Jan Zaraza
National Manager, Sales and Leasing, Defence Housing Australia
Future Directions in the Australian Residential Property Market

Residential property prices in Australia’s capital cities escalated to unprecedented rates from mid-2001 to mid-2004, leading many property market analysts to fear that a property crash was imminent. In reality, the outcome has been an orderly adjustment in the property sector – or a soft market landing. Looking back at the events of the past four years it is clear that in an economy with low inflation, low unemployment, strong consumer confidence and historically low interest rates, demand from home buyers and investors will result in orderly cycles of increasing property prices followed by decreasing prices, with associated converse cycles in property rents. This seminar will outline the price and rent cycles for residential property in Australia at present, including growth trends. The short and long term future direction of the market will then be discussed.

Defence Housing Australia (DHA) has employed Jan for over 10 years. He played an instrumental role in the establishment of the DHA Sale and Leaseback Program, whereby newly built or acquired homes are sold to private investors with whom a leaseback arrangement has been agreed for a set period of time. Benefits of the Program (for investors) include long lease terms, guaranteed rental and zero vacancy risk.

Geoff Grady
CEO, Mulpha Sanctuary Cove (Developments) Pty Limited
Master-plan Development – Sanctuary Cove Case Study

In 2002 Mulpha purchased Sanctuary Cove, located on the Gold Coast, Australia, and developed a new and defining vision for the world-renowned integrated residential resort through The Foundation Master-plan. The document encapsulated planning and design that would create a quality lifestyle for its residents and community, whilst redefining investment potential for various stakeholders. This presentation will detail the history and implementation of the plan, which aims to have Sanctuary Cove worth approximately $AUD1.5 billion once completed.           

Geoff brings more than 20 years of experience in corporate accounting and law. Since Mulpha Australia purchased the residential resort in 2002, Mr Grady has achieved more than $380 million in residential sales and is currently managing the rollout of the Foundation Master plan – a plan that will eventually see Sanctuary Cove worth more than $1.5 billion. Geoff holds a Bachelor of Commerce and a Bachelor of Law (Honours) from the University of Queensland, Australia

Len Fretwell
Managing Director, Sinolink Property Co. Ltd.
Is it Time to Invest in Beijing Property?

An informative talk, on the benefits and potential returns of investing in property in Beijing.  Talk will cover increase in property values compared to other Chinese cities, information relating to the best way to move capital into and out of China and other interesting and informative information.  The source of the majority of information express in this talk will be quoted from the China Government statistics Bureau.

Len Fretwell is the Managing Director of Sinolink Property Co., Ltd. established in May 2004 and based in Beijing. Sinolink Property is the first and only, full service, licensed real estate network and international property investment consultancy to operate in Beijing. Len is also the General Manager of ‘AC Media Group’, Australia’s largest Chinese language media group.  AC Media group own and operate Australia’s first and only Chinese language radio, 3CW Chinese Radio 1341AM and locally produced TV programming, ‘Australian-Chinese TV’ on Channel 31.   AC Media Group publishes three newspapers including; ‘The Chinese Weekly Property Guide’ and also publishes ‘The Chinese Business Phone Book’. Len has been the General Manager of the first and largest Greek language media organization, ‘Greek Media Group’ in Australia with ‘TV Hellas’,  ‘3XY Greek Radio 1422AM’ and three newspapers including the English language, ‘Truth National Newspaper’. Len created and published the ‘Australian Accommodation Guide’, Australia’s first fully comprehensive, full colour tourism and accommodation directory, in 1992

• Overview of Malaysia, including geography, climate and people.
• Business environment in Malaysia, including property investment potential
• The Malaysia My Second Home Program, including recent Program changes, property purchasing benefits and other incentives.

Cherry has over 2 years of experience handling applications for the Program
from clients throughout the world. She is responsible for overseeing communications and operations between the Hong Kong Central Processing Office and the Kuala Lumpur Headquarters/Landing Services Center.

Parnell C Pang
Marketing Manager, Asia Apex Ltd./Lengkap Satria Sdn Bhd
Investment, Retirement & Residency in Malaysia - The Malaysia: My Second Home Program

• Overview of Malaysia, including geography, climate and people.
• Business environment in Malaysia, including property investment potential
• The Malaysia My Second Home Program, including recent Program changes, property purchasing benefits and other incentives.

Parnell has been responsible for marketing and business development of the
“Malaysia: My Second Home” Program for the past 3 years. In that time, he has overseen a tenfold increase in the number of successful applicants to the Program. He has also worked to develop Lengkap Satria into the single largest sponsor of the Program worldwide, with offices in the UK, Australia, and Iran and throughout Southeast Asia

Nigel Cornick
CEO, Raimon Land Public Company Limited

Overall, 2005 was an exciting time for the condominium industry, as many new luxury projects entered the market.  Average prices continued to rise, up to Baht 80,774 per sq.m., on average, for CBD Bangkok projects, with average prices in the Silom/Sathorn and Central Lumpini areas up to almost Baht 100,000 per sq.m.  Raimon Land’s research has found that the rental yields in newly completed Grade A condominium projects in CBD Bangkok are around 8-10%, higher than in other major Asian cities such as Singapore and Hong Kong.
 
Looking forward, we expect 2006 to be a year of fewer project launches, as many developers focus on clearing inventory at existing projects and banks tighten lending, forcing smaller, less-experienced developers out of the market.
 
In Phuket, total condominium supply on the island has more than doubled over the past two years, and we are starting to see more affordable projects on the island’s East Coast.
 
While Pattaya continues to see an increase in Grade A condominium projects launched, supply still strongly trails demand.  We expect this demand to grow with the opening of the New Bangkok International Airport (NBIA) later this year.

Michael Ng
Managing Director, Savills Singapore
Singapore Investment Property Market Overview and Opportunities

The presentation will focus on the investment opportunities for foreign investor on Singapore residential property. Market Overview, latest trends and market outlook will be discussed during the presentation.
 
Michael was appointed as the Managing Director of Savills Singapore in December2004. He holds an Honours Bachelor of Science (Estate Management) degree fromthe National University of Singapore and has been in the real estate industry formore than 18 years. With a wealth of experience ranging from investmentmarketing, development consultancy, asset management and internationalinvestments, he has handled investment sales of hotels, office buildings, largedevelopment sites and en-bloc residential buildings in Singapore, Malaysia,Australia, China and the United Kingdom.Michael was previously head of the property arm of COSCO, a China state-ownedmaritime group, handling investment analysis, acquisitions, development, projectmanagement and asset management. Some of the projects included commercial,retail and residential developments and investments in South East Asia and China.He is a panel member of the Strata Titles Boards, which administers the Land TitlesStrata Act.

Marcus Collins
Partner, McEvily & Collins Co., Ltd.
A Buyer’s Guide to Property Transactions in Thailand

An overview of Thai property law matters, which are of interest and importance to potential buyers and lessees of immoveable property in Thailand and some practical tips for such buyers and lessees.           

Marcus has practiced in Thailand for the past 16 years and was a partner at International Legal Counsellors Thailand and then at Allen & Overy before joining his friend, Matthew McEvily, to start his own firm “McEvily & Collins Co., Ltd.” 4 years ago. The firm has a thriving property practice with offices in Bangkok, Phuket and Samui. Marcus’ firm advises both property buyers and developers on a wide range of property and corporate matters, including setting up appropriate structures.

Mr. Lawrence Bellefontaine
President, PT Bali, Affordable Lifestyles
Earning Handsome Profits in Bali While Enjoying a Home in Paradise

How foreigners can legally purchase properties in the exciting Bali real estate market.
How to obtain a visa that will allow foreigners long-term stays in Bali.
Which areas of Bali offer the best investment potential and what type of properties are the most successful.
How to enjoy a second home in Bali an earn 15% to 30% per year.
Mr. Bellafontaine is the President of one of Bali’s largest realtors & developers. Editor of weekly “Real Estate” newspaper column. Clients include the head of General Electric & Ritz Carlton S/E Asia & business people from around the globe.

Ms. Esther Ong
Senior Partner, Messrs Esther Ong Tengku Saiful & Sree
Legal Issues for Investors Purchasing Property in Malaysia

Esther Ong Hui Chuen is the founder and Senior Partner of Esther Ong Tengku Saiful & Sree, a legal firm in Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.

In the area of conveyancing, Ms. Ong advises on the general drafting of agreements on sale and purchase, rental of real property and documents securing the financing thereof. She handles banking documentation including overdraft loan documents, corporate financing documents, general agreement concerning land and company and debt restructuring matters. Ms. Ong also has particular interest in providing legal advisory services for small and medium industries (SMIs) from their setting up to their crucial stage for growth and drafting of contracts on company and land matters. She has the experiences of handling several prestigious development projects including the Taman Industri Belmas Johan project and the Heritage House project, Felda scheme and many others

Mr. Graham Bibby
Managing Director, Richmond Group (Asia-Pacific) Ltd.
Property Investments vs Other Forms of Investments

• The global backdrop to investing in property-equities-currencies-commodities on the rise.
• Phuket becomes really international
• A change in buyers from holiday home to retirement
• Murphy’s law of multiplication – the reason why the real boom is just about to start
• What will be the best investments
• How to get on the bandwagon now ready for retirement in 5-10 years
• The forecast for prices over the next 5 years
• A lifestyle investment – enjoy & prosper

Graham Bibby, CEO, founded Richmond Asset Management Ltd. in Hong Kong in 1991. Mr. Bibby has 25 years experience in the investment management field specializes in Absolute Returns strategies. He has undertaken extensive research into investment management techniques and what makes markets move. As a result of his findings he has developed a system that utilizes a combination of fundamentals, technical analysis and investor psychology producing absolute returns.

He is an experienced public speaker, appearing regularly on CNBC, CNN, BBC, Bloomberg and NDTV.

RICHMOND GROUP (ASIA PACIFIC) Ltd. is a niche property developer focused on creating quality developments catering to high-end markets and the international investor community. Besides The Residence and The Park, Richmond Group have 3 other projects in the pipeline in Bang Tao, Chalong Bay and Loch Palm.

RICHMOND GROUP (ASIA PACIFIC) is the name given to Mr. Graham Bibby’s private property development interests in Phuket, Thailand.

Mr. Paul Ashburn
Senior Partner, BDO Richfield Advisory Ltd.
Tax Planning for Investors Purchasing Property in Thailand

• Tax considerations for offshore property investors
• Taxation of property investment under Thailand's tax treaties
• A review of real property gains tax in Thailand
  

Paul is a tax partner with BDO Richfield Advisory Limited, a firm specialising in providing tax and legal services to foreign investors in Thailand and the Asia Pacific region. The firm is a member of BDO International, a worldwide network of independent professional service firms serving global and national businesses.

Paul has over 18 years experience in tax consulting, including more than 7 years in Thailand. His expertise includes international tax planning for cross border transactions and the development of tax effective structures for property acquisitions and disposals in Thailand by both local and offshore investors.

Mr. Torphong Charungchareonvejj
Senior Vice President & General Manager, Bangkok Bank Public Co Ltd, Singapore
Financing Thai Property Investment

• How the Bangkok Bank, Singapore Branch, can provide financing to foreigners who are interested to buy properties in Thailand.
• Scheme of financing available to foreigners
• Relevant terms and conditions of financing
• Issues pertaining to foreign exchange control

Mr Torphong, a MBA graduate, has in total more than 20 years of Banking experience. He has been the Senior Vice President and General Manager of Bangkok Bank Public Co Ltd, Singapore Branch since October 2001. Prior to his assignment in Singapore, he was with the Head Office in Bangkok for about 10 years and has held senior appointments in the Marketing Department and Corporate Finance Department.

Before joining Bangkok Bank, Mr Torphong spent about 6 years with a leading foreign bank in Bangkok, where he held responsibilities in various operations of the bank.

Mr. Clayton Wade
Managing Director, Premier Homes Real Estate Co., Ltd.
Pattaya Thailand: A Real Estate Boom Goes Ballistic!

• An Introduction to Pattaya and it’s real estate market
• A ten year overview of the Pattaya condo market
• A ten year overview of the Pattaya detached housing market
• The dynamics of the current Pattaya real estate boom
• Pattaya’s future developments and their investment potentials

Clayton Wade has been in the real estate business for over 20 years. Starting his career in the United States, he has practiced both real estate sales and property management in Seattle, where he was first licensed. Upon moving to Thailand, he was personally responsible for bringing in the first 53 General Motors executives for the start-up-phase of GM’s Thailand manufacturing facility, and most all of the executives for the BMW manufacturing facility, thus establishing himself as the areas top ‘Executive’ or ‘Luxury’ Property’ specialist.

Currently, Clayton Wade has been writing and speaking throughout the Asia-Pacific region for many of the top real estate publications, while he continues to successfully manage Pattaya’s Premier Homes Real Estate Company as the unchallenged leader in exclusive property sales and rentals throughout Pattaya and the Eastern Seaboard of Thailand.

Mr. John Birt
Managing Director, Samui Villas Homes (Thailand)
Koh Samui Property Market the Big Picture

• An introduction to Koh Samui and its property market
• Development history
• The situation today in Koh Samui

On graduation from The Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst, England John Birt was served with the Brigade of Gurkhas for some 12 years in Malaysia, Singapore, India, Nepal, Korea, Brunei and Hong Kong. On resigning his commission he returned to Hong Kong and in 1979 joined Richard Ellis, International Property Consultants. In 1988 he moved to Thailand where he established the Bangkok office of First Pacific Davies. In 1996 he commenced business on his own account as an independent property consultant in Thailand and was retained by several multi-nationals including Hongkong & Shanghai Hotels (Peninsula Group) and Morgan Stanley Real Estate Fund.
He first invested in Koh Samui property in 1989 and over the years assisted a variety of friends in the acquisition of property on Samui. In 2001 he moved to the island on a full time basis to open Samui Villas & Homes (SVH). Initially set up to administer private villas belonging to the shareholders, SVH has grown into a full service property company with some 60 staff providing villa management and vacation rental services, estate agency, project and construction management and property consultancy.

Mr. Barry Lea
Deputy Regional Chief Executive, Offshore Banking Asia Lloyds TSB (Singapore)
Negotiating the UK Mortgage Maze

• Choosing the right UK mortgage for you
• What you should be aware of when financing a UK property
• Avoid the pitfalls of choosing a property loan or mortgage

Barry Lea joined Lloyds TSB Group in 1987 and has been an expatriate in Asia for almost 24 years of which 18 years have been spent in the banking industry. As a result, he has extensive experience in the areas of personal investment management, offshore banking and financial services, encompassing client bases in Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong and beyond.

With Lloyds TSB Group in Asia, he has been closely involved in the development and promotion of the bank’s Overseas Property Finance Services (OPFS) in recent years. This is Lloyds TSB’s lead offering in Asia and celebrates its 20th anniversary next year. It constitutes a unique, multi-currency, multi-jurisdictional offer and provides residential property finance/refinance for clients buying/refinancing properties in Australia, NZ, Great Britain and certain locations within selected states and provinces in US & Canada. Dubai, France, Spain and Portugal are slated for inclusion later this year.

Whilst their work has previously been largely confined to lending to residents of Asia, they have, recently extended the service such that they now process loans in Asia for clients who are resident outside the region (subject, to regulatory/compliance considerations).

Barry’s staff have handled over 50,000 mortgage enquiries and Lloyds TSB is currently Asia’s market leader in this field. He has also compiled and edited two books on English and Australian property purchase and is a regular speaker on related topics.

Barry is, today, the Country Head for Malaysia & Singapore and Regional Marketing Director of Lloyds TSB Bank plc in Asia.

Mr. Michael Bentley
Founder, Citylife Property Group
Australian Property Prospects 2006 – 2008

• What are the prospects for the residential market in all of Australia’s major cities over the next 3 years?
• When is the right time to enter the market?

Michael Bentley is the Founder and Managing Director of the Citylife Property Group. He is undoubtably the most experienced operator in off-shore marketing of Australian Property with over 25 years of continuous high-level involvement in the industry.

Raised and educated in Hong Kong, Mr Bentley has lived in Asia since the early 1980’s servicing Australian investors. His company operates in Brisbane, Perth, Sydney, Melbourne and Cairns.

Terry Taylor
Joint Managing Director, Which Property?
Demographics, Demand and a Little Design

‘Demand, Demographics and a little Design’, will show you how demographics are changing the fundamentals of the Australian property industry forever.How we can track where the greatest demand for Australian property is going to be in the future and why design is so critical to your property investment decisions.

Terry Taylor is widely regarded as one of Australia’s leading property experts: he is a national commentator and a regular keynote speaker at industry shows on the demographic changes which are affecting the property market in Australia.

Terry spends most of his time researching the Australian residential property market and reports his findings to his large international client base.

Abdulla M. Bin Lahej
Director, Construction, Emaar Properties PJSC
Investment Opportunities in MENA and Asia Region

As Director of Construction at Emaar Properties PJSC, Abdulla M. Bin Lahej oversees the high raise building component of Emaar’s developments with primary focus on Emaar’s most ambitious project to date – the 500-acre Burj Dubai Downtown development that will feature the world’s tallest tower at its centre.

Prior to joining Emaar in November 2000, Abdulla worked with Dubai Municipality as a Construction Manager between 1997 and 1999. He managed a number of building contracts across Dubai and quickly developed key relationships within the construction and real estate development industry as well as a sound knowledge of market practices, prices and players.

Born and brought up in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Abdulla studied in the US and graduated from the Milwaukee School of Engineering in 1996.