Property vs Shares

Almost every investor eventually considers the question: which is the better investment, property or shares? The answer isn't as simple as one or the other, since both asset classes offer different benefits and risks. And if the best answer is a mix of the two, how do you strike the right balance for sustained returns? This book takes an unbiased look at these two asset classes, explaining the risks and benefits of each, dispelling stubborn myths, and giving you the facts you need to find what’s best for you and your portfolio. Offering a point-by-point comparison of shares versus property, this easy-to-read guide argues that a combined strategy is smartest and safest for most investors. It then goes on to give you the information you need to tailor your portfolio to your own level of acceptable risk versus desired reward.

• Offers a simple, in-depth side-by-side comparison of the two most vital asset classes in any portfolio
• Peter Koulizos is a popular speaker and commentator on property investing and the author of The Property Professor's Top Australian Suburbs
• Zac Zacharia is founder and managing director of financial services company, The Centra Wealth Group, and is a lecturer in share investment, a regular speaker and media contributor
• Includes helpful tips on what and when to buy, as well as how to avoid both property and share scams

Every portfolio should be different, depending on your own individual goals and needs. With this handy guide, you can find the right mix of assets to achieve healthy and consistent returns.

Disclaimer vi

About the authors vii

Acknowledgements viii

Introduction ix

Round 1 The basics of investment 1

Round 2 Why invest? 9

Round 3 History of the property and share markets 23

Round 4 Investment cycles 39

Round 5 Where to do your research 52

Round 6 Understanding the tables and statistics 64

Round 7 The ri sks of investment 79

Round 8 Return on investments 90

Round 9 Costs of investing 101

Round 10 Market participants and facilitators 111

Round 11 Managed investments 124

Round 12 Trading vs investing 134

Round 13 Financing your investment 149

Round 14 Investment structures 161

Round 15 Self managed superannuation funds 172

Round 16 Tax and investments 184

Round 17 Legal issues 195

Round 18 Overseas investments 206

Round 19 Schemes and scams 216

Round 20 Top questions to ask 231

Round 21 Case studies 242

Round 22 Advanced investment opportunities 254

Round 23 Conclusion: and the winner is . . . 271

Glossary 281

Index 288

Peter Koulizos is the author of The Property Professor's Top Australian Suburbs. He is a lecturer in property, a highly sought-after speaker and a contributing writer to News Limited, www.realestate.com.au and Money magazine.

Zac Zacharia is founder and managing director of financial services company, The Centra Wealth Group. He is a lecturer in share investment at TAFE SA and a trainer for Kaplan. Zac is a regular speaker at investment seminars and contributes to numerous publications including inBusiness magazine, The Advertiser and the Sunday Mail.

Property, shares or both?

If you're like most investors, you deliberate over which form of investment is better: property, shares or both. Property Vs Shares cuts to the chase and outlines the facts, benefits and risks of each so that you can make an informed decision about where to invest.

Whether you're hoping to supplement your income or give up your day job, this book offers succinct, easy-to-use explanations on:

• how property and shares have performed historically
• how to research your investment options and find advice
• how to avoid scams and schemes
• what the implications are for purchasing properties overseas
• what to consider when investing through an SMSF
• what to ask a broker or agent.

Property Vs Shares shows you how to achieve success across both asset classes, so you can develop a diversified investment portfolio that helps you achieve the lifestyle you've always wanted.