Tips on Investing in Real Estate in Australia

For Australians, investment in housing is a national symbol of security. If you have a job for more than 6 months, it is easy to buy a house in Australia. Banks are the buyres’ main source of finance. The Government encourages this by providing long-term financial backing.

There are people in Australia who buy 2 to 3 houses in Australia and let them out for rent which will take care of the mortgage repayment.

Young & Old

Youngsters in Australia show interest in buying houses where they are planning to settle down. They sell the house if they are moving to another place. Older people tend not to retain their house for a long time. Once the mortgage is paid off, they’ll sell the house, buy a smaller one and invest the remaining amount for their old age expenses.

Capital Growth?

For example, if you have invested in the Australian Sunshine Coast about 5-6 years ago, the value of your investment would have gone up many times by now. Why? - The growth in number of immigrants has pushed the prices upwards. As the reports show, “Figures to September show annual growth in medium house prices of more than 13 per cent in Hobart and Brisbane, 19 per cent in Adelaide and over 22 per cent in Canberra. The absolute standout has been Melbourne, surging 33 per cent. For the real estate industry, it’s a beautiful set of numbers.”

Here is one more report on the real estate investment in Australia: Mayor Gary Baildon said he had never seen such a boom in property prices. “It’s unprecedented, I’ve never seen it this lively…and I’ve been here since 1960″.

A market survey says that the momentum for investment in Australia has picked up since the beginning of this year. The Australian Financial Review (one of top financial publications in Australia), 11th January 2006 reports:

“Residential rental property yields in 2006 will improve markedly as contracts are renegotiated to reflect tightening vacancies, property analysts have predicted. Vacancy rates are at the lowest for several years in most capital cities due to pent-up demand and reduced house and apartment completions.”

As in any real estate investments, there are a few precautions to be taken by the investors:

• Check local newspapers
• Talk to a real estate agent in the area
• Contact the local council and Main Roads Department
• Research the Body Corporate (if applicable)
• Seek financial advice
• Re-evaluate regularly

Foreign investors will also need to be familiar and well versed with Australian Federal Government’s foreign investment policy.

If you are not an Australian citizen or permanent resident of Australia and if you want to buy real estate in Australia, you must get the prior approval from the Australian Government.

You should not sign contracts before you receive foreign investment approval, unless the contract is conditional on such approval. You must apply in writing for prior approval to buy real estate.

Brought to you by the Australian Immigration Experts at Synch1

Australian Study Grant For Working Woman

reposted from Wealth Creator Magazine

Working women who don’t have qualifications are being given a boost by the government to enhance their career prospects, in an effort to advance the female workforce. Australia’s mentorship program for working women, My Mentor, has partnered with Metropolitan South Institute of TAFE, and the Federal Government to help women access a $4000 contribution to mentoring and a qualification in business.

The grant will enable women throughout Australia, with no formal business qualifications, to undertake vocational education training and/or RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) assessment to achieve a Certificate IV in Business, valued at $2500.

“Women need not be scared by the thought of studying, as Recognition of Prior Learning through the TAFE program will mean that many of their existing skill sets and experience will earn them credit toward the Cert IV program,” said Maureen Frank, Emberin Managing Director, and My Mentor creator.

Ms Frank is urging organisations that employ women with no formal business qualifications to take advantage of the $4K government grant to support the professional development of their female staff, a group who have a huge impact on a company’s bottom line.

“The cost to Australian companies losing their female employees is around 1.5 times the salary they are paid – for some organisations this is millions of dollars every year,” she said.

Metropolitan South Institute of TAFE will work with women anywhere in Australia who are Australian residents, via on-line study methods to help them complete the Certificate IV in Business, valued at $2,500.

“The balance of the $4K funding can then be used to pay for the My Mentor program, any other adjunct learning’s required to complete the Certificate or into a pool within the organisation to support the training and development needs of other women,” Ms Frank said.

With the funding likely to be cut from July 1st 2008, interested ladies who sign up prior to that date will be eligible to commence their study later in the year with the $4000 grant being paid to their employer for their training needs.

Consisting of a DVD, CD and comprehensive workbooks, it was developed to combat the serious issue faced by women in the workforce leaving to have children or to achieve better workplace conditions and mentorship.

by Joanne McCulloch

Brought to you by the Australian Immigration Experts at Synch1

A Wholesome Life in Australia

Australia, the smallest continent on earth, surrounded by Indian and Pacific oceans, has of late become the destination people want to settle down in because of various factors.

The people of Australia, called Aussies, take great pride in the multifarious aspects of their country like culture, stability, wealth, and infrastructure that’s easily available. They are by nature friendly, helpful, with a sense of humor but a bit withdrawn initially also.

Once they are familiar with you, they are open and you can talk on any subject.

East or West – The Coast is the Best!

The majority of people live in the coastal areas because the interior of Australia is mostly deserts and water is scarce there.

There has been a boom in the Australian industry sector for the past 5-6 years and thus has invited people from other countries also to invest and settle down in Australia. Australians are tough workers, and ready to accept challenges in all walks of life.

Their educational institutions are at par with any other developed countries. Unemployment is there in Australia too. Anyone who can speak good English will find better jobs here.

They believe in specialization in the latest technology. Mostly, employers pay the minimum salary (called Minimum wage) for each job, determined by the Government in each state.

A Green World is a Happy World

People are hardworking, fun loving, and relax during the weekends.

Going to beach on weekends is the favorite pastime of the Australians.

They are good in almost all sports.

They give utmost importance to preservation of the environment.

They are proud of their clean and beautiful land.

They are very prompt in reporting any damage to the environment and immediate attention is given to it.

You get different foods due to the influence of immigrants.

Laws Are in Place – So Watch Out

Laws are excessive but necessary to keep order and protect people.

There is a famous joke that USA is the “cannot country”, New Zealand is the “I am sorry but it’s not allowed”, Brazil is “Everything is possible”, and Australia is “No way”.

Police are well trained and equipped. Smoking, drinking, or using drugs are not tolerated.

Cars are the most preferred mode of transport. Though there are road and train facilities available, people prefer the comfort and accessibility of cars which also prove cheaper for them.

Here’s what some people have to say about Australia:

“I am just back from Australia after spending a year there! (I’m Irish) It was absolutely amazing! I travelled all over. I think your country is beautiful, and just as beautiful in the outback as it is on the coast….The Australian people are lovely but I’d have to say that because my boyfriend is an Aussie! But really I think Australians and Irish get on quite well and we have a similar sense of humour so that always helps. I find Australians in general a very positive people, I don’t know if that is because of the good weather or what, but I find the people really live and enjoy life to the max…”

“Personally, I’ve seen enough of the Aussie financial professionals on Bloomberg T.V. to realize that there are some very intelligent business people in Australia. The metro areas seem very much like anywhere in the world, but I think the country and suburbs might be a bit more interesting… Somehow I’ve gotten the impression that Aussie’s like to party and take life with a more relaxed attitude than we in the U.S.”

So, Australia is a land of discipline, resources, and with hard work, one can feel comfortable in Australia and all its other minor disadvantages vanish here!!

Brought to you by the Australian Immigration Experts at Synch1

The Real Australia

What do you know of Australia?

Popularly called the ‘land down under’, not many people are aware that it’s not only a superb holiday destination but its now emerging as an excellent place to relocate to!

Here I am making an earnest effort to throw light about some interesting aspects of the “real” Australia that might not have come under your purview!

To begin with, do you know from where the term ‘Australia’ was derived from?

It originated from the Latin word australis that means southern. “Terra Australia” was the general reference made to the continent that was situated in the South Pacific Region. With the process inaugurated by Captain James Cook and taken forward by Joseph Banks, different parts of the continent came to the limelight. But it was the Gold Rush of the 1850’s that gave a complete face-over to the colony. Settlers and migrants from all over the globe moved into the colony and their influx gave a tremendous boost to the economy.

In 1901, the various colonies became federated as States of the Commonwealth and in 1927, Canberra replaced Melbourne as the Capital. The country of Australia is bound by one parliament, one constitution and one flag.

The Commonwealth of Australia has many unique characteristics that may stun you at the very first instance.

Despite being the smallest continent in the world, it is the sixth largest country. The country exhibits a variety of climatic zones with the northern regions experiencing a tropical climate and the south having a temperate climate.

You come across a secular civilization in Australia.

The educational facility that is sponsored by the state is exceptionally good. The coastal climate, the scenic beaches and the sumptuous and adventurous cuisine have evolved the Australians as hunters of happiness. Nowhere in the world would you come across such a democratic and happy culture.

Initially, the country was dominated by the Aborigine tribes and later it became a British colony. Hence, it has taken a fairly long time for the Aussies to add their individual attributes to their national culture. Today, the Australian culture has strong elements of influence from the culture of America. With an increasing influx of immigrants from Asia, the Australian society has become more profound and diverse.

Australia can be called one of the world’s most successful multi-cultural democracies. Australians are a bunch of tolerant people who believe and follow the policy of toleration and co-existence in a sincere manner. The vast scale of immigration that has taken place over the years has left its indelible impact on the country. It has inculcated a strong sense of diversity in the Australian culture and has paved the way for strong bonds between different countries and Australia.

The picture that everyone has of Australia is only the result of the superficial analysis of Australia’s obvious characteristics.

However, the true glory of the country and continent lies in its culture and evolution of its diverse society.

The “Real Australian feeling” as we may call it, needs to be experienced!!

Brought to you by the Australian Immigration Experts at Synch1

Six Ways for Immigrants to Work in Australia

Your journey in the path of success starts with the important step of finding for yourself a meaningful job.

This significant step will certainly define the basic outline of your success. Finding for yourself the right job may be an arduous task. In particular, the choice of the place of your work might drain you of most of your energy. To work in a place like Australia could be the vital move that you take towards your goal.

The growth in Australia’s economy, the low rate of inflation and unemployment are obvious indications of the economic strength that the country is gaining over the last ten years. The Commonwealth Government of Australia has taken certain steps to facilitate easy job availability for global job seekers. An array of options like sales, marketing, science, health, engineering etc are open for those who are hunting for work.

However, it may be an arduous task to find the best job that suits your interests.

I experienced great difficulties in finding myself a suitable job. Keeping this in mind, I am trying to provide valuable Australian immigration information that might be of use to you while searching for the right kind of job in Australia.

These options might assist you in chalking out a plan as an integral part of your journey to success. This information will help you with advice and support that you need to have an idea of the various work options available in Australia.

1. There are situations where the legally established Australian or overseas employer will sponsor his employee with adequate qualifications to perform the required task in Australia.

2. In certain cases, the individual might not be sponsored by the employer but would possess the requisite skills for specific occupations in Australia. Here, the person can try for the visa under the General Skilled Migration Program (various visa options are available)

3. Business Visas can be applied for by people who plan to visit Australia to conduct an established business or manage a newly started venture. However, those who are conducting the business are required to meet the specific levels of business or maintain investments in Australia. Business migrants who understand these methods can prosper in Australia.

4. Professionals, especially doctors and allied medical helps like nurses are always in great demand in Australia. Nurses, in particular, are sought after and can work in Australia even on a temporary basis. Career options for nurses are bright and prospective in Australia.

5. With the boom in the hospitality industry, many lucrative jobs can be found that may suit your interests.

6. With the possession of a Working Holiday Visa you may work with any employer for up to six months. Applicants between 18-30 years of age and belonging to certain countries (list is updated frequently) are eligible for this Visa.

You will enjoy a fairly comfortable work atmosphere and a decent scale of pay in Australia. Look out for the best job that will suit your requirements and will match your qualifications and the changing market conditions. Good luck!!!!

Brought to you by the Australian Immigration Experts at Synch1

Casual Employment a Stepping Stone to Permanent Employment in Australia

Casual employment which is generally termed as non-standard forms of employment is steadily increasing its share of total employment in Australia.

The employment nature in Australians in recent days has changed a lot. Many prefer getting employed on a casual basis. The statistical research report given by Australian Bureau of Statistics on the data collected in this aspect indicates that about 26.9% of Australian working people are on casual employment.

In 1997 the research done by Simpson, Dawkins and Madden showed that in the period from 1984-93 rate of casual employment increased in the total proportion of total employees. The highest casual employment occurred in sectors like electricity, gas, water, agriculture and tourism and Mining with states like Queensland, South Australia and Tasmania recoding highest casual employments in Australia.

I have many of my friends who like and work in casual jobs in Australia. Many professional females in Australia find the non-standard forms of employment like casual employment more flexible and easier to take up along with their family works. The reasons for these are enormous.

Some of the reasons to state for increasing number of casual employment in Australia are:

Casual jobs in Australia are easier to get. In fact if you have very good English skills you would very soon land up in casual jobs in Australia.

The payment structure of causal jobs in Australia is per hour basis and is also quite attractive which make people to prefer the same. Even an average person can get paid roughly about 14.50 Australian dollars per hour. This remuneration amount would get increased depending on years of experience and skills of an individual.

Casual work in Australia is the biggest sector of the economy which contributes a vital part in increasing the number of casual employment in Australia. These factors result towards the full time jobs to slowly disappear from job market.

Greater change in global employment patterns and lifestyle of people also made Australian employees to give high value for their health and safety in work place along with social and family life. These made the people in Australia to turn their career choice towards casual employment.

Due to the increase in casual employment in Australia almost all people in Australia are employed. The statistical report recorded that in 2004 Australia recorded the least unemployment rating in world.

Factors like policies designed by government to improve international competitiveness, high floating exchange rates and deregulation in financial department made employers to prefer flexibility in employment. This contributes a lot towards the non-standard form of employment namely casual employment in Australia.

Even the increase in the number of employees in job market plays as a factor for raise in causal employment in Australia.

From the above points which details on the reasons for increases in casual employment in Australia it is clear that both demand-side and supply-side factors have contributed to the spread of casual employment in Australia. In fact the casual employment in Australia provides an important stepping stone to permanent employment for many Australians.

Brought to you by the Australian Immigration Experts at Synch1

Social Life in Australia - Welcome Mate!

“Custom, then, is the great guide of human life.” - David Hume

The knowledge of the customs and the social traits of any country is the secret to a better understanding of the people of that country. This thought has motivated me to pen down a few of my observations on the social life and customs of the Australians.

It is with great pride that Australians uphold their heritage.

Indeed, if a nation that was earlier inhabited by convicts and labor-class could carve for itself a niche in the world of modern societies, this should be a matter of great honor and pride. Australians are characterized by their so-called ‘laid-back’ attitude.

There is an absolute resentment for the show of pomp in Australia. Even the sense of humor of Australians is noted for its sarcasm and irony. Friends are greeted with a very casual “Hi” or “G’day” (an abbreviation for Good Day). A handshake often follows the greeting.

If I had to name two integral aspects of Australian social life, it would be drinking and gambling. The drink of choice has always been Beer. However, wine production has reached new heights in post World-War II Australia. The elders in Australia mostly use the pub while the youth can be seen hanging out in a fashionable bar or restaurant.

Apart from meeting in the pubs or restaurants, Australians are into the habit of frequent home gatherings. They entertain friends at home with elaborate barbecues. A very warm welcome is offered to the guests who are treated with incredible hospitality thus making the Australians one of the best informal hosts you can ever come across.

The cosmopolitan complexion of Australia’s population has brought with it a wide and varied range of culinary treats. The Australian cuisine has been given an international make-over by the immigrant communities. In general the quick service restaurants are very popular in Australia. These places are also the sought after spots for the socializing crowds.

One important way of socializing in Australia is holing colorful festivals that attract tourists from every corner of the world. To mention some, the Sydney Art Festival held in January invites concert performers and theatre enthusiasts of global acclaim to give free display of their talents- the Adelaide Festival of arts and the Melbourne Festival are also important landmarks in the social history of Australia. Noteworthy of mentioning is Sydney’s colorful Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, that is held in February every year and is considered to be one of the largest social gatherings of its kind in the world.

The Australian society is looked upon as a highly tolerant society that has accommodated people with diverse cultural backgrounds. In this society, each individual is given his space to retain and share their cultural beliefs and practices. All this has evolved a unique pattern of socializing where the rights of others are respected as your own.

With a basic idea of our socializing norms and social customs, I hope that you will be able to adapt to our lifestyle and become a part of the community.

Brought to you by the Australian Immigration Experts at Synch1

Serviciile de emigrare complete

Specialistii nostri locuiesc in Australia, avind acces rapid la informatiile necesare obtinerii vizelor direct de la sursa. Noi locuim in Australia si suntem in contact permanent cu autoritatile acestei tari, deci cea mai buna solutie este de a lucra cu o companie australiana care cunoaste realitatile din Romania si limba si este autorizata in Australia.

Serviciile oferite includ:

Evaluare detaliata a eligibilitatii - raport scris si consultanta. Costurile pentru acest serviciu sunt o parte a restului costului de reprezentare.

Asistenta online (prin email) sau prin telefon/consultanta personala Clientul va fi in permanenta legatura cu noi prin intermediul email-ului. De asemenea clientul are oportunitatea de a contacta telefonic reprezentantul nostru local pentru a discuta diverse aspecte ale procedurilor.

DIY - Do It Yourself - Clientul completeaza singur formularele beneficiind de asistenta noastra si de sfatul nostru pe parcursul intregii proceduri sau doar intr-o anumita etapa.

Pachete speciale pentru diferite ocazii cind clientii doresc si pot sa inceapa procedurile imediat si pot lua rapid decizii (beneficiind de reduceri substantiale).

Indiferent de pachetul ales, potrivit dvs ca pret/efort/riscuri pe care puteti sa vi le asumati, noi recomandam intotdeauna ca mai intii sa treceti prin procedura de Evaluare Detaliata (Detailed Assessment) care va va oferi o imagine foarte clara asupra situatiei si deja aveti angajamentul nostru astfel incit ne puteti intreba despre tot ce va intereseaza, iar raportul scris va va ghida in alegerea celei mai bune proceduri de urmat si astfel puteti decide cind doriti sa intervenim.

Colaborarea cu noi se poate realiza prin Internet; noi mentinem un contact permanent cu clientii, iar autoritatile australiene prefera sa lucreze prin Internet si incurajeaza  aceasta metoda deoarece este un mijloc modern, rapid, eficient si dinamic.

SynchronicityOne Australia, www.australia.immigration.ro

Brought to you by the Australian Immigration Experts at Synch1

Cautarea unui loc de munca in Australia

Nu are nici un rost sa pierdeti timp cautind oferte de munca in Australia daca nu aveti deja viza, deoarece nimeni nu va lua in considerare cererea dvs de angajare.
Cautind oferte de munca in Australia fara a avea viza, pierdeti timp pretios pe care ar trebui sa-l acordati obtinerii rezidentei permanente, a vizei de studii sau a oricarui alt tip de viza.

Cel care cauta un loc de munca in Australia trebuie sa joace mai multe roluri. El/ea trebuie sa stie sa navigheze pe Internet, inclusiv sa trimita/citeasca un e-mail, sa redacteze un CV pe calculator si trebuie sa inteleaga importanta cuvintelor cheie in materialele prin care se auto-promoveaza pentru a se mentine pe primele locuri in bazele de cautare a fortei de munca.
De asemenea, cel care isi cauta un loc de munca trebuie sa fie expert in comunicare, sa poata sa-si sustina cauza si sa puna accent pe abilitatile sale si pe faptul ca el, candidatul, este este solutia cea mai potrivita pentru necesitatile posibilului angajator.

Cel care isi cauta un loc de munca trebuie sa cerceteze, sa investigheze, sa probeze si sa verifice informatii. De asemenea, trebuie sa cunoasca mai multe aspecte, precum ziua din saptamina cind sunt publicate, de catre guvern, ofertele de locuri de munca – simbata; sa stie unde sunt localizate anumite industrii (de exemplu cineva care cauta un loc de munca in industria miniera ar trebui sa locuiasca in West Australia – Vestul Australiei – decit intr-o aglomeratie urbana precum Melbourne). De asemenea, trebuie sa stie ca locurile de munca in serviciul public se obtine pe merit (conform legii serviciului public – Public Service Act 1999) si ca din scrisoarea sa de intentie trebuie sa si capacitatatile canditatului de a rezolva problemele angajatorului si nu doar sa accentueze aspiratiile personale al candidatului.
Multi din cei care cauta un loc de munca se trezesc in postura de destinatari ai scrisorilor de respingere a candidaturii pentru diferite posturi deoarece nu se informeaza si pur si simplu nu citesc cu atentie anuntul de angajare si nu au raspuns in concordanta cu cerintele anuntului.

De obicei, posturile facute publice de guvern sunt pentru profesori/invatatori, profesori de liceu, functionari publici si orice alta pozitie in aparatul local, statal sau federal, de la receptioner pina la manager.
De obicei, in aceste anunturi se precizeaza responsabilitatile postului, nivelul de salarizare si numarul de locuri disponibile. Aceste anunturi ofera cea mai importanta informatie necesara depunerii cererii: o invitatie de a contacta o persoana anume desemnata pentru a va oferi o descriere a postului, o fisa a postului. Descrierea postului va cuprinde nu numai responsabilitatile, ierarhia organizationala si ce se asteapta de la viitorul angajat, dar si o a treia componenta, ascunsa: criteriile cheie de selectie.

Criteriile cheie de selectie sunt pe o lista de intrebari prin care candidatul este testat in ce priveste atitudinea, abilitatile si pregatirea sa. Desi aceste intrebari pot parea similare cu cele de la interviu si ca epuizeaza toate subiectele ce pot fi abordate in cadrul interviului, procesul trebuie urmarit cu atentie.
Intrebarile difera, pot contine sase pina la opt puncte in care candidatul este chestionat referitor la experienta sa in arii legate de domeniul sau, precum abilitatile de comunicare, cunostintele tehnice, capacitatile sale de a conduce o echipa si atitudinea sa. De asemenea, pot fi intrebari specifice unui domeniu, de exemplu pentru manageri sau profesori, din care sa reiasa cit mai mult referitor la experienta profesionala a respectivului candidat.
Candidatii care primesc fisa postului si criteriile cheie de selectie trebuie sa alcatuiasca o lista cu raspunsurile la fiecare intrebare si sa incerce sa ofere exemple concrete referitoare la modul cum experienta lor reprezinta solutia pentru necesitatile angajatorului.

Candidatii trebuie sa ofere dovezi clare referitoare la pregatirea in domeniu, la experienta sau la rezultatele obtinute. Raspunzind cu caldura si cu fraze pretentioase la o intrebare privind abilitatile de comunicare cum ca aceasta este unul dintre punctele dvs. forte, nu ii va impresiona pe evaluatori. In functie de intrebarea pusa, raspunsul dvs. se poate extinde de la o treime de pagina la o pagina intreaga.

SynchronicityOne Australia, www.australia-immigration.ro

Brought to you by the Australian Immigration Experts at Synch1

Cand sa mergi in Australia?

Cand sa mergi in Australia?
Practic, nu exista o perioada a anului in care sa ti se recomande sa eviti calatoriile spre aceasta destinatie. Totusi, ar trebui sa tii cont de cateva aspecte referitoare la clima. Sudul tarii este extrem de diferit de nord. Deasupra Tropicului Racului verile sunt umede, iar iernile uscate, clima fiind tropicala. Restul Australiei are clima temperata, numai ca cele patru anotimpuri sunt pe dos, dat fiind faptul ca tara e situata in Emisfera Sudica. Vara, temperaturile ating, in general, pana la 38 de grade Celsius, dar valurile dese de caldura sunt estompate, intr-o oarecare masura, de brizele vestice racoroase. Cea mai friguroasa zona a tarii este Tasmania, unde temperatura medie, vara, este de 17 grade Celsius.

Cat te costa o excursie la antipozi?
Pentru un circuit de 10-12 zile in Australia trebuie sa pui la saltea intre 2.000 si 4.000 euro. Unele oferte includ cateva zile in Noua Zeelanda. Daca vrei sa ajungi doar in Sydney, te costa 3.000 euro / persoana. Cele mai scumpe sunt croazierele in jurul tarii, ale caror tarife depasesc adesea 5.000 euro/persoana. Un bilet de avion dus-intors iti scoate din portofel intre 900 si 1.600 de euro, in functie de compania cu care zbori, plus taxele de aeroport.

Brought to you by the Australian Immigration Experts at Synch1

« Previous Page — Next Page »