It is important that you fully understand the key risks associated with investing in an unlisted
property scheme if you are considering such an investment.
The BIA does not currently differentiate between equalization schemes (as in Manitoba) and division
of property schemes (as in Ontario, where the outcome would have been different).
Many
property schemes do not offer withdrawal rights at all (that is, you can't take your money out before the scheme ends).
If you invest in a
listed property scheme, the value of the units may go up or down in line with the sharemarket or for reasons specific to that trust.
The Federal Court has permanently restrained the marketing and promotion of a
Pilbara property scheme involving Perth - based Macro Realty Developments and east coast investment promoter Jamie McIntyre.
Fraudulent
investment property schemes are on the rise in the form of straw borrowers, abnormally high appraisals, evasion of purchase guidelines and large numbers of purchased properties.
The NTA value of an unlisted
property scheme can have a significant impact on the overall return that you can expect to receive.
give you information about certain indicators (based on ASIC's benchmarks and disclosure principles), which can help you assess the risks of unlisted
property schemes (see below).
In this case,
the property scheme might not be able to pay distributions to investors.
ASIC has developed 6 benchmarks and 8 disclosure principles for unlisted
property schemes to help you assess the key risks.
Knowing the net asset value per unit of
a property scheme can help you understand the financial position of the scheme.
Commonly referred to as property trusts or real estate investment trusts (REITs),
property schemes listed on a public market, such as the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX), are:
If
a property scheme doesn't have enough earnings to meet its interest repayments, it might have to sell properties to repay loans (or risk the lender taking the properties).
Some property schemes invest in property development, which means there are extra construction and development risks compared with investments in established buildings.
with an unlisted
property scheme, you can't see the price of the investment (and whether it is going up or down) and decide to buy or sell when you want to
Unlisted
property schemes have particular risks - see our booklet Investing in unlisted property schemes.
The main risk with an unlisted
property scheme is that it might not be able to pay you distributions when they are due, or pay back your money when you ask for it or when the scheme ends (if the investment performed badly).
Some property schemes invest in property development, which means there are extra construction and development risks.
You only get your money back when
the property scheme ends or if you have a right to withdraw (see below).
The PDS tells you how
the property scheme works and you should read it in full.
You should also read ASIC's regulatory guide, RG 46 Unlisted
property schemes: Improving disclosure for retail investors to find out the key information the investment manager should disclose to you so you can assess the risks.
For more information see ASIC's Regulatory Guide 46 Unlisted
property schemes: Improving disclosure for retail investors (RG 46).
Here's how you can use ASIC's benchmarks and disclosure principles to assess the risks in unlisted
property schemes.
Just investing in unlisted
property schemes is not diversification.
It is essential to read the PDS of
a property scheme to find out the features, fees, risks and who is managing the trust.
Other investors also buy units in
the property scheme.
Some property schemes allow you to withdraw early (the investment manager buys back your units, usually at their value at that time: see below).
An unlisted
property scheme is not listed on a public market, such as the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX).
ASIC has developed six benchmarks and eight disclosure principles for unlisted
property schemes to help you assess the main risks.
The benchmarks and disclosure principles are not a guarantee that an unlisted
property scheme will perform well.
The investment manager should also disclose particular information about itself and
the property scheme, as outlined in the disclosure principles.
Your money usually stays in
the property scheme until it ends, when the properties are sold and the net proceeds are distributed to investors.
A property scheme, also known as a property fund or property syndicate, is an investment where you, and other investors, buy «units» in an investment operated by a professional investment manager.
ASIC's disclosure principles and benchmarks are not a guarantee that an unlisted
property scheme will perform well.
ASIC's investor guide Investing in unlisted
property schemes has more useful information about these investment products.
In
a property scheme, you buy «units» in an investment operated by a professional investment manager.
The PDS * should tell you whether or not
the property scheme meets each benchmark.
If your financial adviser recommends that you invest in
a property scheme, make sure you ask questions about this recommendation:
if you are allowed to withdraw your money from an unlisted
property scheme, it is usually subject to strict conditions, and
The product disclosure statement (PDS) tells you how
the property scheme works so you should read it in full.
Whether
a property scheme can pay any interest it owes is an important measure of its financial wellbeing.
They will help you decide if you are comfortable with the investment, and compare the risks between different unlisted
property schemes.
Check
the property scheme's website and / or look for regular updates in the mail (if you decide to invest).