Wednesday, 18 November 2009



Gavin Wows the Crowd again at KLCC


Sunday, 15th Nov 09 : It was a busy and exciting Sunday as another SwhengTee Property Talk was held. Investors and landlords were up early to register at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre for the "Landlording" Seminar by Gavin Tee. The full day course was conducted in both English & Mandarin. Landlords & Investors alike were all eagerly awaiting for this Hot Topic, so it comes as no surprise when the venue was packed.





Participants were treated to a powerful presentation by Gavin, on topics like Understanding the Rental Business, Problem Tenants, The Significance of Rental, Preparing the Perfect Tenancy Agreement and lots more. Throughout the day, Gavin impressed with his seminar based on slides, case studies and course handouts. At the end of each session, lucky participants walked away with prizes at the Lucky Draw Session.

Overall, the attendees were lucky to have been able to gain further knowledge at this course, making them better landlords & investors. Participants left with great satisfaction, waiting for the next SwhengTee Property Talk event :

SwhengTee Real Estate Investment Program
4th-6th Dec 2009 Sg Petani, Kedah
&
SwhengTee 6 Months Investment Course
April 2010 - September 2010





Friday, 6 November 2009

Tourism-Related & Green Building Properties on the Rise

After the recently concluded Budget Talk, there was special emphasis on tourism-related properties as well as the introduction of the Green Building Index. The government is on the right track in focusing their efforts on areas like the tourism sector. During a time where the slowdown of the manufacturing & export industry is visible, the Budget 2010 does show the determination to develop the economy through tourism, where majority of foreign industries is indeed in an infant stage.

According to Gavin Tee, a Real Estate Investment Consultant, the Green Building Index will lead the way in all future developments. "The emphasis will be on environmental friendly energy savings, recycling of resources, and cost reduction for maintenance. Thus, the government's proposal for a tax & stamp duty exemption is an indicator of their determination in moving towards this new direction."

In conjunction with Gavin's 30th Property Talk in 2009, he will be offering a Free property talk on the 8th November (Sunday) in Boulevard Hotel, Mid Valley. Individuals who are eager to gain the insights on the budget updates on GBI, RPGT, and the Potential tourism-related properties should not miss this opportunity.

The 1-hour talks will be scheduled at 11am and 4pm (2pm in Mandarin) along with an exhibition from 10am to 7pm. Those interested are welcome to join.

Monday, 2 November 2009

Green Buildings and Tourism-related Properties rising to demand

The next hot investment topic and new trend in real estate development will change course to Tourism-related properties and environmental friendly Green Buildings. Gavin Tee will be sharing the above at level 8, Boulevard Hotel, Mid Valley City on Sunday ( Nov 8 ) from 10am to 7pm.

The admission is free and 3 special talks ( 2 in English and 1 in Mandarin ) will be presented.I

In conjunction with Gavin's 30th property talk in 2009, Gavin is delighted to extend the free invitation.

You may also have a coffee with Gavin face to face to receive a free personal consultancy in property investment.

We hope to see you there.

Friday, 30 October 2009

Reinstating RPGT -- A Losing Game

Reintroducing Real Property Gains Tax
A Losing Game


In times of a fragile economy, the government should adopt a strategy on stimulating the activities of the real estate market, giving much needed incentives rather than imposing taxes.

Gavin Tee, a real estate investment consultant and speaker commented, “The market was just beginning to show signs of recovery and that is a positive note for market stabilization. However, we have yet to see the influx of foreign investments and gain the full confidence from property home buyers. Thus, it is not a good time to reintroduce Real Property Gains Tax.”

“The key issue should not be on the support to big developers, mega projects and multi corporations but on building the basics – the market condition. The basic economic theory to rescue the market should be applied, which is; to create a market and not to create a product. Thus, imposing RPGT is actually against the way.”

Gavin believes that the imposing of Real Property Gains Tax would affect a loss of income for the government in stamp duty collections. “The high deductions would greatly impact the number of Sales & Purchase transactions. It will further affect the business in the construction and professional services industry. In overall, there will be lesser stamp duty and taxes received by the government.”

“For example, a property with a value of RM 1mil will yield RM 24,000 as stamp duty payments. Assuming that it can be sold at RM1.2mil and make a RM200,000 profit, a sum of RM 10,000 will be collected as Real Property Gains Tax. With this introduction, the government may not only lose the RPGT revenue but potentially also the stamp duty fees due to the worsening of the market caused by RPGT.”

“Furthermore, Real Property Gains Tax would reduce Real Estate market price, further decreasing the stamp duty collection and ultimately affecting the government income.”

The introduction of RPGT would greatly affect 2 sectors, which is the high end real estate as well as the secondary property markets, particularly to older homes. “Whatever efforts in place now to strengthen the property market will go to waste,” he said.

“Real Property Gains Tax should only be applied when the property market overheats and absolutely not during a cool market period. This move will not only heavily impact the construction, renovation, raw materials and the professional services industry but also directly affecting the people’s and government’s income.”

In conclusion, Gavin hopes the government will reconsider its proposal for Real Property Gains Tax.

Thursday, 29 October 2009

Confusion in RPGT Makes Investors Worry

Last Friday Prime Minister Dato Seri Najib proposed that a tax of 5% be imposed on gains from the disposal of real property effective from Jan 1st 2010 during the Budget 2010 proposal. However, Gavin Tee, a Property Investment Consultant and Speaker interpreted otherwise. “From the official web site of MOF, 5% as a fixed rate imposed on the gains is misunderstood.”

Also as the Managing Director of real estate agency Arborland & Co, Gavin pointed out that according to the finance bill, the government proposed to reintroduce the RPGT ACT 1976, in which the taxes shall be as high as 30% if the property is being disposed in the first two years.

The proposal is to add on 5% on the sixth year onwards which was exempted by the act before it was abolished. The new tax scheme applied to the individual will be the same applied to corporate ownership, which is higher than the original.

However, the Finance Ministry reassured the governmen proposed a fixed rate of 5% imposed on gain instead of reintroducing the RPGT Act 1976. He said it is expected to come up with an exemption order on the Real Property Gains Tax (RPGT) this week to clear the confusion surrounding the RPGT proposal.

The Real Property Gain Tax Act was gazetted in 1976, under the Act, in order to curb speculation; gains on disposal of property are subject to RPGT. The tax are scheduled as high as 30% on the 1st and 2nd years of disposal, 20% on the 3rd year, 15% on the 4th year and 5% on the fifth year. It shall be exempted if the property is disposed on the sixth year onwards. The Act was abolished in April 1st, 2007. ( But it was not really abolished but exempted)

Gavin commented, “The Real Estate Market is only in its initial stage of recovery, and the proposal will definitely create a big impact to the High-end property market, particularly to the areas of newly completed projects and those that are in oversupply. If the Act is reintroduced, I believe it will stop the foreign investment and worsen the real estate market.”

Gavin Seriously recommends the Government to reconsider the proposal.

Monday, 26 October 2009

It is unfair for the OLD HOUSE OWNERS to pay RPGT


Now Every owner has to pay tax

Now , you may need to pay for Real Property Gain Tax disregarding how long you have owned the property, unless you are able to dispose it before Jan 1st , 2010.

According to the proposal of Budget 2010, the government will impose 5% tax on gains on disposal of real property despite of the tenure of ownership. Real Estate Investment Consultant Gavin Tee feels it is very unfair to the genuine property owners who have owned a property for many years and who also never have any intention on speculation.

The reason of introducing Real Property Gain Tax Act 1976 was to curb speculation, especially on short term investment. Thus a 30% of tax was imposed on the disposal during the first and second year. 20% on the 3rd year, 15% on the forth year and 5% on the fifth year. Tax will be exempted on the sixth year onwards for the individual investors but remain 5% for the corporate owner. As a result, most of the property investors only dispose their properties after 5 years of ownership. This Act slowed down the investment activities to the property industry.

Besides, if the government impose a fixed 5% tax disregards on the tenure of ownership, a house owner who purchased a house 20 or 30 years ago in Klang Valley will have to pay a “hefty” Gain Tax next year onwards for the disposal.

Gavin quotes an example, a link house purchased 20 or 30 years ago may only cost RM50,000 , and if the owner disposing it now at RM750,000, he therefore will be liable for RM35,000 of Tax. Furthermore, a property owner may never expect this abolished act can be reintroduced with amendment that a gains tax across board without allowance of any holding period. Thus, they may not keep any receipt on renovation or home improvement for tax deduction purpose.

Thus, Gavin recommends the proposal shall only apply to the property acquire on Jan 1st , 2010 or later .

Furthermore, a bungalow in Kuala Lumpur may only valued at RM200,000 years back but now maybe sold at RM 4 million and above. The proprietor thus have to incur more than RM200,000 of property gains tax next year. Whereas under the old act 1976 , if an individual house owner disposes the property after 5 years, there is no tax charged. This proposal will definitely create a big impact on the secondary market, particularly to the properties acquired at an early days and very unfair to property owners who acquired for own stay.

Wednesday, 21 October 2009

How to deal with difficult tenants?

how to invest in rented property?
how to deal with difficult tenants?
how to evict a bad tenant?
join me at KLCC convention on " Swhengtee Landlorlding talk" on Nov 15, make a booking now

budget 2010

Property Market to Lead the Way under New Budget
BY GAVIN TEE

The public has been heavily speculating on the upcoming Budget Talks, as concerns were focused on whether the government would adopt an aggressive approach to sustain and save the Malaysian economy after the downturn. According to Gavin Tee, a Real Estate Investment Consultant & Managing Director of Arborland & Co (Real Estate Agency), the general public should not be expect too much and neither too many surprises in the government policy compared with recent years.

“I believe that a surprising and aggressive stance by the government would not come around this time. This is because the government has already injected mini budget allocations for the past year.”

“However, one positive view is that this would be our new Prime Minister Dato Seri Najib’s first involvement in the financial budget. I believe in his determination to reform the nation’s economic condition,” he added.

He explained that the new PM is very well versed in the trends of globalization and cross border investments.
“Dato Seri Najib is well aware that these transactions are crucial and must be his first priority. Hence, he will be eager to make policy changes to meet the world standards.”

According to Gavin, the government’s focus may be on several areas. “The key area should be on the construction sectors involved in infrastructure and real estate development. However, I hope to see such mega projects develop according to the main economic principles and ensure the effectiveness of the project. In the past, failures do occur because of favoritism.”

He also commented that the property sector could be a boost towards the economy. “If you look at geographic statistics, Asia’s economic growth is led by the property and real estate market, especially China and Singapore. I believe that the Malaysian Real Estate market can easily be the leader for recovery as our market has yet to be aggressively involved in the cross border and international property ring.” He also added that the Malaysian property price is still one of the lowest in the region, hence there is a great potential for the sector to grow.

When asked for suggestions in reviving the economy, Gavin said “We should look into the government assets, whereby there are ‘white elephants’ or abandoned projects and under utilized government buildings. The government could increase income by privatizing or leasing such properties by offering the incentive to the private sectors in the budget. These sectors would then have the initiative to contribute in offsetting the deficit.”

“The government should not impose higher taxes, but to increase their spending and create an active economy in order to generate more revenue. For example, there were remarks on resuming Real Property Gains Tax (RPGT). Gavin thinks the government should not reintroduce it as it will heavily slow down the property transactions and affect the stamp duty revenue. The loss of stamp duty could be higher than the collection of RPGT. Furthermore, imposing RPGT will have a negative impact to the real estate market. The decrease in property prices will seriously yet again lower down the collection of stamp duty.”

In addition, Gavin proposed to waive the stamp duty for properties valued at RM300,000 and below, particularly in the city centre as a medium-low cost property in the city costs around that amount.

“Lastly, we should promote the tourism sector or more specifically into the tourism related properties. Malaysia is rich with resources to promote and attract international players. The government must emphasize on promoting this sector by developing resorts, tourism and hospitality related properties. This will lead ultimately to less dependence on the exports and manufacturing industries, which are more competitive in the world market.”

“We hope the government would indeed stress a key emphasis and inject a much needed stimulus to these proposed areas.”

Monday, 12 October 2009

Why Americans are Jobless .... hahaha...

A nice article while you have a cup of Tea from Richard:

John Smith started the day early
having set his alarm clock (MADE IN JAPAN) for 6 a.m.
While his coffeepot (MADE IN CHINA) was perking,
he shaved with his electric razor (MADE IN PHILIPPINES).

He put on a dress shirt (MADE IN SRI LANKA),
designer jeans (MADE IN SINGAPORE)
and tennis shoes (MADE IN VIETNAM).

After cooking his breakfast in his new electric skillet (MADE IN INDIA),
then he sat down with his calculator (MADE IN MEXICO)
to see how much he could spend today.

After setting his watch (MADE IN TAIWAN)
to the radio (MADE IN INDIA),
he got in his car (MADE IN GERMANY)
filled it with GAS (from Saudi Arabia)
and continued his search for a good paying AMERICAN JOB.

At the end of yet another discouraging and fruitless day
checking his computer (MADE IN MALAYSIA),
John decided to relax for a while.

He put on his sandals (MADE IN BRAZIL)
poured himself a glass of wine (MADE IN FRANCE)
and turned on his TV (MADE IN KOREA),

and then wondered why he can't find a good paying job in AMERICA.
AND NOW HE'S HOPING HE CAN GET HELP FROM A PRESIDENT MADE IN KENYA.

Saturday, 3 October 2009

Gavin Reckons the Worst in Real Estate is Definitely Over


It was truly a sight to see at Menara Hap Seng on the 26th of September, where investors from all over came to participate at Gavin Tee’s passionate seminar on
“Is the Worst Over? In High End Condo Market? – KLCC Area”

Gavin Tee, brand as SwhengTee, a renowned real estate investment consultant, providing the seminar in both English & Chinese (2 Sessions), the participants were able to grasp the information presented intently. Topics like “The Impact of Cross Border Investments & Urbanization to the KLCC Market”, “5 Star KL Condos and 5 Star Developers”, and “Location Location Location is Wrong Wrong Wrong” drew special attention as Gavin pointed out clearly and confidently that the Worst is Truly Over.

While many are still concerned with the impact of the economic downturn, the facts that were presented were simply overwhelming. The indications all point out to the potential and rise of the Asia Property Market compared to the Western Nations. Further facts led to the belief that Kuala Lumpur and the Malaysian market is far below its true potential and there is plenty opportunities to tap into this lucrative market.

We learnt that a price drop is normally due to oversupply and speculation and overall AN Adjustment. Smart Investors must understand that Disorder and Dislocated is just another reflection on the buying opportunities. Unfortunately, as pointed out by Gavin, only 5% of the market see these opportunities as only a handful are prepared and educated enough to make the firm and accurate decisions whilst the rest go on a
“people buy, I buy” concept.

Overall, this Property Seminar was a huge success and ultimately satisfying, leaving the investors awaiting for the next upcoming event at KLCC Convention Centre with the topic

“Profiting from My First Property Purchase” on the 11th of October.
Not to be missed by first time buyers or those who wish to treat every property purchase as their first one.

Wednesday, 16 September 2009

You can not multiply wealth by dividing it

An email from friend of mine really touches my heart. Just to share, we do not need to agree on it.

An economics professor at a local college made a statement that hehad never failed a single student before,but had once failed an entire class.
--------------------------------------------

That class had insisted that Obama's socialism worked and that no one would be poor and no one would be rich, a great equalizer.

The professor then said, "OK,we will have an experiment in this class on Obama's plan".

All grades would be averaged and everyone would receive the same grade so no one would fail and no one would receive an A.

After the first test, the grades were averaged and everyone got a B.The students who studied hard were upset and the students who studied little were happy.

As the second test rolled around, the students who studied littlehad studied even less and the ones who studied hard decided they wanted a free ride too so they studied little.The second test average was a D!No one was happy.

When the 3rd test rolled around, the average was an F.The scores never increased as bickering, blame and name-calling all resulted in hard feelings and no one would study for the benefit of anyone else.

All failed, to their great surprise, and the professor told them that socialism would also ultimately fail because when the reward is great,the effort to succeed is great but when government takes all thereward away, no one will try or want to succeed.

Could not be any simpler than that.If somebody is unable to understand THIS explanation, I have seriousdoubts about their ability to even function in society, much less runour country!

As the late Adrian Rogers said, "you cannot multiply wealth by dividing it..."Professor is a Genius

Smokers.....


Sunday, 23 August 2009

find out " is the worst over?" in Real Estate Investment with Gavin Tee

Is the WORST over for Real Estate Investment?


.......................
According to Gavin, The WORST in property is going to be over SOON. It is the best time for you to invest or you may miss the boat .For more details, please attend "SwhengTee Property Talk", Tailor-made by Gavin Tee .

For more detail, please log in http://www.swhengtee.com.my/ or contact 016-2020 001, 03-7983 0103 or email to swhengtee@yahoo.com. you may also download the registration form below to participate.

Monday, 3 August 2009

SEVEN DON`T AFTER A MEAL

SEVEN DON`T AFTER A MEAL

·Do not smoke after a meal! Experiments from experts prove that smoking a cigarette after a meal is comparable to smoking TEN cigarettes (Chances of CANCER are higher).

·Do not eat fruits immediately after meals. It will bloat your stomach. Therefore have your fruits one or two hours before or after meals.

·Do not drink tea after a meal as tea leaves contain a high content of acid. This substance will cause the protein content in the food we consume to be hardened; making it difficult to digest.

·Do not loosen your belt after eating. Loosening the belt after a meal can cause intestinal problems.

·Do not bathe after eating. Bathing will cause the increase of blood flow to the hands, legs and body, therefore causing the amount of blood around the stomach to decrease. This will weaken the digestive system in our stomach.

·Do not walk after a meal. Walking immediately after a meal will make it difficult for the digestive system to absorb the nutrition from the food we eat. Wait at least an hour after your meal and then walk if you want to.

· Do not sleep immediately. The intake of food will not be able to digest properly, therefore leading to gastro-intestinal problems.

email from friend

Sunday, 26 July 2009

bloggers against ISA

A message left in m.y Chinese Medium Blog http://www.shuixinglang.blogspot.com/
Here is the extraction :

理大前进阵线 said...

你好,8月1日在吉隆坡有废除内安法令大型集会,如果你支持废除内安法令请把以下的内容放在你的部落格帮忙宣传吧,谢谢( There will be an assembly Against ISA in KL on 1st August 2009 )

(spfusm@gmail.com)---------
Date: 1 August 2009



If you support MANSUH, please put the above picture at your blog
July 26, 2009 3:27 AM