I like the trust deeds I have seen where a "professional" has set them up where the sole beneficiary is also the only trustee.  If I could have that sort of relationship with myself I wouldn't leave the house.

Different for different situations and also different states have different land tax considerations.

I am a big believer in discretionary trusts with corporate trustees for investment properties in QLD .

BUT you can't negatively gear wages and salary against losses in the trust.

Some basics

50% CGT discount for trusts not companies

Discretionary trust allows for distribution to everyone your related to, and companies and trusts and and and.  

Companies to shareholders only

Unit trust allows for distribution to unit holders only

Under the new City Plan 2014 you can divide in LMR areas down to as low as 180m2 in the right location.

Have a look at http://www.brisbanecityplan2012.com.au 

Conveyancing is the biggest area of claims in terms of both quantum and quantity on solicitor's professional indemnity.  

In QLD the land tax threshold for each and every Trust is $350,000.  So they do not add to either your individual threshold or the thresholds of your other trusts.  This can provide a significant saving in QLD.

However, in NSW a family trust has no threshold, but a fixed unit trust does.

Discretionary trusts provide separation and your interest in one is not an asset that can be claimed by your personal creditors.

If you have leases and trade creditors where you are required to give personal guarantees and you would not be able to meet these obligations if your business went under, then I would consider you at greater risk of losing assets than your doctor wife. Unless she has her own practice and has the same issues. 

Lack of access to negative gearing can be an issue.  However, if your business was set up in a trust, then it could distribute income to your negatively geared property trust and would achieve the same outcome.

My CQ office is based in Rockhampton and most of our work is in Mackay at present.  I like Rockhampton as a central feeder area for the greater surrounds, but the market has been up and down there.  

There has been a lot of NRAS 4x2x2 stuff done out Gracemere way over the last year or 2.

You are effectively selling that person's interest in the property to the other one.  Even if gifted stamp duty and CGT may apply.

Hi

Cheers Jamie

At the moment Dual Occupancy is not really a reality in Brisbane.  Under the new City Plan it will be, or at least that is what the draft says now.  If you are happy to PM me the address then I will respond through here sans identifying info so others can see.

regards