jonsuta;556144 said:Hi Bros/Sis,
Any body heard of a company, named Walton, which they are doing some form of investment business called "Land Banking?" (Seems that their investing lands are all located in USA and Canada.)
rex7_vtec;556186 said:As with any other investments, there will always be risks involved. The main thing is how much of a risk can you afford to take and of course weighing in the returns.
Landbanking of course has its pros and cons just like any other. Unfortunately, the mere mention on this industry I believe has caused much bitterness to many people in Singapore. The reason which of course is posted in the link by niteblu. However with this being said, it does not mean that all companies in this trade are dodgy. Sales presentations will always be at its best whenever possible, be it a fancy ballroom or a lady giving "halfball".
Look at track records, company history, worst case scenarios (what are you left with in the event everything goes south) and of course your level of affordability. Don't just because nearing 90mins you dump in your "geh huay" and poh the winning team up by 1 goal.
I was with Walton, I've got a little bit of money there but it does NOT mean that I am endorsing them in anyway. Speak to someone in that company and get all your queries answered by them. Dig as much information as you can and then decide whether to eat ball or give ball.
rex7_vtec;556186 said:As with any other investments, there will always be risks involved. The main thing is how much of a risk can you afford to take and of course weighing in the returns.
Landbanking of course has its pros and cons just like any other. Unfortunately, the mere mention on this industry I believe has caused much bitterness to many people in Singapore. The reason which of course is posted in the link by niteblu. However with this being said, it does not mean that all companies in this trade are dodgy. Sales presentations will always be at its best whenever possible, be it a fancy ballroom or a lady giving "halfball".
Look at track records, company history, worst case scenarios (what are you left with in the event everything goes south) and of course your level of affordability. Don't just because nearing 90mins you dump in your "geh huay" and poh the winning team up by 1 goal.
I was with Walton, I've got a little bit of money there but it does NOT mean that I am endorsing them in anyway. Speak to someone in that company and get all your queries answered by them. Dig as much information as you can and then decide whether to eat ball or give ball.
niteblu;556228 said:Good balanced reply rex7_vtec.
see halfball. eat halfball, or give halfball?
I believe the concept of landbanking in itself is not ill-intentioned.
Nor are the fundamentals flawed, in theory.
Efficient distribution of a land parcel.
With the potential for redevelopment.
Into smaller bite-sized chunks for the retail investor.
With the primary supplier taking a premium for the service.
However. in practice, it seldom happens as described.
Do your research, you'll find out how this widespread phenomenon has affected many across the globe. Not just in Singapore. In fact, it almost feels like they've run out of carrots in UK/US.
Hence, Asia/S'pore is ripe for the picking. Especially with Asians' intrinsic belief in the value of land/property.
Again, if you believe it.
Buy it. No one is stopping you.
Caveat emptor.
As with any investment, look at RISK-ADJUSTED RETURNS as compared to absolute returns. Inherent risks must be examined.rex7_vtec said:As with any other investments, there will always be risks involved. The main thing is how much of a risk can you afford to take and of course weighing in the returns...... Dig as much information as you can and then decide whether to eat ball or give ball.
ryan;556274 said:I've invested in Walton on some points stated by Jonsuta, pretty happy with status updates and waiting a bit for projects to exit. These are long term investment and not for punting anyway.
That said, do your homework before you go in. My posting does not qualify as advice or a suggestion for you to invest.
kenntona;556279 said:As with any investment, look at RISK-ADJUSTED RETURNS as compared to absolute returns. Inherent risks must be examined.
Do bear in mind that this investment category is the OTC type, not exchange traded. That means the buying and selling process is only against one party - in this case the landbanker. So, counterparty and liquidity risks cannot be ignored.
Yes the above statement says it all. Just remember what Uncle Ben said, " with great returns there must come great risks...".kenntona;556279 said:As with any investment, look at RISK-ADJUSTED RETURNS as compared to absolute returns. Inherent risks must be examined.
Yes, but can you trade your portion of the aggregate land like a property owned by yourself? Is there even a market for "partial" land in the case Walton collapses?jonsuta said:With this, the risk factor seems to be reduced, because if Walton collapse, the investor's ownership of the land still exists. (Unlike the investment with Lehman Brother)