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<div>The Bank of Queensland (BoQ) has been ordered to improve its home lending practices after the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) found they were not consistent with the National Credit Act.</div>
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<div>ASIC was concerned that BoQ was using a benchmark figure, the Henderson Poverty Index (HPI), to estimate the living expenses of consumers applying for home loans, instead of asking them about their actual expenses, when assessing loan suitability. "In ASIC's view, the lack of enquiry about actual expenses, and sole reliance on HPI, was not consistent with responsible lending obligations imposed by the National Credit Act," the regulator said. "Bank of Queensland has updated its home loan application forms to obtain more information about a customer's living expenses."</div>
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<div>From this year, the bank has also been using the higher of the customer’s supplied figure or that new benchmark, BoQ’s chief risk officer Peter Deans wrote on the bank’s website.</div>
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“We have also been examining customer’s declared expenses more closely to determine the loan repayments they can afford,” he wrote.
ASIC acknowledged the co-operation of Bank of Queensland in resolving this issue.
ASIC notes that the bank will continue to review the circumstances of borrowers who go into hardship or default to ensure that they have not been disadvantaged by a loan provided prior to the change in policy.
ASIC Deputy Chairman Peter Kell said the outcome was part of ASIC’s ongoing focus on the lending industry’s compliance with responsible lending laws. 
"Lenders must carry out inquiries to determine whether a credit contract will be unsuitable for a consumer," Peter Kell said.
In November 2014, ASIC updated Regulatory Guide 209 Credit licensing: Responsible lending conduct (RG 209) to clarify that credit licensees cannot rely solely on benchmark living expense figures, and must also make inquiries about the borrowers’ actual living expenses.
 
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BoQ told to tighten home lending practices

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As at 31 March 2015, the total of residential term loans to households held by all authorised lenders was $1.30 trillion, according to the latex March quarter 2015 APRA figures.
This is an increase of $23.9 billion (1.9%) on 31 December 2014 and an increase of $107.1 billion (9%) on 31 March 2014. 
 Owner-occupied loans accounted for 65.4% of residential term loans to households.
Owner- occupied loans were $852 billion, an increase of $12.7 billion (1.5% on 31 December 2014) and  $57.3 billion (7.2% on 31 March 2014). 
Investment loans accounted for 34.6% of residential term loans. Investment loans were $450.2 billion, an increase of $11.2 billion (2.6%) on 31 December 2014 and $49.8 billion (12.4%) on 31 March 2014. 
<img src="/images/2015/05/26/apra1.jpg" alt="">
The latest lending data suggests lenders are generally meeting the 10% growth restraint sought by APRA, though some still to sufficiently rein in the pace of investor loans.
It has been suggested more than 82% of investor lending remains within APRA’s macro prudential growth target (not materially above 10%).
While a number of lenders are comfortably below this range (around 12% of market share) and have scope to increase their exposure to housing investors, some lenders are tracking well above APRA’s macro prudential target growth range. 
The 10 per cent benchmark is not a hard limit, but is a key risk indicator for supervisors in the current environment. 
The benchmark has been established after advice from members of the Council of Financial Regulators, taking into account a range of factors including income growth and recent market trends.
ADIs with greater than $1 billion of residential term loans held 98.4% of all residential term loans as at 31 March 2015. These ADIs reported 5.3 million loans totalling $1.28 trillion.
Of these loans: the average loan size was approximately $243,000, compared to $235,000 as at 31 March 2014; $479.1 billion (37.4%) were interest-only loans; and $30.1 billion (2.3%) were low-documentation loans.
New housing loan approvals with ADIs with greater than $1 billion of residential term loans saw approval of $82.3 billion of new loans in the quarter ending 31 March 2015. This is a decrease of $10.9 billion (11.7%) on the quarter ending 31 December 2014 and an increase of $8.5 billion (11.5% on the quarter ending 31 March 2014.
Of the new loan approvals $51.9 billion (63.0%) were for owner-occupied loans, a decrease of $6.5 billion (11.2%) from the quarter ending 31 December 2014; $30.4 billion (37.0%) were for investment loans, a decrease of $4.4 billion (12.6% from the quarter ending 31 December 2014; $34.8 billion (42.3%) were interest-only loans; $9.1 billion (11.1% had a loan-to-valuation ratio greater than or equal to 90%; and $0.6 billion (0.7%) were low-documentation loans. 
 
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It was December 9 last year when tthe Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) wrote to authorised deposit-taking institutions (ADIs) outlining further steps it plans to take to reinforce sound residential mortgage lending practices. 
These steps have been developed following discussions with other members of the Council of Financial Regulators.
In the context of historically low interest rates, high levels of household debt, strong competition in the housing market and accelerating credit growth, APRA has indicated it will be further increasing the level of supervisory oversight on mortgage lending in the period ahead.
Las December APRA advised it did not propose to introduce across-the-board increases in capital requirements, or caps on particular types of loans, to address current risks in the housing sector.
However, APRA flagged to ADIs that it will be paying particular attention to specific areas of prudential concern.
These included:
<ul>
<li>higher risk mortgage lending — for example, high loan-to-income loans, high loan-to-valuation (LVR) loans, interest-only loans to owner occupiers, and loans with very long terms;</li>
<li>strong growth in lending to property investors — portfolio growth materially above a threshold of 10 per cent will be an important risk indicator for APRA supervisors in considering the need for further action;</li>
<li>loan affordability tests for new borrowers — in APRA’s view, these should incorporate an interest rate buffer of at least 2 per cent above the loan product rate, and a floor lending rate of at least 7 per cent, when assessing borrowers’ ability to service their loans. Good practice would be to maintain a buffer and floor rate comfortably above these levels.</li>
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In the first quarter of 2015, APRA supervisors indicated they would be reviewing ADIs’ lending practices and, where an ADI is not maintaining a prudent approach, may institute further supervisory action.
This could include increases in the level of capital that those individual ADIs are required to hold.
APRA Chairman Wayne Byres noted that while in many cases ADIs already operate in line with these expectations, the steps announced last December would "help guard" against a relaxation of lending standards and, where relevant, prompt some ADIs to adopt a more prudent approach in the current environment.
‘This is a measured and targeted response to emerging pressures in the housing market. These steps represent a dialling up in the intensity of APRA’s supervision, proportionate to the current level of risk and targeted at specific higher risk lending practices in individual ADIs’ he said.
‘There are other steps open to APRA, should risks intensify or lending standards weaken and, in conjunction with other members of the Council of Financial Regulators, we will continue to keep these under active review.’
The steps announced today build on the enhanced monitoring and supervisory oversight of residential mortgage lending risks that APRA has put in place over the past year, which has included a major stress test of the banking industry, targeted reviews of ADIs’ residential mortgage lending and the release of detailed guidance to ADIs on sound residential mortgage lending practices.
APRA’s heightened supervisory focus on lending standards is being conducted in conjunction with the review of interest-only lending announced by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).
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Property investor lending running at 12.4% annual growth: APRA

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Melbourne buyers agent Ian James expects the Victorian state government foreign nationals stamp duty tax "may well be the straw that breaks the camel’s back."
Noting the vast majority of foreign nationals buying investment properties are buying apartments off the plan, Ian James says for the most part a foreign national purchaser buys in Melbourne because their kids are going to school here or they are waiting to get permanent residency and further to that, citizenship. 
"These are the people who will be your future neighbours, your children’s friends at the local school," Mr James said.
"We need to increase our population as quickly as possible and whilst the Government looks for more ways to waste our money, I think there are better ways to collect it."
He said the foreign national investors who buy land and develop townhouses, villas or homes to live in create jobs here in Australia. 
"The foreign nationals spend money to build homes, and furnish them spending money locally in shops.
"A local buyer can purchase an older home, rent it out for several years until the land appreciates enough to get a further loan to build or redevelop the land. 
"This means, no extra work for builders, no cabinet makers or furniture manufacturers."
But the JPP Buyer Advocates founder says many of the off the plan properties being sold to them are "overpriced by usually 20%+ and are very difficult to lease out. 
"They are quite often inner city or on the fringe in Docklands and Southbank. 
"Foreigners hold them for 3-5 years and then they sometimes sell them at a break-even or even a loss. 
"The Victorian state government wants to stop foreign nationals buying in Victoria by increasing the stamp duty they must pay. 
"This new 3% tax may well be the straw that breaks the camel’s back. 
"And for all those high rise developments in the pipeline – good luck!!!," he recently blogged at <a href="https://www.jpp.com.au/market-comment/market-forces/foreign-investment-and-a-xenophobic-money-grabbing-government/" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;">JPP Buyer Advocates</a>. 
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New Victorian foreigners tax the straw to break the camel's back: Ian James

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<div class="innerCont">There is now a $2.5 million asking price on the Glebe terrace that went to weekend auction. </div>
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It has been converted into five self-contained apartments, so the freestanding terrace was set to attract investor interest.
It comes with marble fireplaces, timber floors and high ornate ceilings.
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<div class="thumb activeThumb">McGrath agent Michael Glynn has the listing at 38 Toxteth Road, having given pre-auction $2.5 million price guidance.</div>
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Five one bedders in Glebe terrace passed in

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First home buyers in Western Australia have been told the $3,000 grant for established homes is still in place for a while yet and hasn’t been abolished.
The State Budget announced that the $3,000 First Home Owners Grant (FHOG), would be axed from established homes.
But REIWA says this won’t happen until the legislation passes through the parliament.
Mr Airey said the Government has indicated it will be in the second half of this year.
“Eligible first home buyers who purchase an established home prior to the legislation receiving Royal Ascent will be able to receive the grant even if settlement is after this date.
“This means that potential first home buyers who are keen to buy an established home and enter the market over the next few weeks will still be able to access the grant for a while longer, and they should talk to their selling agent about this,” Mr Airey said.
Mr Airey said it was also very important to note that the stamp duty exemption for first home buyers will remain in place regardless of other changes.
“Despite the changes to the FHOG, entry-level buyers still do not have to pay any stamp duty for homes up to $430,000. This helps greatly with affordability and saves many first home buyers around $14,000,” Mr Airey said.  
Mr Airey also reminded first home buyers about the Department of Commerce’s Home Buyers Assistance Account (HBAA).
“Many first home buyers on modest <a name="_GoBack" href=""></a>and fixed incomes may find they are eligible for the HBAA. This means if they buy an established home through a licensed real estate agent they can receive up to $2,000 to help with incidental expenses.
“This can include such things as a building inspection, termite inspection, the settlement agent’s fee and mortgage insurance,” Mr Airey said. 
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WA first time buyers told established home grant hasn't gone yet

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Offers close today on the grand gothic mansion at 100 Walsh Street, South Yarra which has hefty price expectations. 
When <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/for-sale/100-walsh-street-south-yarra-vic-3141-2011939963" target="_blank">Wavendon </a>came on to the market in April through Kay &amp; Burton managing director Michael Gibson, it came with reported $24 million record setting prospects.
Not from Gibson, but rather industry sources. Indeed Gibson has been running a very low key campaign with just the one photo in its public marketing campaign. here were more pics on <a href="https://www.100walshstreet.com" target="_blank">www.100walshstreet.com</a>, but you needed to register to get access.
"It could nudge Melbourne's benchmark," the Age none-the-less reported, not for the first time on trophy home offerings ever since the Toorak sale to the Stamoulis family in 2010.
It has been listed by businessman Greg Hargrave. 
It’s suggested the land at 100 Walsh St was first occupied in 1845 by Baron von Mueller, the German-Australian physician and botanist who designed the nearby Royal Botanic Gardens.
<img class="color" src="https://www.100walshstreet.com/images/pic0301.jpg" alt="image description" width="667" height="310">
The five bedroom 1888 mansion is surrounded by lush subtropical gardens, with a tennis court and a pool.
The property has been home to movie director Fred Schepisi, former CRA Ltd managing director Sir Roderick Carnegie, businessman Robert Kirby and the golfing legend Peter Thomson.
Businessman Greg Hargrave, of the Skilled Group, bought the tri-level Walsh Street home from Schepisi in November 2006 for $11,250,000 in an off-market deal.
Its subsequent contemporary renovation was undertaken by the designer Don McQualter, of Sydney-based firm Meacham Nockles McQualter.
 
{mijopolls112}
 
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Time ripe for record South Yarra Walsh Street's Wavendon

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Royalla, the glamorous Robertson farm stay, has been listed for sale. 
It is a 47 hectare cattle farm that grosses up to $80,000 a year from its visitors. 
Derek Leddie, former CEO of The Leading Edge market research firm and co-founder of athlete training outfit Out Of Your Mind, and his wife Nicole Lenord have owned Royalla for 10 years.
It's not the Pearsons Lane pastures that are extraordinary rather the 200 species of plant life with some of the trees 100 plus years old. 
Royalla hosted 70 wedding ceremonies last year with 26 already confirmed for 2015, with the property accommodating up to 16 people across three recently renovated dwellings. 
David Nolan of Webster Nolan Real Estate, Cameron McKillop of McKillop Property and Ian Rayner Real Estate <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-other-nsw-robertson-7603767" target="_blank">are giving $3.3 million price guidance</a>.
Leddie spent $2.8 million to buy the neglected retreat which comes with extensive dry-stone walls, large trees, paddocks, a creek and a dam.
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Royalla, the highlife Southern Highlands farmstay, listed 

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Chateau de Benelong, the distinctive Bellevue Hill palazzo residence, has sold for close to $6 million.
It didn't sell when auctioned in 2014 having a $7 million plus price indication.
It had revised $6 million hopes this time, although initially listed last month with renewed $7 million hopes.
Chateau de Benelong, the private palazzo commands sweeping northerly harbour views from its grand columned terraces.
The seven bedroom house has stood out from the crowd since 1977 when it was built by designer Lesley Santy.
It last sold at early 2012 auction at $4,995,000.
The 12 Benelong Crescent property had been renovated after trading for $3.67 million in 2009.
The Hunteleys Point-bound vendors Lynda Giang-Nguyen and Nhi Nguyen bought it in early 2012 from Nare Elio and Makedonka Del Ben.
<a href="https://www.biller.com.au/2081136/" target="_blank">Listed with Paul Biller of Biller Property</a> secured the 12 Benelong Crescent, Belleuve Hill sale.
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Bellevue Hill's Chateau de Benelong sold

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Sunland has bought Brisbane's indulgent Pink Palace mansion with plans for 28 boutique townhouses on the prime 6300-square-metre St Lucia site.
It was bought for $11.125 million following the death last September of socialite Cindy Fleming of an asthma attack.
Sunland's managing director Sahba Abedian said the acquisition demonstrated Sunland's continuing confidence in the Brisbane market.
The site, which has views to the Brisbane River and city centre, was sold by executors of the late socialite, Cindy Fleming.
The $45 million luxury residential homes will be constructed at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-st+lucia-119427939" target="_blank">276 Swan Road</a> after the mansion and its pink boundary wall are demolished.
The luxury residence, with two guest houses and resort style pool and gardens, had 1,580 square metre of under roof improvements.
Colliers International marketed the property resulting in 80 enquiries and 10 offers. 
Sunland expect to lodge its development application by September.
The local newspaper suggested it was Brisbane's monument to '80s glitz, glamour and extravagance 
Cindy Fleming bought 276 Swann Road in 2005 for $7 million from internet porn king Greg Lasrado.
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The Pink Palace was built by Brisbane builder Noel Kratzmann over 14 prime residential blocks, taking six years to complete with Noel Kratzmann dieing in 1989, just before it was finished.
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Sunland buys Cindy Fleming's Pink Palace with boutique Brisbane housing plans

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What started as Chinese sovereign funds making exploratory investments in Australia has now proliferated into investment sprees by Chinese developers, banks, ultra high net worth individuals (UHNWI’s) and institutional investors such as insurance companies.
The attractiveness of mature gateway markets in the UK, US and Australia is pulling capital out of China, providing quality products and higher yield returns with diversification benefits and assisting institutions and developers build their brand internationally. 
The first wave of Chinese capital outflow saw sovereign wealth funds, banks and private funds investing in core, trophy assets with examples including CIC and Bright Ruby Group acquiring core office assets in the Sydney CBD. Large developers followed, looking to diversify with an overseas presence.
The 10th Demystifying Chinese Investment report was by KPMG and The University of Sydney, who given the unprecedented increase in commercial real estate investment partnered with Knight Frank, to provide a more detailed account of Chinese commercial real estate investment activity in Australia.
"The catalyst for our report series is the historic lack of detailed factual information about the real nature and distribution of China’s outbound direct investment (ODI) in Australia," report authors Doug Ferguson and Hans Hendrischke said.
"Our reports seek to set the record straight and debunk the myths associated with Chinese investment in this country," 
It noted, somewhat dichotomously, the Federal Government has proposed changes to the foreign investment framework or private residences in Australia, announced as part of an options paper released in February 2015.
"This may impact Chinese commercial investment flows.
"However, even if implemented in their entirety, it is unlikely to deter the large scale development and investment into commercial and residential markets."
Here are Property Observer's 17 key takeouts of<a href="https://demystifyingchina.com.au/reports/demystifying-chinese-investment-2015.pdf" target="_blank"> the 8000 word report</a>.
1) The gateway cities of Australia, namely Sydney and Melbourne, have been the most active markets for Chinese investors. With their relative geographic proximity, relatively higher yields, market stability and liquidity, total Chinese real estate investment volume in these two cities outstripped both London and New York in 2014. 
2) But China’s outward investment into real estate has seen Chinese high net worth investors and developers now looking to new destinations offering discounts on prime property such as Miami in the US; and in Australia, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Adelaide and regional suburbs of NSW and Victoria will start to gain more traction. 
3) For the first time, nearly half of Chinese investment was concentrated in commercial real estate transactions, up from 14% in 2013.
4) For the first time, Chinese private sector investment in Australia exceeded state owned enterprise investment in number of deals (85% of total) as well as in total value (66%, AUD 6.23 billion) in 2014. Fifty-one private deals were recorded in 2014, compared to 25 in 2013.
5) NSW attracted 72% of investment.
6) Australia maintained its position as the second largest recipient country of aggregated global Chinese direct investment between 2007 and 2014, behind the United States in first position.
7) According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, China now ranks as Australia's fifth largest investor with 4% of investment stock, behind the United States (24%), the United Kingdom (13$), Japan (10%) and the Netherlands (6%), equal to Singapore (4%) and ahead of Canada (3%).
8) Chinese direct investment in Australia in 2014 was mainly focused on commercial real estate, infrastructure and for the first time, a material investment in the tourism and leisure sectors.
9) 2014 saw a dramatic increase in commercial real estate investment, accounting for 46 percent of the total 2014 value – up from 14 percent in 2013. Chinese investment volume in commercial real estate has nearly quadrupled in one year to A$4.37 billion, a surge fuelled by a combination of push and pull factors, with a number of key domestic economic and policy variables contributing. 
10) Another major push comes from some significant easing of overseas investment policies. For example, in late 2013 the outward investment approval threshold was raised from USD 100 million to USD 1 billion and in October 2014, the Ministry of Commerce removed prior approval for most foreign investment. The total assets of China’s insurance industry doubled over the past 5 years to RMB 9.6 trillion (USD 1.6 trillion) as at October 2014. By 2020, authorities estimate that the Chinese insurance industry will accumulate a further RMB 20 trillion worth of premiums, tripling the current pool size.
11) There are a number of pull factors at play fuelling investment in overseas markets:
<ul>
<li>As these investors and developers already have extensive domestic exposure, offshore investments help them diversify risk into markets that offer better returns and lower funding costs. Funding costs in Shanghai and Beijing are very high, notwithstanding recent cuts, often at above 8 percent. In contrast, funding costs can be as low as 4 percent in Australia and an easing cycle is underway. </li>
<li>Deep, liquid and transparent markets with scale – clarity of rules and regulations. </li>
<li>The quality of life, weather, clean air and world class education institutions all act as a magnet to Chinese developers and migrants alike. </li>
<li>Overseas acquisitions help Chinese institutions build their brands internationally. </li>
<li>Owner occupiers (eg. big banks) use investments to help manage their future occupation costs. Banks such as CCB, Bank of China, Agricultural Bank of China and Commercial Bank of China have all been active in the commercial market globally over the past year.  </li>
<li>12) For many wealthy Chinese, the risk of buying property in unfamiliar overseas markets such as Australia can be offset by buying projects offered by Chinese developers, providing a sense of both familiarity and pride. However, our recent conversations with several pioneering Chinese developers revealed that they are increasingly realising the need not just to cater for Chinese buyers, but to tailor project design elements and marketing strategies to the broader local markets. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>They are no longer distinguishing buyers by nationality or relying primarily on demand from Chinese buyers. Robust local sales conditions have become one of their most commonly stated criteria for project screening. They aim to expand and leverage their brand identity overseas and to take advantage of this demand. Chinese developers, however, have the added advantage of being able to attract a significant pool of Chinese buyers, who often purchase off-plan, which helps to de-risk their development projects. Greenland has invested heavily into Australian development projects, tapping predominately into cities such as Sydney and Melbourne. Dalian Wanda Group, one of China’s largest mixed-use developers, is developing major hotel and residential projects in Sydney and the Gold Coast.</li>
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13) Since the end of 2007 and the onset of the GFC, the Renminbi (RMB) has appreciated considerably against a basket of major currencies, including 37 percent against the British Pound, 38 percent against the Euro, 15 percent against the US dollar and 26 percent against the Australian dollar. This has largely strengthened the purchasing power of Chinese investors, as overseas investment has become relatively cheaper. Many Chinese investors see this as a good opportunity to acquire foreign assets. 
In the face of a cooling Chinese economy, RMB appreciation is expected to slow down in the coming years. Currency fluctuation is a double-edged sword for Chinese investors. Since Greenland’s acquisition of their Melbourne site, the Australian dollar has depreciated roughly 18 percent against the Renminbi. On the flip side, this devaluation now favours any Chinese investors who buy into this and any other residential schemes.
14) Currently, the third wave of equity investors and insurance firms are seeking core, value-add and yield-driven opportunities. Only four of the top 10 Chinese insurance companies have made offshore investments so far, although the remaining six are considering overseas expansion. Sunshine Insurance Group’s purchase of the Sheraton on the Park Hotel in Sydney for a record AUD 463 million in November 2014.
15) Chinese developers, however, have been more aggressive, with eight of the top 10 players having already made offshore investments, seven of which have been active in Australia, and other developers are contemplating such a move. Greenland Group, one of Shanghai’s largest state- owned enterprises, has purchased numerous development sites in Sydney’s CBD and other metropolitan markets in Sydney and Melbourne. Other developers currently actively developing product include Country Garden, Chiwayland, Bridgehill, Aqualand, Golden Age, JQZ, R&amp;F Properties, Golden Horse and Dalian Wanda (Wanda One). 
After heavy investment in prime office buildings and subsequent yield compression in gateway cities, Chinese investors have begun to look increasingly at opportunities in other key cities and other property sectors and importantly in suburban locations in metropolitan Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne, not just within the CBD and fringe markets.  
Whereas investors traditionally targeted the core office and residential development sector, they are now also targeting a more diversified group of real estate assets, from hotels and leisure to industrial to student accommodation. Brisbane and the Gold Coast have begun to capture more residential development interest from Chinese investors and developers.  
There has been increasing activity in non-core areas of Brisbane, such as Newstead and Fortitude Valley, and this is expected to broaden to more metropolitan sites and to the Gold Coast, where Wanda has co-invested in an AUD 1 billion beachfront site. These markets are underpriced relative to Sydney and Melbourne, and we expect Chinese developers to continue to seek entry to these markets. 
Adelaide and more satellite or regional suburbs of NSW and Victoria will start to gain traction/interest from Chinese and we should see some stronger price growth occur also. In the commercial sector, retail and hotels will start to garner more interest following relatively subdued activity over the past few years relative to office and residential development sites.
16) A new group of entities is quickly emerging as a fourth wave of capital outflow. This group constitutes not only big-name companies, but also UHNWIs, small- to mid- cap SOEs, and smaller, private developers. UHNWIs are exploring Australian investment opportunities mainly for secured income, capital appreciation, risk diversification, personal interest and to link with the strong education sector. Their investment strategies are far ranging, and they are open to different asset classes, with interests ranging from smaller shopping centres, such as the Campsie Centre, to offices such as 299 Elizabeth Street in the Sydney CBD, residential units and lifestyle properties.
17) Given the distinctive policy-driven nature of the Chinese market, however, Australia should equally be aware of the risk of policy reversals over time.
 
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17 facts about Chinese investment in Australia: KPMG/University of Sydney/Knight Frank

Sydney developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/central-element">Central Element</a>&nbsp;is doubling down in Drummoyne, lodging plans for a boutique apartment development on St Georges Crescent, only one-kilometre down the road from its first Drummoyne development, Bianca.

The new project at 15A-21 St Georges Crescent,&nbsp;a&nbsp;1,701sqm north-facing site overlooking Iron Cove, will have 45 apartmnts across 10 levels. Eight of the units will be dedicated to affordable housing.

The site sits within walking distance of Drummoyne Village, Birkenhead Point, ferry services and the Bay Run, and offers harbour views towards the Sydney Harbour Bridge and CBD skyline.

Designed by MHN Design Union, the development will deliver a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, alongside resident amenity including a gym, landscaped communal open space and three levels of basement parking.

The project has been lodged under the NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing reforms, with Drummoyne Village identified as a town centre capable of accommodating additional housing supply.

Central Element acquired the site earlier this year as part of its continued expansion across Sydney's eastern suburbs, lower north shore and inner west.

The developer's current pipeline includes luxury apartment projects Pearl Bondi and a separate development on Lamrock Avenue in Bondi, a residential project in Barry Street, Neutral Bay, and a mixed-use seniors living community in Greenwich.

Central Element Managing Director Nathan Chivas said the project would address a shortage of new owner-occupier housing opportunities in Drummoyne.

"While we're seeing a significant shift across Canada Bay as major infrastructure investment, population growth and planning reform drive a new chapter for the region, in suburbs like Drummoyne there remains a genuine shortage of new boutique luxury housing opportunities for owner occupiers," Chivas said.

"Sites of this nature are increasingly difficult to secure, particularly those that combine a north-facing aspect with direct water outlook. Our St Georges Crescent project responds directly to the market demand, offering a level of exclusivity, outlook and lifestyle in the highly sought after suburb."

The development application has been lodged with the City of Canada Bay Council, with the project expected to launch to market in early 2027.

&nbsp;

Joel Robinson

Central Element seeks second Drummoyne apartment development

The NSW Government has unveiled plans that could deliver around 1,300 new homes across Nowra and Kiama, continuing its push to unlock housing in well-located regional centres along the South Coast.

The proposals, now on public exhibition, would pave the way for around 830 homes in Nowra and a further 450 homes in Kiama, while also introducing affordable housing requirements and increased building heights in key locations.

The larger of the two proposals is centred on Nowra, where the NSW Government is seeking to rezone land within the Mandalay and Riverfront precincts.

The Mandalay sub-precinct, located close to Shoalhaven Memorial Hospital, Nowra Library and the city's aquatic centre, could accommodate around 530 new homes. Around 30 per cent of housing delivered on Homes NSW-owned land would be dedicated to social and affordable housing, equating to roughly 100 homes. Building heights would increase from the current two-storey limit to between three and six storeys.

A separate rezoning proposal for the Nowra Riverfront Precinct would unlock a further 377 homes while creating stronger connections between the Shoalhaven River and the CBD. The plans include building heights ranging from five to 12 storeys, floor space ratios of up to 2:1 and a requirement for two per cent affordable housing.

Together, the two proposals would deliver more than 900 homes across the broader Nowra area, reinforcing the city's role as one of regional NSW's key growth centres.

The housing push builds on previous infrastructure commitments in the Shoalhaven, including government funding aimed at supporting thousands of future homes in West Nowra through upgrades to water and wastewater infrastructure.

Further north, the NSW Government is also progressing plans for the former Kiama Depot site, a two-hectare parcel near Kiama's town centre.

The rezoning proposal would transform the former industrial site into a residential community capable of delivering up to 450 homes. Buildings would range between six and eight storeys, with at least 10 per cent of homes allocated as affordable housing. The proposal also includes approximately 600 parking spaces and improved walking and cycling connections.

Planning Minister Paul Scully said the proposals are designed to increase housing supply in locations close to jobs, transport and services.

"For too long, families have struggled to find somewhere to live, and activating underutilised sites allows us to deliver the new homes these families need," Scully said.

"The Minns Labor Government is getting on with the job of unlocking well-located sites close to transport, jobs, and town centres and building the homes our communities need.

"These rezonings are about removing barriers to housing delivery and making sure land is put to better use so more people can find a place to call home within the communities they choose."

The latest rezonings form part of the Minns Government's broader strategy to accelerate housing delivery across NSW, particularly in established centres where existing infrastructure can support additional population growth.

Community consultation on the proposals is now underway, with feedback set to inform the final planning controls before the rezonings are determined.

Around 1,300 new homes earmarked for Nowra and Kiama as NSW Government pushes housing supply

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mrcb">MRCB International</a> has commenced construction on its latest Gold Coast apartment development, Maris, on the site of the former Sundale Motel in Southport.

The start of construction by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/binah-constructions">Binah</a> follows an exceptionally strong sales campaign, with more than 90 per cent of apartments sold since launch. Every purchaser has been local, an&nbsp;indicator of confidence in both the development and Southport's evolution into a thriving CBD.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/maris-southport-20-queen-street-southport-qld-4215">Maris</a> will deliver 192 residences across 20 levels. The project forms part of MRCB's Australian and New Zealand development pipeline now exceeding $1.6 billion in gross development value, alongside a growing portfolio of projects globally.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134403 project_image_fid=350663]

The company also commenced construction on its $600 million 26 Vista residences in Surfers Paradise last year, following strong sales momentum, with over 70 per cent of residences sold.

Maris has been designed to meet evolving buyer demand, offering architecturally designed layouts suited to long-term liveability. The approach reflects a growing preference for quality and adaptability among Gold Coast buyers.

Positioned next to the Broadwater in the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/southport-qld-4215">Southport</a> CBD, Maris sits directly opposite the Broadwater Parklands light rail station and within easy reach of retail, dining and lifestyle precincts, placing residents at the centre of one of the Gold Coast's most connected and rapidly maturing urban centres.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134403 project_image_fid=372756]

Maris will offer a full suite of resort-style residential amenities, including a pool, gym and sauna, along with a rooftop level featuring decks, lounges and dining and yoga areas that command sweeping views across the Broadwater and out to the ocean.

Binah, a New South Wales headquartered company co-founded by Amen Zoabi and Khalil Hafza in 2008, has expressed its excitement at establishing its first partnership with MRCB.

Binah's Managing Director Khalil Hafza said partnering with MRCB on Maris is a significant moment for Binah.

"MRCB's financial strength and a track record that speaks for itself give this project a solid foundation, and this marks the beginning of what will be a long and successful relationship.

"With the right people, systems and partnerships behind it, Maris is set to become a significant addition to the Gold Coast's premium residential market."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134403 project_image_fid=350664]

MRCB International CEO Ravi Krishnan said the project's progression to construction reflects both sustained demand and tightening conditions across the apartment sector, as well as MRCB's continued confidence in the Gold Coast market.

"Commencing construction at Maris is a significant step and reflects the depth of demand for quality apartments in well-connected urban locations," said Krishnan.

"Across Southeast Queensland, new apartment supply remains constrained, particularly in established precincts with infrastructure and amenity already in place. Projects like Maris are increasingly critical in meeting that demand, especially on the Gold Coast and in the city's CBD precinct."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134403 project_image_fid=372761]

Krishnan said Southport's ongoing transformation, supported by infrastructure investment and long-term planning, was underpinning renewed buyer confidence.

"We're seeing a clear shift back towards well-located urban centres where infrastructure, connectivity and amenity are already established," said Mr Krishnan. "Southport is evolving into a more mature CBD environment, and that is being reflected in buyer behaviour."

Construction at Maris is anticipated to be completed in 2029.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134403]

Construction commences on MRCB’s $200m Maris Residences in Southport

Moonee Valley Park’s latest residential release <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-eveline-at-moonee-valley-park-moonee-ponds-100-thomas-street-moonee-ponds-vic-3039">The Eveline</a>, has achieved a new benchmark for off-the-plan apartment sales in the suburb, with the sale of The Alexandra penthouse selling for $5,435,000.

Positioned on the top floor of a 16-level residential building, the three-bedroom, three and-a-half-bathroom penthouse features uninterrupted city skyline views across the future Valley racetrack.&nbsp;

The landmark sale comes as momentum at the precinct continues to build, with the Moonee Valley Racing Club progressing works on its new racetrack ahead of the 2027 Cox Plate. The transformative development will see MVRC reimagine the beloved Valley as a vibrant year-round entertainment and lifestyle destination.

Alongside a world-class racing experience, the historic precinct will be activated with events, hospitality and public green spaces designed to attract broader audiences, while breathing new life into one of Melbourne’s most iconic destinations.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=142519 project_image_fid=372786]

Development partners <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hamton">Hamton Property Group</a> and Hostplus have delivered five residential stages over the past four years, the most recent in November 2025 with Trackside House and Stonepine House. The flourishing community is now home to almost 500 families.&nbsp;

The latest residential release, The Eveline, has recorded strong demand since launching publicly last July, securing more than $200 million in sales to date, satisfying its pre sales hurdle for construction to commence.&nbsp;

Hamton Founder and Executive Chairman, Paul Hameister OAM said, the sales&nbsp;team have been overwhelmed by demand for these unique homes in this unique project.

"Buyers continue to be predominantly hyperlocal and attracted by the 40 hectare botanic masterplan in Melbourne’s inner north west," Hameister said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=142519 project_image_fid=372788]

Hamton’s Sales and Marketing Director Fergus Humphries said the team has achieved more than 70 sales over the past eight weeks, including the penthouse purchase by a local buyer.

"These results reinforce that, even in a challenging market, purchasers continue to be drawn to quality projects that offer more than just a home, they offer a lifestyle.”

Designed by Cera Stribley, the penthouse has been created with entertaining in mind, spanning close to 400 sqm of indoor and outdoor living space, including multiple terraces designed to capture sweeping views across Melbourne’s skyline, the new Valley racecourse and sunset views over Moonee Ponds.

Moonee Valley Park is one of Melbourne’s largest urban renewal projects, transforming the iconic racecourse site into a vibrant mixed-use neighbourhood integrating homes, parklands, retail, racing and community amenities.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=142519]

Moonee Valley Park penthouse sets suburb record as sales surge clears construction benchmark

A company linked to one of Australia's largest privately owned cattle businesses has lodged plans for a new residential tower in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/newstead-qld-4006">Newstead</a>, continuing the rapid transformation of one of Brisbane's most sought-after, inner-city precincts.

Bottletree Holdings, an entity associated with Stanbroke Managing Director Brendan Menegazzo, has submitted a development application for a 28-storey mixed-use tower at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/9-longland-street-newstead-qld-4006">9 Longland Street</a>, a site that made headlines last year when it changed hands in an off-market transaction that reportedly set a benchmark land rate for the suburb.

The proposal would replace an existing two-storey commercial building on the 1,510 sqm corner site with a Bureau Proberts-designed tower comprising 76 apartments, ground-floor retail, office space and a suite of resident wellness amenities.

<img alt="9 Longland" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c710a836-568e-4382-bc91-3c34b8e80a8b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-22%20at%209.41.45%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Vy.mQWBc7GA_a.vIBdxKqRC9XGjWalo2" />

According to planning documents lodged with Brisbane City Council, the development would comprise a mix of 36 two-bedroom apartments, 24 three-bedroom apartments and 16 four-bedroom residences, positioning the project firmly at the premium end of the market. The apartments would sit above a podium containing retail and commercial space, with three levels of communal recreation facilities spread throughout the tower. The proposal also includes 198 car spaces and 95 bicycle spaces.

Bureau Proberts has drawn heavily on Newstead's industrial heritage in developing the architectural response.

"Occupying a prominent corner in the heart of Newstead, the proposal draws from the area's industrial lineage of robust brick warehouses to deliver a distinctly contemporary response," the architects said in the design statement.

"It is conceived as a subtropical sanctuary and elevated private retreat embedded within one of Brisbane's most vibrant lifestyle precincts."

The design seeks to reinterpret the traditional Queensland vernacular through wraparound verandahs, deep shading elements and permeable facades that respond to Brisbane's subtropical climate.

<img alt="9 Longland" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="25524f59-395c-4825-8fad-9b639822fa8a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-22%20at%209.42.09%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=dlWlbpCc_g3Y6yTLGqRVKvGJvO2ubMJ3" />

Planning documents describe the building as embodying the principles of "buildings that breathe", a design approach increasingly favoured in Brisbane's apartment market as developers focus on natural ventilation and outdoor living spaces.

The tower itself would rise above a heavily landscaped podium designed to reference the woolstore architecture that helped define Newstead and neighbouring Teneriffe for generations. At ground level, fine-grain retail tenancies would activate Longland Street, Wyandra Street and the existing Wyatt Street laneway, further extending the pedestrian network that has become a hallmark of the Gasworks precinct.

The application notes that more than 54 per cent of the site would be dedicated to landscaping and deep planting, while approximately 1,750 sqm of communal recreation space would be delivered across multiple levels.

<img alt="Planning" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fed3b189-1054-4b68-af5f-b0befc4a66e5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-22%20at%209.42.19%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=gqeE3cjsbnLAfeTUKA1HtPZfqDs6S4Xa" />

Bottletree paid $22 million for the 1,510 sqm development site, equating to more than $14,500 per sqm, a reflection of the strong demand for development opportunities in Newstead. The suburb continues to attract both developers and buyers, underpinned by the ongoing evolution of the Gasworks and Teneriffe precincts into some of Brisbane's most sought-after lifestyle destinations.

Brisbane City Council's Sustainable Growth Strategy and Inner City Strategy both identify Newstead as a priority growth precinct capable of accommodating additional housing density due to its proximity to employment hubs, public transport and lifestyle infrastructure.

The proposed tower joins a growing pipeline of high-end apartment developments in the suburb. Fortis recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/crest-walker-newstead-12-kyabra-street-newstead-qld-4006">Crest &amp; Walker</a>, a 65-apartment owner-occupier-focused development on Kyabra Street, while Consolidated Properties Group is preparing to launch <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/castile-47-skyring-terrace-newstead-qld-4006">Castile</a>, a 227-apartment waterfront project on Skyring Terrace.

Meanwhile, builder-developer BPG is planning its own Newstead project on Maud Street, comprising just over 100 apartments and more than 1,380 sqm of dedicated wellness and resident amenity spaces, further highlighting the shift towards lifestyle-driven apartment developments in Brisbane's inner-city market.

Jonathan Chancellor

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