Property developer One Living, backed by former Macquarie banker turned investment manager Chris Green’s investment firm, has unveiled plans to bring more institutional capital into housing to help address the national supply crisis.

The New York-based investor has focused his firm, GreenPoint Partners, on addressing the supply shortage hitting middle market housing in Australia.

It is backing the new One Living business to develop more than 1000 units along the eastern seaboard. The new firm is starting with a development on Mona Vale Road, on the border of Mona Vale and Pymble, in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, with around 140 apartments planned. They are eyeing off more sites across the city.

With cost pressures rising in the industry, One Living’s model is to be a vertically integrated developer-builder, so it can respond directly to the housing gap by removing the cost inefficiencies embedded in traditional residential delivery.

“We are building a platform designed to operate at scale and starting in a market where there’s a clear need for quality, attainable housing,” One Living joint managing director Joseph Scuderi said.

“It’s that missing middle – it’s that attainable end of housing… that’s what most Australians invest into and what Australians can actually afford.”

<img alt="Mona Vale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="798dfa93-4941-4db6-a696-31e9dc18e81c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%202.31.50%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=mKBqi5C_DmeiXS.AtJkcR8LQIxqCqmFi" />

GreenPoint Partners brings years of experience assembling and scaling real estate operating businesses across major markets. And Green sees a big opportunity in Australia.

“For its size, sophistication and importance to the community, Australia’s living sector has remained largely under-institutionalised, which represents significant opportunity,” Green said. “GreenPoint identified that gap, assembled the right team, and is backing One Living to build a platform that is aligned to market needs.”

Green said being a builder-developer would give the company the capacity and flexibility it required to deliver reasonably-priced homes.

“We want it to be at that attainable level; not super high end luxury but at that attainable level,” he said.

<img alt="Mona Vale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="74a5344a-4b26-4d4a-ada3-056b1220be77" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%202.32.15%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=vY8hXHO4reBMdO8ZXMWCNtGZJofUPQ3j" />

&nbsp;

One Living will undertake a component of affordable housing in its schemes, which it will own and operate, and it could also run build-to-rent on some sites.

Green praised local policy settings.

“The NSW government is being very supportive, strategic and pragmatic in terms of how do we generate more supply of housing,” he said. “We think it’s actually positive for development and the bit that’s been lacking at that attainable level is that it’s lots of relatively small private developers, whereas we want to create an institutional platform.”

One Living is also&nbsp;looking at high-density projects and could take on more institutional funding in the future.

“The way we will be able to achieve economies of scale is through size,” Green added.

Joel Robinson

One Living enters Sydney's new apartment market with Northern Beaches site acquisition

It's been several years since there's been an opportunity to buy a brand new townhome in Melbourne's coastal suburb of Mordialloc. Even apartment developments in recent times have been few and far between in the area.

Local developer LDS Property identified the gap in new housing, securing a site on White Street, directly opposite&nbsp;Woodlands Golf Club Mordialloc. They've recently launched&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/wm-residences-mordialloc-102-white-street-mordialloc-vic-3195">WM Residences</a>, just 13 townhouses which they have already started building.

Projects by Buxton Director Heath Thompson, who is selling WM Residences, says the townhouses x that perfect middle ground be

"Mordialloc residents have had limited options to downsize within the suburb, often forcing them to look elsewhere despite long-standing ties to the area," Thompson says.

"With very little comparable new supply coming to market, projects like WM Residences are well placed, particularly as buyers look to capitalise on current conditions amid constrained supply."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6109]

The development, designed by regarded architecture firm&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ewert-leaf">Ewert Leaf</a>,&nbsp;adopts a deliberately restrained architectural approach, focusing on simplicity, durability and liveability rather than overt design gestures.

The boutique scale is central to the offering. With only 13 three-bedroom residences, each home is configured to prioritise functional layouts and everyday use, supported by private terraces and secure two-car garages.

Ewert Leaf’s design response leans into a calm, neutral material palette. Interiors are defined by oak flooring, white walls and soft finishes, creating a consistent and understated backdrop. The approach avoids trend-driven detailing in favour of longevity, with an emphasis on natural light and spatial clarity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6110]

Beyond aesthetics, the homes are designed to meet contemporary performance expectations. Each residence targets a minimum 6-star energy rating, incorporating double glazing, comprehensive insulation and all-electric Bosch appliances.

The project’s location supports a walkable coastal lifestyle, sitting within close proximity to Mordialloc’s foreshore, Main Street retail strip and the train station. Local cafés and dining venues, including Suburbia Deli and Hendriks Café, are within a short walk, reinforcing the area’s established neighbourhood character.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6116]

While <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/mordialloc-vic-3195">Mordialloc</a> is often defined by its beach and pier, the project taps into other areas of day to day living, offering easy access to local food, casual dining and transport, rather than positioning itself purely as a lifestyle retreat.

WM Residences reflects a continued trend across Melbourne’s coastal suburbs towards smaller-scale, design-led townhouse developments, particularly on infill sites where proximity to amenity is already established.

With construction commenced prior to its market entry, the project aligns with a growing preference among buyers for developments with visible progress and defined delivery timeframes.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134646]

WM Residences fills gap in Mordialloc townhouse market

&nbsp;

Developer GURNER™ Group has revealed $1.65 billion in residential sales nationally across the 12 months to December 2025, driven largely by the continued momentum of its Docklands wellness-focused precinct, Elysium Fields.

The sales result was generated across seven projects in Victoria and New South Wales, headlined by Elysium Fields, GURNER™’s $2.75 billion mixed-use precinct planned for Harbour Esplanade in Docklands.

The project has recorded more than $500 million in sales across the first three towers, equating to around 580 apartments sold.

The first tower, Helios, has now sold out of its 240 private residences, with GURNER™ preparing to release a premium penthouse collection comprising 15 three-bedroom penthouses in coming weeks.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370975]

Elysium Fields is being developed on the long-held 20,000 sqm Docklands site at 208-226 Harbour Esplanade, which had remained undeveloped for more than two decades prior to GURNER™ taking over the project around four years ago.

Construction has now commenced across four towers ranging between 18 and 30 storeys, with Hamilton Marino and Maxcon appointed as builders.

Once complete, the precinct is expected to comprise around 1,100 residences, alongside retail, hospitality and public realm uses integrated throughout the site.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370981]

Designed by Fraser &amp; Partners in collaboration with GURNER™ Design House, the project has been positioned around the developer’s broader focus on wellness-led residential living.

“We don’t sell apartments. We create a true luxury lifestyle that simply doesn’t exist elsewhere in the market today,” Founder and Executive Chairman Tim Gurner said.

“To deliver that requires an extraordinary level of detail, coordination and discipline across multiple verticals, from design and hospitality through to wellness and service.”

“We’ve always believed that living extends far beyond the physical residence. It’s about how you feel the moment you arrive, how you live day-to-day, and the ecosystem that supports that.” 
[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370977]

The project’s design places a heavy focus on landscaping, wellness amenities and biophilic design principles.

Plans include around 3,700 sqm of landscaped gardens and open space throughout the precinct, alongside a retail and dining offering spanning approximately 5,000 sqm.

The broader public realm strategy centres around what GURNER™ describes as the “Path of Life”, an urban forest and landscaped pedestrian environment intended to connect the various buildings and wellness spaces across the precinct.

The apartments themselves will incorporate a range of wellness-focused inclusions, including purified air and water systems, circadian lighting, antimicrobial surfaces, and optional in-home wellness upgrades.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370980]

Gurner said the company’s experience through its Saint Haven wellness clubs had directly informed the residential offering now being incorporated into Elysium Fields.

“We’re seeing a clear global shift toward longevity, performance and proactive health,” Gurner said.

“Our role is to deliver that in a way that feels seamless, highly private and beautifully resolved within the environments we create.”

A large component of the wellness offering is planned through the resident amenity and health facilities proposed within the precinct.

That includes plans for bathing and recovery facilities spread throughout the towers, incorporating mineral pools, saunas, steam rooms, flotation therapy, red light therapy and wellness lounges.

The developer is also seeking approvals for what it describes as a “reverse ageing medical clinic” within the precinct.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370978]

According to project information released by the group, the proposed facility would include cryotherapy, IV infusion therapy, infrared and dry saunas, PEMF beds, MRIs, DEXA scans, brain scans and blood analysis services.

Within the first tower, Helios, residents will also have access to a dedicated amenity offering known as the Sky Private Club.

The upper 15 levels of the building will include private lounges, dining spaces, rooftop amenities and optional private wellness studios integrated within residences.

The Helios tower itself comprises 260 apartments ranging between 60 sqm and 300 sqm, including a collection of penthouses.

That includes a planned two-storey penthouse spanning around 600 sqm with uninterrupted bay views.

The Elysium Fields precinct is being delivered in partnership with Digital Harbour Holdings, a consortium that includes the Liberman family, which controls the development rights across the Docklands site.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370979]

The sales result comes as GURNER™ continues expanding its national development pipeline beyond Victoria.

“We have a strong pipeline across Australia and are now focused on scaling into key markets including New South Wales and Queensland, while continuing to build on our Melbourne base,” Gurner said.

“We currently have more than $3 billion in the market, growing to over $5 billion by October, and expect to materially outperform last year in the 2026 calendar year.”

The result also reflects the continued strength of the upper-end apartment market in Melbourne, particularly for owner-occupier-focused product with large-scale amenity and lifestyle offerings.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=144441]

Record result anchored by the Group’s “utopian” Elysium Fields precinct – defying market headwinds in Docklands.

Elysium Fields drive Gurner to $1.65 billion in apartment sales over 2025

National Australia Bank (NAB) will fund <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/palmera-residences-gold-coast-18-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Palmera</a>, a $1 billion, 52-level luxury residential tower being developed by Central Equity in one of the Gold Coast’s most tightly held coastal locations at Northcliffe.

The project, launched recently by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/central-equity">Central Equity</a>, one of Victoria’s largest private residential developers, comes at a time when construction funding for large residential developments has become increasingly competitive as lenders tighten exposure to the sector.

Multiplex has been appointed the builder, and construction is now underway.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365784]

Since its first project, Central Equity has delivered more than 85 residential developments with a combined end value exceeding $8 billion.

Palmera reflects Central Equity’s growing focus on the Gold Coast luxury apartment market and continues a relationship between Central Equity and NAB that dates back to the late 1980s, when the bank funded one of Melbourne’s earliest inner-city residential towers at a time when high-rise apartment living in the CBD was largely unproven.

“NAB’s funding of Central Equity’s $36 million CBD development in the late 1980’s to the financing of the billion-dollar tower today highlights the long-term relationship between the two organisations in delivering major residential projects” said Central Equity Founder and Chairman Eddie Kutner.

He said NAB’s early support was instrumental in helping establish the company’s development model.

“When we commenced our first residential tower in the late 1980s the concept of funding off-the-plan apartments was still largely untested in Australia,” Kutner said.

“NAB recognised the opportunity early and supported the project when others were uncertain. That relationship has now continued for more than 37 years across many developments.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365771]

Central Equity was established in 1987 when Melbourne’s CBD and Southbank precinct were still dominated by warehouses and commercial buildings. Fewer than 100 residents lived in Southbank at the time, and large-scale residential development in the inner city was not widely considered.

Recognising changing demographics and lifestyle preferences, the company began developing high-rise residential projects designed to bring permanent residents into the city centre.

Central Equity has provided accommodation for approximately 40,000 residents across Melbourne’s CBD and Southbank, while also incorporating supporting infrastructure including essential lifestyle facilities like retail spaces, childcare facilities and neighbourhood activity centres.

Central Equity has spent many years assembling the Palmera development site on the corner of Garfield Terrace and Frederick Street in Northcliffe, creating a supersite of around 3,300 sqm.

The developer said the Palmera apartment tower reflects its long-term view of the Gold Coast as a growing and increasingly diversified economy.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365768]

Supported by infrastructure including the light rail network, major road upgrades expanded education, hospital and medical facilities and continued expansion at the Gold Coast Airport with more international and domestic flights.

Positioned in the tightly held Northcliffe precinct, the 52-level tower will deliver 347 apartments, targeting buyers seeking a high-end coastal lifestyle, from downsizers to interstate investors.

Designed by Marchese Partners with interiors by DBI, Palmera has been conceived as a next-generation residential offering, featuring a collection of oversized apartments, with premium three-bedroom residences offering sweeping northern views stretching from Surfers Paradise through to Burleigh Heads.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108274]

NAB funds $1 billion Surfers Paradise apartment development, Palmera

Two years after completing one of the newest developments in North Sydney, developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aqualand-australia">Aqualand</a> is turning its attention to the rapidly evolving St Leonards apartment market.

The developer, which completed AURA by Aqualand on North Sydney's Walker Street, has lodged plans for a 5,918 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/33-37-herbert-street-st-leonards-nsw-2065">33-37 Herbert Street, St Leonards,</a> seeking approval for a pair of residential towers rising above a shared podium opposite Royal North Shore Hospital.

The proposal forms part of the broader transformation underway across the St Leonards-Crows Nest precinct, where former industrial and commercial sites are increasingly being redeveloped into high-density mixed-use projects tied to major transport infrastructure.

<img alt="Aqualand" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2cc428cf-fe70-4cac-9cd5-264ad53af62c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%209.51.56%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=otKSnHtbjAvAddOnovyXQMgcAwE6DMe1" />

According to the planning documents, the site sits “within the St Leonards–Crows Nest Strategic Centre, identified by the NSW Government as a key area for accommodating future jobs and housing across Sydney.”

The proposal has been designed by fjcstudio, formerly FJMT Studio, and is being progressed through the State Significant Development pathway due to its scale and affordable housing provision.

The scheme would comprise 413 apartments, including 46 affordable housing units, alongside retail and commercial uses fronting Herbert Street. The project would also include communal open space, landscaping, a swimming pool, gymnasium, children’s play areas and podium-level resident amenities.

Planning documents show the development would consist of a part-13, part-39 storey tower form positioned above a four-storey podium.

“The development comprises a unified podium that activates the street interface, and two setback towers to accommodate new housing supply while maintaining an appropriate human scale at ground level,” fjcstudio noted in its Design Report.

The northern and southern towers have been shaped to respond to the surrounding skyline while also limiting overshadowing impacts to nearby public open space, particularly Talus Reserve.

The design report said the differing tower heights were intended to “contribute to a varied skyline while responding to the surrounding built form context and solar access considerations.”

<img alt="Aqualand" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="36da62dc-ff9e-41f2-a7e3-7be38373751c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%209.51.45%E2%80%AFAM_0.png?VersionId=Mo6Rp2r.XRLTzIfg_PEEpw8NepDH8UBs" />

The site sits directly opposite Royal North Shore Hospital and within walking distance of both St Leonards Station and the new Crows Nest Metro station.

While the site itself sits just outside the formal Crows Nest Transport Oriented Development boundary, the planning documents repeatedly reference its alignment with the broader TOD objectives reshaping the Lower North Shore.

“The site is located adjacent to St Leonards Station and in close proximity to Crows Nest Metro which is within the Crows Nest Transit Orientated Development Accelerated Precinct which has been identified by the NSW Government to support housing delivery,” the Design Verification Statement noted.

According to fjcstudio, the project has been designed to respond to the broader transition occurring across St Leonards, where increasing residential density is being concentrated around transport infrastructure and employment hubs.

“The broader precinct is undergoing significant change, with a mix of existing mid-rise buildings and newer high-density developments,” the report stated.

“Recent and approved projects indicate a consistent shift toward taller built form, typically organised as tower-and-podium typologies with more active ground levels.”

The proposal includes close to 6,000 sqm of retail and commercial space across the ground floor and podium levels, designed to create a more activated street edge along Herbert Street.

Aqualand’s plans would also introduce a landscaped podium shared between the two towers, with communal open space in the form of a podium rooftop designed to support resident interaction and improve urban greening outcomes. The scheme would also introduce pocket parks at the northern and southern ends of the site, including a landscaped area at the corner of Herbert and Ella streets designed to improve pedestrian amenity and soften the streetscape.

&nbsp;

The proposal is being progressed through the NSW Government’s Housing Delivery Authority pathway, which was introduced to accelerate housing supply across the state. The application was declared State Significant Development in April 2025 following an expression of interest process.

<img alt="Aqualand" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="faf6d97d-2671-454f-b85a-fe1c6a7be608" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%209.51.49%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=diVd28OBVr5.YV.7prrOz.uAanwwwm7a" />

St Leonards has been particularly active with new developments in recent weeks. Developer SP Setia’s <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-sp-setia-targets-st-leonards-skyline-with-40-storey-tod-tower">plans for a new 42-storey tower</a> recently went on exhibition through the same pathway, while <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-stockland-plans-52-storey-538-apartment-st-leonards-tower">Stockland’s 52-storey tower proposal</a> was also recently unveiled.

Aside from the St Leonards project, which is expected to take around nine months to move through the approvals process ahead of a potential 2027 launch, Aqualand is also preparing to launch Boronia, a new apartment project in Roseville comprising around 111 apartments on Larkin Street.

The developer also has approvals in place for the next stage of the Barangaroo precinct, which will feature new residential, retail, hospitality and community uses, alongside a new metro entry across the five-hectare site.

More than 50 new retail destinations are planned for Central Barangaroo, alongside a 270-metre-long boulevard connecting Hickson Park to Nawi Cove. Together with Harbour Park, more than 50 per cent of the precinct will comprise public open space and parkland.

First look: Aqualand joins St Leonards apartment party

Finance

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GUEST OBSERVER
With diverse reactions being stirred by the Victorian State Government announcement that come July 1st First Home Buyers in Victoria will be let off paying of having to pay stamp duty, the opinions on what the real impact might be differing greatly.
Fuelled by the housing shortage right around Australia and across Victoria, and an ever increasing demand from first time property buyers, the prices are set to stay strong and continue to edge forward. While the sentiment of waving the state charge comes from the right place and aims to support virgin buyers, some believe the ‘home free’ on the stamp duty may well drive prices up and even more out of reach for those starting out.
It is hard enough for first home buyers to get into the market, relieving the extra pressure of having to save up for stamp duty is certainly going to motivate more buyers.
Some experts believe this will drive prices up, rather than down, but really, it will encourage younger buyers to purchase sooner.
Additionally, the Victorian state government has announced to give first home buyers even greater incentive with a first home buyers grant of up to $20 k (provincially) and $10 k in metropolitan areas.
Price will never curb housing shortage, nor will affordability. As long as we have a shortage of land and steady demand, nothing will really change. But, with offerings that will save first time owners upward of $30 k, we will see more people taking the leap to property ownership sooner.
Property has been at the centre of the Great Australian Dream, mind you with median prices across Melbourne being what they are, for many young people it is either a pipe dream or a nightmare, she added.
Not surprising, the rentvestor trend is on the rise as younger people can not afford to buy where they want to live, she said.
While, the move by the Victorian State Government to abolish the stamp duty charge gets the thumbs up from first home buyers, whether this will drive prices up or not needs to be seen.
For many come the new financial year may mean actually getting into their first home due to these changes, however the risk lies in that people may borrow more than is sustainable or what they can afford to hold should interest rates start to climb.
I think it’s a good initiative and one that incentivises people to get into a property sooner, with time in the market being the key here, as long as one buys well.
Speculation that other states will have to follow suit or that we will see a back-lash of price increases because of this move by the Victorian State, will only be answered by time.
Marion Mays is the founder/director of Thalia Stanley Group and can be contacted <a href="https://www.thaliastanley.com.au" target="_blank">here</a>.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Victorian first home buyers set to win – or are they? Marion Mays

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A survey has found nearly 40 percent of respondents have kept banking with the institution they have been a member of since childhood. 
The survey of 2,026 Australians from Finder.com.au discovered almost one in four (22 percent) said they were satisfied with their existing bank, while one in ten (9 percent) said it hadn’t occurred to them to switch, and a further 9 percent ‘couldn’t be bothered’ to switch.
Bessie Hassan, finder.com.au money expert said this equates to over 7 million Australians who’ve never switched banks.
“One of the biggest barriers to switching is the perceived effort involved, but it’s not rocket science, and switching to a new bank could definitely be worth your while," she said.
“The research shows we’re loyal to the banks but they may not necessarily repay that loyalty.
“You can bank on the fact that there’s a better rate out there than the one on the account your parents set up for you when you were five.
“A Dollarmite account was a rite of passage for many Aussie kids and the beloved yellow bank book is a source of nostalgia. But it’s also lucrative for the banks who know that if they can get your business as a kid, chances are you’ll stick around as an adult,” she says.
The survey found 42 percent of women are still with the same bank they signed up with as a child, compared to just 37 percent of men.
About 13 percent of men said they no longer trusted their previous bank, compared to only 8 percent of women.
Almost one in ten (10 percent) women admit they could not be bothered to change banks, compared to only 8 percent of men. 
Generation breakdown
Generation Y are most likely to still be with the same bank, a whopping 58 percent still bank with the bank they signed up with as a child.
More than one in four Baby Boomers (27 percent) are still with the same bank.
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

40 percent of Aussie borrowers still with their childhood bank

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GUEST OBSERVER
An overwhelming majority of Australians have made at least one financial decision that they regret, new data has revealed.
According to new research from Mortgage Choice, 68 percent of Australians have made a ‘regretful’ financial decision.
Interestingly, of those who admitted to regretting at least one of their financial decisions, almost one third said they made the decision off the back of information they gathered from friends, family members or strangers.
Meanwhile, less than 5 percent of Australians said they regretted a decision that they made in connection with advice they had received from a finance professional, such a mortgage broker or financial adviser.
In other words, those who sought professional advice were much less likely to regret a financial choice than those who didn’t. 
While the future is unpredictable, Australians who do their due diligence and speak to a professional are unlikely to go wrong financially, regardless of what asset class they are investing in.
Those who don’t do their due diligence can often be easily swayed by what they hear or even how a question is posed.
Behavioural economist Dr Lionel Page agreed and said studies show people will react to a particular choice in different ways depending on how it is presented.
We conducted a field study and asked Australians the same question in two different ways.
As anticipated, people reacted to the choice in different ways, depending on how it was presented to them.
When it comes to making good financial decisions, it is important to look at your options from all angles. That way, you can be truly content with your choice.
The field study shows why it is so important for Australians to seek out professional advice.
All financial decisions should be based on knowledge, research, and due diligence. Australians should take the time to investigate all of their options and speak to a professional before making any decisions.
If you take the time to speak to a professional who will help you research all of your options, you will be less likely to regret the financial decision down the track.
To watch the full field study video, <a href="https://www.vision6.com.au/ch/48415/5mtsn/2296824/a0aa4zkw7-1" target="_blank">click here</a>.
John Flavell is chief executive officer <a href="https://www.mortgagechoice.com.au/" target="_blank">Mortgage Choice</a>.
 
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Majority of Aussies have at least one financial regret: John Flavell

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GUEST OBSERVER
The ANZ/Roy Morgan consumer confidence rating fell by 3.6 percent to 113.6 in the week to October 23. 
The index is still above the average of 112.8 since 2014. 
The consumer confidence figures have implications for finance providers, retailers, and companies dependent on consumer and business spending. 
What does it all mean &amp; what are the implications?
It seems like the latest jobs data has made Aussies a little more guarded about the economic outlook. Full-time jobs reportedly fell by 53,000 in September with part-time jobs up by 43,200. It is unlikely that these moves actually occurred – the data reflects the vagaries of monthly seasonally adjusted estimates. Still, positively, unemployment was at a 3-year low of 5.6 percent in the latest month.
Overall though, consumer confidence remains above average including estimates of personal finances and the outlook for finances. Employment data is also backward-looking. Indicators of job ads and job vacancies have been rising – pointing to stronger employment ahead.
What do the figures show?
Consumer confidence
The ANZ/Roy Morgan consumer confidence rating fell by 3.6 per cent to 113.6 in the week to October 23. The index is still above the average of 112.8 since 2014. Four components of the index fell in the latest week and one component was flat: 
The estimate of family finances compared with a year ago was unchanged at +9;</div>
<div class="column">The estimate of family finances over the next year was down from +30 to +21;</div>
<div class="column">Economic conditions over the next 12 months was down from +3 to +0;</div>
<div class="column">Economic conditions over the next 5 years was down from +11 to +6;</div>
<div class="column">The measure of whether it was a good time to buy a major household item was down from +35 points to +32 points.</div>
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<div class="column"><a href="/images/2016/11/09/Screen%20Shot%202016-11-09%20at%208.13.46%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div class="column"> </div>
<div class="column"><img src="/images/2016/11/09/Screen%20Shot%202016-11-09%20at%208.13.46%20AM.png" alt=""></div>
<div class="column">What is the importance of the economic data?  The ANZ/Roy Morgan weekly survey of consumer confidence closely tracks the monthly Westpac/Melbourne Institute consumer sentiment index but the former measure is a timelier assessment of consumer attitudes and is now closely tracked by the Reserve Bank. 
Craig James is the chief economist at <a href="https://www.comsec.com.au/default.aspx" target="_blank">CommSec</a>.
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Consumers are more guarded on economy: CommSec's Craig James

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Chinese developers are now in a better place to repay existing debt due to improved access to credit, robust housing sales in upper tier cities and increased 'destocking' in lower tier cities, according to a new report from CBRE.
The report, China Real Estate Debt: An Assessment of Credit Risk in the Chinese Property Market also stated smaller developers remain challenged.
Dr Henry Chin, head of research for CBRE Asia Pacific said developers are positive on the longer-term prospects of China’s real estate sector in upper tier cities despite the cloud of rising debt levels.
"Supported by the introduction of more transparent financing channels, improving bank lending underwriting critieria and a revival of the national housing market in upper tier cities, much of the systematic risk in the real estate sector has been mitgated,” said 
Canon Yau, senior director, Capital Advisors, CBRE Asia Pacific said despite the availability of alternative domestic financing channels in China, developers should be prepared for the possibility of future policy changes as well as an interest rate reversion that may subsequently impact their cost of capital and debt maturity exposure.
“For small and medium-sized developers, we advise a longer-term view on refinancing plans by exploring strategic partnerships or forming joint ventures with investors to reduce concentration risk.
"As the government seeks to create more transparent financing channels, the introduction of asset backed securitization markets will provide opportunities for property companies to expedite the repatriation of funds," he said.
“For small and medium-sized developers, we advise a longer-term view on refinancing plans by exploring strategic partnerships or forming joint ventures with investors to reduce concentration risk.
"As the government seeks to create more transparent financing channels, the introduction of asset backed securitisation markets will provide opportunities for property companies to expedite the repatriation of funds."
CBRE’s report reveals that, despite favorable funding conditions, potential risk factors still remain in China’s real estate debt market which include the developers’ ability to repay debt, sustainability of residential sales, postponing rather than resolving debt and over-leveraging among regional developers.
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Improving credit landscape driving Chinese developers: CBRE

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GUEST OBSERVER
The SMSF Association strongly endorses the Federal Government’s decision to legislate to improve the professional standards of financial advisors.
Improving the educational and ethical standards of financial advisors has been a long-term policy of the organisation, especially as it relates to the $622 billion self-managed super fund (SMSF) sector.
The Minister for Revenue and Financial Services, Kelly O’Dwyer, announced that the Government will enact legislation tomandate professional standards for financial advisors, including a code of ethics and compulsory education requirements for all new and established advisors.
Having financial advisors who meet rigorous standards and have completed relevant education courses is crucial to ensuring consumers receive the best quality financial advice.
This is especially important with the increasing demand for financial advice from the baby boomer generation who are approaching or entering retirement.
We look forward to working with the new independent standards setting body to develop improved educational standards for the financial advice industry. 
A priority for the Association will be to ensure that advisors providing advice to SMSF trustees have the requisite educational qualifications to do so. 
The new standards will begin on 1 January 2019 and the final transition deadline will be 1 January 2024 for existing advisors to meet the new degree-equivalent educational status.
This timeframe will give the industry sufficient time toadjust to the new regime. But all advisors should not lose focus on their own ongoing professional obligations to their clients to keep improving and developing their advice capabilities.
Jordan George is head of policy, SMSF Association and can be contacted <a href="https://www.smsfassociation.com" target="_blank">here</a>.
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Move to lift professional standards of financial advisors backed: SMSF Association

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<img src="https://counter.theconversation.edu.au/content/67228/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1">
GUEST OBSERVER
Despite the stereotypes of young people as a generation focused on spending with no consequences, young people actually see their money decisions (as well as their mistakes) as their responsibility, our research shows. They aren’t reliant on the “bank of mum and dad”.
We spoke to 123 Australians aged between 16-26 across a variety of socioeconomic groups. We asked them about their beliefs, perceptions when it comes to finance and how they made, spent and saved money. 
Although parents “helping out” was mentioned - whether through direct money allowances or indirect support such as staying at home and paying marginal rent – it was clear young people saw their financial security as their responsibility.
However, many spoke of the desire to help out their families, particularly if their parents were struggling financially themselves. As a result, some young people chose to forego opportunities such as further study or training in favour of earning money in the present. 
This has longer term consequences for their earning power. For example, they may be stuck in occupations characterised by precarious working conditions, low superannuation contributions and limited opportunities for promotion. 
Many participants picked up on the gloomy sentiments around their generations’ prospects of home ownership, increasing precariousness of the labour market and the inevitability of working into their older age. 
Young people faced a range of challenges, including lower wages in line with their age, unpaid overtime, delayed wages as casual part-time workers and exposure to exploitation and the cash economy. These all could undermine their attempts to save money and control their cash flow. 
However, while focused on youthful consumption, many realise the need to balance this with achieving other medium and longer-term objectives - such as buying a car, or home ownership - and were optimistic of their ability to increase their earning power.
Our research also shows our squeamishness at talking about money has significant consequences for young people. The way we undertake financial literacy education often misses the mark.
<h2>Why we need to talk about money</h2>
In Australia we often think about money-talk as uncomfortable, boastful or even vulgar, even with intimate partners or close friends. Our study suggests this has significant consequences for future generations’ financial practices. 
Although we may like to think our own positive money practices transmit to our children through a process of osmosis where they automatically model good financial practices, this was not the case for our participants. 
Many found it difficult to articulate how their parents had been successful in saving, planning and spending beyond very general impressions. 
However, others did describe how witnessing their parents deal with financial struggles influenced their own behaviours, particularly if they had made significant money mistakes. For these young people, early experiences of their family having no money for food, or memories of the electricity cut off due to late payment of bills influenced them in the long run. They had thought about strategies for budgeting and were clear about prioritising essentials such as rent. 
But the cultural hangover of a hesitance to talk about money meant young people rarely reported discussing salaries, savings or longer term financial goals with their friends. Although they felt pressure to conform or keep up with activities or new products, many were perplexed that friends could afford something and they couldn’t, despite perceiving themselves to be in similar financial positions. 
This may of course have dangerous consequences in terms of setting expectations about lifestyle or consumption choices that do not correlate with their financial practices. 
<h2>Translating financial literacy into action</h2>
Our research suggests the current focus on financial literacy, which favours intervention and education at the individual level, only partially helps to support young people. Unlike previous generations, they face a complex terrain of financial decisions around superannuation, predatory lending practices (such as payday loans) and new, poorly regulated financial products on the market.
Among financial literacy initiatives, clear information is needed about the medium to long-term management of investments, the implications of debt and the importance of discussing their money decisions with others. 
Most importantly, more needs to be done to ensure systems and practices around spending and financial commitments are accessible and transparent. This includes making it easy for people to “read the fine print” in agreements, and being clear about the longer-term consequences of financial decisions.
Young people have a clear idea what they want their futures to look like and they know it requires significant financial compromises and sacrifices in the short and medium term. The least we can do is provide enabling structures to support this.
Kathleen Riach is associate professor in Management, Monash University and can be contacted <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/kathleen-riach-109667" target="_blank">here</a>.
Deanna Grant-Smith is senior lecturer, Management, Queensland University of Technology and can be contacted <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/deanna-grant-smith-272501" target="_blank">here</a>.
Paula McDonald is professor of Work and Organisation, ARC Future Fellow, Queensland University of Technology and can be contacted <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/paula-mcdonald-8705" target="_blank">here</a>.
All are authors for The Conversation.
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Young people don't expect to rely on the 'bank of mum and dad': study

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The Australian Finance Group Mortgage Index for the first quarter of financial year 2017 shows a lift of 8 percent from the first quarter of the 2016 financial year to be sitting at a record $15.19 billion.
“Refinancers are driving the activity with a lift from 36 percent at the beginning of the 2016 financial year to peak at 39 percent in the last quarter and close steady the first quarter of the 2017 financial year at 38 percent,” said AFG general manager sales and operations Mark Hewitt.
Existing homeowners are looking to save, first home buyers are still in the single digits and investors are steady, albeit at a lower level than seen across the last three years.
Upgraders are at historical highs across the last financial year and are sitting at 34% again as we finish the first quarter of FY 2017.
“As these figures show, Australian home buyers are aware that rates are at historical lows and there are savings to be made. If you have a home loan and your interest rate isn’t below 4 percent, it would be wise to get in touch with a mortgage broker to ensure you are maximizing your opportunity to save’ he said.
Borrowers choosing to fix their interest rates are down from 18.7 percent last quarter to 15.9 percent this latest quarter. “For those borrowers with a fixed rate product, I would encourage them to check in with their mortgage broker once the fixed rate period is over as many fixed rate loans can revert to a significantly higher rate than may be available in the market at the time.
“An AFG broker can provide true choice across lenders and products and is in the best position to be able to provide those alternatives and ensure their customer has the right lending solution,” said Mr Hewitt.
Investment lending is down from 34 percent last quarter to 32 percent, amid tightening by lenders of investment lending conditions and continued talk of apartment oversupply.
“It is well documented that over the past 12 months regulators have been ‘encouraging’ lenders to tighten up on their investment lending in some areas and they have responded with policy changes and a reduction in discounts being offered.
“It is important to remember that investment lending is often an area where a borrower can really benefit from the assistance of a mortgage broker who knows which lenders are still in the market and the right way to structure finance to meet the needs of the customer,” concluded Mr Hewitt.
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Upgraders at historic highs: AFG Mortgage Index

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While the number of adult children requiring financial support from the bank of mum and dad is lessening 74 percent of parents polled for a survey by finder.com.au are still helping out their kids over the age of 18 financially.
The survey found 12 percent receive help from their parents because they are saving for a home loan deposit, 11 percent say they support their adult children because they’re in debt and 28 percent of recipients are embarrassed or ashamed about getting financial aid from their parents.
Such financial help includes free or low rent, paying bills, university fees, white goods, or even buying a house.
Bessie Hassan, Money Expert at finder.com.au, says the percentage of adult children receiving financial handouts from their parents has fallen over the past 12 months. with the number of Australians that receive help from their parents dropping by 12 percent over the year.   
“It's human nature that parents want to step in if they’re child is struggling torepay debt or if they’re unable to complete a significant purchase such as a medical expense or a vehicle,” she said. 
“Young adults can get into the habit of living beyond their means because they think Mum and Dad will always be there to get them out of hot water. 
“A big part of parenting is helping your children become self-sufficient, and money matters should be no different.
“However, if you insist on giving money to your child, consider making it a loan with strict conditions on when and how it is to be paid back.
  “Trends in the employment market such as unpaid internships combined with rising property prices and large HECS/HELP debt required to pay off a tertiary degree are some factors that may be contributing to the large proportion of handouts from parents to their adult offspring."
Men versus women
<ul>
<li>More women receive financial help from their parents than men, and women receive almost twice as much financial help with a significant purchase like a house or car than men. </li>
<li>
One in six men (16 percent) are proud to admit they get handouts from their parents compared to 14 percent of women. </li>
<li>A greater number of women (9 percent) are ashamed of the financial help they receive from their parents than men (7 percent). </li>
</ul>
State by state
<ul>
<li>Victoria is the biggest sponge state, with 65 percent of people getting financial help from their parents, while South Australians are the most independent. </li>
<li>The greatest number of Queenslanders (23 percent) were ‘slightly embarrassed’ to get financial help from mum and dad, followed by NSW and WA (22 percent). </li>
</ul>
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Parents still forking out for adult kids: Finder.com.au

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GUEST OBSERVER
Consumer confidence: The ANZ/Roy Morgan consumer confidence rating rose by 4.4 percent to 120.6 in the week to September 25.
It was the biggest weekly gain in 11 months and the confidence reading is well above the average of 112.6 since 2014.
Finances healthy: The estimate of family finances compared with a year ago has hit the highest levels in seven years.
What does it all mean?
Just like other financial commentators and analysts, the Reserve Bank takes an interest in the regular readings of consumer confidence. Roy Morgan and ANZ compile a weekly index and the Melbourne Institute and Westpac produce a monthly confidence measure.
But from the Reserve Bank’s point of view, the questions posed on family finances are the most revealing. Clearly if consumers believe that their finances are in good shape, and are expected to stay that way, then they are far more likely to spend.
So it is important that the latest survey shows the current state of family finances at the best levels in seven years. Or expressed another way, finances are the best since the global financial crisis. Expectations of another rate cut have been receding and the latest consumer confidence readings will reinforce that trend.
The consumer survey is clearly great news for any business dependent on consumer spending, especially the more discretionary or non-essential purchases.
What do figures show?
Consumer confidence 
<a href="/images/2016/09/27/Screen%20Shot%202016-09-27%20at%2011.22.37%20AM.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/09/27/Screen%20Shot%202016-09-27%20at%2011.22.37%20AM.jpg" alt="">
The ANZ/Roy Morgan consumer confidence rating rose by 4.4 percent (5.1 points) to 120.6 in the week to September 25. Confidence is up 9 percent over the year and well above the average of 112.6 since 2014. All five components of the index rose in the latest week:
<ul>
<li>The estimate of family finances compared with a year ago was up from +10 to +16; 
</li>
<li>The estimate of family finances over the next year was up from +25 to +30; 
</li>
<li>Economic conditions over the next 12 months was up from +1 to +6; 
</li>
<li>Economic conditions over the next 5 years was up from +9 to +12; 
</li>
<li>The measure of whether it was a good time to buy a major household item was up from +33 points to +39 points.</li>
</ul>
What is the importance of the economic data?
The ANZ/Roy Morgan weekly survey of consumer confidence closely tracks the monthly Westpac/Melbourne Institute consumer sentiment index but the former measure is a timelier assessment of consumer attitudes and is now closely tracked by the Reserve Bank.
What are the implications for interest rates and investors?
Consumer confidence is clearly healthy and is supporting a lift in spending - a result that was largely confirmed in the August Commonwealth Bank Business Sales Index, a gauge of economy-wide spending.
More confident consumers are more likely to spend – although there are no guarantees.
While we haven’t yet ruled out a November rate cut, much will depend on the inflation readings released in late October.
<a href="/images/2016/09/27/Screen%20Shot%202016-09-27%20at%2011.22.47%20AM.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/09/27/Screen%20Shot%202016-09-27%20at%2011.22.47%20AM.jpg" alt="">
Craig James is the chief economist at <a href="https://www.comsec.com.au/default.aspx" target="_blank">CommSec</a>.
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