The 1% Accountant with Peter Ristevski

Peter Ristevski, CEO of Investment Plus Accounting Group and named Australia's Best Accountant in 2024, reveals why most property investors are making expensive structural mistakes that could cost them hundreds of thousands.From running a mail order business in high school that earned more than his dad to building an accounting empire with offices across Australia, Dubai, Hong Kong and New Zealand, Peter's journey is anything but ordinary. Known as "The 1% Accountant," he's built his reputation on challenging the status quo and creating asset protection structures that no other firm in Australia offers.In this conversation, Peter shares the costly mistakes investors make by putting properties in the wrong names, why negative gearing should never be your primary strategy, and how testamentary trusts can protect generational wealth from divorce courts. He also reveals his thoughts on the ATO's upcoming changes, why Sydney's property dominance is a myth backed by 40 years of data, and his predictions for potential taxation on family homes.Whether you're buying your first investment property or building a multi-million dollar portfolio, Peter's insights on structures, tax minimisation and asset protection could save you more money than any property deal ever will.(5:00) From construction worker's son to accounting practice owner at 25(7:00) Why he's called "The 1% Accountant" and standing out from 10,000 firms(11:00) The biggest mistake investors make with property structures(12:00) Equity bank trusts and the four-year rule for asset protection(13:00) How their structure accidentally protects against divorce(14:00) Bank of mum and dad strategies and testamentary trusts(16:00) The $10 million inheritance disaster that could have been prevented(20:00) Why putting properties in different names saves $20K+ per year(22:00) Land tax strategies across different states(28:00) International tax strategies: Dubai, Hong Kong and New Zealand opportunities(29:00) Why New Zealand offers four years of tax-free foreign income(34:00) ATO changes and the superannuation unrealised gains tax(37:00) Will family homes ever be taxed in Australia?(39:00) Self-managed super funds: the ultimate property investment structure(41:00) When to consider trust structures for multiple properties(43:00) Why Sydney's property dominance is a 40-year myth(44:00) The apartment crisis: waterproofing, builders and bank lending restrictions(48:00) Why first home buyer grants just go to developers(50:00) Peter's golden rule: get advice before you spend a million dollarsAbout Peter:Ristevski is the CEO of Investment Plus Accounting Group, named Australia’s Best Tax Accountant in 2024, and known as ‘The 1% Accountant’, a Forbes Trusted Advisor who helps clients legally minimise their tax and protect their assets in ways most accountants wouldn’t even consider. With more than 20 years’ experience across accounting, finance, and property, Peter has built a reputation as a disruptor creating asset protection structures and tax strategies that no other firm in Australia offers. He’s been featured in the Australian Financial Review, Channel Nine News, and Channel 7’s Industry Leaders, and runs offices not just in Sydney and Adelaide, but also in Dubai, Hong Kong, and New Zealand, helping clients tap into strategies used by global giants like Google and Apple. Connect with Peter:Visit the website: https://www.investplusaccounting.com.au/Follow Peter on LinkedIn:  About Julian:Julian Khursigara is the CEO of Search Party Property, a Sydney-based buyers agency helping busy professionals build sustainable investment portfolios with clarity and confidence. With over two decades in customer experience and loyalty across the Asia-Pacific region, Julian brings a sharp, data-driven lens to property investing. What began as a personal passion quickly became a mission—to close the knowledge gap and empower everyday Australians to invest smarter. In recognition of this impact, Search Party Property was named a Finalist for Buyers Agency of the Year, and Julian a Finalist for Buyers Agent of the Year at the 2025 REB Awards.As host of Invest Smarter Grow Faster, Julian draws on his own investing journey and years of strategic insights to demystify property for time-poor professionals. His philosophy is simple: life’s no dress rehearsal, and smart property decisions today create the freedom to choose tomorrow. Through the show, he shares real-world lessons, expert conversations, and proven strategies to help listeners take control of their financial future—one property at a time.  Connect with Julian:Visit the website: https://searchpartyproperty.com.au/ Follow Julian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/buyersagent-sydney-brisbane-melbourne-adelaide-perth/ Follow Julian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliankhursigara_buyersagent/ Follow Julian on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/investmentpropertybuyersagent/ Follow Julian on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@julian_buyersagent Subscribe to Julian Khursigara YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@juliankhursigara_buyersagent If you’d like a personalised review of your financial situation, help setting clear investment goals, and a data-driven strategy to guide your property journey—including insights into high-growth areas and a roadmap to financial freedom—book a time with Julian here: https://calendly.com/julian_spp/45min DisclaimerInvest Smarter Grow Faster provides general information and commentary about property, finance, and investing. It does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or investment advice tailored to your personal circumstances. Before making any financial decisions, you should seek professional advice from a qualified adviser.While we aim for accuracy and quality, we cannot guarantee all information is complete, up-to-date, or free from errors. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.