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Failing to consider changing rates or personal circumstances could lead to repayment challenges down the track
With the official cash rate at an all-time low, many people are looking to take advantage and jump into the property market.
According to independently owned comparison service <a href="https://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/clk?id=136265217&amp;iu=/109628257/click_tracker" target="_blank">Mozo.com.au</a>, the average variable home loan rate has dropped below 5% - the lowest it’s been since the 1950s. Fixed rates are at record lows with the best one and two year rates now under 4%.
But do the low rates mean that it’s a great time to buy a property? Is it a risk free zone?
In a competitive market, low rates don’t necessarily mean low risk, says Steve Jovcevski, a property investment expert and home loan negotiator with Mozo.
Jovcevski says that with interest rates so low, many buyers are neglecting to do all the necessary research.
“They’re not doing the property building inspections, or seeing if there’s a power line running close by, or checking if they have their finances sorted,” he says.
“There’s all sorts of factors where you could potentially lose your deposit because you may not fit the criteria, so sort out your finances.”
Patrick Bright, founder of Sydney-based buyer’s agency EPS Property Search, says that often prospective buyers get so excited about the idea of purchasing a new home that they forget about evaluating their finances.
“They base their home loan on their current financial circumstances and don’t take into account their future plans, like starting a family, or allowing for the fact that rates will rise at some time in the future,” Bright says.
Bright says that it is important to remember that interest rates won’t stay this low forever. History shows that once interest rates do begin to rise again they can shoot up very fast. For instance, in just 13 months from October 2009 to November 2010 rates increased by almost 2%.
One of the keys to avoid the trap of rising interest rates is to ensure you can afford repayments on a higher amount.
“There’s no downside to making repayments above your required level as it gives you a safety net in case of difficult financial times or allows you to pay off your mortgage sooner,” says Bright.
While low rates are not a reason for borrowers to go overboard, they still represent a great opportunity for a buyer who does research. The Mozo home loan comparison tables show there is still a big difference between the best and worst rates on the market, with variable rates ranging from approximately 4.23% to 6.13% (at the time of writing). This difference can add up to thousands of extra dollars in interest each year, so borrowers still need to do their homework to find a competitive loan.
“A lot of people now think because they can afford the home loan the rates are going to be low forever. Obviously they are not, they change, and when they do go up, people need to make sure today they can afford that home loan 2 or 3% higher,” says Mozo’s Jovcevski.
With record low interest rates it still pays to remain patient and do your homework.
For information on property loans, rates and more, visit Mozo.com.au or <a href="http://propertyobserver.com.au/forward-planning/tools/ebooks-and-webinars/42368-get-loan-savvy-expert-tips-for-a-first-time-investment-or-refinancing-loan-in-a-free-ebook" target="_blank">click here</a> for the free Property Observer eBook, Get loan-savvy – tips for a first time, investment or refinancing loan, which helps you decide on a home loan that meets your requirements.
 
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Why low rates don't mean low risk: Mozo warns on investor traps to avoid

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Be prepared, present well and be ready to bargain to make the most of your investment opportunity
Many investors want the biggest loan they can reasonably afford, and there are some clever ways to maximise this opportunity.
By doing your research and knowing what the best rate on the market is, you put yourself in the best bargaining position when you deal with your lender.
“The more research you do, the better informed you will be,” said Marie Mortimer, managing director of loans.com.au.
“Watch what different parts of the mortgage market are doing; for example, what are non-bank lenders offering compared to the big banks?
“Online lenders are experts at keeping costs down that are passed on to customers as low interest rates and low fees. Do the sums and don’t be afraid to look outside the conventional bricks and mortar lending model for a better deal.”
There are certain aspects of your finances that banks look at to determine how much they will let you borrow.
“A strong repayment history, substantial property equity, a co-borrower or guarantor, and demonstrated capacity to meet repayments will help you maximise the amount you can borrow,” says Mortimer.
Once you’ve identified the right loan and made sure that your finances are in order, the next step is to maximise the opportunity.
“Investors often want to be able to borrow the most that they possibly can,” says Kirsty Lamont, a director at mortgage comparison website <a href="https://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/clk?id=136265937&amp;iu=/109628257/click_tracker" target="_blank">Mozo.com.au</a>. But it’s also important to ensure that you can meet future repayments.
“There are ways to go about maximising how much you can borrow. For instance if you take out a fixed rate loan, banks will calculate your borrowing capacity on the fixed term, e.g. 4 per cent for five years, whereas if you get a variable loan they will add a serviceability buffer of around 2 per cent to the current rate to determine your borrowing capacity.
When you’re looking at maximising your loan, it’s still very important to make sure you’ve done your own affordability calculations and are comfortable that you will still be able to afford those repayments down the track if interest rates rise.”
Many people don’t know that you can negotiate with a lender and by doing so you can often get a much better deal.
“A lot of us are used to the idea of walking into an electrical store and haggling a better deal for a TV, but we don’t feel comfortable haggling on an interest rate when it comes to a home loan,” says Lamont.
“But the banks are very willing to negotiate and it’s not uncommon to save yourself up to 1.2 percentage points by haggling.”
In a Mozo Mystery Shopper experiment, an expert negotiator was sent into ANZ, Commonwealth Bank, NAB and Westpac, posing as a refinancer, a first home buyer and an investor. The results showed that even first home buyers borrowing relatively small amounts could negotiate up to 1 per cent off their interest rates. The experiment also showed that the banks have different levels of discounts and tend to reserve their biggest discounts for people that bargain the hardest.
“Don’t accept the first rate that they offer you, bargain again because they have a range of discount tiers they can access and they won’t necessarily offer you their best discount straight up,” advises Lamont.
“Tell them to try again and say they are going to have to do better to win your business and often times they come in with an even bigger discount.”
Lamont says that many Australians feel uncomfortable negotiating over a complicated issue like a home loan, or assume that the lenders have all the power.
“But in the current competitive home loans climate they want your business and will bargain with you,” said Lamont.
For information on property loans, rates and more, visit Mozo.com.au or <a href="http://propertyobserver.com.au/forward-planning/tools/ebooks-and-webinars/42368-get-loan-savvy-expert-tips-for-a-first-time-investment-or-refinancing-loan-in-a-free-ebook" target="_blank">click here</a> for the free Property Observer eBook, Get loan-savvy – tips for a first time, investment or refinancing loan, which helps you decide on a home loan that meets your requirements.
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Think big – Mozo advise how to maximise your loan

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If you've had your eye on a potential investment property around the corner from where you currently live, you wouldn't be the first. There are many pros and cons to buying a property locally. For those dipping their toes into investing, it's usually their local property market that has them excited.
The certainty that comes with knowing your own area and being able to drive past your investment property can be second to none in many people's eyes. The tangibility that comes with investing in property in the first place – that you'll be buying something you can see and understand – is part of the reason it might feel safer to purchase nearby.
However, there are some crucial questions you need to ask yourself before closing your eyes to the rest of Australia.
Are you living somewhere that is expected to do well for investors? Is there somewhere better? And can you afford it?
It's unlikely that the one suburb you live in is the best investment location out of every suburb across the country.
If you own the home that you are living in, then it might actually make sense to diversify and consider a property further afield, or even interstate.
Similarly, if you haven't yet purchased in the area, it might be worth looking for other opportunities first, rather than holding yourself to one specific location. You need to make sure the area works for you, to achieve your financial goals.
Often, the reason you live somewhere is very different to the reason you invest somewhere.
There are some specific benefits to purchasing a property that is local or just a few suburbs away. You have the option to repair and renovate yourself, without having to travel long distances, and you can always do the protective drive-past if you're getting concerned about the investment. It also makes self-managing the property easier if that's a consideration. If a substantial renovation, that you will be hands on with, is part of your strategy, then it's worthwhile considering the better options closer to home.
Buying locally can also save you time if you have the required knowledge about the area's property market in advance. Many first time investors keep a regular eye on their suburb's auctions and sales.
However, having strong local knowledge and connections can go both ways.
It can be a useful set of skills to have as you seek out local experts, and if you have knowledge as to potential changes coming up for the area, the good and the bad streets, where the noisy neighbours are and so on, it can cut short your research time. But it also means you may be very biased about an area you like. You must be able to leave your emotions and assumptions at the door and look at an area with fresh eyes, as an investor not as a resident. You may find that what you think is true about the area is not the case when you take a step back.
Look at the possible return and investment figures, the rental yields and what you are getting for your investment. You may find that purchasing in a regional area, or in another state, may be more lucrative. With the internet now at your fingertips, doing some preliminary research is easier than ever.
While it may seem daunting to look at another location, this may just suggest that you haven't sufficient your research or that you may want to consider engaging a buyer's agent or other professional.
And remember, even if you decide to purchase in a location not local to you, do not shirk on your physical inspections and necessary research – it's likely to be worth the costs and due diligence.
You must also be astute about the differences from state to state. There are different real estate and planning laws across the country that you need to make yourself familiar with.

For help getting started in property investment, speak with a RAMS home loan specialist and pick up your free <a href="https://crtl.aimatch.com/pm/adclick/FCID=2762/size=1x1/viewid=1/random=1/relocate=https://www.rams.com.au/investor-pack/" target="_blank">RAMS Investor Pack.</a>

Follow RAMS on <a href="https://crtl.aimatch.com/pm/adclick/FCID=2766/size=1x1/viewid=1/random=1/relocate=https://www.facebook.com/raymondaram" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://crtl.aimatch.com/pm/adclick/FCID=2767/size=1x1/viewid=1/random=1/relocate=https://www.twitter.com/RAMS_AU" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and <a href="https://crtl.aimatch.com/pm/adclick/FCID=2772/size=1x1/viewid=1/random=1/relocate=https://www.linkedin.com/company/rams" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a>

Disclaimer: Information in this material in general and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs and you should consider whether it is appropriate for you. You should also obtain independent professional advice relevant to your financial circumstances.

The taxation positions described are general statements and should only be used as a guide. It does not constitute tax advice and is based on current tax laws and their interpretation.

<a href="https://www.rams.com.au/home-loans/" rel="nofollow">RAMS Financial Group</a> Pty Limited does not endorse or assume any responsibility for the advice, content or services provided by Property Observer or any other third party referred to in this material.

RAMS Financial Group Pty Limited ABN 30 105 207 538 AR 405465 Australian credit licence 388065. Credit provider and issuer of RAMS deposit products: Westpac Banking Corporation ABN 33 007 457 141 AFSL and Australian credit licence 233714.
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Is it preferable to buy an investment property local to my current address?

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The popularity of house and land packages are on the rise – but selecting the right one could be a stressful and complex decision-making process.
Industry-run property portal realestateVIEW.com.au, partnered with houseandland.com.au, has simplified the search process on their site so you can decide how to find the block of land that’s right for you.
Property Observer spoke with the director of houseandland.com.au, Mark Shearer, and realestateVIEW.com.au’s general manager Petra Sprekos, to reveal how you can search for the right suburb and land estate. 
Narrow down from thousands of blocks of land to individual suburbs, or match to specific builders to create a package that fits your lifestyle.
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What paperwork do I need to prepare before going to the lenders?

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While many people consider keeping their primary place of residence and turning it into an investment property when they upgrade or move, it’s slightly less common to move into your investment property down the track.

Buying your first property as an investment and moving into it later can allow you to save substantial funds upfront, particularly if you live with your parents or are renting cheaply and have a tenant paying market rent. You may also not be ready to live in the home yet, or unable to afford it, so this provides the opportunity to get into the market early.

If you want to move in but your tenant has not yet completed their lease, make sure you speak to your property manager about your options. You are required to fulfil the tenancy agreement and provide the relevant notice periods.

A capital gains tax exemption is likely to apply for the period that you have lived in the house, however you will still be taxed on the portion of time that it was an investment and was rented.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5910]

Living in the property for more than 12 months triggers a 50% Capital Gains Tax (CGT) reduction, says Destiny Financial founder and director Margaret Lomas. She explains that if you have lived in the property, as well as rented it during ownership, and subsequently sell at a later date, then the property incurs pro-rata capital gains tax using the cost base on the first half and the eventual sales price. It is calculated according to the days rented and not rented, with the “not rented” period attracting a CGT reduction.

However it does get more complicated if you were to rent out a portion of the property, which would require the period of time that you lived alone in the property to be calculated pro-rata as above with the potential CGT exemption, and the period of tenancy to be calculated under a different method for CGT. Moving into the property will make you lose any year to year deductible negative gearing benefits on that investment.

Speaking to your accountant is a must, as the impact will be mostly felt when you sell, not before.

If some of the major growth is still coming for the area, it may make sense to purchase a new home, bearing in mind the costs of purchasing.

For help getting started in property investment, speak with a RAMS home loan specialist and pick up your free <a href="https://crtl.aimatch.com/pm/adclick/FCID=2760/size=1x1/viewid=1/random=1/relocate=https://www.rams.com.au/investor-pack/" target="_blank">RAMS Investor Pack.</a>

Follow RAMS on <a href="https://crtl.aimatch.com/pm/adclick/FCID=2766/size=1x1/viewid=1/random=1/relocate=https://www.facebook.com/raymondaram" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://crtl.aimatch.com/pm/adclick/FCID=2767/size=1x1/viewid=1/random=1/relocate=https://www.twitter.com/RAMS_AU" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and <a href="https://crtl.aimatch.com/pm/adclick/FCID=2772/size=1x1/viewid=1/random=1/relocate=https://www.linkedin.com/company/rams" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a>

Disclaimer: Information in this material in general and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs and you should consider whether it is appropriate for you. You should also obtain independent professional advice relevant to your financial circumstances.

The taxation positions described are general statements and should only be used as a guide. It does not constitute tax advice and is based on current tax laws and their interpretation.

<a href="https://www.rams.com.au/home-loans/" rel="nofollow">RAMS Financial Group</a> Pty Limited does not endorse or assume any responsibility for the advice, content or services provided by Property Observer or any other third party referred to in this material.

RAMS Financial Group Pty Limited ABN 30 105 207 538 AR 405465 Australian credit licence 388065. Credit provider and issuer of RAMS deposit products: Westpac Banking Corporation ABN 33 007 457 141 AFSL and Australian credit licence 233714.
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What are the implications if you move into your investment property?

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Straightforward internet searches are passé for buyers, with impressive apps providing more insight into purchase options than ever before
Searching for properties has evolved dramatically with the introduction of new media technologies.
Cloud storage, mobile internet and the increasing penetration of broadband is escalating the speed with which information is able to be transmitted and consumed – and it's made it easier than ever to find a property.
But while access to real estate information has become easier, the onus has shifted to the buyer to hunt down the best property.
Jacque Parker, president of the Real Estate Buyers Agents Association of Australia, says that while selling agents have long been the sole gatekeepers of information in the property game, technology is enabling buyers to gain some knowledge of this, and participate more in the experience.
"Buyers have far more information at their disposal and can use this to their advantage when it comes time to assess and negotiate property," says Parker.
Parker says that one of the greatest changes to the way the industry operates has been the prevalence of mobile technology.
"The largest changes have involved faster delivery of information across a multitude of devices and in a more efficient timeframe."
The savviest house hunters know that making use of this type of technology is key to keep ahead of the game.
"Buyers no longer rely on the Saturday lift-out alone, they now engage in a mix of online, mobile and paper research," says buyer's agent and director of Advantage Property Consulting, Frank Valentic.
"They're able to look for properties on their phone whilst on the move, sitting on the tram, on their lunch break."
Using real estate apps, buyers are able to keep track of current listings and keep all the information they need right in their pocket.
"Real estate apps provide more information than a simple listing, such as in-depth property market data, and the ability to schedule open for inspections or auctions in your calendar," says Valentic.
"However, this information has always been available to buyers – it's just now presented to them in a more accessible way."
Petra Sprekos, general manager of realestateVIEW.com.au, agrees that mobile technology is firmly shifting the power right into the hands of the buyer.
"While agents serve an important purpose, we are now witnessing how technology is allowing the buyer to become more informed and gain more control over the buying process," Sprekos says.
Information such as local amenities, schools, recently sold properties in the area, and median suburb prices are easily at hand in the best apps. Beautiful photos, floor plans and heat mapping technology are also helping buyers. The new realestateVIEW.com.au app has these elements, along with built-in GPS technology to help find nearby properties for sale and to rent.
Saving properties of interest, and having one click access to get in touch with agents are other benefits.
"Buyers need information, quickly and easily, and it needs to be up to date and accessible whenever, wherever," Sprekos says.
"Through customisation and targeting, we're seeing how real time information is becoming more relevant.
"New technologies are giving buyers the power to 'mould' their property seeking journey rather than passively absorb what they are being given."
 
To help with your property hunt, the new realestateVIEW.com.au app is available to <a href="https://crtl.aimatch.com/pm/adclick/FCID=3585/size=1x1/viewid=1/random=1/relocate=https://www.realestateview.com.au/mobile?utm_source=property_observer&amp;utm_medium=e%20ditorial&amp;utm_content=sponsored_post&amp;utm_campaign=app_launch" target="_blank">download here</a>.
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Tech savvy property hunting: the next trends

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<a href="https://crtl.aimatch.com/pm/adclick/FCID=3713/size=1x1/viewid=1/random=1/relocate=https://www.realestateview.com.au/mobile?utm_source=property_observer&amp;utm_medium=editorial&amp;utm_content=video&amp;utm_campaign=app_launch" target="_blank"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/marketing/sponsored-post/Brought-To-You-By-REV3.jpg" width="444"></a>
Potential property buyers know that the process of assessing varying prices, suburbs and hot spots can be time consuming.
Property Observer spoke to <a href="https://crtl.aimatch.com/pm/adclick/FCID=3713/size=1x1/viewid=1/random=1/relocate=https://www.realestateview.com.au/mobile?utm_source=property_observer&amp;utm_medium=editorial&amp;utm_content=video&amp;utm_campaign=app_launch" target="_blank">realestateVIEW.com.au</a>’s Head of Product &amp; Technology Raymond Smit to learn how their new mobile app can help.
It offers thousands of property listings for potential buyers to review. In this video he reveals some of the app’s nifty benefits that will put buyers ahead of the game.
The app offers cohesive data to assist the property seekers in their decision making, such as median house prices, sold property prices and median weekly rental prices. This means people can gather as much or as little information necessary to create a complete picture of their options. A key feature is a visual map view to explore points of interest around specific properties.
Watch below for more:
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What strategies are not always suited to new investors?

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Every property investor is faced with decisions, but one of the debates that many enter into early on is whether to consider buying a property for strong future capital gains prospects or for current rental yield realisation.
What is high yielding for a particular area? Yield is very specific to the individual property, and it can be further altered by the outgoings.
Balance between both – yet they’re not a "trade-off" necessarily. You do not want to be completely drained by an investment each week, and you don’t want to get cash flow coming in with little growth on the other end.
However, some investors are strictly yield chasers, looking to maximise their regular income.
With an inverse relationship seen between capital growth and rental income – a rule of thumb with many exceptions – it makes sense to <a href="/expert-insights/investing/how-to-boost-your-rental-yield">boost rental yield where possible</a>.
There are several ways to do this, including furnishing the property, offering it to multiple tenants, adding a granny flat or turning it into a holiday rental. A renovation, or adding something desirable like air conditioning, can also do wonders for justifying a small rent increase.
Strong rent is not useful when the area’s rental market is in freefall. Similarly, strong capital growth is going to be hard to hold out for when you’re paying out a substantial sum each week. Your capital growth is going to need to cover what you’ve paid out while waiting for it to occur if the investment is viable.
It’s all about your short and long-term goals, as well as your current financial situation. For every investor, this will differ.
Total yield
Total yield is a concept that brings the annualised capital growth and rental yield together to create a new figure that determines the success of the property.
For instance, a 4% yield with a 6% annualised growth creates a 10% total yield.
If you never intend to sell the properties you hold, a plan many subscribe to, then it may make sense to seek out high yielding assets for the final portfolio to sustain you in retirement.

For help getting started in property investment, speak with a RAMS home loan specialist and pick up your free <a href="https://crtl.aimatch.com/pm/adclick/FCID=2764/size=1x1/viewid=1/random=1/relocate=https://www.rams.com.au/investor-pack/" target="_blank">RAMS Investor Pack.</a>

Follow RAMS on <a href="https://crtl.aimatch.com/pm/adclick/FCID=2766/size=1x1/viewid=1/random=1/relocate=https://www.facebook.com/raymondaram" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://crtl.aimatch.com/pm/adclick/FCID=2767/size=1x1/viewid=1/random=1/relocate=https://www.twitter.com/RAMS_AU" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and <a href="https://crtl.aimatch.com/pm/adclick/FCID=2772/size=1x1/viewid=1/random=1/relocate=https://www.linkedin.com/company/rams" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a>

Disclaimer: Information in this material in general and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs and you should consider whether it is appropriate for you. You should also obtain independent professional advice relevant to your financial circumstances.

The taxation positions described are general statements and should only be used as a guide. It does not constitute tax advice and is based on current tax laws and their interpretation.

<a href="https://www.rams.com.au/home-loans/" rel="nofollow">RAMS Financial Group</a> Pty Limited does not endorse or assume any responsibility for the advice, content or services provided by Property Observer or any other third party referred to in this material.

RAMS Financial Group Pty Limited ABN 30 105 207 538 AR 405465 Australian credit licence 388065. Credit provider and issuer of RAMS deposit products: Westpac Banking Corporation ABN 33 007 457 141 AFSL and Australian credit licence 233714.
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Should I be looking for capital growth properties or high yielding investments?

ANZ believes the Reserve Bank is in no rush to move again.

Following the release of the May Monetary Policy Board Minutes, ANZ has taken the view that the RBA is now firmly in a holding pattern, with the cumulative impact of previous rate hikes giving the Board scope to assess how the economy evolves from here.

That positioning, in ANZ’s view, makes a June rate hike unlikely.

The bank continues to expect the cash rate to remain unchanged at 4.35 per cent for an extended period, with the RBA adopting what is effectively a wait-and-see approach.

The Minutes point to a Board that sees financial conditions as already restrictive, but without a clear read on just how restrictive they are. That uncertainty has shifted the focus away from immediate policy action and toward monitoring both domestic conditions and global developments, particularly the conflict in the Middle East.

As ANZ interprets it, the Board is deliberately avoiding strong forward guidance.

Instead, it is allowing itself flexibility, acknowledging that monetary policy has limited ability to influence the near-term trajectory of inflation, while also recognising that economic growth is likely to remain below potential for some time.

Despite that pause in momentum, ANZ notes that the Board still carries a tightening bias.

The Minutes reveal that, in weighing up its decision, the Board seriously considered another 25 basis point increase. The key debate centred on the trade-off between inflation and activity, particularly in the context of global uncertainty.

Ultimately, most members leaned toward the inflation side of that equation.

Underlying inflation is still expected to remain above target for an extended period, regardless of how external risks evolve. That has led to a view within the Board that the risks to its inflation objective have increased, and that the current cash rate may not be sufficiently restrictive to fully contain those pressures.

That’s important.

While the decision, for now, is to hold, the underlying tone of the Minutes suggests the door to further tightening has not been closed.

ANZ also points to commentary from Assistant Governor (Economic) Sarah Hunter, who highlighted the risk that inflation could pass through the economy more quickly and broadly than in previous cycles. Both Hunter and a majority of the Board expressed concern that inflation expectations could become less anchored after such a prolonged period above target.

That combination, persistent inflation and the risk of expectations shifting, is what continues to underpin the RBA’s cautious stance.

However, where ANZ diverges from the RBA is on the outlook for activity.

The Board appears relatively comfortable with current spending patterns, effectively downplaying recent declines in business and consumer sentiment. It notes that sentiment has historically been only weakly correlated with actual spending, and that feedback from its liaison program has not yet pointed to a meaningful slowdown in consumption.

ANZ is less convinced.

The bank believes the link between household disposable income, sentiment and spending is more direct than the RBA is currently acknowledging. With inflation continuing to erode real incomes, ANZ expects household spending to soften more materially than the central bank is forecasting.

That divergence matters because it shifts the balance of risk.

If activity weakens more than expected, the trade-off between inflation and growth changes. In ANZ’s view, that would reduce the need for further tightening and reinforce the case for the RBA to remain on hold.

It also suggests that the current policy setting may already be doing more work than the Board fully appreciates.

The broader takeaway from ANZ’s interpretation is that the RBA is walking a narrow path.

On one side sits the risk of inflation remaining elevated for longer than expected. On the other is the growing pressure on households and the potential for a sharper slowdown in activity.

For now, the Board is choosing to wait.

But it is a pause that still carries an underlying tightening bias, rather than a clear pivot toward easing.

In practical terms, that leaves the cash rate anchored at 4.35 per cent for the foreseeable future, with the next move still uncertain.

For borrowers, it reinforces the reality that relief is not imminent.

And for the broader economy, it highlights the delicate balance the RBA is trying to strike, between bringing inflation back to target and avoiding an unnecessarily sharp slowdown in growth.

According to ANZ, it is a balance that is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain.

Joel Robinson

RBA to hold rates for "prolonged period" rather than hikes: ANZ

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/venturecrowd-property-projects">VentureCrowd</a> is down to the final Canopy Villa release at Cumulus Grand Villas in Carrara, as construction continues on the 59-residence gated community positioned above 100 hectares of natural savanna on the Gold Coast.

The remaining Canopy Villa forms part of one of four collections within the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bda-architecture">BDA Architecture</a>-designed community and has attracted interest from buyers seeking larger-format homes that combine privacy, security and low-maintenance living. Positioned within a private cul-de-sac and facing a protected black she oak forest, the four-bedroom villa includes a large private outdoor area suited to pet owners and families wanting more flexible space.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/cumulus-grand-villas-carrara-17-baltimore-court-carrara-qld-4211">Cumulus Grand Villas</a>, located at 17 Baltimore Court, comprises a mix of three and four-bedroom villas across the Skyline, Canopy, Savanna and Broadview collections. Prices currently range from $1.455 million to $1.895 million, with the final Canopy Villa priced from $1.825 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135663 project_image_fid=360477]

The Canopy Collection villas offer four bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms and approximately 245 sqm of internal space, alongside double garages and landscaped private areas. Expansive glazing, open-plan living spaces and private balconies have been designed to maximise natural light and outlooks toward the surrounding savanna landscape.

Construction is now underway across the fully funded development, which VentureCrowd says has become an increasingly important consideration for buyers assessing off-the-plan opportunities on the Gold Coast. The project is being delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/devcon">Devcon Property Group</a>, which has operated in South East Queensland since 1993 and delivered more than 1,000 homes across the region.

VentureCrowd Director of Property David Whitting previously said the project responds to changing buyer priorities in the prestige Gold Coast market.

“Flexible floorplans have proven particularly relevant for purchasers aged between 40 and 65, including next home buyers, downsizers and investors,” Whitting said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135663 project_image_fid=360505]

The buyer profile at Cumulus has reflected that shift toward owner-occupier-driven demand. Stuart Towns and Tracey Loynes recently purchased a Canopy Villa, drawn to both the lifestyle offering and the flexibility the home provided for their next stage of living together.

The couple, who met three years ago, sold their Robina home earlier this year after identifying what they saw as strong long-term investment potential at Cumulus while remaining within the same Gold Coast market. The villa’s private backyard was a major drawcard for their dog Luna, while proximity to golf courses including Emerald Lakes also aligned with their lifestyle interests.

Beyond the residences themselves, the community has been planned around shared lifestyle and recreation amenities. The Infinity Terrace will include a 20-metre heated pool, barbecue facilities, alfresco dining spaces and elevated retreat areas overlooking the surrounding landscape. Walking trails, a private nature reserve, orchard and herb garden are also integrated into the masterplan.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135663 project_image_fid=360473]

BDA Architecture Director Darren Greenaway said the design approach was heavily influenced by the site’s outlook and secluded setting.

The practice sought to create what Greenaway described as a “little piece of paradise,” drawing inspiration from the elevated views, surrounding greenery and quiet location.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/carrara-qld-4211">Carrara</a> continues to attract buyers seeking larger homes within proximity to the coast but without direct beachfront pricing. Cumulus sits within easy reach of Broadbeach, Pacific Fair, Robina Town Centre and the M1, providing connections north to Brisbane and south toward the Gold Coast Airport and northern New South Wales.

The first stage of Cumulus Grand Villas is targeting completion in 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135663]

VentureCrowd nears sell-out of Canopy Collection at Cumulus Grand Villas in Carrara

Waverley Council has made a call that many councils have been reluctant to make publicly. Growth is coming, regardless of who controls it.

The release of the Bondi Junction Vision and Master Plan is less about whether the Eastern Suburbs’ primary centre will change, and more about how that change is shaped, funded, and ultimately experienced on the ground. Waverley Council has released a 100-page plan which is effectively the first comprehensive blueprint for Bondi Junction in over two decades, and in doing so, signals a clear shift in how councils are positioning themselves in the current planning environment.

For the past 18 months, the conversation across New South Wales has been dominated by the State Government’s Low and Mid-Rise Housing reforms and the emergence of the Housing Delivery Authority pathway. Both have created faster, more centralised avenues for development approvals, particularly in well-located, infrastructure-rich areas like Bondi Junction.

Waverley Council’s response has been to move early, and decisively.

Rather than react to individual proposals as they come through the HDA or broader State-led reforms, Council has sought to establish a clear, place-based framework that sets the terms for how Bondi Junction evolves. The underlying position is relatively straightforward: if densification is inevitable, it should be tied to infrastructure, public domain improvements, and a cohesive vision for the centre, not delivered piecemeal through ad hoc applications.

<img alt="bondi junction" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7f1f729c-ed99-4c6c-bf87-ffbce6991941" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-19%20at%209.58.16%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=ULX4OlXKjeJ5BvNCNGL86evgXCjCfMih" />

At its core, the document is attempting to reposition Bondi Junction from what it largely functions as today, a transport interchange anchored by a major retail centre, into something far more layered. The ambition is to transform it into what the plan describes as the “civic and cultural heart of Sydney’s East,” a place that is active beyond commuting hours and capable of supporting a broader mix of uses, experiences and communities.

That repositioning is built around four key ambitions.

The first is to create a true destination. Bondi Junction already attracts significant foot traffic, with more than 86,000 daily transport users and millions of annual retail visits, but much of that activity is transient. People pass through, rather than stay.

The Master Plan seeks to change that dynamic. It leans heavily into the idea of an “18-hour economy,” extending activity well beyond traditional retail hours through dining, cultural programming, events, and a more active night-time offering. This is not just about adding more hospitality venues, but about fundamentally shifting how the centre operates, from a daytime shopping destination to a place that functions across the full span of the day and into the evening.

Oxford Street Mall sits at the centre of that shift.

Long seen as underperforming relative to its potential, the Mall is identified as one of the key catalyst projects in the plan. It is to be reimagined as a day-to-night spine, combining retail, dining, wellness and cultural uses in a way that creates a continuous flow of activity. Outdoor dining, rooftop venues, laneway activation and a curated events program are all part of the strategy, alongside significant public domain upgrades that aim to improve comfort, safety and usability.

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The second ambition is to transform Bondi Junction into a world-class interchange.

Despite being one of the most heavily used transport nodes in Sydney, the current experience is fragmented. Connections between the station, Westfield, Oxford Street Mall and surrounding streets are often unclear, and major roads create physical barriers that disrupt pedestrian movement.

The Master Plan proposes a more seamless, people-focused network. That includes clearer pedestrian links, improved wayfinding, better integration between transport modes, and a rethinking of how arrival into the centre is experienced. The aim is to shift the perception of Bondi Junction from a place people move through, to a place they arrive in.

The third ambition focuses on greening and open space.

One of the more consistent pieces of community feedback throughout the Vision phase was the need for more greenery, better public spaces, and a more comfortable urban environment. Despite being surrounded by major parks, Bondi Junction itself has relatively limited accessible open space, with much of the public realm dominated by hard surfaces and traffic infrastructure.

The plan responds with a network of new and upgraded public spaces, increased tree canopy, and what it terms the “Parkline,” a green link connecting Waverley Park through to Centennial Park. This is not just about aesthetics. It is about addressing heat, improving liveability, and ensuring that increased density is matched by access to high-quality outdoor space.

The fourth ambition is perhaps the most important from a development perspective: growth that gives back.

Bondi Junction is already the primary location for new housing supply in the Waverley LGA, and that is expected to continue. The area carries a target of 2,400 new dwellings by 2029, with further growth projected beyond that as demand for well-located housing continues to rise. The Master Plan does not seek to limit that growth. Instead, it attempts to shape it.

New housing is to be concentrated around transport, with stepped building heights designed to protect the character of surrounding neighbourhoods. At the same time, the plan introduces a more explicit link between development uplift and public benefit. This is where value capture becomes central.

The document outlines a framework where increased development potential is tied to contributions that fund public domain improvements, community infrastructure, open space, and affordable housing. It is an approach that recognises that much of the transformation of Bondi Junction will be delivered by the private sector, but seeks to ensure that the benefits of that growth are shared more broadly. The Civic Precinct is a key part of that equation.

Leveraging Council-owned land, the plan proposes a consolidated civic and cultural hub centred around Ebley Street. This would include new community facilities, cultural spaces, and potentially a new Council Chambers, creating a focal point for civic life that currently does not exist in Bondi Junction at scale.

It is one of several catalyst projects identified in the Master Plan, alongside the Oxford Street Mall transformation. These projects are intended to anchor change, acting as early interventions that unlock broader investment across the precinct.

Importantly, the Master Plan is not just a design document. It includes a delivery framework that sets out how these ambitions are intended to be realised.

Council is explicit in acknowledging that it cannot deliver the transformation alone. Implementation will require coordination between State agencies, private developers, landowners and the community, with a mix of planning agreements, infrastructure contributions and direct delivery mechanisms used to fund and stage improvements over time.

The plan outlines a mix of short-term, medium-term and long-term actions, from immediate public domain upgrades and planning controls, through to larger-scale projects that will unfold over the next decade or more. In practical terms, the next 12 to 24 months will be the most important.

This is when the Master Plan will move through exhibition, refinement and eventual adoption. It is also the period in which Council will seek to embed the framework into its planning controls, giving it weight in the assessment of future development applications.

Council officers have indicated that once the Master Plan is in place, it could be used as a benchmark when assessing Housing Delivery Authority proposals, and potentially reduce the need for further HDA declarations within Bondi Junction. In effect, it is an attempt to bring planning control back to the local level, while still aligning with State housing targets.

That tension between State-led reform and local planning control is not unique to Waverley. It is playing out across Sydney.

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If delivered as intended, Bondi Junction will become denser, more active, and more complex. It will support more residents, more workers, and a wider range of uses, extending beyond its current retail core into a more layered urban environment.

“The civic and cultural heart of Sydney’s East”: Bondi Junction masterplan revealed

Toorak's dress circle St Georges Road, home to some of the city's priciest homes, is set for a rare new apartment development.

Blood Diamond Group, an entity tied to Tina Brandi, wife of David Brandi who has been a prolific bidder on The Block over the years, has filed plans for an ultra-exclusive development across an amalgamated 3,662 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/104-106-st-georges-road-toorak-vic-3142">104 and 106 St Georges Road</a>.

The proposal would replace two existing homes on the riverfront site with a five-level apartment building cascading down the steeply sloping land toward the Yarra River. Designed by Charles Wright Architects, the development has been carefully shaped around the site’s topography and river environs, with the upper levels stepping back to reduce visual bulk from both St Georges Road and the Yarra corridor.

Planning documents describe the proposal as “a site layout and building typology that is consistent with the emerging character of the area and which provides exceptional amenity for future residents without compromising that of neighbouring properties.”&nbsp;

<img alt="First look: Blood Diamond Group unveils riverfront apartment plans for Toorak Pavilion" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ea19a17e-7528-4fa8-b727-05f2f7c025e5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Toorak%20pavilion%20a_0.png?VersionId=rZ2IjdoUL_UrRl1sZ4wZHnQXbYUaEmUQ" />

The scheme comprises 12 apartments, including 10 three-bedroom residences, one one-bedroom apartment, and a substantial split-level five-bedroom penthouse. A 624 sqm communal rooftop terrace will crown the building, while three undercroft levels embedded into the hillside will accommodate apartments and basement parking.

The design leverages the site’s dramatic northern outlook across the Yarra River, with living areas and balconies oriented toward the water. A central atrium running the full height of the building is intended to draw natural light deep into the residences and improve internal amenity.

Landscape architecture by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/jack-merlo">Jack Merlo Design &amp; Landscape</a> will play a major role in softening the built form, particularly along the river edge where significant setbacks have been introduced. The proposal includes a minimum 30-metre setback from the Yarra River boundary, preserving a substantial landscaped buffer between the development and the waterway.

While a mature English Oak near the front of the site is proposed for removal, the plans retain a large English Elm closer to the riverfront, alongside other established vegetation in the lower section of the property.

<img alt="First look: Blood Diamond Group unveils riverfront apartment plans for Toorak Pavilion" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ed3bf19b-5bc7-482f-bde7-41f709a13c3a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Toorak%20pavilion%20b.png?VersionId=SG_kBGu4rOaSPY8FtVcmPJfSCrstuOfg" />

Architecturally, the building adopts strong horizontal forms with expansive glazing and curved balcony edges facing the river. Planning documents note the upper levels “adopt a receding form” to ensure the building responds appropriately to the Yarra River environs overlay controls.&nbsp;

The surrounding streetscape is characterised by large contemporary homes embedded into the hillside, many presenting as modest one or two-storey forms to the street before expanding toward the river frontage below. The planning report notes this established pattern heavily influenced the massing strategy for Toorak Pavilion.&nbsp;

Until the recent sale of the landmark Clendon Road mansion Coonac for around $130 million, St Georges Road held the state's most expensive home, the $80,000,088 derelict "Ghost House" mansion that was bought by crypto king Ed Craven.&nbsp;

Blair House, also on St Georges Road, sold for $74.5 million in 2022.

First look: Toorak Pavilions slated for dress circle St Georges Road

Six months after a development site on Kangaroo Point’s Shafston Avenue sold for $6.55 million, plans have been lodged for a 23-storey apartment tower.

A company named JMT Mega Capital, understood to be interstate investors when the 1,222 sqm double block traded late last year through Patona Property, is proposing an 84-apartment development in place of the existing low-rise buildings.

The slender tower at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/212-220-shafston-avenue-east-brisbane-qld-4169">212–220 Shafston Avenue</a>, overlooking the Brisbane River, has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/aplus-design-group">Aplus Design Group</a>. It will comprise a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments above six basement levels, topped by rooftop resident amenities.

<img alt="First look: 23-storey Kangaroo Point tower planned for Shafston Avenue riverfront precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7e17ba9e-553e-42ef-92b6-22081671521a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/podium_3.png?VersionId=hlVUf99vrOjUs.vhQs0qV0DhOncUy9T8" />

The development has been designed as a vertically articulated tower with recessed balconies, curved façades and planted edges intended to soften its scale within the evolving Shafston Avenue skyline. In the submitted Urban Design Report, Aplus Design Group said the tower had been “shaped with a slender vertical expression, articulated façades, recessed balcony zones, integrated planting and a clearly defined podium relationship, helping to reduce perceived bulk and create a more elegant contribution to the Shafston Avenue streetscape and broader Kangaroo Point skyline.”

The scheme comprises 84 apartments, including 25 one-bedroom units, 34 two-bedroom apartments and 25 three-bedroom residences. A total of 104 car spaces are proposed across six basement levels, including resident, visitor and accessible parking.

Residents will have access to rooftop communal open space and shared amenities, while the development also incorporates deep planting zones and subtropical landscaping throughout the podium and tower levels. The project includes 35 per cent communal space coverage across the site and a 17.5 per cent deep soil zone allocation to support urban greening outcomes.

The application exceeds the mapped building height under the Kangaroo Point Peninsula Neighbourhood Plan and is being assessed under Brisbane City Council’s impact assessment pathway. The design team argues the additional height is supported by the site’s strategic inner-city location, existing high-density zoning, and proximity to transport and employment hubs.

“The design has been developed to make better use of a well-serviced urban site within an established high-density residential setting, while improving the street presentation and overall quality of the public realm interface,” the report states.

<img alt="First look: 23-storey Kangaroo Point tower planned for Shafston Avenue riverfront precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1ab44b1e-ff45-4bf3-8da8-8aa0cd79db33" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/site_10.png?VersionId=tSxeGekZOqj1e9g3PEn_yFoC3taKDp3U" />

The proposal adds to a growing pipeline of apartment developments reshaping Kangaroo Point ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games, with demand continuing to strengthen for new housing supply in well-connected inner-city precincts.

Mosaic has nearly sold out its under-construction <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-bedford-by-mosaic-16-30-prospect-street-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">The Bedford by Mosaic</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-carter-by-mosaic-77-linton-street-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">The Carter</a>,&nbsp;while Pikos recently completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/skye-residences-by-pikos-kangaroo-point-8-river-terrace-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">Skye Residences</a> nearby. Pikos is also delivering <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/gaia-kangaroo-point-108-lambert-street-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">Gaia</a>, over 230 three- and four-bedroom apartments on Lambert Street.

Lucy Eldred

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