Queensland builder-developer MAYD has revealed the first look at its major North Kirra beachfront development, lodging amended plans that reduce the number of apartments and increase the proportion of larger residences.

The project is planned across a substantial 4,742 sqm amalgamated site spanning seven lots at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/2-6-pacific-parade-bilinga-qld-4225">2-6 Pacific Parade</a> and 27-33 Golden Four Drive in Bilin​ga, directly opposite Nor​th Kirra Beach.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mayd-group">MAYD</a> secured the site for $32.5 million in 2025, in what was one of the Gold Coast's largest property transactions of the year.

The development will be delivered across two stages, with the first stage carrying an estimated gross realisation value of around $360 million.

The latest amendments seek to reduce the overall apartment count and shift the project further toward the owner-occupier market, with larger residences designed for buyers wanting considerably more space than traditionally offered in a beachfront apartment.

The residential mix will include townhomes, oversized two-bedroom apartments, substantial three-bedroom residences and four-bedroom homes.

MAYD has appointed Cera Stribley to lead the architecture and interiors, with the Melbourne-based design practice drawing on the beachfront setting through a series of ocean-facing terraces and heavily landscaped balconies.

Strong horizontal forms and curved balconies will define the exterior, with subtropical landscaping integrated throughout the building to soften the built form and increase the connection between the residences and the beachfront.

The project will also include an extensive collection of resident wellness and lifestyle facilities, continuing the broader shift across the Gold Coast's luxury apartment market toward larger homes supported by resort-style amenity.

<img alt="MAYD" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1bcbb05-e659-4b47-8bd4-1e595315e2ad" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%202.05.03%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=jj0XEud1X1DuLt7_KyElhjMdZGOXmLHP" />

MAYD Founder Todd Mould said North Kirra was increasingly appealing to buyers attracted to the more established, lower-density character of the southern Gold Coast.

"North Kirra presents one of the most compelling luxury residential opportunities currently emerging in Australia, combining absolute beachfront with the character and authenticity that buyers are increasingly seeking, and the same sense of tight-knit community that defined Burleigh and Currumbin perhaps 10 or 15 years ago," Mould said.

"With Gold Coast Airport on its doorstep, it also offers a level of accessibility that broadens its appeal across almost every market demographic."

The project comes as the southern Gold Coast continues to attract an increasing share of high-end apartment development and buyer activity.

Kirra in particular has emerged as one of the region's more tightly held beachfront markets, with its relatively low-density character, established surf and hospitality scene and proximity to Gold Coast Airport differentiating it from the higher-density markets further north.

Mould said those characteristics had informed the approach MAYD and Cera Stribley had taken to the project.

"We've worked closely with Cera Stribley to create a vision that is deeply connected to its surroundings," he said.

"Inspired by the coastline itself, the architecture has been shaped around space, privacy and resort-style living, creating a collection of homes that reflects the next generation of luxury on the southern Gold Coast."

MOTIV Managing Director Carly Cottam, who has been appointed to market the project, said buyer attention had continued to move south along the Gold Coast.

"Purchasers who may once have defaulted to Broadbeach, Main Beach or Surfers Paradise are increasingly recognising the value of a genuine beachfront location that offers lower density, strong amenity and a more established sense of community," Cottam said.

"Kirra has a powerful combination of growing demand and genuine scarcity. Beachfront supply is inherently constrained, the area remains relatively low density, and buyers are increasingly placing a premium on locations that feel established, uncrowded and authentic rather than heavily developed."

Cottam said the proximity to Gold Coast Airport was also proving increasingly important for interstate and second-home buyers.

"Being minutes from Gold Coast Airport makes it particularly compelling for interstate buyers, frequent travellers and second-home purchasers who can access an authentic coastal lifestyle almost immediately after stepping off a flight."

The acquisition takes MAYD's active development portfolio to more than $500 million, with the North Kirra project representing one of its largest undertakings to date.

MAYD is targeting an early 2027 launch.

Joel Robinson

First look at MAYD's North Kirra mixed-use precinct

<main data-perf-region="main">
Castle Hill, the longtime hub of the Hills District, has been one of the major beneficiaries of Sydney's Metro expansion, with improved connectivity helping drive continued population growth, development and buyer demand across the Hills District.

But despite that growth, the suburb has seen relatively few major new apartment projects brought to market over the past 18 months.

Hills District developer Reve Group is looking to fill that gap with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nova-r-ve-castle-hill-2-garthowen-crescent-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Nova Rêve</a>, a major new mixed-use precinct on the corner of Garthowen Crescent and Old Castle Hill Road, a short walk from Castle Hill Metro Station and Castle Towers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377679]

The project will comprise three residential towers alongside a hotel, restaurants, cafes and a skybar, more than 1,600 sqm of ground-floor retail and almost an acre of landscaped gardens.

It represents the largest project undertaken by Reve Group, the development arm of the Kassis family, which has been building across the Hills District for more than 30 years through Kassis Homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377675]

Nova Rêve also represents a significant step up from the family's first apartment development, Grand Rêve, which was delivered nearby on Garthowen Crescent.

Grand Rêve introduced larger, house-like apartment layouts and premium inclusions including Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances to the Castle Hill market.

Nova Rêve takes that approach to a precinct scale, combining the residential component with hospitality, retail and substantial public and resident landscaping.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377685]

Reve Group Managing Director Sam Kassis said the project reflected the family's three decades of building in the Hills, which has evolved from trophy homes on quarter-acre blocks to larger-scale apartment development.

"Grand Rêve was our first apartment project here and it showed us what this pocket of Castle Hill could be. Nova Rêve is the refinement of that idea: not just apartments, but a place the whole suburb can use," Kassis said.

A key part of that approach is the hotel, which has been designed to operate as an amenity for the wider Castle Hill community rather than solely hotel guests.

It will include restaurants, cafes, skybars and all-day dining, alongside conference and event facilities catering to business functions, community groups and private events.

At ground level, more than 1,600 sqm of shops and cafes will open onto the surrounding streets and landscaped areas.

Almost an acre of gardens designed by Land and Form Studios will run through the precinct, incorporating pathways, seating, barbecue areas and children's play spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377680]

Reve Group's Romio Georges said creating an active ground plane had been central to the planning of Nova Rêve.

"There are gardens with pathways, barbecues, seating and play areas, shops and cafes opening onto the street, and a hotel with restaurants and a skybar that anyone in Castle Hill can walk into," Georges said.

The project's elevated position on one of Sydney's highest ridgelines will also provide apartments with outlooks toward the Sydney skyline, surrounding parkland and the Blue Mountains.

More than 80 per cent of the apartments will occupy corner positions, with Turner responsible for both the architecture and interiors.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152737]

<h3 data-end="3697" data-section-id="q3n5ak" data-start="3672">&nbsp;</h3>
</main>

Nova Rêve arrives as Reve Group bets on Castle Hill's next growth phase

A collection of just 25 large-format apartments and penthouses overlooking Goodwin Park is entering the Coolangatta market, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marea-residences-coolangatta-27-27a-dixon-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Maréa Residences</a> combining a low-density, residential-only approach with uninterrupted park and Pacific Ocean outlooks.

Located at 27 Dixon Street, Maréa comprises three and four-bedroom residences alongside a limited number of dual-level penthouses, with the project positioned between Goodwin Park and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/coolangatta-qld-4225">Coolangatta</a>’s coastal precinct.

Construction has commenced, with completion currently estimated for late 2027. Three-bedroom residences are priced from $1.8 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374005]

The project has been designed around its northern outlook across the park, with the building’s architecture, landscaping and material palette intended to establish a connection with the neighbouring green space. The residences have been configured to maximise natural light and views across Goodwin Park towards the ocean.

Inside, the material palette incorporates timber, stone and brushed brass, complemented by curved detailing and ambient lighting. Kitchens and bathrooms carry the same natural material approach, while residences also include basement parking, storage and lift access.

Maréa’s penthouses are arranged over two levels and include private pools, adding another layer to the project’s focus on larger-format apartment living. Across the development, residences are configured with three or four bedrooms rather than the broader mix of smaller apartment types commonly found in larger projects.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374010]

Resident amenity is concentrated at rooftop level, where landscaped entertaining terraces and pools take advantage of elevated views across Coolangatta and the Pacific Ocean.

The project has so far been particularly well received by local owner-occupiers and downsizers, according to Urban Activation Property Sales and Marketing Director Matt George, with the residential-only format, construction quality and northern park outlook among the features resonating with purchasers.

“The uninterrupted northern aspect overlooking Goodwin Park has been a key point of difference, with buyers attracted to the sense of serenity and open space the park provides, while still enjoying easy access to the ocean and being within walking distance of the lifestyle and amenities Coolangatta has to offer,” George said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374002]

“The combination of high-quality construction, a residential-only building, park outlook and proximity to the beach has resonated strongly with the local downsizer market.”

The Dixon Street address is within walking distance of Coolangatta Beach and the broader southern Gold Coast coastline, including the surf breaks at Snapper Rocks and Kirra. Coolangatta’s cafés, restaurants and retail are nearby, while Gold Coast Airport is also within close proximity.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150999]

Maréa Residences brings parkside apartments to Coolangatta

Melbourne developer PDG has secured Victorian Government approval for its $1.5 billion Southbank development <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-one-1-queens-bridge-street-southbank-vic-3006">The One</a>, clearing the way for the long-dormant riverfront site opposite Crown to finally be developed.

The Minister for Planning has approved the project at 1-29 Queens Bridge Street, with the Department of Transport and Planning issuing the planning permit following its assessment.

The approval will allow PDG to develop the prominent 5,059 sqm site with a major mixed-use tower comprising premium apartments, including branded residences, a luxury hotel and boutique office space.

PDG acquired the site in late 2024, with its position directly opposite Crown's main entrance and near Melbourne's Arts Precinct making it one of Southbank's most significant remaining development opportunities.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3933013e-6332-4386-b9be-089df05caf17" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.22%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=sITIgBqDL0N3VNSMwWEmF5UA.uvcsRyu" />

Designed by COX in collaboration with ODO and PDG, the tower's architecture draws on the movement of the Yarra River, with six vertical pleats running the height of the sculpted facade.

The project will also see the heritage-listed Queens Bridge Hotel restored and incorporated into the development&nbsp;with new hospitality and public uses, including a rooftop venue.

A significant component of The One will be its residential amenity.

More than 5,000 sqm of resident facilities will be delivered across a single level, making it one of the largest consolidated residential amenity offerings proposed in an Australian apartment development.

The planning approval also incorporates a major upgrade of Queensbridge Square, which PDG will deliver in partnership with the City of Melbourne.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="73167fcd-1031-4b6f-a408-a064cfe45ed1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.17%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Pf1AEWxw6SNmBqR0zQW5lyEze.MtxgFp" />

The existing square will be revitalised as a new civic and pedestrian space along the Yarra River, strengthening the connection between the project, Southbank and the riverfront.

PDG Founder and Managing Director Vince Giuliano said the approval represented a major milestone for a site which has remained largely underutilised for more than 15 years.

“This is the most significant Planning Permit approval Melbourne has seen in recent years,” Giuliano said.

“For more than 15 years, this site has remained underutilised. This approval enables us to deliver a project that will contribute meaningfully to the revitalisation of Southbank, restore and reactivate an important heritage building, and create a new civic and hospitality destination for Melbourne.”

The latest approval follows an earlier planning permit issued by the City of Melbourne covering demolition works across part of the site at 9-29 Queens Bridge Street. Those demolition and early works are already underway.

PDG has also started generating early interest in the residential component from owner-occupiers ahead of a planned public launch in early 2027.

PDG secures approval for $1.5bn Southbank apartment development, The One

Local developer Harridan is seeking to turn its Woolloongabba apartment project into the first stage of a broader transformation of Burke Street, using a new 16-storey mixed-use building to establish a greener pedestrian connection toward the rapidly evolving Boggo Road transport and knowledge precinct.

The South East Queensland developer has filed plans for 154 apartments on the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/4-burke-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">southern side of Burke Street</a>, where its proposal has been designed alongside a wider vision by LatStudios for the street.

That vision positions the southern side of Burke Street for buildings of 15 storeys and above, while envisaging lower-rise development of up to five storeys on the northern side to transition into Woolloongabba's existing character housing. It also proposes wider pedestrian verges, deep planting, new street trees and upgrades to the pedestrian approach to Boggo Road Station.

The Harridan development itself has been designed by Brisbane-based Arqus Design and will comprise 154 apartments across 16 storeys. The mix is weighted heavily toward two-bedroom apartments, with 121 proposed alongside 10 one-bedroom and 23 three-bedroom residences. There will typically be around 14 units per floor.

A lower-ground car park and three podium levels will accommodate 156 resident parking spaces, along with visitor and commercial parking. There will also be 154 resident bicycle spaces and 40 visitor bicycle parks.

&nbsp;

Harridan is a family-owned developer and part of the Holmwood Highgate Group, with more than three decades of development activity across South East Queensland. Its portfolio spans residential, commercial and industrial property, with current residential projects including Riverbank on Byron in Bulimba, Esperance Residences in Carina and The Precinct at Kinross Road in Thornlands.

Wooloongabba has been popular for apartment developers, particularly since the announcement of the 2032 Summer Olympics games in Brisbane.

While there have been a lot of development applications, it has failed to materialize into real supply.&nbsp;

Sarazin has been the major player in the area. They are under construction at Murcia Residences, on the fringe of East Brisbane and Woolloongabba. They have just launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-stanley-residences-woolloongabba-8-trafalgar-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">The Stanley Residences</a>, in Woolloongabba on Trafalagar Street. They also have Nuage coming soon on the nearby <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nuage-woolloongabba-14-wellington-road-woolloongabba-qld-4102">Wellington Road</a>.

First look: Harridan plans Burke Street transformation beside Boggo Road transport hub

National Australia Bank (NAB) has brought forward the timing of the first RBA cash rate cut by three months.

NAB is now expecting a cut in February, in line with ANZ and Westpac, having initially thought a cut wouldn't come until May.

Commonwealth Bank, the nation's largest lender, still thinks the first cut will come in December.

NAB changed its call following the August monthly inflation figures that were released at the end of September, showing it had dropped to 2.7 per cent.

"The risk has been skewed to a first cut earlier in 2025, and today’s change acknowledges the balance of risks has likely shifted sufficiently for the RBA to feel comfortable cutting a little sooner than we earlier expected," NAB noted in its latest update.

They added that the cadence of the cuts may be faster than its central profile.

"Domestic inflation pressures are cooling, but only gradually, and we continue to expect the conditions for a cut will not be in place this year.

NAB believes the easing cycle will end at 3.1 per cent by early 2026, which is five cuts from the current 4.35 per cent cash rate.&nbsp;

CBA also thinks 3.1 per cent will mark the end of the cutting cycle, while Westpac is forecasting 3.35 per cent, and ANZ is the most pessimistic at 3.6 per cent, which would be just three interest rate cuts.

<h2>What would a rate cut in February look like for borrowers?</h2>

According to&nbsp;<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn%3Du001.IVvjJ-2BPT0A8C3VxtqKc6e3bj5hBuw27WFEYqovsYs7kPsgFulYrdOzeP8gI7CybJOya3_RgrM7qq-2BfK-2FtAHeRBLv5Qrb-2Bii5fzjLeKcP4w-2FkNgJPXygpiRhVUan3WV3QEggcf617UC8Z60RjQJZAqx7PiO7FtVJQSn0D46Zc3iTVP0kAhTTzG51cPpa5hrqz1OkSA-2BiXAxUajQ686MTtiseWBIdMdknd83aB7cOVgXlVTeHCGf3-2BcMHwfvI8TYlkUovqEhn4dj0KXf2eJGpb9-2BBv20hPXdLlPP9yD7DvFFDBM5yrTqxvcCiMfAsW1onD-2FcriL628eYdhNQE7bwzYrxcOYnmaYfRhGl-2FEHQ6eK2uQcLxs6Cbu6Dx0bYvpi5A6enmxMWU5TkcRYrP6Z8GbXZYtc5qSoKu6eWFBQR9K7fsjXwHMmby3D3X6Yx-2BxcDcdRruTG&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1727774368149000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2vK2ujS77CHs9VRvSSXzLC" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.IVvjJ-2BPT0A8C3VxtqKc6e3bj5hBuw27WFEYqovsYs7kPsgFulYrdOzeP8gI7CybJOya3_RgrM7qq-2BfK-2FtAHeRBLv5Qrb-2Bii5fzjLeKcP4w-2FkNgJPXygpiRhVUan3WV3QEggcf617UC8Z60RjQJZAqx7PiO7FtVJQSn0D46Zc3iTVP0kAhTTzG51cPpa5hrqz1OkSA-2BiXAxUajQ686MTtiseWBIdMdknd83aB7cOVgXlVTeHCGf3-2BcMHwfvI8TYlkUovqEhn4dj0KXf2eJGpb9-2BBv20hPXdLlPP9yD7DvFFDBM5yrTqxvcCiMfAsW1onD-2FcriL628eYdhNQE7bwzYrxcOYnmaYfRhGl-2FEHQ6eK2uQcLxs6Cbu6Dx0bYvpi5A6enmxMWU5TkcRYrP6Z8GbXZYtc5qSoKu6eWFBQR9K7fsjXwHMmby3D3X6Yx-2BxcDcdRruTG" target="_blank">Canstar</a>, if there is a cut in February, a borrower with a $600,000 loan today and 25 years remaining would see their monthly repayments drop by $92.&nbsp;

<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td colspan="3">
			Impact of 0.25% pt cut in February 2025
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>
			Current loan size
			</td>
			<td>
			Drop in monthly repayment
			</td>
			<td>
			New monthly repayment
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>
			$600,000
			</td>
			<td>
			-$92
			</td>
			<td>
			$3,907
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>
			$750,000
			</td>
			<td>
			-$114
			</td>
			<td>
			$4,884
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>
			$1M
			</td>
			<td>
			-$153
			</td>
			<td>
			$6,512
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td colspan="3">
			Source:&nbsp;<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn%3Du001.xWMOP9hChsvn-2BC9O-2FebBihXIZ4cEzbiuENdxm-2Bx3-2FYEEgYMhZlKWNj5Zzy1YZ56RuASD_RgrM7qq-2BfK-2FtAHeRBLv5Qrb-2Bii5fzjLeKcP4w-2FkNgJPXygpiRhVUan3WV3QEggcf617UC8Z60RjQJZAqx7PiO7FtVJQSn0D46Zc3iTVP0kAhTTzG51cPpa5hrqz1OkSA-2BiXAxUajQ686MTtiseWBIdMdknd83aB7cOVgXlVTeHCGf3-2BcMHwfvI8TYlkUovqEhn4dj0KXf2eJGpb9-2BBv20v2akwr6-2BqLyRrlEgkJ4J-2BCCyY0x189xEHZA4Ylf8c7ChBqNIkhmftZzoFuZKFn43pw3oJVg2o1gumrpdA-2B7MB-2FBtmL2rFCI-2FXORATQHySCLVOMg7Vywv-2BqnnQUAtDz6XkvpwxdHFXh70VwKazzhJsICilEYOvP4ju0sIfi5g6TL&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1727774368149000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2qVnp6oqATgqDUi2Frm22q" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.xWMOP9hChsvn-2BC9O-2FebBihXIZ4cEzbiuENdxm-2Bx3-2FYEEgYMhZlKWNj5Zzy1YZ56RuASD_RgrM7qq-2BfK-2FtAHeRBLv5Qrb-2Bii5fzjLeKcP4w-2FkNgJPXygpiRhVUan3WV3QEggcf617UC8Z60RjQJZAqx7PiO7FtVJQSn0D46Zc3iTVP0kAhTTzG51cPpa5hrqz1OkSA-2BiXAxUajQ686MTtiseWBIdMdknd83aB7cOVgXlVTeHCGf3-2BcMHwfvI8TYlkUovqEhn4dj0KXf2eJGpb9-2BBv20v2akwr6-2BqLyRrlEgkJ4J-2BCCyY0x189xEHZA4Ylf8c7ChBqNIkhmftZzoFuZKFn43pw3oJVg2o1gumrpdA-2B7MB-2FBtmL2rFCI-2FXORATQHySCLVOMg7Vywv-2BqnnQUAtDz6XkvpwxdHFXh70VwKazzhJsICilEYOvP4ju0sIfi5g6TL" target="_blank">www.canstar.com.au</a>. Starting rate is the RBA existing average owner-occupier variable rate of 6.36%. Assumes banks pass the cash rate cut on in full the month after the meeting.
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

Canstar Data Insights Director, Sally Tindall, says if core inflation continues to track in the right direction, or unemployment starts to accelerate significantly, we could well see a cash rate cut as early as February of next year.

“All four big banks now believe the RBA will be ready to cut the cash rate in just over four months’ time, if not before, in the case of CBA.

“However, the outlook for both inflation and unemployment is still highly uncertain. A couple of wobbly sets of inflation data could see the RBA holding for longer, particularly if unemployment remains relatively steady."

&nbsp;

Commonwealth Bank, the nation's largest lender, still thinks the first cut will come in December.

NAB bring forward first RBA cut to February 2025

<html><body>
Canberra ranks as the best place to buy a property and still have enough disposable income to have a life, according to calculations by comparison site Mozo.com.au.
But you most likely have to become a public servant to be on the salary to afford the housing.
"When looking at the average after tax salary and the average mortgage repayment in each capital city, Canberra comes out on top with a handy $3,271 leftover to cover expenses and ‘having a life’ each month," Mozo director Kirsty Lamont said.
"Canberra’s high average salary, combined with its relatively low property prices (averaging $510,000) means you’re left with more cash than any other city.
"Canberra is closely followed by Perth then Hobart as the next most “property and lifestyle friendly” cities, with homeowners having around $3,000 leftover each month."
Perth has the nation’s second highest income to help pay down the mortgage and while Hobart has the lowest average income of its national counterparts, it enjoys the lowest property prices – with the average monthly mortgage repayment half of Sydney’s.
<table style="width: 460px;" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td width="96">
City
</td>
<td width="101">
Avg monthly salary (Net)
</td>
<td width="85">
Avg monthly mortgage repayment
</td>
<td width="50">
% of income
</td>
<td width="94">
What’s leftover
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="96">
1.   Canberra
</td>
<td valign="top" width="101">
$5,651
</td>
<td valign="top" width="85">
$2,380
</td>
<td valign="top" width="50">
42%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="94">
$3,271
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="96">
2.   Perth
</td>
<td valign="top" width="101">
$5,572
</td>
<td valign="top" width="85">
$2,380
</td>
<td valign="top" width="50">
43%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="94">
$3,192
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="96">
3.   Hobart
</td>
<td valign="top" width="101">
$4,410
</td>
<td valign="top" width="85">
$1,571
</td>
<td valign="top" width="50">
36%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="94">
$2,839
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="96">
4.   Brisbane
</td>
<td valign="top" width="101">
$4,966
</td>
<td valign="top" width="85">
$2,131
</td>
<td valign="top" width="50">
43%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="94">
$2,835
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="96">
5.   Adelaide
</td>
<td valign="top" width="101">
$4,641
</td>
<td valign="top" width="85">
$1,914
</td>
<td valign="top" width="50">
41%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="94">
$2,727
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="96">
6.   Darwin
</td>
<td valign="top" width="101">
$4,957
</td>
<td valign="top" width="85">
$2,474
</td>
<td valign="top" width="50">
50%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="94">
$2,483
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="96">
7.   Melbourne
</td>
<td valign="top" width="101">
$4,791
</td>
<td valign="top" width="85">
$2,404
</td>
<td valign="top" width="50">
50%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="94">
$2,387
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="96">
8.   Sydney
</td>
<td valign="top" width="101">
$5,069
</td>
<td valign="top" width="85">
$3,174
</td>
<td valign="top" width="50">
63%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="94">
$1,895
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="5" valign="top" width="426">
Source: <a href="https://www.Mozo.com.au" target="_blank">Mozo.com.au</a> as at 9/3/15
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
“If you look at the proportion of salary going towards a mortgage, Hobart (36%), Adelaide (41%) and Canberra (42%) are the three cities having to put the least of their income towards repayments,” said Lamont.
“Big property prices mean big mortgages and Sydney and Melbourne are not only slapped with high repayments, they’re also among the world’s top 10 most expensive cities. So, once you cover the cost of living, it doesn’t leave much leftover for the fun stuff.
“Not usually known as the capital of fun, it looks like Canberra is where it’s at if you want to splash your extra cash and not be a slave to your mortgage.”   
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Canberra home owners have highest disposable incomes after mortgage payments: Mozo

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Macquarie Wealth Research has noted May is the third most popular month for RBA policy changes.
Rates were cut in May twice in the past three years. The post-CPI, Statement on Monetary Policy meeting window offers a prime presentational opportunity for cuts.
<img src="/images/2015/03/11/interest-rates-march-11-one.jpg" alt="">
But the bank thinks the risk lies with the RBA being sidelined through May.
"Perceived popularity challenges for the government mean the fiscal environment is more charged than normal," the bank advised clients.
"The release of the Intergenerational Report means the fiscal policy window starts early.
"Confidence took a hit from the last Budget.
"The leadership landscape is such that there is a risk an RBA policy move could be co-opted as proof, or judgement, of the quality of the Budget or of the leadership.
"A June decision could be similarly tainted.
"The air clears from July, which brings August into the frame."
The bank thinks that an RBA cut in April is also unlikely.
"Having received the capex figures, and the suite of GDP partial components, there is little in the way of top tier domestic data to drive the RBA to hold over a decision until April," the bank said.
"The one catalyst we could envisage would be the release of the semi-annual Financial Stability Review (FSR) on 25 March.
"Given the hyperbole that has followed the February cut, the FSR would provide the RBA with the opportunity to present its assessment of the financial stability risks arising from future rate cuts.
"This is an unlikely scenario for an April decision, but one which can’t be ruled out given the infancy of macro prudential tools in Australia."
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Next RBA cut most likely to occur in May maybe: Macquarie Wealth

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GUEST OBSERVATION
A company claiming to carry on a land development business in Victoria has been unsuccessful before the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) in claiming GST input tax credits (ITCs) for acquisitions it had made.
The case illustrates the need for proper documentation in making tax claims and also, in this particular matter, the need for something more than just an intention to conduct a business in order to be able to <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/finance/tax/43664-over-claimed-gst-credits-good-intentions-just-don-t-cut-it" target="_blank">claim GST input tax credits</a>.
The taxpayer company was registered for GST in August 2010. It claimed it had purchased property in Victoria for land development and subdivision. For the periods 1 October 2010 to 31 March 2011, the company claimed a total of $226,128 in ITCs for what are known as creditable acquisitions; however, throughout the period, no sales were reported.
Following an audit by the ATO, the commissioner found the company was not carrying on an enterprise for the purposes of the GST Act, was not entitled to ABN and GST registration, was not entitled to the ITCs, and was liable to an administrative penalty at the rate of 50% for "recklessness". Before the AAT, the taxpayer clarified it was only seeking to claim $1128 in ITCs for the tax period ended 31 October 2010.
The company had the burden of proving its case, that the commissioner's assessments were excessive and that the commissioner's decision to cancel its GST and ABN registration should not have been made or should have been made differently.
The AAT held the taxpayer had not discharged the burden of proof that, on the balance of probabilities, the ITCs claimed for the periods 1 October 2010 to 31 March 2011 for $226,128 should be allowed. Although the taxpayer had subsequently claimed to have withdrawn some of the BASs leaving only its ITC claim for $1128 for the tax period ended 31 October 2010, the AAT said the taxpayer was not entitled to the claim because of its finding that the taxpayer was not carrying on an enterprise at that time, which meant there were no acquisition for a creditable purpose and therefore no creditable acquisition.
A key issue was the lack of documentation proving that the taxpayer was indeed the owner of the land it claimed to have purchased. Among other things, the AAT concluded the taxpayer did not have the funds required to purchase the land. It further noted the taxpayer "has never become the registered proprietor of that land". It said that until such time as the land was in fact conveyed to the taxpayer, "it could not possibly have commenced an enterprise involving the subdivision of that land".
The AAT said that the carrying on of an enterprise may encompass a wide range of activities or even a single activity at any point in time between the commencement and termination of the enterprise. The tribunal then examined the company's purported land development project in some detail.
The AAT said while the company may have had the intention to carry out a business of land development and subdivision, the steps it took in obtaining a planning permit and a market valuation could not "properly be described as being steps taken in the course of commencement of an enterprise".
In the AAT's view, until such time as the company acquired the right to deal with the land in such a way that subdivision and sale could occur, it was "artificial to suggest it was conducting the enterprise involving the subdivision and sale of land". The steps taken were clearly precursors or preparatory to the possible commencement of business, whether that be subdivision of the land or a quick sale to a syndicate of buyers, the AAT said.
The tribunal was critical of the <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/finance/tax/29844-tax-experts-warn-documentation-critical-after-property-investor-loses-attempt-to-split-tax-burden" target="_blank">level of documentation provided by the company</a>. It said the documents provided were unsatisfactory. Some were incomplete, some were simply absent and some appeared to be inconsistent with statements made to the ATO in the course of discussions following assessment. The purchase price of the land in question was just over $2 million. However, the AAT said there was not in evidence an executed contract, nor was there any objective evidence that the parties had agreed to enter into this contract.
Accordingly, it held the company was not carrying on an enterprise in accordance with the GST Act at the relevant times, and therefore, it was not entitled to the ITCs for the claimed expenditure in any of the months in question.
The AAT also affirmed the company was not entitled to ABN and GST registration, again, because it was not carrying on an enterprise at the relevant times. It also affirmed the penalty decision and refused remission of the penalty in the circumstances as it found the company was reckless in lodging the ITC claims.
Terry Hayes is the editor-in-chief of tax news reporting at <a href="https://www.thomsonreuters.com.au/">Thomson Reuters</a>, a leading Australian provider of tax, accounting and legal information solutions.
This article first appeared on <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/" target="_blank">SmartCompany</a>.
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thayes-XhNcNKLNWa

Intention to carry on a business not enough for GST claim: Terry Hayes

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Mortgage volumes increased around the country in February, particularly in South Australia, suggesting that state’s property market is recovering after a sluggish few years.
Mortgages processed in South Australia by Australia’s largest mortgage broker, AFG, increased by 31% in February compared with the same month in 2014.
Around the country mortgage volumes were up 16% compared with the same time last year and up 58% compared with January, the broker reported.
“February is the real start to the mortgage year and overall we’re off to a flying start this year,” AFG general manager of sales and operations Mark Hewitt said.
“No doubt the February rate cut has made borrowers more confident, but it’s important to recognise the significant variations from one state to another.”
Mortgage volumes processed by AFG in February were up in NSW by 25%, in Victoria by 21% and in Queensland by 15%. The broker processed 4% fewer mortgages in Western Australia compared with the volume processed in February 2014.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics will release official home finance figures for January on 11 March.
South Australia’s strong growth in mortgage applications follows a pick-up in the state’s property market in the December quarter of 2014, as highlighted in an analysis by the Real Estate Institute of South Australia.
The Valuer General’s median house price in Adelaide hit $425,000, while the state median price was $390,000, REISA reported.
REISA president Greg Moulton said the latest figures showed a 3.16% increase in the state’s median property price over the September quarter and a 3.91% increase in median price compared with the same period of 2013.
“The change in median price over the last few quarters is fantastic and shows quite clearly the underlying strength of the property market,” Moulton said. 
“The other great figures are that the volume of sales increased for both South Australia and metropolitan Adelaide in 2014 compared to 2013. There was an increase of 2.63% in volume of sales across South Australia and 2.4% across metropolitan Adelaide,” Moulton said. 
However, South Australia’s market still faces headwinds. The capital gains and sales volumes it has posted are considerably lower than those in the Sydney and Melbourne markets where homes appreciated in value by 12.4% and 7.6% respectively through 2014, according to Corelogic/RP Data.
Property valuation and advisory group Herron Todd White noted in its March review that: “Adelaideans are traditionally very conservative and local economic factors, cost of living expenses and job security at this time is playing a significant role in holding back [Adelaide’s] market.”
Herron Todd White did not expect the interest rate cut to have much of an effect on Adelaide’s property market, although it noted investors may be spurred into action by the expectation of a further 25 percentage point rate cut.
“The feeling was that increasing investor activity during 2014 has played a significant hand in the steady ongoing recovery of [Adelaide’s] housing market,” the review noted.
It added: “Generally Adelaide investors are most active in the sub $500,000 segment and we believe that sales activity in this price bracket may improve during 2015 and as a direct result there may be a slight improvement above what is expected in capital growth. However at this stage we don’t believe that it will be significant … We believe that overall during 2015 our market will continue on its path of steady recovery and translate to between 3% and 5% in capital gain for the calendar year.”
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zfielding-GvX3Uq9KTa

Mortgage volume increase points to South Australian recovery

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The Reserve Bank of Australia has kept the official cash rate on hold this month.
The official cash rate remains at its record low of 2.25%, after a 25 basis point cut last month.
The majority of experts <a href="/expert-insights/finance/experts-split-on-reserve-banks-march-rate-move-finder">surveyed by comparison website Finder</a>, including NAB's Alan Oster, anticipated that the Reserve Bank would announce that rates would not change this month.
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jrichardson-uRX5hFdKfN

Reserve Bank holds rates for March

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At its meeting today, the Board decided to leave the cash rate unchanged at 2.25 per cent.
Growth in the global economy continued at a moderate pace in 2014. A similar performance is expected by most observers in 2015, with the US economy continuing to strengthen, even as China's growth slows a little from last year's outcome.
Commodity prices have declined over the past year, in some cases sharply. The price of oil in particular has fallen significantly. These trends appear to reflect a combination of lower growth in demand and, more importantly, significant increases in supply. The much lower levels of energy prices will act to strengthen global output and temporarily to lower CPI inflation rates.
Financial conditions are very accommodative globally, with long-term borrowing rates for several major sovereigns at all-time lows over recent months. Some risk spreads have widened a little but overall financing costs for creditworthy borrowers remain remarkably low.
In Australia the available information suggests that growth is continuing at a below-trend pace, with domestic demand growth overall quite weak. As a result, the unemployment rate has gradually moved higher over the past year. The economy is likely to be operating with a degree of spare capacity for some time yet. With growth in labour costs subdued, it appears likely that inflation will remain consistent with the target over the next one to two years, even with a lower exchange rate.
Credit is recording moderate growth overall, with stronger growth in lending to investors in housing assets. Dwelling prices continue to rise strongly in Sydney, though trends have been more varied in a number of other cities over recent months. The Bank is working with other regulators to assess and contain risks that may arise from the housing market. In other asset markets, prices for equities and commercial property have risen, in part as a result of declining long-term interest rates.
The Australian dollar has declined noticeably against a rising US dollar, though less so against a basket of currencies. It remains above most estimates of its fundamental value, particularly given the significant declines in key commodity prices. A lower exchange rate is likely to be needed to achieve balanced growth in the economy.
At today's meeting the Board judged that, having eased monetary policy at the previous meeting, it was appropriate to hold interest rates steady for the time being. Further easing of policy may be appropriate over the period ahead, in order to foster sustainable growth in demand and inflation consistent with the target. The Board will further assess the case for such action at forthcoming meetings.
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Strong growth in property investor lending: RBA governor Glenn Stevens' March 2015 statement

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Low interest rates can benefit property investors as much as home owners. 
Investors often opt for fixed rate interest-only mortgages to maintain control of their outgoings and as such may miss out on the rate reductions. But those who have variable mortgages and investors who are taking out a loan for a new purchase or refinancing an existing property will find their costs are lower – and therefore their returns greater – than they would have been when rates were higher.
Australia’s already record low interest rate was cut again in February to 2.25% and many commentators are predicting a further cut in March. Financial markets had better-than-even odds on a rate cut to 2% at the end of February less than a week before the March announcement.
As at the end of February, 30 lenders had followed the Reserve Bank of Australia’s lead and cut their mortgage rates, according to Finder.com.au. The comparison website estimates that by March there will be 158 variable home loans with rates under 4.6%.
RateCity.com.au lists variable rate investment loans from Beyond Bank with a comparison rate of 4.35%, from Bank Mecu with a comparison rate of 4.39% plus a $595 application fee and from IMB with a rate of 4.48%. However, there are other variable investment mortgages that charge above 5.8%. 
Paying 1.5% more interest on your mortgage makes a huge difference to the bottom line of your investment. 
Monthly interest-only repayments on a 30-year $350,000 investment loan charging a 4.35% are $1268.75, according to Aussie Home Loans’ calculator. That’s $456,750 over the term of the loan. 
At a 5.85% interest rate, the same sized mortgage would cost $1706.25 a month, or $614,250 over the 30-year term.
That’s a massive $437.50 a month and $157,500 over 30 years.
To put that further into perspective, to increase the income from the property by $5250 a year – the equivalent of the monthly interest saved by having a 4.35% mortgage compared with a 5.85% mortgage – the investor would have to lift the rent by more than $100 a week.
The sums above also ignore tax. Investors have to pay tax on rental income, whereas interest expenses on a mortgage are tax deductible. 
After tax, a $100 increase in rent per week would equate to around $70 a week before deductions and offsets, depending on the investor’s marginal tax rate. Lower amounts of interest paid on a mortgage reduce the value of tax deductions.
While many investors may be locked in to a fixed-rate loan, for those with the flexibility to move, looking for a lower rate mortgage can lift the returns on an investment.
Just as owner-occupiers, investors should consider what’s right in their own situation. Investment loans may charge fees or come with restrictions. The Homeloan HQ investment refinance loan, with a comparison rate of 4.46% is only available up to maximum loan-to-value ratio of 70%, for example. Other investment loans are available for LVRs up to 97%.
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Low interest rates can benefit property investors as much as home owners

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The comparison site Mozo.com.au has reviewed how the big banks compare when it comes to setting up savings accounts for children to learn the savings habit.
The CommBank Youth Saver account pays 3.45% as long as your child makes at least one deposit and no withdrawals for the month. 
An added bonus is that primary school students can bank at school if their school is part of CommBank’s school banking program.
The ANZ waives transaction fees on its Progress Saver (kids) account and pays 3.41% if your child deposits at least $10 and makes no withdrawals each month.
The Westpac Reward Saver for under 12s pays 3.4% interest with a deposit in any account and no withdrawals are made each month. Kids can deposit money in branch and online.
"NAB no longer offers kids only accounts," <a href="https://mozo.com.au" target="_blank">Mozo</a>'s Kirsty Lamont lamented.
"You can open a regular savings account in your kid’s name instead."
Suncorp’s Kids savings account offering 4% interest and Bankmecu’s mySaver account, Hume Bank’s Clancy Koala Junior Saver, Wide Bay’s Ziggy Kids Saver which all offer 3.75% in interest, currently ranked as the best accounts.
Mozo.com.au's Kirsty Lamont had <a href="https://www.familycapers.com.au/getting-started-with-kids-bank-accounts/" target="_blank">five general tips</a> about opening a kids savings account on the familycapers website.
<ol>
<li>Decide if the account is for you or them </li>
<li>Open the best account for their needs </li>
<li>Explain how a bank account works </li>
<li>Draw up a savings plan </li>
<li>Reward good savings / money habits</li>
</ol>
"Sit down with your child and ask them what they want in the short and longer term and draw up a savings plan to achieve each of those goals," Lamont said.
"It will be much more motivating for them to save if it’s for the latest toy gadget or a trip to the Gold Coast’s theme parks."
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Five tips for helping children learn the savings habit: Mozo

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The National Australia Bank and Commonwealth Bank are both offering their five year fixed rate loan product at 4.59% ahead of today's Reserve Bank announcement.
Their five year fixed loans rates are 10 basis points lower than that offered at Westpac, which has a 4.69% rate on its comparable product.
ANZ's interest rate is higher still, at 4.74%.
However, the lowest interest rates on five year fixed products are still offered by minor lenders. UBank's five year fixed rate is at 4.37%, and Newcastle Permanent is offering a 4.39% rate on its five year fixed loan.
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NAB and Commonwealth neck and neck for five year fixed rate loans

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Prospective buyers saving for a home must save longer, as savings account interest rates are already starting to take a dive following the Reserve Bank cash rate drop at the February meeting.
Finder.com.au listed nine providers, including three of the four major banks, who have dropped interest rates on some of their savings accounts since the cash rate cut, with some by more than the Reserve Bank's 0.25 percentage points according to finder.com.au.
"This is compared to 33 lenders announcing variable home loan rate drops," Michelle Hutchison, money expert at<a href="https://www.finder.com.au/personal-loans" target="_blank"> finder.com.au</a> said.
"While it's expected that savings accounts will fall in line with the cash rate movements, it's interesting to see many of them falling before these lenders have passed on rate cuts to their lending products like home loans and personal loans.
"It's also interesting to see that these lenders have missed off any announcements about the bad news for savers of dropping their savings account rates but happy to announce the good news for lenders with dropping variable rate home loans.
"Financial institutions shouldn't feel like they can't disclose these rate changes like they do with their variable home loan announcements.
"It's a shame that they are potentially hiding these rate cuts by not announcing them. What this means is that savers need to keep track of their accounts and they can't assume that if they haven't seen a rate announcement that their rates won't be dropping. 
"It also shows that more savings accounts could fall before the majority of variable rate home loan changes come into effect from 20 February."
Here are the savings accounts found that have fallen since the RBA rate cut:
<ul>
<li>UBank dropped its savings accounts by 0.25 percentage points on 18 February</li>
<li>NAB dropped its savings accounts by 0.25 percentage points on 18 February</li>
<li>Commonwealth Bank's Goal Saver Account bonus interest dropped 12 February, by 0.25 percentage points: base rate of 0.01%, bonus is now 3.19%</li>
<li>Citibank dropped its Ultimate Business Saver by 0.35 percentage points on 15 February</li>
<li>ME Bank First Home Saver Account: dropped 12 February by 0.25 percentage points from 2.75% to 2.5%</li>
<li>ANZ Online Saver and Progress Saver: both dropped by 0.25 percentage points on 7 February</li>
<li>ING Direct Savings Accelerator: dropped its base rate by 0.25 percentage points to 2.25% on 7 February</li>
<li>ME Bank Online Savings Account: dropped its base rate by 0.25 percentage points to 2.5% on 7 February</li>
<li>RaboDirect High Interest Savings Account DIY Super: dropped its base rate by 0.05 percentage points to 3.15% on 5 February</li>
<li>People's Choice Young Saver Account: dropped its bonus rate by 0.10 percentage points to 1.40% on 5 February</li>
<li>Commonwealth Bank Business Online Saver: also dropped its base rate by 0.15 percentage points to 2.10% on 4 February</li>
</ul>
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