The Australian property market is showing signs of change.
CoreLogic data reveals a -0.1% drop in national home values in December 2024 which is the first decline in nearly two years.
However, it’s important to recognise the diversity in Australia’s property markets. For example, Adelaide, Perth and Brisbane have shown strong growth whilst Melbourne, Hobart and the ACT are seeing declines. Sydney has held steady.
With up to three rate cuts predicted for 2025 and more properties expected to hit the market early in the year, now is the time to get your finances in order. Being prepared ensures you can act quickly when the right property becomes available.
Be Ready To Act
Allan Hall Finance specialises in helping buyers navigate the financial landscape. We offer free consultations to discuss your financial situation, come up with structures tailored to your needs and help you prepare for the opportunities ahead.
The Beecraft SurfAid Cup Manly 2024 was a perfect blend of sunny skies, community spirit, and unwavering dedication to a life-changing cause.
This is one of Allan Hall’s major community fundraising efforts on our calendar.
With nine teams battling it out, the event raised an outstanding $51,810 to support SurfAid’s programs, which provide healthcare, clean water, and nutrition to isolated communities in Indonesia and the Solomon Islands.
While the waves were on the smaller end of the scale, that didn’t stop competitors putting on a display of epic proportions. Spectators cheered along the shoreline, creating an electric atmosphere that highlighted the camaraderie and energy that defines the annual event.
Team Allan Hall/Big Hill Beach Cottages stood out this year, taking home the Fundraising Champions Award by raising an impressive $11,029.
Beecraft, the event’s dedicated naming sponsor for five years, clinched the Surf Champions title in a thrilling final.
The presentation and after-party at the Harbord Hotel was a wonderful way to cap off the events of the day, and reflect on the amazing work that SurfAid provides to remote communities in need.
Isabelle from SurfAid added:
“Allan Hall Business Advisors are an extraordinary partner and a true champion of SurfAid’s mission to improve the health, wellbeing, and resilience of remote communities connected to us through surfing. Their unwavering commitment to our cause is evident through their long-standing participation in the SurfAid Cup Manly, where they consistently raise incredible funds year after year to support our work.”
“This year, Allan Hall was proudly crowned the SurfAid Cup Manly’s Fundraising Champions, raising over $11,000 to support our programs and continuing their remarkable tradition of generosity and dedication. Their ability to rally their community and inspire others to support SurfAid’s vital work is a true testament to their spirit and determination to make a meaningful difference, far beyond the professional services they provide each day.”
“We are incredibly fortunate to have such a professional, community-driven organisation by our side. Allan Hall’s support enables us to create lasting, positive change in the communities we serve, and we are deeply grateful for their partnership. Thank you for your tireless efforts and for being such a vital part of SurfAid’s mission!”
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who surfed, donated and celebrated with us. We look forward to next year’s event and another unforgettable day of surf, sun and giving back to the communities that need it most.
About the Beecraft SurfAid Cup Manly
The funds raised from the 2024 Beecraft SurfAid Cup will have a lasting impact, helping SurfAid continue its work in remote villages where access to clean water, healthcare and nutritional education is limited. These resources play a pivotal role in breaking cycles of malnutrition and preventable illness, empowering communities to create healthier futures for themselves. Read more »
Allan Hall Business Advisors proudly announces our partnership with LocalKind, a Northern Beaches community support organisation focusing on a mission to build connections, strengthen the community and foster future well-being by providing accessible support that is responsive to the community’s needs.
LocalKind relies on financial support to sustain vital operations. Recognising the importance of investing in a resilient local economy, Allan Hall has stepped forward as a gold-level supporter of LocalKind.
We are thrilled to partner with LocalKind to help support their homeless outreach and drop-in services and sponsor their range of family services and, in doing so, strengthen our ties with our local community,” said Director Mark Shepherd.
“Our support reflects our firm belief in the importance of collective action and investing in initiatives that uplift and empower those in need.”
“This collaboration aims to bolster LocalKind’s efforts in providing essential services to those in need within our local community.”
LocalKind added, “We’re proud to introduce another LocalKind of business, Allan Hall Business Advisors, whose financial support will fuel our work in providing no-strings-attached kind services to the community.”
Allan Hall Business Advisors has retained their Top 50 position in the Australian Financial Review’s Top 100 Accountants Survey for 2023.
In a testament to unwavering commitment to excellence, Allan Hall Business Advisors has proudly held its position as one of Australia’s leading accounting firms in the Australian Financial Review’s Top 100 Accountants survey.
Securing an impressive #45 ranking, Allan Hall continues to stand tall among the accounting sector, reaffirming its status as a trusted and reliable partner for businesses and individuals alike.
Having a Top 50 ranking is more than just a number; it represents over 60 years of dedicated service and expertise. Since inception, Allan Hall has been resolute in providing high-quality accounting and business advisory services, consistently adapting to the evolving financial landscape and delivering value to clients.
What sets Allan Hall apart is not just longevity, but also the breadth of services available and the calibre of staff. The firm’s range of services goes beyond traditional accounting, encompassing financial planning, business advisory, self-managed super funds, home loans and more. This holistic approach to client service reflects Allan Hall’s understanding that modern businesses require comprehensive solutions to thrive.
The strength of Allan Hall lies not only in its services but also in its people. The team comprises seasoned professionals who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. Their dedication to being across industry trends ensures that clients receive advice that is not only reliable but also forward-thinking.
Beyond the professional achievements, Allan Hall’s #45 ranking also reflects an extensive involvement in the Northern Beaches community, with commitment to giving back and actively participating in local initiatives that align with Allan Hall’s values.
Allan Hall was named Business Advisory Firm of the Year at the 2023 Australian Accounting Awards and also Best Business Advisory Firm by the 2023 Beaton Client Choice Awards. These accolades reflect Allan Hall’s consistent dedication to innovation, client service and community involvement.
Allan Hall wins Business Advisory Firm of the Year at the 2023 Australian Accounting Awards
Allan Hall Business Advisors is proud to announce that it has been awarded the prestigious title of Business Advisory Firm of the Year at the 2023 Australian Accounting Awards.
Allan Hall has continued to excel in its commitment to supporting and servicing clients.
Director Scott Jago expressed his delight at receiving this esteemed accolade.
“Receiving this award creates a sense of achievement and deep satisfaction, validating that Allan Hall is on the right path,” he said.
Allan Hall’s success can be attributed to its ‘One Allan Hall’ multiservice approach, which provides clients with a comprehensive range of services under one roof. Recognising that clients desire more than just compliance-related assistance, the firm has continuously adapted and expanded its service offerings, ensuring it remains well-positioned to give clients what they want.
This notable recognition reaffirms Allan Hall’s dedication to delivering exceptional business advisory services and its ongoing commitment to supporting small and medium-sized businesses across Sydney’s Northern Beaches and beyond.
In addition to this recent accolade, Allan Hall was also named Multiservice Firm of the Year and SMSF Firm of the Year Finalists in 2023. The firm’s previous achievements include being named the Best Business Advisory Firm by the 2023 Beaton Client Choice Awards and winning the Australian Accounting Awards for Wellness Program of the Year (2022) and Firm of the Year (2021). These accolades reflect Allan Hall’s consistent dedication to innovation, client service and community involvement.
Allan Hall named a Top 100 Accounting Firm by Australian Financial Review (AFR)
Brookvale accountants and business advisers Allan Hall have made the Australian Financial Review’s (AFR) Top 100 Accountants list for another year!
Allan Hall are award-winning Chartered Accountants and specialist business advisors. With nine Directors and around 90 staff, Allan Hall has become one of Australia’s largest non-CBD integrated firms offering tax, accounting and compliance plus a range business advisory services.
Allan Hall has carved a reputation for creating opportunity and growth that positively impacts staff, clients and the local Northern Beaches community with a focus on technology improvements.
The results speak for themselves, with Allan Hall clients recommending the firm for three Client Choice Awards in April. Then in June the Allan Hall team were recognised with a Wellness Program of the Year win at the Australian Accounting Awards.
This year, Allan Hall is one of only 18 ‘Top 100’ independent Sydney accounting firms to make the cut, ranked again in the top 50. Director Scott Jago said they were thrilled once again to be recognised amongst the very best accounting firms in the country.
“This is a culmination of hard work, perseverance, a dynamic director group, wonderful staff and, very importantly, great clients.”
About the AFR Top 100 Accounting Firms
Each year the AFR surveys Australian public practice accountants and compiles their rank of top-performing firms across the country. The AFR invites comment on financial performance and demographic changes over the past year, along with other business and economic-related questions. This year the AFR survey focussed on workforce issues, regulatory red tape and the challenges of running a business.
Review the AFR’s Top 100 Accounting Firms 2022 here — please note this is subscriber-only content.
NSW Small Business and Primary Producer recovery grants
Grants extended for small business and primary producers to communities impacted by summer storms
The Australian and New South Wales governments have extended Small Business and Primary Producer recovery grants to help residents impacted by a number of significant storm and flood events that occurred from October 2021 to March 2022.
Key points
The $50,000 grants for small businesses and non-profit organisations will be extended to the Northern Beaches LGA impacted by a severe storm on 19 December 2021
The $50,000 Recovery Grant Program for primary producers and small businesses impacted by storms and floods in November and December 2021 has been extended to Albury, Bland, Goulburn Mulwaree, Greater Hume, Griffith, Hilltops, Narrandera and Temora – all of which were impacted by the Southern NSW storms and floods from 5 January 2022 onwards
Lithgow LGA was impacted by the severe storm on 11 January 2022 and is also eligible for the $50,000 Primary Producer Recovery Grants and the Small Business Recovery Grants
The Coffs Harbour LGA impacted by severe weather on 20 October 2021 will also be eligible for Small Business Recovery Grants.
Support is designed to provide targeted short-term assistance to help flood-affected communities bounce back from catastrophic floods.
The extension is provided under Category D of the jointly-funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) and is designed to offer equal access to small businesses, primary producers and not-for-profits the tools they need to clean up, rebuild and keep operating.
Anyone in NSW who has suffered as a result of storms and floods this summer is encouraged to contact Service NSW and find out what you are eligible for or call 13 77 88.
Please liaise with the relevant agencies directly and contact us if you require support in making an application for funding.
Donate now to help make a difference to this very worthy cause
The anticipation is rising as the Allan Hall Business Advisors surfing squad (alongside our good friends at the Big Hill Beach Cottages in Crescent Head), are preparing to hit the surf and participate in the annual SurfAid Cup surfing contest.
Our 2020 winning team of Rob Bain, Greg Anderson, Jake Somerville and Billy Bain will be surfing for us again this year with a goal of doing us proud and taking out the championship.
SurfAid is a non-profit humanitarian organisation that works alongside some of the world’s most isolated and vulnerable communities to bring about positive and sustainable health and well-being changes.
The organisation is dedicated to enriching lives, and increasing people’s choices and possibilities for realising their potential. If you would like to find out more about SurfAid and their work, please click here.
The organisation relies on donations to continue improving the health, wellbeing and resilience of remote communities throughout the world.
On 26 November, Allan Hall with Big Hill Beach Cottages will be competing and raising funds for SurfAid. When you support our fundraising you give people in remote communities connected to us through surfing a hand up, rather than a handout.
From all of us at Allan Hall Business Advisors, we thank you for your generous support. We understand that you would be asked to donate to a lot of fundraising drives and can’t give to all, so we truly appreciate any donation you can spare to this very worthy cause, because together we will make a difference!
The eligibility for JobSaver has been released and is expected to be open for applications from 26 July 2021. The program objective is to help businesses save jobs to support the economy after restrictions are lifted.
JobSaver will provide cash flow support for impacted businesses that will receive a backdated fortnightlypayment to cover costs from week 4 (18 July) of the Greater Sydney lockdown, onwards.
Businesses that have applied and are eligible for the 2021 COVID-19 business grant will generally be automatically eligible for JobSaver but must provide further information on employee headcount and payroll. These businesses may be contacted by Service NSW if further information is required.
Some businesses that are not eligible for the 2021 COVID-19 business grant are still eligible provided they meet specific criteria. These businesses will be required to complete an application form.
Available funding
Fortnightly payments backdated to cover costs incurred from week-4 of the Greater Sydney lockdown (from 18 July). Once eligible, fortnightly payments will be automatic and businesses will not need to re-apply but must notify Service NSW if they are not maintaining their headcount that they had on 13 July. First payment backdated to 18 July.
Minimum payment of $1,500 per week and maximum of $10,000 per week equivalent to 40% of Weekly Payroll for work performed in NSW.
Non-employing businesses will receive $1,000 per week.
The Weekly Payroll amount will be worked out by reference to the W1 amount reported on the most recent activity statement lodged with the ATO prior to 26 June 2021. For most businesses this will be either the March 2021 BAS (for quarterly withholders) or the May 2021 IAS (for monthly withholders). Amounts withheld on behalf of contractors and wages not related to NSW should be removed.
Weekly Payroll Calculation– Take amount at W1 subtractW1 amounts that relate to states other than NSW subtractamounts withheld on behalf of contractors. The remaining amount is then divided by the number of days in the BAS period (depends on quarterly or monthly lodgment) and multiplied by 7. This will give the Weekly Payroll amount.
The weekly payment (paid fortnightly) will be calculated as 40% of the amount calculated above as the Weekly Payroll amount.
Example
As an example, a business that lodged a W1 amount of $20,000 on their May Activity Statement (so a monthly withholder – assume only NSW wages and no contractors):
W1 = $20,000
Weekly Payroll – $20,000 divided by 31 days multiplied by 7 days
Weekly Payroll equals $4,516
Weekly Payment – $4,516 x 40%
Weekly Payment equals $1,806
This business would receive a payment of $3,612 per fortnight
Note: A quarterly withholder would likely use the March 2021 BAS and 90 days rather than 31 days in the above example.
Businesses that do not submit a BAS (such as weekly withholders) or have no W1 amount should use the ATO definition of W1 to calculate total wages. Then apply the same method as above.
Eligibility criteria
Must have an ABN and operating in NSW at 1 June 2021. There are some exemptions if you have an ABN outside NSW but can demonstrate you operated within NSW at 1 June 2021.
Aggregated turnover of more than $75,000 and less than $50M for year ended 30 June 2020. A micro business grant for businesses or sole traders with turnover of more than $30,000 but less than $75,000 will be available from late July.
Decline in turnover of 30% or more due to the Public Health Order over a minimum 2-week period within the Greater Sydney lockdown (26 June and due to end 30 July compared to the same period in 2019).
For employing businesses, maintain head count as at 13 July (Persons employed in NSW and who are Full-time and part-time and long-term (more than 12-month casuals) while they continue to receive JobSaver payments.
Businesses that do not maintain the declared headcount must notify Service NSW. An employer will remain eligible if an employee voluntarily resigns.
For non-employing businesses, the business receiving the payments must be the primary income source for the associated person. Individuals with more than one non-employing business can only claim from one business.
Entities earning passive income (such as rental income) are not eligible.
Employees canreceive Commonwealth COVID-19 Disaster Payments if their employer is receiving JobSaver.
Non-employing businesses are noteligible for JobSaver if individuals associated with and deriving income from the business are receiving the Commonwealth COVID-19 Disaster Payment.
Evidence in support of eligibility
Applicants must have experienced a decline in turnover of 30% or more over a minimum 2-week period from 26 June 2021 to 30 July 2021 compared to the same period in June and/or July 2019.
Declare headcount on 13 July and declare this headcount will be maintained.
Submit a tax return, notice of assessment or other document to show turnover between $75,000 and $50M.
Evidence of Weekly Payroll:
Most recent BAS with a W1 amount submitted prior to 26 June within the 2020-21 financial year;
For businesses with no W1 (weekly withholder) their 2019-20 payroll tax return;
For business that do not submit a BAS – contact Service NSW.
There is no alternate test for businesses that were not operating in 2019 (or if 2019 is not a true comparison) or did not meet the minimum $75,000 turnover. These applicants must contact Services NSW.
If you are in a highly impacted industry a letter from your accountants is not required with your application.
Anyone not in one of the highly impacted industries will require an accountant letter to submit with their application.
Some important notes
Applicants must have lodged a 30 June 2020 tax return to demonstrate a minimum $75,000 turnover. We understand some clients that are eligible may not have lodged their 2020 tax return, however, we understand there will be other options available to prove the $75,000 turnover requirement. If you are in this position, please contact your Allan Hall advisor.
Funding received from JobSaver is to be used to cover costs incurred from 18 July (Wages, rent etc.) The primary objective is to maintain employee relationships.
Businesses that applied and were eligible for COVID-19 business grant will generally be automatically eligible for JobSaver but must provide further information on employee headcount and payroll.
Construction and other industries are now considered highly Impacted .
Where a business operates through a Trust, they will be required to provide additional information to demonstrate an aggregated turnover of $75k or more is derived through the Trust, as opposed to a business linked to a trust.
There are also a number of other options for employers to consider at this time, including:
Allowing employees to continue to work from home
Standing down employees unable to work with no pay
Agreeing on changing rosters and hours of work
Agreeing on changing employees’ duties
See our HR team’s article here for more details. Alternatively, please contact our HR team directly to discuss your unique business circumstances by emailing [email protected]or calling 1300 675 393.
