News

Buying property with an SMSF (Self-Managed Super Fund) has become a cornerstone strategy for Australians seeking greater control over their retirement savings. Unlike retail or industry super funds, where your capital is pooled and managed by third parties, an SMSF allows you to act as the driver of your own investment vehicle. However, while the appeal of using an SMSF to buy property is significant, it’s a path paved with strict legislative requirements and rigorous compliance standards.

While property valuations typically occur upon completion, Acumentis is frequently engaged to assess the value of units and dwellings while they are still under construction. This requirement often arises during long-term development cycles—which can span several years—particularly when life events such as legal separations necessitate a valuation before the project is finished. The following overview outlines our professional methodology for assessing "as-if-complete" values in a fluctuating market.

Canberra’s property market continues to evolve, shaped by significant Commonwealth investment and changing patterns in government accommodation. Recent developments highlight a clear shift toward modern, purpose‑built precincts, alongside growing challenges for older commercial areas, particularly Civic. Below is a snapshot of the key movements shaping the Canberra market and their implications for government agencies and the broader commercial landscape.

Acumentis has launched a new dedicated website for its ESG advisory division, providing Australian organisations with a clear, central destination to access its established sustainability, climate and ESG advisory services.

One of the most common, and often most contentious issues in family law valuations is the identification of building damage and the associated cost of rectifying those issues as at the date of valuation. While these issues can have a material impact on property value, it’s important to understand where a valuer’s expertise begins and ends, and how early preparation can significantly reduce delays during what is already a challenging time for all parties involved.

At the recent SMSF National Conference in Adelaide, one message came through clearly: ESG investing in Australia is entering a new phase. After several years of rapid growth and strong opinions on both sides, ESG is no longer just about values or marketing, it’s becoming more practical, measured and focused on real-world impact.

When SMSF trustees talk about property performance, the conversation usually starts with yield and ends with capital growth. What often gets missed is the return that sits in between, the one created not by the market, but by structure. Depreciation doesn’t make headlines. It doesn’t change the postcode. And it doesn’t rely on market timing. But used properly, it quietly improves cash flow, after tax returns and fund efficiency year after year.

The ESG landscape is evolving rapidly, and we know that many organisations are still finding their footing. As we partner with more clients on their sustainability goals, we’ve noticed several common misconceptions that can make the process feel more daunting than it needs to be. We’d like to share some of these common myths and more importantly, the reality behind them.