<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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A Gold Coast developer, who also runs a strip club in Hobart, has been arrested in connection with an alleged Ponzi scam.
Bradley Keith Silver of Hobart has been charged with fraud offences totalling $2.32 million following an investigation by market watchdog, the Australian Securities and Investment Commission.
Silver was arrested by the Australian Federal Police on July 20 and brought before the Brisbane Magistrates Court the same day. 
The ASIC has charged Silver with seven counts of fraud under s408C of the Queensland Criminal Code, which carry a maximum prison term of 12 years and six counts of dishonest use of his position as a director under s184 of the Corporations Act (maximum sentence of imprisonment of five years).
Silver was released on conditional bail to appear in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on 25 August, the ASIC said in a media release. His bail conditions include that he surrender his passport. 
The matter is being prosecuted by the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions.
Between 2008 and 2010, Silver was the director of a Gold Coast property development company known as Capital Growth International Club Pty Ltd (CGIC) and associated with a company known as All About Property Developments Pty Ltd (AAPD). 
In February 2011, the companies were placed into liquidation owing investors about $9 million, the ASIC said.
The company, where unconventional “low-doc” loans were allegedly offered to clients as old as 98, was the subject of a Senate economics committee’s inquiry into bank practices in 2012 involving Westpac’s former Pacific Fair home lending manager David St Pierre.
The customers were promised "safe" returns of up to 20 per cent a year to invest in CGIC.
Silver also operates Hobart’s Men’s Galley and Launceston’s Show Girls, according to The Mercury. 
 
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Developer charged with alleged Gold Coast ponzi scam

<html><body>
ASIC has started legal action in the Federal Court in Melbourne to wind up a land banking scheme known as the Realestate Equity Investment Trust (REIT) and an associated company, Timeline Project Management Pty Ltd (Timeline).
The REIT scheme owns land located at Flinders Avenue in Lara, Victoria.
ASIC understands that at least 82 investors have invested a total of at least $800,000 into the REIT scheme and that, since 2013, investors have been making payments in respect of their investment to Timeline.
Lotus Pty Ltd (in liquidation) was the responsible entity which managed the REIT scheme until 21 September 2016 at which time its Australian financial services licence was cancelled by ASIC for various compliance breaches.
It was placed into liquidation on 14 December 2016, on the application of a creditor.
ASIC alleges that REIT is operating as a managed investment scheme in circumstances where it has no responsible entity and no reasonable prospects of obtaining one.
The matter is listed for hearing at the Federal Court in Melbourne on 4 August, 2017 at 9.30am.
These proceedings are part of ASIC's wider and ongoing investigation into land banking schemes.
1. What steps has ASIC taken?
Following an investigation, ASIC started proceedings on 25 July, 2017 in the Federal Court of Australia to wind up:
<ul>
<li>Realestate Equity Investment Trust (ARSN 094 623 515) (REIT), and</li>
<li>Timeline Project Management Pty Ltd (ACN 145 830 851) (Timeline).</li>
</ul>
If ASIC's application is successful then liquidators will be appointed to REIT and Timeline.
2. Why did ASIC issue the proceedings?
REIT is a land banking scheme which owns land at 490 Flinders Avenue, Lara, Victoria, which was intended to be rezoned and developed.
ASIC understands that at least 82 investors have invested at least $800,000 in the REIT scheme.
Lotus Securities Pty Ltd (Lotus) was the former responsible entity of REIT.
On 21 September 2016, ASIC cancelled the Australian financial services license (AFSL) of Lotus due to a number of compliance concerns including failure to lodge financial statements for Lotus (for the years 2014 onwards) and REIT (for the years 2012 onwards). 
Lotus was not permitted to act as a responsible entity following the cancellation of its AFSL and no new responsible entity has been appointed.
Lotus is now in liquidation, having been wound up by the Court on 14 December 2016, on application by a creditor. 
ASIC understands that, since June 2013, investors have been making payments in respect of their investment to a bank account in the name of Timeline.
Timeline is not (and has never been) the responsible entity of REIT.
ASIC commenced these current proceedings to protect the interests of investors in the REIT scheme given ASIC’s allegations in the proceedings that, amongst other matters:
<ul>
<li>REIT has been operating despite it not having a validly appointed responsible entity as required under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) (the Act)</li>
<li>the REIT scheme appears to be unviable given that there has been no progress in developing the real estate investments of the fund since the initial fundraising</li>
<li>financial statements for REIT have not been prepared or lodged with ASIC since 2012, and</li>
<li>the interests of investors appear to be prejudiced due to the fact that they are still paying monies apparently into the scheme via a bank account held by Timeline.</li>
</ul>
3. What orders does ASIC want the Court to make?
ASIC is seeking orders from the Court to wind up, and to appoint liquidators to, each of REIT and Timeline.
The application is listed before the Court on 4 August, 2017.
4. Will investors get a refund?
ASIC is not seeking compensation or refunds for investors in these proceedings. 
However, if the Court orders the winding up of REIT and Timeline there may be a return to creditors as part of the liquidation process.
The realisation of assets and any distribution to investors will be undertaken by the liquidators appointed by the Court.
5. What rights do investors have?
ASIC is unable to advise investors as to any rights that they may have in relation to ASIC's application.
If investors wish to be represented at the hearing of ASIC's application, then they should seek legal advice.
Investors may also wish to seek independent legal and/or financial advice in relation to their investment in the REIT scheme.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

ASIC acts to wind up a land banking scheme

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MyState Bank Limited (MyState), a Tasmanian bank, has refunded more than $230,000 in over-charged interest and fees to more than 1,040 customers with mortgage offset accounts.
Following a customer complaint, and after a review of its accounts, MyState found that some customers:
<ul>
<li>Did not have their offset accounts linked to their mortgages – meaning that they were over-charged interest</li>
<li>Were charged ‘offset account’ fees after their loan had been discharged or changed to a kind that could not be linked to an offset account.</li>
</ul>
This was due to errors in MyState’s manual administration processes, including failures to link loans and offset accounts, and failures to deal with offset accounts when loans were switched or discharged.
The matter was reported to ASIC by MyState.
MyState has worked with ASIC to refund customers and improve its internal processes, including by ensuring employees have appropriate account administration training.
"Banks need to ensure that their products are delivering the benefits that they are promoting," ASIC Deputy Chair Peter Kell said.
"This is another example of a single customer complaint revealing a systemic issue, and we are pleased that MyState has taken the appropriate action in response."
MyState has contacted customers who are eligible for a refund. Customers who have questions about their accounts should contact MyState on: 138 001.
MyState is a wholly owned subsidiary of MyState Limited, a national diversified financial services group headquartered in Tasmania.
The breach was detected when a customer enquired about their accounts being linked. MyState conducted a review of accounts set up in a similar manner.
MyState found customers with loans and unlinked offset accounts, customers with offset accounts but no loans, and customers with offset accounts together with ineligible loan products.
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MyState refunds more than $230,000 of over-charged fees and interest

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Financial Choice Pty Ltd (Financial Choice), an Australian financial services provider, has paid two ASIC infringement notice penalties totalling $21,600, after making misleading representations in marketing emails sent to consumers and on its website.
The first infringement notice related to a representation made by Financial Choice in bulk emails the company sent to around 215,000 consumers in 2016.
The emails falsely stated that Financial Choice had been asked by the consumer’s superannuation fund to conduct a survey about their superannuation. 
The second infringement notice related to misleading representations on the website findmysuper.com.au, which is operated by Financial Choice. 
ASIC considered that those representations would lead consumers to believe that they needed to use Financial Choice’s services to:
<ul>
<li>find their lost superannuation for free; and</li>
<li>maintain contact with their superannuation fund while overseas. </li>
</ul>
The representations were false and misleading given the other ways consumers can search for lost superannuation (including the free service offered by the Australian Taxation Office), and maintain contact with their superannuation fund.
As a result of ASIC’s concerns, Financial Choice has:
<ul>
<li>agreed to stop sending communications that state or imply that Financial Choice is seeking consumers’ opinions because superannuation funds have asked it to do so; and</li>
<li>removed the misleading statements from the Find My Super website.</li>
</ul>
ASIC Deputy Chair Peter Kell said, “Consumers can be heavily influenced by promotional materials published by financial services providers.
“For this reason, ASIC will continue to take action where we believe those materials are misleading. 
“Firms must ensure their marketing materials and promotional statements are based on fact.”
Under the ASIC Act, a person involved in the supply or promotion of financial services must not make false or misleading representations:
<ul>
<li>that services have sponsorship, approval, performance characteristics, uses or benefits (s 12DB(1)(e));</li>
<li>that the person making the representation has a sponsorship, approval or affiliation (s 12DB(1)(f)); or</li>
<li>concerning the need for any services (s 12DB(1)(h)).</li>
</ul>
The payment of an infringement notice is not an admission of a contravention of the ASIC Act consumer protection provisions.
ASIC can issue an infringement notice where it has reasonable grounds to believe a person has contravened certain consumer protection laws.
ASIC has taken action for false and misleading online-representations against other entities.
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Financial Choice pays $21,600 in penalties for false and misleading representations

<html><body><div class="cq-article-content-paras section">
Bankwest, the Commonwealth Bank of Australia subsidiary, has raised rates for existing interest-only owner occupiers.
The increase of 35 basis points is the latest move to rein in higher-risk loans.
The lender is decreasing lending on selected principal and interest products by up to 15 basis points to encourage property buyers to switch to, packages requiring principal repayment.
Transfer fees will be waived for existing borrowers with the bank switching to principal and interest loans.
"Bankwest is mindful of its broader obligations as a responsible lender and aims to balance the needs of customers, shareholders and regulators when reviewing products and pricing," a spokesman for the bank to The Australian Financial Review.
"These changes are being made in line with regulatory guidance."
From Tuesday, principal and interest investor and owner occupier loans will be reduced by 15 basis points and 12 basis points respectively.
From October, existing investor and owner occupier interest-only loans will be increased by 25 basis points and 35 basis points respectively.
It also created a new category of low-deposit loans for those with less than 5 per cent deposit by raising rates to 5.29 per cent, up from 4.53 per cent.
The new rate is inclusive of expensive lenders' mortgage insurance. The comparative rate, which takes into account all fees and charges, will rise from 4.94 per cent to 5.69 per cent.
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Bankwest raises rates for existing interest-only owner occupiers

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ASIC has permanently banned Ms Thuy Thi VU, a former finance analyst in Darwin, NT from the credit and financial services industries.
Ms Vu, a former finance analyst in the Darwin branch of Alldrive Holdings Pty Ltd, trading as United Financial Services (WA), was convicted on nine charges of submitting false or misleading information to Esanda in support of loan applications.
ASIC's investigation found that Ms Vu changed loan applicants' postcodes from remote to suburban postcodes and submitted the applications.
Generally, the loan applicants had been referred to United Financial Services WA (UFS) for finance by car yards in the Northern Territory as they were seeking finance.
ASIC Deputy Chair Peter Kell said, “Dishonest conduct exposes consumers and credit providers to financial risk. ASIC will not hesitate to take banning action to remove those engaging in misleading conduct from the industry”.
Ms Vu has the right to appeal to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) for a review of ASIC's decision.
ASIC's investigation found that between June and August 2015, Ms Vu submitted nine loan applications containing false information and documents relating to the borrower's residential address postcode.
The loans were approved and disbursed, totalling $238,069.
The false information resulted in loans being approved that the lender would otherwise have rejected or referred for further assessment.
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ASIC permanently bans former Northern Territory finance analyst for suburb postcode switch

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Treasurer Scott Morrison said this week's central bank’s possible hint about rate increases doesn’t indicate the bank is heading there anytime soon.
Morrison was responding to Ross Greenwood’s questions on his show on Money Show on 2GB.
The Reserve Bank of Australia estimated the neutral nominal cash rate would be around 200 basis points above its current level in comments contained in minutes of the RBA’s July 4 policy meeting.
The RBA’s estimate suggests the cash rate target will need to rise from 1.50 per cent currently to 3.5 per cent over an unspecified time, but Treasurer Morrison was keen not to alarm mums and dads.
Asked about the implications for households that have significant debt at the moment and also potentially for the future of the Australian economy, while also considering the budget’s deficits and surpluses and therefore the government’s debt, Morrison said he didn’t think there “are any real implications to that in the short term, or in the medium term or even beyond that”.
He said these sorts of things are “topics for economists’ picnic most of the time”, they are important no doubt, but mainly relate more to analysts who take a keen interest in key technical issues rather than the mums and dads or small businesses.
Morrison said he wouldn’t jump to any conclusions yet about the implications.
"I wouldn’t be leaping into any sort of early conclusions about having any indirect implications as we speak. These are important analyses to be undertaken but they mean more for the analysts taking a keen technical interest in these issues than they do for mums and dads or small businesses," he said.
He said the Reserve Bank had showed tremendous patience and discipline, referring to central banks cutting rates across the world, while the RBA didn’t take them down as far as the rest of the world. He said that while there was some movement with the Fed and in Europe, they are still “well below where we are today”.
Referring to RBA's minutes, Morrison said, "What that analysis that became public in the minutes in any way indicates that the bank is heading there anytime soon. Obviously, that’s a position for them. They’re an independent bank. But they will continue to have regard to the employment market, where inflation is and all of these issues.”
Morrison said the RBA had taken astute judgments in this regard, and commended both former RBA Governor Glenn Stevens and current chief Philip Lowe.
On the question of APRA raising capital requirements for banks to 10.5 percent, he said it was part of the move to build an unquestionably strong financial sytem.
The Treasurer struck a positive note on banks’ resilience and the regulatory framework, saying “we have arguably one of the strongest, most stable banking and financial systems in the world” and said the new bank levy as announced in the budget was still modest.
</body></html>

Speculation of RBA raising rates is topic for "economist picnics", not for mums and dads for now: Scott Morrison

<html><body>
The latest Census data shows mortgage stress has eased, but of course even a small interest rate rise will send many households, and even the economy, back onto struggle street.
The national research by the Grattan Institute showed highly indebted households were clustered on the fringes of capital cities rather than in the wealthiest suburbs of the inner ring.
Sydney suburbs under mortgage stress included Preston, Hoxton Park, Carnes Hill, West Hoxton, Middleton Grange, Hinchinbrook and Chullora.
The suburbs deemed as not under mortgage stress included North Bondi, Tamarama, Bronte, Double Bay, Bellevue Hill, Sydney, Haymarket, The Rocks, Balmain, Newtown, Camperdown and Darlington.
Mortgage stress was defined as spending 30 per cent or more of household income on home loan repayments.
"In 2011, about 10 per cent of households had mortgage stress. Today it's only 7 per cent," Grattan Institute chief executive John Daley said.
"What the census data shows is that the areas of high stress are a little further out from the metropolitan areas in 2016 than in 2011 because new housing estates are further out," Mr Daley noted.
Although the outer ring house prices are cheaper, incomes are likely lower and loan-to-value ratios are higher because more people have actually only just purchased a property.
Our overall low interest rates have made it easier for most households to meet mortgage repayments.
"If interest rates went up 2 percentage points, which is possible, stress levels would be the highest on record apart from the squeeze in 1989, which scarred a generation of home-owners," John Daley said. 
The Reserve Bank of Australia's recent data on household debt show it stood at 190 per cent of annualised disposable incomes confirming Australia has one of the world's highest private debt burdens.
Treasurer Scott Morrison has acknowledged this private debt load.
It was a reason the government supported moves by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority and Reserve Bank's to further crackdown on interest-only lending especially for home buyers. 
The regulatory response has helped slow price growth in Sydney which was rising at an annual pace of almost 20 per cent in late 2016. It is now down to 12 percent annual growth according to CoreLogic.
The systemic risk of people not being able to repay their home loans appears small. 
In fact the proportion of people who have very high exposure to a fall in house prices – with loan to valuation ratios above 90 percent – has been in decline. 
The basic picture is one of prudent households, rather than a community of people gambling on house price rises, Rodney Maddock, Adjunct Professor of Economics, Monash University said recently.
None of this is to deny that house prices can fall, and that interest rates will rise, but somehow most of us will find a way to endure any challenging landscape.
This article first appeared in the Daily Telegraph.
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Mortgage stress eases in the city but future rate rises will impact the fringe households

<html><body>
Australian Finance Group has released the AFG Mortgage Index for the final quarter of the 2016/17 financial year.
AFG CEO David Bailey noted that the non-major share of the market is now at 35 percent.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/07/13/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-13%20at%201.07.08%20pm.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/07/13/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-13%20at%201.07.08%20pm.jpg" alt="">
“Significant structural change to the lending market brought about by tighter lending rules has seen increased flows of business to the non-major lenders.”
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/07/13/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-13%20at%201.07.18%20pm.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/07/13/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-13%20at%201.07.18%20pm.jpg" alt="">
“As the majors re-price their mortgages and change lending policies to meet regulatory caps, consumers are turning to mortgage brokers to get a full picture of the choices on offer in such a competitive market,” he said.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/07/13/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-13%20at%201.07.26%20pm.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/07/13/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-13%20at%201.07.26%20pm.jpg" alt="">
“The non-major lenders are helping fill the void left by some of the majors and consumers are benefiting from the fact that a mortgage broker can offer products from those lenders without a branch network.”
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/07/13/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-13%20at%201.07.34%20pm.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/07/13/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-13%20at%201.07.34%20pm.jpg" alt="">
A series of rate rises and policy changes has also had an impact on the investment market.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/07/13/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-13%20at%201.07.44%20pm.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/07/13/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-13%20at%201.07.44%20pm.jpg" alt="">
“In what will no doubt be welcome news for the regulator, investment lending has dropped to 31% of our total lending for the quarter as lenders continue to tighten their criteria,” said Mr Bailey.
Refinancing figures are also down from 35% to 29% as re nance options for borrowers with interest only or higher LVR investment loans decrease and others choose to stay put until the market settles.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/07/13/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-13%20at%201.07.53%20pm.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/07/13/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-13%20at%201.07.53%20pm.jpg" alt="">
Lender policy restrictions have also seen the average loan size fall in every state apart from Queensland.
“The part of the market that has been virtually untouched by regulators and lenders is the principle and interest owner category.
“As a result, those opting to upgrade their homes have increased from 34% to 39% in response to some attractive lending offers,” he concluded.
In a sign that homeowners are picking the bottom of the market for interest rates, the number choosing to fix their rate has jumped significantly to finish the quarter at 23.7%.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/07/13/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-13%20at%201.08.15%20pm.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/07/13/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-13%20at%201.08.15%20pm.jpg" alt="">
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/07/13/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-13%20at%201.08.25%20pm.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/07/13/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-13%20at%201.08.25%20pm.jpg" alt="">
</body></html>

Non-majors and fixed rates in favour among home borrowers

<html><body>
Proptech company Peer Estate has raised $2.5 million online for a development site in Port Melbourne.
There was no “offline” raising at all, Peer Estate said in a media release.  
Peer Estate, backed by real estate investment manager Qualitas, says it is Australia's first peer-to-peer real estate marketplace. 
It allows everyday investors to invest in major property deals, which is significant at a time when banks are cracking down on investor loans. 
Investors can put in as little as $5000, which is then combined with other investors and the pooled in funds are lent to owners and property developers. 
Investors earn returns through the interest they pay.
Peer Estate CEO and founder, Adam Broder, said he was surprised the investment offer was fully subscribed after just 2 hours of launch. 
“This validated our model and belief that investors are willing to transact in the peer-to-peer lending space, solely online,” he said.
“Our investors see the benefit of good risk adjusted returns being able to provide lowly leveraged loans into a sector that the banks find difficult.”
He said loans are approved within a week and underwritten for security.
“Whilst we are only open to Wholesale Investors, many of our investors do not have the access and ability to invest alongside Family Offices and Pension Funds in these traditionally private investment options. Peer Estate provides this access,” he said.
Features of the investment include, as per Peer Estate:
<ul>
<li> First mortgage on inner Melbourne development site (Port Melbourne)</li>
<li> 10% interest net to investors paid monthly</li>
<li> LVR of 60%</li>
<li> Maximum term of 12 months</li>
<li> Already underwritten and settled by Peer Estate</li>
<li> Planning permit secured and in place</li>
</ul>
</body></html>

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