Our properties (in Aus and USA) have a net return of between 9% and 25% PER ANNUM from rental income.  That's a hard cashflow to beat. 

We have actually had most of the Australian properties for about 15 years and they have grown in value by almost 300% so that's more like an average growth of 20%pa for us. 

We have only bought new in Oz (no reno projects) and have only had vacant properties for a total of 3 months over 15 years.  Not a risky strategy at all if you buy right in the first place. 

 And in the earlier days, when we had big corporate incomes, they were negatively geared and saved us tax. 

They are set and forget as our Property Managers do all the work and the money flows into our account on a weekly basis.

US property is all about cashflow - that's why we invested there.  Any growth is a bonus.

Property is our passion and we are well educated in property strategies and properties are never bought because we love them.  We would not choose to live in any of our properties but they are excellent investments. Cashflow is always king with investments - not just in retirement.  If we don't sell, there is no CGT but a steady income which continues to grow with rent indexation.  No, it's not tax free but may be worth paying income tax to have an income which grows each year and assets which also grow and can be sold if additional funds are needed.

This is where we need to weigh up the timing and tax minimisation strategies.  We have another 10 years where we can still contribute to super and a business which will continue to operate so there is the opportunity to continue to grow super.

In any case, we will have some recommendations to consider soon and I will keep you all up to date.

Cheers

Gail

Well done Gail can't fault your strategy at all whilst in accumulation mode. You should be giving advice not seeking it. 

The word retire in Astralia is just the opportunity to move from taxable to non taxable income..,

i too bought US property for rental at Pleasantville Ill near IBM headquarters so got the expat market..

when I liquidated I  did not bring funds to Oz but London . No CGT gfor foreigners in the US and no tax on foreigners UK all perfectly legal.

Cuddles as you say there are accountants that do not have the best interests of their clients at heart. 

Mine has a wonderful business model he only does SMSFs  of which their are more than there are taxpayers ..He is fully aware of Tax Dept computer check points .. 

He has no overheads as it is just him and his lap top ..Ii have been using him since I set up SMSF in 2000 never paid a cent in personal or fund tax since all legal . The only thing that gets up my nose is the tax dept charges me 120 a year for managing my fund . For what?

Pachacuti, the 9 - 25% ROI is on current market value so we are measuring the performance of the investments in today's dollars. Pete, thanks for the tip on liquidating US funds to the UK - I'll keep that in mind. 

Uruguay 2 inggerlund 1.

all over red rover 

You may be right old chap. Euro is a better bet for long term appreciation viz a vuz oz dollar though in my umbel opinion squire

The Forex market is the only financial trading market that has no overall profit or loss.  For any trader to make $1 another trader has to lose $1.  The biggest Banks in the World make $Bs every year.  To make a single $1 out of that market you have to be able to beat their combined financial knowledge & ability, as well as their ability to manipulate the market because of their size & resourses.  I wouldn't touch Forex with a barge pole.