The RP Data-Rismark June Hedonic Home Value Index has revealed capital city dwellings experienced an increase in value of 3.8 per cent for the 2013 financial year.

The passage of the amendments to the excess contributions tax regime through the Senate has received support from the SMSF Professionals’ Association of Australia (SPAA).

Advisers could use several strategies in situations where SMSF trustees decide to leave the country to avoid their fund becoming a non-Australian superannuation fund.

SMSF trustees need to examine advice concerning the inclusion of property through the use of gearing in their funds as the implementation of fee-for-service remuneration structures takes place, according to a specialist financial services lawyer.

SMSF trustees may change their strategies governing when they are in accumulation phase or pension phase as a result of the proposed legislative change affecting earnings from assets supporting income streams, according to a specialist lawyer in the sector.

AMP Capital has launched a website with the specific purpose of educating SMSF investors about portfolio diversification, providing information on asset classes other than the traditionally favoured areas of domestic equities, direct property and cash.

The new legislation introduced by the federal government last week dealing with excess concessional contributions tax (ECT) should encourage SMSF trustees to revise their strategies, according to an SMSF expert.

Specialist legal firm SMSF Law has launched a highly detailed compliance checklist for SMSF trustees.

There were many opportunities and alternatives for SMSFs entering into transactions with related parties, however, it was critical for advisers to be aware of the risks and the possible breaches they would need to manage.