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Treasurer Scott Morrison had said before the budget that it would be a budget that remembers the renter, but very little was said during its presentation on May 9 except that the government was working with state and territory governments to “standardise use of long-term leases”.
It said the measure would provide “more security for renters”. 
But in practice, there is no increase in rent assistance to help low-income renters in the private rental market.
For the majority of Australia’s renters, housing will remain unaffordable, insecure and out of reach, according to Emma Power, a senior Research Fellow at Western Sydney University.
Morrison had said before the budget that, “You have got to remember that over 30% of Australians actually live in homes that are rented, and when people are finding it hard to get into the housing market that puts a lot more pressure on the rental market.”
Affordable housing has an important place in the housing system. However, below-market rents in central, work-rich regions are still extremely high and out of reach for many.
Of more concern, it is unlikely that many of these lower-income workers would be able to maintain their high rents at retirement. This generates two risks:
<ul>
<li>that the renter is evicted and forced to find housing on the private market, which puts them at high risk of homelessness</li>
<li>that the housing provider continues their commitment to house the tenant securely once their income drops, so the risk here is to the housing provider’s bottom line.</li>
</ul>
They will face a loss of income, as they drop rents from 80 percent of market value to around 30 percent of the retired person’s pension. 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Few measures in budget to help renters

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ASIC has accepted a court enforceable undertaking (EU) from Gold Coast-based accountant, Jenan Thorne of Saber Superannuation Pty Ltd after it found she had failed to act in the best interests of her clients and had prioritised her own interests above their interests.
The undertaking prevents Mrs Thorne (also known as Cenan Thorne or Cenan Dikmen) from providing financial services for a period of three years effective from 13 February 2019.
ASIC decided to review Mrs Thorne's advice when it discovered, during its investigation into Park Trent Properties Group Pty Ltd, that she was receiving referrals in relation to establishing self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs) from Park Trent.
ASIC reviewed advice provided by Mrs Thorne when she was a representative of SMSF Advice Pty Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of AMP Limited, and concluded that she had advised some of her clients to establish SMSFs without taking their circumstances into account.
ASIC found that Mrs Thorne hadn't properly considered her clients' existing superannuation arrangements or explored why they were interested in investing in direct residential property through an SMSF.
When recommending SMSFs to some of her clients, she had inappropriately scoped advice by excluding insurance and retirement planning.
ASIC also found that Mrs Thorne did not adequately stress-test SMSF strategies and had recommended SMSFs to some of her clients despite inadequate evidence to suggest that the strategies would provide increased retirement benefits.
Furthermore, Mrs Thorne had recommended that her accountancy practice, Saber Accountants Pty Ltd, prepare the annual accounts and tax returns for the SMSF clients.  This led ASIC to determine that Mrs Thorne recommended the services of a related party to create extra revenue for herself.
As part of the EU, Mrs Thorne has agreed to inform all her former personal advice clients about the EU and provide contact details of her former licensee, SMSF Advice Pty Ltd. Former clients of Mrs Thorne who have enquiries or complaints regarding her advice or conduct should contact SMSF Advice Pty Ltd.
ASIC expects financial advisers to comply with their best interests duty and pay particular attention to how they scope their advice to clients.
Prior to recommending SMSFs, advisers should critically probe why a client wants to set up an SMSF and what they hope to achieve. Advisers should also give adequate consideration to risk management and succession planning before setting up an SMSF for a client.
ASIC Commissioner Danielle Press said financial advisers have a legal obligation to provide advice that is in the best interests of their clients, not prioritise their own interests or simply implement client instructions. 
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ASIC's Park Trent Properties investigation sees Gold Coast accountant step aside for three years

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<div class="column">
Located on the eastern side of the highway, Pimpama Estate provides easy access to Ormeau train station and the M1 Motorway, putting the Gold Coast and Brisbane on your doorstep.
Pimpama City Shopping Centre, located just minutes from Pimpama Village, opened its doors in late 2018.
The development boasts a Coles, Aldi, Best and Less, Zarraffa’s drive thru, Subway, 24-hour service station and 26 specialty stores.
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Pimpama Village masterplanned development in Pimpama growth corridor

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Perth auctions

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ASIC has banned Queensland financial adviser James Cribb from providing financial services for four years and suspended his Australian financial services (AFS) licence, held by Mode AFSL Pty Ltd (Mode), for 10 weeks.
ASIC found that Mr Cribb failed to act in his clients' best interests when providing advice on self managed superannuation funds (SMSF). ASIC found that Mr Cribb prioritsied his own interests over those of his clients by providing advice that was likely to benefit other entities related to him, including an SMSF administration business for which he was the sole director and a shareholder.
Specifically, ASIC found that Mr Cribb had failed to:
<ul>
<li>investigate the individual circumstances of his clients;</li>
<li>adequately investigate alternative strategies and products that may have been suitable for his clients' objectives; and</li>
<li>prioritise his clients’ interests over his own.</li>
</ul>
Mr Cribb’s advice failures were identified in ASIC’s recent review of SMSF advice (18-192MR). ASIC has also suspended Mode’s AFS licence after ASIC found that Mode did not take reasonable steps to ensure that its representatives complied with financial services laws. As well as being an authorised representative, Mr Cribb was the sole keyperson and responsible manager of Mode since 20 July 2017. Mode’s AFS licence will be suspended for a period of 10 weeks from 10 July 2018 or until it obtains approval for a replacement key person and responsible manager from ASIC.  Mr Cribb's banning will be recorded on ASIC's Financial Advisers Register. 　
ASIC's MoneySmart website has useful information for clients of advisers to help them understand what to do if their adviser has been banned.　
Mr Cribb and Mode have the right to appeal to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for a review of ASIC's decision.
Mr Cribb was also an authorised representative of Axis Investment Centre Pty Ltd (Axis) from 9 August 2010 to 14 August 2017.
In 2017, ASIC undertook a large research project into SMSFs including testing whether advice providers were complying with the law when providing personal advice to retail clients to set up an SMSF. Last month, ASIC released two reports on its findings, Report 575 and Report 576 (18-192MR).
Mr Cribb’s conduct was identified by this project as he had a number of client files included in the representative sample. These client files related to advice Mr Cribb provided whilst he was an authorised representative of Axis. ASIC subsequently commenced a targeted surveillance on Mr Cribb to test a larger sample of advice he had provided whilst he was an authorised representative of Axis and Mode.
Under the Corporations Act, ASIC has the power to suspend or cancel an AFS licence where the licensee has not complied with their obligations under 912A.
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ASIC bans Mode financial adviser James Cribb in SMSF compliance crackdown

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The prestige property sector is currently outperforming the remainder of Perth’s property market, according to the valuation firm, Herron Todd White.
 After years of soft market conditions due to a total lack of market con dence, a rebound has nally begun in the desirable western suburbs of Perth, the CBD fringe area and desirable coastal localities. 
The substantial price contraction over the past 3 years has brought many properties to represent apparent “good buying”, resulting in today’s increasing market activity it noted.
In the second half of 2017, upgraders started to gain the required level of confidence to secure homes in areas they never thought they could afford. 
The period of opportunity and/or “fear of missing out” has been identified by a large group of upgraders within a relatively short period of time, causing a substantial uplift in demand which has eventually affected property prices. 
Many sought after areas are recovering while several suburbs have exceeded house value medians witnessed back in 2013 and 2014 when Perth enjoyed stronger conditions.
North Beach and Applecross are two of the top performing suburbs in today’s market with a 25.00% uplift in median value for both suburbs over the last year, according to the Real Estate Institute of Western Australia’s studies. 
The current median prices re ect a 15.8% improvement in values in North Beach and 9.8% in Applecross, since 2014. 
Supply of quality housing in prestige areas is well below current demand levels, which is also contributing to the improved prices.
Sales volumes are therefore relatively low somewhat restricting the market in several prestige areas, the latest HTW report advised.
Prices appear to still be on the rise, enquiries are increasing and the overall prestige market is expected to continue in this direction throughout 2018.
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As the rare opportunity to get a foot in the prestige market has already sailed for many, well established, upgrader suburbs have become the second best option. 
Rossmoyne along Swan River and Coolbinia near Perth CBD have already started to shoot up with a 14.8% and 29.7% increase in values respectively over the last 12 months.
Land values in excess of one million dollars can generally be described as prestige. Due to the limited stock of prestige housing in upper-end suburbs, there is currently a high demand for properties representing near land value with good views and close proximity to the beach. 
Demolition of existing, modest housing makes room for new prestige housing that is more suitable for the areas. 
"This is becoming prevalent, resulting in solid value increases at entry level stock in many sought after localities," the HTW report added.
Properties falling in the value brand of two to three million dollars fall within the lower end of the “prestige” range. 
"As always, values are heavily influenced by size, age, quality and condition of the home as well as locational aspects including views, proximity to private schools, beach, city and river."
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Mount Pleasant, South Perth, Nedlands, Dalkeith, Cottesloe, Claremont, City Beach Attadale, Subiaco, Trigg, North Beach and Sorrento are all examples of such premium suburbs. It should be noted that there is also modest housing of lesser values in some of these areas.
Properties holding a value of $4 million or above, located in prime af uent suburbs can be categorised as ultra-prestige - arguably required to be located on the river or ocean side. Peppermint Grove, Mosman Park and Applecross fit right into this category.
Apartments worth $1 million and above are typically seen as prestige. The state’s overall apartment market including the prestige sector is currently somewhat stagnant, although there has been good demand for good quality apartment projects in many prestige areas that have long lacked options for downsizing baby boomers.
High income earning professionals who desire large family homes close to private schools and Perth CBD are typical buyers in the prestige areas. Doctors and other health professionals take up a great portion of the prestige areas, especially southern suburbs such as Applecross and Mount Pleasant due to the proximity to the cities growing health district in Murdoch.
Agents have reported increased activity and interest in these areas. Applecross is currently the top-selling suburb in the state as of REIWA’s most recent update. Some of Perth’s most impressive mansions are located along the riverside in Applecross. The median house price is $1,570,000 although; a large portion of the suburb comprises modest dwellings reducing the overall median price substantially. A mansion located along Duncraig Road in Applecross, was sold in March 2018 for $8 million and would be classifed as ultra-prestige. The property was initially listed for $8.5 million in November 2017.
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Peppermint Grove is sitting at the very top of the prestige range, holding a median house price of $3,475,000, well above any other prestige suburbs. The mansions are typically located on quarter acre blocks surrounded by greenery. A fairly recent sale occurring in December 2017 saw the property sold for $11 million after being on the market for 53 days. The seller received the asking price for the property, "something we don’t see very often in today’s market."
Dalkeith is also among the top af uent suburbs in Perth with a median house price of $2.57 million. The suburb comprises residential buildings that are often seen as impressive, with somewhat different architecture. Dalkeith’s riverside along the well- known Victoria Avenue is one of Perth’s most expensive locations. The street is known for taking luxury to a whole new level. Below is a property situated along Victoria Avenue that sold in January 2018 for $5.35 million after being on the market for 145 days. 
Cottesloe is one of the top performing suburbs in Perth’s current market with a 16.9% rise in house median over the last 12 months, landing at $2,127,000. The proposed redevelopment plan of Cottesloe foreshore involving a complete makeover including multi-storey living, restaurants and an ocean side swimming pool is likely to play a part in the increasing demand currently seen. This has been identified by investors and also upgraders hoping for improvement. A property sold for $4,600,000 in March 2018 after only 5 days of proper marketing.
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In the short to medium term, the prestige sector is expected to see a slight increase in price as a result of supply restrictions caused by increasing con dence levels among buyers. Secondary suburbs are also expected to see improved market conditions, an opportunity increasingly identified by investors. 
HTW's valuers have confidently suggested growth or at the very minimum stable market conditions over the coming year, however, the long-term is uncertain as the overall state economy plays an important role in the performance of the property market.
"All we can say is that the economic key measures are tracking in the right direction," the report concluded.
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Perth trophy home market outperforming the rest of the market

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First home buyers are active in Perth’s property market, with data for the March 2018 quarter revealing an increase in sales for properties priced $500,000 and below.
REIWA President Hayden Groves said after observing subdued first home buyer activity during the December 2017 quarter, the lower end of the market had strengthen early in 2018.
“The final quarter of 2017 saw the composition of the Perth market shift.
The balance of sales had shifted back to the lower end of the market, Mr Groves said.
Perth’s preliminary median house price is $510,000 for the March 2018 quarter.
Mr Groves said once all sales settle, this figure was expected to increase to $517,000, which would put the March 2018 quarter median marginally lower (by 0.6 per cent) than the December 2017 quarter.
“Although Perth’s median house price experienced a minor adjustment during the March 2018 quarter, the median house price is up 0.4 per cent when compared to the same time last year, which shows prices are stable,” Mr Groves said.
Perth’s preliminary median unit price is $401,000 for the March 2018 quarter.
“This is expected to lift to $410,000 once all sales settle, which would put it equal with the December quarter median.
“These results are in line with REIWA’s 2018 forecast, which expects stable conditions throughout the remainder of this year, with moderate price growth during the next 12 months,” Mr Groves said.
Preliminary Landgate data shows there were 5,865 dwelling sales during the March 2018 quarter.
"We expect around 6,603 sales for the quarter overall, which is marginally lower than volumes recorded during the December quarter,” Mr Groves said.
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There was a 5.7 per cent increase in house sales in the sub-$500,000 price range during the March 2018 quarter.
“Increased activity in the lower end of the market is usually a sign first home buyers are active. We are fortunate the dream of home ownership is more attainable for West Australians than it is on the east coast. After seeing activity drop off last quarter, it’s good to see first home buyers are increasing their presence in the market,” Mr Groves said.
There were 14,413 properties for sale in Perth at the end of the March 2018 quarter.
Mr Groves said listings had increased 10.2 per cent over the quarter, but were down 2.9 per cent when compared to the March 2017 quarter.
“While it is pleasing listings have declined on an annual basis, the increase over the quarter is not cause for alarm. With overall sentiment in WA improving and all signs indicating the market has begun to turn, sellers are feeling more confident than they have been and therefore more inclined to put their property up for sale.
“We’ve also seen a sharp decline in rental listings over the past year which has had a flow-on effect to the established market. With some investors choosing to sell their rental property instead of lease it, this has contributed to the rise in the number of properties for sale in Perth,” Mr Groves said.
It took 67 days on average to sell a house in Perth during the March 2018 quarter.
Mr Groves said although average selling days increased over the quarter, it was still two days quicker to sell than it was during the March 2017 quarter.
“With more listings on the market, buyers now have more choice, which has had an impact on the time it takes to sell. It’s very encouraging though, that on an annual basis, we’re seeing average selling days decrease,” Mr Groves said.
 
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Perth first home buyers return during March 2018 quarter

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EXPERT OBSERVATION
The March 2018 quarterly construction figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics indicate a slow-down in NSW while Victoria grows.
The latest construction figures indicate a slowing rate of work in NSW particularly for non-residential work.
When the figures are looked at on a per capita basis Victoria does seem to be building more than NSW. For total building in the March Quarter NSW construction was $1,145 per capita whileVictoria spent $1,343 per person.
In terms of residential construction over the March Quarter the per capita figures are$785 per person in NSW and $878 per person in Victoria.
On non-residential construction over the March quarter NSW expenditure was $270 per capita compared to the Victorian per capita expenditure of $339.
While both states are strong in long term measurements it does appear that Victoria is pulling ahead in overall construction dollars on a per capita basis.
It will be important for the NSW government to continue the excellent residential construction of recent years into the future by ensuring a good pipeline of projects in the planning system. There are concerns in the Sydney apartment market of a slow-down inpre commitments for apartments that could have an impact on housing supply.”
See below the graph of Total Building Value per Capita based on ABS seasonally adjusted data for the March 2018 quarter.
<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/2018/5/25/C1.jpg" alt="">
 
CHRIS JOHNSON is the Urban Taskforce CEO.
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Construction slowing in New south Wales but growing in Victoria

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AMP has announced it will discontinue self-managed super fund (SMSF) property lending.
It will continue to support existing SMSF home loan customers, however, from November they will not be permitted to switch to interest-only, internally refinance or extend their loan term.
The announcement follows similar moves from CBA and Westpac in recent weeks.
Westpac stopped SMSF home loans for new customers on 31 July, while CBA announced its ban would take effect from 12 October 2018.
Both Westpac and CBA will continue to support existing SMSF loan customers.
RateCity research director, Sally Tindall, said the writing could be on the wall for SMSF property lending.
“Today’s announcement from AMP comes as a shock to no-one,” she said.
“AMP’s new chairman, David Murray, has been one of the most vocal critics of self-managed super fund property lending,” she said.
In 2014, the Financial System Inquiry recommended that the government remove the exception to the general prohibition on direct borrowing for limited recourse borrowing arrangements by superannuation funds - although Scott Morrison, who was then treasurer, rejected the recommendation.
“Banks are focused on reducing risk in their loan books. In a falling property market, it’s not surprising we’re seeing lenders retreat from this type of lending,” Tindall said.
“Macquarie Bank, Bendigo Bank and Bank of Queensland are now the biggest banks in a dwindling pool of providers offering SMSF property loans,” she said.
List of lenders offering SMSF loans from next month:
<table style="width: 685px;" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="163">
Lender
</td>
<td valign="top" width="224">
Product
</td>
<td valign="top" width="113">
Max. LVR
</td>
<td valign="top" width="113">
Advertised rate
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="163">
Bank Australia
</td>
<td valign="top" width="224">
SMSF Residential
</td>
<td valign="top" width="113">
80%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="113">
5.25%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="163">
Bank of Queensland
</td>
<td valign="top" width="224">
Business Term Loan
</td>
<td valign="top" width="113">
75%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="113">
5.55%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="163">
Bendigo Bank
</td>
<td valign="top" width="224">
SMSF Loan
</td>
<td valign="top" width="113">
On assessment
</td>
<td valign="top" width="113">
On assessment
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="163">
Big Sky Building Society
</td>
<td valign="top" width="224">
SMSF Limited Recourse Investment Loan
</td>
<td valign="top" width="113">
75%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="113">
6.43%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="163">
Heritage Bank
</td>
<td valign="top" width="224">
SMSF - Fully Drawn Loan
</td>
<td valign="top" width="113">
80%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="113">
5.24%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="163">
Hume Bank
</td>
<td valign="top" width="224">
Self-Managed Super Fund Loan
</td>
<td valign="top" width="113">
70%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="113">
5.90%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="163">
IMB Bank
</td>
<td valign="top" width="224">
SMSF Loan
</td>
<td valign="top" width="113">
80%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="113">
On assessment
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="163">
La Trobe Financial
</td>
<td valign="top" width="224">
SMSF Residential
</td>
<td valign="top" width="113">
80%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="113">
5.99%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="163">
Lendex
</td>
<td valign="top" width="224">
 
</td>
<td valign="top" width="113">
On assessment
</td>
<td valign="top" width="113">
On assessment
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="163">
Liberty Financial
</td>
<td valign="top" width="224">
SuperCredit
</td>
<td valign="top" width="113">
80%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="113">
5.99%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="163">
LJ Hooker Home Loans
</td>
<td valign="top" width="224">
Accelerator SMSF
</td>
<td valign="top" width="113">
80%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="113">
6.00%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="163">
Macquarie Bank
</td>
<td valign="top" width="224">
SMSF Property Loan
</td>
<td valign="top" width="113">
70%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="113">
6.00%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="163">
Mortgage House
</td>
<td valign="top" width="224">
Home Loan Prime (SMSF - Class 1)
</td>
<td valign="top" width="113">
60%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="113">
5.09%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="163">
Red Rock Mortgages
</td>
<td valign="top" width="224">
SMSF residential express
</td>
<td valign="top" width="113">
70%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="113">
6.29%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="163">
Regional Australia Bank
</td>
<td valign="top" width="224">
SMSF Housing Loan
</td>
<td valign="top" width="113">
80%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="113">
5.87%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="163">
Resi
</td>
<td valign="top" width="224">
SMSF Loan
</td>
<td valign="top" width="113">
On assessment
</td>
<td valign="top" width="113">
On assessment
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="163">
Resimac
</td>
<td valign="top" width="224">
 
</td>
<td valign="top" width="113">
80%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="113">
On assessment
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="163">
Switzer Home Loans
</td>
<td valign="top" width="224">
SMSF Loan
</td>
<td valign="top" width="113">
70%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="113">
6.22%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="163">
Yellow Brick Road
</td>
<td valign="top" width="224">
SMSF Property Loan
</td>
<td valign="top" width="113">
70%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="113">
5.97%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
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AMP the latest lender to ditch SMSF property lending 

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A 9.9 percent yield at Ouyen in Victoria tanked as the highest gross rental yield across Australia this year.
It was based on the Mildura district town's $124,315 median house price.
The three bedroom home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-ouyen-117697315" target="_blank">4 Cooper Street Ouyen</a> that is for sale at $195,000 to $210,000 is suggested to have a a $250 to $260 a week rental prospect.
Houses            Median Value Gross Yield
Vic Ouyen Mildura $124,315 9.9% 
NSW Broken Hill Broken Hill $148,084 9.6% 
WA Kambalda East Coolgardie $90,978 9.2% 
Tas Gagebrook Brighton $156,712 9.1% 
SA Coober Pedy Unincorporated SA $130,463 9.1% 
WA South Hedland Port Hedland $203,452 8.9% 
Tas Queenstown West Coast $93,707 8.8% 
NSW South Kempsey Kempsey $228,435 8.7% 
Tas Bridgewater Brighton $186,166 8.6% 
NSW Condobolin Lachlan $207,067 8.6% 
 
Units
Qld Port Douglas Douglas $256,024 9.3%
Qld Manunda Cairns $153,919 9.0%
Qld Bungalow Cairns $160,812 8.9%
Qld Edmonton Cairns $152,917 8.9%
Qld Westcourt Cairns $211,390 8.7%
Qld Manoora Cairns $164,431 8.4%
Qld Edge Hill Cairns $185,089 8.2%
Qld Holloways Beach Cairns $186,552 8.0%
Qld Cairns North Cairns $240,453 7.6%
Qld Parramatta Park Cairns $235,248 7.5%
 
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Victoria's Ouyen has highest house yields of Australia in 2017

International developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/spg-land">SPG Land</a> is preparing to re-launch its long-awaited $1.5 billion <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/paradiso-place-surfers-paradise-103-ferny-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Paradiso Place</a> development at Budds Beach, bringing a new price point to the Surfers Paradise apartment market.

The developer will release one-bedroom apartments from $825,000 and two-bedroom apartments from $1.24 million in the three-tower development.

According to Urbis, the starting price for the two-bedroom apartments is more than $400,000 below the weighted average sale price for comparable two-bedroom apartments in Surfers Paradise during 2025, which was pinned at $1.7 million.

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Urbis reported quarterly average sale prices for new two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments ranged from around $1.2 million to $1.7 million throughout 2025, peaking in the December quarter.

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Paradiso Place is now moving into its formal sales campaign, with a limited early-release opportunity available ahead of the public launch.

The development will comprise 845 apartments across three towers rising 40, 41 and 44 storeys from a 1.15-hectare site spanning an entire city block. The towers will sit above a new retail precinct.

"Paradiso Place represents a rare opportunity in today's market, offering premium apartments at a price point that is significantly more competitive than anything else currently available," SPG Land Sales Director Brad McMahon said.

"When you look at comparable new developments across Surfers Paradise, Main Beach and the Southern Beaches precinct, buyers are typically paying hundreds of thousands more for a similar product.

"The scale of this project and the developer-builder construction model allows us to unlock efficiencies that smaller developments simply cannot achieve. We are passing those benefits directly to buyers, while still delivering a five-star residential experience with an unmatched lifestyle."

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Each of the three towers designed by Rothelowman will have its own podium, connected by an elevated skybridge network to create a beachside village for residents. The resident amenity has been designed to rival a five-star hotel, with private dining rooms, resident lounges and entertainment spaces.

McMahon said the pricing strategy was a deliberate response to the current market.

"What Paradiso Place offers is a unique balance, genuine value within a premium market. Buyers are not compromising on quality, design or amenity, they are gaining access to it at a more competitive price point at a time when prices across the Gold Coast continue to reach new highs."

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Located around 100 metres from the beach and within walking distance of the Surfers Paradise North light rail station, Paradiso Place occupies one of the Gold Coast's most tightly held beachfront precincts.

Construction is continuing to progress, with eight of the project's 112 foundation piles now complete. Excavation has also commenced on the first diaphragm wall panel, with the first concrete poured on 15 June, marking a key milestone in the project's early works program.

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Joel Robinson

SPG Land launches $1.5 billion Paradiso Place at attractive price point

Luxury developer-builder <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/lowe-living">Lowe Living</a> has achieved a new Victorian benchmark for an off-the-plan apartment, with the sale of two penthouses at its ultra-exclusive Maison Savoy development in Brighton.

The two penthouses achieved a combined sale rate of $49,926 per sqm. Both transactions eclipsed the previous identified Victorian off-the-plan price-per-square-metre benchmark, set by the 449 sqm apartment at Como Toorak, which sold at $46,659 per sqm.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140818 project_image_fid=366473]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/maison-savoy-brighton-150-esplanade-brighton-vic-3186">Maison Savoy</a>, Lowe Living's redevelopment of the former Brighton Savoy Hotel on absolute beachfront land at 150 The Esplanade, Brighton, has gained significant momentum since launching just eight weeks ago. Around 30 per cent of the project's 19 residences have already been secured, generating approximately $45 million in sales.

"Securing two of the three penthouse sales at this stage, within eight weeks of launching to market speaks to the confidence our clients place in Lowe Living," Lowe Living co-founder Emma Lowe said.

"They know we'll be with them through every stage of the journey, and that assurance is something we've worked hard to earn and never take for granted."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140818 project_image_fid=366474]

Lowe said Maison Savoy was conceived as a genuine alternative to a prestige Brighton home, combining house-scale proportions with the convenience, security and lock-up-and-leave appeal of apartment living.

Lowe Living co-founder Tim Lowe said the early sales success demonstrated the resilience of Melbourne's prestige market and highlighted the growing demand for house-sized apartments among ultra-high-net-worth buyers.

"The Melbourne market has definitely been tested in recent years, with interest rates and global economic factors all creating a period of uncertainty across the real estate sector. The sales success at Maison Savoy however demonstrates that confidence remains exceptionally strong at the top end of the market.

"The prestige market is being driven by long-term lifestyle decisions rather than short-term market sentiment, which continues to create a level of certainty that befits an absolute beachfront property in a blue-chip location like Brighton.

"Brighton's fundamentals remain among the strongest in Melbourne, with limited new supply, enduring demand from an overwhelmingly local owner-occupier market, and a rare combination of beachfront amenity and proximity to the CBD."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140818 project_image_fid=374378]

According to Cotality, Brighton remains one of Melbourne's most tightly held prestige suburbs, with an average ownership tenure of 15.3 years for houses and 12.3 years for units, while more than 73 per cent of homes are owner-occupied.

Tim Lowe said selling two of the project's three penthouses so early in the campaign was an uncommon result.

"This sales result is a reflection of quality and understanding the local market. It's incredibly rare to transact the penthouses so early in a sales campaign in any project so to have sold two of the three penthouses at Maison Savoy so soon after launch, all in-house without any external sales agency appointed, is reflective of our careful consideration of our buyers' needs and lifestyle.

"This is knowledge that is accumulated not just from data and demographic analysis, but via a deeply embedded understanding of how this type of buyer wants to live and feel in their home. We pride ourselves on getting to know our clients personally, and over the last 10 years we have been able to refine our product offering by talking one-on-one with our clients about their design and floorplan preferences.

"Being a fully integrated developer-builder with an in-house design and sales team allows us to lead every part of the process and ensure the highest quality of product and service at every touchpoint. It's a really important part of our DNA and the recent sales success at Maison Savoy indicates that our clients and purchasers are resonating with this point of difference.

"It reinforces that demand remains strong for thoughtfully designed residences that offer rarity, lifestyle and long-term value in tightly held locations, which ultimately validates Maison Savoy's positioning as creating a new benchmark for house-scale, wellness-led apartment living on Brighton's beachfront."

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140818 project_image_fid=366480]

The residences at Maison Savoy start from 295 sqm, with most enjoying uninterrupted views across Port Phillip Bay. The project sits moments from the Brighton Bathing Boxes, Royal Brighton Yacht Club, Middle Brighton Baths and Church Street's retail and dining precinct.

A key feature of the development is its private residents-only bathhouse, curated by the founder of Aurora Spa &amp; Bathhouse and modelled on traditional European bathing rituals and the award-winning Sorrento bathhouse.

The wellness offering includes a hydrotherapy pool, salt room, sauna, steam room, cold plunge pool, foot activation zone and a Vichy rainfall bed, one of only a handful in Australia. Residents will also have access to a Technogym studio, lounge spaces and a dedicated concierge service offering everything from morning coffee delivery and restaurant bookings to dry cleaning and home coordination.

"Wellness-led design has become a defining factor for luxury buyers," Emma Lowe said.

"Purchasers increasingly value homes that enhance wellbeing through thoughtful design, private amenity, privacy and liveability."

The penthouse purchasers are now undertaking a bespoke customisation process curated personally by architect Pete Kennon and the Lowe Living team, one of the developer's signature service offerings.

Construction on the $160 million transformation of the former Brighton Savoy Hotel site commenced last month, with completion expected in early 2028. The project has secured funding from NAB alongside development partner Monark.

Just one penthouse remains available, along with a limited number of two and three-bedroom residences starting from $3.75 million.

Lowe Living currently has eight projects on the market across Melbourne and recently celebrated its 10th anniversary, having grown a $1 billion development pipeline alongside a $350 million construction pipeline.

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[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=140818]

Lowe Living set new Melbourne off the plan apartment record

For more than three decades, Hyecorp has been delivering residential projects across Sydney's Lower North Shore, building a portfolio centred on design-led apartment living in some of the city's most established neighbourhoods.

Hyecorp recently launched the latest in its long line of apartment developments, Celine, a 29-storey tower on Archer Street in Chatswood. Like the majority of the developer's projects, Celine caters to a broad buyer demographic, offering a mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, all designed with owner-occupiers in mind.

Functionality and flexibility are often buzzwords in the new apartment market, but they sit at the core of Hyecorp's design philosophy.

Hyecorp Joint Managing Director Stephen Abolakian says the developer understands it isn't designing apartments for today's needs alone, but for how buyers will live several years into the future.

"When we launch our projects we need to be aware that these developments aren't finished for several years," Abolakian says.

"That home office in the here and now might be a nursery by the time the project completes for a prospective buyer, so we need to think about how the apartment spaces function for future uses so there's longevity in the ownership."

Celine's architects, Fuse, followed the same philosophy, saying the design extends well beyond aesthetics.

"Celine focuses on timeless architectural form and functionality, with a strong emphasis on light, proportion and materiality. The design responds to the urban context of Chatswood while delivering calm, highly liveable interiors that feel both contemporary and enduring. The floorplans have been carefully resolved to maximise usability and outperform typical market offerings in terms of efficiency and liveability."

Most apartments incorporate multipurpose rooms designed for flexibility. Each includes an integrated desk and a standard Murphy pull-down single bed, allowing the space to transition from a home office or study to guest accommodation as needs change. The layouts have also been designed to maximise natural light, storage and overall functionality.

One and two-bedroom apartments feature Miele appliances, while three and four-bedroom residences are appointed with integrated Gaggenau appliances and Taj Mahal stone benchtops.

Buyers who purchase early in the construction process can also take advantage of Hyecorp's "Live Your Way" interior design service, allowing them to personalise finishes and tailor elements of their home to suit their own lifestyle. It's a feature designed to appeal to owner-occupiers who want their apartment to feel uniquely theirs from the day they move in.

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While flexible floorplans have become a hallmark of Hyecorp's apartment design, the developer has also continued to place significant emphasis on resident amenity.

As buyers increasingly expect more from apartment living, shared spaces have evolved beyond a gym and barbecue area. They are now an extension of the home, providing spaces to relax, exercise, entertain and connect with neighbours.

At Celine, the resident amenity has been designed with a focus on wellness, centred on the level six podium. An infinity-edge swimming pool, spa, sauna and fully equipped gym are complemented by barbecue facilities and a residents' lounge, creating a range of spaces for relaxation, recreation and social connection above the streets of Chatswood.

Practical conveniences have also been integrated throughout the building, including EV charging provisions, smart parcel lockers, bicycle storage, a pet wash station and dedicated car wash bays, reflecting the project's focus on making everyday living as seamless as possible.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149594 project_image_fid=362633]

"Celine has been designed to deliver a refined residential experience that reflects the evolution of Chatswood into a premium urban centre,"&nbsp;Abolakian says.

"With over 30 years of experience delivering projects across Sydney's Lower North Shore, Hyecorp brings a deep understanding of what local buyers value. Every detail has been considered to balance luxury, functionality and long-term liveability. This is not just about apartments, but about creating a lasting residential address for discerning buyers."

Hyecorp, vertically-integrated builder-developer, is anticipating construction commencement later this year.

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Hyecorp brings 30 years of Lower North Shore experience to Celine in Chatswood

Burgeoning South East Queensland developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/frank-developments">Frank Developments</a> is continuing to pad out its capital city development pipeline.

The developer, led by Frank Licastro, has its sights set on Kingsford Smith Drive in Hamilton, where it is planning <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/avela-60-kingsford-smith-drive-albion-qld-4010">AVELA</a>, a 166-apartment development across three towers that tier down from 28 storeys to 19 and 17.

The towers will rise above the iconic Breakfast Creek Hotel.

Frank has brought on Melbourne architecture practice <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rob-kennon-architects">Kennon</a> to design the building, conceived as a “defining architectural marker where the airport corridor meets the inner city.”

<img alt="First look: Frank Developments plans sculptural AVELA for Brisbane's Breakfast Creek gateway" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e787c64e-f0a4-4725-891e-e86b40ee5c5c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/AVELA.png?VersionId=1ulwuZ9w2vQ2td7v.J2zUI7Ih_DT4Kwz" />

Kennon describes the project as a once-in-a-generation opportunity.

"Positioned at the northern gateway of Brisbane's primary CBD corridor, this project represents a singular moment in the city's urban evolution, one that will not come again," the architecture practice said in the documents submitted to the Brisbane City Council.

"Where the airport and world beyond meets the city, the building will rise as a sculptural landmark, a defining piece of architecture that signals arrival into Brisbane and anchors the connection between the city and the communities to its north."

<img alt="First look: Frank Developments plans sculptural AVELA for Brisbane's Breakfast Creek gateway" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d572bf62-a98d-4847-95d0-889e3d3283e1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/AVELA%20podium.png?VersionId=6.Ax4jBzTbY5ahm55iaMWNR03ODhDQSm" />

The development is centred around owner-occupier apartments, with a mix of two, three and four-bedroom residences designed to capitalise on city and river views.

Four basement levels accommodate resident parking, allowing the podium to prioritise pedestrian activity and public-facing uses like ground-floor retail, a cafe, a&nbsp;neighbourhood grocer, and a public accessible indoor pickleball court and event space.&nbsp;

There will be nearly 2,000 sqm of communal wellness and recreation facilities across three levels.

<img alt="First look: Frank Developments plans sculptural AVELA for Brisbane's Breakfast Creek gateway" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c5ac3cbf-3c11-4219-89f3-e12d9e0f9ffd" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/AVELA%20podium%20A.png?VersionId=_.4zd1HLCKa1s6I_oxkY4NNqX6o3Yevn" />

&nbsp;

Frank Developments has increasingly focused on design-led residential projects across South East Queensland.

AVELA is Licastro's second on Kingsford Smith Drive following <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/alba-92-kingsford-smith-drive-hamilton-qld-4007">Alba</a>, 85 apartments just down the road. The developer has <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/mira-61-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">MIRA</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/myst-burleigh-heads-270-the-esplanade-miami-qld-4220">MYST</a> on the Gold Coast, as well as <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/murano-teneriffe-37-wyandra-street-new-farm-qld-4005">Murano</a> coming up in Teneriffe and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bel-air-33-oxlade-drive-new-farm-qld-4005">Bel Air in New Farm</a>.

Frank Developments plans sculptural AVELA for Brisbane's Breakfast Creek gateway

ASX-listed developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/stockland">Stockland</a>&nbsp;is continuing its push back into the new apartment market, filing plans for a prominent gateway site between Collingwood and East Melbourne.

The development giant, which moved back into the new apartment space when it announced Stanton Place in Sydney's Rosebery and have since filed plans for a 50-storey tower, are jumping into the off the plan Melbourne market.

They are hoping to create a mixed-use neighbourhood precinct for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/79-81-victoria-parade-collingwood-vic-3066">79-81 Victoria Parade</a>, replacing an existing commercial building with a scheme by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/john-wardle-architects">Wardle</a>&nbsp;for 478 apartments,&nbsp;ground-floor retail, new public open spaces and a publicly accessible pedestrian laneway.

<img alt="First look: Stockland plans new mixed-use neighbourhood precinct for Collingwood gateway site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="72dbbca9-3918-4073-afad-a0c0c35be8e7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/stockland%20pers.png?VersionId=bzMVUKKxvwuNK1m0v_td126Rgct32uk_" />

The design report identifies the public realm as a central driver of the proposal.

"Collingwood has limited access to high-quality parks and public open space, and the proposal delivers valuable new areas for respite, social interaction and fine-grain retail activity."

The development would deliver a diverse mix of housing, including studio, one, two and three-bedroom apartments alongside townhouse-style residences. Two basement levels are proposed beneath the development, providing resident and retail parking as well as extensive bicycle facilities.

Wardle's design draws heavily on Collingwood's industrial character, using articulated building forms, brickwork and robust materials inspired by the suburb's warehouse and manufacturing heritage. The built form has been broken into a series of smaller volumes to better respond to the surrounding streetscape while extensive communal gardens, rooftop amenities and shared resident spaces are integrated throughout the project.

<img alt="First look: Stockland plans new mixed-use neighbourhood precinct for Collingwood gateway site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7b2135ed-65df-4253-ad53-f216f06bd467" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/stockland%20podium.png?VersionId=l1B6Hqn8zs772VxH6L1fDPg0KHshan9v" />

The planning documents describe the existing office building as offering little engagement with the public realm, with the redevelopment intended to create a more permeable and active neighbourhood destination.

"The proposed scheme presents a significant opportunity to deliver a vibrant retail plaza and a local neighbourhood hub serving both existing and future Collingwood residents."

The 79–81 Victoria Parade site occupies a strategic location about 1.5 kilometres east of Melbourne's CBD, at the threshold between Collingwood and East Melbourne. It is well served by tram services along Victoria Parade and sits within walking distance of St Vincent's Hospital, Fitzroy Gardens, the Fitzroy activity centre and a broad range of employment, retail and hospitality destinations.

Staff reporter

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