<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/far-east-consortium">Far East Consortium</a> is preparing to commence construction on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/640-bourke-street-melbourne-640-bourke-street-melbourne-vic-3000">640 Bourke Street</a> this October, marking the next milestone for the Melbourne CBD development and its higher-end Eliza Collection.

Spanning levels 44 to 68 of the 68-storey <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>-designed tower, the Eliza Collection has been conceived as a lower-density offering within the broader development, with only five apartments on each floor, dedicated lift access and a collection of resident spaces reserved exclusively for Eliza Collection residents.

The Eliza Collection forms part of Far East Consortium's broader move toward larger-format residences at 640 Bourke Street, where the number of apartments was reduced from earlier plans as apartment sizes increased.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=365685]

"What it's meant for 640 Bourke is we've actually reduced the number of apartments. We've increased the overall size of the apartments. We don't have any studios in here, and what that does for a project is it elevates it," Far East Consortium Director of Sales and Marketing Lauren Sheldon said.

Rothelowman Associate Jun Chang said the design process provided an opportunity to create more generous floorplans.

"We were given the opportunity to be more generous. The apartments became bigger and squarer than any other apartments which had been designed in the CBD before that."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=368869]

That thinking carries through to the Eliza Collection, where the residences have been designed around the space and functionality associated with a larger home, but positioned high above the centre of Melbourne.

Kitchens are equipped with Gaggenau appliances, a butler's pantry, temperature-controlled wine cabinet and sculptural pendant lighting, while engineered timber flooring, stone and porcelain finishes and custom cabinetry feature throughout the broader interiors.

Privacy and security are another point of distinction. Eliza Collection residents have dedicated lift access, while 640 Bourke Street will provide concierge services and secure resident parking. Short-stay accommodation, including Airbnb, will not be permitted within the development.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=365689]

Eliza Collection residents will also have exclusive access to selected amenity spaces across levels one and three of the restored Eliza Tinsley building. These include the Salon with grand piano, an art therapy room, private dining rooms and treatment rooms.

They sit within more than 3,000 sqm of amenity planned across 640 Bourke Street, alongside facilities including a pool, gym, whisky lounge and further social and wellness spaces.

The Eliza Tinsley building itself is central to the wider project's identity. Rather than treating the existing Eliza Tinsley façade as a separate element, Rothelowman used it as a starting point for the architecture of the new tower, with the historic building to accommodate the project's gallery and lobby.

"It's a significant asset and wants to be celebrated and experienced by all residents every single time they go in and out of the building," Rothelowman Principal Stuart Marsland said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=368872]

The tower will rise behind the retained heritage building at 640 Bourke Street, placing residents within walking distance of Southern Cross Station, Flagstaff Gardens, Queen Victoria Market and the Docklands waterfront.

With construction scheduled to begin in October, Far East Consortium has established an onsite display gallery at 640 Bourke Street, including fully built apartments that allow the project's layouts, materials and finishes to be inspected at full scale.

A fully built Eliza Collection apartment is also available to view at the display suite by appointment ahead of the planned October construction commencement.

Eligible purchasers who buy before construction commences can secure the full available off-the-plan stamp duty savings, subject to eligibility and applicable conditions.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=509]

Joel Robinson

Far East Consortium brings Eliza Collection to 640 Bourke Street ahead of October construction start

By the time S&amp;S Projects began planning <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/radia-rainbow-bay-271-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Radia</a>, the developer already had three Rainbow Bay projects from which to draw.

Flow, Awaken and Esprit had given <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ss-projects">S&amp;S Projects</a> experience developing in the southern Gold Coast enclave, as well as buyer feedback that could be carried into its fourth project, a boutique collection of 38 residences at 271 Boundary Street.

“We have experienced a lot of success in this location and as this was our fourth building we had taken all of the learnings and buyer feedback from previous projects to arrive at a design and apartment mix that we believe had captured all of that experience and remained a true S&amp;S Project in its design and amenity,” the developer said.

That experience has translated into a collection of two, three, four and five-bedroom residences including two penthouses positioned on an elevated corner in Rainbow Bay, where the site opens to multiple coastal view corridors and the area's distinctive north-facing bay.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140491 project_image_fid=284542]

S&amp;S Projects says the Boundary Street site took years to assemble, having previously comprised six units, a house and a duplex. The developer worked individually with the existing owners to bring the properties together after an earlier attempt to sell the site had been complicated by the number of parties involved.

“We are constantly looking for properties that meet our brand standards of location, views, and sites that are rare with unique aspects that we can develop to maximise the lifestyle of residents who live in our buildings,” S&amp;S Projects said.

The Boundary Street site gave <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker</a> a different set of conditions to work with.&nbsp;

“Our design brief was to design a building that took advantage of its unique elevated corner siting offering a range of spectacular view corridor opportunities,” Cottee Parker said.

“The design had to reinforce the strong brand pillars of S&amp;S which are quality, luxury and superior resident amenity.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140491 project_image_fid=284543]

Cottee Parker responded with a sculptural floorplate and strong horizontal banding, with continuous balconies and landscaped planters wrapping the building. Operable screens along the balcony edges allow residents to manage light and shade while creating an additional layer of pattern across the facade.

The tower rises above a heavily landscaped podium incorporating the entry lobby and recreational level, while the broader architectural expression takes cues from Rainbow Bay's coastal environment through its organic forms and light material palette.

Cottee Parker says the design has also been developed to complement S&amp;S Projects’ three previous Rainbow Bay developments while retaining its own architectural identity.

Inside, the residences continue that coastal response through two interior schemes centred on warm timbers and neutral tones, alongside patterned natural stone and fluted detailing.

Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors connect open-plan living areas to wraparound balconies, while natural stone is used across benchtops, splashbacks and bathroom walls. Specifications also include light-washed timber flooring, gas fireplaces, integrated bar and wine fridges, freestanding stone baths and 100 per cent wool carpet.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140491 project_image_fid=284559]

Cottee Parker Director Sandra Brown said the intention was to create an architectural response closely connected to its surroundings.

“Imagine architecture that breathes with the rhythm of nature, where every curve and line flows seamlessly – creating spaces that dance with the elements, where sunlight kisses every surface and the gentle sea breeze fills every space,” Brown said.

The lessons S&amp;S Projects carried into Radia also extend to its resident amenity, with a substantial collection of shared facilities planned for just 38 residences.

A dedicated Residents Club will include a lap pool and spa, gymnasium, ice bath, sauna, steam room and hot rocks sauna. A residents' lounge, private dining room, outdoor dining and barbecue area and business centre are also planned, along with storage and dedicated surfboard and beach lockers.

S&amp;S Projects Founding Director Paul Gedoun said the facilities were also designed around the project's Rainbow Bay setting.

“Each amenity is designed to capitalise on the lifestyle of Rainbow Bay, ensuring residents can enjoy the relaxed coastal experience the enclave is famous for,” Gedoun said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140491 project_image_fid=284555]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/pezet-matheson">Pezet Matheson</a> says purchasers to date have predominantly included local downsizers, interstate lifestyle investors and families, alongside a strong contingent of repeat S&amp;S purchasers.&nbsp;

According to the project sales team, feedback has centred on the natural stone and joinery, generous floorplans, natural light and the ability for residences to capture views in multiple directions. The completed Flow, Awaken and Esprit developments have also provided prospective purchasers with an existing reference point for S&amp;S Projects' delivery in Rainbow Bay.

There has also been interest from high-profile surfers and people connected to the surf community, with the elevated building providing outlooks towards several of the area's recognised surf breaks.

Radia continues S&amp;S Projects' concentration of development in a tightly held part of the southern Gold Coast, close to Rainbow Bay Beach, Snapper Rocks, Duranbah Beach, Greenmount Beach and the Tweed River. The neighbourhood also includes a growing collection of hospitality venues, while Coolangatta Airport provides connections beyond the southern Gold Coast.

Hutchinson Builders is now delivering Radia, continuing the project from early works privately funded by S&amp;S Projects. The $250 million development is expected to reach completion in the third quarter of 2027.

“With our history in Rainbow Bay, we have been fortunate to be heavily involved in how the development landscape has unfolded and this project slides into the property landscape comfortably and will feel like it was always there,” the developer said.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=140491]

How three Rainbow Bay projects shaped S&S Projects' fourth, Radia

Nearly 40 years after <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sheida-group">The Sheida Group</a> began working on the northern Gold Coast, the family-owned developer is continuing its involvement in Hope Island with Marina Point Apartments, where apartment scale has been a central part of the development.

Across the 235-apartment waterfront community, the developer has prioritised larger floorplans, substantial open space and marina access, responding to a purchaser base that has predominantly comprised local owner-occupiers and downsizers moving from larger homes.

"Having already delivered Anchorage nearby, we also understood this particular market and how people live here," developer Rick Sheida said.

"<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marina-point-apartments-hope-island-66-view-line-terrace-hope-island-qld-4212">Marina Point&nbsp;Apartments</a> gave us the opportunity to build on those lessons and create the next evolution of our work in Hope Island."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136992 project_image_fid=293151]

The Sheida Group acquired the Marina Point land around 2018. Its appeal, Sheida says, went beyond having a waterfront address.

"What attracted us was not simply that the site was waterfront, but the way it meets the water," he said.

"It sits at the junction of broad waterways, creating long sightlines, changing views and a sense of movement throughout the day. Its shape also allowed us to orient the buildings outward, improve privacy between residences and make better use of natural light and breezes."

The buildings have subsequently been positioned around the perimeter of the site, allowing most apartments to take in water views while others look across the resort amenity or hinterland. Once all four buildings are complete, approximately one hectare of the site is expected to remain as open space.

The waterfront also provides the potential for up to 50 marina berths, with berths ranging from 15 to 24 metres and options designed to accommodate wider vessels including catamarans. Access from the marina to the Gold Coast Seaway is bridge-free.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136992 project_image_fid=293149]

The developer says purchasers to date have predominantly been owner-occupiers and downsizers from <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marina-point-apartments-hope-island-66-view-line-terrace-hope-island-qld-4212">Hope Island</a> and elsewhere on the Gold Coast, generally aged between 45 and 70. Many have sold larger family homes or properties requiring significant upkeep.

That purchaser profile informed a design brief centred on retaining the space and functionality of a larger home within an apartment format.

"Many of our buyers are coming from large, well-appointed homes in Sanctuary Cove and the surrounding area," the project team said.

"They are accustomed to generous spaces and thoughtful design, so it was important that the apartments delivered the same sense of comfort and functionality.

"Every room needed to feel well proportioned, every space needed a clear purpose and nothing could feel compromised."

Residences range from 139 sqm through to 319 sqm penthouses, with two car spaces provided to apartments and three to penthouses. Minimum 2.7-metre ceilings, floor-to-ceiling glazing, entertainer's kitchens with butler's pantries, substantial storage and balconies ranging from 18 sqm to 37 sqm further reflect the emphasis on space.

One purchaser from Sanctuary Cove has taken the concept further, combining two of Marina Point's largest apartments to create a 552 sqm residence with raked ceilings reaching up to 4.5 metres.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136992 project_image_fid=293155]

With Building 1 now complete, the developer is also seeing its original design assumptions tested against purchaser feedback.

Three completed display residences allow prospective purchasers to compare apartment sizes, layouts, finishes and outlooks in person. The sales team says one of the most consistent responses has been to the scale of the apartments, with visitors describing them as feeling more like homes than conventional apartments.

The first stage of resident amenity is also operational, including a 25-metre heated lap pool, Technogym-equipped gym, infrared sauna, golf simulator and yoga room. Future facilities are set to include a resort-style pool and spa, waterfront barbecue area and a residents' lounge with a library, fireplace, pool table, kitchen and bar.

Rather than treating the four buildings independently, the design brief called for a complete waterfront neighbourhood, balancing private residences with landscaping, open space, marina access and shared amenity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136992 project_image_fid=293152]

For Sheida, Marina Point Apartments is ultimately an extension of the developer's longer-term involvement in Hope Island and its view of how the suburb is evolving.

"We were equally interested in the long-term future of Hope Island," he said.

"Its position between Brisbane and the central Gold Coast gives residents access to both, while improving transport connections are making the northern Gold Coast increasingly attractive as a permanent place to live."

Hope Island Marketplace is 1.3 kilometres from Marina Point, while Sanctuary Cove and Paradise Point are within six kilometres. Links Hope Island, The Pines and The Palms golf courses are also nearby, and the new Hope Island train station is under construction around five kilometres from the development.

Building 2 is under construction, with completion scheduled for 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=136992]

Marina Point Apartments continues The Sheida Group's 40-year Hope Island story

Sydney-based fund manager and developer EG is seeking to turn part of the former Roche pharmaceutical campus in Cromer into a 130-home residential community, introducing a mix of low-rise apartments, townhouses and duplexes to the tightly held Northern Beaches market.

The SJB-designed masterplan has been prepared for the 3.2-hectare site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/100-south-creek-road-cromer-nsw-2099">100 South Creek Road</a>, part of the former Roche landholding that EG acquired for $55 million in 2017 through its Yield Plus Infrastructure Fund No. 2.

EG is proposing what SJB describes as a new "urban village" set within the site's significant existing tree canopy.

<img alt="Cromer" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="482c9a58-49f1-4c53-a12e-aaa02336229f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-24%20at%2011.20.57%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=hZP8_XfPnfNq500dbcjlpVwYU1ebhF9_" />

Around three hectares of the site is considered developable, with the balance incorporating a riparian corridor that would be rehabilitated and revegetated as part of the proposal.

The indicative masterplan comprises approximately 72 apartments in low-rise residential buildings and another 58 townhouses and duplexes.

The apartment component would include around five one-bedroom, 37 two-bedroom and 30 three-bedroom residences, while the townhouse and duplex component would be spread across several different housing typologies. The overall scheme would deliver around 19,500 sqm of gross floor area at an FSR of 0.6:1.

Parking for the apartment component is currently estimated at around 112 resident spaces and 14 visitor spaces, while the townhouse and duplex component would have 116 resident and 12 visitor spaces.

A significant part of the masterplan revolves around retaining the established landscape character of the former Roche campus.

SJB's plans show heavily treed setbacks along both Campbell Avenue and South Creek Road, a centrally located collection of significant native and exotic trees retained as communal open space, and the regeneration of the northern bushland area.

The existing creek corridor along the site's western edge would also be rehabilitated and revegetated, creating additional separation between the new homes and the neighbouring Northern Beaches Business Park.

A heritage-listed cottage and its garden setting would be retained and restored, with SJB flagging its potential adaptive reuse as communal space.

The proposal also includes new communal recreation areas, pedestrian connections to Campbell Avenue and South Creek Road, and a contribution toward improvements to the adjoining Michele Reserve.

Vehicular access would be restricted to South Creek Road, with no vehicle entry proposed from Campbell Avenue. The main internal road would largely follow the site's existing driveway to minimise the impact on established trees.

SJB said residential redevelopment presented an opportunity to retain the majority of the site's heritage-listed mature trees while delivering a broader range of housing types than typically seen across the Northern Beaches.

"The site being 3.27 hectares in area represents one of the largest vacant sites in common ownership in the Cromer and Dee Why area capable of residential renewal," SJB noted in the masterplan.

The architect said the proposal would particularly target housing diversity through townhouses and other "missing middle" typologies suitable for singles, young families, downsizers and retirees.

<img alt="Cromer" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e3f5d841-8491-427e-8ada-c70d3d03d6bc" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-24%20at%2011.21.02%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=xTV7r.q8lrTzC9vKzMS9zMbjm9wKwhgm" />

The site emerged following the subdivision of the former Roche campus into eastern and western parcels.

EG has already transformed the western portion into the Northern Beaches Business Park, which incorporates heritage-listed office space, modern warehouses and indoor recreation facilities.

The proposed residential community, referred to as Cromer East in SJB's plans, adjoins established housing to the north, east and south-east, while the business park sits beyond the creek corridor to the west.

It is also within 250 metres of Pittwater House School and Northern Beaches Secondary College, while bus stops within a three-to-five-minute walk provide connections to Dee Why, Brookvale and express services to the Sydney CBD. Cromer Park and the South Creek open space corridor are also nearby.

EG acquired the broader 7.5-hectare former Roche campus in 2017 for $55 million through its Yield Plus Infrastructure Fund No. 2. The campus at the time comprised more than 25,000 sqm of industrial and office buildings set within landscaped grounds.

The current residential site represents the eastern portion of that original holding.

EG's investment strategy for the fund has centred on acquiring income-producing real estate with longer-term rezoning and repositioning potential, particularly assets benefiting from infrastructure and changing land-use patterns.

EG also has an established residential track record across Sydney, including Bosco in Five Dock, Tempo in Drummoyne, The Flour Mill in Summer Hill and Pindari in Randwick.

The developer says it has delivered more than 1,000 homes to date, with a further 3,000-plus residences across its development pipeline.

First look: EG plans 130 apartments on former Roche pharmaceutical campus in Cromer

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> has lodged plans for a $750 million, three-tower mixed-use precinct that would complete the long-running redevelopment of Carlton's former Carlton United Breweries site.

The proposal at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/185-195-queensberry-street-carlton-vic-3053">46-78 Bouverie Street and 185-195 Queensberry Street</a> spans a 6,468 sqm site, the last remaining undeveloped parcels within the former brewery's 2007 masterplan.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the development will comprise two purpose-built student accommodation towers and a third build-to-sell apartment tower above a shared commercial podium and basement.

Across the three towers, SP Setia is proposing 606 build-to-sell apartments and 1,499 student accommodation units containing 2,009 beds.

The apartments will sit in the tallest tower, which will rise nearly 200m and 55 storeys. It will become&nbsp;one of the more substantial new build-to-sell apartment projects at the northern edge of Melbourne's CBD.

The apartment mix is weighted toward smaller inner-city product, with 188 studios, 206 one-bedroom apartments, 192 two-bedroom apartments and 20 three-bedroom apartments

<img alt="First look: SP Setia plans three-tower finale for Carlton’s former CUB precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8271bc87-1b0a-41b7-ac73-a425ee375261" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/3_2.png?VersionId=G4lw23o90B1boX4k4dj7rdz2ZEajS9wy" />

Part of the precinct will be a large-scale&nbsp;3,684 sqm supermarket and a further 2,198 sqm of speciality retail, creating close to 5,900 sqm of new commercial space within the precinct.

But one of the biggest components of the proposal is what sits between the buildings.

Around 4,650 sqm, or roughly 72 per cent of the site, will be publicly accessible open space, incorporating plazas, pedestrian connections, landscaped laneways and retail spill-out areas.

The ground plane is intended to finally complete pedestrian connections envisaged when the CUB masterplan was first approved nearly two decades ago, stitching together Victoria Street, Queensberry Street, Bouverie Street and Swanston Street through the former brewery precinct.

Urbis said the development would "complete the CUB precinct", with the public realm providing important north-south and east-west connections through what is currently the final undeveloped portion of the masterplanned site.

SP Setia is also exploring a new linear park within the Bouverie Street road reserve, with the concept to be developed further with the City of Melbourne through the planning process.

The proposal is being pursued through the Victorian Government's Development Facilitation Program under Clause 53.23 for significant residential development with affordable housing.

The planning report acknowledges the proposed heights exceed those contemplated under the original Comprehensive Development Plan and masterplan, but argues the built-form context has changed considerably over the past two decades.

Urbis said the three towers would instead create a stepped transition between Carlton and the Hoddle Grid, rising progressively from the 94.1-metre Tower One along the Queensberry Street edge to the 199.44-metre Tower Three closer to the established CBD-scale buildings to the south.

<img alt="SP Setia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e885a07a-592c-40fc-bf82-e6dbaf32da54" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.52.24%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=7s_ErUkSKAdY1mAWp3GRZgMNCGtwhk5m" />

SP Setia plans to deliver the development across three stages.

Stage One would deliver the basement, podium and retail areas for the entire precinct alongside the first student tower. Tower Two would follow in Stage Two, before the 606-apartment Tower Three is delivered as the final stage.

If approved and delivered, the project would close out a redevelopment process that has been underway since the former brewery masterplan was approved in 2007, adding more than 2,600 student beds and apartments to a precinct already home to Swanston Central, the Barak Building, RMIT Design Hub and several large student accommodation developments.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

SP Setia plans three-tower finale for Carlton’s former CUB precinct

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

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The latest Bloomberg survey has 25 of 28 economist seeing no change at the July RBA meeting on Tuesday.
But 15 of the economists expect the August RBA meeting will cut the cash rate from 2.75% to 2.5%.
Many do not then see any further decline or increase for the next few quarters.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

July RBA meeting rate cut not expected, but August looks likely

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Interest rates on 90 two-year fixed-rate home loan offerings in the RateCity.com.au database fell in June.
The cheapest two-year fixed rate home loan on the mortgage comparison website is HSBC’s 4.59% rate while the lowest ongoing variable rate in RateCity's database is 4.74% by non-bank lender State Custodians.
Lenders to have cut their two-year fixed-rates recently include CUA, which cuts its offering to 4.89% (also the rate for its three-year fixed rate home loan) with the pace of fixed-rate cuts not slowing down in June, according to RateCity.com.au.
The gap between fixed and variable rates may encourage some conservatively minded borrowers to consider taking out a two year fixed-rate below 5% if they form a view that rates will be higher between now and 2015.
“With fixed rates this low, it's a good time to consider fixing if you're concerned about rising interest rates. But don't be surprised if interest rates fall further before they start climbing again,” says RateCity.com.au chief executive Alex Parsons.
He believes there could be more RBA rate cuts to stimulate the housing market.
“It wouldn't be surprising to see a rate cut next week as the past rate cuts seem to have made little impact on stimulating the home loan market. Since November 2011, the Reserve Bank has cut the cash rate seven times by a total of 2.00 percentage points. While it's now at a record low of 2.75%, there's been very small growth in the home loan market.
Most economists though expect the cash rate to remain on hold in July when the RBA meets next week Tuesday, according to a poll by Bloomberg.
A rate cut in August is tipped by half of economists.
Two-year fixed rates are not a very popular product accounting for around 10% of the fixed-rate market, according to figures by another <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/monday-feb-25-feature-the-fix-is-on-for-bank-mortgage-rates-should-you-take-the-deal/2013022159504">comparison website, finder.com.au.</a>
Fixed rates currently accounts for between 20% and 30% of all home loans (fixed vs variable) so that gives two-year fixed-rates a market share of between 2% and 3% of the whole market.
Two-thirds of borrowers prefer three-year fixed rates, while one in five prefer a five-year fixed-rate term.
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lschlesinger-FZcF9M3vE6

Two-year fixed-rate loans continue to fall below variable offerings: RateCity

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Depreciating assets that cost $300 or less are generally immediately deductible, says Eddie Chung, partner and propertytax specialist with accountants BDO in Brisbane.
Examples of low-cost depreciating assets are small items of furniture and electrical goods.
In order to get an immediate deduction, a depreciating asset should not be one of a set or identical to other assets that you began to hold in the same financial year and together cost more than $300.
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mlaurence-vhAHaLZT8y

Claim immediate deductions for low-cost depreciating assets

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Property investors who fail to claim all of their deductions for the decline in value of depreciating assets are “needlessly paying too much tax”, warns Paul Banister, tax partner with accountants Grant Thornton in Brisbane.
Banister says it is far easier for investors to overlook depreciation deductions when investing in existing buildings rather than new buildings where the costs are more readily apparent.
Many residential property investors fail to claim deductions for building depreciation, adds Spyros Kotsopoulos, a Sydney tax partner with accountants Deloitte.
And Ken Raiss, a director of national accountants Chan &amp; Naylor, suggests that property investors ask a quantity surveyor to prepare an accurate depreciation schedule.
Raiss advises investors who are undertaking renovations to have a “scrapping schedule” to identify and put a value on what is thrown away.
“This is then written off in the year of the renovation, plus you can also depreciate the new work thereafter,” he adds.
Raiss suspects that not many property investors prepare a scrapping schedule when renovating and therefore throw away valuable immediate deductions.
See our free ebook on the <a target="_blank" href="http://propertyobserver.com.au/ebooks/free-ebook-top-24-tax-strategies">top 24 tax strategies</a> for property investors.
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Don't throw away depreciation tax breaks for buildings, fixtures and fittings

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It is crucial to make a distinction. Repairs and maintenance are immediately deductible whereas improvements are regarded as capital expenditure and are not immediately deductible.
As the tax office explains, “repairs generally involve a replacement or renewal of a worn out or broken part” – such as replacing broken or worn guttering, fences and windows, and maintaining plumbing.
And improvements include landscaping, insulating, and adding a room.
Eddie Chung, partner and property tax specialist with accountants BDO in Brisbane, says the replacement of an entire structure or unit of property is considered an improvement, not an immediately-deductible repair.
Examples include the complete demolition and reconstruction of a slipway or replacement of a complete fence.
See our free ebook on the <a target="_blank" href="http://propertyobserver.com.au/ebooks/free-ebook-top-24-tax-strategies">top 24 tax strategies</a> for property investors.
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Don't confuse repairs and improvements

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With mortgage repayments taking up substantial part of household income, being mortgage-free is an ambition for many homeowners.
There are simple strategies that borrowers can implement to help them pay of their home loan faster from bringing your own sandwiches into work to seeking out discounted mortgage offerings to paying fortnightly instead of monthly.
Here a 10 tips from mortgage brokers <a target="_blank" href="https://www.mortgagechoice.com.au/">Mortgage Choice </a>and lender <a target="_blank" href="https://www.rams.com.au/">RAMS</a>:
1. Shop around, from beginning to end of the loan term - Why would someone research only one lending institution before applying for a mortgage – one of the biggest financial decisions they will ever make? The same goes for throughout the loan term. Why would you stay with one lender for 25 years when Australia has a competitive mortgage market that changes frequently? Existing mortgage holders should do a home loan health check with their mortgage broker at least once every two years, especially if their income or other circumstances has changed. 
2. Don’t adjust repayments after an interest rate drop - If interest rates drop, borrowers should continue making the same regular repayment. They will potentially help the borrower save on total interest paid over the loan term. Maintaining regular repayments in the instance of a rate cut means the borrower doesn’t have to sacrifice a dollar to make significant gains on their mortgage.
3. Ignore the honeymoon rate - Many people make the mistake of not looking past their honeymoon period, when the mortgage interest rate is lower than it will be for the rest of the loan term. If the post-honeymoon period has not been budgeted and prepared for then obviously the borrower will be in for quite a shock. A clever move is to make mortgage repayments as if the honeymoon period doesn’t exist, so they are well prepared for its completion and already ahead on payments. They will also be unaffected by a rate rise if it occurs. 
4. Make fortnightly instead of monthly loan repayments - Over just twelve months, this equates to one extra month of additional repayments. This could cut four and a half years off a 25 year term loan and save about $69,000 interest on the average $300,000 home loan.
5. Save loose change and take your lunch with you sometimes - Saving money in small ways and making extra lump sum repayments can help to pay off your loan faster. An extra $25 a week to repayments will reduce the average $300,000 home loan over 25 years by six years and five months, saving over $97,000 in interest.
6. Consider an offset account - If all your salary is deposited into an offset account, any funds you leave in the account work harder for you because your savings are offset against your home loan to reduce the interest you pay.
7. Look out for promotional offers – If you’re applying for a new home loan, considering refinancing or at the end of fixed-term home loan, a home loan has no application fees, could save hundreds of dollars off the application process for your new home loan.
8. Pay extra each repayment period - The more additional dollars that are contributed more often, the better off the borrower will be. 
9. Make lump sum payments - Contributions of bonuses, tax returns and other financial windfalls can make a big difference to the interest owed over the life of the loan and the length of the loan term. 
10. Consider loan features carefully - Before deciding on a loan, the borrower needs to consider what loan features they really need, and how much each of those either contribute to the loan from the start (i.e. higher interest rate for more features) or how much they are going to cost down the track (e.g. $25 per redraw, a minimum $250 withdrawal, etc). With an ‘all-frills’ loan, the borrower most likely is paying a higher interest rate. If they don’t use all the facilities offered on the loan, it makes sense to refinance and switch to a more basic product offering a lower interest rate – their repayments will be lower, and they can afford to pay off the property more quickly if that is part of their strategy. Of course, switching costs need to be taken into account. Those who are looking at taking out a mortgage may also investigate their eligibility for a professional package, where they can receive benefits such as a reduced interest rate, no application or other fees, Gold credit cards and home insurance discounts.
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10 tips to paying off your home loan quicker

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Forgetfulness is one of the biggest contributing factors to damaging your borrowing power.
Forgetting to pay a phone bill on time or letting a credit card bill slip by a couple of days can be detrimental to your credit rating when applying for a home loan.
Your credit rating is a prized possession and most Australians probably don’t realise how it’s calculated.
All credit providers including lenders, banks and non-banks subscribe to consumer credit reporting agencies so that they can conduct credit history checks on potential borrowers.
Many people don’t realise just how big the impact of a forgotten bill can be.
It can be difficult to accept that something as small as an unpaid phone bill listed years ago can prevent you from securing a home loan – but the reality is this can severely impact your ability to buy your dream home.
Defaults are looked at as poor conduct. Any defaults over $500 can significantly damage your ability to get home loan approval.
The largest consumer credit reporting agency in Australia – Veda Advantage – uses a credit scoring system to provide credit providers with a measure of assessing risk.
The lowest possible credit score is -200, and the highest is 1200. If you have a repayment of more than $100 overdue for 60 days or more, this can be listed on your file for five years.
One of the very first things that your lender will look at when assessing your home loan application is your credit score.
A payment default can easily contribute to a drop of more than one hundred points in your rating. This drop could make the difference between getting your home loan approved and having your application rejected.
But it’s not all bad news.
Having a low Veda score on its own doesn’t always mean your loan application will be declined.
People with low ratings can sometimes redeem their chances with good equity, long-term employment or a strong net asset position.
Understanding how your credit file is calculated could help to prevent you from damaging your own borrowing power.
My simple advice is – pay your bills on time, every time, to ensure your credit rating is protected at all costs.
Heidi Armstrong is chief executive of <a href="https://www.statecustodians.com.au/" target="_blank">State Custodians Mortgage Company</a>.
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harmstrong-vHdiEro4Bz

Damaging your home borrowing power is easier than you think: Heidi Armstrong

<html><body>
Receivers are seeking expressions of interest for more than $100 million worth of mortgages attached to collapsed Queensland-based lender, Waratah Cooperative Housing Society.
Based in Toowong, Brisbane, the society was placed in receivership in December last year after it defaulted on its loan with the Commonwealth Bank.
The cooperative received commercial financing from the Commonwealth Bank and then lent it on as residential home loans to Queensland-based borrowers.
Receivers Michael McCann and Graham Killer of Grant Thornton are seeking expressions of interest for three loan portfolios comprising 500 residential home loans worth $80 million.
Receivers Damian Templeton and Philip Hennessy from KPMG are seeking expressions of interest for one loan portfolios comprising 140 residential home loans worth $22 million.
Expressions of interest close on July 25.
Last year Queensland-based Poinciana and Jacaranda Co-operative Housing Societies were placed in receivership after defaulting on a commercial loan used for residential lending. The two lenders had loan books of $120 million providing mortgages for homes in regional Queensland.</body></html>

Receivers seek buyers for four Waratah Cooperative Housing Society mortgage portfolios worth $102 million

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A deduction checklist should help ensure you don’t forget any immediately-deductible expenses.
Your checklist should include:
• Interest on your investment loan. (If your property is negatively geared, the shortfall between the rental income and the deductible expenses – including loan interest – is deductible against your other income)
• Land tax
• Council rates and water charges
• Body corporate fees and charges for day-to-day administration as well as contributions to a general-purpose sinking fund
• Insurance (building, contents, public liability)
• Repairs and maintenance (see strategy two)
• Real estate agents’ fees and commissions for managing your property, inspecting the property and collecting rent. (Agents’ commissions to buy or sell your property are nondeductible but form part of the CGT cost base)
• Gardening, lawn mowing, cleaning
• Pest control
• Leases (preparation, registration and stamp duty on leases)
• Mortgage discharge fees
• Advertising for tenants
• Tax-related expenses (including fees charged by quantity surveyors to support claims for depreciation)
• Bank charges
• Electricity and gas (when not paid by tenants)
• Limited legal expenses such as involving eviction of a tenant (However, most legal expenses – including for the purchase and sale of a property – are regarded as non-deductible capital expenditure. Keep records as these costs should reduce the eventual
capital gains tax payable on the sale of your property)
• Service of equipment such as water heaters
• Travel (to inspect your property, collect rent and carry out maintenance)
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Tick-off checklist for immediate deductions

<html><body>
Lenders have taken large slices out of the interest rates of their fixed-rate home loan offerings recently as demand for the product rises.
<a href="/news">The latest to do so was CUA</a>, which will cut its one, two and three-year fixed-rates to 4.89% from Wednesday (June 26).
Borrowers can now secure one year-fixed rates closer to 4.5% than 5% with many also offering three-year fixed rates under 5% and even five-year fixed-rates just above 5%.
A number of lenders offer discounted variable rates below 5% - with conditions.
With the RBA likely to hold fire on rates when it meets next week, these are the lowest advertised variable and fixed mortgage rates based on listings on mortgage comparison websites: <a href="https://www.ratecity.com.au/" target="_blank">ratecity.com.au</a>, <a href="https://mozo.com.au/" target="_blank">Mozo.com.au</a>,  <a href="https://www.infochoice.com.au/" target="_blank">infochoice.com.au</a> and <a href="https://www.finder.com.au/home-loans" target="_blank">finder.com.au</a> as of June 24:
Lowest variable rate offerings:
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="470"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="127">
Provider
</td>
<td valign="top" width="129">
Loan name
</td>
<td valign="top" width="98">
Rate
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
Comparison rate*
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="127">
State Custodians
</td>
<td valign="top" width="129">
State Custodians Peak Performance Offset Home Loan
</td>
<td valign="top" width="98">
4.74%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
5.11%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="127">
Loans.com.au
</td>
<td valign="top" width="129">
Blackboard special – purchases only
</td>
<td valign="top" width="98">
4.75%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
4.77%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="127">
UBank
</td>
<td valign="top" width="129">
UHomeloan – refinance only
</td>
<td valign="top" width="98">
4.87%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
4.87%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Lowest one-year fixed-rate offerings
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="470"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="137">
Provider
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
Loan name
</td>
<td valign="top" width="95">
Rate
</td>
<td valign="top" width="114">
Comparison rate*
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="137">
Greater Building Society
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
Ultimate Home Loan Package
</td>
<td valign="top" width="95">
4.54%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="114">
5.49%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="137">
Newcastle Permanent
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
Fixed Rate Home Loan
</td>
<td valign="top" width="95">
4.59%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="114">
5.71%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="137">
UBank
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
UHomeLoan for refinancing
</td>
<td valign="top" width="95">
4.68%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="114">
5.10%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Lowest three-year fixed-rate offerings
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="470"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="133">
Provider
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
Loan name
</td>
<td valign="top" width="97">
Rate
</td>
<td valign="top" width="108">
Comparison rate*
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="133">
UBank
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
3 Year Fixed Rate - Refinance Only
</td>
<td valign="top" width="97">
4.73%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="108">
4.97%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="133">
Resi Home Loans
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
Flexi Fix - 3 Years Fixed Rate
</td>
<td valign="top" width="97">
4.78%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="108">
5.54%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="133">
iMortgage.com.au
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
Fusion ProPack
 
</td>
<td valign="top" width="97">
4.79%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="108">
5.33%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
*A comparison rate includes both the interest rate and the fees and charges relating to a loan, combined into a single percentage figure.
</body></html>

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