Australia

Australia is a stable, democratic society with a skilled workforce and a strong, competitive economy. With a population of over 20 million, Australia is the only nation to govern an entire continent and is the sixth largest country in the world in land area. Australia's multicultural society includes its Indigenous peoples and migrants from some 200 countries.

Australia has had one of the most outstanding economies of the world in recent years. As a high-growth, low-inflation, low interest rate economy, it is more vibrant than ever before. There is an efficient government sector, a flexible labour market and a very competitive business sector.

With its abundant natural resources, Australia has had a high standard of living since the nineteenth century. It has made a significant investment in social infrastructure, including education, training, health and transport.

Australia's workforce of approximately 10 million is highly trained. Many senior managers and technical staff have international experience, while almost half of Australia's workforce has university, trade or diploma qualifications.

In a globalised economy, language skills are a key workforce advantage. Although Australia is an English-speaking country, more than 4.1 million of its people speak a second language. Australia offers the familiarity of a Western business culture with a workforce capable of operating in both Asian and Western business environments - Australia has the widest range of native Asian language skills in the region

The language skills and other capabilities that attract foreign companies are, in part, a result of Australia's culturally diverse society. Migrants have had a marked influence on all aspects of Australian society. In more than 50 years of planned post-war migration, almost six million migrants have arrived in Australia from over 200 countries, including more than 600 000 refugees, and the population has increased from about seven million to more than 20 million.

Australia , with its low interest rates, low inflation and high growth, has a very efficient and resilient economy which has avoided the economic downturn suffered in recent years by many OECD countries. This impressive economic performance, combined with appealing environmental and geographical characteristics, cultural diversity, a desirable climate and an overall high standard of living make Australia a very attractive property investment destination.

After coming out of the growth phase, the east coast of Australia has now passed the bottom of its cycle and is sharply increasing again. Demand is out stripping supply and investors are seeing excellent returns as rents are forced higher due to the lack of available housing. It is predicted that at the current rate there will be a shortage of some 62,000 homes in South East Queensland alone by the year 2026. More than 1000 people move to this area of Australia every week. Now is a great time for buying into this market and positioning for the current growth phase.

Each state and territory in Australia has a different property cycle, however particular areas within each state may have greater potential for appreciation due to certain factors. South East Queensland is currently the hottest property spot in the country.