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>
Many lenders throughout the past rate cutting cycle altered their rates as competition heated up. However, it appears that now that the official cash rate has stabilised, so too have lenders rates.
Mozo’s latest insights into the home loans market notes that a mixture of increases and decreases were seen during the month, with just 12 providers making changes to their fixed rates. This is significantly lower number than in previous months.
So where does this leave us? Here’s Mozo’s snapshot of what is available:
MAJORS
The four major banks kept their home loan rates on hold over the past month.
All have the same fixed rates for their one year, two year, three year and five year packages, at 4.79%, 4.84%, 4.94% and 4.99% respectively.
Non-packaged rates do differ.
The lowest four year non-packaged fixed rate on the market, according to Mozo, is NAB and Westpac’s 4.99%, with Commonwealth offering 5.09% and ANZ at 5.49%.
OTHER LENDERS
Meanwhile, variable rates moved moderately among the lenders.
Suncorp, eMoney and Adelaide Bank all lowered their variable rates.
Australian Financial launched a new line of products with variable rates starting at 4.49%.
LENDERS WHO CUT FIXED RATES 
<ul>
<li>Citibank</li>
<li>P&amp;N Bank</li>
<li>BCU</li>
<li>BankVic</li>
<li>RESI</li>
<li>New England Credit Union</li>
</ul>
LENDERS WHO RAISED FIXED RATES 
<ul>
<li>Newcastle Permanent</li>
<li>Suncorp</li>
<li>Teachers Mutual Bank</li>
<li>Heritage Bank</li>
<li>SCU</li>
</ul>
</body></html>

jduke-EHk3XBmHkn

What rates are currently available? A snapshot of the mortgage market: Mozo

<html><body>
While the majority of experts predict the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) will begin to raise interest rates from next year, the senior economist for Domain Group's Australian Property Monitors, Andrew Wilson, is expecting one more cut.
Every expert in the latest Reserve Bank Survey from Finder, including Wilson, predicted rates to remain on hold today. Of these experts, <a href="/expert-insights/finance/rates-tipped-to-start-rising-in-2015-but-how-long-will-the-cycle-continue">91% expected rates to start rising in 2015</a>, with two expecting hikes from 2016.
Wilson, however, predicts the next cash rate movement to be down, cutting the current 2.5% to a new record low.
He further expects the peak of the next rate cycle to be 3.5% during 2018, with rates to start falling again from 2019.
“Mixed signals remain although bias now turning to the downside,” Wilson explained.
He said that the Reserve Bank is waiting for the general economic climate to crystalise.
With house prices now falling, inflation low, unemployment, a high dollar, a weaker share market and rising concerns over the global economic outlook, Wilson's believes this may push the RBA to make one more cut.
</body></html>

Domain Group's Andrew Wilson predicts RBA will cut rates further

<html><body>
The Real Estate Institute of New South Wales’ (REINSW) deputy president John Cunningham said they would support an increase in the GST – so long as there is an abolition of inefficient property taxes.
Cunningham said stamp duty and land tax, as well as other property related taxes, are inefficient and should be removed.
These taxes have also been described as inefficient by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal.
“We also believe that payroll tax is an inhibitor to employment and should be abolished,” said Cunningham.
“If there is such a thing as a good tax system, it is broad based that will provide government with its revenue and not impede or deter investment.”
</body></html>

Raise the GST - but only with property tax cuts: REINSW

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All 33 experts and economists in Finder's Reserve Bank Survery have tipped the Reserve Bank to keep rates at a record low of 2.5% tomorrow.
However, a lacklustre economy, high unemployment, the Australian dollar, global uncertainty in the Middle East and Europe, house price pressure and inflation on target, makes it likely that rate hikes will begin in 2015.
Melbourne Cup day has traditionally been a day of cash rate movements – with nine changes on this day in the past 20 years.
Of those surveyed by Finder, 91% are expecting rises in 2015. Two expect rises in 2016.
The general expectation is for rates increases to start increasing in August 2015 before coming to an easing cycle two to three years later.
Finder’s money expert Michelle Hutchison said that rate rises won’t last for long when they do occur.
"Our economy is under pressure to perform better, and all 33 experts in the Finder Reserve Bank Survey believe that the cash rate won’t rise for very long before it will start to fall again,” she said.
“The survey found that the cash rate is likely to peak at 4% in 2017 according to the average forecast.”
However, expectations about when the next interest rate cycle will peak varied significantly– certainly a tough ask this early on.
The majority, 60%, expected the next peak to be in 2017, while a further 27% expected 2016 would mark the peak. A further 13% tipped the top of the next rate cycle to be in 2018.
“One expert – David de Ferranti, Market Analyst at Forex Capital Markets – is forecasting the highest peak, with the cash rate to hit 5.5%. One in three (33%) are expecting the cash rate to hit 4.5% to 5%, a further one in three (33%) expect the peak to hit 4% to 4.25% while the remaining 30% are expecting a peak of between 2.75% and 3.75%,” she said.
“It’s also clear that most experts believe the cash rate won’t hit the high levels we’ve seen in the past. And regardless of when the peak will be reached, it’s likely to start falling soon after.”
Almost 50% of the respondents suggested rate drops in 2018.
“This is great news for borrowers or those planning to enter the property market this mortgage season, as they can prepare for around two years of rising interest rates before they will likely come down again,” she said.
"Borrowers need a buffer of at least $300 per month for an average $300,000 loan if the cash rate hits 4%.”
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Rates tipped to start rising in 2015, but how long will the cycle continue?

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GUEST OBSERVATION
Spring is in bloom which means that many Australians are looking to buy property, but what happens if you fall in love with a home and then discover the bank won’t lend to you?  Even worse, what happens if the bank turns you down and it’s your fault?  
Here are five tips to make sure you are properly set up for that home loan.
<ol>
<li>
Check your credit file Some of my clients were recently declined by a mid-tier bank because they had a couple of gas payment defaults on their credit file.  Trouble is, this was the first that my clients knew about it because the defaults related to their old home. Thankfully, we got them approval with a Big Four lender – but it took a lot of work.    All the stress could have been avoided if they had checked their credit file before they applied for a loan. The good news is, it’s free to check your credit file, check out the details on <a href="https://www.mycreditfile.com.au/" target="_blank" title="My Credit File" style="line-height: 1.3em;">mycreditfile</a>. 
</li>
<li>
Get your savings in order Lenders like to lend to people who can show they are responsible with money.  So, they like to see money in an account for at least three months without the account holder having succumbed to the temptation of spending some of it. If say, a relative is going to help out with the deposit, then holding the cash in your account for some time before you apply for a home loan makes it so much easier. I once had a client whose family came from a developing country which was subject to quite a few UN sanctions.  His family were gifting him some money, but getting money out of this country was very difficult, so the money was appearing as odd random cash deposits made all over Australia.  It took me ages to prove to the bank that the applicant wasn’t a drug runner or an arms dealer. Had the cash been ready and waiting in his Australian account for some time then again, it would have been much easier. 
</li>
<li>
Pay your bills as soon as possible When you apply for a home loan, the first thing a bank does is check your credit file. Once upon a time, the credit file just showed if you were in default or had made too many credit inquiries. Now, under a new law, credit files can show who is a prompt payer.  So from now on, it’s in your interest to pay any bill as soon as you can. 
</li>
<li>
Reduce your credit card limit It might boost your ego to have a platinum credit card with a $50,000 limit, but do you need all that money?  When the banks are assessing how much they will lend to you, they will take that credit card limit as money already lent (even if you pay it off every month).  As a result, they may well reduce how much they will lend you based on that limit.  You may want to reduce your credit card limit if you don’t need all that money.  Banks have been known to first request clients to reduce their credit card limit, before giving a final loan approval. 
</li>
<li>
Know your limit Not all banks are the same. For example, if you were a brand new customer and you walked into an ANZ branch then the most they would lend you is 90% of the value of the property (others may go up to 95%) – even if you are a multi-millionaire (it’s just their policy).  You could be a good home loan candidate. But if you just go to your own bank because you think that all banks are the same, you could be in for a shock.  Good brokers know what each bank’s lending policy is and now where you are most likely get home loan approval. 
</li>
</ol>
Graeme Salt is national client finance manager of <a href="https://www.chan-naylor.com.au" target="_blank">Chan &amp; Naylor Finance Australia</a>.
For further information on how Chan &amp; Naylor can help you with your home loan, you can <a href="https://www.chan-naylor.com.au/chan-naylor-finance/" target="_blank">visit their website</a>. 
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po-LsXgBTHBmX

Five tips to set you up for your home loan

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Flemington isn't the only location with a important meet scheduled for Tuesday 4 November; The Reserve Bank Board will also assemble to discuss any potential movements in the official cash rate.
While November has been a remarkably popular month for the bank to move rates, Westpac's Bill Evans says there is no chance of a November move.
Westpac expect the statement to repeat key phrases: “the exchange rate... remains high by historical standards”; and “the most prudent course is likely to be a period of stability in interest rates”.
Evans recalls that in the first six years of RBA Governor Glenn Stevens’ tenure (2006-2011), November proved to be a month of moving interest rates. In 2012 the Bank was certainly ‘in play’ with moves occurring in both October and December while, arguably, the Bank was also ‘in play’ in November last year.
On recent house price inflation, Evans suggests the recent slowing from its late-2013 pace might be easing the bank's concerns around the property market. 
"There is still likely to be some RBA/APRA package of initiatives announced before year’s end but, given the authorities do not appear to be inclined towards ‘heavy handed’ actions and the flexibility of Australia’s financial system, particularly around an active non-bank sector, it seems unlikely that these moves will have a marked effect on the availability of credit overall," he advised.
Westpac is expecting 50 basic points of hikes in the latter half of 2015 and a further 100 basic points in 2016.
"Back in March we were quite out of step with the economics community. 
"We did not expect the RBA to begin hiking until August 2015, whereas 60% of forecasters expected rate hikes by the March quarter and 15% expected rate cuts. 
"All those rate hawks have been forced to revise their views. 
"The latest survey indicates that 85% of economics forecasters are still predicting higher rates by end 2015 (with 50% expecting hikes to begin in the June quarter – but expect that proportion to dwindle by year’s end). Only 15% (four forecasters) are pushing the market’s line. 
"Unusually we find ourselves buried in the economists’ consensus."
Bill Evans, the chief economist also delved into The Melbourne Cup.
"Some will be aware that we have picked the winner of the Melbourne Cup in two of the last three years," he said.
"This year we are reasonably confident that we can find yet another winner in Admire Rakti.
"This Japanese horse ran by far the best trial for the race with its storming win in the most reliable lead up race for the Cup – the Caulfield Cup.
"Arguably, Japan produces the best stayers in the world – even ahead of their Irish counterparts.
"Who can forget the last time Japanese horses ran in the Cup?
"That was in 2006 when the Japanese horse Delta Blues beat his Japanese compatriot Pop Rock by the narrowest margin (just half a head) with a massive four and a half lengths to the next horse.
"However, Admire Rakti has other history going against him. He is likely to be around 5:1 odds on the day. That will make him favourite.
"No favourite has won the race since Makybe Diva in 2005 and no horse has won the Caulfield Cup/Melbourne Cup double since Ethereal in 2001.
"He will also have to carry 58.5 kilos (top weight) – average weight of the winner in the last decade has been 54 kilos. No horse has won with such a weight since the 1970s.
"There are also unofficial reports that the horse is not considered to be in the top 20 horses in Japan.
"Other contenders are: Protectionist (the German champion) and Lucia Valentina (beaten favourite behind Admire Rakti in the Caulfield Cup).
"The English ‘raiders’ headed by Red Cadeaux look to be an ordinary lot this year.
"In fact the clear danger from my perspective is Fawkner, surprisingly an Australian horse, who ran a mighty 2nd in our other key lead up race – the W S Cox Plate (Fiorente, last year’s winner ran third last year).
"As always, the usual disclaimers apply – “this does not constitute investment advice ... etc etc” (see pages 12-13 for more).
"But good luck and at least be consoled by the fact that your study will not be disturbed by any surprises out of the Reserve Bank which announces its decision 30 minutes before the big event!"
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Admire Rakti or Fawkner, but no RBA Cup Day movement: Westpac's Bill Evans

More home owners taking out risky interest-only loans: Moodys

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Here are eight recent quotes from the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) made in reference to the Australian property market:
<ol>
<li>"Prices have risen faster than consumer prices, but they have not risen materially faster than household incomes… This is not a country where we haven't experienced house price falls; we have experienced house price falls. There is risk in the system that people have already experienced. It's simply incorrect to treat the Australian history as if there had never been any kind of downturn." October, RBA head of financial stability, Luci Ellis, at the AHURI panel roundtable 
</li>
<li>"Australia is not one of the boomier places over the last 10 years. Prices have risen faster than consumer prices, but they have not risen materially faster than household incomes in Australia… Mortgage repayments are lower than the average of the past 10 or 15 years, so again thinking about what it means to have affordability and unaffordability – the affordability of a current mortgage is not unusually high at present." October, RBA head of financial stability, Luci Ellis, at the AHURI panel roundtable 
</li>
<li>"Apartment construction in the inner city [in particular Melbourne, Sydney] has been at high levels for some time and, given the time lags in completing higher density constructions, is expected to remain elevated for the next few years. That said, liaison suggests that construction in Melbourne continues to be driven by strong demand, including from foreign investors, with pre-sale levels remaining high." September, RBA Financial Stability Review 
</li>
<li>"A related risk, which is likely to be currently most pronounced in Melbourne, is that some new developments may appeal to a relatively narrow segment of tenant or owner demand. For example, some new developments involve smaller-sized apartments that are targeted at international students, which could be harder to sell in the secondary market than more traditional-sized apartments. This could place downward pressure on apartment prices if student demand weakens or if there are other shocks that reduce foreign investors’ appetite for these apartments." September, RBA Financial Stability Review 
</li>
<li>"Dwelling investment had increased by more than 8% over the year to the June quarter, and continued strength in building approvals and other indicators pointed to further growth in coming quarters. House price growth had been a little slower, on average, over 2014 than in late 2013, but remained consistent with strong conditions in the established housing market." October RBA board minutes 
</li>
<li>"What matters is how much speculation there is in the market and what that might mean for a subsequent price cycle, and at the moment there is more speculative activity than we are comfortable with." October, RBA head of financial stability, Luci Ellis, Senate Inquiry into housing affordability 
</li>
<li>"Some of this [growth seen in the property markets, such as Sydney] perhaps represented an element of catch up after some earlier weakness. Nonetheless, prices have continued to rise significantly faster than incomes, and this has been associated with strong growth in investor activity." October, RBA assistant governor Malcolm Edey, Senate Inquiry into housing affordability 
</li>
<li>"The general point I would make is that we can't improve housing affordability simply by adding to demand. Targeted assistance can certainly help particular groups such as first home buyers, but without a supply-side response, any generalised increase in demand will just be capitalised into prices." October, RBA assistant governor Malcolm Edey, Senate Inquiry into housing affordability
</li>
</ol>
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Eight quotes from the RBA about Australia’s property market

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GUEST OBSERVATION
In recent times there have been a lot of arguments in the public domain on whether Australia should get rid of the negative gearing tax tool for property investors.
Negative gearing is a valuable tax tool in any economy to help companies that make investments reduce their risk-burden by allowing them to make tax deductions against losses incurred where the revenue of the investment does not cover the loan costs.
In other words, allowing the investor short-term tax relief in the investment they make, or long-term relief when an investment does not turn out to be as rewarding as anticipated (a lousy investment).
However, in Australia, negative gearing has unfortunately been used as a speculative tool to help property investors cover their losses throughout the time of holding a particular asset so they are able to eventually flip the asset for a profit.
There are two key problems with this mindset:
<ol>
<li>Using negative gearing in pursuit of capital gain only works when the investment appreciates in value greater than the overhanging costs involved in maintaining the liabilities of the asset whilst under ownership.</li>
<li>If there is a market correction, those who hold negatively geared assets in pursuit of capital gain generally get burnt.</li>
</ol>
Unfortunately with so many Australian property investors incredibly negatively geared, it would be economic suicide to get rid of this tax tool overnight. Getting rid of negative gearing today would simply burn too many property investors at the same particular time causing mass damage to the Australian economy.
With the majority of negatively geared property investors earning less than $100,000 per year, it would simply send too many Australians into bankruptcy too quickly. In economic downturns, negatively geared property investors would progressively suffer which would slow the pain burden.
If anything, they should keep negative gearing for property investors, however introduce resourceful tools to mediate property investors from taking advantage of a tax law where they are willingly prepared to take excessive risk where it is all but mathematically certain that they will incur losses for a very prolonged period of time. This forces investors to invest responsibly whilst reducing tax losses.
My recommendation is property investors with loan to value ratio (LVR) greater than 50% void from making any tax deductions against the first 2% of rental yields (or equivalent to property price paid).
This would force property investors to shift their focus from speculating mode to yield-hunting mode. It would also push those who are taking an abnormal amount of risk in the name of capital gain to offload their properties to reduce fiscal losses which increases tax revenue by billions of dollars. Furthermore, this approach would reduce the risk profile of property investors in a downturn.
Lindsay David is a co-founder of clean technology company GreenRigCo and a former strategy and business development consultant. You can read his blog <a href="/expert-insights/finance/fire-the-rba-governor">here</a>.
To purchase a copy of his book 'Australia: Boom to Bust', <a href="https://blog.australiaboomtobust.com/buy-australia-boom-bust/" target="_blank" title="Buy Now">click here.</a>
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LindsayDavid-WEhfyLvNJJ

Let's end the madness of negative gearing

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It’s time to lodge your tax returns if you wish to avoid a failure to lodge on time penalty from the Australian Taxation Office, warns BMT tax depreciation specialists’ managing director Brad Beer.
Tax returns need to be lodged by 31 October to avoid any potential late fines.
“For property investors, lodging a tax return is an opportunity to maximise the cash flows on their investment by submitting claims for depreciation deductions on both capital works and plant and equipment,” said Beer.
“Submitting this past 31 October might mean risking a penalty, which could then reduce the net cash flows otherwise derived from the asset,” he said.
The penalty for late lodgement is $170 per 28 day block of failure to lodge. If you haven’t complied with a request to lodge, or have a poor lodgement history, it’s more likely you may be stuck with the penalty.
“One of the cash flows generated by an investment property outside of rental payments comes from the depreciation deductions which are itemised in a professional tax depreciation schedule,” Beer said.
“However, these cash flows will be significantly reduced if investors forget to submit on time and incur one, or even multiple, penalties.”
Beer encourages investors to contact a tax agent if you haven’t yet submitted your tax return, as they may be able to lodge past the 31 October deadline.
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