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Ballina 234, a new house-and-land package at Point Cook, Victoria is set to go under the auctioneer's gavel July 6.
Proceeds raised from the no-reserve auction will be donated to the Maddie Riewoldt’s Vision charity for the fight against bone marrow failure syndrome.
Designed by Fairhaven Homes, the single storey house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-point+cook-131150374" target="_blank">12 Joyce Street, Point Cook </a>comprises four bedrooms, rumpus, large open-plan living/meals/kitchen area, covered alfresco area and fully landscaped garden. 
Other features of Ballina 234 include kids’ wing with study nook, designer lighting, driveway and fencing.
The home will come complete with $50,000 worth of furniture and a 12 month Foxtel Platinum Package.
The lucky bidder will also receive a new Mercedes Benz to park in their new double garage.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/6/27/point%20cook%202.jpg" alt="">
Situated on a 425 sqm block within Satterley’s Upper Point Cook Estate, Ballina 234 is just a few steps from Upper Point Cook estate’s recently opened $2.4 million 1 hectare park.
The 1800-lot residential estate won the Best Residential Community Over 250 Lots in the 2018 Urban Development Institute of Australia awards. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/6/27/point%20cook%203.jpg" alt="">
Surrounded by walking and cycling paths, the development features 14ha of open space, parks and playgrounds and brand-new childcare centre. 
A free family fun day is planned for the July 6 auction with attractions include a footy clinic, the chance to meet AFL stars, food trucks and a performance by singer Harrison Craig, the 2013 winner of The Voice Australia.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Brand new Point Cook home set to auction for charity

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EXPERT OBSERVATION
Aussie wealth remains elevated, but has eased back from record highs due to falling home prices.
But in a positive development, total household wealth (net worth) stabilised in the March quarter after the biggest fall in a decade in the December quarter. The Aussie sharemarket is acting as a wealth ‘buffer’ against the property downturn. In the March quarter, the S&amp;P/ASX200 index rose by 9.5 per cent – the strongest gain in 9½ years.
Foreigners have increased their allocation to Aussie listed shares this year. Foreign ownership of Aussie shares was hovering near 4-year highs at 31.3 per cent in the March quarter, up from 30.9 per cent in the December quarter.
The weaker value of the Aussie dollar against the greenback, a desire for iron ore exposure, attractive dividend yields, solid payout ratios and likely further interest rate cuts have boosted demand for Aussie shares. And the local sharemarket’s relatively defensive composition when compared to its China supply-chain exposed peers in Asia have made the ASX200 an attractive proposition as the global ‘chase for yield’ re-intensifies.
Looking ahead, Aussie per capita wealth is expected to consolidate around $400,000 after significant gains over the past five years, should home valuations continue to moderate. But property prices appear to have flattened in Sydney and Melbourne in June amid tentative signs of stabilisation.
And it remains to be seen whether the ASX200 index, up almost 18 per cent so far this year, can continue its blockbuster run towards record highs, especially with the company ‘confession season’ and earnings reporting season ahead in August.
Aussie share valuations look a little stretched with the Best Price/Earnings ratio straddling 3-year highs at over 17 times earnings.
And earnings per share growth is modest outside of the resources sector, but continued monetary and fiscal stimulus will continue to act as a support. Business confidence and investment is also expected to lift given greater policy certainty following the election. But trading conditions remain challenging given slowing domestic demand and US-China trade tensions.
Click <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/6/27/Commsec%20shares.JPG" target="_blank">here</a> to enlarge.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/6/27/Commsec%20shares.JPG" alt="">
What do the figures show?
Financial Accounts:
Total household wealth (net worth) rose by 0.2 per cent to $10,242.6 billion in the March quarter after falling by 2.1 per cent to $10,225.9 billion in the December quarter. The record-high figure for household wealth was $10,422.3 billion in the September quarter of 2018. Over the year to March, net worth fell by 0.7 per cent.
In per capita terms, wealth fell by $1,512 in the March quarter to $404,556 following a record $9,993 decline in the December quarter – the third consecutive quarterly decline.
The Bureau of Statistics noted: “The increase in household wealth in the March quarter was driven by real (inflation adjusted) holding gains on financial assets, offset by holding losses on residential real estate.”
The percentage point contributions to the change in household wealth in the December quarter, include:
Land and dwellings detracted 1.5 percentage points;
Financial assets contributed 1.8 percentage points;
Financial liabilities detracted 0.2 percentage points.
Households held a record $1,160.7 billion in cash and deposits at the end of March. Cash and deposit holdings represented 21.5 per cent of financial assets, down from 22.1 per cent in the December quarter and below the 21.8 per cent average since the global financial crisis and long-run average of 21.7 per cent.
Households held $1,015.7 billion in shares or 18.8 per cent of all financial assets in the March quarter, down from 18.9 per cent in the December quarter, but below the 19.3 per cent average since the global financial crisis and the long-run average of 22.6 per cent.
Pension fund (superannuation fund) assets rose by $119.9 billion to a record-high $2,320 billion in the March quarter. Cash and deposits stood at 10.6 per cent of financial assets, below the 12.9 per cent average since the global financial crisis, but above the long-term average of 9.4 per cent.
Foreigners held $604.8 billion of Aussie listed sharesin the March quarter, up from $548.1 billion in December, but below the record-high of $612.9 billion in the September quarter. Foreigners held 31.3 per cent of total listed shares – near 4-year highs - but slightly below the 31.6 per cent average since the global financial crisis and long-term average of 32.8 per cent.
What are the implications for interest rates and investors?
As evidenced by today’s wealth report, the Reserve Bank will be hoping that Aussie shares and bonds will continue to do the ‘heavy lifting’, shielding households from the downside risks associated with the property downturn, slow wages growth and the potential loss of momentum in the jobs market.  
Aussie bonds have been a strong performer over the year to May 31, up by 9 per cent (Bloomberg Australian Composite Bond Index 0+ Years), as government bond yields have fallen to record lows. Australia’s AAA sovereign credit rating and solid fiscal position has made sovereign bonds an attractive destination for risk averse investors.
But Aussie shares have been a star global outperformer, with the S&amp;P/ASX300 Accumulation Index up 10.9 per cent, ahead of global shares at 8.9 per cent (MSCI World Net Index) over the year to May 31 - an attractive proposition for foreigners seeking yield in a low growth, interest rate and inflation environment.
CommSec expects another rate cut in the next few months due to spare capacity in the labour market and economy.
RYAN FELSMAN is a Senior Economist at CommSec
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Foreign holdings of Aussie shares hits 4-year high: CommSec's Ryan Felsman

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The Melbourne suburb of Bentleigh East is once again host to the highest volume of auctions this weekend, with 11 homes set to go under the hammer, according to CoreLogic.
Next busiest are Northcote and Reservoir, also in Victoria, with 10 auctions scheduled each.
This week, the number of auctions scheduled to take place across the combined capital cities is expected to fall, with 1,201 currently being tracked by CoreLogic, down from the 1,484 auctions held last week at final results.
Both Melbourne and Sydney are expected to see a decrease in activity this week, with 497  homes scheduled for auction across Melbourne, while Sydney is set to host 469 auctions, decreasing on the 635 and 558 auctions held last week respectively.
The smaller auction markets will also see a lower volume of homes auctioned week on week with the exception of Brisbane and Perth where auction volumes are relatively steady.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/6/27/Bentleigh%20East%20June%204.JPG" alt="">
The busy auction weekend in Bentleigh East, sees <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-bentleigh+east-131323446" target="_blank">71 Bignell Road</a> (pictured in title) offered.
The property going under the hammer is a four bedroom, two bathroom house.
It comes with an indicative price guide of $1,150,000-$1,190,000.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/6/27/Bentleigh%20East%20June%202.JPG" alt="">
Another example of the breadth of auctions taking place in Bentleigh East is 4A Tambet Street (pictured above).
The property going under the hammer is a four bedroom, three bathroom townhouse.
It comes with an indicative price guide of $1,120,000-$1,170,000.
 <img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/6/27/Bentleigh%20East%20June%203.JPG" alt="">
A third property going to auction in Bentleigh East this week is <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-vic-bentleigh+east-131357494" target="_blank">2/3 Montclair Court</a> (pictured above).
The property going under the hammer is a three bedroom, one bathroom villa. 
It comes with an indicative price guide of $620,000 - $670,000.
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Bentleigh East again the busiest weekend property auction hotspot

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A 1960s architecturally designed home in Campbell, ACT has been sold at $1.41 million.
It was offered to the market for the first time by Louise Harget and Dan McAlpine from Belle Property Kingston. 
Positioned on a 956 square metre block, the split-level house at 64 Gellibrand Street comprises four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a sunken lounge, a retro kitchen and a sun room with a gas fireplace.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/6/4/campbell%202.jpg" alt="">
There is a self-contained garden apartment on the lower level.
The original features of the house include Cedar doors with mottled glass, timber panelling, hand crafted cabinetry and high ceilings.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/6/4/campbell%203.jpg" alt="">
Other highlights include old established gardens, hardwood flooring and private elevated terrace at the back of the home. 
It is close to the City Centre, Russell Offices, Canberra Airport, local shops and both Campbell Primary and High Schools. 
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1960s Campbell, ACT house sold for $1.41 million

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A substantial architecturally designed home on 5 acres at Bordertown, South Australia has been listed for sale with $1.75 million hopes. 
Set in a rural area, the environmentally designed home at<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-sa-bordertown-131177766" target="_blank"> 721 Cannawigara Road</a> was built to achieve best environmental performance and efficiency five years ago. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/6/25/bordertown%202.jpg" alt="">
The 726 square metre homestead features double-gazed windows, underfloor heating/cooling system, solar assembly on the rooftop, and functional rendered foam brick walling.
It comprises five bedrooms, commodious living, dining and entertaining areas, media room, separate family room and kitchen with built-in ovens.
The home with district views also comes with heated swimming pool with adjoining games room, enclosed alfresco area, indoor barbecue and full sized tennis court.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/6/25/bordertown%203.jpg" alt="">
There is a double car garage, with bonus attic storage and a four bay shed for farm and garden machines or secure storage.
Malcolm Hautop and Tanya Venables of SAL Real Estate Bordertown have the listing. 
Bordertown, with a population of around 3,000 people, is located about 280 kilometres east of Adelaide.
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Environmentally friendly, architecturally designed home at Bordertown, SA listed 

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EXPERT OBSERVATION 
Australia’s record economic expansion has almost completed its 28th year. Interest rates have fallen to fresh record lows; wages are growing near 2.5%; underlying inflation is around 1.5%; the jobless rate is 5.2%.
Total returns on Australian shares (All Ordinaries Accumulation index) have lifted by 11.4% over 2018/19 (20-year average +9.5%) to a smidgen below record highs.
What does it all mean?
The 2018/19 financial year is almost complete and it is an opportune time to see how investments, financial markets and economies have performed over the past year.
Overall, the global economy has slowed over the past year, largely restrained by the US-China trade conflict. Central banks are now favouring rate cuts over rate hikes largely because inflation remains low.
The US economy generally remains in good shape. But Chinese authorities have been stimulating their economy in response to the slowdown caused by the trade dispute with the US.
The Australian economy is currently growing at a 1.8% annual pace – the slowest pace in 9.5 years. Just like other major economies, growth slowed over the year. Uncertainty over the Federal Election result also slowed activity ahead of the May 18 poll. Activity is expected to lift with election uncertainty resolved.
The Reserve Bank has re-assessed policy settings in response to stubbornly low inflation. The Reserve Bank now believes that unemployment can fall to 4.5% before igniting inflationary pressures.
As a result the Reserve Bank cut the cash rate by 25 basis points in June to 1.25% and has flagged another rate cut in coming months.
Inflation is expected to edge higher to around 2% in 2018/19 with unemployment 4.50-5.00%. But much will depend on the global trade environment.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/6/25/commsec%201.jpg" alt="">
Returns on shares have lifted by just over 11% in 2018/19 and growth of 7-11% is expected in 2018/19.
The Australian dollar should support the record economic expansion, largely holding in the late 60s/early 70-cent range against the greenback.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/6/25/commsec%202.jpg" alt=""> 
What does the data show?
<ul>
<li>Interest rates</li>
</ul>
The cash rate was reduced from 1.50% to 1.25% in June. It was the first rate change since August 2016.
The market-determined 90-day bank bill rate has held between 1.21% and 2.10% over 2018/19 and is ending the year near record lows.
Yields on the long bond – 10-year government bonds – have held in a range of between 1.29% and 2.79% and yields are ending the year near record lows.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/6/25/commsec%203%20.jpg" alt="">
<ul>
<li>Currencies</li>
</ul>
The Aussie dollar has fallen around 6% over 2018/19. The Aussie started the year around US74 cents and is ending the year near US69 cents.
We have calculated that the Aussie is ranked 103rd strongest against the US dollar of 120 currencies tracked.
The currencies of Thailand, Egypt, Uganda, Mexico, Philippines and Japan all have lifted around 3-7%.
The weakest currencies have been in the emerging economies of Venezuela, Argentina and Haiti. Only 24 currencies have lifted against the greenback over the year.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/6/25/commsec%204.jpg" alt="">
In the first six months of 2019, the Aussie dollar has fallen by around 2% against the US dollar, making it the 97th strongest of 120 currencies tracked.
The currencies of Russia, Egypt, Thailand, Central Africa and Canada have lifted around 3-10%.
The weakest currencies have been the emerging economies of Haiti, Argentina, Turkey, Pakistan and Ghana. Only 42 currencies lifted against the greenback over the year.
The Aussie has gradually trended lower for around two years. Over most of the period US policy interest rates were rising while the Aussie cash rate was left unchanged.
The Aussie fell from around US80 cents to US68 cents (if the January 2019 ‘flash crash’ to US67.43 cents is ignored).
<ul>
<li>Commodities</li>
</ul>
Commodity prices eased over the second half of 2018 in line with slower global growth but recovered some lost ground in 2019.
The Commodity Research Bureau futures index has fallen by 11% over the year, but the CommSec daily index is up 3%.
The difference between the two indexes is basically iron ore, with its price up 81% over 2018/19 while gold and coking coal gained 12%.
Base metal prices fell 10-20%; oil is down 23% while spot natural gas has slid 58% and thermal coal fell 37%.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/6/25/commsec%205.jpg" alt="">
Sharemarket
The Australian sharemarket started 2018/19 with the All Ordinaries at 6,289.7 and the ASX200 at 6,194.6.
The All Ords currently stands at 6,734.3 points (up 7.1%) with the ASX200 is at 6,650.8 (up 7.4%). We estimate that Australia is 19th of 72 global bourses.
So far 35 bourses have recorded gains in 2018/19. The best performer has been hyperinflation-affected Zimbabwe but Argentina and Brazil have lifted more than 40%. The US Dow Jones has lifted by around 10%.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/6/25/commsec%206.jpg" alt="">
The worst performers have been West Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Lebanon and Pakistan and Egypt. The Irish sharemarket has fallen 12%.
In the first six months of 2019, the All Ordinaries has risen by 18%, ranking Australia 8th of 73 nations. Greece, Argentina, Russia and China have been amongst the top performers (up around 20-37%) while Lebanon, Sri Lanka and Oman are amongst countries recording the biggest declines.
<ul>
<li>Investment returns</li>
</ul>
Total returns on Australian shares (All Ordinaries Accumulation index) have so far lifted by 11.4% over 2018/19, hitting record highs in recent days.
Returns on dwellings have declined by 3.6% to date in 2018/19 while returns on government bonds have lifted by 10.4%.
<ul>
<li>Sectors &amp; size groupings</li>
</ul>
Of the 22 identified industry sub-sectors, only eight have recorded declines in 2018/19.
Leading the gains have been Consumer durables &amp; apparel and Telecom (both up by near 41%) followed by Commercial services (up 21%) with Software &amp; services and Transportation (up 20%).
At the other end of the scale, Household &amp; personal products has fallen by over 36%, followed by Autos &amp; components (down 21%) and Energy and Capital goods (both down 8%).
Of the size categories, the ASX50 has outperformed (up over 9%) from the ASX100 (up 8%) and the Small Ordinaries and MidCap50 (up 1%).
What are the implications for investors?
Returns on shares are near record highs. In fact sharemarket returns have only fallen once in the past 10 years. So an investor that has employed a diversified strategy across asset classes would be well pleased with the performance over recent years.
The outlook for the sharemarket remains positive. The Federal Election is in the background for another three years. And the Reserve Bank has adopted a stimulatory monetary policy.
The Reserve Bank now believes that the economy can operate at a faster pace, thus generating greater job growth with the hope of driving the jobless rate to 4.5%.
The cash rate was cut by a quarter percent in June and a similar decline is expected in the next few months.
But the Reserve Bank doesn’t believe it can do it all alone – it is calling on greater fiscal stimulus.
Certainly Federal and State governments are being active in advancing new infrastructure projects. And with budgets broadly balanced or in modest surplus, there is scope for even more fiscal stimulus to be applied.
Over the coming year, infrastructure building and net exports will add to economic growth.
The Reserve Bank hopes that the stimulatory policy settings will lead to stronger household spending as well. Weaker home building will be the main factor weighing on growth.
Last year we noted: “Over the coming year CommSec expects the All Ordinaries index to be near 6,400-6,600 points in December 2018 and 6,600-6,800 points in June 2019”. The December forecast proved too ambitious but the June forecast looks to be safely achieved.
Over the coming year CommSec expects the All Ordinaries index to be near 6,800-7,000 points in December 2019 and 7,100-7,300 points in June 2020.
Housing markets across the nation are continuing to rebalance to reflect the increase in supply (new home construction).
Lower home prices and rate cuts will ensure that first home buyers remain active.
Investors are also expected to return although sharemarkets are expected to remain more attractive in the short run.
Over 2019/20, national home prices may post small gains between 0-4%. Since the Federal Election there have been signs of stabilisation of Sydney and Melbourne home prices.
The low inflation/low interest rate environment is entrenched, meaning that lower nominal investment returns are also here to stay. So investors will need to remain flexible and alert to the returns achieved across sharemarket sectors and across asset classes to ensure that their savings are keeping pace with the cost of living.
The ‘triple L’ theme (low unemployment, low inflation, low interest rates) will also dominate global markets over the coming year.
In fact the US Federal Reserve is already contemplating rate cuts despite delivering the last rate hike just over six months ago.
The Aussie dollar is expected to largely trade in the late 60s/early 70s against the US dollar over most of the coming year. But interest rate differentials between the US and Australia and the US-China trade discussions are the two factors that could move the Aussie out of the tight range.
At the time of writing, financial markets were waiting on the next instalment of US-China trade talks.
Successful completion of the talks should lead to a major upgrade in prospects for the global economy.
If agreement remains elusive, expect stimulatory monetary policies to remain in place in China as well as advanced global economies.
Craig James is Chief Economist at CommSec. 
Ryan Felsman is Senior Economist at CommSec.
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Economic growth slows with more stimulus on the way: CommSec's year in review 

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Management consultant Chris Livitsanis has sold his Portsea home, without water views, for almost $6 million.

<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property/28-wildcoast-rd-portsea-vic-3944" target="_blank">The architect-designed home</a> was built after he bought the vacant building block in 2015 for $900,000.

It is understood to have sold to pharmaceutical and medical cannabis consultant Con Tangalakis.

<img alt="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/6/28/portsea%202.jpg">

The home was designed by architect Dominic Piccolo as a five-bedroom, six-bathroom house.

It came with an initial $6.2 million to $6.4 million price guide through Liz Jensen at Kay &amp; Burton.

The Australian Financial Review dubbed Livitsanis a "house flipper".

[smartcode_project:default project_id=89720]

Livitsanis's prior's weekender Dreamweaver, the Portsea back beach offering that fetched $3.5 million having been passed in at 2014 auction on a $3.5 million vendor bid.

It had been on and off the market over the past two years with an asking price of $3.5 million.

The two-storey Cheviot Road home with gas and solar-heated lap pool and spa plus championship Modgrass tennis court was sold to Arthur and Effie Charlaftis.

He is the former REA Group chief operating officer.
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Medical cannabis consultant Con Tangalakis buys at Portsea

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Under all Victorian tenancy agreements (fixed-term and periodic) entered into on or after 19 June 2019, rent can only be increased once every 12 months, rather than at six-monthly intervals.
The rent must not be increased before the end of a fixed-term tenancy agreement, unless the terms of the agreement allow for this. 
Six-monthly increases will still be allowed for agreements entered into before 19 June 2019 that are:  
<ul>
<li>existing fixed-term tenancy agreements of less than five years, and</li>
<li>existing periodic (month-by-month) tenancy agreements. </li>
</ul>
For all rent increases, landlords and property managers must use the updated notice of rent increase from the government's <a href="https://submit.consumer.vic.gov.au/ch/25390/2d6fc35/2426631/kkudkBKulnOy8z1kwAfvAXi2_pv4syhyUwzlNsIS" target="_blank" data-auth="NotApplicable">rent increases page</a>.
Landlords and property managers will now have the option to provide the prescribed renting guide Renting a home: a guide for tenants electronically to tenants who have consented to receive information this way. Previously, they were required to provide the guide as a printed booklet. 
To provide the guide electronically they must:
<ol>
<li>ensure they have the tenant’s written consent to receive notices and other documents electronically. This can be included in the terms of their lease, or obtained with the Consent to electronic service of notices and other documents form, available from the <a href="https://submit.consumer.vic.gov.au/ch/25390/2d6fc35/2428465/kkudkBKulnOy8z1kwAfvxyCeVfkKGydYNqjp4quc" target="_blank" data-auth="NotApplicable">renting guide page</a>
</li>
<li>send the tenant the following link: <a href="https://submit.consumer.vic.gov.au/ch/25390/2d6fc35/2428465/kkudkBKulnOy8z1kwAfvxyCeVfkKGydYNqjp4quc-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">consumer.vic.gov.au/rentingguide</a>
</li>
</ol>
More than 130 reforms to the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 were passed in the Victorian Parliament in 2018.
Some were selected for early implementation this year, with the remaining reforms to be fully implemented by 1 July 2020. 
To help prepare for these changes, a new dedicated <a href="https://submit.consumer.vic.gov.au/ch/25390/2d6fc35/2426770/kkudkBKulnOy8z1kwAfvUUHF0I5Iat4GUJWDXMdk" target="_blank" data-auth="NotApplicable">Changes to renting laws section</a> is now available as a one-stop information source on:
<ul>
<li>the early reforms that are already in effect</li>
<li>stakeholder consultation </li>
<li>key reforms and their impact on tenants and landlords.    </li>
</ul>
The Victorian Government said it is working with industry and community groups to develop information and training materials to help them prepare for these changes.
 
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Victoria restricts rent increase frequency to 12 months

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The building of inner city apartments in Melbourne and Sydney has slowed to a dangerous level, according to The Australian columnist, Robert Gottliebsen.
He suggests governments are making the looming unit shortfall worse.
"Not only is substantial employment and business activity at stake in both states, but in Sydney the NSW government has dreamt up an unbelievable plan that will halt apartment construction in many areas, potentially for years," he wrote.
He says apartment building has slowed dramatically because communities and councils across the city are making it as hard as possible for high density living projects to find a way through the approval processes.
"Normally such decimation of an industry is caused by demand, but in June 2019 demand is not the problem."
The supply in both cannot be generated to meet looming demand.
He noted at the moment in both cities there is excess supply but demand momentum helped by the return of Chinese to the market has already lifted Sydney apartment prices by 10% after they had fallen by 20 to 30%.
"During 2020 the demand-supply ratio will change markedly."
In both Sydney and Melbourne it takes about three years for a development to get through the approvals, while in other states the apartment approval process takes less than a year, he said.
In Sydney the current approval mess means that production of apartments is now down 40%.
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Governments making the looming 2020 Sydney and Melbourne apartment shortfall worse: Robert Gottliebsen

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Agri-logistics is emerging as a growth sector of the Australian real estate market, with more than $1.5 billion worth of assets changing hands over the past two years. 
CBRE Director of Agri-Logistics, Stephen Caffery, said the sector was attracting greater institutional investment, underpinned by the strength of Australia’s industrial, logistics and agricultural markets.  
“On the back of a buoyant industrial &amp; logistics sector, recent free trade agreements, Asia’s investment appetite and capacity for Australia’s agriculture industry to produce high value food and fibre products, there has been a sharp upturn in investment in the sector,” Caffery said.
“Agri-logistics has all the ingredients to become the standout investment class in Australia over the next decade. The sector is the backbone that supports Australia’s $60 billion farm gate production industry each year.
“All of Australia’s agricultural products, at some point, will need to be processed, value-added, stored and transported for either domestic consumption or export markets.
“Investing in these supply chains represents an enormous opportunity for investors looking for long term secure cashflows in assets that are defensive in economic downturns.” 
Highlighting the increased investment in the sector, CBRE is marketing two high quality food manufacturing facilities located in one of Melbourne’s premium South Eastern locations, Braeside.  
The properties located at 91-97 Woodlands Drive (pictured above) and 223-225 Governor Road (pictured below) provide a lettable area of 15,450 square metres.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/6/18/Flavour%20Makers%20_%20223-225%20Governor%20Road.jpg" alt="">
They are leased to leading food developer and manufacturer Flavour Makers for 12 years, generating a triple net income of $1,830,000 per annum (with fixed annual increases of 3.0%).  
CBRE’s Ben Hegerty said the Flavour Makers facilities offered a complete end-to-end food development and manufacturing solution with state-of-the-art dry blending facility, liquid processing plant and a meals plant capable of processing both liquid and solid ingredients.
“These facilities are regulatory approved and extensively audited by both domestic and international customers,” Hegerty said. 
“Flavour Makers is experiencing a period of sustained growth and is investing both in increasing existing capability and capacity, as well as investing in new food technologies.
“As a result, they provide a high degree of underlying security for long term, passive investments outside core industrial locations.”
This follows several major transactions in the sector over the past two years including Charter Hall’s $207 million acquisition of the Ingham’s portfolio, comprising 27 poultry supply chain assets in December 2019, and Qualitas’ $388 million sale and leaseback of Allied Pinnacle’s portfolio of 10 grain handling and food processing facilities in March 2018. 
Caffery said agri-logistics assets located outside of traditional industrial heartlands would continue to present attractive opportunities for investors. 
“Agri-logistics assets that are strategically located to maximise supply chain efficiencies represent an outstanding opportunity for investors.
“Taking beef feedlots for example, to operate an efficient supply chain, it makes economical sense to construct feedlots close to reliable grain growing regions, rather than processing facilities to reduce transport costs.”
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Agri-logistics emerging as Australia’s next property growth sector

Melbourne developer Spacious Group has completed Voyage Altona, one of the closest new apartment developments to Altona Beach.

Off the plan purchasers have started moving into the 49-apartment project on Pier Street, with the remaining move-in-ready one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments starting from just over $500,000.

Display apartments have now been fitted out, allowing prospective buyers to inspect the completed residences by appointment.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112195 project_image_fid=372638]

The completed apartments feature open-plan living and dining areas which extend onto private balconies and terraces, while full-height glazing maximises natural light throughout the interiors.&nbsp;

Hybrid timber-look flooring, stone benchtops, Miele appliances, porcelain-tiled bathrooms and generous storage feature throughout the building which also features landscaped communal areas, expansive shared terraces, lift access and secure on-grade parking.

Drawing inspiration from its bayside setting, Voyage adopts a restrained palette of warm neutral tones and textured finishes. Many of the apartments take advantage of views across Port Phillip Bay, while the indoor-outdoor living spaces have been designed to make the most of the coastal outlook.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112195 project_image_fid=3286]

Voyage was developed to address what Spacious Group identified as an undersupply of higher-quality apartment product in Altona, with a focus on owner-occupiers looking to remain within the bayside community.

"Voyage responds to very strong local buyer demand for quality, owner-occupier-focused product," says Barry Plant Projects Director Jarrod Farey, who has handled sales since the project's launch.

"The project delivers an elevated lifestyle proposition, with its design and quality of finish far exceeding anything previously produced in the area, as well as its proximity to Pier Street Village and the beach."

The majority of purchasers have been local downsizers and owner-occupiers looking to stay within the Altona community but who previously had limited opportunities to buy a brand-new apartment.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112195]

Joel Robinson

Spacious Group completes Voyage Altona in Altona's beachside precinct

Homecorp has secured approval for a $360 million apartment development at Budds Beach, paving the way for one of the Gold Coast's most amenity-rich residential projects to launch later this year.

Gold Coast City Council has approved Lýon Residences, a 32-level tower that will deliver 178 two and three-bedroom apartments across a prominent corner site at 8-10 Acacia Avenue and 25-27 Oak Avenue.

The approval comes as developers continue to invest in premium lifestyle-driven apartment projects on the Gold Coast, where owner occupiers are increasingly prioritising amenity as much as apartment size and location.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/l-on-residences-25-27-oak-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Lýon Residences</a> has been designed around a resort-style wellness offering, headlined by a Moroccan-inspired spa precinct featuring treatment rooms, a Nordic sauna and steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, a soaking pool and a residents-only juice bar.

The rooftop will include a heated infinity pool and spa, residents' lounge with private kitchen and bar, gymnasium, yoga and Pilates studio, outdoor entertaining areas and barbecue facilities overlooking the Surfers Paradise skyline.

<img alt="Lyon" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2d3e29af-8793-486e-a684-52cef862241f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-15%20at%204.32.26%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=ayG2zpLf3SS6Zy8XmKDcQods4kVWb0gm" />

Homecorp Founder and CEO Ron Bakir said Budds Beach provided the ideal location for the company's latest luxury apartment project.

"Budds Beach represents one of the most unique and sought-after pockets of the Gold Coast, and Lýon Residences has been designed to reflect that sense of rarity and refinement," Bakir said.

The project arrives as wellness continues to become a defining feature of new residential developments both in Australia and internationally.

The latest Global Wellness Institute figures show wellness real estate remains the fastest-growing segment of the global wellness economy and is forecast to exceed $1.8 trillion by 2030. Australia continues to rank among the world's 15 largest wellness real estate markets, with developers increasingly integrating health, recreation and community facilities into apartment projects.

Queensland is also experiencing strong population growth, with the Gold Coast continuing to outperform many other Australian cities as demand for new housing remains elevated ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Bakir said the project had been designed to respond to that shift in buyer expectations.

"Strong population growth and sustained demand across the Gold Coast continue to highlight the need for well-designed new housing supply. Lýon Residences responds directly to this demand while setting a new benchmark for residential living," he said.

Each apartment has been designed to maximise views across the coastline, the Nerang River and the Gold Coast hinterland.

Located just minutes from Surfers Paradise beach and the Broadwater, the development also offers easy access to the light rail network, Broadbeach and Burleigh Heads.

Early site works are underway, with construction expected to commence later this year.

Homecorp approved for Budds Beach apartment tower, Lýon Residences

New apartment developments with uninterrupted, north-facing views over Perth's Swan River are exceptionally rare.

Recognising just how limited those opportunities are, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/edge-visionary-living">Edge Visionary Living</a>, one of Perth's most respected builder-developers, targeted <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/applecross-wa-6153">Applecross</a>, assembling an unrepeatable 6,342 sqm riverfront site on the corner of Moreau Mews and Canning Beach Road to create one of Perth's only new north-facing apartment developments directly overlooking the Swan River.

Today, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/riviere-residences-applecross-59-canning-beach-road-applecross-wa-6153">Rivière Residences</a> offers buyers a unique opportunity to choose between completed residences ready to move into now and off-the-plan homes in the final stage, Rivière West.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=28384 project_image_fid=3823]

Across the completed East and Central buildings, residents are already enjoying the development's luxury amenity, while two of the precinct's hospitality venues are now open.

The completed component of the development gives buyers the advantage of experiencing the finished product firsthand, including its uninterrupted river views, while still having the opportunity to secure a residence in the final stage.

"People are wowed by the view and the quality of the apartments,"&nbsp;Edge Visionary Living Sales Executive, Holly McSweeney, says.

"They're looking for the convenience of lock-and-leave living, but they're not looking to downsize on quality."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=28384 project_image_fid=3826]

The rarity of the development hasn't been lost on prospective buyers, McSweeney says.

For McSweeney, it all comes back to a location that is becoming increasingly difficult to replicate.

"Location, location, location," she says. "We are nestled right on the front of the Swan River. You can never get built out, so wherever you are in Rivière Residences, you've got views of the river forever."

The unique waterfront position has resonated particularly strongly with local downsizers. McSweeney says many buyers are long-time Applecross residents looking to transition from large family homes into a luxury apartment without sacrificing space, quality or the lifestyle they've enjoyed for decades.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/N_FowNW0wu8?si=vb25XFq1wZ-iufAW" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

A major focus for Edge in recent years has been resident amenity. Across its apartment portfolio, from beachfront developments in Scarborough to luxury towers in South Perth, the developer has increasingly invested in the spaces beyond the apartment itself.

The strategy has largely been shaped by downsizer demand. Many buyers are moving from large family homes with swimming pools and established gardens. While they're looking to leave the maintenance behind, they don't want to compromise on lifestyle.

At Rivière, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hillam-architects">Hillam Architects</a> designed the resident facilities as an extension of each apartment. A 25-metre heated swimming pool takes advantage of the north-facing river outlook, complemented by a large gym, sauna and steam rooms, private dining spaces, residents' lounges, a cinema, games room, and dedicated wine and whisky rooms.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=28384 project_image_fid=372542]

The waterfront location has also proved to be a major drawcard. Residents are within walking distance of the Raffles Hotel, South of Perth Yacht Club, the Heathcote Cultural Precinct and the cafés, restaurants and boutiques along Ardross Street.

Beyond the location and amenity, McSweeney says many buyers take confidence from Edge's fully integrated development model.

Having delivered apartments across Perth for decades, Edge now designs, develops and constructs its projects in-house, giving the company greater control over quality, delivery and the finished product.

"What I love is when people walk through their apartment for the first time and say, 'This is better than what we imagined,'" McSweeney says. "We hear that all the time."

Completed apartments in the East and Central buildings are now available to inspect by appointment, while Rivière West, the final stage of the precinct, is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=28384]

North-facing Swan River views drive demand at Rivière Residences in Applecross

Nearly 60 per cent of apartments at McNab Group's $220 million The Tannery development in Brisbane's West End have sold ahead of the project's public launch, including a suburb-record $2.57 million sale for a two-bedroom apartment.

The early sales campaign has secured buyers for 50 of the project's 87 apartments, highlighting continued demand for larger owner-occupier apartments that combine generous floorplans with premium lifestyle amenities in one of Brisbane's most tightly held inner-city suburbs.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143337 project_image_fid=374768]

McNab Group Executive Chairman Michael McNab said selling more than half the project before launch reflected changing buyer expectations.

"Selling more than half the project before public sales open tells us buyers are actively seeking apartments that offer something genuinely different," McNab said.

"Today's buyers are looking beyond four walls. They want homes that genuinely enhance the way they live, with spaces that support health, connection and everyday wellbeing."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143337 project_image_fid=374767]

A key point of difference for the project is the adaptive reuse of the heritage-listed Dixon's Tannery building, which will become The Retreat, a residents-only wellness precinct rather than being redeveloped into additional apartments.

The Retreat will feature a sauna and steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, a commercial-grade gym, Pilates studio, cinema, library, co-working spaces and private dining room. Rooftop amenities will include a swimming pool, landscaped gardens, outdoor entertaining areas and dog-friendly spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143337 project_image_fid=374760]

Designed by Cottee Parker Architects with interiors by Tom Mark Henry and landscape architecture by Aspect Studios, The Tannery comprises 87 two, three and four-bedroom apartments across 11 levels overlooking the Brisbane River.

Cottee Parker principal Dee Passenger said preserving the original tannery building had been central to the project's design.

"The easy option would have been to maximise the site's development potential with additional apartments. Instead, McNab has chosen to preserve the original tannery as a shared wellness retreat, ensuring this important piece of Brisbane's history remains at the heart of the community."

Passenger said sustainability also played a key role in the design, with materials from the original industrial site salvaged and repurposed throughout the development.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143337 project_image_fid=374761]

Motiv CEO Carly Cottam said buyers had responded strongly to the combination of larger apartments, wellness facilities and the West End lifestyle.

"We are seeing more buyers looking for homes in the sky that provide the space and functionality of a traditional home, while benefiting from the convenience and lifestyle that apartment living brings," Cottam said.

She said purchasers included both owner occupiers and investors, with demand coming from local buyers as well as interstate purchasers.

Coinciding with the public launch, McNab also announced a partnership with Queensland Ballet, whose neighbouring Thomas Dixon Centre shares historical ties with the original Dixon family.

Located on a 4,465 sqm site at 439 Montague Road, The Tannery overlooks the Brisbane River and is around 10 minutes from the CBD.

Construction is underway, with completion expected in the second half of 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=143337]

More than half of residences sold before public sales as McNab announces significant partnership with Queensland Ballet

McNab's The Tannery nears 60 per cent sold before public release, sets two-bedroom West End record

Iwan Sunito's vision for a landmark mixed-use precinct in Sydney's Inner West has taken a major step forward, with approval granted for the $1.9 billion Five Dock development first unveiled earlier this year.

The approved scheme by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/one-global-capital">One Global Capital</a> will deliver an 80,500 sqm mixed-use precinct comprising 840 apartments, integrated hotel accommodation, commercial and retail space, alongside publicly accessible open space designed to create a new destination for the growing suburb.

"This is a significant milestone for One Global Capital and for the future of housing delivery in Sydney," Sunito said.

"The Housing Delivery Authority was established to identify major housing projects capable of delivering meaningful supply more efficiently, and we are delighted that Spencer Street has been recognised as one of those projects.”

He said the declaration reflected the rapid progress achieved since acquiring control of the site.

"In less than seven months we have progressed from taking control of the site to securing entry into one of the NSW Government's most important planning pathways. It reflects the experience of our team, the strength of our consultant group led by Urbis, and our long-term commitment to delivering transformational projects that contribute to Sydney's future."

When the project was revealed earlier this year, Sunito described the opportunity as one of the strongest development sites he had worked on.

"I probably hadn't appreciated the uniqueness of the site until more recently when putting together the concept plans," Sunito said.

"The proximity to the water, and the golf course opposite, is unlike any other part of Parramatta Road. We have a unique position and view corridors over the water that makes this one of the best sites I've worked on."

The development has evolved since its initial announcement, with the approved plans increasing the residential component from the originally proposed 750 apartments to 840 homes while retaining the project's focus on creating an integrated neighbourhood rather than a standalone residential development.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/a-city-within-a-city-iwan-sunito-flags-1-5-billion-mixed-use-precinct-in-five-dock">"A city within a city": Iwan Sunito flags $1.5 billion mixed-use precinct in Five Dock</a>

The precinct will combine apartments with hotel accommodation, commercial workplaces, retail offerings and public spaces, creating a mixed-use environment intended to serve both residents and the broader Five Dock community. The proposal also continues the collaboration between One Global Capital and internationally recognised architect <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/koichi-takada-architects">Koichi Takada</a>, whose previous work with Sunito includes Infinity, Arc and Skye North Sydney.

Takada previously said the design was driven by a philosophy of integrating nature into the built environment.

"The concept for this development is born from our design approach to naturalising architecture," Takada said.

"The public realm benefits from biophilic design that integrates generous landscaping, and the development is optimised for natural daylight, airflow and water views to foster wellbeing, sustainability and spaces that foster community interaction."

Sunito has consistently described the project as a "city within a city", with a strong emphasis on creating a destination that extends beyond housing.

"We want to create a development that's not only to be seen, but to be experienced by the whole local community," he said.

The approval comes as Five Dock continues its transformation ahead of the opening of the Sydney Metro West line, with the new Five Dock station set to significantly improve connections between the Inner West, Parramatta and the Sydney CBD.&nbsp;

The precinct will also benefit from its proximity to the Parramatta Road corridor, nearby waterfront parklands and established retail and dining offerings that have made Five Dock one of Sydney's most tightly held Inner West suburbs.

Staff reporter

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