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Small business owners will be among the more nervous observers of today’s interest rate decision, with new research showing that more than a quarter of Australian SMEs use their mortgage to finance their business. 
A survey of 1,043 sole traders and small companies by MYOB found that 28% use their home loan to keep their business afloat, by utilising the line of credit, increasing the amount of the loan, redrawing against the amount already repaid on the loan or by accessing cash funds sitting in the loan account. 
Just one in 10 small business owners said that they aren’t very interested in today’s interest rate decision, with 22% placing a critical importance upon the Reserve Bank’s announcement. 
Analysts are split on whether the RBA will again lower the cash rate from its current level of 3.75%. Westpac chief economist Bill Evans has predicted a lowering to 3.5%, while a survey by mortgage provider Loan Market of its 20-strong network of brokers found that 55% expected no change. 
MYOB’s study found an interesting variation in mortgage use based on geography, with 31% of Queensland small businesses using home loans for finance – the highest in the country. 
By comparison, just 20% of Western Australian SMEs use their home loan to prop up their enterprises. 
Tim Reed, chief executive of MYOB, says: “Unfortunately for property owners and business operators alike, the vast majority of lenders didn’t pass on last month’s cash rate cut in full. This was a double whammy for a large proportion of Australians.” 
“For many business owners, even those without commercial finance, an interest rate move doesn’t just affect their ability to repay the family home loan.” 
“For too many, home loan interest rate moves also affect their ability to keep their livelihood on an even keel.” 
“Business conditions are still sluggish and one quarter of SMEs expect their revenue to drop between March this year and March 2013.” 
“It would make a real emotional and financial difference to the public if the Reserve Bank dropped the cash rate again now and lenders followed suit with both home loan and business loan interest rates.”
This article originally appeared on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.startupsmart.com.au/">StartupSmart</a>.
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One in four Australian small businesses use mortgages for finance: MYOB

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<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/developments/lend-leases-docklands-project-forte-will-be-worlds-tallest-residential-timber-building/2012052554840"><img src="/images/stories/2012/05/10.gif"></a>
The number of storeys <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/developments/lend-leases-docklands-project-forte-will-be-worlds-tallest-residential-timber-building/2012052554840">planned for Lend Lease development Forté</a>. It will be the world's tallest timber residential building. The building will rise to 32 metres and will be built with prefabricated wooden panels made from cross-laminated timber (CLT) and will feature 23 apartments.
 
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<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/kooeloah-byron-bay-s-%2415-million-balienese-listing-title-tattle/2012052554844"><img src="/images/stories/2012/05/15m.gif"></a>
 
The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/kooeloah-byron-bay-s-%2415-million-balienese-listing-title-tattle/2012052554844">price hopes for Kooeloah</a>, the Broken Head, Byron Bay retreat away from the fast lane overlooking Seven Mile Beach from its lagoon and lap pools complete with two bales. It has eight bedrooms and 11 bathrooms and was designed by Christine Vadez.
 
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<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/leisure/fitzroy-s-night-cat-lands-on-its-feet-and-sells-to-neighbour-at-auction/2012052554846"><img src="/images/stories/2012/05/4point63m.gif"></a>
The price neighbouring property owner Andrew Demetriou (not the AFL boss)<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/leisure/fitzroy-s-night-cat-lands-on-its-feet-and-sells-to-neighbour-at-auction/2012052554846"> paid for Fitzroy bar The Night Cat</a>, which he will retain as a bar. “It was the most vicious battle I’ve ever seen at an auction,” says Night Cat operator Max Bella.
 
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<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/perth-nigerian-scam-estate-agent-faces-disciplinary-action-for-lack-of-diligence-in-%24410000-sale/2012052854867"><img src="/images/stories/2012/05/410k.gif"></a>
The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/perth-nigerian-scam-estate-agent-faces-disciplinary-action-for-lack-of-diligence-in-%24410000-sale/2012052854867">price Nigerian scammers secured for a Perth property they did not own</a>. Following the fraudulent sale last year the department has lodged an application with the State Administrative Tribunal to hear the case against Samykannu Pty Ltd, trading as LJ Hooker Mirrabooka, and licensee John Samykannu.
 
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<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/time-running-out-for-first-home-bonuses-and-stamp-duty-concessions/2012052854863"><img src="/images/stories/2012/05/13k.gif"></a>
The value of the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/time-running-out-for-first-home-bonuses-and-stamp-duty-concessions/2012052854863">Victorian government's first-home bonus</a>, which is available for first-home buyers who purchase before June 30 this year. It will not be renewed after this date.
 
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<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/new-home-sales-mounted-partial-recovery-in-april-buoyed-by-victorian-first-home-bonus-deadline-hia/2012052954883"><img src="/images/stories/2012/05/6point9percent.gif"></a>
The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/new-home-sales-mounted-partial-recovery-in-april-buoyed-by-victorian-first-home-bonus-deadline-hia/2012052954883">increase in the total seasonally adjusted new home sales in April</a>, according to the HIA. Detached house sales rose by 6.4%, while multi-unit sales were up by 10.3%.
 
<hr>
 
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/toni-collette-faces-a-supreme-court-non-performance-claim-for-the-%24850000-difference-on-abandoned-paddington-purchase/2012053054902"><img src="/images/stories/2012/05/850k.gif"></a>
The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/toni-collette-faces-a-supreme-court-non-performance-claim-for-the-%24850000-difference-on-abandoned-paddington-purchase/2012053054902">quantum of the claim against Toni Collette and husband David Galafassi</a>, after the Paddington terrace that they allegedly agreed to buy for $6.35 million sold for about $5.5 million to Ian Ball, the Ernst and Young accountant.
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The 7 must-know numbers of the week, starting with the planned height of the world's tallest timber residential building

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Cargo Lane, a new development in the Sydney suburb of Alexandria, is offering owner-occupiers and investors one- and two-bedroom options that fall below the NSW government’s $600,000 stamp duty exemption threshold.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/05/cargolane.jpg">
The NSW government’s <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/time-running-out-for-first-home-bonuses-and-stamp-duty-concessions/2012052854863">home builders’ bonus</a> provides full exemption on stamp duty for new homes valued under $600,000 and expires on July 1 this year.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/05/cargolane2.jpg">
The BridgeLane Property Group development will comprise one-bedroom apartments from $475,000 and two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments ranging from $599,000 to $700,000. Some have car spaces, and some of the one-bedroom units include studies.
Sales started about a week ago, and 12 deposits have been taken so far.
BridgeLane Group head of property development Anthony Andreatta says the buyers have primarily been young couple owner-occupiers, with a few investors. The project is being marketed by CBRE.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/05/cargolane4.jpg">
"We have had an overwhelming response," Andreatta says.
"We are providing a high-quality boutique apartment building, located nearby to Alexandria Park, which in the current market it is a rarity in the inner east, which is dominated by large-scale high-rise projects." 
<img src="/images/stories/2012/05/cargolane5.jpg">
The 34-apartment development is three kilometres from Sydney CBD and is within an easy stroll of Danks Street, transport and Alexandria Park. It will also include eight prestige three-bedroom multi-level terraces, yet to launch, which include lap pools and landscaped courtyards (pictured below). These eight all include garage parking.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/05/cargolane3.jpg">
Cargo Lane’s façade will have a distinctive vertical garden and timber screens.
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Alexandria development Cargo Lane offers one- and two-bedders below $600,000 threshold

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12 Korff Street, Coffs Harbour, NSW, 2450
<img src="/images/stories/2012/05/korff.jpg" width="470">
A remarkable 8.7% gross rental yield is possible for this Coffs Harbour property, which consists of a main three-bedroom residence and a separate self-contained two-bedroom flat with its own entrance. The residence has recently been rented out at $250 per week and the flat has been recently tenanted at $150 per week, though both are vacant now. The property is on the edge of Coffs Harbour CBD.
Nolan partners agent Scott Nolan <a href="https://www.nolanpartners.com.au/buying/NSW/Mid-north-Coast/COFFS-HARBOUR/House/39P0736" target="_blank">is marketing the property</a> with price hopes in the "mid-$200,000s", and if it sells for $240,000, that would secure an investor a gross rental yield of 8.7%, well above the gross indicative yield of 5.3% for Coffs Harbour houses and 5.6% for Coffs Harbour units, according to RP Data. The gross rental yield does not consider the costs of maintaining the property, including council rates and other fees such as water bills and managing agent fees.
<a target="_blank" href="https://calc.washingtonbrown.com.au/wbdcalculator/calculator.aspx?RID=HPCAZOPTTT">Washington Brown</a> estimates the first-year tax depreciation deduction to be $3,000 and over five years to be $7,000.
The median house price in Coffs Harbour fell 6.9% in the past year, according to RP Data.
The property will be open for inspection Saturday, June 2 at 10.45am and will go to auction Thursday, June 14 at 6pm.
For more about prices and yields in Coffs Harbour, see the RP Data suburb page.
For another investment prospect open for inspection this weekend, see page 2.
 
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49 Dundas Street, Rye, VIC, 3941
<img src="/images/stories/2012/05/dundas.jpg">
This three-bedroom house on 892 square metres is leased at $330 per week until September this year, and<a target="_blank" href="https://www.stockdaleleggo.com.au/details.asp?internetid=259512&amp;OFFICE_ID=&amp;order=&amp;suburb=4416&amp;surround=&amp;price1=0&amp;price2=9999999&amp;category=&amp;bedrooms=&amp;bathrooms=&amp;garages=4&amp;propertyType=&amp;OFFICE_GROUP_ID=&amp;offset=&amp;st="> listing agent Glenn Key of Stockdale &amp; Leggo</a> says it would be suitable to be let out as holiday rental property or on a long-term rental. It includes a large, high-roofed garage or workshop with lighting and power, which Key says would be perfect for a car enthusiast. It includes a full-width rear covered deck, and the three double bedrooms include built-in wardrobes.
Key says there has been interest "in the early to mid $400s", but he hopes to secure a bit more for the property.  If it sells for $450,000 that would secure an investor a gross rental yield of 3.8% at its current rent. The gross rental yield does not consider the costs of maintaining the property, including council rates and other fees such as water bills and managing agent fees.
<a href="https://calc.washingtonbrown.com.au/wbdcalculator/calculator.aspx?RID=HPCAZOPTTT" target="_blank">Washington Brown</a> estimates the first-year tax depreciation deduction to be $5,000 and over five years to be $11,000.
The property will be open for inspection Saturday, June 2 at 1pm and will go to auction Saturday, June 23 at 2pm.
 
 
 
 
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Friday form guide: Yields of up to 8.7% in Coffs Harbour

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The R. Corporation’s Cheltenham development Central Park is selling briskly as first-home buyers seek to purchase a property under $600,000 before the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/time-running-out-for-first-home-bonuses-and-stamp-duty-concessions/2012052854863">Victorian government’s $13,000 first-home bonus expires on June 30</a>.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/05/chelt1.jpg">
The 208-townhouse development launched in late March, and 40 of the 52 in the first stage have sold. Just over half of the townhouses sold in the first three days.
<img src="/images/stories/cheltcentralpark1.jpg">
The majority of the offerings in Central Park are priced under the all-important $600,000 threshold. There are five styles of townhouse offered in this release, all named after flowers. Buyers of the three-bedroom offerings Gardenia (135 square metres, from $630,000) and Orchid (170 square metres, from $825,000) will not be eligible for the government’s first-home bonus, but the other styles are under the threshold. These include the three-bedroom Camellia (117 square metres, from $595,000), three-bedroom magnolia (138 square metres, from $592,000) and two-bedroom Jasmine (121 square metres, from $530).
<img src="/images/stories/2012/05/chelt2.jpg">
“For first-home buyers now is the perfect time to buy,” says R. Corporation marketing manager Rohan Ames.
<img src="/images/stories/cheltcentralpark4.jpg">
“With as little as $45,000 [deposit], access to the first-home buyers’ extra $13,000 for new homes and their first-home buyers’ grant … Central Park townhouses offer a modern and affordable way into home ownership in the bayside area.”
The median sale price for houses in Cheltenham, which is about 20 kilometres south-east of Melbourne CBD, is $605,000, according to RP Data.
 
 
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<img src="/images/stories/cheltcentralpark2.jpg">
The development was initially marketed at the second-home buyer market, but Ames says first-home buyers are finding they can afford several of the offerings.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/05/chelt3.jpg">
“Our sophisticated product and considered design aesthetic is, most importantly, attainable.  First-home buyers will be genuinely surprised that they can afford to live in an R. Corporation townhouse,” says Ames.
<img src="/images/stories/cheltcentralpark3.jpg">
All of the townhouses have two bathrooms, and they all include landscaped courtyards, balconies or gardens. Every property also comes with a carport or garage.
 
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First-home buyers buying sub-$600,000 townhouses in Cheltenham’s Central Park project

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Half of the apartments in the Pyrmont development Harbour Mill, on the former Edwin Davey &amp; Sons Flour Mill are at the junction of Allen and Jones streets, have sold off the plan when they launched this past weekend.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/05/harbourmill10.jpg">
About 65% of the 136 units in the Ceerose development are priced under $600,000, and owner-occupiers and investors who buy these offerings before July 1 this year will be entirely exempted from stamp duty under the NSW government's home builders’ bonus.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/05/harbourmill2.jpg">
CBRE, which is marketing the project, says about 60% of the 70 units sold so far have sold to investors.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/05/harbourmill1.jpg">
The two interlocked buildings in Harbour Mill will comprise 32 studio apartments ranging in size between 40 and 69 square metres, with prices starting from $395,000. The 51 one-bedroom apartments will range from 55 to 75 square metres and start from $495,000. There will be 45 two-bedroom apartments, ranging from 80 to 98 square metres, and they will not qualify for the stamp duty exemption, as they start from $725,000. The eight largest apartments, of three bedrooms each, will range from 100 square metres to 122 square metres and will come with extensive roof terraces. They begin at $1 million.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/05/harbourmill4.jpg">
The site began its life as a jam factory and in the early 1900s was converted into the Edwin Davey &amp; Sons Flour Mill, which closed in 1996. Most of the buildings have been demolished since the mill’s closure, but the façade has endured and is incorporated into Grimshaw Architects’ Harbour Mill design.
Continued and more images on page 2
 
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<img src="/images/stories/2012/05/harbourmill5.jpg">
Ceerose bought the 3,100-square-metre site last year from developer Mike Boulos, who had intended to build a seven-storey mixed-use development on the site, but the plans never came to fruition. Boulos had bought the site in 1996 for $3.38 million.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/05/harbourmill12.jpg">
The development application for Harbour Mill is currently before Sydney City Council, with approval expected in mid-June. The council was involved in Ceerose’s contest to find an appropriate design for the site and is understood to be very supportive of the Harbour Mill plans.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/05/harbourmill6.jpg">
Ceerose founder Edward Doueihi wanted to preserve as much as possible of the existing building, as he has a strong attachment to the flour mill. His father ran a bakery on nearby Cowper Street, and as a child Doueihi often visited the Edwin Davey &amp; Sons mill to buy supplies.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/05/harbourmill7.jpg">
“I’ve been emotionally attached to the mill since my childhood,” says Doueihi. “Unfortunately most of it has been torn down. Now that I own the site I’m going to build something that reflects the mill’s proud history and my fond memories.”
<img src="/images/stories/2012/05/harbourmill8.jpg">
Doueihi plans to display photos of storyboards of the site’s history in Harbour Mill.
One of the buildings in Harbour Mill will be four storeys and include the heritage façade, and the second 10-storey building is designed to “step up and over it”.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/05/harbourmill9.jpg">
“The design respects the heritage of the mill and the place it has played in the history of Sydney, whilst acknowledging and fitting in with the modern trend coming through in the Pyrmont-Ultimo area,” says Andrew Cortese of Grimshaw Architects. “The old and new aspects of the building blend and work together, delivering an unique building.”
<img src="/images/stories/2012/05/harbourmill3.jpg">
 
The building will include a communal atrium with ventilation from the outside instead of air-conditioning, a café on the ground floor and a communal gym.
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Edwin Davey Flour Mill rises again as Harbour Mill as investors rush to secure stamp duty-exempted units

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Canadian coffee chain Esquires Coffee House is expanding into Australia following an entry to the New Zealand market, spearheaded by a high-tech store concept. 
Founded in 1993 in Vancouver, Esquires has established a presence in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia, China, Fiji and even New Zealand. 
In New Zealand, there are 47 Esquires stores. 
Now the franchise has turned its attention to Australia, confirming it will open its first flagship store in Sydney next week. The store will be located in the affluent suburb of Mosman. 
The company-owned store will be the model for future Australian outlets, with additional stores planned for not only NSW but also Queensland and South Australia. 
Esquires is part of the Retail Food Group family, which is also the local licensee of Donut King, Brumby’s Bakeries, Michel’s Patisserie, bb’s café and, most recently, Pizza Capers. 
RFG’s brand manager Khim Puseman admits it is “a little bit unusual” Esquires entered the New Zealand market prior to the Australian market.
 “It’s a brand that’s been out there for a little while... A couple of guys in New Zealand actually bought the rights to the New Zealand market, but it is a little bit unusual,” Puseman says. 
Puseman is quick to point out the store in Mosman is not the first Esquires store in Australia – there’s another store in Tweed – but it is the first concept store. 
“The Mosman store is the first concept store in that it embodies the new brand position of Esquires Coffee House,” Puseman says. 
In addition to a self-serve kiosk and free WiFi, each new store will be equipped with iPads for customers to use. 
“We’re really trying to embody more of a high technology standpoint. We’ll be launching online ordering, mobile orders, and we have self-serve kiosks,” Puseman says. 
“We are leaning towards targeting a younger age group but really anyone who has an appreciation for technology.” 
According to Puseman, a love of technology is also important among the chain’s franchisees, which are currently being sought out. Of course, franchisees also need to care about coffee. 
“It’s a high-tech brand but it’s also a coffee brand. We’re looking for franchisees or people who have a great passion for coffee,” she says. 
“They need to be focused on the utmost quality of the coffee and the service of the coffee.” 
“We want them to be able to speak to the target market, and align themselves with the brand in terms of the high-tech offering. Essentially, they need to be enthusiastic.” 
Puseman isn’t concerned the popularity of the brand will be compromised because it is foreign. 
“The whole range has been adapted to be best targeted to Australia. We haven’t just brought in an international brand, plopped it in an Australian suburb and hope it does well,” she says. 
“All our products have been custom picked and chosen because of local palates and local taste… For example, we’ve added more cold beverages because it gets a bit warmer [in Australia].” 
Meanwhile, Queensland-based coffee franchise Zarraffa’s Coffee has announced its plans to expand into NSW. Zarraffa’s currently has 52 stores. 
A drive-through site in the suburb of Fairfield will be the company’s flagship location in NSW, as part of a plan to open at least 11 new franchises this year throughout Queensland and NSW. 
Zarraffa’s chief executive Kenton Campbell told Franchising the company is moving away from traditional shopping centre locations to more suburban retail sites. 
“Developing a successful drive-through store model has been critical to these plans,” Campbell said. 
“Our primary focus is on building the financial health of all our stores, and delivering value and support to our franchisees.” 
“Expansion has always been executed in a financially responsible way, and 2012 is the right time for this move.” 
The news comes less than two weeks after a franchisee couple was <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.startupsmart.com.au/franchising/billy-baxters-franchisees-win-%241.22-million-in-damages/201205156300">awarded $1.22 million in damages</a> after a successful appeal against franchisor Billy Baxter’s. 
Billy Baxter’s is a chain of licensed coffee houses, cafés and restaurants. 
Ross and Sue Pollard operated a Billy Baxter’s greenfield site in the Adelaide suburb of Glenelg, but did not achieve the turnover anticipated by the franchisor’s representative, Phillip Mauviel. 
A Victorian Supreme Court of Appeal decision found there were no reasonable grounds for Mauviel to make the representations regarding turnover, resulting in a $1.22 million payout.
This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.startupsmart.com.au/" target="_blank">StartupSmart</a>.
 
 
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Canadian coffee chain Esquires looks to Australia following NZ success

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Choosing a business name may be a mundane experience that provides a perfunctory label for your product or service, or it can be an inspired piece of branding that will help fast-track your business into consumers’ minds. 
Whatever the merits of your business name, from May 28 the process of registering it in Australia has undergone a significant change. 
The new <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.asic.gov.au/asic/asic.nsf/byheadline/Business+names?openDocument" target="_blank">Business Name Register</a>, administered by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, sweeps away the need to document your brand in each state when you launch. 
So what does this change mean for you? 
<h3>What’s happening exactly? </h3>
As part of the Business Names Registration Act 2011, ASIC has become responsible for registering all Australian business names in a national, rather than state-by-state, basis. 
Until now, each state and territory has had its own business name system. This has meant plenty of administrative – and cost - headaches if you want to extend your brand beyond state borders. 
For example, if you’re starting up in Brisbane, you previously had to register with Queensland Office of Fair Trading. If you plan to operate this business under the same name in, say, Sydney, you also had to register it with NSW Office of Fair Trading. 
The new National Business Name Register does away with this state-based system. Your business will now be listed on an Australian-wide database. 
<h3>My God. So I need to contact ASIC as soon as possible to keep my name then? </h3>
Whoa, hold your horses. Your business name hasn’t vanished from the records in a puff of smoke. 
As ASIC points out on its website: “If your business name was registered in a state or territory before May 28, 2012, you do not need to do anything until it is time to renew your business name.” 
“Your business name will be automatically transferred to the national register, provided it is not subject to an appeal or other outstanding matter.” 
So far, ASIC has transferred a mind-boggling 80 million business name records from the states and territories to the national register. This includes 1.6 million existing business names and 17 million address records. 
This list is rather more inclusive than some of the state and territory regimes, some of which didn’t allow certain ventures to hold a business name. 
In contrast, the ASIC database will include unincorporated entities that are entitled to hold an ABN, including partnerships, trusts and joint ventures. 
ASIC will let you know a couple of months in advance of your business name expiry, when you’ll deal exclusively with them, rather than lots of different state bodies. 
If you haven’t registered or even decided upon a name for your start-up yet, you can search for business name availability and <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.asic.gov.au/asic/ASIC.NSF/byHeadline/Registering%20a%20business%20name">apply online here</a>. 
<h3>What if there are multiple names on the register? </h3>
Good question. 
There’s a decent chance that you’ve registered your business’ name in several different states. In this case, each one has been transferred to the ASIC database. 
You may wish to renew and keep all of these identical names or, more likely, cancel all of them except one.
You can do this without incurring a fee. The best first step is to check that your details have transferred correctly to the ASIC database <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.asic.gov.au/asic/ASIC.NSF/byHeadline/Checking%20your%20business%20name%20on%20the%20register">by going here</a>.
More on pages 2 and 3
 
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<h3>No, no, no – I’m more worried about another business in another state having the same name as mine. Will they steal my amazing moniker from under my nose? </h3>
Well, they won’t steal your name, but identical names of different businesses will be transferred across to the new national register. 
If your name clashes with another business, you won’t have to change it, but you will have to live happily on the register next to them. 
If you’ve operated across state lines until now, then it doesn’t really make any difference to the branding challenge you have in luring customers. 
The only change is to the register itself. Helpfully, ASIC says that it will place extra information on the register to distinguish each same-named business. 
So your location, for example, may be added to your business name to separate it from another entity. 
<h3>Thievery! </h3>
Well, no, not really. 
ASIC says this extra added information doesn’t actually form part of your business name, it is merely to distinguish it from others. Just relax, will you? 
<h3>What if I haven’t registered my business name anywhere yet? </h3>
Then it’s best if you use the <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.asic.gov.au/asic/asic.nsf/byheadline/Business+name+availability?openDocument">ASIC business name availability tool</a> to see if another business has your moniker. 
The new national register obviously increases the chances of a clash, but ASIC is open to appeals and human interaction on the issue. 
Plus, you have the opportunity to reserve a business name for $42 if you’re not quite ready to go to market with your start-up. 
<h3>Great. I’m going to call my business the Non-Sh-t Anzac Don Bradman Corporation – I’ve checked and no one else has it. The public will love it. </h3>
Okay. So the reason no one else has this wonderful title is that it breaks multiple rules on the words you can use in your business name. 
Your business’ name can’t be identical to another entity, it can’t be offensive, it can’t contain restricted words and it may be barred if an identical name is under consideration by ASIC bigwigs. 
<h3>What are restricted words? </h3>
There’s a whole list of them, ranging from fire brigade and ambulance to GST and RSL. The aim, obviously, is to prevent the public being misled or confused. 
A full list <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.asic.gov.au/asic/asic.nsf/byheadline/Business+name+availability?openDocument">can be found here</a>. 
You also cannot claim that a person or organisation endorses your business by using them in the name, unless they explicitly agree. So your Don Bradman Anzac idea is pretty much a non-starter.
 
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<h3>Fine. Whatever. What will this all cost me? </h3>
New business name registrations and subsequent renewals cost the same – $30 for one year and $70 for three years. 
That is a big improvement upon the current near-$1,000 cost, plus all the associated bureaucracy, of registering in each state. 
<h3>Indeed. So does this mean I don’t have to worry about trademarks anymore? </h3>
No, not quite. Let’s turn to the lawyer on this one. 
“All (a business name register) does is comply with state-based legislation, which requires a disclosure of who is operating under a business name,” says James Omond, founder of commercial law firm Omond &amp; Co. 
“The only way to secure a ‘proprietary interest’ in a name that you are using [i.e. an ownership interest] is to register it as a trademark.” 
“This not only means that other people cannot stop you from using that name, it also allows you to assert your ownership rights in the name against someone else.” 
<h3>But it’s my business name! I’m the first one to have it and by using it surely I’m protected? </h3>
Omond again: “Using a business name will give you ‘common law’ rights to that name, but if you want to sue someone else for using the same or a similar name, you can only succeed if you can prove that you have built a reputation in the name, and suffered actual damage as a result of the other person using it.” 
“This can be a very difficult and expensive exercise in court. These requirements do not have to be fulfilled if you have a trademark registration. 
“So let me bang the drum again – you need to register your business name as a trademark if you want to truly own it, and be able to protect it.” 
<h3>Do you really think a mere 22 million people in Australia will be interested in my business? I’m after brand recognition from a global market here. What do I need to do? </h3>
The internet has effectively bashed down the doors of international trademarks, making the application of territorial trademarks more complicated than before. 
However, you still need to be covered if you hope to take your business name beyond Australian shores. 
Omond explains: “There is an international treaty involving 80 or so countries, called the Madrid Protocol, which allows you to file a single application from your home country (i.e. Australia) that nominates all of the different participating countries where you want to register your trademark.” 
“As well as benefits such as the ability to file one notice to update a change of address across all countries, and one payment to renew all your overseas registrations in one go, you are also able to make all your payments in Australian dollars.” 
“The basic filing cost is about $800 and you then pay a different fee for each country where you want your trademark registered.” 
“For some countries (e.g. France and Germany) this is as low as $100. Other countries (e.g. the UK and the USA) charge from $300 to $400.” 
“You can also nominate the whole of the EU, for example, for just $1,400. If you use a trademark attorney to do all of this for you (which is advisable), you will also have to pay their fees. (My charge for doing this, for example, is $395 + GST.)”
This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.startupsmart.com.au/" target="_blank">StartupSmart</a>.
 
 
 
 
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The National Business Name Register: All you need to know

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Lend Lease Docklands development Exo, which launched in July of last year, is about 70% sold.
It was half-sold within the first three weeks of its marketing and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/developments/docklands-development-exo-almost-two-thirds-sold/2011111652400">had sold 60 of the 96 units by November</a>. Now about 65 of the units are spoken for.
<img src="/images/stories/exo2.jpg">
Exo is aimed at the more affordable segment of the market, with prices starting from $395,000 for one-bedroom apartments, which would qualify for the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/time-running-out-for-first-home-bonuses-and-stamp-duty-concessions/2012052854863">Victorian government's $13,000 first-home bonus until the scheme concludes June 30</a>. To be eligible for the scheme, a property has to be priced under $600,000.
The building will comprise 32 one-bedroom apartments of about 55 square metres. It will have 64 two-bedroom apartments, which range from 79 square metres to 93 square metres and start at $665,000.
Exo will be have a distinctive perforated white façade, with its irregular holes designed to bring to mind river rocks or forest paths. It was designed by Lend Lease Design’s architectural team.
<img src="/images/stories/exofacade.jpg">
“Exo is the latest in a line of commercial and residential projects adding panache to Melbourne’s Victoria Harbour precinct – a unique fusion of city and water,” says Lend Lease Victoria Harbour project director Claire Johnston.
The development will back onto <street>Collins Street</street>, and although its address is technically <street>Merchant Street</street>, Lend Lease aims for it to be “characteristically <street>Collins Street</street>”.
<img style="font-size: 14px; text-align: left;" src="/images/stories/exo3.jpg">
“The design demonstrates an innate understanding of the need for sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of urban life, with each apartment purposely designed to maximise space and minimise noise, allowing residents to reside in the heart of the city without having to compromise on their quality of living,” says Johnston.
For more on the past, present and future of Docklands, download our free eBook. 
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Prices start at $395,000 in Lend Lease Docklands development Exo

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The major banks' share of the mortgage market is increasing, particularly since the major banks' acquisitions of smaller lenders, according to Credit Suisse.
Click to enlarge
<a title="Click to enlarge" rel="shadowbox" href="/images/stories/csmay241.gif"><img src="/images/stories/csmay241thumb.gif"></a>
 
 
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Major banks' share of mortgage market increasing: Credit Suisse

For most new apartment buildings, the Owners Corporation starts life with little more than a bank account and the first quarterly strata levies.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/9-gay-street-castle-hill-9-gay-street-castle-hill-nsw-2154">9 Gay Street</a> in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/castle-hill-nsw-2154">Castle Hill</a>, it starts with around $7 million in reserve.

It's an unusual legacy of what was once one of Sydney's highest-profile apartment remediation projects. When the development, originally known as Skyview and built by disgraced developer Top Place, came under scrutiny by then NSW Building Commissioner David Chandler, an $11 million remediation bond was negotiated to ensure any building defects could be fully rectified.

The building underwent an 18-month remediation program, during which around $4 million of that bond was spent bringing the building up to the standard it should have been in from the outset.

After extensive inspections, all active rectification orders have been lifted. What's more, around $7.2 million remains secured for the Owners Corporation for the next 15 years.

In a twist few would have predicted, what began as a significant concern for purchasers has left the building with something almost unheard of in the apartment market: a multi-million-dollar financial reserve from day one.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147685 project_image_fid=359136]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a> Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said the structure offers buyers a level of certainty that is difficult to replicate.

"The $11 million bond established for the Skyview Castle Hill development represents exceptional value, providing genuine financial security for purchasers," Huxley said.

"Unlike a standard insurance policy, this bond consists of real funds held in trust for the Owners Corporation, offering a tangible layer of protection and added peace of mind."

The apartments themselves have been designed with a focus on practical, contemporary living. Interiors feature Smeg appliances, stone benchtops, tiled living areas, carpeted bedrooms, 2.7-metre ceilings, floor-to-ceiling glazing, and ducted heating and cooling throughout.

Residents also have access to a range of shared amenities, including two rooftop barbecue areas, a swimming pool, children's playgrounds, secure building access, storage cages, and visitor parking.

The location continues to be one of the project's strongest drawcards. Castle Hill Metro Station sits virtually on the doorstep, providing direct connections across Sydney's expanding Metro network, while Castle Towers offers extensive retail, dining, entertainment, and service amenities within walking distance.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147685 project_image_fid=359127]

The building, now named after its location at 9 Gay Street, comprises a diverse mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments starting from just under $600,000.

Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett said demand in the Hills District continues to be driven by buyers seeking convenience and connectivity.

"Interest from both owner-occupiers and investors in Castle Hill remains exceptionally strong, with buyers consistently prioritising developments in close proximity to the Metro station and Castle Towers Shopping Centre," Hamblett said.

"There is a clear trend in the market, with purchasers seeking convenient access to transport and lifestyle amenities that support a seamless, low-maintenance way of living."

On top of the long-term protection afforded by the remaining $7.2 million bond, Equitifund is offering a limited-time stamp duty rebate on selected apartments.

Eligible purchasers can also secure finance options, including a 3.99 per cent two-year variable rate, loan-to-value ratios of up to 90 per cent, and interest-only lending options through EquitiCredit.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=147685]

Joel Robinson

Why this Castle Hill apartment building starts with a $7 million advantage

For much of the past few years, conversations about Australia's property market have centred on the rapid growth seen in Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Perth. <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/melbourne-vic-3004">Melbourne</a> has followed a different trajectory.

That relative underperformance is now encouraging some buyers to reassess the city, particularly those willing to look beyond short-term market movements and focus on quality property in established locations, along with the long-term growth prospects of a city expected to overtake Sydney as Australia’s most populous.

John Bekiaris, Research &amp; Market Insights at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Projects by Equitifund</a>, said Melbourne's current position is attracting increasingly sophisticated purchasers.

"Melbourne continues to present one of Australia's strongest long-term investment stories," Bekiaris says.

"While other capital cities have experienced stronger recent growth, that relative underperformance is exactly what's attracting sophisticated counter-cyclical investors."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363268]

Equitifund isn't just commenting on Melbourne's property market, it's investing in it.

The Sydney-headquartered capital partner has taken over the remaining apartments at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/victoriana-melbourne-20-queens-road-melbourne-vic-3004">Victoriana</a>, the recently completed glass-encased development opposite Albert Park Lake in Melbourne's tightly held St Kilda Road precinct.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> and built by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/hickory">Hickory</a>, Victoriana places residents between one of Melbourne's most recognised parklands and the CBD, offering oversized two and three-bedroom apartments aimed at owner-occupiers seeking a genuine alternative to a traditional family home.

The development comprises 232 completed residences alongside a suite of resident amenities, including a 25-metre indoor swimming pool, gymnasium, landscaped entertaining areas, resident lounges, EV charging, secure basement parking and a concierge-style arrival experience.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363229]

The apartments have been designed with owner-occupiers firmly in mind.&nbsp;Open-plan living and dining areas flow onto generous balconies framing views across Albert Park Lake, Fawkner Park, the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Melbourne skyline.

Kitchens feature Gaggenau appliances, stone benchtops and generous preparation space. Bedrooms include built-in robes, while bathrooms feature full-height textured tiling. Hardwood flooring and ducted air conditioning complete residences designed for long-term living.

Rothelowman's architecture takes its cues from the landscape opposite the site. Sweeping horizontal glazing references the movement of Albert Park Lake, while generous balconies and expansive glazing strengthen the connection between the apartments and the surrounding parklands. The result is a building designed to deliver the scale and amenity expected of luxury apartment living, while offering the larger floorplans increasingly sought by owner-occupiers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363284]

The location is one of Victoriana's defining characteristics. Positioned on Queens Road, residents are directly opposite Albert Park Lake and within easy reach of Fawkner Park, the Royal Botanic Gardens, South Melbourne, St Kilda Road and the CBD. With few comparable development opportunities remaining in the precinct, buyers are increasingly placing value on outlooks that are unlikely to be interrupted by future construction.

Greg Huxley, Founder of Equitifund, believes those qualities become even more valuable over time.

"Premium real estate has always rewarded buyers who take a long-term view," Huxley said.

"Victoriana represents the kind of asset that's increasingly difficult to recreate today, particularly in an established location like Queens Road."

He said rising construction costs are also changing the way buyers assess completed developments.

"When you combine an irreplaceable location with thoughtful architecture and premium finishes, you create something that becomes increasingly difficult to reproduce as construction costs continue to rise."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363228]

According to National Sales Director Ben Hamblett, enquiry has been driven largely by Melbourne downsizers and buyers upgrading from smaller apartments.

"Interest in Victoriana continues to build, with strong buyer focus on the larger owner-occupier residences within the development," Hamblett says.

"Enquiry is increasingly driven by local buyers who recognise the rarity of what's on offer: park-facing apartments in an established neighbourhood where new development opportunities are becoming increasingly scarce. At Victoriana, the view is not just a feature; it's an appreciating asset in its own right."

He said interstate enquiry has also strengthened as buyers reassess Melbourne's position within the national property cycle.

"Melbourne currently stands as the most compelling entry point of any major Australian capital, and discerning buyers are beginning to recognise what those who move early always understand: the best opportunities are taken before the price rise confirms them."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=1979]

Why now is the time to buy in Melbourne's premium apartment market

Developers and apartment buyers have a narrowing window of opportunity before Brisbane's Olympic infrastructure pipeline begins competing directly with residential construction, pushing up costs, tightening labour supply and making new projects increasingly difficult to deliver.

While Brisbane's apartment market continues to benefit from strong population growth and limited housing supply, industry research suggests the years leading up to 2027 could prove to be the most important period for developers looking to secure builders and buyers hoping to purchase before the next wave of price increases.

A new Colliers report, Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games: Creating Solutions, highlights the scale of the challenge. While thousands of new homes are planned across South East Queensland, the Brisbane Olympic Athletes Village alone will deliver more than 10,500 beds during the Games before being converted into around 1,750 to 2,000 apartments. Equivalent to almost two years of typical inner-city apartment supply, the project will also absorb a significant share of the construction workforce and building materials.

The broader construction pipeline paints an even clearer picture.

Construction Skills Queensland's Horizon 2032 report forecasts Queensland's annual construction pipeline will average $69 billion over the coming years before peaking at $75 billion in 2027-28. Demand for construction workers is expected to increase by 17 per cent to almost 150,000 people, with the industry facing an annual shortfall of around 19,000 workers that could blow out to as many as 35,000 during the peak construction period.

The Olympic venues, athletes village and supporting infrastructure will account for billions of dollars worth of work across South East Queensland through to 2032, creating intense competition for labour at a time when Australia's residential construction sector is already under pressure.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150489 project_image_fid=373834]

Colliers Queensland Residential Director Andrew Scriven said the convergence of these projects is creating a clear window of opportunity for both developers and buyers.

"From 2027 onwards, the market will shift dramatically," Scriven said.

"Labour will increasingly be locked into government-led infrastructure and Olympic projects, which means private residential developments will face higher costs and tighter margins. The developers who move now are the ones most likely to get projects off the ground."

Scriven said the same dynamic would also affect buyers, with fewer apartment projects expected to launch once construction capacity tightens.

"If you're looking to change your lifestyle over the next five years, now is your window of opportunity to buy."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150713 project_image_fid=373827]

Developers are already positioning themselves ahead of that window.

Following the success of Monarch at Toowong, Consolidated Properties is preparing to launch two new Brisbane apartment projects in the second half of 2026. They include <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/gloriette-30-bedivere-street-yeerongpilly-qld-4105">Gloriette</a> at Yeerongpilly Green, a 25-storey tower within one of Brisbane's key Olympic precincts, and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/castile-47-skyring-terrace-newstead-qld-4006">Castile</a>, a recently approved 25-storey riverfront development at 47 Skyring Terrace in Newstead.

Hutchinson Builders will deliver both projects, with early works already underway at Yeerongpilly and Newstead expected to commence later this year.

The timing comes as Brisbane's fundamentals continue to strengthen, with strong interstate migration, population growth and vacancy rates remaining below 1.5 per cent.

Colliers Queensland researcher Pragya Sharma said Greater Brisbane is forecast to require around 40,000 new apartments between 2021 and 2031.

"There's a real mismatch emerging between when housing is needed and when it will be feasible to build," Sharma said.

"As a result, the period leading up to 2027 presents a key window of opportunity for developers to secure approvals, funding and construction capacity, while buyers will have greater choice before supply constraints intensify."

Colliers research outlines a critical pre-2027 window to start residential projects before labour squeeze: now is the time to buy

Developers, buyers on watch in South East Queensland ahead of construction crunch: Colliers

It's taken less than nine months for developer Sherpa Property Group to sell out all 51 apartments in its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-oasis-palm-beach-7-9-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Oasis</a> development in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/palm-beach-qld-4221">Palm Beach</a>, over a year before its anticipated completion.

&nbsp;

Located at 7-9 Sixth Avenue, the $67 million development has resonated strongly with both local owner-occupiers and downsizers seeking high-quality apartments within walking distance of the beach, dining precincts and everyday amenities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357458]

Christie Leet, Founder of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Group</a>, said the sell-out reflected both the strength of the Palm Beach market and the success of Sherpa's community-first approach to development.

"The sell-out of Oasis is a fantastic outcome and reinforces the strong demand we're seeing for thoughtfully designed apartments in lifestyle locations," Leet said.

"From the outset, our vision was to create a development that genuinely enhanced the Palm Beach community while providing residents with exceptional homes and wellness-focused amenities.

"We've been incredibly encouraged by the level of local support throughout the campaign, 72.5 per cent of buyers are locals, with a significant proportion of purchasers choosing Oasis as their future home rather than an investment."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357463]

Construction is now progressing following development approval, with trusted builder LPS Group delivering the project and completion anticipated in Q3 2027.

Oasis forms part of Sherpa Group's successful Flourish collection, which has become recognised for its focus on wellness, community and elevated coastal living.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357469]

Residents will have private access to a rooftop amenity space featuring a pool, gym, sauna, steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, spa and barbecue facilities.

"The success of Oasis demonstrates that buyers continue to prioritise quality, location and lifestyle," Leet said.

"We are proud to have delivered a project that has resonated so strongly with the market and look forward to bringing Oasis to life for our future residents."

Sherpa recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-palm-beach-1150-1160-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a>, its third instalment of the Flourish brand in Palm Beach following Flourish Oasis and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/amargo-6-12-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Amargo</a>.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151449]

Sherpa sells out Flourish Oasis in booming Palm Beach

Urban Property Group's <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/la-vera-macquarie-park-94-talavera-road-macquarie-park-nsw-2113">La Vera</a> is leading the next phase of Macquarie Park's residential evolution, with the new apartment development set to become the first of several new apartment projects in the precinct to complete.

The 169-apartment building has now topped out ahead of its scheduled completion in the third quarter of 2026, as new residential investment continues to reshape one of Sydney's largest employment hubs into a true mixed-use precinct.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=368645]

Cox Architecture has designed La Vera to capture the best of its unique positioning on Talavera Road, orienting the building towards Lane Cove National Park.&nbsp;The building features a sculpted northern façade with flowing curves inspired by the surrounding landscape, while its city-facing elevation adopts a more structured architectural expression to maximise skyline views.

"The vision for the project was to conceive a building that adopted an organic and curvilinear form to the northern portion that faces the Lane Cove National Park," <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">Cox Architecture</a> Director Felipe Miranda said.

"The residents that reside in the northern portion of the building benefit by having beautifully crafted curved balconies that speak to the natural context and heighten the relationship of their internal living spaces to the external balconies."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=358802]

La Vera offers a diverse mix of one, two, three, and four-bedroom configurations, with prices currently starting from $740,000. Buyers so far have been a mix of Sydney-based investors,&nbsp;metro commuters, owner-occupiers and downsizers from surrounding North Shore suburbs.

Both investors and owner-occupiers have been drawn to La Vera's proximity to Macquarie University, Macquarie University Hospital, Macquarie Centre and the Sydney Metro, infrastructure that supports both strong rental demand and a convenient lifestyle for residents.

The apartments feature full-height glazing, timber flooring throughout living areas, stone kitchen benchtops, SMEG appliances, floor-to-ceiling bathroom tiling and ducted air conditioning.

Residents will have access to a rooftop recreation level featuring a swimming pool, sauna, barbecue facilities and landscaped relaxation areas, complemented by additional communal space at ground level. Many apartments enjoy uninterrupted views across Lane Cove National Park, reinforcing the project's connection to its natural setting.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=364551]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a>, a family-owned developer and builder with nearly four decades of experience, holds a 4.5-star iCIRT rating and was Australia's first developer to introduce 10-Year Latent Defects Insurance (LDI). La Vera is the first apartment development in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/macquarie-park-nsw-2113">Macquarie Park</a> approved to offer the additional insurance protection, alongside a five-year warranty on SMEG appliances.

Urban Property Group CEO Patrick Elias said the additional protection reflects changing buyer expectations in the off the plan market.

"Consumers are a lot more weary and a lot more concerned in buying off the plan than they ever have been. Having LDI is a tool to portray the confidence that we have in our product, and a confidence we want buyers to share," Elias said.

Following completion of the building later this year, buyers will move into their apartments well before Christmas.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134951]

Cassidy Knowlton

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