Join Australia’s leading property investment professionals now and become a PIPA member
Be recognised as an ethical, professional property investment specialist in your field by joining the Property Investment Professionals of Australia.
PIPA is the peak professional association for all practitioners engaged within any aspect of the property investment industry.
Whether you;re a mortgage broker, financial planner, accountant, real estate agent or property manager, if you or your business plays any part in the property investment process, recognition as a trusted specialist will set you apart from the competition in the eyes of consumers.
PIPA’s ‘Property Spruiker’ advertising campaign seeks to warn Australian property investors about the dangers of unscrupulous operators and highlight the high standards of professionalism PIPA members offer.
Who is PIPA?
The Property Investment Professionals of Australia (PIPA) is a not-for-profit association established by industry practitioners with the objective of representing and raising the professional standards of all operators involved within property investment.
Since its inception, PIPA has developed codes of ethics and conduct as well as professional standards of accreditation and education for the property investment industry, including its unique Property Investment Adviser Accreditation course.
PIPA is actively lobbying the federal government to bring property investment advice into a regulatory framework. Until such regulation is introduced, PIPA strives to provide the public with warnings and guidance about working with ethical and professional industry practitioners and continues to advocate best practice across the property investment industry.
PIPA is the peak professional association for all practitioners engaged within any aspect of the property investment industry. Whether you’re a mortgage broker, financial planner, accountant, real estate agent or property manager, if you or your business plays any part in the property investment process, recognition as a trusted specialist will set you apart from the competition in the eyes of consumers.
Why should property investment be regulated?
Unlike other asset classes such as shares, property is not recognised as a ‘financial product’ by ASIC and remains without any regulatory framework. This means that anyone is free to potentially provide property investment advice without any qualifications or credentials or even genuine experience.
The danger this poses is significant, given that property is often the most expensive type of transaction an investor can enter into. (In December 2013 the median Australian house price sat at $557,556 (Australian Property Monitors, February 2014).)
The lack of regulation is even more disquieting given the emerging interest in property investment via self-managed super funds. Poor investment decisions within a SMSF pose very real concerns for the retirements of potentially millions of Australians.
In addition to providing the required protections for innocent consumers, property regulation is also in the best interests of the Australian economy. The property industry underpins Australia in three key facts: employment and economic growth,the provision of shelter and its potential to support Australians to generate wealth and finance their retirements.
Failure to appropriately govern the property investment industry could see substantial financial fall-outs, with severe consequences for the Australian economy.
Why should property investors look for PIPA members?
In an unregulated market place, the PIPA logo offers consumers confidence that they are dealing with a property professional.
PIPA members must meet minimum education and accreditation standards as well as complete compulsory professional development annually, so investors can be certain they are dealing with a property professional with the highest standards of education.
In addition to qualifications, PIPA members adhere to a strict code of conduct and disclosure policy, underpinning their commitment to ethical practices and ensuring investors are well informed of all payment processes and any commission arrangements.
Who can become a PIPA member?
PIPA members are not only property investment advisers. Membership is open to any professionals whose business operations form part of the property investment process. Our members include:
PIPA members subscribe to a voluntary Code of Conduct, which ensures integrity, disclosure and excellence of service.
Membership is ideal for any practitioners who wish to highlight their expertise in working with property investors and is an indication of best practice, positioning members as ethical, trustworthy practitioners.
For property investment advisers in particular, membership supports ethical professionals to stand apart from unscrupulous operators, in an industry without any regulatory framework.
PIPA also offers property advisers the only diploma level qualified property investment adviser course in Australia.
Compliance with PIPA’s Code of Conduct will ensure PIPA members will be ahead of the game, once regulation of property investment is in place.
You can find out more about the benefits of becoming a PIPA member by clicking here
What is QPIA?
PIPA’s Qualified Property Investment Adviser accreditation is a diploma level accreditation program for professionals wishing to develop their career in property investment advice.
The course is ideal for both new entrants to the industry, as well as existing industry participants, looking to perfect their knowledge and skills and receive endorsement for their expertise.
The course takes a blended approach to assessment, consisting of an exam and an assignment for each module. The course has a flexible, self-paced structure, which enables professionals to complete the six modules at a suitable pace.
PIPA also recognises professionals’ existing skills and will consider applications for recognition of prior learning.
PIPA recognises the need for all QPIA® Individuals to obtain and maintain current industry specific knowledge.
The Compulsory Professional Development (“CPD”) program has been designed to enable QPIA® Individuals to update and keep current their knowledge and skills in the areas of industry developments, legislative change and work practices. The aims of the CPD program are to:
Increase levels of consumer protection and public confidence;
Promote professionalism across the property investing industry; and
Improve the knowledge and skills of Property Investment Advisers
All CPD activities must have an educational outcome and be industry specific, with suitable activities including
training courses, seminars, workshops and distance education courses. The CPD program operates on an annual basis with 25 points of CPD activity to be accumulated.
PIPA is fast becoming the benchmark which consumers seek to give them confidence that their adviser or property professional is educated and subscribes to a Code of Conduct. Once regulation is in place, PIPA members will be ready for compliance and have an industry leader behind them.
PIPA can offer guidance to its members in many areas, and also provides the only ‘diploma level’ qualified property investment adviser course available today. This course results in the acquisition of the exclusive post nominals QPIA® (Qualified Property Investment Adviser).
Peter Koulizos, the Chair of the Association, has recorded a message about becoming a member of PIPA:
What level of membership should I choose?
PIPA has several levels of membership available:
INDIVIDUAL – for businesses operating as sole traders, t/as and/or partnership
CORPORATE – for an entity of a company or corporate nature
For businesses, who are not sole traders, you should count the number of staff and choose the Corporate level of membership which applies. Only sole traders may apply for individual membership, so if you are an adviser who works for someone else, your company will need to hold the membership.
In all cases of individual or corporate membership who wish to be included in the Property Investment Adviser category, at least one person must be nominated to complete the QIPA® accreditation. We suggest, however that all advisers should hold this qualification.
QUALIFIED PROPERTY INVESTMENT ADVISER (QPIA®)– Any PIPA member may work toward obtaining the Qualified Property Investment Adviser industry award which carries the post nominal QPIA®. This post nominal is owned by PIPA and made available for the exclusive use of anyone who is a current member under one of the above full membership categories and who satisfy the following criteria;
successfully completes the PIPA Accreditation Program;
demonstrate a minimum of 2 years experience (within the last 5 years) in property or financial services industries; and
completes compulsory professional development requirements annually
The accreditation belongs to the individual and is subject to satisfying the annual CPD requirements. QPIA® accredited individuals must be an employee, director or individual proprietor of a nominated entity who is a full financial member of PIPA to retain their QPIA® accreditation. QPIA® annual fees are in addition to other full membership categories for the nominated entity (individuals in transit between employers, businesses or otherwise must make application to PIPA to retain QPIA® accreditation).
QPIA® accredited individuals may use the QPIA® logo to distinguish themselves
How much does it cost to be a member?
Membership Level
Membership Fee
(per annum)
Classifications
Individuals
Sole Trader/Individual
$250.00
1 Category
1 Individual listed
Corporate 1-10 (total staff)
$595.00
Up to 2 categories
Up to 2 individuals listed
Corporate 11-20 (total staff)
$1,100.00
Up to 4 categories
Up to 4 individuals listed
Corporate 21-50 (total staff)
$2,200.00
Up to 6 categories
Up to 6 individuals listed
Corporate 51-100 (total staff)
$4,400.00
Up to 8 categories
Up to 8 individuals listed
Corporate 100+ (total staff)
$6,600.00
Up to 10 categories
Up to 10 indviduals listed
Additional Fees (website search feature)
$150.00 per
Additional category or
additional business location
under same category
Additional individual listing
QPIA Membership
$195.00
How do I apply?
Once you have determine the suitable membership level please click here to complete a membership application form. Please make sure you have uploaded or emailed to info@pipa.asn.au all of the required supporting documentation. Membership applications received without all this documentation cannot be processed.
What information do I need to provide?
You will need to provide PIPA with the following:
A completed application form;
Personal Details Sheet for ALL Directors;
Personal Details Sheet for Nominated Person, if applying for the Property Investment Advisers category;
Completed and signed Declaration and Privacy Consent forms;
All Documentation demonstrating how all fees and commissions are disclosed to prospective clients, including disclosure of all related fees and commissions paid to all related or interested parties Note: PIPA is not seeking to understand the amounts of these commissions – this is private and commercial in confidence, PIPA just wants to a record of the documentation provided to the prospective client you are seeking to professionally service
A copy of your Professional Indemnity insurance policy which covers your activities as stated on the application form;
A copy of appropriate ID (eg drivers licence); and
Payment of required fee.
Can I display the PIPA logo?
Upon successful application, you will be provided with the PIPA logo. The member business, company or sole trader will be able to display this logo on marketing material, business stationery, website, and presentation material.
Can I display the QPIA® logo once I am a member?
You may only display the QPIA® logo once you have applied for and been granted the QPIA® award. Unauthorised use of the QPIA® logo or claim to the award is not permitted.
Who approves the membership application?
Your application is processed by the Secretary of PIPA and either approved or rejected by the PIPA Board of Directors.
What happens if my application is rejected?
You may appeal the rejection by making a written submission to the PIPA Board of Directors within 30 days of being notified of the status of your application.
How long does it take to process an application?
You should allow between 7 and 14 days for your membership application to be processed.
PIPA Accreditation Program
Becoming a QPIA
Property Investment Professionals of Australia (PIPA) has developed the PIPA Accreditation Program, a professional industry award, to address the need for professionals in the property investment industry and related industries to be appropriately qualified to give advice in property investment.
PIPA is committed to the development of industry standards in property investment advice. It has developed the Accreditation Program as the first step in quality education for all those involved in giving property investment advice to retail property investors.
The Accreditation Program has been aligned with the Financial Services Reform (FSR) provisions of the Corporations Act and with ASIC Regulatory Guide 146 training requirements for regulated financial services.
This program has been developed as an industry benchmark of knowledge and skills for all those professionals in industries involved with property investment and for individuals wishing to develop a career in property investment advising.
How is the course delivered?
This program is an Industry Accreditation Program, consisting of six modules, each containing seven -ten topics. Each module is provided via documents which are downloaded via our website.
Assessment is a blended approach, consisting of an exam and an assignment for each module, plus a skills assessment as a third assessment component of Module 6.
Each module is designed to be studied at your own pace, with a time limit to complete each module of 6 months from the date of enrolment. Modules should be studied in sequence from Module 1 to Module 6 – that is, later modules will assume that you have already completed the earlier ones. Participants who successfully complete the program and satisfy PIPA criteria will be entitled to use the post-nominal “QPIA®” (Qualified Property Investment Adviser).
What is the cost and duration of the course?
You may order modules as you require them. Once despatched, you will be provided with six calendar months to complete your module.
Fees are:
Module One $795.00
Module Two – Six $495.00 each module
Total program fee $3,270.00
OR
Order and pay for all modules in advance to obtain a discount;
Modules one – six $2,945.00
All fees include GST
Do you have exemptions for recognised prior learning?
PIPA recognises your prior learning and experience and is happy to consider your application for Recognition of Prior Learning.
As an organisation created by members for the benefit of members, PIPA lobbies on your behalf for regulation and improvements in the property investment profession.
MEDIA
Your industry voice
Through regular comment in the media, PIPA works to build the reputation of the property investment sector and increase the standing of property investment professionals in the community.
WEBINARS
The information you need, on demand
PIPA hosts quarterly webinars to give members the information they need to succeed.
COMMUNICATION
Research and industry news at it happens
PIPA publishes a range of communications that give members access to relevant and up-to-date information about the property investment sector and the current market environment:
BMT Tax Depreciation specialises in maximising depreciation deductions for investment property owners Australia-wide.
Every investment property owner should have a tax depreciation schedule completed. The schedule outlines the deductions an investor is entitled to claim for the wear and tear which occurs to the building structure and the plant and equipment assets it contains.
Owners of new and old properties can benefit from depreciation. While those who own newer properties will general be able to claim higher deductions, older properties still contain deductions which are worth enquiring about.
By taking advantage of depreciation, investment property owners can claim thousands of dollars every year in their tax return.
PIPA members are entitled to a special reduced fee of $715 including GST when they order a BMT Tax Depreciation Schedule.
Click here to request a quote or discuss the depreciation potential of any investment property with one of BMT’s expert staff by phoning 1300 728 726.
DEPRECIATION CALCULATOR
The BMT Tax Depreciation calculator is a useful tool for property investors, Accountants and property professionals to accurately estimate the potential property depreciation deductions available on an investment property. This calculator is based on data gained from 20 years of identifying depreciable items within a building and calculating construction costs for thousands of depreciation schedules; ensuring all estimates are accurate.
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PIPA has developed a property investment adviser accreditation course which is industry relevant for today’s advisers.
Overseen and administered by the PIPA Board, who are all experienced practitioners, the course both prepares new advisers for the role they are to undertake and upgrades the knowledge of existing industry participants to ensure that they are operating within state and federal regulatory requirements.
PIPA believes that an industry association award which achieves as a minimum the equivalent of a diploma level qualifications is a crucial requirement for all property investment advisers.
The PIPA Accreditation course has now become more flexible, allowing you to complete your education at your own pace. The semester based approach has now made way for a self-paced style of learning whereby you choose the time frames in which you access the course.
You can order your modules at any time and as long as you complete each module within 6 months of its date of issue, complete it as you have the time to do so.
This course results in the acquisition of the exclusive post nominals QPIA® (Qualified Property Investment Adviser).
Investing in property has been a method of wealth creation for Australians over many years. The process of assisting an investor to acquire property as an investment can be seen as Property Investment Advising. While the Property Investment Advice Industry is not regulated, there exists an accepted framework within which advisers and property professionals should operate to ensure the property investor’s experience is a positive one.
A Qualified Property Investment Adviser (QPIA®) is an essential partner for property investors, helping you to make well-considered, strategic property investment decisions.
A QPIA® can work with you to build a personalised, long-term property investment plan, that not only meets your needs and goals today, but builds the right foundation to ensure you meet your future goals and aspirations too.
Furthermore, a property investment adviser can explain the risks associated with investing and ensure your investment plan matches your risk profile.
A qualified property investment plan will usually offer recommendations for investment supported by clear evidence and reasoning as well as guidance around anticipated performance, in terms of capital growth and rental income projections.
Many people might claim to be property investment advisers, but actually are not, so be sure to look for a QPIA®.
QPIA®’s adhere to a strict Code of Conduct and only a QPIA® has the appropriate formal qualifications to provide genuine property investment advice.
Remember, good advice can make all the difference between an average property investment and a thriving one.
There are many professionals who can hold this qualification. Here we outline the services you can expect from personal advisers and property advisers.
Positives of Property Investing
Provides a potential return in the form of income via rents and growth via increases in market value
Tax benefits can be obtained through depreciation, negative gearing and other deductions such as maintenance and insurance costs
As a long term investment the asset can be passed through an estate to form an inheritance for children, although there are considerable CGT considerations
Income from rents in the long term may assist with other form of retirement planning
There exists an established and regulated market place for its resale
Historical performance of capital growth has been documented
It is available for gearing, and is well accepted as security for borrowing from most lenders, at higher loan to value ratios than other investment vehicles
It has shown much lower volatility than other vehicles with a relatively stable value
More than twenty-five per cent of home accommodation in Australia is rented, with 23 per cent being provided by private landlords, suggesting a demand for this type of investment
Negatives of Property Investing
Long term investment – the investment needs to be held for a long period of time
No trial period – Once an agreement is entered into and contracts are signed, any change of heart will involve the whole sale process including disposal costs and legal fees
Illiquidity – property is relatively illiquid and can take time to sell
Direct responsibilities – property managers are essential unless you can manage your own investments, in which case you will need to understand your commitments in this regard
Costs – such as land tax and capital gains tax upon sale can impact greatly on the actual returns
BMT Tax Depreciation specialises in maximising depreciation deductions for investment property owners Australia-wide.
