Jargon - Our industry is full of it! This section is a resource for you to return too and review when needed, we will update it with relevant terms and new links over time.
Table of Contents
Glossary of terms
The trusty glossary. This will equip you with the essential terms, abbreviations, and definitions you need to excel in your role at InvestorKit. From industry jargon to technical terminology, it’s your go-to resource for clear communication and confident decision-making in the property market.
Term/Abbreviation | Definition |
Appraisal | An estimate of a property's value typically provided by a real estate agent, based on market trends. |
Auction | A public sale event where potential buyers bid on a property, and it’s sold to the highest bidder. |
Auction Reserve Price | The minimum price a seller is willing to accept at auction. |
Body Corporate | The organization responsible for managing common areas and shared facilities in a strata property. |
Broker | A person who assists people with loans from a range of different lenders. |
Buyer’s Agent (BA) | A professional who represents the buyer in property transactions, providing advice and negotiation support. |
Capital Growth | The increase in a property’s value over time. |
Cashflow | The net amount of cash generated or used by a property, calculated as income minus expenses. |
Caveat | A legal notice lodged on a property title to indicate an interest in the property, preventing its sale without the consent of the person who originally lodged. |
Comparative Market Analysis | An assessment of property value based on recent sales of similar properties in the same area. |
Community Title | A type of property ownership for shared facilities and communal spaces, similar to strata but with different management rules. |
Contract of Sale (COS) | A legal document outlining the transaction of property between the seller and buyer. |
Conveyancer | A specialist in property law who manages property transactions but cannot represent clients in court. |
Conveyancing | The legal process of transferring property ownership from the seller to the buyer. |
Cooling Off | A period of time during which the buyer of a property can cancel or "back-out" of a contract for any reason. |
Cooling-Off Period | A period after signing a contract during which the buyer can cancel the purchase (not applicable in auctions in most states). |
Days on Market (DOM) | The number of days a property is listed on the market before it is sold. |
Defect | Any fault or issue in the property that requires repair or attention. |
Deposit | An upfront payment made by a buyer as a commitment to purchase a property, usually 5-10% of the price. |
Development Approval (DA) | Permission from a local council to undertake property development, such as building or renovating. |
Due Diligence (DD) | The process of investigation to determine the suitability of a property. |
Dual Occupancy | A property configuration where two separate residences exist on a single block of land. |
EOI (Expression of Interest) | A process where buyers submit their offers for a property by a set deadline. |
Equity | The difference between the current value of a property and the amount still owed on the mortgage. |
First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) | A government scheme offering financial assistance to first-time property buyers. |
Form 1 | A disclosure document required in some Australian states when selling property, outlining key information about the property. |
House & Land Package | A property purchase combining the cost of a block of land and the construction of a home. |
Income | Revenue generated from renting or other property-related activities. |
Land Tax | A tax payable on land ownership, often levied annually by state governments. |
Land Tax Threshold | The minimum land value at which land tax is applied; varies by state. |
Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) | An insurance policy that protects the lender in case the borrower defaults on a high LVR loan. |
Lease | A legally binding agreement between a landlord and tenant outlining rental terms and conditions. |
Loan-to-Value Ratio (LVR) | The ratio of a loan amount to the appraised value of a property, expressed as a percentage. |
Major Defect | A significant issue in a property that affects its structure or safety. |
Minor Defect | A small, superficial issue in a property that does not affect its structure or safety. |
Negative Gearing | An investment strategy where the costs of owning a property exceed the rental income, allowing tax benefits. |
Off-market | A property that is not advertised online for sale. |
Off-the-Plan | Buying a property before it has been built or completed, based on plans and designs. |
On-market | A property that is advertised online for sale. |
Pest & Building (P&B) | A report completed by a building inspector and/or pest specialist to visually inspect and report on property defects or pest issues. |
Pest Infestation | The presence of pests such as termites, rodents, or insects within a property. |
Positive Gearing | An investment strategy where the rental income exceeds the costs of owning the property. |
Pre-market | A property that is not currently advertised online but is intended to "go to market." |
Pre-Settlement Inspection | A final property inspection conducted by the buyer before settlement to ensure it meets contract terms. |
Private Treaty | The sale of a property through negotiation between the buyer and seller, typically managed by a real estate agent. |
Property Manager (PM) | A real estate agent who manages ongoing rent collection, maintenance, and other landlord responsibilities for a property. |
Real Estate Agent | A licensed professional who facilitates the buying, selling, or leasing of properties. |
Rental Yield | A measure of rental income as a percentage of the property’s value. |
Section 32 | A vendor’s statement required in some Australian states, disclosing property information to potential buyers. |
Settlement | The process where ownership of a property is legally transferred from the seller to the buyer. |
Solicitor | A legal professional who can represent clients in property transactions and in court, if required. |
Stamp Duty | A government tax paid by the buyer when purchasing property. |
Strata Title | A type of property ownership commonly used for units, apartments, and townhouses. |
Structural Defect | A fault in a property’s structure, such as the foundation or walls, that affects its safety or integrity. |
Subdivision | The division of a single block of land into smaller parcels for sale or development. |
Tenancy Agreement | A legal contract between a landlord and tenant outlining rental terms and conditions. |
Torrens Title | A common property ownership system in Australia where a property’s title is registered with the government. |
Unconditional (Uncon) | When all clauses on the contract (e.g., finance, pest and building) have been satisfied. |
Vacancy | A period when a rental property is unoccupied and not generating income. |
Vacancy Rate | The percentage of rental properties in a market that are unoccupied. |
Valuation | A professional assessment of a property’s value, usually conducted by a licensed valuer. |
Vendor | The seller of a property. |
Zoning | The legal classification of land determining its allowed use, such as residential or commercial. |
Frequently Used Software, Resources and Websites
It’s a good idea to bookmark the following, as you will use them regularly and they are great resources for your role.
Name | Website Link |
Gameplans | |
InvestorKit Workspace | |
SQM Research | |
Real Estate Australia | |
Xero & XeroMe | |
Case Studies | |
InvestorKit Podcast | |
YouTube | |
Research Glossary | |
IKIT Market Reports - List ALL |
Congratulations! You’ve completed our on-boarding playbook, well done! Now say it all back to me off by heart.. just kidding! Now, don’t worry this will be here forever as a resource for you to consistently come back to, keep practicing or maybe you just need a quick refresh. I know you’re itching to get out there and start applying everything you’ve learnt, so go for it!
🏃🏻 The clients are waiting!
Learning Competency Checklist
1. Understanding the Purpose of the Glossary
- Competency: Demonstrate awareness of the role and importance of the glossary in your daily work.
- Pass Criteria:
- Clearly explains that the glossary serves as a central resource for industry terminology, abbreviations, and definitions, ensuring clear communication and informed decision-making.
- Recognizes that accurate use of these terms is essential for effective internal and client communications.
- Fail Criteria:
- Cannot articulate why the glossary is important or fails to see its role in promoting consistent language across the team.
2. Mastering Key Industry Terms
- Competency: Accurately recall and define the core terms and abbreviations provided in the glossary.
- Pass Criteria:
- Correctly explains the meaning of key terms such as "Appraisal," "Auction Reserve Price," "Comparative Market Analysis," "Due Diligence," "Pest & Building (P&B)," "Contract of Sale (COS)," and others listed.
- Uses the definitions accurately when discussing property transactions and internal reports.
- Fail Criteria:
- Provides inaccurate or incomplete definitions or consistently misuses industry terms in verbal or written communication.
3. Applying Glossary Knowledge in Context
- Competency: Demonstrate the ability to use glossary terms appropriately in real‑world scenarios.
- Pass Criteria:
- Applies terms correctly when preparing reports, during client presentations, or in discussions with colleagues and external partners.
- Shows understanding of how these terms impact decision-making and negotiation processes.
- Fail Criteria:
- Uses industry jargon incorrectly or inconsistently, leading to confusion or misinterpretation of critical information.
4. Familiarity with Abbreviations and Their Usage
- Competency: Recognize and correctly interpret common abbreviations used within the property market.
- Pass Criteria:
- Demonstrates proficiency with abbreviations (e.g., COS, FHOG, LVR, P&B, SMSF) and can explain their relevance in the context of property transactions.
- Uses abbreviations appropriately in documentation and communication.
- Fail Criteria:
- Struggles to recall or explain abbreviations, or misapplies them in reports or client communications.
5. Utilizing Frequently Used Software and Resources
- Competency: Identify and access the essential software, resources, and websites regularly used in your role.
- Pass Criteria:
- Knows which online tools, property resources, and websites to bookmark and refer to for up-to-date market data and property research.
- Understands how these resources complement the glossary by providing practical data and insights.
- Fail Criteria:
- Is unaware of key digital resources or cannot effectively use them to support property analysis and client communication.
6. Consistency and Accuracy in Communication
- Competency: Maintain consistency in the usage of industry terminology across all forms of communication.
- Pass Criteria:
- Consistently applies correct glossary definitions in emails, reports, presentations, and verbal discussions.
- Demonstrates the ability to simplify complex terms for clients while remaining accurate.
- Fail Criteria:
- Inconsistently uses or misinterprets terminology, resulting in unclear or misleading communication.
7. Continuous Learning and Reference
- Competency: Recognize the glossary as a living resource and commit to regularly reviewing and updating your knowledge.
- Pass Criteria:
- Actively refers to the glossary when encountering unfamiliar terms and integrates new industry jargon into your working vocabulary.
- Seeks out updates or clarifications when needed and shares relevant insights with the team.
- Fail Criteria:
- Relies solely on memory without cross-checking, leading to outdated or inaccurate use of terminology.
8. Integrating Glossary Knowledge with Overall Role Proficiency
- Competency: Demonstrate how understanding industry terminology supports effective decision-making and professional performance.
- Pass Criteria:
- Explains how precise terminology improves clarity in client discussions, enhances report quality, and contributes to confident negotiation and decision-making.
- Provides examples of how correct usage of glossary terms has positively impacted outcomes in past transactions.
- Fail Criteria:
- Is unable to connect the importance of proper terminology usage with overall performance and client satisfaction.
