High Court decision overturns GST treatment of forfeited deposits - 22 May 2008
In a unanimous decision, the High Court has held that GST does apply to a forfeited deposit. This overturns the earlier decision of the Full Federal Court, which specified that GST does not apply to a forfeited deposit.
Affordable housing initiative will create new property industry sector - 3 March 2008
Mallesons Stephen Jaques predicts the emergence of a new property industry sector catering for affordable housing developments, kick started by the government’s affordable housing subsidy.
Managed investment scheme issuers are now subject to anti-money laundering laws - 30 January 2008
On Thursday 31 January 2008, the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Regulations 2008 will take effect under the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing Act 2006 (AML/CTF Act).
Lessons from Australia as Asian REITs thrive - 12 April 2006
Recent developments in Hong Kong and Singapore are stimulating growth in REIT activity. But the regulatory environment can still be improved, argue John Sullivan and Hayden Flinn. This article was published in International Financial Law Review March 2006.
Real estate investment trusts - 28 October 2005
Recent positive regulatory developments in Hong Kong and Singapore make it an exciting time for real estate investment trusts. There are now seven REITs listed in Singapore and it is anticipated there will shortly be REIT listings in Hong Kong. The regulatory developments should encourage further growth in domestic and cross-border REIT activity. While several of the regulatory changes aim to accommodate overseas investments, all REITs listed in Hong Kong and Singapore are affected by the developments.
“Typical feedback for this ‘prestigious’ practice is summed up by one source's assertion that it ‘dominates the property market, to be frank.’ … There is also real depth to the pool of legal talent here… Expertise is available in property-related IPOs, property trusts, development projects ...”
Chambers Global Guide 2004-2005