<html><body><div class="main mainedit2">
House price growth for the Gold Coast was strongest in Coombabah, Burleigh Heads and Mermaid Waters for the year to November, according to JLL.
JLL's Queensland Residential Market Report for February said other highly priced suburbs have shown less growth, with Palm Beach up 3.7 percent, Tugun up 0.7 percent, while Surfers, Bundall, Broadbeach and Tallai had minimal growth of 2.1 percent to 2.8 percent.
"Outside of the metropolitan area, median house price growth in the year to November (CoreLogic) was most evident in the Gold Coast, averaging $626,000, up 6.9 percent, and the Sunshine Coast, averaging $558,000, up 5.1 percent. Toowoomba median house prices were $420,000, up 4.2 percent," it said.
"Conditions in Cairns are improving and the median house price of $424,000 was up 4.9 percent in the year to November.
"Most areas have registered single digit growth in the past year but Mackay is down 11.5 percent to $361,000, Gladstone is down 5.7 percent to $396,000, and Rockhampton is down 2.0 percent to $319,000."
<a href="/images/2016/03/4/Screen%20Shot%202016-03-04%20at%202.45.55%20PM.png" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;">Click to enlarge</a>
<div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="section">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<img src="/images/2016/03/4/Screen%20Shot%202016-03-04%20at%202.45.55%20PM.png" alt="">
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div></body></html>

po-LsXgBTHBmX

Gold Coast house price growth strongest in Coombabah, Burleigh Heads: JLL 

<html><body>
A cooling-off period of 5 days applies to contracts for the sale of residential property. It will start the day the buyer receives a copy of the contract (signed by both parties).
Please note:
<ul>
<li>For contracts that arrive on a weekend or a public holiday, the cooling-off period starts on the next business day.</li>
<li>The cooling-off period still begins if a representative takes it on the buyer’s behalf.</li>
<li>If there’s a dispute, the seller (or their agent) must prove when they delivered the contract.</li>
</ul>
The cooling-off period ends at 5pm on the final (5th) day of the cooling-off period. After this, the buyer must follow through on the contract and buy the property. This remains subject to the terms of the contract.
Exempt sales
A contract is exempt from the cooling-off period for:
<ul>
<li>a sale by auction</li>
<li>a follow-up sale after an unsuccessful auction (before 5pm on the second business day), in which the buyer was a registered bidder</li>
<li>an option contract (or a sale contract formed as the result of an option contract).</li>
</ul>
The cooling-off period also doesn’t apply if the buyer is:
<ul>
<li>a publicly listed corporation (or their subsidiary)</li>
<li>the State or a statutory body</li>
<li>buying at least 3 lots at the same time (whether or not in the same contract).</li>
</ul>
Cancelled sales
To cancel the sale contract, the buyer must give you (or your client) written notice by 5pm on the 5th day. They can deliver it in person, by email or fax.
If the buyer chooses to cancel during cooling-off period, the seller:
<ul>
<li>may deduct a penalty of up to 0.25% of the purchase price from the deposit</li>
<li>will need to refund the rest of the deposit within 14 days.</li>
</ul>
Waived or shortened period
The buyer can choose to waive or shorten the cooling-off period. They will need to put this in writing. 
This document will need to state that:
<ul>
<li>they waive the cooling-off period entirely</li>
<li>the cooling-off period will last until 5pm on a particular day.</li>
</ul>
The deposit
The buyer must pay the deposit at the time set out in the reference schedule of the contract. The seller’s agent is usually the deposit holder. If this is you, you must put the deposit in your trust account.
You must not access this money until:
<ul>
<li>the seller is entitled to the money on settlement day</li>
<li>the buyer is entitled to the money because they lawfully cancelled the sale contract.</li>
</ul>
For more information, <a href="https://www.qld.gov.au" target="_blank">click here</a>.
</body></html>

Property 101: Cooling-off period for Queensland residential property contracts

<html><body>
The consequences of limiting the tax deductibility of negatively geared residential properties would impact any expected tax savings, according to a new report from BIS Shrapnel.
BIS Shrapnel's report, Economic Impact of Limiting the Tax Deductibility of Negatively Geared Residential Investment Properties, said changes to the current negative gearing setup would go well beyond any saving of the income tax concession, to a multitude of unintended consequences.
It added limiting the tax deductibility of negatively geared residential investment properties would have consequences that go well beyond any tax saving to the Federal budget and suggested new home building will shrink by around 4% nationally, or 7,200 dwellings a year and GDP would shrink by around $19 billion per annum on average, or 1 percent of Australia’s $190 trillion annual income.
The report suggested:
•  Rents will rise by up to 10% ($2,600) per annum
•  New home building will shrink by around 4% nationally, or 7,200 dwellings a year
•  GDP would shrink by around $19 billion per annum on average, equating to some 1% of Australia’s $190 billion annual income
•  175,000 fewer jobs would be created over the next 10 years, resulting in the unemployment rate rising from 5.8% to 5.9%
•  Government revenue across a range of taxes would shrink by $1.65 billion per annum
•  70,000 extra households would be pushed into housing rental stress
•  If the government were to compensate these stressed households, it would require an additional subsidy outlay of $650 million per annum.
"Government revenue across a range of taxes would shrink by $1.65 billion per annum... 70,000 extra households would be pushed into housing rental stress," it noted.
"If the government were to compensate these stressed households, it would require an additional subsidy outlay of $650 million per annum. In other words, the impact would go well beyond any saving of the income tax concession, to a multitude of unintended consequences. 
"The Federal government will save $2.1 billion per annum as fewer individuals deduct losses from property, but will incur an income tax loss from lower home building of $1.8 billion. Stamp duty revenue will fall by around $1.1 billion per annum; GST collections will drop by $0.2 billion a year. 
"Altogether, total tax revenue is likely to fall by $1.65 billion per year... at the end of a 10-year horizon the market would find a new normal, but the legacy will be a ‘lost decade’. Rents will sit 2-10% higher depending on the city."
Estimated price of units in 2026
<div class="moveable_w" data-element-id="table_25816751" data-object-id="0c8633ff-c21a-44c3-9f3f-b17f64e66ffd" data-object-type="chart">
<div id="table_25816751" class="moveable chart ig-theme-group-chart">
<div class="igc-chart inner">
<div class="igc-table-container">
<table id="Chart_25816751" class="igc-table igc-table-align-center __visible tablesorter tablesorter-default">
<thead><tr class="tablesorter-headerRow">
<th class="igc-table-header igc-hidden-cell igc-table-fixed-column tablesorter-header tablesorter-headerUnSorted" scope="col" data-column="0">
<div class="tablesorter-header-inner"> </div>
</th>
<th class="igc-table-header tablesorter-header tablesorter-headerUnSorted" scope="col" data-column="1">
<div class="tablesorter-header-inner">Full negative gearing</div>
</th>
<th class="igc-table-header tablesorter-header tablesorter-headerUnSorted" scope="col" data-column="2">
<div class="tablesorter-header-inner">Limited negative gearing</div>
</th>
<th class="igc-table-header tablesorter-header tablesorter-headerUnSorted" scope="col" data-column="3">
<div class="tablesorter-header-inner">Difference</div>
</th>
</tr></thead>
<tbody class="igc-table-body">
<tr>
<th class="igc-table-header igc-table-header-left igc-table-fixed-column">Sydney</th>
<td class="igc-table-cell">873,000</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">820,000</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">-6.1%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th class="igc-table-header igc-table-header-left igc-table-fixed-column">Melbourne</th>
<td class="igc-table-cell">602,000</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">585,000</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">-2.9%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th class="igc-table-header igc-table-header-left igc-table-fixed-column">Brisbane</th>
<td class="igc-table-cell">590,000</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">565,000</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">-4.2%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th class="igc-table-header igc-table-header-left igc-table-fixed-column">Adelaide</th>
<td class="igc-table-cell">425,000</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">420,000</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">-1.2%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th class="igc-table-header igc-table-header-left igc-table-fixed-column">Perth</th>
<td class="igc-table-cell">590,000</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">580,000</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">-1.6%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th class="igc-table-header igc-table-header-left igc-table-fixed-column">Canberra</th>
<td class="igc-table-cell">540,000</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">535,000</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">-1.0%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th class="igc-table-header igc-table-header-left igc-table-fixed-column">Hobart</th>
<td class="igc-table-cell">358,000</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">350,000</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">-2.4%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="moveable_w" data-element-id="particle_11401cc9-cac0-4b5a-a43f-5d28d864c4ed" data-object-id="11401cc9-cac0-4b5a-a43f-5d28d864c4ed" data-object-type="particle">
<div id="particle_11401cc9-cac0-4b5a-a43f-5d28d864c4ed" class="moveable particle body-text ig-theme-group-text">
<div class="bodytext">
<div class="innertext" data-placeholder="">Source: BIS Shrapnel</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
 
Estimated unit rent in 2026
<div class="moveable_w" data-element-id="table_25816227" data-object-id="28dd2e96-a8be-4ac3-b9c6-52489593236d" data-object-type="chart">
<div id="table_25816227" class="moveable chart ig-theme-group-chart">
<div class="igc-chart inner">
<div class="igc-table-container">
<table id="Chart_25816227" class="igc-table igc-table-align-center __visible tablesorter tablesorter-default">
<thead><tr class="tablesorter-headerRow">
<th class="igc-table-header igc-hidden-cell igc-table-fixed-column tablesorter-header tablesorter-headerUnSorted" scope="col" data-column="0">
<div class="tablesorter-header-inner"> </div>
</th>
<th class="igc-table-header tablesorter-header tablesorter-headerUnSorted" scope="col" data-column="1">
<div class="tablesorter-header-inner">Full negative gearing</div>
</th>
<th class="igc-table-header tablesorter-header tablesorter-headerUnSorted" scope="col" data-column="2">
<div class="tablesorter-header-inner">Limited negative gearing</div>
</th>
<th class="igc-table-header tablesorter-header tablesorter-headerUnSorted" scope="col" data-column="3">
<div class="tablesorter-header-inner">Difference</div>
</th>
</tr></thead>
<tbody class="igc-table-body">
<tr>
<th class="igc-table-header igc-table-header-left igc-table-fixed-column">Sydney</th>
<td class="igc-table-cell">$695</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">$735</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">5.8%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th class="igc-table-header igc-table-header-left igc-table-fixed-column">Melbourne</th>
<td class="igc-table-cell">$470</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">$515</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">9.6%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th class="igc-table-header igc-table-header-left igc-table-fixed-column">Brisbane</th>
<td class="igc-table-cell">$490</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">$515</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">5.1%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th class="igc-table-header igc-table-header-left igc-table-fixed-column">Adelaide</th>
<td class="igc-table-cell">$350</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">$385</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">10.0%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th class="igc-table-header igc-table-header-left igc-table-fixed-column">Perth</th>
<td class="igc-table-cell">$535</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">$565</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">5.6%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th class="igc-table-header igc-table-header-left igc-table-fixed-column">Canberra</th>
<td class="igc-table-cell">$475</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">$505</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">6.3%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th class="igc-table-header igc-table-header-left igc-table-fixed-column">Hobart</th>
<td class="igc-table-cell">$350</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">$365</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">4.3%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="moveable_w" data-element-id="particle_2eb94838-97b6-4079-8284-9f18b2bb0664" data-object-id="2eb94838-97b6-4079-8284-9f18b2bb0664" data-object-type="particle">
<div id="particle_2eb94838-97b6-4079-8284-9f18b2bb0664" class="moveable particle body-text ig-theme-group-text">
<div class="bodytext">
<div class="innertext" data-placeholder="">Source: BIS Shrapnel</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</body></html>

Negative gearing reform could lead to lost decade: BIS Shrapnel

<html><body>
Following a survey of 23 home insurance brands covering 12 insurers, ASIC is calling for further improvements across the sector to help consumers make good decisions about their home insurance cover.
In response to ASIC's recommendations from October 2014, insurers have made a range of improvements. In particular, most insurers have implemented, or are implementing, the following changes:
<ul>
<li>Incorporating a sum insured calculator into point of sale processes, including through updated sales scripts, and providing better access to online calculators. This helps consumers select an appropriate sum insured amount during the quote and sales process, an important way to help reduce the risk of underinsurance; since October 2014, four additional insurers have made available sum insured calculators in both their telephone and online sales channels.</li>
<li>Training staff so that information provided to consumers about the sum insured, and the maximum amount paid by the insurer, is clear and in plain English; since October 2014, an additional eight insurers have adopted this practice for their telephone sales and an additional 11 for their online sales.</li>
<li>Providing information or assistance to consumers about the effect of changes to building codes which may increase the cost of rebuilding homes after a total loss; since October 2014, four additional insurers have made changes to provide this information.</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://download.asic.gov.au/media/3554171/home-insurance-underinsurance-infographic.pdf?utm_source=Mediarelease&amp;utm_medium=pdfdownload&amp;utm_campaign=Underinsurance"></a>
Although welcoming these changes, ASIC's survey identified that there is scope for insurers to take additional steps. In particular, we would like insurers to help consumers select the right insurance cover by:
<ul>
<li>explaining that the sum insured amount needs to enable complete replacement of contents or complete rebuilding of their home;</li>
<li>providing guidance about coverage or sum insured amounts, rather than simply referring consumers to the product disclosure statement;</li>
<li>referring to the Key Facts Sheet to assist decision making; and</li>
<li>providing information and guidance about natural perils risks and additional rebuilding costs due to natural perils, to better estimate rebuilding costs after a total loss.</li>
</ul>
An example of an initiative that is aimed at providing more information and guidance to consumers is one insurer's website that allows consumers to enter their suburb or postcode and receive targeted information about that area including relevant risks, types of claims, types of weather events, and a dollar figure for how much other consumers in the area insure their building and contents.
ASIC has been working with the insurance industry to better understand barriers to the provision of financial product advice to consumers purchasing home insurance. ASIC has already taken steps to encourage and facilitate insurers operating under general advice models to provide useful information to consumers.
'ASIC is keen to see industry make improvements in all of the areas identified in ASIC's 2014 report,' ASIC Deputy Chair Peter Kell said.
'Our goal is to make sure that consumers buy insurance that better meets their needs – including by helping to reduce levels of underinsurance, especially when there are natural disasters.'
ASIC will continue this work with the insurance industry to further enhance the sector's  ability to assist consumers in purchasing home insurance that better meets their needs.
<h2>Background</h2>
ASIC released two reports in October 2014 exploring consumer experiences with the sale of home insurance.
In Report 415, ASIC reviewed the sales practices of 13 insurers who sell home insurance across Australia. Report 415 found that for sum insured policies, it is important to help consumers to set an appropriate sum insured amount, so that they are adequately insured in the event of a total loss.
Most home insurance policies in Australia are 'sum insured' policies, where the insurer agrees to pay only up to an agreed amount (the sum insured), nominated by the consumer, to repair or rebuild a damaged or destroyed home.
ASIC encourages insurers to inform consumers that the building sum insured amount should reflect the amount that it would cost to completely rebuild their home. Similarly, the contents sum insured amount should reflect the amount it would cost to completely replace all contents with new items at today's prices. The sum insured amount should also reflect the cost to rebuild the consumer's home to meet new building codes and standards, and any other supplementary costs. For information on supplementary costs see MoneySmart's page on <a href="https://www.moneysmart.gov.au/insurance/home-and-contents-insurance/home-insurance-supplementary-costs" target="_blank">home insurance supplementary costs</a>.
Findings from Report 415 were considered in the Financial System Inquiry which called for improved guidance (including tools and calculators) and disclosure for general insurance, especially in relation to home insurance.  The Government has agreed to support work by industry to increase guidance and disclosure in general insurance.<a name="_ftnref2" href="file://a1.asic.gov.au/ds/userHome/miriam.phillips/Desktop/16-053MR%20home%20insurance%20update.docx#_ftn2" title=""> </a>
ASIC also notes and welcomes subsequent industry recommendations targeted at effective disclosure. Some of the Effective Disclosure Taskforce's recommendations align with ASIC's findings, particularly in relation to improving the provision of information to consumers about natural hazard risk, and integrating sum insured calculators into the sales process.
<a href="https://www.moneysmart.gov.au/insurance/home-and-contents-insurance/home-insurance-supplementary-costs" target="_blank">ASIC's MoneySmart website</a> has recently been updated and includes further information on home and contents insurance.
</body></html>

Property 101: ASIC calls for further improvements from home insurers 

<html><body>
Weekly rent across combined capital cities for the last year is at the lowest rate of appreciation since 1996, according to CoreLogic RP Data's February Hedonic Home Value Index.
According to CoreLogic RP Data, weekly rents fell 0.7 percent in Brisbane, Adelaide (-0.4 percent) with falls in Darwin (-13.3 percent) and Perth (-8.4 percent). 
Gross rental yieldshave stayed flat over the past month - 3.4% for houses and 4.3% for units. 
<a href="/images/2016/03/Screen%20Shot%202016-03-01%20at%204.39.12%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/03/Screen%20Shot%202016-03-01%20at%204.39.12%20PM.png" alt="">
</body></html>

Weekly rent levels appreciating below 1996 levels: CoreLogic RP Data

<html><body>
Combined capital city home values have increased by 7.6 percent over the year with Melbourne topping the national list with annual capital gains of 11.1 percent, according to coreLogic RP Data's February Hedonic Home Value Index.
CoreLogic RP Data research director Tim Lawless said Melbourne values appear to be holding reasonably firm since December last year with the annual rate of capital gain virtually level over the past three months.
"Sydney’s annual rate of growth has continued to moderate, having almost halved from its cyclical peak of 18.4% recorded in July last year to reach 9.5% growth over the past twelve months.
"A few of the smaller cities, where growth rates have recently accelerated, may start to rival Sydney’s position over the coming months.
“The trend in home value growth is showing signs of increasing in those markets that have previously underperformed. These include Brisbane, Adelaide, Hobart and Canberra. Affordability constraints aren’t as apparent in these cities and rental yields haven’t been compressed to the same extent as what they have in Melbourne or Sydney.
"Home values increased in Brisbane by 5.5% over the past year, which is the fastest annual rate of value growth in a year. In Hobart, home values are 6.2% higher over the year, which is its fastest annual rate of home value growth since July 2010."
<a href="/images/2016/03/Screen%20Shot%202016-03-01%20at%204.05.14%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/03/Screen%20Shot%202016-03-01%20at%204.05.14%20PM.png" alt="" style="line-height: 1.3em;"><img src="/images/2016/03/Screen%20Shot%202016-03-01%20at%204.05.14%20PM.png" alt="">
</body></html>

Melbourne tops city annual capital gains: CoreLogic RP Data

<html><body>
Statement by Glenn Stevens, Governor: Monetary Policy Decision
<h3 id="mr-title">Statement by Glenn Stevens, Governor: Monetary Policy Decision</h3>
<div>
<div class="rss-mr-content">
At its meeting today, the Board decided to leave the cash rate unchanged at 2 per cent.
Recent information suggests that the global economy is continuing to grow, though at a slightly lower pace than earlier expected. While several advanced economies have recorded improved growth over the past year, conditions have become more difficult for a number of emerging market economies. China's growth rate has continued to moderate.
Commodity prices have declined very substantially over the past couple of years. This partly reflects slower growth in demand but also, in some key instances, large increases in supply. The decline in Australia's terms of trade has continued.
Financial markets have once again exhibited heightened volatility over recent months, as participants grapple with uncertainty about the global economic outlook and policy settings among the major jurisdictions. Appetite for risk has diminished somewhat and funding conditions for emerging market sovereigns and lesser-rated corporates have tightened. But funding costs for high-quality borrowers remain very low and, globally, monetary policy remains remarkably accommodative.
In Australia, the available information suggests that the expansion in the non-mining parts of the economy strengthened during 2015 despite the contraction in spending in mining investment. This was reflected in improved labour market conditions. The pace of lending to businesses also picked up.
Inflation is quite low. With growth in labour costs continuing to be quite subdued as well, and inflation restrained elsewhere in the world, inflation is likely to remain low over the next year or two.
Given these conditions, it is appropriate for monetary policy to be accommodative. Low interest rates are supporting demand, while supervisory measures are working to emphasise prudent lending standards and so to contain risks in the housing market. Credit growth to households continues at a moderate pace, albeit with a changed composition between investors and owner-occupiers. The pace of growth in dwelling prices has moderated in Melbourne and Sydney and has remained mostly subdued in other cities. The exchange rate has been adjusting to the evolving economic outlook.
At today's meeting, the Board judged that there were reasonable prospects for continued growth in the economy, with inflation close to target. The Board therefore decided that the current setting of monetary policy remained appropriate.
Over the period ahead, new information should allow the Board to judge whether the improvement in labour market conditions is continuing and whether the recent financial turbulence portends weaker global and domestic demand. Continued low inflation would provide scope for easier policy, should that be appropriate to lend support to demand.
</div>
</div>
<div class="box-enquiries"> </div>
</body></html>

Changed composition between investors and owner occupiers: RBA Governor Glenn Stevens' March 2016 statement

<html><body>
House values continue to increase faster than units but the gap in capital gain has closed over the last few months, according to CoreLogic RP Data's Hedonic Home Value Index for February.
Over the year, house values increased 7.8 percent, units 6.2 percent. According to CoreLogic RP Data head of research Tim Lawless, over the current growth phase, house values have increased by a total of 33.3% compared to a 22.8% total rise in unit values.
“The CoreLogic-Moody’s Analytics forecasts for 2016 indicate the pace of appreciation in Melbourne home values is likely to remain more resilient to a slowdown this year, while cities like Brisbane, Hobart and Canberra are set to see an improvement in the growth trend.
"The forecast seems to be evident so far in these numbers.
“Overall, the latest results provide further evidence of a controlled moderation in the pace of home value appreciation.”
House values continued to increase at a faster annual pace than unit values, however the gap in capital gain performance has narrowed over recent months. 
 
<a href="/images/2016/03/Screen%20Shot%202016-03-01%20at%2010.23.42%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/03/Screen%20Shot%202016-03-01%20at%2010.23.42%20AM.png" alt="">
</body></html>

House, unit capital gain gap closes: CoreLogic RP Data

<html><body>
GUEST OBSERVER
The land registries in NSW, Victoria and Queensland have developed and adopted Verification of Identity Standards (VOI Standards) for verifying the identity of parties to land transactions for the purposes of the National Electronic Conveyancing laws in Australia. 
The current VOI Standards are set out in Schedule 8 of version 3 of the Model Participation Rules (Rules) developed for the purposes of electronic conveyancing. 
To ensure consistency between paper transactions and electronic transactions, the VOI Standards for paper transactions have been introduced in Victoria.  NSW and Queensland have also introduced the VOI Standards for the verification of paper mortgages. 
Queensland
Under sections 11A and 11B of the Land Title Act 1994 (Qld) and sections 288A and 288B of the Land Act 1994 (Qld), mortgagees (lenders) are required to take reasonable steps to confirm the identity of mortgagors (borrowers). 
Revised practices for lenders confirming the identity of borrowers, to be incorporated into the Queensland Land Titles Practice Manual in the form of the VOI Standards, will take effect from 1 March 2016.  Under these practices a lender will be considered to have taken reasonable steps if they have complied with the VOI Standards.
Victoria 
The Victorian Registrar of Titles has adopted new verification of identity requirements for parties who wish to lodge dealings in paper form at Land Victoria pursuant to section 106A of the Transfer of Land Act 1958 (Vic).  
The Registrar’s requirements for all dealings, which came into effect on 9 November 2015, have adopted the VOI Standards and under these requirements a solicitor, conveyancer or lender will be deemed to have taken reasonable steps if they have complied with the VOI Standards.
New South Wales
Under section 56C of the Real Property Act 1900 (NSW) lenders are required to take reasonable steps to confirm the identity of borrowers, and regulation 16 of the Real Property Regulation 2014 (NSW) provides that from 1 January 2015 lenders are considered to have taken reasonable steps if they have complied with the VOI Standards.  
From 9 November 2015, an amended table of minimum document requirements for verification of identity took effect under the VOI Standards and now applies to verifying borrowers in NSW. 
PURPOSE OF VERIFICATION OF IDENTITY 
The purpose of carrying out a verification of identity for land transactions is to:
<ul>
<li>ensure a person is who they claim to be;</li>
<li>reduce the risk of identity fraud; and</li>
<li>prevent the registration of fraudulent land transactions. </li>
</ul>
WHEN VERIFICATION OF IDENTITY IS REQUIRED 
The Rules require solicitors, conveyancers and lenders (Verifiers) to take reasonable steps to verify the identity of:
<ul>
<li>their clients;</li>
<li>borrowers; and</li>
<li>persons to whom certificates of title are to be provided.</li>
</ul>
CARRYING OUT VERIFICATION OF IDENTITY 
When verifying the identity of a party, reasonable steps to verify their identity must be taken.  
Reasonable Steps
‘Reasonable steps’ means the taking of such steps as an ordinarily prudent Verifier would take in the circumstances and in the ordinary course of their business.  Whether reasonable steps have been taken is a question of fact depending on the circumstances of each case. 
Previous Verification of Identity
Where a verification of identity has occurred within the previous 2 years, the party’s identity is not required to be verified again provided the Verifier takes reasonable steps to ensure they are dealing with the party previously identified. 
Supporting Evidence 
In order to demonstrate reasonable steps were taken, Verifiers must retain evidence supporting a verification of identity for at least 7 years. 
Verification of Identity Overseas 
The Rules have established arrangements with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for verifying the identity of people overseas.  The arrangements standardise services provided by Australian Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates to persons overseas.  
AGENTS 
A Verifier may use an agent to undertake verification of identity on the Verifier’s behalf.  The Verifier must direct the agent how to conduct the verification of identity, and this could be by using the VOI Standard or some other method that constitutes taking reasonable steps.  A Verifier must reasonably believe an agent to be reputable, competent and insured in accordance with the Rules. 
Australia Post currently provides a verification of identity service in each of NSW, Queensland and Victoria.
Tress Cox Lawyers can assist with verification of your identity.
We use InfoTrack’s ‘IDfy’ iOS app-based system for face to face VOI interviews in our offices.  We have worked with InfoTrack to fine tune the app.  We can also attend our clients’ offices to carry out VOI interviews using the app.  The relevant identity information is encrypted before it is stored.
We have also registered with Australia Post for clients who prefer to attend their local post office to carry out the VOI interview.  Certified VOI documents are forwarded to us electronically by Australia Post.
 
<div>
Martyn Tier, Lynette Reynolds and Dan Flynn, are partners forTress Cox Lawyers and can be contacted <a href="https://www.tresscox.com.au" target="_blank">here</a>.
</div>
 
</body></html>

Property 101: ID verification in electronic property transfers in NSW, QLD and Victoria

<html><body>
Melbourne auctions totalled a clearance rate of 78 percent over this weekend, up from 77 percent for the same time last year, according to the REIV.
Some 819 properties sold, with 231 passed in, 11 on a vendor bid.
The suburbs with the most auctions so far this year are Craigieburn (31 auctions), Mooroolbark (28 auctions), Richmond (27 auctions) and Bentleigh East (26 auctions).
The top house sale for the week was <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-toorak-121779694" target="_blank">3 Crestmont Court Toorak</a> (above) which sold for $5,795,000.
<div class="pull-right">
<a href="/images/2016/02/29/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-29%20at%204.21.04%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/02/29/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-29%20at%204.21.04%20PM.png" alt="">
</div>
<div class="detail-block"> </div>
</body></html>

Melbourne auctions total 78 percent clearance rate: REIV

Abadeen has released the whole-floor penthouse crowning its recently completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/park-residences-cremorne-2-sutherland-street-cremorne-nsw-2090">Park Residences</a> development in Cremorne, bringing the near-300 sqm residence to market for the first time.

Occupying the entire top floor of the boutique Lower North Shore development, the penthouse includes 221 sqm of internal living and a 74 sqm wraparound terrace, with a prized north-facing aspect taking in views across Middle Harbour.

The residence has been completed and fully furnished following a collaboration between Abadeen Executive Chairman Justin Brown and internationally recognised interior designer Jack Freeman, Founder and Managing Director of FREEMAN &amp; CO.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/abadeen">Abadeen</a> and Freeman approached the penthouse as a finished home, sourcing furniture, artwork, lighting and objects from Australia and overseas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378718]

Pieces from Parisian design house Pierre Augustin Rose sit alongside contemporary artworks and bespoke lighting, with Freeman drawing on recent visits to PAD Paris and Salone del Mobile Milano for the final collection.

Brown said the aim was to create a penthouse that felt more like a large-scale private home than a traditional apartment.

"The experience begins the moment the lift doors open. You're welcomed into an elegant dining room before the home opens into an extraordinary living space framed by sun-drenched harbour views.

"Every time someone walks through the front door they pause. It's not just the view, it's the incredible sense of space, the warmth created by the northern sunlight that fills the interiors, and the way every room connects so effortlessly.

"It has all the proportions of a luxury home, while delivering the effortless lifestyle and personalised experience of living in a world-class six-star hotel, combined with the simplicity and convenience of apartment living."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378713]

A secure lift provides exclusive access to the penthouse level, opening to a dedicated arrival foyer and dining area before the residence expands into its main living and entertaining spaces.

Floor-to-ceiling glazing runs across the northern side of the home, connecting the interiors with the terrace and Middle Harbour outlook.

The penthouse also features a fireplace and substantial chef's kitchen, while the wraparound terrace has been designed to accommodate both everyday outdoor living and larger-scale entertaining.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378720]

Freeman said the interiors had been deliberately kept restrained to complement the scale, natural light and outlook already established by the architecture.

"The penthouse is a serene study in quiet luxury," Freeman said.

"The interior pairs soft, sculptural forms with warm timber, pale stone and a restrained neutral palette. Curated artwork and metallic accents add depth, while abundant natural light creates a calm, effortlessly refined atmosphere. In my world, less is always more."

Freeman said the approach was centred around collecting individual pieces rather than simply decorating the apartment.

"Every material, every object and every piece of furniture has been curated with intention. I am a true believer in collecting versus decorating.

"The architecture already provided extraordinary natural light, remarkable volume and an uninterrupted connection to Middle Harbour. Our role was to complement those qualities with unique one-of-a-kind pieces of fine art and collectible design sourced from recent travels around the world."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378694]

Among the collection are solid bronze sculptures by Lorenzo Quinn, alongside a curated crystalware collection and pieces sourced from international design fairs.

Park Residences sits opposite Cammeray Golf Club, Cammeray Croquet Club and Grand Slam Tennis Cammeray, around 300 metres from Neutral Bay Village and its established collection of restaurants, cafés and retail.

Brown said the combination of a whole-floor floorplan, northern aspect and proximity to Neutral Bay was becoming increasingly difficult to find on the Lower North Shore.

"Completed whole-floor penthouses with a sun-drenched north-facing aspect and sweeping Middle Harbour views are exceptionally rare," Brown said.

"Add a quiet position opposite golf, croquet and tennis facilities, a level walk to Neutral Bay Village and only minutes to the CBD, and you have a lifestyle that's incredibly difficult to replicate.

"This is a home that offers the privacy and generosity of a luxury residence together with the convenience of one of Sydney's best-connected harbourside locations."

The penthouse will be exclusively marketed by SRM Residential.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=114246]

Joel Robinson

Abadeen unveils penthouse at Park Residences in Cremorne

New Brisbane developer Dalcott has unveiled Marrone, the first of three residential projects it is planning in and around Browning Street in South Brisbane.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marrone-south-brisbane-39-browning-street-south-brisbane-qld-4101">Marrone</a> will comprise 97 predominantly two- and three-bedroom apartments, with larger residences aimed squarely at the owner-occupier market.

The project will sit in a quiet pocket of South Brisbane between South Bank and West End, close to the restaurants, cultural attractions and riverfront amenity that have driven the suburb's continued transformation.

Dalcott is targeting buyers looking for more space and amenity than has traditionally been offered in the inner-city apartment market, particularly downsizers and professionals wanting to remain close to the city.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149951 project_image_fid=377072]

Resident facilities will be concentrated around an extensive rooftop amenity offering, including a swimming pool, spa, infrared sauna, warm and cold magnesium plunge pools, private lounge, dining room and outdoor entertaining areas.

Dalcott Managing Director Lachlan Cottee said South Brisbane's combination of lifestyle, connectivity and established character had been central to the approach to Marrone.

“South Brisbane offers a combination of lifestyle, connectivity and character that’s difficult to replicate elsewhere in Brisbane,” Cottee said.

“Our focus has been on creating homes that feel connected to that environment while providing the level of design, functionality and quality that today's owner-occupiers expect.”

The residences will feature an expressive material palette. Italian Calacatta Viola marble, known for its deep burgundy veining, will be paired with aged brass tapware, Chestnut engineered timber flooring and Tuscan Oak joinery.

<img alt="Marrone" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b8d833da-3b30-496a-ae30-07bdff371b50" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%2010.52.35%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=P6DAgOfaQzIXljKKK5j3e5NhWtrHIu9G" />

Bathrooms will feature Nara Japanese ceramics and glass bricks, while clay, walnut and brass lighting will be used throughout the apartments.

Dalcott has appointed Realm Projects, led by Managing Director Shane Foley, to handle sales and marketing following previous sold-out collaborations between the groups.

Foley said the Brisbane apartment buyer had become increasingly focused on the quality of the home itself rather than simply securing an inner-city address.

“We expect to see strong demand from buyers who still want all the advantages of inner-city living but aren’t prepared to compromise on the quality of their home,” Foley said.

“Many will be downsizers looking to leave behind the maintenance of a traditional family home without giving up the space they enjoy, while others are likely to be professionals wanting a residence that reflects the way they live today.”

“Marrone responds directly to that demand, with generous floorplans, exceptional resident amenity and a location that places some of Brisbane’s best dining, entertainment and cultural attractions within walking distance.”

<img alt="Marrone" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="61f7b22f-899e-4c0f-940a-7d3ab1bfb93a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%2010.52.44%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=PvN1JYxBgUpyCB7efKo52WGdSDs9nmim" />

Marrone will be the first project delivered as part of Dalcott's broader investment in the precinct.

It will be followed by La Terra, a boutique project comprising penthouse-style, single-level apartments on a northeast corner site with extensive resident amenity and city views.

Cottee said Marrone represented the first stage of the group's longer-term plans for the area.

Dalcott was established in 2025 by Lachlan Cottee and Ben Dalgliesh, combining development and construction capability under an integrated model and focusing on architecturally considered residential projects.

Marrone will initially be offered through a pre-release registration campaign ahead of its broader public launch.

Dalcott targets owner-occupiers with South Brisbane debut Marrone

Parnell Developments is the latest to seek significant uplift through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority on a Strathfield site previously approved for a much smaller apartment development.

Parnell has sought approval for a 32-storey mixed use tower across&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/7-lyons-street-strathfield-nsw-2135">3-7 Lyons Street and 18 Parnell Street</a>, a&nbsp;1,857 sqm site around 400 metres from Strathfield Station. The building would yield 160 apartments, 15 per cent of which will be dedicated affordable as per the government mandate for buildings seeking additional uplift.

Approved previously was a nine-storey building back in 2022 with just over 30 apartments. That approval came prior to the project being&nbsp;progressively reconsidered as planning policy shifted toward greater density around transport hubs.

<img alt="Strathfield" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c5af5281-a643-4eb2-b8c4-0081b59c04c7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%209.16.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=37bd3mI7rHNpThOV_75VO8xsGFwWOi1u" />

Turner has designed the latest building that would replace&nbsp;existing detached homes across the four lots.

The apartment mix comprises 22 one-bedroom apartments, 107 two-bedroom and two-bedroom-plus configurations, and 31 apartments with three or more bedrooms. The scheme also includes 203 car spaces across six basement levels and 58 bicycle spaces.

The proposal has been designed around a three-storey podium addressing Lyons Street, with the tower rising above and stepping toward its upper levels.

Turner said the podium was deliberately scaled to respond to the existing street, while the taller element has been designed as part of the emerging skyline anticipated around Strathfield Town Centre and the wider Homebush transport-oriented development precinct.

The Lyons Street frontage would have a more active, pedestrian-focused character, incorporating the commercial tenancy, landscaping and a brick-framed podium with an awning.

<img alt="Strathfield" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="14b20874-b8c3-4ac7-bc03-92be9a69fb78" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%209.17.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=av.9TxtqIRTC6v3PkSuu1rL9rreWoe2h" />

Parnell Street, which faces the railway corridor, has been given a different architectural treatment, with double-height breeze blocks, landscaping and communal areas used to soften the interface with the rail infrastructure.

The tower itself uses curved and recessed facade elements, with wave-like indentations across the northern elevation breaking the building into three vertical forms.

A palette of grey concrete, brick and breeze blocks is complemented by clay and terracotta accents, while the upper tower adopts a lighter expression through articulated slab edges, vertical fins and recessed glazing.

Residents would have access to 467 sqm of communal open space spread across three levels. The ground floor would accommodate the more active resident areas, including barbecue and group gathering spaces and an internal communal room capable of being used for working from home.

A more passive viewing deck is proposed at level three, overlooking the ground-level landscaping and neighbouring tennis courts, while a rooftop "sunset deck" at level 30 would provide another social and relaxation space.

<img alt="Parnell" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c3dce401-a80f-4682-8471-4caa01180880" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%209.17.34%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Xyo8JVqbOhSJXNy6Ih.1cHL.O6i0bGR." />

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Strathfield has been earmarked for substantial change through the Strathfield Town Centre planning work and the nearby Homebush TOD precinct.

Turner's report says the project has been designed to act as a transition between the existing low and mid-rise development surrounding the site and the taller built form expected to emerge across the town centre.

The proposal is being assessed as State Significant Development under the HDA pathway, alongside the concurrent request to amend the Burwood Local Environmental Plan.

First look: New apartment tower pitched for Strathfield Town Centre precinct

An $18 million penthouse has hit the market in Main Beach as construction tops out on La Mer, the $155 million apartment development rising just metres from the beach.

Spanning around 600 sqm across the top two levels of the 29-storey tower on Main Beach Parade, the four-bedroom penthouse is one of the latest eight-figure residences to test the upper end of the Gold Coast apartment market.

Its launch comes amid continued activity at the very top of the market, following the $30 million off-the-plan sale of a Burleigh Heads penthouse earlier this year, which surpassed the Gold Coast's previous $24 million apartment record set in 2023.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/la-mer-main-beach-3580-main-beach-parade-main-beach-qld-4217">La Mer penthouse</a> has been designed as a private residence in the sky, with 360-degree views spanning the ocean, Broadwater, hinterland and Gold Coast skyline.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378731]

All four bedrooms have ensuites, while the ocean-facing master retreat occupies around half of the upper level and includes its own lounge, private balcony, two walk-in wardrobes and an oversized ensuite with a freestanding stone bath positioned to take in the views.

The residence also features a kitchen designed to accommodate a private chef, a 3.6-metre island bench, expansive butler's pantry, wine cellar and integrated bar.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378732]

A rooftop pool and substantial outdoor entertaining area with its own kitchen sit above the residence, while a grand staircase connects the two internal levels. The penthouse also has its own express lift.

OTP Group Director James Elliott, who is marketing La Mer, said the penthouse was expected to appeal to high-net-worth buyers seeking either a permanent Main Beach residence or Gold Coast holiday home.

“The La Mer penthouse represents exceptional value, considering its quality design, size, privacy and location, not to mention the 360-degree views capturing the beach and Gold Coast Broadwater,” Elliott said.

“We’re anticipating interest from high-net-worth individuals and couples seeking a residence or holiday home in the sought-after village enclave of Main Beach, taking advantage of the unprecedented growth underway in the area and neighbouring The Spit.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378736]

La Mer is being developed by developer-builder ODUS and Nazero, in partnership with funder Metrics Credit Partners.

ODUS Director Byron Sakha said topping out the tower had provided the opportunity to release the project's most significant residence.

“We’ve worked with internationally-recognised studio Sici Design on the penthouse interiors, with a focus on ensuring it isn’t luxury for luxury’s sake. Every element has been thoughtfully designed to enhance quality of life for those who call it home,” Sakha said.

“The views are the hero of virtually every space, but we’ve given equal attention to the fittings and finishes, so every detail exudes elegance and refinement.”

Sici Design Founder and Director Maria Papadopoulos said the extensive views became an integral part of the interior design rather than simply something the residence was designed around.

“The views weren't something we designed around, they became part of the design itself, with the true luxury of La Mer in its feeling of peace, calm and wellbeing,” Papadopoulos said.

“Luxury isn't defined by how something looks, but how it makes you feel, and we believe a luxurious home should be beautiful to live in, not stressful to maintain.”

The interiors combine Austral Dream Dolomite natural stone and travertine with timber flooring and a restrained coastal palette.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378734]

Designed by Plus Studio, La Mer is one of the more boutique additions to the rapidly changing Main Beach apartment market.

The tower comprises just 24 full-floor, three-bedroom plus multipurpose room apartments below the two-level penthouse, giving the project a considerably lower density than many of the larger towers being developed across the Gold Coast.

Residents will have access to a pool and spa, gym, sauna, barbecue facilities, private sun lounges, yoga lawn and outdoor beach shower.

The penthouse has been released as part of the final collection of residences at La Mer, with remaining apartments priced from $4.3 million.

Construction is expected to complete later this year, with a fully furnished display apartment now open on level four.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=95606]

ODUS releases $18 million penthouse crowning La Mer Main Beach

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/far-east-consortium">Far East Consortium</a> is preparing to commence construction on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/640-bourke-street-melbourne-640-bourke-street-melbourne-vic-3000">640 Bourke Street</a> this October, marking the next milestone for the Melbourne CBD development and its higher-end Eliza Collection.

Spanning levels 44 to 68 of the 68-storey <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>-designed tower, the Eliza Collection has been conceived as a lower-density offering within the broader development, with only five apartments on each floor, dedicated lift access and a collection of resident spaces reserved exclusively for Eliza Collection residents.

The Eliza Collection forms part of Far East Consortium's broader move toward larger-format residences at 640 Bourke Street, where the number of apartments was reduced from earlier plans as apartment sizes increased.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=365685]

"What it's meant for 640 Bourke is we've actually reduced the number of apartments. We've increased the overall size of the apartments. We don't have any studios in here, and what that does for a project is it elevates it," Far East Consortium Director of Sales and Marketing Lauren Sheldon said.

Rothelowman Associate Jun Chang said the design process provided an opportunity to create more generous floorplans.

"We were given the opportunity to be more generous. The apartments became bigger and squarer than any other apartments which had been designed in the CBD before that."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=368869]

That thinking carries through to the Eliza Collection, where the residences have been designed around the space and functionality associated with a larger home, but positioned high above the centre of Melbourne.

Kitchens are equipped with Gaggenau appliances, a butler's pantry, temperature-controlled wine cabinet and sculptural pendant lighting, while engineered timber flooring, stone and porcelain finishes and custom cabinetry feature throughout the broader interiors.

Privacy and security are another point of distinction. Eliza Collection residents have dedicated lift access, while 640 Bourke Street will provide concierge services and secure resident parking. Short-stay accommodation, including Airbnb, will not be permitted within the development.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=365689]

Eliza Collection residents will also have exclusive access to selected amenity spaces across levels one and three of the restored Eliza Tinsley building. These include the Salon with grand piano, an art therapy room, private dining rooms and treatment rooms.

They sit within more than 3,000 sqm of amenity planned across 640 Bourke Street, alongside facilities including a pool, gym, whisky lounge and further social and wellness spaces.

The Eliza Tinsley building itself is central to the wider project's identity. Rather than treating the existing Eliza Tinsley façade as a separate element, Rothelowman used it as a starting point for the architecture of the new tower, with the historic building to accommodate the project's gallery and lobby.

"It's a significant asset and wants to be celebrated and experienced by all residents every single time they go in and out of the building," Rothelowman Principal Stuart Marsland said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=368872]

The tower will rise behind the retained heritage building at 640 Bourke Street, placing residents within walking distance of Southern Cross Station, Flagstaff Gardens, Queen Victoria Market and the Docklands waterfront.

With construction scheduled to begin in October, Far East Consortium has established an onsite display gallery at 640 Bourke Street, including fully built apartments that allow the project's layouts, materials and finishes to be inspected at full scale.

A fully built Eliza Collection apartment is also available to view at the display suite by appointment ahead of the planned October construction commencement.

Eligible purchasers who buy before construction commences can secure the full available off-the-plan stamp duty savings, subject to eligibility and applicable conditions.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=509]

Property Observer

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News