HOME
ABOUT
PRODUCTS
EDUCATE ME
INTERNATIONAL
APPLY NOW
SMI
Finance
SOUTH AFRICAN AND INTERNATIONAL FINANCE & PROPERTY
HOME
todays rate **South Africa only
9%
WELCOME to SMI FINANCE SMI Finance is a specialised property finance group originally from South Africa. We offer Homes Loans, Bridging Finance, Deposit Loans, Commercial Finance. and international financeOur team include: bond brokers, property and tax advisors, lawyers, accountants and offshore company secretaries, all working towards finding you the best international and local property and investment solutions. We specialise in South Africa, Australia, France, Malta, Mauritius and Seychelles.
HOME
NEWS and events SMI Finance will now offer a Loan Plus Deposit Product - 2 loans but one common goalWe will soon launch our full interactive website platformSMI training and investment evenings will restart during the month of September - watch our website for more information and dates.
calculators
ABOUT
WHAT we doSMI Finance finance was established in 2008 in the centre of the financial crises. We believe that any financial crises brings along the best oppertunity. Our management team and CEO is well experienced in the field of property finance and was one of the pioneers in the bond origination since 2000 in South Africa as well as the franchising of the finance industry. With vast experience and expertise we offer the best products and advice in the market.Our new interactive and centralised business model can assist anyone anywhere in South Africa.Today we advice and assist our South African and International clients on how to acquire property and property finance in investment friendly countries backed by a full circle service.No need to leave your office with our company assisting you offshore throughout the entire process.
ABOUT
Seychelles Finance
offshore compani
offshore property
mauritius property finance
Property Finance France
Australian Property finance
Applause
Interntional finance
PRODUCTS
FEATURED servicesINTERTERNATIONAL PRODUCTSinternational home loans, property, tax advice, insurance, property management, asset financeoffshore company registrationtax advice, investments in propertySOUTH AFRICAN PRODUCTShome loan finance _ various banks bridging financedeposit and short term financetax assistance and clearances for investmentdebt consolidationdebt councellinginsurance - home owners & otherliquidations & otherproperty developments and trainingproperty oppertunities and facilitation of JV'scommercial financerezoning and development planning
PRODUCTS
MARKET analyticsNeed info from the proffesionals?Where's this going? ask the proffesionals
EDUCATE ME
Educate meSince the past property cycle a lot has changed in the property market. One big change was the level of education from investors. Current property investors regulary attend seminars, read articles and reports to make sure they have the required information on hand to make the correct decisions. Find relative and informative articles on local and international property here.Feeling unsafe or exposed with South African properties: why not invest internationally with our help?International property seminars starting soon in Pretoria, Knysna, Durban and Cape Town.We provide you sufficient information and assistance and regulary keep you updated on South African and international Property trends with newsletters, articles, the newest research and statistics.
EDUCATE ME
Property Seminar:
Pretoria 15 Sept 2011
SBH Estate, Pta
18h00- 20h00
more info:
register:
Team-meeting
Office-talk
Office-presentation
Office-meeting
Plan-vision
Handshake
Business-woman-view
Applause
Business
Business
INTERNATIONAL
AUSTRALIA
AUSTRALIAN PROPERTY INVESTMENTS
WHY AUSTRALIA?Australia is famous for its golden beaches, baked red deserts and glam¬orous, sophisticated cities, as well as an ancient indigenous history and a young, vibrant culture. As you will discover, Australia has a great story to tell, from its economic strength and cultural diversity to its groundbreaking research and development and highly skilled workforce. Australia has been ranked by the World Competitiveness Yearbook as the most resilient economy in the world for the fifth consecutive year. Now in its 15th year of continuous growth, Australia is strategically located in the Asia – Pacific, the world's fastest growing region.Australia has strong population growth due to its progressive immigration. The Australian population grew 1.4% during the 12 months ended 31 December 2006. All states and territories had population growth with a total increase of approximately. 1.28 million people between 2001 and 2006. This trend is expected to continue into the future. As a direct result, many parts of the country are experiencing housing shortages translating into strong tenant demand, increasing rental yields and outstanding capital growth. Australia has been consistent in terms of strong economic growth and low unemployment rates. There are many other benefits for investing in Australia including:Finance for Non Residents Finance in Australia is available to non-resident investors and the Australian taxation and legal system shares many similarities to other systemsTax friendly nationSome of the States and Territories offer stamp duty relief when purchasing new residential properties off-the-plan, thus only a small portion of the stamp duty is payable on the value of the land component and any improvements, upon the signing of contracts. Australia also has relatively competitive depreciation rates, making an Australian property even more tax effective.High Rental Yields, low vacancy ratesAustralia’s residential vacancy rates are at an all time record low with vacancy rates in Australia’s capital cities ranging from 0.8 per cent in Perth to 2.3 per cent in Hobart in the March 2007 quarter.These low vacancy rates are driving rent increases across the country as demand outstrips supply for rental properties. Great exchange ratesThe Australian dollar has traditionally been weak against the US dollar and Great British Pound. These favourable exchange rates make Australian property even cheaper for overseas investors. A Government that welcomes overseas investmentBuying from overseas is simpler than it sounds. The Australian government encourages off-shore investors, with some restrictions managed by the Foreign Investment Review Board. In very general terms, non-resident investors are free to invest in new residential property.Build a Credit Records - later immigration optionyour property will not only become an investment, but also add to your scorecard on immigrationMore Economic Reasons• High capital growth in areas such as Perth (36.6% to 42% per annum in 2006)• Low cost commercial properties and a growing international business presence in major cities, due to good value for money and a foreign investor friendly environment.• High demand for residential and commercial real estate to accommodate growing expatriate working community.• Due to high interest rates and property prices, many Australians are increasingly seeking rental accommodation, making this a healthy growth area for investors.• Currency exchange rates against the euro, dollar and sterling are favourable, making property purchase in Australia a valuable option.• High growth rate, superior to that in most OECD countries, including the UK and the US.• Wide range of mortgage options available to foreigners, including interest free loans for five to ten years.• Huge tourism growth. According to the Australian Forecasting Committee, some 10,000 extra hotel rooms will be required in resort areas by 2014.• Population growth and rising incomes ensure the demand for housing outpaces current supply, causing prices to riseBuying in AustraliaOne of the greatest advantages of buying property is the ability to leverage your investment, in other words, using debt to help pay for the property. Financial institutions regard property as such a sound source of collateral, they're generally willing to loan up to 80% of the purchase price for overseas residents.Australia has many different lending institutions, creating a competitive mortgage environment. Banks and other lenders often change their lending criteria, so you may need our help to ensure you find the most cost effective and flexible loan. SMI Finance and its Partners provides access to more than 30 lending institutions and keeps up to date with the ever-changing lending market. The major lending institutions all have internet banking facilities so you can login from overseas and see a complete transaction history of your account (rental and mortgage payments), transfer money bank to your country of residence, transfer money into your account and communicate with the bank online.Structuring your loan effectively can be just as important as finding a competitive interest rate. This is why SMI Finance have expert lending consultants who are highly skilled in investment property finance. In-depth consultations enable us to assess your lending options and structures, to prepare your loan application effectively and make sure you're maximising your current position. We'll save you time and money, and give you unbiased advice.Contact us today for a one on one meeting
EUROPE
EUROPEAN INVESTMENTS
WHY FRANCE?France will continue to be a highly popular destination for the British, other europeans and international investors by virtue of its location and an expanding economic climate which favours property investment blended with a superior quality of life. With an abundance of flights and ferry crossings to France from the UK, it is not surprising that today there is an estimated half a million British people owning property in France. These homebuyers enjoy the privilege of owning an idyllic European property, meanwhile receiving healthy profits from their investment.Statistics from The Economist reveal that the France property market grew by 87% between 1997 and 2005 reflecting a natural positive trend to the French real estate arena which is likely to continue.Unlike other areas, the vast majority of French citizens rent their homes for average fixed terms of three years, in preference to purchasing property. Typically, over the years rural restoration properties have been popular amongst overseas investors as the French dream. However, more recently about one third of sales have been off-plan due largely to the government’s highly thought of leaseback schemes which offer long term fixed rentals and a refund of VAT on the purchase price (19.6%), representing a great incentive to property investors today.French Property InvestmentConstant and sustainable growth in the region of 10% per annum and strong rental yields of around 7% gross make France a stable arena for those looking for a profitable investment within a market that has a buoyant sales market and a constant demand for residential and tourist rentals. Despite growth being slower than in other emerging markets, investors choose France as a far lower risk for more cautious investment. French property has historically increased in value and generated a sustainable rental income. In addition, the absence of political instability or potential economic volatility makes France an ever attractive optionEconomic Reasons• Strong, stable property market• Favourable investment environment with attractive tax breaks• Within a short distance of the main countries of Europe• Ever increasing inward and overseas investment• Varied climate, ideal for your chosen activity• Long term residential property price growth of circa 10% p.a.• Net rental yields in the region of 7% - 10%• Capital gains tax on property now halved to 16% to encourage foreign investment• Strong tourist market as France is one of the World’s most visited country• Excellent, modern transportation infrastructure and links with mainland Europe• One of the strongest and most stable economies in Europe with positve outlook towards foreign investors.International mortgage providers actively lend on properties in France, making it easy to raise finance for a French purchase
ISLANDS
ISLAND INVESTMENTS
MALTA, MAURITIUS or SEYCHELLESMALTAPeople think about moving to Malta and buying property, for a variety of reasons. So what are the benefits of moving to Malta and equally as important, what should one be aware of? To look at the advantages first of all. These include:- A slower pace of lifeWarmer all year-round climate - Low crime (compared to many countries) - The island style life - Better education system for their children - Affordable and rentable properties for sale, which can be rented out year round- Links to Tunisia, Sicily and mainland Italy by ferry- Beautiful beaches, history and great food- Now a member of the E.U. which is likely to result in increased investment in Malta.These are all valid reasons for moving to Malta. You will be able to be able to get more much for your money in terms of property if moving to Malta and the education is indeed, considered to be better than in the UK. People generally also speak English (although it is advised you make every effort to learn Maltese - so that you will experience more of the local culture).MAURITIUSForeign nationals or non-Mauritian citizens are allowed to work and/or live in Mauritius under three distinct and simply laid down schemes:A: As a retired non-citizen, irrespective of age and nationalityB: As a professionalC: As an investor A 'Work & Live in Mauritius' department has been set up within the Board of Investment "BOI" as a single-facing service counter to expedite formalities for individuals and investors setting up in Mauritius. Foreign nationals, investors and non-investors alike, may also buy freehold property in Mauritius under the provisions of two specially studied schemes, they are: 1: Integrated Resort Scheme (IRS)Under the Integrated Resort Scheme (IRS), luxury villas and other residential properties can be sold freehold at a minimum price of U$D 500,000 to foreigners who, de facto, receive a residence permit. The few IRS villas put on the market so far have proven very popular. The IRS targets the high-end segment of the international property market, i.e - high net-worth individuals with high purchasing power. The investor may sell the property with no minimum selling price restriction; rent the property, elect tax residency in Mauritius and is free to repatriate funds or revenue reaised from the sale or renting of the IRS property. 2: Real Estate Scheme (RES)Under the Real Estate Scheme (RES), residential units are sold to non-citizens at no minimum price. However, acquisition of property worth at least U$D 500,000 entitles the purchaser a residence permit. This scheme is targeted mainly for those investors, retirees and professionals, who want to invest, work and live in Mauritius or for those individuals who want to have a second home or holiday retreat in Mauritius. **Source: Mauritius Board of Investment**Why invest in Mauritius ?The advantages of investing in Mauritius are:- Social and political stability- A strong and diversified economy- An educated and bilingual workforce- A pool of skilled and qualified professionals- A business friendly environment- Preferential access to international market - A modern and reliable infrastructure- A comprehensive and forward looking legal framework- A growing international business and financial hub - A safe and enjoyable place to work and live A competitive business environmentMauritius offers a low tax jurisdiction and an investor-friendly environment to encourage local and foreign companies to set up a business.- Harmonised corporate and income tax of 15%- ax free dividend - No capital gains tax- 100% foreign ownership - Exemption from customs duty on equipment - Free repatriation of profits, dividends and capital- No minimum foreign capital required- 50% annual allowance on declining balance for the purchase of electronic and computer equipment SEYCHELLESIn Seychelles real estate you can find all sorts of variety for rent or purchase; ranging from homes to apartments, villas to commercial property.If you are a businessman planning to invest or thinking to settle in Seychelles permanently of course you should look to buy some property.This will require more money but will give you the leverage to alter the structure according to your requirements.Another great benefit that you can have when you buy property Seychelles is that you can benefit from the increase in the prices of the property, which can be around 6% per annum.In case if you just want to go on vacations you can rent an apartment close to the beach so that you can enjoy your vacations to the fullest.A few years ago seychelles offshore company formation was allowed adding another avenue to bring wealth to the economy.If you look at the economies of other countries which became tax havens, you know that seychelles offshore company formation will most certainly increase the value of your investment in property seychelles, in a country with 15 km of beach for every citizen!If money is the problem there is a very good alternative to that i.e. holding company.Holding company is a local company which purchases property on your behalf. This deal is done through a mortgage and after some time when the investor can afford, he buys all the shares of the holding company and as a result he/she becomes the real owner of the property.The cost of a holding company is a fraction of the cost of property! And can be compared to the costs for cost of incorporation of an offshore company in Seychelles.Also you should get a structural survey from someone experienced in this field so that you can better know about the problems of the structure you are buying as it will affect the buying price and also you can be in a better position to assess whether you can get a mortgage on this property or not.Buying Real Estate Seychelles – Laws & RegulationsForeigners are allowed to buy residential property, to be used only by the buyer and his family, only upon approval from the Government.The Immovable Property (Transfer Restriction) Act prohibits the lease of immovable property owned by a non-Seychellois.For the application, it is better to hire the services of a notary.The Land Section at the Ministry of Land Use and Habitat processes the application of the non-Seychellois buyer. An offer for the property involved is published in “The Nation”, a national daily newspaper.This is to give priority to a Seychellois to acquire the property before allowing a non-Seychellois to purchase it.Upon approval, the foreign buyer registers the property at the Registration Office, which includes payment of registration fees and duties.The Attorney General’s Office is responsible for the transfer of all State properties.For commercial and industrial purposes, the Government grants only leases and does not allow a sale for such activities.When purchasing, the non-Seychellois buyer is required to deposit SCR1 million – SCR2 million (US$176,888 – US$353,776) in the Central Bank of Seychelles in foreign currency.This is to be converted to Seychelles Rupee upon withdrawal, which is then used for the transaction.If the property being purchased is a developed land, the purchase price should not be less than SCR1 million (US$176,888). In the case of purchasing a vacant lot, it should not be less than SCR2 million (US$353,776).However, the winds of political change have begun and reforms have been promised. Many canny investors have started investing in hotels and resorts with the long term view that Seychelles will fulfill its tourist potential!
AUSTRALIA
EUROPE
ISLANDS
APPLY NOW
CONTACT ME
SMI Quick Enquiry
Contact us:
info_smifinance.co.za
Cell: 082 730 1117 (SA +27)
SMI InternationalWant to invest in internationalproperty and need help?We have proffesionals to assist South Africans with finance or property investments offshore in:AustraliaMaltaFranceMauritiusSeychelles ENQUIRE
SMI Bridging Need briding finance?
SMI SeminarsWhen: Contact usSBH Estate, PretoriaTheme: International Property
member of the SBH GROUP COPYRIGHT 2011
