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A development opportunity in South Yarra’s Forrest Hill precinct is on the market with expectations for more than $5 million.
The property, 30-32 Claremont Street, is marketed by Teska Carson is situated on the eastern side of Claremont Street.
It features a 750 square metre, two level, brick, office/warehouse and four car spaces on a 490 square metre site zoned Mixed Use with 12 metres frontage to Claremont Street.
Teska Carson’s Michael Ludski said this property represents one of the last remaining high-density development opportunities within this tightly held, prime inner-city location, only three kilometres from the Melbourne CBD.
"The property falls within the former Forrest Hill industrial area, which has become a very highly regarded precinct, underlined by its extraordinary transformation in recent years on the back of significant residential and commercial development within the immediate South Yarra vicinity,’’ he said.
"Melbourne’s nation leading population growth, particularly in the coveted inner-eastern suburbs, was the key driving force that would continue to provide developers with quality opportunities.
"Melbourne’s population growth has driven a very strong residential and commercial development market in Melbourne in recent years, especially in areas that offer essential amenity including the best retail, transport and schooling options.
"South Yarra has been at the forefront of that development growth and will continue to be as long as blue-chip opportunities such as Claremont Street remain available."  
The property will be sold subject to a 12 month lease from October.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Blue chip development site at South Yarra

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ASIC has disqualified Ross Russo of New South Wales from being an approved self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF) auditor.
ASIC determined that Mr Russo had breached fundamental independence and audit requirements.
Given the nature of these breaches, it was considered appropriate to disqualify Mr Russo.
ASIC found that Mr Russo had breached:
<ul>
<li>auditor independence requirements of APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants, where he audited the fund of a close family member;</li>
<li>audit evidence requirements of Australian auditing standards.　</li>
</ul>
ASIC Commissioner John Price said, “SMSF auditors play a fundamental role in promoting confidence in the SMSF sector so it is crucial that they adhere to ethical and professional standards. ASIC will continue to take action where the conduct of SMSF auditors is inadequate.”
SMSF trustees and members can check whether their auditor is registered, or whether a person has been disqualified, by searching ASIC's SMSF auditor register at <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/connectonline.asic.gov.au" target="_blank">connectonline.asic.gov.au</a>
Information about Mr Russo was referred to ASIC by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) under section 128P of the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993 (the SIS Act).
From 1 July 2013, the SIS Act required all auditors of SMSFs to be registered with ASIC.
This was to ensure that all SMSF auditors meet the base standards of competency and expertise.
ASIC and the ATO work closely together as co-regulators of SMSF auditors.
The ATO monitors SMSF auditor conduct and may refer matters to ASIC for possible action such as disqualification or suspension of their registration.
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SMSF auditor disqualified by ASIC

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A 1958 sqm land development at Brighton has been sold for $11 million.
Located at 448 St Kilda Street, the site was purchased by an offshore Chinese investor.
It sold through Savills agents Benson Zhou, Julian Heatherich and Dorothy He.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/08/24/Screen%20Shot%202017-08-24%20at%2010.15.32%20am.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<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/2017/08/24/Screen%20Shot%202017-08-24%20at%2010.15.32%20am.jpg" alt="">
It is opposite Head Street Reserve with Elwood Beach and Port Philip Bay not far from it.
The CBD is only 8.5 kilometres away.
It has approval for a high-end low-rise residential development.
Mr Zhou said "Brighton continues to stand out as one of the highly sought-after suburbs by savvy developers who look to capitalise on the ongoing demand for luxury projects.
"The recently approved permit generated a significant windfall for the vendor who paid $6,350,000 for the site 3 years earlier."
<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/2017/08/24/Screen%20Shot%202017-08-24%20at%2010.15.18%20am.jpg" alt="">
Mr Heatherich said that developers were continuing to snap up luxury projects at every opportunity, being sold immediately after our recent sale of a luxury project at 553-555 Burke Road, Camberwell for $9,188,888 to local developer Kokoda.
He said the design of the project and its location in close proximity to Elwood beach, Ormond Road retail precinct and Brighton village was the driving force that ultimately attracted several offers before the public launch.
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Brighton land development sold for $11 million through Savills

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CoreLogic recently released the June 2017 Mapping the Market Report. 
The report looks at how the cost of housing has shifted across Australia’s capital cities by suburbs over the past five years by comparing thematic maps which show suburb median values.  
Over the five years to June 2017, there has been a significant decline in the number of suburbs with a median value below $400,000 while there has been a significant increase in suburbs with values above $1 million. 
The decline in lower value housing and rise in more expensive housing is most prevalent in Sydney and Melbourne however, it is also prevalent to a more moderate degree in other capital cities.
The following maps show the suburb median house values across the capital cities in June 2012 and June 2017. 
The circles on the map represent distances of 10 kilometres, 20 kilometres and 50 kilometres from the capital city GPO.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/08/11/Screen%20Shot%202017-08-11%20at%201.07.36%20pm.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<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/2017/08/11/Screen%20Shot%202017-08-11%20at%201.07.36%20pm.jpg" alt="">
In June 2012, 21.3% of Sydney suburbs had a median house value of more than $1 million, by June 2017 55.7% of suburbs had a median house value in excess of $1 million while only 8.7% of suburbs had a median value below $600,000 and most were located more than 50 kilometres from the CBD.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/08/11/Screen%20Shot%202017-08-11%20at%201.07.46%20pm.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<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/2017/08/11/Screen%20Shot%202017-08-11%20at%201.07.46%20pm.jpg" alt="">
In June 2012, 9.5% of Melbourne suburbs had a median house value in excess of $1 million and by June 2017 that figure had increased to 32.6% of suburbs. 
On the flip-side, 24.3% of Melbourne suburbs in June 2012 had a median house value below $400,000 compared to just 2.7% by June 2017.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/08/11/Screen%20Shot%202017-08-11%20at%201.07.58%20pm.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<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/2017/08/11/Screen%20Shot%202017-08-11%20at%201.07.58%20pm.jpg" alt="">
In June 2017 only 5.9% of Brisbane suburbs had a median house value of more than $1 million compared to 1.6% in June 2012. 
In June 2017, 23.2% of suburbs had a median house value of less than $400,000 compared to 34.5% in 2012.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/08/11/Screen%20Shot%202017-08-11%20at%201.08.10%20pm.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<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/2017/08/11/Screen%20Shot%202017-08-11%20at%201.08.10%20pm.jpg" alt="">
In Adelaide, 43.0% of suburbs had a median house value of less than $400,000 in June 2012 compared to 25.8% in 2017. 
37.2% of Adelaide suburbs had a median house value of more than $600,000 in June 2017 compared to 20.6% five years earlier.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/08/11/Screen%20Shot%202017-08-11%20at%201.08.26%20pm.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<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/2017/08/11/Screen%20Shot%202017-08-11%20at%201.08.26%20pm.jpg" alt="">
7.8% of Perth suburbs had a median house value of more than $1 million in June 2012 compared to 11.1% by June 2017. 
Only 17.7% of Perth suburbs had a median house value of less than $400,000 in June 2017 and this figure was down from 29.0% five years earlier.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/08/11/Screen%20Shot%202017-08-11%20at%201.08.38%20pm.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<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/2017/08/11/Screen%20Shot%202017-08-11%20at%201.08.38%20pm.jpg" alt="">
In June 2012, the majority (67.4%) of Hobart suburbs had a median house value of less than $400,000 however, by June 2017 43.6% of suburbs had a median below $400,000. 
Although the number of suburbs with typical values below $400,000 has reduced over the past five years, 89.4% of the cities suburbs have a median house value below $600,000 and no suburb has a median value in excess of $1 million.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/08/11/Screen%20Shot%202017-08-11%20at%201.08.51%20pm.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<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/2017/08/11/Screen%20Shot%202017-08-11%20at%201.08.51%20pm.jpg" alt="">
Darwin has suffered through a lack of more affordable housing for a number of years now with only 1.8% of suburbs having a median house value below $400,000 in June 2017, down from 1.9% five years earlier. 
54.5% of Darwin’s suburbs had a median house value of more than $600,000 in June 2017 compared to 50.9% five years ago. 
The data highlights that Darwin housing affordability is relatively unchanged over the past five years.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/08/11/Screen%20Shot%202017-08-11%20at%201.09.04%20pm.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<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/2017/08/11/Screen%20Shot%202017-08-11%20at%201.09.04%20pm.jpg" alt="">
In June 2012, just 1.1% of suburbs in Canberra had a median house value of less than $400,000, by June 2017 no suburbs sat below the $400,000 threshold. 
The proportion of suburbs with a median value of more than $1 million has shifted from 8.6% in June 2012 to 12.0% in June 2017.
The charts and commentary highlight how the supply of affordable housing has reduced over the past five years. 
The decline in lower priced housing stock is most stark in Sydney and to a lesser but still significant degree in Melbourne. 
The fall in mortgage rates over the past five years has made servicing mortgage debt easier and eat up a lower proportion of household income. 
At the same time there has been little growth in household income but dwelling value in Sydney and Melbourne in particularly have increased significantly. 
For those that own a home and have seen values rise it has created a significant wealth boost while for potential buyers, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne, wages haven’t kept up with value growth which has led to a deterioration in the supply of lower priced housing. 
All of these factors have led to extreme difficulty in saving a large enough deposit to enter into the Sydney and Melbourne housing markets for those that don’t already own. 
While the problems are not so prevalent elsewhere, across all cities the supply of lower priced housing has reduced over the five years to June 2017 highlighting greater difficulty for lower income households to own residential property.
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Affordable housing in Sydney and Melbourne declines in past 5 years

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A Malvern home in Adelaide that attracted 12 registered bidders sold recently for $2.096 million.
The four-bedroom villa at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-sa-malvern-126031982" target="_blank">4 Austral Tce</a>, which sold for $655,000 more than the suburb’s median sale price.
Selling agent Bonnie Whyte of Klemich Real Estate said the property sold to a local Adelaide family.
It was built in 2006, with a versatile floorplan set over two spacious levels.
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Malvern, Adelaide trophy sells for $2.1 million

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Renovations are common in Canberra, according to a recent Herron Todd White report.
The property valuation firm says that Belconnen, Woden Valley and Weston Creek are among the suburbs popular for renovations.
“Buyers looking to renovate in the ACT tend to gravitate towards the outer areas such as Belconnen, Woden Valley and Weston Creek.
“There are also some opportunities in the inner north suburbs of Lyneham, Watson and Downer.
“The majority of these houses were built in the 1960s and 1970s and are on much larger blocks than are available in new suburbs,” the report stated.
“Significant capital growth has occurred recently Herron Todd White says.
“Recently there has been some significant capital growth in these areas and well renovated houses have been selling at a premium.
“In some cases renovators prefer the character of an older house but want the functionality of a modern home.
“This is especially true for original houses built in the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s in suburbs such as Ainslie, Braddon, Campbell and Yarralumla.
“They are relatively small houses however are often on large blocks meaning there is good potential for extension.
“The majority of renovations in the ACT are in the detached housing market.
“Unit renovations have been done however the large supply of new apartments currently on the market has meant that the profits are relatively low for these projects.
Owner-occupiers seem to be the most common to complete renovations on houses in the ACT,” the report commented.
A recently renovated three bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-act-holt-125554338">13 Longworth Place</a>, Holt (above) was listed on June for $495,000.
Built in 1972 it has since been sold in July for $490,000.
Another three bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-act-chifley-125970806" target="_blank">10 Eggleston Crescent</a>, Chiefley (below) has been listed for $625,000 plus.
Built in 1960 it last sold in 2016.
<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/2017/08/23/10%20Eggleston%20Crescent.jpg" alt="">
A recently renovated five bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-act-flynn-125394210">5 Homann Place</a>, Flynn (below) was sold in May for $746,500.
Built in 1975 it last sold for $610,000 in 2010.
<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/2017/08/23/5%20Homann%20Place.jpg" alt="">
Similarly a recently renovated three bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-act-palmerston-125393934">21 Bendora Crescent</a>, Palmerston (below) was sold in May for $681,000.
Built in 2001 it last sold in 2002 for $240,000.
<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/2017/08/23/21%20Bendora%20Crescent.jpg" alt="">
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Canberra popular for renovators: HTW

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Nickol has the highest house rental yield in Western Australia, according to Real Estate Investar’s latest report.
The property investment firm says that the rental yield in Nickol is 9 percent.
This is followed by Meredin and Newman with 8 percent and Pegs Creek, Northam and Millars Well with 7 percent.
<table style="width: 432px;" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="93">
Suburb
</td>
<td valign="top" width="54">
Postcode
</td>
<td valign="top" width="81">
Bedrooms
</td>
<td valign="top" width="117">
Current median rent
</td>
<td valign="top" width="47">
Yield
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="93">Nickol</td>
<td valign="top" width="54">
6714
</td>
<td valign="top" width="81">
3
</td>
<td valign="top" width="117">
$375
</td>
<td valign="top" width="47">
9%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="93">Merredin</td>
<td valign="top" width="54">6415</td>
<td valign="top" width="81">3</td>
<td valign="top" width="117">$260</td>
<td valign="top" width="47">8%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="93">Newman</td>
<td valign="top" width="54">6753</td>
<td valign="top" width="81">4</td>
<td valign="top" width="117">$400</td>
<td valign="top" width="47">8%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="93">Pegs Creek</td>
<td valign="top" width="54">6714</td>
<td valign="top" width="81">3</td>
<td valign="top" width="117">$350</td>
<td valign="top" width="47">7%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="93">Northam</td>
<td valign="top" width="54">6401</td>
<td valign="top" width="81">2</td>
<td valign="top" width="117">$250</td>
<td valign="top" width="47">7%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="93">Millars Well</td>
<td valign="top" width="54">6714</td>
<td valign="top" width="81">3</td>
<td valign="top" width="117">$350</td>
<td valign="top" width="47">7%</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
A three bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-nickol-410297655" target="_blank">10 Middleton Way</a>, Nickol (above) is available for $350 per week.
Another three bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-karratha-415569667" target="_blank">32B Galbraith Road</a>, Karratha (below) is available for $350 per week.
<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/2017/07/21/32B%20Galbraith%20Road.jpg" alt="">
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Nickol house rental yield at 9 percent: Investar

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Median residential prices in Darwin continues to decline, according to Herron Todd White’s June report.
The property advisory firm says that sales are dominated by first home buyers.
“Buying property in Darwin hasn’t been this affordable in a very long time.
“The present market can be characterised as a buyer’s market with property prices and sales volume depressed in the first quarter of 2017.
“Sales are primarily dominated by first home buyers on the back of government incentives and record low interest rates.
“In contrast, subdued rental growth continues to deter property investors from buying and investing in the local market, instead chasing larger gains in the eastern and southern states.
“The latest quarterly report from REINT for the greater Darwin area (including Palmerston) indicates that the median price has reduced by 9% year on year to $530,000 and 14% to $430,000 for detached dwellings and units respectively,” the report stated.
The majority of existing units in the CBD and inner suburbs are 15 years old Herron Todd White advises.
“Existing units in the Darwin CBD and inner Darwin suburbs of Stuart Park, Larrakeyah, Parap and Woolner offer good value with 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom apartments selling in the range of $360,000 to $500,000 and $300,000 to $450,000 for 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom apartments.
“The majority of this stock is 15 years old and offers a modest standard of accommodation.
“Furthermore, entry level units which are mainly comprised of 2-bedrooms and 1-bathroom can be found in the northern suburbs of Nightcliff, Coconut Grove, Millner and Rapid Creek.
“These units are selling in the price range of $200,000 to $350,000 and offer entry level accommodation.
A two bedroom unit at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-nt-millner-122612146" target="_blank">16/165 McMillans Road</a>, Millner (above) has been listed for $350,000.
It was last sold in 2006 for $215,000.
“Apart from the inner city and northern suburbs, units in Palmerston also offer an affordable option for those looking for a bargain with current selling prices ranging from $220,000 to $300,000 for a 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom unit and $300,000 to $350,000 for a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom unit,” the report advised.
Inner Darwin suburbs cost above the $500,000 price bracket Herron Todd White warns.
“On the other side, dwellings in the inner Darwin suburbs are far beyond the reach of purchasers with only half a million to spend, with the latest REINT March quarter 2017 report indicating a median price of $667,500,” the report warned.
Herron Todd White states that northern suburbs are less expensive.
“However, the northern suburbs which are areas between Nightcliff and Karama have a lower median price of $580,000 and $520,000 respectively.
“Older dwellings in the less popular suburbs of Malak and Karama offer affordable entry level home ownership with a ground level 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom dwelling selling in the range of $350,000 to $400,000.
“These dwellings have a fairly basic level of improvement and require some degree of renovation.
“Other more popular suburbs such as Leanyer, Wulagi, Anula and Jingili also provide a host of options but sell at a slightly higher price range from $400,000 to $500,000.
“Further away to Palmerston, Gunn, Rosebery and Durack are some of the suburbs that most buyers would get houses with good value for money, particularly dwellings in the price range of $400,000 to $500,000 with 3-bedrooms and 2-bathrooms,” the report stated.
A three bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nt-durack-125752690" target="_blank">13 Deakin Place</a>, Durack (below) has been listed for $459,000.
Built in 2000 the property was last sold in 2006 for $390,000 and in 2002 for $110,000.
<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/2017/07/25/13%20Deakin%20Place.jpg" alt="">
New land developments have a low median price Herron Todd White commented.
“In terms of purchasing your own block of land and building a new dwelling, the newly developing suburb of Zuccoli offers affordable land options with prices as low as $100,000 or house and land packages from builders as low as $450,000.
“We expect property prices to remain depressed for the remainder of 2017, with minimal evidence of stabilisation in the form of increased transactions.
“A combination of factors has led to the sustained slowing down in the Darwin economy, such as the winding down of the INPEX LNG project and a shrinking of the local Territory population.
“The inner city unit market has been one of the worst hit segments, with a considerable supply still applying significant downward pressure on prices.
“These conditions are compounded by a lack of investors entering the market, with subdued rental conditions likely to continue in the short to medium term.
“Overall, the current property market presents a great opportunity for purchasers looking to secure a property,” the report commented.
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First home buyers dominate Darwin residential sales: HTW

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Local and non-local investors are strong in Tamworth, according to Herron Todd White’s latest August report.
The property investment firm says that local investors tend to pick properties that are in a good location and have average rent return.
“The Tamworth region has a strong investment sector with both local and non-local investors taking part.
“The trend for local investors is to buy a safe property (good location, average rent return and lower risk).
“On the other side we see non-local investors being more risky, with a focus on higher rent returns which tends to be properties in less desirable areas with returns of up to 8% gross but less capital gain,” the report stated.
Non-local investors are starting to invest more in new subdivisions Herron Todd White advises.
“There has also been a notable increase in non-local investors investing in new subdivisions that are entirely aimed at outside investors.
“These sub-divisions become a less desirable location due to the lack of owner-occupiers and so far have appeared to enjoy little in the may of increased market value.
“Local investors operate within a large price range depending on their financial capacity with investments occurring from around $200,000 all the way to $600,000.
“Non-local investors are a bit more constrained with their investments with the lower bracket being around $150,000 (parts of West Tamworth) up to around $500,000.
“Each price point represents a different goal for the property with the lower end focusing on higher rental yields and the upper end focused on capital growth,” the report advised.
Tamworth’s continued expansion means that investors will now have to consider capital gains when purchasing properties Herron Todd White says.
“With Tamworth continuing to expand and doing quite well, the strategy of medium price point with average rental return but opportunity for capital gains seems to be the better strategy of the two.
“The reason for this is that with an average return of 5% to 6% gross on these properties, the return is still better than capital cities and it provides less risk than higher yield properties.
“Over the past 12 months we have seen an increase in investor activity within the Oxley Vale area as there is opportunity to buy both new and established homes within an expanding suburb that is not too expensive.
“Nice established homes can be purchased for $300,000 and enjoy a return of roughly 5.5% gross.
“The continual expansion of Tamworth makes investors a vital part in allowing it to grow, as more people come to town and require accommodation.
“At this time there has been minimal to no impact on first home owners from investors, due to the affordability of Tamworth,” the report commented.
A three bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-tamworth-126074126" target="_blank">20 Robyn Street</a>, Tamworth (above) has been listed for $275,000.
Built in 1950 it was last sold in 2013 for $226,500.
Another three bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-tamworth-126043098" target="_blank">6 Wentworth Place</a>, Tamworth (below) has been listed for $279,000.
<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/2017/08/04/6%20Wentworth%20Place.jpg" alt="">
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Investment in Tamworth strong from both local and non-locals: HTW

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ASIC has permanently banned former financial adviser Neil Bruce Trower from providing any financial services.
Mr Trower is a former representative of Millennium 3 Financial Services Pty Ltd (M3), and a former employee of Lifestyle Financial Services (Qld) Pty Ltd a corporate representative of M3, who provided risk advice from the outer Brisbane suburb of Cashmere.
M3 is the holder of an Australian financial services licence and is ultimately owned by Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (ANZ).
ASIC found that between August 2015 and December 2015, Mr Trower had:
<ul>
<li>not complied with a financial services law by failing to give a number of his clients a Statement of Advice, as required, at the time he provided them with oral financial advice; and</li>
<li>applied the signatures of a number of clients to both internal and external documents for the purpose of passing an internal compliance audit.</li>
</ul>
Further, ASIC found Mr Trower's conduct to be dishonest, as he did not tell the affected clients that he had applied their signatures to documents.
He submitted these documents to the internal audit team knowing that the team would rely on the documents as being genuine during the conduct of the audit.
The M3 audit team identified the signature irregularities during an internal audit of Mr Trower's files and reported them to ASIC.
ASIC Deputy Chairman Peter Kell said, "Certain compliance requirements are in place for advisers to ensure they are meeting their obligations to clients, and to ensure they act honestly and with integrity.
"Anyone whose conduct falls short of these standards will be removed from the financial services industry."
Mr Trower has the right to appeal to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for a review of ASIC's decision.
The banning of Mr Trower is part of ASIC's Wealth Management Project. The Wealth Management Project was established in October 2014 to lift the standards of major financial advice providers.
The Wealth Management Project focuses on the conduct of the largest financial advice firms (NAB, Westpac, CBA, ANZ, Macquarie and AMP).
ASIC's work in the Wealth Management Project covers a number of areas including:
<ul>
<li>working with the largest financial advice firms to address the identification and remediation of non-compliant advice; and</li>
<li>seeking regulatory outcomes, where appropriate, against licensees and advisers.</li>
</ul>
As part of its Wealth Management Project, ASIC has banned 38 advisers from the financial services industry.
Two adviser bannings are the subject of appeals.
</body></html>

ASIC bans former Cashmere, Brisbane financial adviser over fake signatures

One of Brisbane's last major riverfront redevelopment opportunities has taken a significant step forward, with Lendlease selected as the Queensland Government's preferred development partner for the former Visy site in South Brisbane.

The seven-hectare industrial site, positioned between South Bank and West End and 1.3 kilometres from the Brisbane CBD, will be transformed into a mixed-use precinct expected to deliver more than 4,000 new homes alongside extensive public open space and riverfront parkland.

The project is one of the largest urban renewal opportunities currently planned in Brisbane and is expected to play a key role in accommodating the city's growing population ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Plans for the precinct include a network of riverfront promenades and boardwalks, new public plazas, parkland, amphitheatre-style gathering spaces and shared pedestrian and cycling links designed to reconnect the long-isolated site with the Brisbane River.

The Queensland Government is targeting delivery of the first homes and key public spaces before the 2032 Games, allowing the precinct to begin contributing new housing and public amenity well before the broader masterplan is complete.

The redevelopment is also expected to support more than 3,000 jobs across planning, construction and ongoing operations.

For Lendlease, the appointment adds another major urban regeneration project to its Queensland portfolio. The developer has operated in the state for more than 70 years and has delivered a number of large-scale mixed-use precincts in partnership with government.

Lendlease Development CEO Claire Johnston said the project represented one of Brisbane's most significant redevelopment opportunities.

"The transformation of the former Visy site represents a rare opportunity to reimagine one of Brisbane's most significant riverfront locations, deliver thousands of much-needed homes, and create long-term legacy," Johnston said.

"In partnership with the Queensland Government, we have the opportunity to create a new riverside destination that will help shape Brisbane's growth and how people experience the city for decades to come.

"This is exactly the type of large-scale, city-shaping development that will provide lasting benefits for Queensland, bringing together housing, jobs and world-class public spaces."

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie said the riverfront transformation would deliver a thriving new community precinct.

“The Crisafulli Government is delivering this golden opportunity to unlock a riverfront jewel for all Queenslanders,” Deputy Premier Bleijie said.

“This is a once-in-a-generation moment to reshape a significant slice of Brisbane and deliver lasting benefits – thousands of new homes, and public spaces for all Queenslanders to enjoy well beyond the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games – unlike Labor’s plan which would have delivered zero benefits and zero new homes.

“Queensland is well and truly open for business and through partnership with the private sector, we are accelerating delivery while ensuring strong housing, community and economic outcomes."

Early works on the precinct are expected to commence in April 2027.

Joel Robinson

Lendlease selected to deliver transformative South Brisbane riverfront precinct

Eddy Haddad's <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/level-33">Level 33</a> is levelling up its approved Wollongong development, as the coastal city south of Sydney continues to prove popular in the high-density development space.

Level 33, a longtime developer in the Wollongong area, has gone through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority to upsize its approved two-tower development on the corner of Crown Street and Gladstone Avenue, just 100 metres from Wollongong Station.

The developer currently has approval for 252 apartments across two buildings rising to 19 storeys. It is now seeking approval for 33 and 38-storey towers that would deliver 467 apartments, including 67 affordable homes.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bka-architecture">BKA Architecture</a>, the development would comprise apartments above a three-level podium with around 1,100 sqm of retail space, along with basement parking for 448 vehicles.

According to the Urban Design Report by BKA, the proposal has the capacity to "reinforce the precinct's identity by strengthening links between health, education, and transport services, while also contributing to Wollongong's ongoing evolution as a key regional centre."

Wollongong is somewhat in vogue. Between Level 33 and Urban Property Group, the two developers have several thousand apartments planned across the city.

Level 33 is currently delivering Easterly Wollongong, one of its most boutique projects to date with just 21 high-end apartments, as well as Atchison &amp; Kenny, a 329-apartment development due for completion later this year.

The developer plans to redevelop the 13,088 sqm WIN Grand megasite into <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/crown-square-216-238-keira-street-wollongong-nsw-2500">Crown Square</a>, a new $500 million precinct with nearly 600 apartments. It also has more than 900 apartments planned for the former Bunnings Warehouse site at the intersection of Gipps and Flinders streets.

Urban Property Group is also playing a major role in the city's transformation. Its five-tower Keira Place precinct will deliver more than 800 homes, and it has recently lodged plans for a further 300 apartments near Wollongong Station.

First look: Level 33 upsizes Wollongong apartment towers

Just a week after filing plans for the final stage of its major Keira Place masterplan, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> has unveiled another significant housing proposal in Wollongong, this time targeting a prominent site opposite North Wollongong Station.

The developer has lodged a State Significant Development Application for a 38-storey mixed-use tower at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/4-4a-flinders-street-north-wollongong-nsw-2500">4-4A Flinders Street</a>, around one kilometre north of the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/keira-place-wollongong-120-122-smith-street-wollongong-nsw-2500">Keira Place precinct</a> currently taking shape on the edge of the CBD.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group plans 38-storey North Wollongong tower as Keira Place expansion gathers pace" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2b6428f1-6405-4038-8476-897de440e90d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/flinders%20podium.png?VersionId=QLqEvK0OuCEwRC47oHNftrw2B1YqaHF8" />

Designed by Studio.SC, the proposal comprises a 38-storey mixed-use development containing 303 apartments, including 45 affordable housing units, alongside 174 co-living residences. The scheme also includes ground-floor retail space, extensive landscaping and public domain improvements.

Studio.SC noted in the proposal it "outlines a vision for a landmark transit-oriented mixed-use development centred around North Wollongong Station, designed to support the city’s future growth while responding to the NSW Government’s housing and planning reforms."

The architecture firm said the proposal responds to the opportunities and constraints shaping future growth within the 400-metre catchment of the station and represents "a coordinated and future-focused approach to urban intensification, contributing to the long-term evolution of North Wollongong as a connected, walkable and high-density station precinct."

The site occupies a strategic corner bounded by Flinders Street, Station Street, Stafford Street and the Princes Highway, directly opposite North Wollongong Station.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group plans 38-storey North Wollongong tower as Keira Place expansion gathers pace" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7863adad-1f71-4022-b850-f44b252738fd" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/flinders%20podium%20a.png?VersionId=WsU7av0g8_8R2tGHWxgHeFSlhu7yeY1V" />

The proposal follows Urban Property Group's recent submission for the second and final stage of Keira Place, which would deliver a further three buildings comprising 657 homes opposite Beaton Park. It builds on the first stage, which features 150 apartments across two towers and recently commenced construction.

Urban Property Group CEO Patrick Elias said breaking ground on the first stage marked a significant milestone for Wollongong and reflected the developer's long-term commitment to regional cities.

"Today's groundbreaking is about turning approvals into homes and moving quickly to deliver much-needed housing in Wollongong's city centre," Elias said.

"Keira Place will provide a diverse mix of homes close to jobs, transport and services, while setting a high benchmark for quality, durability and consumer protection."

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/urban-property-group-unveils-trio-of-towers-for-next-stage-of-new-wollongong-precinct-keira-place">Urban Property Group unveils trio of towers for next stage of new Wollongong precinct, Keira Place</a>

First look: Urban Property Group plans next major Wollongong tower

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/arada">Arada Australia</a> has wasted little time expanding its ambitions in Campsie, lodging plans for a second major project in the rapidly transforming town centre just months after unveiling its three-tower One Campsie proposal on Beamish Street.

The UAE-backed developer has now taken aim at one of the suburb’s most strategically positioned sites, filing a State Significant Development Application for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/10-north-parade-campsie-nsw-2194">33-storey mixed-use tower</a> at 10 London Street and 43 North Parade, directly opposite the future Campsie Metro Station. The proposal is currently on public exhibition and represents another significant vote of confidence in Campsie's emergence as one of Sydney’s key transit-oriented growth centres.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a>, the development would deliver 156 apartments above a podium containing retail and commercial space, creating a new residential and commercial gateway to the town centre. The scheme also includes a four-level above-ground parking podium and a dedicated residential amenity floor featuring wellness and recreation facilities. At least 10 per cent of the apartments would be allocated as affordable housing for a period of 10 years.

The proposal occupies a 1,631 sqm site bounded by London Street, North Parade and Dispensary Lane, immediately adjoining the future Metro station precinct and just metres from Beamish Street’s retail and dining strip. According to the Urban Design Report, the project seeks to deliver "a great place that prioritises human-scaled experience and provides spatial improvements to the area."

<img alt="First look: Arada doubles down in Campsie with 33-storey Metro-front tower plans" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="175a8324-015b-4856-abe3-ce6f23199fa7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/podium%20campsie.png?VersionId=742UGwXFhFBX4GEl6wX4PYIWREAgn6il" />

Woods Bagot describes the tower as a key marker within Campsie's next phase of growth.

"Located directly opposite the new Campsie Metro Station on North Parade, 10 London Street is a thoughtfully composed 33-storey mixed-use tower that contributes to the ongoing transformation of the town centre," the Architectural Design Report states. The report says the project is intended to provide "high-quality homes within a vibrant, connected urban environment, while helping define Campsie's future skyline."

A strong emphasis has been placed on the public realm. The ground floor incorporates over 500 sqm of retail space and active frontages along both London Street and North Parade, while the podium is wrapped by extensive landscaped planting intended to soften the building's scale and strengthen the pedestrian experience. The development would also widen surrounding footpaths and improve connections between the Metro station and the broader town centre.

Above the podium, residents would have access to more than 1,400 sqm of communal amenities, including a pool, gym and landscaped recreation spaces. A distinctive green-wall treatment extending across four podium levels forms a major architectural feature, helping differentiate the project within the emerging high-density precinct.

The tower's design is closely tied to the broader Campsie Town Centre Master Plan and the arrival of Sydney Metro. The Urban Design Report notes the proposal "directly supports the Campsie Town Centre Master Plan by delivering new homes in a location explicitly identified for growth, improved accessibility, and high-quality urban renewal." It adds that the project contributes to the master plan's vision for a strengthened town centre supported by thousands of new homes around the future Metro station.

<img alt="First look: Arada doubles down in Campsie with 33-storey Metro-front tower plans" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bfd17654-253e-489a-bade-6278d63db412" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/base%20campsie.png?VersionId=3roJPMQGs36dazpkhvpvbDDP73Ld.Ica" />

The application follows Arada Australia's recently lodged One Campsie project at 124–142 Beamish Street and 16–18 Ninth Avenue, where the developer is seeking approval for 346 apartments across three towers rising 24, 32 and 39 storeys. Together, the two proposals would cement Arada Australia as one of the most influential developers shaping Campsie's future urban form.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-arada-files-for-trio-of-apartment-towers-in-campsie-town-centre">First Look: Arada Australia files for trio of apartment towers in Campsie town centre</a>

Arada Australia entered the Australian market in 2024 and has rapidly assembled a significant development pipeline across Sydney. Alongside its Campsie holdings, the developer is soon to launch <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/wattle-green-2-fishburn-crescent-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Wattle Green</a> in Castle Hill, and has expanded its local operations following its acquisition of construction firm Roberts &amp; Co.

Located around 14 kilometres south-west of the Sydney CBD, the site sits at the centre of one of Sydney's fastest-changing middle-ring precincts. The Metro conversion of Campsie Station, combined with Canterbury-Bankstown Council's master planning framework, is driving significant residential intensification around Beamish Street and North Parade, with thousands of new homes expected over coming decades.

First look: Arada Australia doubles down in Campsie with 33-storey Metro-front tower plans

For the first time in a long time, Australia's inflation story is starting to look more like a landing than a fight.

The latest Consumer Price Index figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed annual inflation eased to four per cent in May, down from 4.2 per cent in April. On the surface, that might not seem like a major move. Inflation remains above the Reserve Bank's target range and some categories continue to record stubborn price growth.

But the significance of this result lies less in where inflation sits today and more in what it means for where interest rates are likely heading next.

The biggest takeaway is that inflation continues to move in the right direction.

Markets had been bracing for another sticky result after a period where progress appeared to stall. Instead, headline inflation came in softer than expected, helped by falling fuel prices and easing transport costs. Annual transport inflation halved from 6.6 per cent in April to 3.3 per cent in May, while automotive fuel prices fell 11.9 per cent during the month following lower oil prices and the impact of reduced fuel excise measures.

While petrol prices don't solve Australia's affordability challenges, they are one of the most visible and immediate costs for consumers. Falling fuel costs feed through the economy quickly, helping ease pressure on household budgets and business operating expenses.

The ABS data also showed headline inflation is now sitting at its lowest annual level in several months, reinforcing the broader trend that price growth is gradually moderating.

That trend is important because it aligns with what many economists and lenders have been saying for the last month.

Prior to this week's inflation data, ANZ, NAB and Commonwealth Bank had all shifted their forecasts, now believing the Reserve Bank had likely reached the peak of the interest rate cycle. Following the May inflation release, ANZ reaffirmed that view.

In its latest economic update, ANZ said it expects quarterly trimmed mean inflation to come in at 3.7 per cent for the June quarter, slightly below the Reserve Bank's forecast of 3.8 per cent. Importantly, the bank said that outcome, when combined with slowing economic activity, "supports our view that the cash rate has peaked".

The Reserve Bank has spent the better part of three years attempting to bring inflation under control through higher interest rates. If Australia's major banks are correct and rates have now peaked, the conversation shifts from how much higher rates could go to when they might begin coming down.

Westpac's caution comes from underlying inflation. The trimmed mean, the measure most closely watched by the Reserve Bank, increased from 3.4 per cent to 3.6 per cent annually. Housing inflation remains elevated at 6.5 per cent, reflecting ongoing increases in rents, electricity costs and new dwelling construction.

Electricity prices remain particularly problematic, rising 21.1 per cent over the past year following the removal of government rebates.

Housing construction costs are also showing signs of renewed pressure. ANZ noted new dwelling costs rose 0.9 per cent in May and are now running at an annualised pace of 8.6 per cent over the past three months. Builders continue to face higher labour, fuel and material costs, a reminder that inflationary pressures have not completely disappeared.

Housing affordability has deteriorated largely because of higher interest rates rather than higher property prices alone. Even modest reductions in mortgage rates would improve borrowing capacity, increase buyer confidence and reduce repayment pressure on existing homeowners.

While August is far from a certainty, the latest inflation result has strengthened the view that the next move in rates is more likely to be down than up. For borrowers, buyers and the development sector, that alone represents a significant shift from the conversation that dominated much of the past two years.

Staff reporter

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