New South Wales
These apartments are part of a major trend in Sydney hotels and Australian resorts generally- Fully serviced suites which allow for flexible accommodation at 5 star standards. You get a stunning view of beautiful Sydney Harbour, 1, 2 or 3 bedroom apartments, and you're literally within a few minutes of the middle of Sydney. Business services, top class amenities, and beautiful modern apartments are standard.
5. Darling Towers on Collins, Melbourne, Victoria
Darling Towers is a "name brand" in the industry, and the emphasis for this brand is absolute top quality. This is another apartment-style type of luxury accommodation, and it's an award winner for customer service as well. The apartments are beautifully furnished, ultra-modern and stylish. Collins Street is right in the heart of Melbourne, and you have some of Australia's best shopping on the doorstep as well.
6. The Manor Apartment Hotel, Brisbane, Queensland
The Manor Apartment Hotel is a 4 star hotel, but it could get another star for being right in the middle of bustling Brisbane, which is a great base camp for exploring the fabulous Queensland coast and surrounds. Apartments are spacious, and being one of the top Queensland hotels, it's the sort of place experienced travelers wish they'd stayed.
7. Executive Apartments, Perth, Western Australia
Perth is one of Australia's fastest growing cities, and it has some of the best accommodation the most demanding person could wish to have. Executive Apartments in South Perth is a dream portfolio of short term accommodation. There's a huge selection of options, locations, and the quality is jaw dropping.
The best accommodation in Australia leaves most other international accommodation for dead. We have the lifestyle, and the quality to back it up. Check out Australia's best, and you'll wonder why you ever thought of going anywhere else.
Australia's most comprehensive and complete guide of conference venues and hotels. Since 1968, Dawsons guides and directories have been publishing the most comprehensive resource of hotel & motel accommodation. For more information, visit Conference Venues
Real Property in Australia
U.S. real estate prices, particularly Southern California, have adjusted much lower than global real estate prices. I had the opportunity to travel to Australia for the Holidays and - wow, what a great experience. The plane ride was, well let's just say long but hey 15 hours non-stop San Francisco to Sydney was fun? The best part of any long trip is the fact that the destination feels exotic and far from home. Landing in Sydney was no exception and definitely worth the effort.
Southern California has some of the highest priced real estate in the U.S., and I was looking forward to comparing values in a foreign market. Although flying through Sydney, it was not my destination, Port Douglas, Queensland was. The arrival airport for Port Douglas is Cairns - and the landing, scenery, weather, and small town feeling was wonderful. I had a great time exploring and enjoying the tropical location. For anyone who loves the desert like I do, this type of getaway is really appreciated, and the grass really is greener in the rain forest than in the Colorado Desert (Palm Springs). In addition to being the jumping off point for the Northern Great Barrier Reef, Port Douglas was clean, beautiful, and oh what a surprise - expensive!
The real estate prices all over Australia (for the most part) are currently experiencing large amounts of appreciation. Some of the Real Estate in Port Douglas was more expensive than here in beautiful Southern California. Palm Springs real estate is on average $350/ sq ft - with the range being $100 to $1,000 sq ft. Port Douglas seemed to be a bit more expensive than this - I was very surprised, but on the other hand, what a beautiful spot. My experience tells me that there might be an adjustment for our Australian friends, based on the global credit contraction. I would recommend anyone interested in weather, fitness, food, exotic locales and real estate - visit Australia, Port Douglas in particular. My choice as a sister city to the beautiful desert here in Palm Springs - oh and don't forget to buy Real Estate.
Michael Pins M1 Properties Palm Springs Real Estate
Monday, January 17, 2011
You really want a deal?
As a property investor you face minefield tips from financial advisers, sales agents, planners and property developers, not to mention numerous magazines and books all viable path to wealth.
BY KAREN CASHMORE
Not unlike the policies they offer sea differing opinions of what constitutes a good property investment and often hard to sort the wood on the trees. Learn from past mistakes is preferable when you're investing large sums of money, so it's best not to make one first.
Buyers often feel more confident buying in traditionally known as ' market vendors ' rather than down at the stage of the cycle market. Acquisition of property, which is growing in price is understandably more secure than reading weekly headlines that provoke fear that we are on the brink of catastrophe property. However, when buying into ' buyers market ', words like "bargain" should start ring bells warning.
If you want to buy a property, is going to perform well in the long run, is it a sellers or buyers ' market ", nine times out of 10, you'll attract property will also attract healthy competition from other buyers. With good negotiation skills always have the opportunity to acquire good properties at a great price. However, if you find yourself being lured into the mode that looks too good to be true, it's time to start asking "why?"
There are three important numbers to consider when purchasing a property. What you want to pay, then the provider is ready to accept and what property is other buyers. It's not uncommon to hear of forced sales or "quiet" non-market lists, and under such conditions, reduce competitive buyer pays off. However, providers usually have done their homework at market value and it looks like they're giving the House away will be for one of two reasons-they hit financial dilemma, whether they want from non-performing assets.
One of the most widely on the acquisition of touted for buyers and investors are events off-plan. Sellers often disguise themselves as "agent buyers" but take their fee directly from the developer. When buying off plan you're taking a punt that property will continue to appreciate the value. With established dwellings can trace the history of sales for assured capital growth, but off-plan houses don't offer the same luxury.
They come with the promise of high rental yields and depreciation benefits, but you have no guarantee that look, feel and design will meet expectations. Typically, you will be charged a premium price – just as you would with a new car – and as a new car price unlikely to store the value without the risk of the initial depreciation, after the word "new" disappeared from the title.
So before you whip out your wallet, review the questions below.
1) Is desirable or you buy on the main road, close to the industrial zone, or in the field far from local amenities?
2) Is one of a kind or one hundred? Unique qualities make homes stand out – buy a new property or high-rise apartment house won't help attract competition, if you need to sell on the market, soft.
3) is a Flash resealing poor bones, or their strong heritage of markup that will make future updates or development problematic? Dig a little deeper, you get a good construction inspector and solicitor to check, you don't walk into a money pit.
4) who will live in the property? You buy an apartment in an area where mainly attracts families who are interested in the "shoe" is when you want to rent or sell?
5) and finally – if a Word is preceded by a "student" location, "defence", "client" or the s"ogromnyj stamp duty savings", run clear. It may look attractive on paper, but capital growth will be limited, the current fees are consistently high, and each comes increased risk vs reward "-" script.
Cheap properties are cheap for a reason. Before you buy, find out why.
Ekaterina Cashmore is senior property adviser and buyer supporter JPP buyer advocates is the largest dedicated customer advocacy in Melbourne. With extensive experience in all matters relating to real estate purchase and reconciles JPP successfully over $ 100 m worth of property annually for clients. http://www.JPP.com.au
Shopping in Melbourne?
First ascent on the market can be as early as March or April.
BY KAREN CASHMORE
Come the new year, and most analysts see property of ahead-climbs, albeit more moderate than experienced in early 2010. However, speculation property crash has not diminished and dominant title throughout 2010 availability and Australian perspective builds its own housing bubble.
Housing crash in the United States of America for obvious reasons, a lot of "what ifs", even if it was based on terms that do not have in Australia. However, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is denied, our market is overpriced, with the Deputy Governor Ric Ballentino, describing the price Australian House income "is different from most other countries."
Even Jeremy Grantham, Chief Strategist from Boston (United States) on the basis of firm GMO – who last year a raft bubble News – recently clarified his comments after that market Australia was not a typical housing bubble. " However, accessibility is a constant concern and first homebuyers now only comprise 15 percent of our real estate market. May 2008, we experienced a storm with multiple victims, but the consequences of the global financial crisis are always front of mind.
In total, and RBA increased interest rates seven times in 14 meetings. There is general recognition that the rates should rise, but constant trips always cause palpitations. Buyers have suppliers, benefit is that you can step in and out of the market on a whim. However, suppliers to take more time for moving and many – based on the previously strong inflation – found themselves locked in a market that has already started to turn.
Increase in stocks and drug demand reduction effect and since July, gradual clearing. Growth was an overwhelming majority of accused in the following clearance, who hovered around 60 per cent; However, the fall of market activity had more to do with difficult buyer sentiment than availability.
Let's not forget last year was unprecedented. We had a long drawb of federal elections with no concrete results, resulted in a hung Parliament. We also had the Victorian State election, which also looked as if it were found to have an ambivalent 50/50 split. There is talk of a double dip recession in the United States, inflation concerns around the Government's current momentum and Aussie dollar parity. We are not out of the forest and all of that incites any sense of security. Given all this, Melbourne market was vociferously resilient! The total value of real estate sold in Victoria this year over $ 30 billion – more than achieved over the previous three years – and total sales for the year is only slightly down from the boom of 2007.
What is the future, in 2011? Currently, there are plenty of stock market and those buyers who actively enjoy greater negotiating power. However, despite the current climate as a '' market buyers ' he little encourage investors, which is based on headlines – further falls.
However, customers who think favorable conditions will last constantly stand to miss the boat. As the country winds down for Christmas break, we finally seem to reach a perceptive stability. Victorian election is currently done and dusted with fresh face comes renewed optimism as Ted-Baillieu honeymoon period begins. Add a higher level of perception of security is the RBA, which said it's not rushing to put up interest rates in the near future. Despite the hot air around Bank reform assumes our financial future will be better, not worse, accessibility, improve along with promises of "" stamp duty cuts for first homebuyers. It translates in reality bears little question at the moment – perception is King, and fundamentals of forward look strong enough to build upon.
Australia projected population surge 35 million in 2050 – eight million at Melbourne only – shows that at the current level of growth, Australian housing wasn't enough, 40 000 houses per year.
So when we are entering in 2011, it is likely that we will see a gradual reversal of supply and demand, and the next upturn in the market can be as early as March or April. This is also the first time that economists had predicted a growth rate and inflation goes up, as well as house prices. have a hand in the sale of assets. (This includes supplier outreach). Make sure that they agree to a fixed fee in advance – no one is a percentage based on the amount you pay.
Ekaterina Cashmore is senior property adviser and buyer supporter JPP buyer advocates is the largest dedicated customer advocacy in Melbourne. With extensive experience in all matters relating to real estate purchase and reconciles JPP successfully over $ 100 m worth of property annually for clients. http://www.JPP.com.au
Refinancing blues
My personal experience with the refinancing of a couple of investment loans gave me a better understanding of why borrowers often ' too hard ' basket.
BY EYNAS BRODY
There has been much talk recently about borrowers ' big four ' fleeing banks chase the better deal elsewhere, especially since all four connectors up interest rates over the Reserve Bank of Australia in November.
With each of them profit reporting billion this year, it's little wonder consumers saw red.
Of course the media was a field day with it, running story after story about how the borrowers had enough and were likely to punish the banks, taking their business elsewhere.
Although both by Government and consumers busy Bank bashing, smaller lenders (i.e., building societies, credit unions and servicing) is capitalized at transparency, using the opportunity to strengthen your message that customer service is still the number one focus.
Even though costly exit taxes prevented many borrowers refinance (question that had been considered since the Federal Government for loans from 1 July 2011), was definitely a public perception that hundreds if not thousands users reset their bank is better than others. But I have to wonder how much really.
You see, I was one of those who made the consumers who chose to vote with my feet, hold my bank account, put my money where my mouth is all those things, and empowerment. But I must tell you a few months later, has not yet completed the transition from one bank to another.
Let me back up a bit ... our first step at the beginning of the process was to challenge our lender to match rate competitor. It's always worked in the past, but not this time – even after years of loyalty to the schematic particular creditor. So the paperwork started to release two of our investment loans from the creditor for refinancing elsewhere.
Let me tell you, if you exit fees, what's stopping you, documents can be! We have forgotten how many forms have to be met for new credit, not to mention two, and the amount of detail and historical information that is needed! For a couple of busy workers was a hassle, and thought about finding a good mortgage broker is equally as long. However, after several meetings, phone calls and emails, we got there, finally.
Then we waited. And waited. And waited. Eventually we got the following package of forms to be signed. With the directions of the Bank, we adopted them, with appropriate identification to judge (JP) in the presence. (JP at a time that suits both of us had to find a mission in itself.) The Bank was unable to tell us – and perhaps we should have realized – was that JP will require proof of ownership title with the reference number for each property that is attached to each loan. (Deep breath)
We made a quick dash in the nearest Internet Cafe (JP only available for another 40 minutes) to conduct the search name in network properties. And what do you know? The Bank attaches number wrong lot (one belonging to our home!) one of the loans.
So we return to waiting for the correct amount of documentation to be issued before you can schedule another visit JP.
And that, dear readers, why it doesn't surprise me hear mortgage holders so often say "I know I have to switch banks, but it's too hard".
It would be great if the Government can do something about it!
Eynas Brody is the editor of the Australian magazine, an investor in property
www.apimagazine.com.au
Pet Shop Boys got wrong
I confess I'm a kid in the 1980s and the Pet Shop Boys – despite the fact that we believe now – musical gods. One of their songs had said "you have brains, I've got the looks, let's make lots of money".
BY JANE SLACK SMITH
I cringe when I attend where the Organizer said: "in this room are those of you with no time, but a good income and savings, and others who have time on their hands and a lot of creative flair – why not get together and start a joint venture?"
To be honest, I work with people who have formed joint ventures with friends, siblings, parents, etc. and all I can say is, if you even consider going into a joint venture arrangement, go with eyes wide open and very thorough letter of agreement in place. Even those who really know each other well, you can begin feeling the relationship was somewhat thin after a while.
Let's face it, at the end of the day, most often one man slaving for half an hour a week job 80, a little miffed that the other is out wandering around picking colors of paint, while the man on the front line "renovation of struggling with montažnikam, Balancing control project and Selecting color schemes, all the while imagining the other guy is sitting in your Office comfy air-conditioned sipping lattes.
Even if you make money from a deal it still can be finished in tears or recriminations. So who really put in much effort, the guy with the "brains" in the Office or person with ' looks ' (read creative flair) there?
Complicate things even further, if you do this with a large group of people – the family or friends – then be ready. The overall theme is to buy a block of units and their layers. However, the timing usually blow out, understanding all the subtle moments of complex to say the least and determining whether the Panel on the upper floor is of greater value than the one with garden can cause more than a few differences.
And if that's not enough, then corrupted, and someone needs to sell quickly. What do you do? (A) Agreement (you are signed in the beginning-you have one didn't you?), you must state clearly what would happen if someone needs to sell. It with other first proposed or walking on the open market? This person get any recognition (compensation) for where the project is now down or they only recoup their initial investment?
Joint ventures can be complex, and I'm nothing if not knowing risk manager. Therefore, regardless of whether you have a "view" or "brains" (or both), my best advice to go with open eyes, and despite how far are you close with friends trying to separate the friendship and business – or it could end in tears.
Jane slack-Smith, Director of property finance investments with a choice of investors. It is a mortgage broker market commentator and educator property which passes the courses investment property on a variety of topics. Visit www.yourpropertysuccess.com.au for dates and topics.
Changing demographics will stimulate our real estate markets
Property markets are driven by our Australian demography: who we are, how we live, and where we want to live.
BY MICHAEL YARDNEY
Sophisticated property investors are student demographics, so I found a recent report by Goldman Sachs, research on Australian Housing: unique opportunities or bubble?, interesting to understand the various forces, driving our housing markets.
In short, he says, we set the stage for chronic housing shortage due to a combination of two factors:
1. our growing population and;
2 more people in key household formation age 25-29 years of age.
The report notes that Australia's population is growing by about 2% Apr, which is faster than any other developing country. In fact, we grow at speeds of more representative of a developing country than rich developed countries.
Despite the fact that we have the baby boomers, two thirds of the population increase is due to immigration. Sure, it's now slows, but the trouble is that in the past six years, we have not built in sufficient numbers to meet the needs of the population of our surging. Just as importantly, the report explains how will change our changing demographic housing landscape in the future as we are experiencing great changes in demand for housing, as children of the baby boomers will hit household formation age.
According to Goldman Sachs over the past five years, there has been a surge of growth in the age group 25-29 – which grows on the average 3.7% each year. This results in an average annual growth rate of 2.7% aged 30 to 34 years during the five years to 2016.
This sharp increase, considering these two age groups in the average growth rate of 0.3% Apr for 15 years until 2006.
The report estimates that grabs national about 157 000 housing now and estimate housing deficit will rise to 250 000 units by the end of 2012. Of course, this type of claim is nothing new and is in line with the reports of other economists, including study of the national housing supply Council.
One of the reasons I'm sure our property markets did not collapse as some foreign economists, inviting the permanent housing shortage.
But don't get me wrong, it doesn't mean that real estate prices will keep growing. I see 2011 as the year when our property markets catching their breath after a year or more heady growth.
And a shortage of homes doesn't evenly.
We build enough House and land packages in a suburb outside, we are heading towards an overabundance of high-rise urban apartments. Where we lack the property is located in our inner and middle-ring suburbs, where developers can't get density projects out of the ground, but where there is high demand. This is where the property will be in 2011.
Michael Yardney – Director of Metropole property investment strategists, best-selling author and one of Australia's leading experts in the creation of wealth through property. Subscribe to the online magazine at www.propertyupdate.com.au. For more information about Michael, visit www.metropole.com.au.
LSSR, learning from ancient civilizations
An interesting aspect of traveling abroad is that you can see, there are different methods of reconstruction of different cultures and their ancestors.
BY ANA STANKOVIC
I recently got back from five weeks away on my honeymoon in the United States, Mexico and Cuba. To say that this is the most amazing holiday would be an understatement.
But, as well as enjoy our visit and our new beginning, as husband and wife, we took note of the different methods of construction and modernization of methods used in those countries and their ancestors.
Funny how some things that are widely available in nature you can also provide humanity.
A perfect example comes from Cuba. I really don't understand what people mean about falling in love with the place until I visited Cuba. He has so much natural beauty and most especially wonder of the human spirit.
For a country where people earn much money or don't have a lot of things and restrictions, such as the United States arms embargo to live with, they have the most positive attitude towards life, embrace of music and dance, as second nature and really enjoying every second they have.
Travel through a country like Cuba, you notice that people – especially farmers – they are creatively adapt their properties to find solutions, the most cost-effective methods.
One that really stood out was to do with fencing. In a place where they don't have much money, farmers still need to protect their crops with fences from other animals, trampling and eating their products.
So they found a new use for cacti. These are so accessible and easy for them to multiply, farmers planted Cactus plants along the borders of their properties like type of fencing to protect their products. How clever that!
And there are all these innovations, which are used by civilizations of Maya and Aztecs in Mexico, some of which are still used today.
We visited a number of temples in Mexico, and was interested to hear from local leadership in one of these holy places, they are accustomed to use honey instead of concrete (that do not exist in those days) in construction between those big stones. As amazing. I never knew that honey can be used for things like that. I mean, it makes sense. This is important for those who have honey drip on the surface and left it there for a bit, it dries as very solid, concrete as a material.
Nature is truly amazing. Sometimes we forget that there are so many different kinds of various plants and other natural elements, and it's wonderful to get reminded of those.
Another fascinating thing we found in Mexico this plant extract is used for waterproofing.
This is surprisingly resilient – and of course natural – and it is used in many parts of Mexico, for waterproofing of swimming pools, as well as some repairs to the bathroom.
I think we can easily forget sometimes look natural things that could help us with construction and instead, we turn to easy synthetic materials, which are also quite often contain chemicals. But we don't need.
My grandma still cleans using vinegar and bi-carb soda and swears that they are better than any spray available in stores clean.
Maybe we should look back to materials and methods used by our ancestors and learn a little more from them and the more sustainable our repairs. Their construction has a remarkable record of lasting hundreds of years, and maybe we can too.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
How to access your funds when you need it
With interest rates on the rise, many property investors would have felt their wallets tighten to meet increasing mortgage payments.
DAMIAN SMITH
Such as RateCity discovered that benchmark the standard variable rate (average of the four largest banks) has increased by 152 basis points from 1 December 2009 to 7.79. For a mortgage valued at $ 300000, equivalent to an additional $ 290 per month in satisfaction. This is the big difference, especially in this time of year.
But investors don't have to panic and to avoid the real estate market in some cases like this, because there are ways to invest in real estate without having all of your money, locked away in the next few decades.
Mortgages with redraw object, for example, allow you to withdraw money from additional payments on the mortgage. It's basically a loan facility, where any additional payments are deducted from the balance and credited to your account, allowing you to withdraw when required.
This can be useful if you need access to financial means, since your property was not occupied some time need to make payments from your own pocket or unexpected costs suddenly came up and repair shall be carried out.
This type of an object gives you maximum flexibility and excellent savings tool for a more disciplined borrowers. Be careful to keep your investment capital is money you refuse credit for investment purposes otherwise you may not be able to claim a tax deduction.
The beauty of Adding your loan when interest rates rise and your variable rate increases (for those who have variable credit), you won't feel the impact of higher payments. It will also help to pay off the loan early and save on interest.
The main advantage is that you can add your loan without being punished, if you need to withdraw it, but make sure you check your contract as some lenders may charge activation fee, which can be up to 50 $, to configure a redraw facility.
Some offer only a limited number of free updates until you get hit with taxes. They can also set minimum and/or maximum amount that can be transferred – such as RateCity revealed that the highest minimum amount for one institution $ 2500.
Redraw mechanism is a great option if you will use it, but don't pay for what you use.
Damian Smith is Executive Director of financial comparison site RateCity (www.ratecity.com.au). He is one of Australia's most experienced Internet and technology leaders with leadership in Australia, the United States, Japan and Great Britain for 13 years. Damian has a master's degree in public policy from Harvard University.
Disclosing lender valuations
Should banks and other lenders have to legally give their assessments for borrowing customers?
TIM O' DWYER
Following is part of the note sent recently my local federal Member, suggesting that although banking reform now being considered by the Government, the Treasurer may look to legally require banks and other lenders to provide copies of their evaluations of its customers borrowing.
Colleague at the same time to send the same note the Senate Committee that considers the reform of banking:
"You probably won't remember but once you were elected in the first place, I came to lobby on consumer protection.
"One question I raised was the need for property, lenders are required by law to submit copies of its evaluations for borrowers.
"Would you please raise it with the Treasurer, if it is some tweaking of his proposed reform package."
Following is part of the proposal put forward by Hon. Lindsay Tanner (as Minister of Finance) in October 2008, where I gave some background on my concern:
"Over the past 10 years has included part of my practice of saving people from real estate transactions concluded on the tactics of overpriced properties spruikers '. Most of these rescues have been successful. They included getting people from purchase contracts before they settled in and taken out large mortgages. None of the issues that I have ever worked on has gone to court. All properties are sold not only in the Queensland, Queensland resource but (and more) people from interstate and overseas. During this same time I played (and remain) the role of prominent media in preventing property buyers and investors of spruikers properties and their tactics.
"It appears that these tactics have changed little over this period. Property spruikers always work in cooperation with the know real estate agents, finance brokers, financial advisors, lenders, appraisers, notaries, solicitors and others. While Queensland is one of the few jurisdictions have attempted to legislate against the practice, the State and spruikers property agents automobile dealers Act 2000 – despite some 20 amendments over the past eight years or so – do not adequately protect consumers and not entirely without perpetuating inflated property scam. "
The first thing that must be done through legislation is to eliminate the injury caused by creditors that do not require disclosure of evaluations for clients. In many cases, lenders have known from low ratings that were overpriced properties purchased, but from high marks on the collateral property, their credit transactions stacked. Lenders are comfortable with total capital, they took over security. However, few people would like to continue shopping, if they knew that their lender's determination of the value of the property investment far less than the price being paid.
Do you think that lenders should disclose their valuations for clients? You had a bad experience with spruiker property?
Tim o' Dwyer is a lawyer of Queensland, watchdog@argonautlegal.com.au
Friday, January 14, 2011
Why buying Australian Cairns Northern Beaches Property
Over the years Australia has been regarded mainly as an emigration location but today many home buyers are purchasing wisely in carefully selected real estate locations in Australia that will provide them the worthwhile long term returns and supply an ever increasing demand for rental properties.
You can find out about the many reasons for this in our investment research in Australia section and learn why Australia still offers property investors excellent growth potential. Despite misgivings by some investors due to increased interest rates and high property prices, the real estate market is in fact booming in certain parts of Australia.
Today investors can take advantage of many economic and political advantages to property purchase in Australia, meanwhile enjoying the outstanding natural beauty, climate and lifestyle.
Due to high interest rates and property prices, many Australians are increasingly seeking rental accommodation, making this a healthy growth area for investors.
Australian land purchase gives investors a prime opportunity to gain maximum returns on investment. They maintain valuable contacts with many large-scale individual investors and investment consortiums who wish to take advantage of the current hot investment locations in Australia.The Foreign Investment Review Board (the FIRB) examines proposals by foreign people and companies to invest in Australia. The FIRB website contains information about Australia's foreign investment review arrangements including application forms and 'How to Apply' Guides as well as information material to assist potential applicants. It also provides information on Australia's engagement on international investment policy matters at International Engagement.Providing investors with exclusive access to premium Australian property including off-plan & new build properties in the Cairns area a residential hub, a lot of Australians, interstate/overseas property buyers/investors are looking to buy re-locate to this wonderful unique tropical world heritage gateway to the reef and rainforest.
Summary: Not only is Australia an outstanding country in terms of lifestyle and climate, it offers many economical and political advantages to today's overseas property investors. Intelligent investors are making the most of today real estate market in Australia, while opportunities still last, for land, buy-to-let and pure investment options.Australian Property Investment For more information please contact us here
Why buying Australian Cairns Northern Beaches Property
Over the years Australia has been regarded mainly as an emigration location but today many home buyers are purchasing wisely in carefully selected real estate locations in Australia that will provide them the worthwhile long term returns and supply an ever increasing demand for rental properties.You can find out about the many reasons for this in our investment research in Australia section and learn why Australia still offers property investors excellent growth potential. Despite misgivings by some investors due to increased interest rates and high property prices, the real estate market is in fact booming in certain parts of Australia.
Today investors can take advantage of many economic and political advantages to property purchase in Australia, meanwhile enjoying the outstanding natural beauty, climate and lifestyle.Due to high interest rates and property prices, many Australians are increasingly seeking rental accommodation, making this a healthy growth area for investors.
Australian land purchase gives investors a prime opportunity to gain maximum returns on investment. They maintain valuable contacts with many large-scale individual investors and investment consortiums who wish to take advantage of the current hot investment locations in Australia.The Foreign Investment Review Board (the FIRB) examines proposals by foreign people and companies to invest in Australia. The FIRB website contains information about Australia's foreign investment review arrangements including application forms and 'How to Apply' Guides as well as information material to assist potential applicants. It also provides information on Australia's engagement on international investment policy matters at International Engagement.Providing investors with exclusive access to premium Australian property including off-plan & new build properties in the Cairns area a residential hub, a lot of Australians, interstate/overseas property buyers/investors are looking to buy re-locate to this wonderful unique tropical world heritage gateway to the reef and rainforest.Summary: Not only is Australia an outstanding country in terms of lifestyle and climate, it offers many economical and political advantages to today's overseas property investors. Intelligent investors are making the most of today real estate market in Australia, while opportunities still last, for land, buy-to-let and pure investment options.Australian Property Investment For more information please contact us here