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You must keep full and accurate accounting records that:
<ul>
<li>show the true position of all trust money received </li>
<li>enable your trust accounts to be properly audited. </li>
</ul>
Your accounting records must show:
<ul>
<li>who is entitled to the trust money </li>
<li>details of each trust money transaction </li>
<li>dates on which, or the period during which, each transaction took place. </li>
</ul>
Whenever a trust money transaction occurs, you must update your accounting records by the end of the next business day. 
The Estate Agents (General, Accounts and Audit) Regulations 2008 set out the required:
<ul>
<li>accounting documents </li>
<li>procedures </li>
<li>details to be kept.</li>
</ul>
If you are seeking technical or accounting information, or information not available on our website, ask your accountant or auditor for advice in the first instance.
Cash receipts journal
You must keep a trust account cash receipts journal, recording all money received daily.
This must include the:
<ul>
<li>number of the receipt </li>
<li>date the receipt was made out and, if different, the date on which the trust money was received </li>
<li>amount of money received</li>
<li>form in which the money was received; for example, cash, cheque or EFT </li>
<li>name of the person from whom the money was received </li>
<li>name and reference number or other identification of the person on whose behalf the money was received </li>
<li>details clearly stating why the money was received </li>
<li>details identifying the ledger account to be credited.</li>
</ul>
Cash payments journal
You must update a cash payments journal with all daily withdrawals from the account.
For payments made by cheque, this must include the:
<ul>
<li>date, serial number and amount of the cheque </li>
<li>name of the person the payment was made to; or, for a cheque made payable to an authorised financial institution, the institution’s name or BSB and the name of the person receiving the benefit of the payment </li>
<li>name and reference number or other identification of the person on whose behalf the cheque was drawn </li>
<li>details of the account in the trust ledger to which the cheque is to be debited </li>
<li>details of the purpose for which the cheque was drawn.</li>
</ul>
For payments made by EFT, this must include the:
<ul>
<li>date, reference number and amount of the transfer </li>
<li>name of the person to whom the payment was made; or, for a payment to an authorised financial institution, the institution’s name or BSB and the name of the person receiving the benefit of the payment </li>
<li>name and number of the account, including the BSB number, to which the amount was transferred </li>
<li>name and reference number or other identification of the person on whose behalf the transfer was made </li>
<li>details of the account in the trust ledger to which the payment is to be debited </li>
<li>details of the purpose for which the payment was made.</li>
</ul>
Payments must be recorded in the order in which they were made.
Transfers
You must not transfer money between accounts in the trust ledger unless you are entitled to transfer the money for that purpose. 
For example, you may transfer money from a landlord’s ledger to a commission ledger if the landlord has signed a property management authority that entitles you to claim commission.
You must record transfers in a journal kept exclusively for that purpose.
Entries in a transfer journal must include:
<ul>
<li>the date of the transfer </li>
<li>the amount transferred to and from each ledger account </li>
<li>the names of all ledger accounts to be debited or credited, including identifying references </li>
<li>details that clearly identify the purpose for which the money was transferred.</li>
</ul>
Trust ledger accounts
You must keep a ledger consisting of a separate identifiable account for each:
<ul>
<li>person on whose behalf you hold trust money </li>
<li>transaction for which you hold trust money.</li>
</ul>
The title of each ledger account must include the:
<ul>
<li>name and address of your client</li>
<li>purpose for which the money was received.</li>
</ul>
You must record the following details in the trust ledger account when you receive trust money, cheque payments, electronic funds transfer (EFT) payments or transfer of funds via journal entry:
<ul>
<li>date of issuing receipt, receiving money, making payment, or funds transfer </li>
<li>receipt, cheque, EFT payment or journal number </li>
<li>name of the person the money was received or paid from, or ledger account the money was transferred to</li>
<li>purpose for which the money was received, paid or transferred </li>
<li>amount received, paid or transferred.</li>
</ul>
You must record transactions relating to trust money in the trust ledger account in the order in which they occur.
You must also ensure that a trust ledger account has a continuous running balance, showing the amount held.
Monthly reconciliations
You must balance your trust accounts and prepare statements each month. The balances you must reconcile are:
<ul>
<li>cash journals </li>
<li>ledger accounts </li>
<li>accounts at your authorised financial institution.</li>
</ul>
The principal agent or officer in effective control must verify the reconciliation statements as true and accurate within 14 days of the end of each month. 
Storage and back-up of records
You must keep trust records for at least seven years.
You must back up electronic records at least once a month. The principal agent or officer in effective control must keep back-up copies and a complete set of copies must be stored at a separate location.
Computerised accounting systems
If you use a computerised accounting system, it must:
<ul>
<li>keep a record of any information created, amended or deleted that relates to the:</li>
<ul>
<li>seller’s or landlord’s name and address, reference number or other identification </li>
<li>description of each transaction </li>
<li>ledger account reference number or other identification for each trust ledger account</li>
</ul>
</ul>
The record must show the details before and after this information was created, amended or deleted
<ul>
<li>not accept entries of transactions that result in a debit balance in a trust account, unless there is a chronological record of the details of the change that can be produced on request </li>
<li>not be able to delete a trust ledger account unless the balance is zero and all outstanding cheques have been presented. When the account is deleted, the system must retain a permanent copy </li>
<li>not be able to amend the details of a transaction already recorded, except by recording a separate transaction that makes the amendment </li>
<li>require input in every field of a transaction data entry screen that receives information required by the Act and the Regulations </li>
<li>be backed up at least once a month. Each back-up copy must be retained by the agent in charge of the business or the officer in effective control, and a complete set of the back-up copies must be kept in a separate location.</li>
</ul>
Using an estate agent trust accounting software package can make it easier to comply with many of these requirements. 
General accounting software packages may also be of some assistance; whichever system you use, it is your responsibility to ensure you comply with the Act and Regulations.
Register of securities 
If you hold securities, documents of title or receipts for trust money on behalf of another person, you must keep a register of these. 
The register must show:
<ul>
<li>the date the security, document of title or receipt was received </li>
<li>a description of the security, document of title or receipt </li>
<li>the value or amount of the security or money deposited </li>
<li>the name of the person the security, document of title or receipt is held for</li>
<li>the date you delivered the security, document of title, or receipt to another person, and the name of the person you gave it to</li>
<li>the reason the security, document of title or receipt is being held </li>
<li>if the security, document of title or receipt is held jointly with another estate agent, the name under which they operate an estate agency business.</li>
</ul>
Deficiencies in a trust account
You must notify us, the agency director and your auditor within three business days of becoming aware of a deficiency in a trust account or trust ledger account.
This notification must include: 
<ul>
<li>the date on which the deficiency occurred </li>
<li>the amount </li>
<li>the reason it occurred </li>
<li>any action taken to restore it. </li>
</ul>
You do not need to notify us if the deficiency was: 
<ul>
<li>accidental, or caused solely by an error by an authorised financial institution, and</li>
<li>rectified within two business days after you became aware of it.</li>
</ul>
Unclaimed money
If you cannot identify the person entitled to trust money, those funds may be considered unclaimed money under the Unclaimed Money Act 2008.
For information on what to do with unclaimed money, visit the <a href="https://www.sro.vic.gov.au/" target="_blank">Victorian State Revenue Office website here</a>.
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Property 101: Accounting for trust money - rules for estate agents in Victoria

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CBRE’s Asia Pacific Sustainability team will provide NABERS energy assessments in Hong Kong.
The assessments on some 143,000sqm of selected assets in Link REIT’s retail portfolio in Hong Kong are being done to benchmark building performance, energy saving and efficiency.
Link REIT is the first real estate investment trust in Hong Kong and the largest in Asia in terms of market capitalisation.
Link’s general manager of sustainability Calvin Lee Kwan said the NABERS pilot will allow us to assess the energy performance of our assets using a tried and tested methodology and to benchmark asset performance internally as well as externally.
“Since 2010, Link has implemented a comprehensive and ambitious energy management strategy which has so far achieved over 26 percent reduction in total energy consumption across the portfolio," he said.
CBRE will initially rate nine shopping centres over several locations, looking at specific features such as floor layout, opening hours, energy consumption, car park provisions and vacancy rates.
 The assets undergoing NABERS assessments include; Lok Fu Plaza; Chung Fu Plaza; Leung King Plaza; Hau Tak (II) Shopping Centre; Wong Tai Sin Plaza (Temple Mall South); Lung Cheung Plaza (Temple Mall North); On Ting Commercial Complex (also known as H.A.N.D.S); Yau Oi Commercial Complex (also known as H.A.N.D.S); and Stanley Plaza. 
The pilot project will see the assets assessed using the Australian Queensland postcode and associated climatic algorithms – the most similar existing climatic algorithm to Hong Kong in the NABERS scheme.
The Living Future Institute of Australia (LFIA) has launched the Brickworks Living Building Challenge design competition, pressing the go button for designers, built environment professionals and students around the world to conceptualise what the world's most sustainable retail centre ought look like. For more information, <a href="http://propertyobserver.com.au/forward-planning/tools/ebooks-and-webinars/52152-australia-aspires-to-global-green-leadership-the-living-building-challenge" target="_blank">download our eBook here</a>.
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International first for NABERS in Hong Kong

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The housing component of the Consumer Price Index, increased 1.7 percent over the 12 months to March 2016, the lowest annual increase since December 1998 according to the latest Property Pulse by CoreLogic RP Data.
Housing is the largest component of overall CPI however only counts owner occupier purchases of new dwellings.
Following the ABS releasing consumer price index (CPI) data for the March 2016 quarter earlier this week, inflation was recorded at -0.2 percent over the March 2016 quarter - the largest quarterly fall in inflation since December 2008 according to the report.
"Over the past year, inflation was recorded at 1.3 percent, its lowest annual reading in 12 months and well below the Reserve Bank’s (RBA) target range of 2 percent to 3 percent per annum," the report said.
"The inflation reading was dragged lower by large drops in the price of automotive fuel (-10 percent) and fruit prices (- 11.1 percent). The RBA likes to look at measures of underlying inflation, the trimmed mean and weighted median, which over the quar ter were recorded at 0.2 percent and 0.1 percent respectively.
"Over the past 12 months, the trimmed mean increased by 1.7 percent and the weighted median rose 1.4 percent. The annual change in the trimmed mean is at its lowest level since March 1999 and the annual change in the weighted median is at its lowest level on record (since March 1983). The very low inflation reading means that the RBA now has more than enough scope to cut official interest rates if required."
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Housing component of CPI up 1.7 percent, RBA has scope to cut rates: CoreLogic RP Data Property Pulse

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The vast majority of property owners who sold their home in the December 2015 quarter sold at in excess of their previous purchase price, according the latest CoreLogic RP Data quarterly Pain and Gain Report. 
The Pain &amp; Gain Report found that 91.6 percent of properties resold for profit over the quarter with 31.2 percent of homes selling for more than double their purchase price. The total value of all profit was $17.1 billion with the average gross ‘gain’ $270,842 per sale.
CoreLogic RP Data senior research analyst Mr Kusher said Sydney house values have seen significant increases in values over recent years and therefore, fewer loss-making resales occurred compared with other capital cities.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2016/04/29/Screen%20Shot%202016-04-29%20at%2011.14.38%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2016/04/29/Screen%20Shot%202016-04-29%20at%2011.14.38%20AM.png" alt="">
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Fewer loss-making resales in Sydney during Dec 2015 quarter: CoreLogic RP Data Pain & Gain

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State and local government taxation revenue from property increased by 10.5 percent for the 2014-2015 according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. 
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has just released government taxation for the 2014-15 financial year which shows that a majority of state and local government taxation revenue comes from property.
Throughout the  2014-15 financial year, state and local government taxation revenue was recorded at $89.278 billion, up 7.0 percent over the year with $45.203 billion or 50.6 percent from property. 
According to the latest Property Pulse report by CoreLogic RP Data, property tax revenue increased by 10.5 percent for the period and said since the 1999-00 financial year, total state and local government taxation revenue has increased by 103% compared to a 150% increase in property taxation. 
"Taxes on property are split into two broad categories, taxes on immovable properties which includes the following sub-categories: land tax, rates and other, and taxes on financial and capital transactions which includes: financial institutions transaction taxes, government borrowing guarantee levies, stamp duty on conveyances and other stamp duties," the report said.
"The chart shows the value of taxation revenue from the two broad categories over time. In 2008-09, taxes on financial and capital transactions fell away dramatically while taxes on immovable property continued to rise. More recently taxes on immovable property have continued to steadily increase while taxes on financial and capital transactions have also ramped up significantly. 
<a href="/images/2016/04/28/Screen%20Shot%202016-04-28%20at%201.09.50%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/04/28/Screen%20Shot%202016-04-28%20at%201.09.50%20PM.png" alt="">
"The two largest sources of tax are: stamp duties on conveyances and municipal rates which account for 40.8 percent and 35.4 percent of total tax revenue respectively.
"The only other significant source of tax revenue is land tax accounting for 14.8 percent of revenue. Over recent years the value of taxation revenue from municipal rates and stamp duty has increased substantially while land tax increases have been limited. The fact that stamp duty is now the greatest source of tax revenue for state and local governments must be of some concern. This is due to the fact that it is a tax on transactions unlike municipal rates and land tax which are taxes on the property. Transaction taxes are entirely reliant on the market and while they surge when values and transactions are rising, when either or both fall this source of revenue drops significantly (see 2008-09). 
"Over the most recent financial year, stamp duty has been the largest source of tax revenue in NSW, Vic and NT while in all other states municipal rates is the largest source of tax. For NSW and Vic in particular it highlights the strong increases in home values across those states throughout 2014-15. NSW is experiencing the largest surge in stamp duty revenue, up 98 percent over the five years to 2014-15."
<a href="/images/2016/04/28/Screen%20Shot%202016-04-28%20at%201.10.57%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/04/28/Screen%20Shot%202016-04-28%20at%201.10.57%20PM.png" alt="">
"Property taxes are the most important sources of revenue for state and local governments however, the reliance on volatile stamp duty revenue provides challenges for these governments. This is a good reason to advocate for the replacement of stamp duty with universal land taxes. Although no one likes a new tax, it provides more revenue certainty to local and state government and it doesn’t deter the buying and selling of properties like stamp duty’s impost can."
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Property taxation revenue continues to rise: CoreLogic RP Data

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Victorian stamp duty revenue is expected to drop by 6.4 per cent in 2016-17 after significant growth in revenue over the past few years, according to the Victorian Budget papers.
Land transfer duty will fall to $5.7 billion in the coming financial year after revenue growth of 23 per cent in 2015-16.
But Victoria’s land tax revenue is forecast to grow by 28 per cent to $2.2 billion in 2016-17, but average 2.5 per cent a year over the forward estimates.
“The boom in Victoria’s property market over the past few years has been driven by a strengthening labour market, historically low interest rates, increased investor demand and strong population growth,” the Victorian Budget paper states.
The government confirmed it will more than double the stamp duty surcharge on foreign residential property buyers, from 3 to 7 per cent on the purchase price.
The surcharge will apply to contracts inked from July 2016, and is expected to generate $53 million in revenue over 2016-17 and $321 million over the forward estimates.
The absentee landowner surcharge will also triple from 0.5 to 1.5 percent from next year. This initiative is expected to generate $28 million over 2016-17, and $84 million over the forward estimates.
The State Revenue Office will receive additional funding to establish and expand compliance programs involving the land tax principal place of residence exemption, foreigner purchaser additional duty, and absentee owner surcharge.
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Victorian Government to reap lower stamp duties

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SPONSORED POST
Charming low-rise façades and neighbourhood-style communities are luring buyers searching for the Australian dream.
Buyers at TOGA’s low-rise Macquarie Green project can fulfil high expectations with the Australian property developer’s neighbourhood-style development set to deliver residences with generous shared amenities and spacious green zones apt for both life’s busy agenda and leisure.
A private road with access from either Whiteside Street or David Avenue provides entry to Macquarie Green - a 164-residence community set securely in Sydney’s bourgeoning Macquarie Park.
<img src="/images/2016/04/28/700_toga2.jpg" alt="">
Macquarie Green features boutique-style one, two and three-bedroom apartments housed within two buildings between three and five storeys high as well as a selection of premium townhouses set within two duplex-style buildings.
The Marchese Partners-designed development boasts a low-key atmosphere complemented by serene alfresco spaces including impressive landscaped gardens. 
TOGA General Manager of Sales &amp; Marketing Alex Adams said Macquarie Green provided an exceptional opportunity for buyers to secure low-maintenance apartment living with a liberating sense of space.
Ground-floor apartments at Macquarie Green transition to private open-air courtyards where residents can look out to level-lawns fringed by native and exotic foliage and manicured hedges.  
“Macquarie Green will offer buyers casual privacy and a unique sense of neighbourhood centred by attractive gardens and functional amenities,” Mr Adams said.
“Macquarie Green’s picturesque setting is only a short amble from all the convenience of Macquarie Park’s urban nucleus which is anchored by a business park, world-class shopping centre, university and hospital,” he said.
Shared amenities on offer include the development’s contained landscaped gardens, barbecue facilities protected by a pergola and a vegetable patch for residents to enjoy.
“Macquarie Green is about pressing the pause button and creating meaningful memories with friends, family and loved ones,” Mr Adams said.
“We wanted to redefine the suburban neighbourhood to offer both sanctuary and security,” he added.
<img src="/images/2016/04/28/700_toga3.jpg" alt="">
Above ground-level residents will enjoy louvered balconies designed to maximise both natural light and privacy creating a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living.
Macquarie Green is a joint venture between Australian property developer TOGA and leading independent investment and advisory house Gresham.
Macquarie Park is located 16 kilometres from the Sydney CBD and a short walk from Macquarie University, Macquarie Shopping Centre and the train station. 
Two architecturally-designed finishes schemes ‘Sanctuary’ and ‘Oasis’ highlight timber floors in living spaces and add depth to balance contemporary-coloured joinery.
Construction at Macquarie Green commenced in late-2015 with a complete date of mid-2017.
Macquarie Green is located at 5 Whiteside Avenue, North Ryde.
Prices start from $650,000.
A styled display suite is available to view from Thursday through to Sunday (10am to 2pm) at 78 Waterloo Road, Macquarie Park (entry via Byfield Street).
For all sales enquiries visit <a href="https://www.macquariegreen.com.au" target="_blank">www.macquariegreen.com.au</a> or call 1800 787 731.
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The rise of low rise

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GUEST OBSERVATION
Today we're laying a loose framework for the best investments during deflation. Why? Because deflationary signals have reared their ugly head as of late. Not to mention, many prominent investment managers have voiced their concern about the dreaded scenario. 
While inflation versus deflation has been the great debate over the past two years, the deflationistas have been boasting quite loudly as of late. We've detailed how David Gerstenhaber's global macro hedge fund Argonaut Capital thinks deflation is the greater risk. Additionally, Broyhill's Affinity hedge fund has been betting on deflation as of late. PIMCO's bond king Bill Gross has been buying treasuries in order to combat these fears. And for more, The Reformed Broker has a quick summary of the New York Times' deflation round-up as well. While investing during the dreaded 'D' word is not impossible, the options to preserve and grow capital are certainly limited. So, what is the best investment for deflation? Very broadly and in no particular order, here's some potential answers: Cash/US Dollar: The phrase "cash is king" is often cliche. It's not cliche during deflation, it's rule number one. Assuredly, cash is one of the few 'safe' investments you can make in this scenario. Over the normal course of investing, most investors focus on their return on capital. 
This time around, the focus is simply on return *of* capital. While many wouldn't consider this an investment, having physical cash notes saved and on hand can be crucial during extreme situations including: bank failures, a collapse in credit, or the government defaulting on its debt. Not to mention, the US dollar has been a strong performer during deflationary times. Holding the physical currency is easy enough, but those wishing to further their wager can play the PowerShares US Dollar Bullish Index (UUP). Pay Off Debt: Again while 'paying down debt' doesn't sound like an investment, it most definitely is during deflation. In a period where literally every single dollar matters, each dollar of debt can become crippling. Buy Long-Term Bonds: Alternative to cash, fixed income is also seen as an option for those who seek protection. While fixed income yields decline due to Federal Reserve easing in an effort to combat deflation, the underlying bond should appreciate (or at the very least, depreciate much less than equities). US Treasuries are highly coveted here as they are the safest and most in-demand. If one were to go the corporate bond route, seeking high quality bonds is preferred. The thesis behind this play is laid out by Broyhill's Affinity hedge fund in their presentations: ten reasons to buy bonds as well as their bet on long-term treasuries. The most logical wager here would be the iShares Barclays 20+ year Treasury (TLT). Short Equities: Traditional investments will start to suffer as underlying companies will see lower margins and losses. Not to mention, highly leveraged companies make ideal short selling targets and certain companies can face the risk of becoming insolvent. If your conviction is strong enough, you could simply short the S&amp;P 500 index (SPY). There is, however, one potential safe haven in equities (keyword being 'potential'), which brings us to the next investment: Buy High Quality Dividend Paying Stocks: Understand that during deflation, equities in general are one of the major investments to avoid. However, high quality stocks could be a potentially dim light in an otherwise dark scenario. While the majority of companies will lose pricing power and succumb to weak margins, large cap high quality companies that dominate their industries may be able to maintain pricing power. Not to mention, many of these stocks pay dividends which generate valuable cash during deflation. Seek companies with pristine balance sheets. GMO's Jeremy Grantham recently voiced concern about deflation and one of his few investment recommendations was to buy high quality stocks. For ideas, hedge fund T2 Partners recently issued a presentation on 3 large cap stocks. Sectors to look toward include healthcare, technology, and telecom as those have outperformed in Japan during their deflationary lost decade. Microsoft (MSFT) is one name that has been repeatedly mentioned by strategists and managers. Keep in mind though that despite being high quality blue-chip companies, these are still equities. As such, there is obviously inherent risk in owning them during deflation. Short Housing/Avoid Real Estate: In deflation, prices fall. As such, rent rather than own. Stand back and let the landlords watch the values of their properties plummet. You can short the iShares Dow Jones US Real Estate (IYR) for some exposure. Short Leverage: Deleveraging should be a big theme playing out in the future, environment notwithstanding. As mentioned earlier, short the equity of companies that have poor balance sheets and are highly levered. In deflation, leverage begins to unwind and currency plays can be found. A massive leveraged carry trade in the Yen has taken place over the years and as such would be unwound in deflation, thus benefiting the Yen. Long Technology: Regardless of environment, technology will advance and will be in demand. The technology sector was highlighted as one of the few areas to possible allocate capital in high quality equities. Companies that have strangleholds on their industry should have an advantage. A basket of technology stocks could be purchased via the technology exchange traded fund (XLK). However, that gives you exposure to a lot of companies and it's probably more preferable to single out high quality technology names with pristine balance sheets such as Microsoft (MSFT), Intel (INTC), and Cisco Systems (CSCO). Gold: Conventional wisdom says to avoid precious metals during deflation. During the Great Depression from 1929-1932, commodities in general crashed. However, in very extreme circumstances (emphasis on extreme), some have argued that gold can make sense when acting as currency. The majority of proponents for owning gold during deflation would cite its store of value or hedge against uncertainty. While gold can be played via the SPDR Gold Fund (GLD), many hedge funds advocate physical gold. That said, those doing so are mainly seeking inflationary protection. Buy TIPS: Treasury Inflation Protected Securities, or TIPS, serve as long-term protection from inflation. Buying TIPS during deflation? What's the point? This is an option if investors believe that deflation will eventually lead to inflation two or three years later. As policy makers attempt to combat deflation, the natural antidote is inflationary medicine. As such, investors looking further down the road can fend off these inflationary pressures with TIPS. And even if deflation persists for an extended period of time, TIPS still produce income via yield and investors can regain their bond's face value at maturity. This can be played via iShares Barclays TIPS Bond Fund (TIP) for those looking for an easy solution. That sums up some of the best ways to position a portfolio when confronted with deflation. Recent concern is duly warranted considering that deflation typically rears its ugly head after periods of prolonged globalization and global growth. Such growth leads to increased investment, a massive increase in production, and thus excess capacity all around the world. This excess capacity then brings forth lower prices. In deflation, companies suffer while the consumer is the real winner. The above present theoretical options of how to invest during such a scenario. Make no mistake though, investing during deflation can be quite difficult and painful. Back in August 2008 when the crisis was heating up, we penned a very broad outline of investment scenarios for inflation versus deflation. During the pinnacle of the crisis, it wasn't quite clear which situation would play out so it made sense to lay a framework for each context. (And arguably, it's still not entirely clear. Many have hypothesized that we'll see a compromise of views: deflation in the near-term and inflation in the long-term). A few months ago, inflation was all the rage. Now, deflation is the primary concern. Investors have been flip-flopping more frequently than politicians as of late. Regardless of outcome, it makes sense to be prepared for either environment. 
This article is reprinted from market folly, Monday 9 August 2010.
For more information, <a href="https://www.marketfolly.com" target="_blank">click here</a>. 
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Property 101: Best investments during deflation

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A Northern Territory apartment has popped in tenth place in SQM's nationwide top ten discounted properties as a new entry. The two bedroom unit, 13/83 Aralia Street, Rapid Creek, NT was first listed for $349,000 in the beginning of 2015. 
According to SQM, after a year on the market, the vendor knocked this price down to a more comfortable $280,000 in February 2016 and has since cut a further $30,000 from the price to list at $250,000. 
<a href="/images/2016/04/27/Screen%20Shot%202016-04-27%20at%203.19.42%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
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NT apartment makes SQM top ten discounted list

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Foreign investors were the most active purchases  in the Melbourne CBD market for the year to March 2016, accounting for 66 percent of total sales according to Savills.
For the year to March 2016, 34 commercial office sales were made for the value of $2.9 billion, up from total sales at $2.11 billion in the year prior.
According to Savills market yields in the Melbourne CBD as at March 2016 are estimated to range between 5.75 percent and 6.75 percent for A grade buildings, and between 7.00 percent and 7.75 percent for secondary buildings. Yield compression has been evident over the last twelve months, with yields for A grade assets having firmed by 50 basis points on average, whilst secondary yields tightening by 75 basis points. 
Capital values in the Melbourne CBD as at March 2016 are estimated to range from $6,600 to $10,000 per square metre for A grade buildings, and between $4,100 and $5,500 per square metre for secondary grade buildings. Average capital values for A grade properties have delivered an increase of 16.1 percent over the year.
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Foreign investors the majority of Melbourne CBD office investors: Savills

Malaysian developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> is the latest to jump into St Leonards booming Transport Oriented Development precinct.

The developer, which has previously delivered Sapphire by the Gardens apartment development in Melbourne, identified the Atchison Street site in 2023. It filed a Scoping Report around 12 months ago, and now has revealed the designs for the new&nbsp;40-storey mixed-use tower.

The State Significant Development Application covers <a href="https://next-portal.urban.com.au/projects/14650/summary">20-22 Atchison Street</a>, a 1,374 sqm site positioned between St Leonards Station and the new Crows Nest Metro station.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the project would deliver 181 apartments, above a four-storey commercial podium, five basement levels, and new public domain works along Mitchell Street. The apartment mix comprises 35 one-bedroom apartments, 39 one-bedroom-plus-study apartments, 85 two-bedroom apartments, and 22 three-bedroom residences.

The proposal has been lodged as a shop-top housing development under the NSW Government’s TOD planning pathway, which allows increased density around key transport infrastructure. The site sits within the recently rezoned Crows Nest Accelerated TOD Precinct.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b799673d-48e2-46b0-801a-0e33a9330100" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20site.png?VersionId=dPh0UfwfaHpbFL1R7H1cbZNbIW0CHbCC" />

SP Setia acquired the Atchison Street site as part of its continued expansion into the Australian apartment market. In comments made to City &amp; Country (The Edge Malaysia) in 2023, SP Setia President and CEO Datuk Choong Kai Wai described the acquisition as “a strategic move” aligned with the group’s post-pandemic market recovery strategy.

“Our target for this exceptional development is local and overseas buyers, including first-home buyers, downsizers and investors,” Choong said.

The tower has been designed as a slender vertical form rising from a mixed-use podium, with COX Architecture positioning the development as a response to the evolving St Leonards and Crows Nest skyline.

“The purpose of the project is to facilitate the delivery of high-quality housing at a strategically located site and deliver a built tower outcome that is consistent with the desired future character of St Leonards and aligns with the TOD controls,” the design report stated.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b1a85eee-76f7-436c-a6da-73ba827b9b13" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20entry.png?VersionId=dA9jHGPMcm.dDbwk4QfxqWiY5bfh3UVt" />

The podium would incorporate retail uses fronting Atchison Street, commercial tenancies, landscaped communal areas, and pedestrian improvements along Mitchell Street. Vehicle access and loading would be consolidated via Atchison Lane.

Residents would have access to more than 665 sqm of communal indoor and outdoor spaces, while the development proposes 96 parking spaces across five basement levels.

The proposal also includes a commitment for 10 per cent of residential floor space to be allocated toward affordable housing through a monetary contribution.

COX said the tower form responds directly to the emerging high-density character of the precinct while seeking to maximise solar access, cross ventilation, and outlook from apartments.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2163f85c-f63b-4be3-aafa-f8763976cec5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29_5.png?VersionId=WiAmtIKJ6.ZQ41EtYEQ1fol7AeorKBlL" />

“The building is orientated towards north,” the Apartment Design Guide compliance report noted, adding that the tower’s slim form was driven by the constrained inner-urban site dimensions.

The design also incorporates landscaped setbacks and communal open space at podium level, intended to soften the interface with surrounding streets and improve pedestrian amenity.

The project adds to a growing wave of redevelopment proposals reshaping St Leonards and Crows Nest following the opening of the Sydney Metro City line and the NSW Government’s push for higher-density housing around major transport nodes.

Last week Stockland filed plans just down the road. They want to build a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/601-pacific-highway-st-leonards-nsw-2065">52-storey tower on Pacific Highway</a>.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-stockland-plans-52-storey-538-apartment-st-leonards-tower">First look: Stockland plans 52-storey, 538-apartment St Leonards tower&nbsp;</a>

Joel Robinson

First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> has revealed plans for a new mixed-use tower at 10 Dangar Street, Wickham, advancing a proposal that would reshape the southern gateway to Newcastle’s city centre with one of the city’s tallest residential buildings.

The State Significant Development proposal, now on exhibition, seeks approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bowline-10-dangar-street-wickham-nsw-2293">43-storey tower</a> immediately adjacent to the Newcastle Interchange. The project would deliver around 200 apartments, including 42 affordable housing dwellings, alongside 99 co-living units, a 171-room hotel, retail space, and new public domain integrated through the site.

The scheme marks a significant escalation of plans previously approved for the site. Urban Property Group took over the prominent 2,904 sqm parcel, where excavation and demolition had already commenced under an earlier consent for a 14-storey mixed-use development.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="58a96dd9-407f-4d20-86b4-94e4bfeef74b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20podium.png?VersionId=LGlf08pdFGAZDzvx_CXC4XakHNZRuEE0" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, the tower has been conceived as a landmark transit-oriented development anchored to the Newcastle Interchange precinct. The proposal includes 245 build-to-sell apartments across a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom residences, as well as two penthouses. Fifteen apartments and one operational unit are earmarked for NDIS housing. The co-living component would add a further 99 units, while the podium would accommodate retail uses and hotel facilities.

SJB said the site presents “a valuable opportunity to anchor the precinct by setting the standard for design, active ground planes and character at the key southern gateway.”

The architecture responds directly to the site’s position beside major transport infrastructure and within one of Newcastle’s fastest-evolving urban renewal precincts. The tower form sits above a sculpted podium designed to frame new public spaces, including a through-site pedestrian link connecting Station Street to Hannell Street, landscaped plazas, and activated retail edges.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a7bd6ff0-f7db-4ce8-a6dc-ea56e72c6149" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20lanne.png?VersionId=xzf39VADyhj7zBQY2I9fx9vI62u2tuSb" />

The design report describes the project as part of the broader transition of Wickham into “a vibrant, high-quality mixed-use urban precinct” that leverages proximity to the station, open space, and regional connectivity.

A detailed public art strategy has also been prepared for the development. The strategy positions the project as “a transit-oriented development of state significance at the gateway to Newcastle’s city centre” and outlines a series of integrated artworks responding to Newcastle’s industrial and transport heritage.

Creative Road’s curatorial framework for the project, titled Unveil, draws on “stratified surfaces, carved volumes, and light-filled apertures” while referencing Newcastle’s transformation from an industrial city into a contemporary education and technology hub.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="77a882bb-14b1-4d28-99ff-9438e39508c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20site.png?VersionId=cevgo_vN0eKPK78P8YcEu3mKPLkpFqE7" />

The proposal is being advanced through the NSW Housing Delivery Authority pathway after being declared State Significant Development in June 2025. The accompanying scoping report states the development aims to “maximise the site’s proximity to the Newcastle Interchange by delivering transit-oriented development” while increasing housing supply and affordable housing provision within the Newcastle LGA.

Urban Property Group’s plans align with the long-term strategic vision established under the Wickham Master Plan, which identified the interchange precinct as suitable for substantial uplift in height and density. The current proposal would significantly intensify that vision, positioning the tower among the tallest developments proposed for Newcastle.

The site sits immediately north of the Newcastle Interchange, bounded by Dangar Street, Hannell Street, and Charles Street. It is surrounded by a rapidly growing cluster of residential towers and mixed-use projects that have emerged following the completion of the light rail and transport interchange.

First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s latest tower at Wickham interchange

Bottega House has completed settlement of a landmark riverfront site in Macquarie Street, St Lucia, representing its first major Brisbane development.&nbsp;

Positioned on the banks of the Brisbane River, the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/180-macquarie-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">premium site at 180 Macquarie Street</a> features uninterrupted river frontage in one of Brisbane’s most tightly held residential precincts.&nbsp;

The proposed development, currently under assessment with Brisbane City Council, has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/mim-design">Mim Design</a> and will deliver a boutique collection of premium residences positioned specifically for owner occupiers and downsizers.&nbsp;

The residences are set to redefine luxury apartment living in the area, with a focus on architectural quality, refined finishes, landscape integration and elevated amenities including curated wellness facilities, resort-style pools and recreation spaces rarely seen in the local market.&nbsp;

Exclusive sales for the project will be led by Keenan &amp; Byrne, ahead of an anticipated launch later this year.&nbsp;

Bottega House Managing Director Nick Malloch said the project reflects the group’s ambition to deliver a highly curated residential offering within one of Brisbane’s most tightly held precincts.&nbsp;

“This is an incredibly rare riverfront opportunity and one we have approached with a long-term perspective,” Malloch said.&nbsp;

“Our vision from the outset was to create a boutique collection of residences that feel more like private homes than traditional apartments, with generous proportions, refined finishes and exceptional amenity throughout."

Malloch says there is a&nbsp;lack of premium owner-occupier stock of this quality in the market, particularly for downsizers wanting space, privacy and a true lifestyle offering without compromise.&nbsp;

"Demand is expected to be strong given the scarcity of premium riverfront opportunities of this nature within Brisbane’s inner-west."&nbsp;

Bottega House secures landmark riverfront site in St Lucia 

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The arrival of the first piling rig officially marks the commencement of construction at SIERA’s new beachside apartment development, Exhale, in Northcliffe.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/exhale-surfers-paradise-8-enderley-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Exhale</a>, a glass-encased tower featuring 54 large-scale apartments at 8 Enderley Avenue, is SIERA’s third Gold Coast development. It follows the recently completed PIPIS Bilinga beachfront project, which achieved suburb-record prices, and the soon-to-be-completed Chevron Island development, Tapestry.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359603]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/siera">SIERA</a> Founder and Managing Director Brent Thompson said the arrival of the piling rig represented a significant milestone for the development, which is scheduled for completion in late 2028.

Over the next month, around 260 piles are expected to be installed as work progresses on the basement structure. The building is anticipated to rise above ground level early next year, before unveiling its sculptural glass curtain wall, developed in collaboration with specialist façade engineers.

“The façade was designed to maximise panoramic coastal views while creating a distinctive architectural identity,” Thompson said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=355935]

Designed by BDA Architecture, Exhale will comprise just 54 two- and three-bedroom residences across 26 levels, a level of low-density living rarely delivered in this beachside pocket between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.

The project has been conceived as a resident-only building, with no short-stay accommodation permitted. SIERA says the model is intended to appeal to long-term owner-occupiers rather than transient holiday demand.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=361052]

Residences have been designed with large-format layouts and expansive glazing, with most apartments featuring more than 30 metres of glass frontage to maximise natural light and ocean views.

The amenity offering spans two levels and centres on wellness and lifestyle, including a heated magnesium pool, sauna, yoga and Pilates studio, gymnasium, private dining facilities, cinema lounge, and dedicated surfcraft storage.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359607]

More than half of the apartments have already sold. SIERA has also opened a sales gallery for Exhale at its Chevron Island commercial premises, near its Tapestry tower and the site of its second Chevron Island apartment development, which is slated to launch in early 2027.
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[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112661]

SIERA kicks off construction at Northcliffe tower Exhale

Local Little Bay residents, along with buyers from premium postcodes across Sydney’s affluent Eastern Suburbs, have dominated purchases in developer-builder Urban Property Group’s first Eastern Suburbs apartment development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/este-little-bay-jennifer-street-little-bay-nsw-2036">ESTE Little Bay</a>.

The $250 million coastal project, one of the first new developments in the area in several years, has proven particularly popular with downsizers, especially those from Coogee and Bondi. One Double Bay downsizer paid $4.7 million for a four-bedroom penthouse, setting a new local apartment price record in the process.

Buyers have been attracted to the combination of coastal tranquillity, premium design and amenity-rich neighbourhood living. The walkable village setting, along with proximity to three of Sydney’s leading golf courses, New South Wales Golf Club, St Michael’s Golf Club and The Coast Golf Club, has also been a key drawcard.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352689]

Built across two low-rise buildings designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hill-thalis-architecture-urban-projects-pty-ltd">Hill Thalis</a> and set along a lush, landscaped green spine, designed by leading landscape architect <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/arcadia-landscape-architecture">Arcadia</a>, ESTE Little Bay offers a collection of one, two, three and four-bedroom residences with interiors by Richards Stanisich.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> Sales Director, Tom McIvor said the response to ESTE has been "nothing short of extraordinary."

“Buyers have been quick to recognise ESTE as a rare opportunity to invest in a coastal sanctuary that offers both seclusion and connectivity to the heart of Sydney,” McIvor said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352687]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/srm-residential">SRM Residential</a> Senior Director, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/srm-residential">Clayton Ross</a> said the local market has responded incredibly well, driven by ESTE’s exceptional location and the rarity it offers.

“We’ve seen strong interest from a variety of buyer groups, all of whom are drawn to the exclusivity and quality of the build and construction by the 4.5-star iCIRT-rated builder / developer, Urban Property Group. There’s truly nothing else like it along Sydney’s coastline.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352690]

The project also includes robust buyer protections, including Resilience Insurance’s Latent Defects Insurance, providing 10 years of structural cover, and an independent iCIRT-rating of the developer.

“The iCIRT-rating adds another layer of confidence,” Ross added. “Buyers see it as a safeguard for their investment and their lifestyle.” A highlight of ESTE’s offering is its exclusive wellness amenities, including a heated rooftop infinity pool and outdoor heated spa, a state-of-the-art Technogym fitness centre, and a sauna.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/este-little-bay-jennifer-street-little-bay-nsw-2036">ESTE Little Bay</a> is topped out and is on track to complete towards the end of 2026, with residents moving in before Christmas.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112343]

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