Quote:

 

Tax change to benefit future of NRAS

Posted on Tuesday, June 28 2011 at 3:31 PM

With the Senate's recent tax legislation change to allow joint venture partners to access the full tax offset when delivering National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS) housing projects, the future funding of these projects will no longer be "under a cloud", according to Residential Development Council executive director Caryn Kakas.

"This means that not-for-profit housing companies can confidently move ahead in their delivery of long term affordable housing outcomes for key low to moderate income families across the country," said Kakas.

Kakas said these tax legislation changes would provide certainty for financial backers including banks, financial institutions and mum and dad investors.

"We thank the government for providing renewed confidence to the property and financial sectors engaging with this vital program to ensure the continued supply of affordable housing to all Australians," Kakas said.

Quote:

 

Two big banks shun low-income housing

SIMON JOHANSON
September 19, 2011

AUSTRALIA's big four banks and super funds show little interest in lending to investors in the federal government's National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS), dealing the much-needed housing initiative another blow.

Two of the big four banks, the Commonwealth and ANZ, still refuse finance for small investors wanting to buy homes through the scheme, which was designed to boost low-income housing across the country.

That lack of interest was revealed in this column last week when it published details of a financial blacklist of ''unacceptable'' buildings circulated by one of the big four banks late last year, which specifically barred finance for NRAS projects.

Since then Westpac and NAB have changed their policies and begun lending on NRAS developments, joining a small list of second-tier lenders willing to finance the rent-subsidised housing program now entering its fourth year.

NAB changed its policy in January this year and Westpac began lending late last year.

Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/business/property/two-big-banks-shun-lowincome-housing-20110918-1kfu3.html

Alex Barton

19 Sep 2011, 07:46 AM

http://www.theage.com.au/business/property/two-big-banks-shun-lowincome-housing-20110918-1kfu3.html

TSI

4 Nov 2011, 03:46 PM

I am sorry to hear that you had such a bad experience but really it had nothing to do with it being an NRAS property.

nipa hut

4 Nov 2011, 08:47 PM

TSI

4 Nov 2011, 03:46 PM

I am sorry to hear that you had such a bad experience but really it had nothing to do with it being an NRAS property.

How could you possibly determine that?

By what mechanism are NRAS-project builders contractually responsible to *individual* NRAS investors?

Quote:

 

Reported by RAR @ 50 minutes ago

Reason Hey Nipa Hut,

A simple evaluation from an independent builder and builder suppliers helps to determine that.

For example I have written quotes from two frame builders who have quoted on my drawings its a simple matter of comparing the wood vs steel for the difference.

Fire walls are the same... a quote for a "lafrange" vs a CSR it becomes very obvious as the cost difference stands out.

Electricity meter boxes were a simple quote to fix the issues created by the NRAS approved builder.

I also have a quote for the approved plan vs what the NRAS approved builder built for me.

The mechanism as I understand it works something like this... the delegate appointed by the dept. chooses a number of organisations often referred to as the "instrument" or organisation used to administer the NRAS. This "instrument" is required to meet a set criteria of standards with a range of market models etc. These are the organisations that approve a builder to build a given number of NRAS investment properties. To the best of my knowledge the "instrument" has no stated selection criteria for choosing or approving a builder to build the NRAS. No mechanism for dealing with issues or for meeting any standards. This is something that the Government both State and Federal have not explained in their advertising. As I see it their is no checks to even view if the property meets the funding requirements... simply a form 11 is required by the instrument.

The point that I am making is this... simply be aware that doing business with the NRAS approved builder for me has meant that I have been the victim of a very large building company. This NRAS approved builder is NRAS funded and that knows exactly how much it can get away with and how to save money on the contract that it signed with me, in my view.

It is very difficult to get what you paid for and no one... not the Federal or State Governments not the instrument or the delegate wants to know... you only get sympathy ( I have a letter from the Hon Minister) but no help.

You are on your own to deal with a very large and well funded NRAS approved builder.

As my NRAS approved builder stated words to the effect.... it's just an investment property, it has a roof and a firewall so get over it.

Cheers

Quote:

 

Investors should consider buying NRAS properties: Michael Matusik

By Michael Matusik
Wednesday, 23 November 2011

To my surprise, very few investors (and sadly fewer property gate-keepers) know about the National Rental Affordability Scheme. And if they know something about it, then they are dismissive of it. And mostly – I feel – out of fear and/or ignorance.

Yes, like most government schemes, what NRAS is and its merits have been poorly communicated. And in some instances, its application further entrenches its incorrect “welfare housing” persona. But overall, it is a great scheme and too few investors (and developers) are taking the $10,000 annual rental subsidy seriously.

So what exactly is NRAS?

The National Rental Affordability Scheme or NRAS is a federal government initiative designed to tackle the issue of affordable housing.

NRAS is not a public or social housing program, but rather a tax incentive to provide quality housing at below market rental rates.

Run in conjunction with state governments, NRAS aims to induce more investment in the lower price range of the residential construction and rental market by offering inducements to investors who participate in the scheme.

NRAS offers property investors a tax-free incentive for each property for a maximum of 10 years.

Currently, this incentive is $9,524 per year for every NRAS dwelling an investor owns, comprising a federal government contribution of $7,143 per dwelling, available as a refundable tax offset; plus a state or territory contribution of $2,381 per dwelling per year, as a cash payment or in-kind financial support.

In return, rents for NRAS dwellings must be charged at no more than 80% of the market rent valuation and there is to be a maximum of one rent increase for each dwelling each year.

In Queensland for example, the state government maintains a list of NRAS-approved tenants, who must meet strict eligibility requirements.

When a vacancy occurs, eligible rental applicants are referred to approved tenancy managers who manage NRAS properties on behalf of owners.

Standard residential tenancy laws apply to NRAS properties just as they do for any private residential investment.

In other words, the same rules regarding evictions, maintenance obligations and responsibilities of tenants apply to NRAS tenants as they do to other tenants in the private sector.

Rents are indexed annually in line with the percentage change in the rental CPI component, except in years four and seven, when independent valuations are required.

And importantly, investors may exit the scheme at any time with appropriate notice and without any financial penalties.

In general, NRAS projects are well-located in terms of jobs, amenities and public transport. And in general, the design and quality of NRAS dwellings compares favourably with any private non-NRAS dwelling.

NRAS properties often co-exist within developments with other non-NRAS product.

Some of the points of difference that NRAS offers to property investors are:

• all the benefits of a normal investment property with added annual tax-free government incentives

• investors can apply property expenses, non-cash deductions and allowances against a lower assessable rental income, increasing the gearing benefit

• more than 1.5 million Australian households are eligible to rent NRAS properties, hence vacancy risk is negligible

• tenants are selected on their potential to be good tenants and their capacity to meet strict eligibility requirements

• in many markets, NRAS properties often deliver a cash flow-positive investment

• importantly, self-managed super funds can purchase these properties

• NRAS dwellings are private property – no government holds or caveats.

So here we have a scheme that shows many investment properties as cash-flow positive in the first year – and these are more often than not backed up by impressive (well by residential property standards) independent financial analysis.

What’s not to like here? You are making money from day one; providing affordable rent for those that are finding it a bit hard; have a 10-year rental guarantee (assuming the government doesn’t water down or scrap the scheme); hassle free-management (on paper at least); and a box of chocolates from the government every year.

It appears to tick all the boxes.

Several of our developer clients inform us that their NRAS product is now the first to sell to investors.

Yet the banks are scared of it and will only finance 70% of the purchase price. Some banks flatly refuse to be involved. So, too, do too many solicitors, accountants, loan brokers and real estate agents.

True to form, valuers are discounting end prices by 20% – one assumes because the owner can only charge 80% of market rent and most valuers won’t include a subsidy when determining value, despite it coming from the government and being a 10-year program.

Yes, NRAS is somewhat new; it hasn’t been that well communicated and it is a government-funded subsidy. But welfare housing it isn’t and gone are the days where one’s residential investment strategy was as simple as “buy and forget”.

Our mindset is that property investors will need to look for every break they can get.

NRAS is a break worth considering.

Read more: http://www.propertyobserver.com.au/landlords/investors-should-consider-buying-nras-properties-michael-matusik/2011112252487

Alex Barton

23 Nov 2011, 07:01 PM

NRAS is a break worth considering.

Read more: http://www.propertyobserver.com.au/landlords/investors-should-consider-buying-nras-properties-michael-matusik/2011112252487

RAR

5 Jan 2012, 04:16 AM

Really?

I have a 600 000 + investment and rent at 214.00 per week x 2 (duplex)

Do the math.

Also check what you actually got from your NRAS approved builder if your are building?

Not in accordance with the contract is my experience - 5 sets of plans no variations.

The NRAS has some serious issues in my opinion.

Cheers

stinkbug

5 Jan 2012, 07:01 AM

Builders are treating NRAS as a gravy train. I own a number of properties, but wouldn't buy an NRAS property in a pink fit. Some simple rule changes can result in the loss of bulk $$. Be very careful.

Quote:

 

Perth builds affordable housing for city workers

Pamela Mirghani
May 16, 2012 - 3:34PM

Below-market rental accommodation is being built in the city to help city workers struggling to find affordable housing and cope with demands of commuting.

A $15.7 million rental housing project in the city will provide rental accommodation at 80 per cent of the market rate to city workers who are on low or modest income.

The Key City Workers Development was launched today, with construction having already commenced on the three-level East Perth complex consisting of 48 one and two-bedroom apartments that will house around 90 tenants.

Applicants for tenancy must be working in the city of Perth and meet income criteria.

Rental fees will be determined by market valuation when the housing is complete, however based on current prices tenants could expect to pay $270-$300 per week for a one bedroom apartment and $320-$360 for a two bedroom property.

The minimum income entry limit for a single person would be $44,128 with the tenant remaining eligible while their income was below the upper income limit of $55,160.

The entry income limit would rise to $61,049 if that person had a child.

A couple's combined income had a entry income limit of $61,006.

A maximum tenancy period of three years will apply and tenants who stop working in the city will be required to find alternative accommodation within six months.

It is jointly funded by the City of Perth, the Department of Housing, the National Rental Affordability Scheme and the Disability Services Commission.

Read more: http://www.watoday.com.au/wa-news/perth-builds-affordable-housing-for-city-workers-20120516-1yqj0.html#ixzz1v59cmhV7