<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/wickton">Wickton</a>’s completed Linacre Rise development in Hampton is giving Bayside downsizers the opportunity to move into a spacious apartment near the beach, with the developer covering stamp duty for a limited time.

The 27-residence development has been designed for buyers who want to simplify their living arrangements without giving up the space, warmth and quality associated with a long-term family home. Most apartments have already been secured by Bayside locals, leaving a select collection of two and three-bedroom residences and penthouses available.

Two-bedroom apartments are priced from $1.275 million, three-bedroom residences from $2.25 million and penthouses from $3.375 million, with the completed homes available to inspect and move into now.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95289 project_image_fid=366760]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/linacre-rise-hampton-8-10-linacre-road-hampton-vic-3188">Linacre Rise</a> occupies an elevated position on one of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/hampton-vic-3188">Hampton</a>’s quiet, tree-lined streets, around 250 metres from the bay and 500 metres from Hampton’s village centre. Its setting gives residents access to the beach, local cafés, shops and Hampton Train Station while retaining the feel of an established residential neighbourhood.

Architecture and interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ewert-leaf">Ewert Leaf</a> draw on the warmth and permanence of traditional brickwork, with the building integrated into terraced landscaping by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/john-patrick-landscape-architects">John Patrick</a>. Ground-floor apartments are elevated above the street and include private garden courtyards, while several upper-level residences have generous balconies and outlooks toward the bay.

Inside, the residences favour natural materials and generous proportions. Herringbone-pattern European oak flooring, natural stone benchtops, premium joinery and Swiss V-ZUG appliances are among the key inclusions, while integrated storage has been incorporated across kitchens, bathrooms, studies and living areas.

The kitchens have been planned as practical spaces for both everyday use and entertaining, with substantial island benches, detailed cabinetry and adjoining dining and living zones. Full-height wardrobes, plush bedroom carpeting and carefully considered lighting reinforce the residential character Wickton sought to retain for buyers moving from larger homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95289 project_image_fid=366769]

A Linacre Rise purchaser said the completed apartment had delivered the space, outlook and construction quality they had been seeking.

“The unit is very light, has views to die for over the bay, all construction materials and fittings are premium quality, we have secure parking for three cars, EV charging at very competitive rates, the neighbours are friendly and there is just a lovely ambiance about the place,” the purchaser said.

Environmental features include solar panels, shared electric vehicle charging stations, rainwater harvesting for toilet flushing and landscape irrigation, double-glazed windows and water-efficient fixtures and appliances.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95289 project_image_fid=366762]

The development was built by Balmain &amp; Co, with Wickton managing the broader development process through its in-house team.

For downsizers, the project’s completed status removes much of the uncertainty associated with buying off the plan. Purchasers can inspect the finished apartments, understand their outlook and proportions, and move in without waiting for construction to conclude.

The remaining selection includes north-oriented balconies, corner configurations and penthouses with elevated bay views. The developer-paid stamp duty initiative is available for a limited time, with potential savings of up to $200,000 depending on the residence purchased.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=95289]

Joel Robinson

Limited-time stamp duty offer at completed Linacre Rise apartments in Hampton

Luxury apartment buyers have long prioritised design, space and finishes, but increasingly they're placing equal importance on something less tangible: how easily they can live without relying on a car.

At <a>Richmond Square</a>, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/fortis">Fortis</a> believes that convenience begins beyond the apartment itself, with the mixed-use precinct earning a near-perfect Walk Score of 99.

The development has been planned around the idea that some of the most valuable amenities aren't contained within a building, they're the restaurants, cafés, parks, transport connections and daily conveniences that can all be reached on foot.

Located just behind Swan Street and Church Street, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/richmond-square-1-wiltshire-street-richmond-vic-3121">Richmond Square</a> places residents within one of Melbo​u​rne's most established lifestyle precincts while offering a quieter residential setting removed from the busiest thoroughfares. East Richmond Station is moments away, trams run along both Swan and Church Streets, and the MCG, Melb​​ourne Park, Yarra River trails and the CBD are all within walking distance. At the same time, the precinct itself will introduce a curated mix of dining, retail, hospitality and wellness offerings, creating a destination that extends well beyond its residential buildings.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13181 project_image_fid=348530]

For Fortis, that combination of location and scale was what made the site unique.

"<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/richmond-vic-3121">Richmond</a> is one of Melb​o​urne's most established and distinctive inner-city neighbourhoods, with a rare combination of dining, culture, recreation, public transport and proximity to the CBD," the developer said.

"The opportunity at Wiltshire Street was particularly compelling because the site sits slightly removed from the activity of Swan and Church Streets while remaining only moments from everything that makes the area desirable."

Rather than developing a standalone apartment building, Fortis consolidated 15 individual properties to create one of the larger development parcels assembled on Mel​b​ourne's city fringe in recent years. That allowed the team to deliver a genuine mixed-use precinct comprising 107 residences across Wiltshire House and Carmine House, premium office space, hospitality venues, retail, wellness offerings and a future 57-room hotel.

"The scale of the site allowed Fortis to think beyond a standalone apartment building," the developer said.

"Richmond Square could be planned as a complete lifestyle precinct, bringing homes, workplaces, dining, retail, hospitality and wellness together around a series of activated public spaces. The aim was to create a destination that feels connected to Richmond rather than separate from it."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13181 project_image_fid=348533]

The emphasis on walkability has also resonated with buyers.

Interest has been strongest from established owner-occupiers, particularly downsizers from Richmond and Melb​ourne's inner east who want to remain close to familiar restaurants, workplaces, family and social networks while moving into a more secure, lower-maintenance home. The project is also attracting Mornington Peninsula and interstate buyers seeking a Melb​ourne residence they can lock up and leave between visits.

Many are looking for generous living spaces, room to entertain, quality finishes and confidence in the project team, but location remains one of the biggest deciding factors.

"For many buyers, Richmond Square provides a way to simplify the practical side of home ownership without reducing the quality of their lifestyle," the sales team said.

"Location is also a major driver of interest. Buyers can remain connected to the CBD, major sporting events, the arts centres, local restaurants, cafes and bars and their family while living in a private and secure residence that is easy to lock up and leave for weekends or longer periods away."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13181 project_image_fid=348549]

The residences themselves have been designed with that buyer in mind. Award-winning architecture practice SJB and interior designers Hecker Guthrie have created spacious two and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses that prioritise generous living areas, natural light, bespoke joinery and private terraces. Above, a rooftop sanctuary by Acre includes landscaped lawns, bookable dining rooms, barbecue facilities, wellness spaces and panoramic views across the CBD, the MCG and Port Phillip Bay.

Fortis believes Richmond Square reflects a broader evolution in apartment living, where the surrounding neighbourhood becomes just as important as the residence itself.

"Richmond Square introduces a different proposition: generously proportioned residences within a genuinely mixed-use, hospitality-led destination," the developer said.

"The project's location and Walk Score of 99 further support a lifestyle where residents can complete many everyday journeys without relying on a car."

Fortis has assembled an experienced team that includes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/hecker-guthrie">Hecker Guthrie</a>, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/acre">Acre</a> and builder <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/hacer-group">Hacer Group</a>, reflecting the developer's commitment to creating projects with enduring design quality and meaningful connections to the communities in which they sit.&nbsp;

Richmond Square is an expression of that philosophy, bringing together homes, workplaces, hospitality and wellness within one of Me​lb​ourne's most walkable neighbourhoods.&nbsp;

Construction is now almost complete, providing purchasers with growing confidence ahead of its expected September 2026 completion.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=13181]

Walk Score of 99 places Richmond Square at the heart of Melbourne's most connected lifestyle

<h3 data-end="19" data-section-id="1dvgwoe" data-start="0">Summary</h3>

<ul data-end="634" data-start="21">
	<li data-end="170" data-section-id="1o77v31" data-start="21">Walker Corporation has lodged plans for a second major residential development in the Maroochydore City Centre, a 29-storey tower known as Celeste.</li>
	<li data-end="327" data-section-id="1lb0y6t" data-start="171">The Plus Studio-designed proposal at Lot 30 Sunshine Coast Parade would deliver 208 apartments, including four four-bedroom sub-penthouses and penthouses.</li>
	<li data-end="487" data-section-id="za720" data-start="328">The application comes as Walker doubles down on Maroochydore following the strong sales campaign at SOL by Walker, where the first tower is nearing sell-out.</li>
	<li data-end="634" data-section-id="5sovec" data-start="488">Walker is a key partner in the transformation of the Maroochydore City Centre, which is expected to ultimately deliver at least 4,000 new homes.</li>
</ul>

Walker Corporation is doubling down on Maroochydore following the successful sales campaign at its first residential project in the emerging CBD.

The national developer has filed plans for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/celeste-30-sunshine-coast-parade-maroochydore-qld-4558">Celeste</a>, a new 29-storey apartment tower at Lot 30 Sunshine Coast Parade, just metres from its under-construction SOL by Walker development.

The plans, prepared by Plus Studio, would see 208 apartments delivered across a 100-metre tower on the 2,376 sqm site, which fronts Sunshine Coast Parade, First Avenue and Future Way within the Maroochydore Priority Development Area.

<img alt="Walker" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="17038209-6fea-4ed2-855d-fd4df65b3d02" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-10%20at%2010.24.16%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=iZD.oVXcQn.aLpUytDAW.CWjxP4puWMy" />

The proposed apartment mix comprises 36 one-bedroom apartments, 48 two-bedroom apartments, 72 two-bedroom apartments with an additional multipurpose space, and 48 three-bedroom apartments.

The upper levels would be capped by two four-bedroom sub-penthouses and two four-bedroom penthouses, taking the total apartment count to 208. The preliminary yield study also provides 262 car spaces, 114 resident bicycle spaces and storage for each apartment.

It represents Walker's next major residential move in the new Maroochydore CBD after the success of SOL by Walker, its $220 million two-tower project nearby.

SOL launched to market in early 2025 and has since seen strong demand, particularly from local owner-occupiers. By February this year, Walker said the first SOL tower was nearing sell-out, with a strong waitlist also emerging for its recently released penthouse collection.

Construction is already underway on SOL, with the first tower expected to be completed in late 2027 and the second to follow in early 2028.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147777 project_image_fid=319846]

<h2 data-end="2518" data-section-id="1b2dyo5" data-start="2459">Celeste to rise 100 metres over Maroochydore City Centre</h2>

Celeste would take a different form to the twin 19-storey buildings at SOL.

Plus Studio has designed a single 100-metre tower above an activated podium, with the architecture responding to the site's prominent position and three street frontages.

The podium would incorporate commercial tenancies and public art, with sweeping façade elements wrapping the street edges. The scalloped concrete podium has been inspired by the patterns created in sand at low tide, while extensive landscaping would continue vertically through the tower.

The ground level plans show three commercial tenancies addressing Sunshine Coast Parade alongside the residential lobby and landscaped public realm. The podium would then accommodate several levels of car parking before the residential tower rises above.

<img alt="Celeste" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="121f77b1-71c5-46d7-9b36-0a7d474211ca" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-10%20at%2010.24.47%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=MGrg9Hb7HgzLN0Lelq_xrXNAruVl77ia" />

Plus Studio said the tower had been designed to maximise views from each apartment, taking in the Maroochy River, Sunshine Coast hinterland, Cotton Tree and Maroochydore Beach and ocean.

Those views have also shaped one of the project's key features, with Walker proposing to put the primary resident amenity on Level 29 rather than lower within the building.

The rooftop would feature a 284.9 sqm pool area with an infinity edge, along with a cold pool, spa, sauna, 93.2 sqm gym, sunset lounge, BBQ and dining areas, pool deck and private dining space. Cabanas and day beds are also shown across the recreation level.

The two penthouses would extend across the upper levels and each feature private terraces and plunge pools.

<h2 data-end="4202" data-section-id="v5f4ix" data-start="4160">Walker's growing Maroochydore footprint</h2>

Celeste further reinforces Walker's commitment to the transformation of Maroochydore City Centre.

Walker is one of the key partners delivering the new CBD alongside Sunshine Coast Council and SunCentral Maroochydore, with the broader 62-hectare Priority Development Area occupying the former Horton Park Golf Course and surrounding land.

The precinct is ultimately expected to accommodate at least 4,000 new homes as Maroochydore evolves into the Sunshine Coast's principal commercial and residential centre.

When SOL secured approval in February 2025, Walker Managing Director and CEO David Gallant described it as the "first of many residential projects" the company planned for the Maroochydore City Centre.

Celeste now provides the clearest indication yet of what comes next.

The site sits immediately within the new CBD, with the design report identifying Sunshine Plaza and surrounding parkland within walking distance and Maroochydore Beach around a five-minute drive away.

For Walker, the timing of the application comes as its first residential bet on the new CBD appears to have been vindicated.

SOL has progressed from planning approval to construction while its first release has approached sell-out, giving Walker confidence to push ahead with another 208 apartments and take its residential pipeline in the Maroochydore City Centre to around 450 dwellings across the two projects.

Celeste remains subject to planning approval, with the architectural material describing the scheme as a preliminary yield study that may change through the assessment process.

Walker doubles down on Maroochydore with 29-storey Celeste apartment tower

For most Australians, buying an apartment is one of the biggest financial decisions they'll ever make

The location, floorplan and price are often the first considerations, but in recent years another question has become increasingly important: who is actually delivering the project?

A series of high-profile builder collapses, construction delays and defect concerns have fundamentally changed how many Victorians approach buying off the plan. The collapse of Porter Davis in 2023, which reportedly left around 1,700 homes unfinished, became one of the most visible examples of the risks that can emerge when a construction company fails. <a href="https://www.equifax.com.au/sites/default/files/lpassets/pdf/Final-Business-Market-Pulse-June-Sector-Deep-Dive-Report-2.pdf">Similar challenges across the broader construction sector</a> have left buyers asking more questions before signing a contract.

As Victoria continues encouraging higher-density housing to address supply shortages, transparency is becoming just as important as location or price.

One tool increasingly entering the conversation is the <a href="https://icirt.com/">Independent Construction Industry Rating Tool (iCIRT)</a>, an independent assessment framework designed to help buyers better understand the developer or builder behind a project. Originally developed by Equifax in consultation with government and industry as part of NSW's Construct NSW reforms, the system has since expanded nationally.

<h2 data-end="1519" data-section-id="7nmx3" data-start="1492">What is an iCIRT rating?</h2>

Most Australians are familiar with independent ratings in everyday life.

We compare ANCAP safety ratings before buying a car. We look at Health Star Ratings in supermarkets. Banks rely on credit assessments when lending money.

Until recently, however, there has been very little independent information available to help apartment buyers assess the business responsible for delivering a residential project.

That gap is what iCIRT was designed to address.

Builders, developers and other construction professionals with an iCIRT rating have demonstrated high-trust characteristics through an independent, evidence-based assessment across six criteria: Character, Capability, Conduct, Capacity, Capital and Counterparties. This involves a rigorous review of financial health, past project track record, and ethical conduct. Crucially, an iCIRT rating could help provide property buyers with confidence that they are working with a professional who has demonstrated the capability, capacity, and willingness to return and rectify issues.

Importantly, iCIRT is not a recommendation to purchase a particular property, nor is it a traditional credit rating. It is an independent assessment framework designed to provide objective information about a construction business using a <a href="https://icirt.com/sites/default/files/2025-08/iCIRT-Methodology-Issue1-May-2021.pdf">published methodology</a>.

The system has been widely adopted in New South Wales, where more than one-third of medium and large residential builders and developers now hold an iCIRT rating, representing over two-thirds of the state's residential building market by value as of 2025/26.

<h2 data-end="3126" data-section-id="h6ohtj" data-start="3084">Why buyers are doing more due diligence</h2>

For many buyers, particularly those purchasing off the plan, the biggest risk isn't whether they'll like the kitchen finishes.

It's whether the project will be delivered on time, to the expected quality, and by a company capable of completing the development.

<a href="https://icirt.com/sites/default/files/2026-07/iCIRT%202025%20Consumer%20Survey%20Report%20v05.pdf">Consumer research commissioned by iCIRT</a> found more than half of respondents believed current protections do not adequately safeguard buyers from builder insolvencies or defective projects. Other research found 88 per cent of prospective buyers would seek independent ratings or due diligence before purchasing, while 90 per cent said trust in construction professionals is essential.

That doesn't mean buyers should rely on a single rating alone.

Independent legal advice, understanding the contract, and seeking financial advice all remain important parts of the due diligence process.

However, an independent assessment can provide another source of information alongside those traditional checks.

<h2 data-end="4138" data-section-id="pquzxc" data-start="4094">Trust is becoming a competitive advantage</h2>

The conversation isn't only changing for buyers.

Developers are also recognising that trust has become an increasingly important part of the sales process.

Five years ago, purchasers typically asked about floorplans, finishes and settlement dates.

Today, sales teams are increasingly being asked about the developer's experience, financial stability, previous projects and construction partners.

For companies with strong governance and established delivery records, an independent iCIRT rating provides another way to demonstrate those credentials before buyers even visit a display suite.

According to Equifax, the assessment can also help businesses drive sales and <a href="https://icirt.com/resources-for-business/icirt-rating-helps-scion-secure-high-value-projects">secure high-value projects</a>, as well as identify operational improvements and <a href="https://icirt.com/resources-for-business/mirvac-reinforces-brand-trust-and-quality-independent-icirt-rating">attract top talent</a>.

<h2 data-end="4962" data-section-id="1j54ng5" data-start="4912">Beyond buyers: lenders are paying attention too</h2>

The influence of independent construction ratings is also extending beyond consumers.

According to Stamford Capital's Real Estate Debt Capital Markets Survey, an increasing number of lenders now incorporate iCIRT ratings into their due diligence processes when assessing residential development finance applications.

The survey found lender adoption has continued to rise, with many respondents saying independent assessments provide additional insight into governance, counterparties and delivery capability beyond traditional financial analysis. Some lenders also reported declining funding applications where businesses had poor or no ratings.

As construction costs remain elevated and access to development finance becomes more selective, demonstrating credibility is becoming increasingly valuable.

<h2 data-end="5801" data-section-id="1qazuxs" data-start="5772">What it means for Victoria</h2>

Victoria's apartment market is entering a new phase.

The state is seeking to accelerate higher-density housing while simultaneously introducing reforms aimed at improving confidence in residential construction.

For buyers, that means there are more tools available than ever before to research the businesses behind a project.

For developers, it signals that transparency is becoming another point of differentiation in an increasingly competitive market.

Buyers are asking more questions than ever before and increasingly expecting independent information, not just marketing material, before making one of the biggest financial commitments of their lives.

Find out how to get iCIRT rated <a href="https://www.icirt.com/sites/default/files/2025-08/iCIRT-Infographic-Assessment-Process-Final.pdf">here</a>.

<hr data-end="6469" data-start="6466" />
The information contained in this article is general in nature and does not constitute personal, financial, legal or tax advice. It does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Therefore, you should consider whether the information is appropriate to your circumstances before acting on it and, where appropriate, seek independent professional advice.

This article contains links to third-party websites. These links are provided for convenience only. Equifax Australia does not control and is not responsible for the content, accuracy or privacy practices of external sites.

Copyright © 2026 Equifax Australia Information Services and Solutions Pty Ltd. All rights reserved.

Buying off-the-plan in Melbourne? How independent iCIRT ratings are set to change Victorian property

Apartment buyers in New South Wales are set to gain a decade of insurance-backed protection against major building defects, after the NSW Parliament passed the Fair Trading and Building Legislation Amendment Bill 2026.&nbsp;

The Bill establishes decennial defect insurance, known in the market as Latent Defects Insurance (LDI), as an alternative to the existing two-year strata building bond. It cleared the Legislative Council with amendments on Tuesday evening (August 4, 2026), with the Legislative Assembly agreeing to those amendments shortly after.

Under the reform, eligible developers can satisfy their statutory bond obligation by taking out an approved decennial-style policy that gives owners 10 years of cover for major structural defects from completion, claimable directly, without first having to pursue developers or builders through costly legal action.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=111820 project_image_fid=344699]

The change forms the final tranche of amendments arising from the 2021 statutory review of the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 and related legislation.

Resilience Insurance, which originated the cover in Australia and has delivered it in NSW since 2022, welcomed the passage and credited the NSW Government for delivering it.

“This is protection apartment buyers have needed for a long time, and the credit for delivering it belongs to the NSW Government,”&nbsp;said Corey Nugent, CEO of Resilience Insurance.

“Minister Chanthivong and his team have shown real leadership in replacing an outdated two-year bond with cover that matches the lifespan of the buildings people are buying into. Reform like this is what good, evidence-based regulation looks like.”

Resilience has delivered LDI in NSW since 2022, protecting thousands of apartments, giving the State, and now the country, real-world evidence of how decade-long, no-fault protection works in practice.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136442 project_image_fid=374084]

The reform also places NSW within a wider national shift.

NSW is the third jurisdiction to put decennial cover into law. The ACT legislated for it in 2024, with the scheme taking effect in late 2025, and Victoria passed its own framework on 17 June. Between them, the three cover the majority of Australia's apartment market.

The reform commences once the legislation is proclaimed, which is expected in the coming weeks. From that point, developers of Class 2 residential apartment buildings can meet their statutory obligation with an approved decennial policy in place of the bond.

Buyers who purchased into projects that took out the cover early are among the first in the country to take keys to apartments carrying decade-long structural protection.

“With the legislation passed, the focus now turns to making it work for buyers,”&nbsp;Nugent said.

“There are already thousands of apartments in NSW covered by this insurance, bought by developers who moved early. The question every buyer should be asking in a display suite is a simple one: does this building come with 10-year defect cover, and who stands behind it?&nbsp;

“We look forward to working with the Government and the Building Commission in coming weeks as the framework moves to implementation, and to sharing what we have learned over the past four years so the protection reaches owners as smoothly and quickly as possible.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134954 project_image_fid=4553]

Other states are working through their own reform programs. Western Australia has indicated that decennial cover is within consideration a later stage of its reform sequence, and Queensland has been examining the settings as it looks at the development pipeline ahead of the 2032 Olympics.

Resilience Insurance acknowledges the NSW Government’s continued focus on strengthening consumer protection while supporting housing delivery across the State.

Fast Facts: What the reform means

<ul>
	<li>Proven at scale:&nbsp;Decennial cover has operated in NSW since 2022, protecting thousand of apartments.</li>
	<li>10 years of cover:&nbsp;Protection for major structural defects runs for a decade from completion, claimable directly and with no legal action required.</li>
	<li>An alternative to the bond:&nbsp;Eligible developers can meet their statutory obligation with an approved decennial-style policy in place of the 2% strata building bond.</li>
	<li>Part of a national shift:&nbsp;The ACT has had decennial provisions in force since 2025 and Victoria passed its framework in June. NSW now joins them.</li>
	<li>No-fault, first resort:&nbsp;Owners corporations claim directly from the insurer without first having to establish who is liable for the defect.</li>
	<li>Cost-competitive:&nbsp;At approximately 1.8% of build cost, LDI is typically priced below the 2% bond while offering broader, longer protection.</li>
	<li>Market position:&nbsp;Resilience originated LDI in Australia and has delivered it in NSW since 2022.</li>
</ul>

Fast Facts: What is Resilience LDI?

<ul>
	<li>Resilience Latent Defects Insurance (LDI):&nbsp;Covers major structural defects for 10 years from completion.</li>
	<li>Consumer-first:&nbsp;Direct claim access, no need for lengthy legal action.</li>
	<li>Cost advantage:&nbsp;At approximately 1.8% of build cost, LDI is typically priced below the traditional 2% Strata Bond while offering broader protection.</li>
	<li>Market leader:&nbsp;&nbsp;Resilience Insurance originated LDI in Australia and is the national market leader.</li>
</ul>

NSW parliament passes 10-year defect insurance laws for new apartment buyers

Prominent New Zealand apartment and hotel operator, <a href="/developers/safari-group">Safari Group</a>, is offering up a prime investment opportunity for Australians to purchase off the plan in one of the world’s most popular ski destinations.

They recently took to market Mountain Oak Queenstown Apartments, in the growing precinct of Remarkables Park in Frankton, near the airport and at the foot of The Remarkables - the mountain range the locals like to call “The Remarks”.&nbsp;

Sydney investors have shown interest in the one, two and three-bedroom apartments that secure high-season occupancy six months over the year, primarily over summer and winter months.

They average 90 per cent occupancy across their portfolio over January, February, March, August, November and December, while shoulder season months of April, July, September and October are still occupied 70 per cent of the time, with the growing appeal of Queenstown becoming not just a hotspot for the snow, but a lifestyle destination.

Even in the low seasons of May and June, occupancy levels reach around 40 per cent.

<img alt="Safari Group’s Mountain Oak Apartments brings new investment potential to Queenstown" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_auto/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Ext_Cam15_Sunny.jpg?VersionId=SJAROUM_1s.Tr5ciMk4EEj5oAt_Vewmv" />

Safari’s Safari Hotels arm can also manage the holiday letting for an investor, from the listing on holiday accommodation websites such as Airbnb and Booking.com to the cleaning and maintenance of the investment. They’ve been in the short stay management business for 15 years and offer 24/7 support for investors, an important convenience benefit for any overseas investor

Another major drawcard for Australians is that New Zealand doesn’t have a stamp duty policy - so the entry price of NZ$639,000 (AU$586,000), is all that is payable on completion.

<img alt="Safari Group’s Mountain Oak Apartments brings new investment potential to Queenstown" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/313_Livingv2_WEB.jpg?VersionId=nV229fM0ZeYpoxOrX372HyGjfwY_LR8c" />

Safari is starting construction of the 141 apartments in Q2 this year, with a two-year build estimated to complete in mid-to-late 2027.<img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="15" src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXczFpFAb7WuA6f4f9TtKWcqXyNwR8qqtakWv352ERkpqNlP3KwIo8YKxw67jZNHfpjEGIZGv5MQTbnvLZwNt8iu9IVdOrswOjCvBZ4zhSoOOLrpt6etVEZTN1gkBho0r_R72zdHNA?key=yq3daOanqHSb88QFd8jGYKdb" title="Click and drag to move" width="15" />​

The apartments will feature modern amenities and contemporary designs with expansive windows capturing sweeping views of The Remarkables mountain range.&nbsp;

Interiors are equipped with modern finishes, premium appliances, and secure electronic key-locked doors, ensuring a comfortable living experience for residents and guests alike.

With its strategic location near Coronet Peak and Cardrona Alpine Resort, as well as key retail and dining precincts such as Market Street, Five Mile Shopping Centre, and Remarkables Market, Mountain Oak offers a strong proposition for investors seeking high rental yields and capital appreciation in one of New Zealand’s most sought-after locations.&nbsp;

Queenstown’s sustained demand for visitor accommodation and rental properties is underpinned by a shortage of housing options, attracting both local and international buyers.

Safari Group offers low-touch investment proposition in Queenstown’s popular ski fields district

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 As Australia Day is all about celebrating, many will do so in a picturesque alfresco pavilion or deep into the back garden of one's own home.

From separate kitchens to mega barbecues, Property Observer looks at the many different places where you can celebrate next year if you are in the market for a new property.

Located on <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-point+leo-107582313" target="_blank">Frankston Flinders Road, Point Leo</a> Victoria, this three-bedroom limestone and timber residence offers a Tuscan-inspired alfresco courtyard and outdoor kitchen (pictured below).
<img src="/images/stories/2013/01/ptleo.jpg" height="314" width="470" alt="ptleo">
While you sit back and eat lunch, you can bask in the views across Western Port Bay to Phillip Island and The Nobbies.

After lunch, you can wander through the 10 hectares of property or hit the ball on the tennis court.

Further down the bay is the four-bedroom, five-bath <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-portsea-112328231" target="_blank">Dreamweaver property</a> (pictured below), located on Cheviot Road, <a href="/news">Portsea</a>.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/01/chevriot1.jpg" height="353" width="470" alt="chevriot1">
You can start Australia Day in the undercover breakfast teppanyaki area on the east side, which captures the morning sun.

With a 20-metre heated lap pool and spa, you can work up an appetite for lunch before settling into the designer cabana with a full Corian outdoor kitchen, including a barbecue, dishwasher, rangehood and bathroom.

You are spoilt for choice with activities including a tennis court, an Olympic sized in-ground trampoline and a home theatre.

Or sit above the tennis court on the deck chairs and enjoy the views across Portsea and the bay.

<a href="https://www.rs.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-rythdale-112448459" target="_blank">The Dale</a> is located on McGregor Road <a href="/news">Rythdale, </a>Victoria, and comprises of two residences on a 52-hectare block.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/01/rythdale.jpg" height="295" width="470" alt="rythdale">
This property boasts an outdoor entertaining area with a covered, paved patio (pictured above) and a built-in gas barbecue.

As the day fades, you can unwind in the home cinema or pop into the red gum wet bar in the family room for a drink.
 
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A <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-vic-st+kilda-112604455" target="_blank">St Kilda penthouse</a> located on The Esplanade has <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/victoria/st-kilda-penthouse-with-luna-park-views-fishing-for-new-%24225-million-owner/2012121358466" target="_blank">previously caught Property Observer’s eye</a>, but what better way to spend Australia Day than on your own private rooftop?
<img src="/images/stories/2013/01/luna3.jpg" height="353" width="470" alt="luna3">
The rooftop alfresco entertaining area (pictured above) has a built-in barbecue and full guest bathrooms.

Offering views over St Kilda and the iconic Luna Park, this rooftop would be suited to the city-lover who loves bright lights and the faint noise of a distant rollercoaster.

The two-bedroom, three-bathroom penthouse is currently listed with an asking price of $2.25 million.

This <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-brighton-112679927" target="_blank">five-bedroom home</a> (pictured below) is located on Victoria Street in the popular Melbourne bayside suburb of <a href="/news">Brighton</a>.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/01/vicst.jpg" height="353" width="470" alt="vicst">
It boasts an outdoor barbecue area with a separate temperature-controlled wine storeroom.

After lunch, you can dip into the 20-metre heated pool and spa or relax in the living room – which has sliding glass walls that open out to Japanese-inspired gardens.

Last but not least, this home (pictured below) is located on a 4,051-square-metre block on <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-terranora-112685815" target="_blank">Winchelsea Way Terranora NSW.</a>
<img src="/images/stories/2013/01/terranora.jpg" height="353" width="470" alt="terranora">
The four-bedroom home has a detached alfresco dining area, complete with a kitchen and built-in barbecue and teppanyaki grill.

While sitting in the dining area you can overlook the in-ground saltwater pool, and if you overdo the food and drinks there’s a lift to take you up and down between floors.

Property Observer previously reported on the Brisbane listing of rugby league sportsman <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/queensland/darren-lockyer-s-brisbane-house-for-sale-in-tough-selling-season/2011072850958">Darren Lockyer’s property</a>.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/01/lockyerbbq.jpg" height="225" width="400" alt="lockyerbbq">
It came with a large in-built barbecue (pictured below), big enough to befit any Queenslander sportsman.
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Snag a hot barbecue for Australia Day: Properties with casual outdoor dining spaces

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Last week I had the benefit of attending the <a href="https://www.realestateconnect.com/nyc13/index" target="_blank">Inman Connect conference</a> in the USA. I like getting to Inman each year; it’s a great way to keep up to date with new technologies, trends and evolutions in best practice that are relevant to the real estate sector. This year was no different, so I thought I would share some of the things I thought were most interesting.
I’ll be sharing my notes over two parts – the first part explores what Bradley Inman calls ‘the latte vision’ and the second covers off on some of the new trends, apps and utilities that are starting to emerge in the US as must haves and must dos across the property sector.
One of the key themes this year was what they call the ‘latte vision’, where purchasing a property will eventually become as easy as purchasing a coffee. While I don’t really agree that buying or selling a property will ever be that streamlined (you don’t need finance approval before buying a coffee, for example!), however, I absolutely agree with the philosophy that the property transaction can be made much more efficient.
Digital document transfer, administration and signing is already happening to varying extents in Australia; US agents are arguably further down the track with applications like Docusign, Dropbox and, to a lesser extent, Dot Loop firmly entrenched in the their workflow.
In a more practical sense, the ‘latte vision’ means more than moving to a paperless transaction environment; it means that a large amount of the paperwork ceases to exist. Speakers at Inman were looking forward to a time when buyers are financially pre-approved on site with a tap of their smartphones. At the same time their phone transfers vital details like contact details and preferences back to the agent. Their mobile device would also download the latest research, comparable sales, brochures and neighbourhood information. Documents are created and controlled in the cloud, pre-populated with cross-referenced data sourced from a variety of databases. Signatures are digital and documents can be executed on any platform that has access to the internet (be it a mobile phone, tablet or computer).
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.inman.com/news/2012/09/28/make-mechanics-homebuying-easy-purchasing-a-latte">Bradley Inman gives an entertaining summary of his latte vision here. </a> From a personal level though, he seems to gloss over or miss completely the inherent complexities involved in a real estate transaction, the role of the agent as an intermediary and consumer mistrust of what can be seen as privacy invading technologies. These factors are going to be significant hurdles to the latte vision. Additionally, there are other regulatory obstacles – banks need to be comfortable with digital signatures and transfer, and we need to be sure that these digital documents are completely enforceable.
 
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Not only would a paperless transaction be more efficient, it would also be more secure and help to minimize the risk of fraud (digital records are much easier to cross reference and data mine).
Some elements of the latte vision are already here, some are just around the corner, and some might be just fanciful thinking for the foreseeable future. What is certain is that the way real estate is bought and sold is already changing. To make progress here in Australia, the first steps will involve greater acceptance of digital documentation and digital signatures. We need to see greater collaboration between the banking, insurance, legal and real estate sectors, and also of course with State Governments who administer the titles. Cross-referencing data sources and digital transfer of information will be a critical element in improving efficiencies of the transaction.
Agents who have jumped from the analog to the digital age early have gained some serious competitive advantage for themselves. For those looking to gain the first mover advantage here in Australia (it’s not too late) it would be worthwhile checking out some of the trends and applications I have outlined below and look up your own US case studies. When technologies are moving this fast, it becomes hard to catch up if you get left behind.
From a completely different perspective, another speaker was direct in his cynicism of the latte vision, reminding the audience that you can dominate social media, be well and truly into the cloud and fire off digital documents all day long, but the secret to a successful business is always going to be hard work. I think the secret sauce will ultimately involve both!
Tim Lawless is national research director of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.myrp.com.au/">RP Data.</a>
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Will buying real estate soon be as easy as buying a coffee? 

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NSW will be the epicentre of a housing construction recovery in 2013 following years of underperformance, according to the latest Business Outlook report from Deloitte Access Economics.

Deloitte is forecasting a 9.7% rise in private housing investment in NSW in 2013-14 followed by annual rises of 9.3%, 8.4% and 11.1% in the three subsequent years to 2016-17.
This lift in housing construction, which should “comfortably outperform the size and speed of the national recovery”, is expected to drive an overall improvement in the state’s economy.
Click to enlarge
<a href="/images/stories/2013/01/deloittejan25.gif" rel="shadowbox" title="Click to enlarge"><img src="/images/stories/2013/01/deloittejan25thumb.gif"></a>
“New South Wales’ housing sector is expected to see some good news – which will be something of a welcome change for a perennial underperformer," says Deloitte.
“In the main that is due to lower mortgage rates, with the latter expected to work their usual magic, but it also helps that land release is expected to accelerate, and that while rental vacancy rates have increased, they are still signalling a need for new housing stock.
“Moreover, while we note the news on the population front has been less than impressive, it is still true that overall population growth in NSW is improving.
“That won’t generate a massive housing recovery, but NSW’s performance should better than in other states, if only because its housing construction sector has been so weak for so long,” says Deloitte.
Other good news includes job growth lifting from early 2012 lows, nearly full hotels due to healthy numbers of business travellers and a "pretty full" NSW Government’s capital spending agenda is pretty full with investment in roads and railway and on the commercial front, projects like Barangaroo and the redevelopment of the Sydney Convention Centre at Darling Harbour.
It isn’t all positive news in the NSW property market with Deloitte noting that rental vacancy rates are climbing, while approvals for renovation work remain in the doldrums.
The recover in housing construction in NSW is part of a national recovery sparked by lower interest rates.
Alongside housing construction, Deloitte also expects a recovery in the retail sector from the second half of 2013 onwards as the mining boom “hurtles towards a peak” in 2013.
Howerver, it says the Australian dollar is “still giving manufacturing a Chinese burn, and the news also remains modest in both tourism and international education” - all key non-mining sectorst that need to life to take up the slack from mining investment peaking.
As a result, the report anticipates that lower interest rates are set to linger.
Looking at the other states , the report has favourable economic expectations for WA, Queensland (though not completely out of the woods) and the Northern Territory, with more modest expectations for Victoria and the ACT and gloomy ones for Tasmania and South Australia.
Victoria, Deloitte says, is more dependent on the Australian dollar (where as NSW is interest rate sensitive) meaning a recovery is further off with the state's economy losing a little momentum in 2013.
And while the report says interest rates are expected to also have a positive impact on housing construction in the state, it notes that Victoria’s housing construction sector is “no longer the 400 pound gorilla that it was for some years”.
“The key albatross on the outlook is simply this state’s past successes in housing activity – which means it hasn’t got anything like the pent-up demand evident in some other key states.
“As we have often noted, that leaves the overall housing construction outlook in this state projected to be solid enough, just somewhat less impressive than it is for other parts of the country,” says Deloitte
Rate cuts and accelerating population gains are expected to spell “rather better news in the housing construction sector in Queensland” while Deloitte says in WA leading indicators of housing construction activity have been “showering sparks all over the dragway as they accelerate after a period of slowdown”.
The biggest problem facing the national economy is the “Godzilla-like “strength of Australian dollar, which Deloitte says remains a problem for job prospects in a range of sectors and which is acting against a welcome pick up in migrant numbers.
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NSW to lead national housing construction recovery: Deloitte

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Queensland-based bank Suncorp financed 6.1% of all first-home buyer loans arranged by AFG mortgage brokers over December, according to new AFG figures.
It was the top-ranked lender outside the major banks with nearly 40% of all first-home buyer home loans processed in December either financed by the Commonwealth Bank or its subsidiary Bankwest, the latest AFG’s quarterly Competition Index shows.
Second on the non-major bank list was AFG’s own mortgage products, which accounted for 5% of all first-home buyer loans, up from 1.9% at the start of the year.
The other non-major bank lenders to appeal to first-home buyers were WA government-owned lender KeyStart with 4.9% of the market, recording the “most dynamic performance among non-major lenders” growing market share from just 0.1% in January.
ING Direct (2.1%) and South Australian government lender Homestart (1.1%) were the only other non-major bank lenders to pick up more than 1% of the first-home buyer market.
According to the index, the CBA accounted for 29.6% and Bankwest for 9.3% of all first home loans in December with the major banks taking 77.5% of the first-home buyer mortgage market.
The Commonwealth Bank’s success with first-home buyers has helped it pick up overall mortgage market share, which has risen from 17.4% in January to 20.7%
Despite accounting for nearly one in 10 first-home buyer home loans in December, Bankwest’s share of the total mortgage market has fallen from 7% to 4.2% over the past 12 months.
AFG bills itself as Australia’s largest mortgage broker, with its brokers writing one in 10 home loans in Australia.
NON MAJOR LENDER MARKET SHARE FIRST HOME BUYERS DECEMBER

Suncorp 6.1%

AFG 5.0%

ING 2.1%

Citibank 0.7% -

Macquarie 0.2%

Circle 0.2%

AMP 0.4% -

ME Bank 0.8%

Liberty 0.4%

Pepper 0.1%

Homestart 1.1%

Wide Bay 0.8%

Adelaide 0.1%

Heritage 0.3%

Rock 0.1%

Keystart 4.9%

Other 0.3%

All Non 22.5%

 
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Suncorp ranks as top non-major bank first-home buyer lender as Commonwealth Bank grabs lion’s share of market: AFG

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The Sebel Hotel in Mandurah, which forms part of the Point Residential Apartments, has been sold by Accor Asia Pacific for about $15 million.
The buyers of the 89-room hotel are entities associated with FJM Property, a Perth company with a list of quality hotel properties already to their name.
Once a holiday town and fishing village, <a target="_blank" href="/news">Mandurah</a> has now become effectively an outer suburb of Perth, being 50 minutes from the Perth CBD situated about 70 kilometres south of Perth. But is retains its tourism attraction.
 Accor, Australia’s largest hotel operator and one of the biggest in the world, has retained management of the 4½ star hotel. Rob Cross, David Kennedy and Ryan McGinnity of CBRE Hotels handled the sale of the hotel.
FJM is led by property veterans Adrian Fini, Barry Jones and David Mack and has projects, including hotels, in <a target="_blank" href="/news">Leederville </a>and <a target="_blank" href="/news">Claremont</a>, across Western Australia. The portfolio includes <a target="_blank" href="https://www.fjmproperty.com.au/FJM-Hospitality/The-Boat-Mindarie-Marina-Complex">The Boat marina complex at Mindarie</a>.
Adrian Fini has been involved in the property development, property investment and construction industries in Western Australia since 1977 and Adrian’s private investment companies have been in partnership with Barry Jones and David Mack’s private investment companies since 1989. He was formerly managing director of Fini Group and following its merger with Mirvac in 2001 was cheif of the expanded Mirvac Fini business. He was subsequently appointed an executive director of Mirvac Group responsible for Mirvac’s development division before resigning in 2010 to concentrate on FJM’s projects.
Barry Jones founded the Criterion Group of private investment companies with David Mack in 1987. Since then, the private group has grown its property and business holdings predominantly in the retail, office and hotel property areas.
David founded Mack &amp; Co, chartered accountants, in 1978 and was a managing partner at the firm until 1987.
The Sebel property was one of two freehold hotels in the Mirvac portfolio that Accor bought last year. Accor have since also sold the Newcastle Beach Novotel to Australia’s largest private hotel owner, Jerry Schwartz, for about $16.5 million.
On the Sebel Mandurah's listing last July the Australian Financial Review reported $18 million price hopes along with $20 million hopes by Accor for the Newcastle offering.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

The Sebel Mandurah sold by Accor Asia Pacific for $15 million

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Now is a good time to become a landlord, but you must do it properly
I suggest a serious look at investing in property and renting it out to tenants.
There are several reasons for this outlook, including soft house prices, strong rental demand and the prospect of solid total returns.
You ideally want to buy the property at a time when real estate is in the downturn phase of its cycle, you want to rent it out when rental demand is high, and these two factors should come together to produce a total return that not only beats inflation but also compares favourably with alternative investments.
One of the first rules of buying property is that you must not overpay. This is important for two reasons: firstly, you don’t want your income from the property being overshadowed by high mortgage repayments; and secondly, capital growth in the property is as important as the monthly cashflow from rental income, and you will enjoy greater capital gains when you buy the property for a lower price.
With property prices having been flat or going backwards for two years, it seems like a good time to buy.
Property can also be looked at in terms of affordability, and affordability is attractive for investors right now.
Rismark says disposable incomes per household have risen about 15% further than capital city dwelling values since the end of 2003.
When many people buy investment properties, they simply want to buy the cheapest place they can find and rent it for the highest rent they can charge. I advise potential landlords to hold out for a property that is in a sought-after area, close to shops, transport and schools.
There is no point having a rental property that you can afford when no one wants to pay you to live in it.
Then you have to look at rental demand because when you buy an investment property, you are going into business as a landlord.
On this score, there’s some good news for property investors. Weekly rents across the capital cities rose 1% over the December 2011 quarter and are 6.3% higher than at the same time last year.
This suggests rental demand is exceeding supply, which is good for landlords. Anecdotally, you hear stories of people queuing to see the good properties and offering to pay more rent than advertised to secure the property.
While this is a good result financially, it’s also a benefit in terms of tenant management. One of the biggest headaches for a landlord is a bad tenant, but when demand is strong you don’t have to take the first applicant. You can pick the tenant who is best suited to your property and who has the best record.
If you feel you can buy cheaply in the current property market and you can take advantage of the strong rental demand, then you have to think about your total return.
As a final hint to first time property investors, I would urge you to take professional advice before entering into this: consult a solicitor or accountant about your tax position as a landlord, use an insurance broker to get the right insurances, and spend some time finding the right property management company.
It’s a good time to be a landlord, but only if you do it properly.
 
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A smart savings portfolio comprises property, bonds, bank accounts and term deposits
These last few years have been confusing for Australians thinking about retirement: when they look at what the experts have done with their money, they see it going backwards, or growing very slowly.
The 2010-11 APRA figures over the decade to June 2011 show that the average return in large super funds was 3.8%per year. That was the overall average: retail funds earned just 2.9%. After accounting for inflation, which has averaged about 3% over the same period, savers have received little-to-no “real” return.
One of the standard “expert” remarks about investing is that you have to skew your super to higher-returning equities, or you won’t have enough to retire on. But global shares suffered 40-50% losses in 1987, 2001, and again in 2007-08.
The other extreme is to ask you to accept very low returns on your money for little or no risk.
I believe in a “middle way” solution: a portfolio comprising a mix of short-term bank accounts and term deposits combined with variable rate bonds.
By diversifying your portfolio across these investments, the risk you are taking is not much higher than cash and much lower than equities – while receiving very attractive returns.
Many big fund managers and most financial planners do not steer their clients into these products. While many offer bond-based products, when you select the ‘default’ setting in your super fund, you are normally placed in a “balanced fund”, which typically gives you a total exposure to cash and bonds of not much more than 10%.
In other words, the super option most Australians are in – “balanced” – will have you about 80% to 90% exposed to Australian shares, global shares, and “equity” risk in commercial property, private companies, and hedge funds.
Recently, one of our branch principals at Yellow Brick Road dealt with a retiree in Queensland with $800,000 in a bank account, earning less than 2% per annum. By putting his cash into a portfolio that exposed him to both institutional bank accounts and variable-rate Australian bank bonds, this retiree will now earn an extra $25,000 per annum.
Another case is a Sydney family who sold an investment property and needed to park $705,000 before they bought another home in six to 12 months’ time. This family was going to put the money in a bank’s “bonus” savings account paying 5.2% for a few months, which then dropped to a very low 3.5%.
Instead, they will now likely earn an extra $9,000 per annum by investing in a diversified portfolio of bank deposits and bonds.
The point I try to get across to those who are worried about retirement – or who are unhappily retired – is that they have to get their minds out of the approach of 100% or 100% bank accounts.
There are smarter solutions out there for you. Start by becoming informed, and always get advice before you act.
 
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Do your homework and don't be greedy when investing in property: Mark Bouris
 
Most of us have focused on the cash rate cycle in recent times, but there’s another cycle I’m interested in: property.
Australian property prices were inflated leading up to the GFC, and then they started falling. Property prices fell more drastically in some of the major cities than in others. However, investment property was hit hard. Many investment apartments were liquidated, as households switched their outlook from debt to savings.
But it could be time to look again.
There are a few observations behind this: firstly, interest rates are near 50-year lows, so debt is cheap.
Secondly, rental vacancies in capital cities are low, meaning strong demand for rental properties.
Thirdly, although house prices are now moving upwards in some cities, it’s a slow recovery nationally, meaning there is value for smart buyers.
Lastly, employment is still strong in Australia, meaning you can find a lender for an investment property.
Where would you start? Personally, I would rather make a profit on my property and pay the tax than be negatively geared, which entails booking a loss. Going for “yield” means buying well and having good equity in the property, so the costs don’t overcome the revenues.
However, if you want to negatively gear a property you must ensure you have an adviser because the ATO does not accept mistakes in your calculations.
But for the basics of what to look for in an investment property, I really like the check list used by RUN Property:
Location: buy close to shops, train stations and schools; Scarcity: Art Deco and scarce architecture increases demand; Features: properties with views, outdoor living spaces or units with off-street parking; Demand: which can be seen in median valued properties, low rental vacancy rates and infrastructure which can support employment; and don’t forget capital growth and rental yield.
Regionally, it’s the mining areas where rental yields are strongest: the Bowen Basin and Port Hedland provide high gross rental yields.
When it comes to owning rental property, always do your homework, talk to experts and be realistic (not greedy).
And good luck.
Mark Bouris is executive chairman of <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.ybr.com.au/">Yellow Brick Road</a>, a financial services company offering home loans, financial planning, accounting and tax, and insurance.
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/" target="_blank"></a>
These three articles were originally published on Property Observer in 2012.
 
 
 
 
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mbouris-tauSvXGAM2

Property as part of your investment portfolio: Three of the best of Mark Bouris

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In the last few years overseas con artists have managed to sell two properties in Perth that they didn’t own.
This was devastating not only to the rightful owners of these properties, but also to the real estate agencies caught up in this dreadful situation.
In both so-called Nigerian property scams, the criminals were able to fool the selling agent, the settlement agent, the banks and Landgate that they were the title holder and could sell the property.
Once the transfers had occurred and the sales settled it became apparent that everyone had been duped, including the legitimate owners of these houses.
These property scams had been possible because identity checks had not previously been a requirement as part of the listing process when selling a home. However, as technology has advanced it has become possible for scammers to fake an identity and present themselves to a real estate agent as the legitimate owner of a property when in fact they are not.
In response to these frauds, the state government has implemented a system whereby the seller of a property must produce evidence of identity in much the same way as you do when you open a bank account or sign a mobile phone contract.
This means a 100-point check in most cases, through which the seller has to produce a series of different identity documents such as a passport, driver’s license, rates notice, bank statement and birth certificate. It is almost impossible for such multi-layered counterfeit to occur and hugely reduces the risk of property fraud.
This system has now been in place for two years and real estate agents are finding that the identity checks for people selling property have been well received by the public.
Some agents were initially concerned this new onus on sellers might meet with some resistance, especially from long term and repeat clients well known to the agent, but REIWA members report that the public respects this new requirement and embraces it.
When sellers are unable to be with the agent at the time of listing their property they must have their identity documents sighted by a witness such as a JP, doctor, police officer or pharmacist. This may be inconvenient to some sellers and agents, but it’s a small price to avoid another scam.
If you are a seller and wanting to list your property with an agent, don’t be surprised when your real estate agent asks you to provide a series of identification documents to confirm your bona fides even if you have known the agent for a long time.
As a seller your co-operation in this regard is helping to safeguard the community and deter the fraudsters.
David Airey is president of the <a href="https://reiwa.com.au/home/default.aspx" target="_blank">Real Estate Institute of Western Australia.</a> This article was originally published on <a href="https://reiwa.com.au/Faq/Pages/Feature.aspx">reiwa.com</a>.
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dairey-MVZf5ZguQC

How to stop property scammers selling homes they don't own

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ABC’s Media Watch called this week to ask what I thought about media coverage of real estate issues.
I said I could tell them if they had a couple of days to spare. It’s a bit like asking Greens politicians how they feel about the mining industry.
Journalistic coverage of real estate in this country is beyond dreadful. Organisations with vested interests pump out propaganda in the form of press releases and so-called journalists recycle them. No questions asked. Nothing checked. No background research. No alternative views sought.
In other words, no journalism takes place. We need a new name for the process of press release recycling that has replaced the genuine journalism that took place in former times. Journalism is no longer an accurate description.
There are “journalists” working for major metropolitan newspapers who write articles only when a press release drops on their desk. The quick re-write they throw together usually appears with a picture byline, implying that they are an authority, that the information thereunder is all their own work and that what you are reading has credibility.
People and organisations with propaganda to peddle or simply with a passion for publicity know this. Fire off a press release and “journalists” will do your marketing for you. If it’s something sensationally negative, your chances of success increase exponentially.
I’ve spoken to many of these pretend journalists. Some are so comfortable in their mediocrity they actually think they’re doing a good job. Others know that their output is garbage but they don’t care – it’s a living.
In some cases, it’s criminally negligent. Elderly people have lost their retirement savings because media misinformation led them towards disastrous investment decisions.
This is why the erosion of journalistic standards in the reporting of real estate is so serious. The financial commitment involved in a real estate purchase is huge, and consumers need good information to make sensible decisions.
Australia needs people to invest for many reasons, including to provide for their retirement so as not to burden the state in times of rising numbers of retirees. If consumers make bad decisions because their heads are full of media misinformation, their financial lives can be destroyed, and the nation suffers.
Which brings me to an annual event which illustrates the failings of real estate journalism more than any other situation: the publication of a piece of self-serving propaganda called the Demographia International Housing Affordability Survey.
This document is political posturing by vested interests and should never be featured by any media outlet in Australia. It is published by a lobby group that campaigns for the end of government regulations that restrict the activities of land developers. The group argues that regulation causes prices to rise and makes homes unaffordable. It has created a political document masquerading as research to support their views.
Members of this group are particularly feverish in their condemnation of prices in Australia and usually declare that we have the world’s most unaffordable real estate – despite the fact that their “research” features only six nations. Nowhere in Europe is included, nor any nation or city in Asia except Hong Kong. Africa and South America are ignored.
Press releases from the Demographia zealots lobbed in newspaper offices this week. Their treatment by publications around the country was scandalous. Their extreme claims were published unchallenged. No alternative views were sought. The outrageously inaccurate contention that Australia has the most unaffordable housing in the world was reported as fact.
“Australian housing tops world’s least attainable list” was typical of the headlines that appeared around the nation. Most of the headlines were, essentially, lies.
In my perfect world, there would be a commission of inquiry and the people who wrote this garbage would be charged. Journalists have an obligation to the public to present information that is fair, accurate and balanced. Failure to do so should be a criminal offence.
In essence, journalists no longer give a damn. If it’s a cheap and easy headline of the type journalists instinctively like – something sensationally negative – then no questions are asked.
Is it true? Who cares? It’ll sell a few papers.
My first rule of successful property investment: stop reading newspapers.
Terry Ryder is the founder of <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.hotspotting.com.au/">hotspotting.com.au</a> and can be <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.twitter.com/hotspotting">followed on Twitter</a>.
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terryryder-YECXbqmri2

Demographia headlines on supposed 'unaffordable Aussie housing' lies and propaganda: Terry Ryder

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Only Sydney and Perth vendors ended 2012 with lower private treaty discounting necessary to secure sales, according to Australian Property Monitors. Hobart and Canberra vendors were required to greatly amend their asking prices to achieve sales, the December APM figures suggest.
Click to enlarge
<a href="/images/stories/2013/01/apmjan22.gif" title="Click to enlarge" rel="shadowbox"><img src="/images/stories/2013/01/apmjan22thumb.gif"></a>
Over the past year the amount of vendor discounting required to secure residential property sale is much lower in all capitals except Canberra and Hobart, a heat chart released by APM shows.
In Sydney, the average discount required in December 2012 was 6%, compared with 6.1% in November and 6.4% in December 2011.
Melbourne recorded a monthly increase in the required discounting, jumping from 6.9% in November to 7.2% in December. But this is lower than the required 7.8% in December 2011, APM research analyst Clinton McNabb said.
The limited sales in Darwin was not sufficient for a figure. 
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Vendor discounting lower in Sydney, but up in Melbourne and Brisbane in 2012: APM

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Rising house buying activity in the last 12 months and greater enthusiasm from buyers suggests Demographia’s has overstated the severity of housing affordability in Australia, says Australian Property Monitors chief economist Andrew Wilson.
The hotly-debated Demographia survey ranked Australia as the third least affordable housing market in Australia behind Hong Kong and Canada.
Sydney ranked as the third most expensive major housing market in the world - with a median multiple of 8.3 topped by Vancouver in Canada at a multiple of 9.5, and, most expensive, Hong Kong where the multiple sits at 13.5.
Wilson says that any measures of unaffordability are certainly not affecting the market place in terms of buyer activity and prices growth.
“So we need to look very carefully at the concept of what is unaffordable,” he says.
“Does unaffordable mean inability to buy, because in Sydney buyers are up and about?”
Wilson warns that it is “always dangerous” to aggregate market not even Australia wide but capital city wide and characterise them as unaffordable.
He says buyers are “still very enthusiastic about purchasing properties in Australia”
“We are definitely seeing a better period of housing market activity over the last 12 months than we did for the previous 12 months,” he says.
“That means that affordability, if it means the capacity to buy houses, has improved,” he says.
The Demographia survey finds that Australian housing affordability improved marginally from 6.7 to 6.5, with anything under a score of three deemed affordable.
Demographia measures affordability by dividing the median house price with the median household gross annual income before tax.
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