Glossary

appraisal A report that includes an estimation of the sale price of a property. Appraisals are compiled by real estate salespeople and agents, generally at no charge. They cannot be used in court if there is a dispute.

appreciation The increase in value of assets.

asset An investment which is expected to provide you with a return, whether it is capital growth, income or both.

Australian real estate investment trust (A-REIT) An REIT listed on the Australian Securities Exchange. See also real estate investment trust.

Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) The government organisation that acts as a corporate regulator and oversees the operations of companies and financial markets in Australia.

balance sheet An important financial summary of a company at a point in time, particularly at the end of a financial year, which forms part of the company’s annual report. It shows the company’s assets, liabilities and capital.

bear market A market in which share prices are generally falling over time.

blue-chip share A company that is considered to have the strongest fundamentals compared with the rest of the sharemarket. These are often companies in the top 50 by market capitalisation. These are usually seen as relatively safe and secure share investments.

body corporate A body made up of all the owners of a group of units, flats or apartments in a strata or community title property. Its task is to manage the common property and oversee the common areas ...

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