<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 negatively-geared seminar is usually the first type of seminar I see people attend when they become interested in wealth or property investment. Sometimes, people just attend out of curiosity.
From the outset I need to explain, I am a big fan of negative gearing. However the point I need to make is not about negative gearing itself but the product that the promoters are actually trying to sell.
Usually the presentation or pitch opens with something like:
• Are you sick of ‘working for the man’?
• Then the presenter will show some figure that makes it look like that almost 90%+ of people retire on less than approximately $30,000.
• They will then demonstrate that with the tax you currently pay to the government, you could be funding your future! They often use analogies such as “Did you know you currently work Monday, Tuesday and part of Wednesday of each week before you start making money for yourself?”
It’s no more than an attempt to get your interest by bringing your attention to the tax you pay as a problem that needs to be addressed.
• Then they begin to show you the ins and outs of tax offset allowances that the government permits under negative gearing rules. These are the ‘upside’ of the making losses on a property on a month to month basis (mortgages, levies, outgoings, etc).
Once you’ve understood negative gearing
It’s not the notion of negative gearing itself that I have a problem with. But pay attention to the fact that the real reason these people are here, talking to investors in their seminar room, is that they are trying to sell you something.
And guess what, wow, aren’t you lucky, can you believe it? In the nick of time right after they just finished their amazing seminar telling you how much tax they could save you, they also just happened to have the perfect investment property for you as well! Aren’t you lucky? Hardly.
I have been to some fancy shindigs on the back of a negatively-geared property presentation. Some served sandwiches, some served caviar, but the reality is that all of them are serving up the same unbelievably overpriced property. All of them. No exceptions. If anyone can contact me and identify a property at one of these seminars that is great buying and I can’t find 10 better in just one day’s work, I’ll buy the damn property. How’s that for a guarantee?
Research my a$&amp;e!
These people will carry on about how well researched the property investment they have found for you is. They might even pretend to have full-time investment analysts! The reality is, the only analysing these analysts are doing is scoping out which developments they can get access to where they can get generous kickbacks from the developers. Of course, that’s on top of whatever else they might have charged you!
Kickbacks [the property mafia, with their hand in your pocket!]
These kickbacks usually fall into the tens of thousands. For a $300,000 to $400,000 property, they are usually overpriced by between $30,000 and $50,000 to begin with, and this is just for starters.
Example: When the west was booming, I had an email sent to me from a developer for a kickback of $150,000 paid to anyone who could refer them a buyer. Of course, my job description does not permit me to take a kickback. The property was selling for $800,000 and on closer inspection it was laced with profit for the developer. It was just a shame there was nothing for the investor!
Like the example above, this margin is usually significant. Often these spruikers are tied up with the developers who have taken the property from its concept stage. They will tell you that they have the ability to ‘bulk buy’ to give value back to you. In almost 100% of cases this is not correct. They deliver the bulk-buying discount to themselves. This is usually only evident when the properties sell for $50–100k less some 5–7 years later. There are some tragic stories about people losing their life savings over these ‘scams’ – and I do emphasise the word scam. Google the name Henry Kaye and see where that takes you.
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
Big business
This form of investment and development sales is now a huge industry, and getting bigger, with the huge infusion of investment dollars from China and the Asia-Pacific. The problem is that some of these consortiums are now so huge (and clandestine, with channels through your accountant, financial planners and advisors) that they are looking for local targets as well, and that means you!
Their presentations are becoming more polished year after year. But it doesn’t change the product they are trying to sell. It’s exactly the same.
Right now, you might be confused because I haven’t told you exactly why they are such bad investments. I have only said that they are overpriced. You might think that a ‘discount’ might all of a sudden make them acceptable. Hold that thought and read on. I haven’t finished.
Tip
Only today while penning this chapter, I have a client of mine I recently purchased for [a unit in Sydney] who is sourcing finance for a property he purchased ‘off the plan’ in 2010 for $301,000, before I had met him. A finance valuation was completed in July 2012 and it came in at $230,000. This represents a 30% premium paid for the property in 2010. For those of you ‘off the planners’ who expect the property to increase over two years, have you considered that it could possibly go down! Let me give you a tip, it didn’t go down to $230,000, it was never worth $301,000 to begin with!
Good idea — but from the wrong source
As mentioned, negative gearing is a great strategy and one almost all my clients use … but buying a property through a person or company who taught you the concept of negative gearing is destined for failure.
Worse still, many people who peddle this product call themselves ‘buyer’s agents’, making you think they are acting for you. They are not. I am a true buyer’s agent and I take exception to these charlatans. I don’t have any affiliations with developers, accountants, financial planners, anyone in fact, when I recommend a property, I simply choose the best one for the client. And isn’t it remarkable that it is never a property sourced from one of these pretenders. They are not property experts and they will never make you wealthy. In fact, you’d be hard pressed just trying to avoid a loss over a 7–10 year period.
In the industry they are also called ‘two tier marketing’ (or multi-tier) companies. After recommending you a property development, these people often recommend the solicitor, the mortgage broker and the accountants – all of them on the take. I don’t want to get into the legality of these scams (although I do think many of them skirt the law on a daily basis), because in the end, it is your money. You are entitled to lose it any way you want to. If you are going to buy one of these rip offs regardless, at least save yourself $30 and don’t buy my book. (Apologies if you’ve paid for it already.)
But I know you’re not reading my book to lose money. You haven’t forgotten Warren Buffett’s first rule yet have you?
Rule No. 1: Don’t lose money. Rule No. 2: Don’t forget Rule No. 1.
Unlike the poor suckers attending the seminars who seem to be ready to give their life savings to the first person to walk into the room in a Hugo Boss suit, I train my client investors to be:
• Interested (yet sceptical)
• Motivated (yet patient)
• Difficult to impress (not easy to impress)
• Keen to learn (but careful to decide) and
• Experienced!
These are the characteristics that you need to start to develop. In fact, scepticism, patience (and discipline), difficult to impress and careful to decide will lead to experience, and this after all is your end goal.
Gavin McPherson is the chief executive of <a href="https://www.oasisproperty.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Oasis Property Group</a>. His book, 'Value Investing in Property - What would Warren Buffet do if he was buying property in Australia?', takes aim at the get rich quick property experts and explains instead the sturdy path to wealth through value investing in property.
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gmcpherson-YBEWnRLxLK

Negative gearing can be useful but beware spruikers: Gavin McPherson

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ME Bank has continued the trend of lenders cutting fixed-rate home loans lowering its one and five year fixed-rates by 10 basis points today.
The reduced rates are available to eligible super funds and unions. 
The super members home loan (SMHL) standard home Lloan fixed one-year rate now drops from 5.19% p.a. (comparison rate 5.61% p.a.) to 5.09% p.a. (comparison rate 5.60% p.a.), and the fixed five-year rate now drops from 5.59% p.a. (comparison rate 5.64% p.a. to 5.49% p.a. (comparison rate 5.59% p.a.).   
 
ME Bank has also reduced the one-year fixed rate and five-year fixed rates on the SMHL ultimate offset account and SMHL interest only investment loans. 
Yesterday Property Observer reported that borrowers will be able to access a <a href="/news">one-year fixed-rate of 4.54%</a> and a three-year fixed-rate of 4.69% through mortgage brokers that operate under NAB’s Advantedge Financial Services platform.
Around a third of borrowers are choosing a fixed-rate product according to May loan approval figures from Mortgage Choice.
Click to enlarge
<a href="/images/stories/2013/06/mebankjune19one.gif" rel="shadowbox" title="Click to enlarge"><img src="/images/stories/2013/06/mebankjune19onethumb.gif"></a>
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lschlesinger-FZcF9M3vE6

ME Bank cuts one and five-year fixed-rate home loans

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Property Observer recently reported that the Australian Tax Office will write to <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/tax/ato-to-write-to-110000-rental-property-owners-over-incorrect-rent-deductions/2013061262175" target="_blank">110,000 property investors</a> over concerns they may have claimed rental property deductions they were not entitled to claim.
The ATO now has sophisticated data-mining tools that pick up inconsistencies in tax returns compared with previous years.
With around two-thirds of property investors negatively gearing their rental properties, knowing what you can and cannot claim is vital.
These are four rental property deductions that are not allowed:
<ol>
<li>Acquisition and disposal costs of the property</li>
<li>Expenses not actually incurred by you, such as water or electricity charges borne by your tenants</li>
<li>Expenses that are not related to the rental of a property, such as expenses connected to your own use of a holiday home that you rent out for part of the year</li>
<li>Borrowing expenses or interest on the portion of the loan you use for private purposes like buying a new car.</li>
</ol>
For tips on what you can claim as rental property deductions against your taxable income <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/tax/seven-rental-property-deductions-property-investors-are-allowed-to-claim-to-reduce-their-tax-bill/2013061762279" target="_blank">click here.</a>
<ul></ul>
This advice is sourced from the ATO. It is of a general nature only and does not constitute financial advice. Investors should seek qualified professional financial and tax advice when completing their tax returns.
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Four rental property deductions property investors are not allowed to claim to reduce their tax bill

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St.George Bank takes on average 15.5 days to pass on RBA cash rate cuts while taking just four days to raise rates, new research by Credit Suisse has found.
NAB and Westpac are the most prompt at passing on rate cuts – taking just eight days.
The figures are based on responsiveness of lenders to changes in the RBA cash rate for interest rate decisions dating from 2008 to 2013.
On average, Credit Suisse found that lenders are more than twice as quick to pass on a rate increase than a rate decrease.
They take three to five days on average to respond to a rate increase with the Commonwealth Bank being the fastest at 3.7 days and NAB’s Homeside being the slowest at 5.3 days.
In contrast, they take nine to 11 days to pass on a rate decrease.
ANZ takes the longest of the big four banks to pass on rate cuts - at just over 10 days, but also the longest on raising its mortgage rates following a cash rate rise. This result is skewed by the bank’s policy since January 2012 of making ‘independent ‘interest rate announcements on the second Friday of every month with a gap of 10 days or more between RBA announcements and ANZ decisions in some months.
 <img alt="credit_suisse_report" height="293" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/credit_suisse_report.jpg">Credit Suisse analysts Jarrod Martin and James Ellis say delaying a rate cut pass-through “incrementally increases net interest income in the relevant operating period”.
By delaying passing on rate cuts the big four banks, which have around 85% of the mortgage market, earn around $12 million a day from borrowers who have variable loans, Canberra-based think tank The Australian Institute calculated last year.
The latest data suggests big banks are taking less time to pass on cash rate increases while still taking as long to cut their mortgage rates when the cash rate falls.
<a href="/news">In October last year</a> the Economic Record, published the Economic Society of Australia reported that the major banks take 6.8 days to lift mortgage rates when the RBA lifts the cash rate and 10.6 days to pass on rate cuts.
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St.George the slowest at passing on RBA rate cuts: Credit Suisse report

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NSW property buyers paid $4.39 billion in stamp duties in 2012-2013, which was down on the anticipated $4.46 billion revenue for the 2012 to 2013 budget.
But stamp duty on residential transfers in 2012-2013 were about 18.4% higher than in 2011-2012.
<img alt="stampdutyjune18one" height="290" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/06/stampdutyjune18one.jpg">
And stamp duty receipts are expected to jump this budget financial year to $4.96 billion,  reflecting positive indicators which could see  20.5% boost in residential transfer duties.
Overall stamp duty paid on transfer of all property is forecast to increase at an average annual rate of 9.1% over the next four years.
"Transfer duty is a volatile douce of revenue, with annual movements exceeding 25% not uncommon," the budget papers noted.
Transfer duty includes duty on residential sales, and small and large commercial transaction, including the sale of ports.
It raises about 20% of total state government tax revenue.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

NSW property buyers paid $4.39 billion in stamp duty over 2012-2013 financial year

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NSW property investors paid $2.39 billion in land tax during the 2012-2013 year.
But this was less, after low valuation growth, than the anticipated $2.55 billion forecast.
"The downward revision to the 2012-13 estimate reflects lower than forecast increases in land values for the 2013 land tax year," the budget papers said.
The current budget anticipates land tax to total $2.52 billion.
The average anticipated growth per annum between 2013 and 2017 is given as 5.7%.
Land tax raises about 11% of the total state government tax revenue.
The NSW lmd tax threshold was $406,000.
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NSW property investors paid $2.39 billion in land tax over 2012-2013 financial year

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Borrowers will be able to access a one-year fixed-rate of 4.54% and a three-year fixed-rate of 4.69% through mortgage brokers that operate under NAB’s Advantedge Financial Services platform.
Since 2009, NAB has owned three of the largest mortgage broking business in Australia – PLAN, FAST and Choice under  the umbrella of Advantedge business.
The new rates, among the lowest in the market, are available exclusively through the Advantedge’s home brand fixed rate product suite under PLAN Lending, FASTLend and ChoiceLend and are effective from today, reports Australian Broker Online.
It continues a trend of lenders cutting fixed rates as demand for the product soars to nearly one in three borrowers, according to Mortgage Choice May data.
Today, <a href="/news">Westpac will cut its two and three-year fixed-rate home loan rates</a> below 5% for package home loan customers.
Last week <a href="/news">HSBC cut its two-year fixed rates for new home loans to 4.59%</a> and its three and five-year fixed rates to 4.79% and 5.09%.
Advantedge has reduced its standard fixed rates on one, three, four and five-year fixed rate terms, with the lowest available rate from 4.54% on a one-year loan (reduced by 0.10 percentage points) and from 4.69% on a three-year loan (reduced by 0.15 percentage points).
The group offers a four-year fixed rate loan at 5.06% and has cut its  five-year fixed-rate term by a further 10 basis points to 5.12%.
“Advantedge is committed to offering fixed rate products available exclusively through the broker channel, which provides brokers with the opportunity to offer their customers some of the most competitive rates in the market,” Brett Halliwell, general manager of Advantedge distribution.
 Advantedge product offerings through brokers:
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="1"><tbody>
<tr>
<td width="154">
Fixed rate term
</td>
<td width="154">
Rate Change (p.a.)
</td>
<td width="154">
Full Doc Standard (p.a.)
</td>
<td width="154">
Discounted Rate (p.a.)
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="154">
1 year
</td>
<td width="154">
-0.10%
</td>
<td width="154">
4.64%
</td>
<td width="154">
4.54%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="154">
2 year
</td>
<td width="154">
No Change
</td>
<td width="154">
5.07%
</td>
<td width="154">
4.69%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="154">
3 year
</td>
<td width="154">
-0.15%
</td>
<td width="154">
4.84%
</td>
<td width="154">
4.69%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="154">
4 year
</td>
<td width="154">
-0.10%
</td>
<td width="154">
5.16%
</td>
<td width="154">
5.06%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="154">
5 year
</td>
<td width="154">
-0.10%
</td>
<td width="154">
5.22%
</td>
<td width="154">
5.12%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
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Mortgage brokers to offer borrowers fixed rates from 4.54% through NAB’s Advantedge offering

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In the last five years since the GFC borrowers would have been better off taking out a HomeSide home loan than a mortgage through one of big four banks, a new lender index has found.
HomeSide is NAB’s home loan product offering sold solely via mortgage brokers.
HomeSide currently has an advertised variable rate of 6.16% and three-year fixed-rate of 4.99%.
It ranks first on the new Australian Lenders' Index compiled by mortgage broker 1300HomeLoan.
The index currently ranks six lenders: Commonwealth Bank, NAB, Westpac, ANZ, Homeside (a division of NAB), and St George Bank (a division of Westpac).
The current rankings as of June 2013 are:
<ol>
<li style="line-height: 16.363636016845703px;">Homeside - NAB subsidiary</li>
<li style="line-height: 16.363636016845703px;">National Australia Bank</li>
<li style="line-height: 16.363636016845703px;">ANZ</li>
<li style="line-height: 16.363636016845703px;">Commonwealth Bank</li>
<li style="line-height: 16.363636016845703px;">St George</li>
<li style="line-height: 16.363636016845703px;">Westpac</li>
</ol>
The index measures the interest rate performance of Australia's major lenders in the residential home loan market, across a range of industry metrics over a five year period dating back to March 2008.
Metrics include the average size of lender interest rate spread to RBA cash rate and the number of movements in line with the RBA cash rate.
It found that HomeSide has been providing consistently the best rates over the past five years with NAB ranking second and Westpac at the bottom of the list.
A Homeside customer could save $31,980 over the life of their loan relative to the worst performing lender in the index – Westpac.
This is based on a borrower taking out a $300,000 home loan with a standard variable professional pack interest with a relatively high 30% deposit.
"NAB's Homeside is currently delivering the best variable home loan products among the major lenders," says 1300HomeLoan managing director John Kolenda. 
"The Australian Lenders' Index has also found that Homeside has been providing consistently the best rates over the past five years," he says.
A full break-down of the index methodology can be found at <a href="https://www.australianlendersindex.com.au" target="_blank">www.australianlendersindex.com.au.</a>
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NAB’s mortgage broker product HomeSide beats big four banks as best post-GFC offering: new index

<html><body>
Property Observer recently reported that the Australian Tax Office will write to <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/tax/ato-to-write-to-110000-rental-property-owners-over-incorrect-rent-deductions/2013061262175" target="_blank">110,000 property investors</a> over concerns they may have claimed rental property deductions they were not entitled to claim.
The ATO now has sophisticated data-mining tools that pick up inconsistencies in tax returns compared with previous years,
With around two-thirds of property investors negatively gearing their rental properties, knowing what you can claim is vital.
These are seven allowable rental property deductions:
1. Claim straightaway for interests on loans
Some expenses may be immediately deductible in the income year in which they are incurred. For example, you may be able to claim an immediate deduction for interest on a loan used to purchase a rental property, purchase land to build a rental property, purchase a depreciating asset for the property - such as an air conditioner; or to finance renovations or home improvements, like a deck.
2. Claim straightaway for depreciating assets 
Deductions can be claimed in the income year in which they are incurred for the decline in value of some types of depreciating assets in residential rental properties - for example, curtains, blinds, dishwashers, refrigerators, stoves, television sets and hot water systems. However, construction costs are not depreciating assets
 3. Claim straightaway for costs to repair and maintain your rental property
You can claim a deduction for the costs that you pay to repair and maintain your rental property. For example, replacing part of the guttering or windows damaged in a storm; replacing part of a fence damaged by a falling tree branch; or repairing an electrical appliance.
4. Claim straightaway for tenancy costs
Tenancy costs such as the preparation of a lease agreement, or costs associated with evicting a tenant are also immediately deductible expenses.
5. Claim deductions over a number of years for assets that are part of the property
You can claim some deductions over a number of years, including the cost of depreciating assets, structural improvements and most borrowing costs. Assets that are part of the property such as stoves, refrigerators, air-conditioning and hot water systems can be claimed over a number of years as a 'decline in value' deduction.
6. Claim deductions over a number of years for assets on construction costs
 You may also be able to claim over a number of years the cost of building, construction and structural improvements made by you or a previous owner as a capital works deduction, for example adding a room or constructing a retaining wall or fence.
7. Claim deductions over a number of years on stamp duty and other fees
Another example of expenses that need to be claimed over a number of years is borrowing costs such as stamp duty charged on a mortgage, loan establishment fees and title search fees charged by the lender. If these amounts are less than $100 in total they can be deducted immediately. Otherwise, they are generally deductible over five years or over the term of the loan, whichever is less.
This advice is sourced from the ATO. It is of a general nature only and does not constitute financial advice. Investors should seek qualified professional financial and tax advice when completing their tax returns.
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Seven rental property deductions property investors are allowed to claim to reduce their tax bill

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Westpac will from Tuesday (June 18) cut its two and three-year fixed-rate home loan rates below 5% for package home loan customers.
The bank will cut both rates by 10 basis points to 4.99% for new borrowings under its premier advantage package offering.
The bank <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/westpac-lead-the-big-banks-below-5-on-nfixed-home-loans/2013020659208">briefly flirted with a 4.99% interest </a>rate for its two-year fixed rate home loan from February 7 to March 19.  
<table cellpadding="0" border="0"><tbody><tr>
<td>
 
<table cellpadding="0" border="1"><tbody>
<tr>
<td>
Term
</td>
<td>
Previous Rate (Stand Alone) %
</td>
<td>
New Rate (Stand Alone) %
</td>
<td>
New Rate (Premier Advantage Package) %
</td>
<td>
Change %
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
1 year
</td>
<td>
5.44
</td>
<td>
5.44
</td>
<td>
5.24
</td>
<td>
-
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
2 year
</td>
<td>
5.29
</td>
<td>
5.19
</td>
<td>
4.99
</td>
<td>
-0.10
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
3 year
</td>
<td>
5.29
</td>
<td>
5.19
</td>
<td>
4.99
</td>
<td>
-0.10
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</td>
</tr></tbody></table>
It follows a host of lenders recently cutting their fixed-rate home loans with demand for the product rising to one in three borrowers, according to the May mortgage approval figures from Mortgage Choice.
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Today HSBC</a> cut its two-year fixed-rate home loan to 4.59% for a limited time and its three-year fixed rate home loan to 4.79%.
Official ABS figures show a fifth of borrowers fixed their home loan rate in April.
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NAB bring forward first RBA cut to February 2025

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