Granny flats: tax traps and tips

With more older Australians looking to downsize and younger generations looking to get a foot on the property ladder, building a granny flat or a second dwelling in your backyard has become a more affordable solution. In 2023, CoreLogic analysis of residential properties in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane found more than 655,000 sites suitable for … Read more

Thinking about an SMSF? Here’s what you need to know

Some investors find it satisfying to take a do-it-yourself approach to retirement savings – taking on the responsibility for the growth of their retirement savings in a self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF). While you have total control over how your retirement funds are invested within the confines of the laws, many factors need to be considered … Read more

Is a retirement village right for you?

The retirement living sector is growing rapidly in Australia as the population ages and demand increases for a spot in a retirement village. For many people, the idea of having someone on site to help with property and garden maintenance is enough for them to make what can be a major change later in life. … Read more

2024 Year in Review: Successfully navigating uncertain times

The many unpredictable events of 2024 could easily have been disastrous for investment markets. Instead, we saw remarkable resilience and growth despite occasional volatility as investors reacted to the extraordinary times. While economic growth in Australia and overseas was underwhelming, share markets rode out the ups and downs to finish 2024 strongly. 2024 was the … Read more

Keeping records for property

Which records to keep for your property so you can work out CGT when you sell it. Property records you should keep For your property, you should keep records of: your acquisition of the property and related expenses, such as purchase contract stamp duty legal fees settlement statement survey and valuation fees your disposal of … Read more