Design-led developer-builder Lowe Living has unveiled its latest residential development, Jardin House, marking its first foray into Melbourne's blue-chip City of Boroondara.

Located a short walk from Camberwell Junction, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/jardin-house-by-lowe-living-camberwell-335-camberwell-road-camberwell-vic-3124">Jardin House</a> has been designed to appeal to affluent local downsizers and established families seeking a low-maintenance alternative to the large homes that have long defined Camberwell and surrounding suburbs.

The project will comprise a collection of two and three-bedroom apartments ranging from 92 sqm to 280 sqm, alongside a limited number of penthouse residences featuring rooftop terraces spanning more than 100 sqm, with optional private pools.

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[smartcode_project:default project_id=146717 project_image_fid=372212]

Lowe Living Co-Founder and Managing Director Tim Lowe said Camberwell represented a natural next step for the developer as it expands into some of Melbourne's most tightly held residential markets.

"Jardin House is an important project for our team as it marks the next evolution of our portfolio into different well-established blue-chip pockets of Melbourne," Lowe said.

"Camberwell, with its incredible walkability, family-led neighbourhood feel and superb access to education and transport, makes it a natural choice for us."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146717 project_image_fid=372227]

Designed by Tristan Wong Architects, with interiors by Hecker Guthrie and landscaping by Acre, the development takes inspiration from the Art Deco architecture that remains a defining feature of many of Camberwell's established streets.

A curved facade, arched openings, textured brickwork and sculpted forms reference the suburb's architectural heritage, while extensive landscaping softens the building's presence and creates a strong connection to the surrounding tree-lined streetscape.

The project will be set behind a secure gated entrance, with residents arriving through landscaped gardens designed to create a transition between the public realm and private residences.

Inside, the residences feature natural stone and timber finishes, full-height glazing, Miele appliances and generous open-plan living areas designed for long-term owner occupation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146717 project_image_fid=372225]

While the apartments themselves have been designed to attract discerning owner-occupiers, it is the amenity offering that sets Jardin House apart from many other boutique projects currently launching across Melbourne.

The centrepiece is a 350 sqm private bathhouse curated in partnership with Aurora Spa &amp; Bathhouse founder Lyndall Mitchell.

The wellness precinct includes mineral pools, hydrotherapy experiences, a Himalayan salt room, sauna, steam room, cold plunge pools and dedicated relaxation spaces, creating what Lowe Living describes as a private wellness retreat exclusively for residents.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146717 project_image_fid=372222]

The collaboration follows Lowe Living's recent partnership with Aurora at Maison Savoy in Brighton, although Jardin House is the first project to incorporate both indoor and outdoor wellness experiences.

Emma Lowe, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Lowe Living, said wellness was becoming an increasingly important consideration for apartment buyers.

"Collaborating with Lyndall Mitchell from Aurora Spa &amp; Bathhouse for a second time is an intentional nod to creating residences that are more than just homes, but a way to enrich the lives of our residents through wellness and longevity," Lowe said.

The amenity offering is complemented by a Technogym fitness studio, residents' lounge, private dining spaces and concierge services.

The launch comes as developers increasingly target Melbourne's established eastern suburbs, where rising land values, ageing housing stock and growing downsizer demand are creating opportunities for boutique apartment projects.

Lowe said the company expects significant generational wealth transfer across suburbs such as Camberwell in coming years, creating further demand for luxury apartment living.

"Camberwell is a blue-chip suburb where homes regularly transact for multiple millions of dollars," he said.

"The generational change of wealth in these locations expected in the coming years is significant, so we see an opportunity to create exclusive residences that appeal to older families and downsizers in order to meet this demand."

Apartments at Jardin house start from $1,195,000. The project forms part of Lowe Living's near-$1 billion portfolio of new developments across Melbourne.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=146717]

Joel Robinson

Lowe Living launches Jardin House in Camberwell

As <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/north-sydney-nsw-2060">North Sydney</a> continues its transition from a commercial centre into a more layered residential and lifestyle precinct, a new generation of apartment developments is reshaping expectations around scale, amenity, and long-term liveability.

Improved transport connections through the Victoria Cross Metro, continued investment in dining and public spaces, and a constrained supply of new luxury apartments have sharpened demand for homes that combine proximity to the CBD with the privacy and outlook traditionally associated with harbourside houses.

At 177 Walker Street, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aland">ALAND</a>’s new apartment development <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-walden-north-sydney-177-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">The Walden</a> enters the market with a distinctly residential approach to high-rise living. The 30-level tower will deliver 161 residences, ranging from one-bedroom apartments through to sub-penthouses and a full-floor penthouse, all oriented to capture uninterrupted views across Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, and out toward the Pacific Ocean.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6395]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>, the project takes advantage of the site’s natural topography and elevated position above the harbour. Rather than relying on density alone, the architecture focuses on outlook, orientation, and spatial flow, with every apartment occupying a corner position to maximise natural light and cross ventilation.

Rothelowman says the site itself shaped much of the architectural response.

“The site has a long history in terms of its inevitable transformation and when we came in, we took inspiration from the idea of reestablishing a sense of the site’s natural terrain and fall. Our scheme aims to integrate with the terrain and the landscape, using the undulating site to slowly reveal glimpses and views of the harbour. The rotation of the tower off grid means every apartment has a view and is naturally cross ventilated. The building's colour palette is quintessentially Sydney, with bronze and sandstone and a luminescent green colour in the glass, making it very earthy and grounded in its location.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6399]

Inside the residences, the emphasis moves toward larger-format living typically associated with standalone homes. Kitchens sit at the centre of the apartments, connecting directly to open-plan dining and living areas before extending outward into expansive winter gardens and balconies. Calacatta marble, bespoke joinery, integrated appliances, and custom metal detailing are used throughout, while three distinct interior palettes, Terrace, Opera, and Harbour, allow buyers to personalise the spaces without compromising the architectural consistency of the project.

The larger residences place particular attention on separation between entertaining and private zones. In many apartments, master suites occupy the outer corners of the floorplates, allowing bedrooms to benefit from floor-to-ceiling glazing and harbour outlooks independent of the living spaces. Dressing rooms and ensuites continue the material palette through fluted detailing, freestanding baths, and layered stone finishes.

Rothelowman says the design intent centred on creating homes that feel enduring rather than transient.

“Our philosophy is all about the way people live in these spaces, and we wanted to create homes that reflect the quality of life in this unique Sydney location. The apartments showcase expansive living spaces that are generous, sophisticated, and bold, with the ability to connect with views throughout each apartment.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=353235]

A separate four-storey amenity building known as The Pavilion expands the residential offering beyond the apartments themselves. Positioned alongside the tower, the building consolidates wellness, recreation, and social spaces into a dedicated resident retreat. Facilities include a 20-metre rooftop pool and sundeck, sauna, spa, ice bath, wellness studio, gymnasium, concierge service, wine cellar, residents’ lounge, private dining spaces, and dedicated co-working areas with meeting rooms and boardroom facilities.

The amenity mix reflects the buyer profile emerging in North Sydney, where owner-occupiers and downsizers are increasingly prioritising convenience, apartment scale, and long-term usability over purely investment-driven decisions.

The Walden also represents a significant milestone for ALAND, marking the company’s first major move into Sydney’s inner-city luxury apartment market after more than two decades delivering large-scale residential communities across Greater Sydney. Founder Andrew Hrsto says the Walker Street site stood apart because of both its positioning and its rarity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6390]

“As a company, we had been searching for a site in one of Sydney’s blue-chip locations, spanning the Eastern Suburbs, the Sydney CBD and the North Shore, and when we had the opportunity to purchase this site, we immediately recognised that it could be something iconic.”

At launch, The Walden recorded more than $103 million in sales, with buyers drawn to the project’s harbour positioning, apartment scale, and proximity to the Metro, which now connects North Sydney to Barangaroo in three minutes and Martin Place in five.

ALAND has commenced construction, and is expecting a completion date in 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134323]

The Walden pairs house-scale living with North Sydney connectivity

The ACT will become the first jurisdiction in Australia to abolish stamp duty for all first home buyers, with no income caps and no property price thresholds from 1 July.

The move, announced as part of the ACT Budget, completes a key election commitment from the Barr Government and removes what Chief Minister Andrew Barr described as one of the biggest barriers to entering the housing market. The reform forms part of the ACT's long-running transition away from transaction taxes and towards a broader-based property tax system.

"This budget marks a major milestone in our long-term tax reform program," Barr said, adding that the government had maintained a sustained focus on removing barriers to home ownership. He said stamp duty had long been one of the largest upfront hurdles facing buyers and that from July, "that barrier is gone" for first home buyers in the Territory.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139989 project_image_fid=350986]

The changes come alongside a range of measures designed to encourage new housing supply, including support for the delivery of so-called "missing middle" housing such as terraces, townhouses and low-rise multi-unit developments.

The announcement has renewed debate around whether the ACT's approach could provide a blueprint for improving housing affordability nationally.

New research from OurTop10.com.au, conducted by Primara Research, suggests the Territory's decade-long reform agenda has produced outcomes unmatched elsewhere in Australia.

While stamp duty costs have increased by an average 67 per cent nationally over the past decade, the ACT has recorded growth of just 15 per cent, the lowest increase of any jurisdiction.

The Territory has also emerged as one of the strongest performers on housing delivery. Based on population-weighted housing targets, the ACT is sitting less than one per cent behind its target. Victoria is the next closest at seven per cent behind, while the national average sits 25 per cent below target. New South Wales is tracking 39 per cent behind.

The latest reform removes one of the final barriers facing first home buyers in Canberra.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139989 project_image_fid=359152]

The average Australian home buyer currently pays $61,714 in stamp duty. In the ACT, that figure is $38,399 despite the Territory having the third-highest median house price in the country.

Until now, the ACT's first home buyer concession scheme only applied to purchases up to $1.02 million, around $51,000 below Canberra's median house price of $1.071 million. In practical terms, many first home buyers were unable to access the median-priced home without losing the concession.

From July, those restrictions disappear.

Every first home buyer in the ACT will pay no stamp duty, regardless of income or purchase price.

Canberra remains one of Australia's most expensive housing markets, with dwelling values increasing 82 per cent over the past decade. However, that growth ranks only 11th among Australia's 15 major housing markets, suggesting affordability pressures have been less severe than in many other parts of the country.

Simon Ma, CEO of OurTop10.com.au, said the latest reforms recognise that many first home buyers have simply outgrown thresholds set years ago.

"Many first home buyers aren't just looking for a way onto the ladder, they want a home their family can actually live in," Ma said.

"In a market where the median house price is over a million dollars, a concession scheme that cuts out at $1.02 million was never going to get them there.

"Removing the ceiling entirely means ACT first home buyers can now pursue the home they actually want, rather than limiting themselves to a price point designed for a very different market."

Whether other states follow remains to be seen. But at a time when most jurisdictions are struggling to improve affordability while also increasing housing supply, the ACT has quietly become the national test case for both.

15% stamp duty growth. Just 1% off the national housing target. Zero stamp duty for FHBs. Is the ACT the blueprint for the great Australian dream?

ACT abolishes stamp duty for first home buyers

A rooftop pool and spa overlooking the Brisbane CBD, private dining spaces, expansive landscaped gardens and a residents' lounge are set to crown <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/callista-on-park-west-end-49-mollison-street-west-end-qld-4101">Callista on Park</a>, the final residential building within Brisbane's West Village precinct.

The rooftop amenity collection has been designed as an extension of the lifestyle already established throughout West Village, providing residents with a series of indoor and outdoor spaces that capitalise on the building's elevated position above West End.

A swimming pool and heated spa form the centrepiece of the rooftop offering, surrounded by landscaped gardens developed through a collaboration between developer Sekisui House and ASPECT Studios. The design incorporates expansive lawn areas surrounded by English garden-inspired planting.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134800 project_image_fid=370648]

Residents will also have access to two barbecue and outdoor dining areas positioned to take advantage of views across Brisbane's skyline, neighbouring Mollison Park, and the surrounding inner-city landscape.

For larger gatherings, the rooftop includes a private dining room centred around a substantial stone island bench, complete with a full kitchen and a 10-seat dining table set beneath four-metre-high ceilings. The space has been designed to overlook both the rooftop gardens and the Brisbane CBD skyline.

A separate residents' lounge provides an additional indoor retreat connected to the broader rooftop amenity offering, creating another space for residents to work, relax or entertain guests.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134800 project_image_fid=370647]

The attention to detail extends beyond the rooftop.

Upon arrival, residents will enter through a lobby featuring a bespoke ceiling light installation developed in collaboration between Sekisui House and Alcorn Middleton Architecture. The arrival experience is complemented by private resident mailboxes and carefully considered interior finishes designed to reflect the premium positioning of the building.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134800 project_image_fid=372541]

The amenity offering forms part of Callista on Park, the final residential release within the decade-long transformation of the former Peters Ice Cream Factory site into West Village, one of Brisbane's most established mixed-use communities.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> and being delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/hutchinson-builders">Hutchinson Builders</a>, Callista represents the most premium residential offering within the masterplanned precinct.

Construction is now entering its final stages, with scaffolding beginning to come down and completion expected in the first quarter of 2027.

Prices for the three-bedroom plus MPR apartments start from just over $2.6 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134800 project_image_fid=351535]

Callista will mark the final opportunity to purchase within West Village, where residents have direct access to more than 35 retail, dining, wellness and medical operators including Harris Farm Markets, Woolworths, Function Well and Goodlife Health Clubs, Metro Arts, and a growing collection of restaurants and cafés.

Located just 800 metres from the Brisbane CBD, the precinct also places residents within walking distance of South Bank, West End's dining scene, riverfront parklands and major public transport connections.

For Sekisui House, which has delivered more than two million homes globally, Callista serves as the concluding piece of the West Village masterplan, bringing together the precinct's heritage character, parkland setting and emphasis on walkability in a final collection of larger-format residences.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134800]

Rooftop pool, private dining and skyline gardens to crown West Village's final apartment release, Callista on Park

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/wahroonga-nsw-2076">Wahroonga</a>’s enduring appeal has long been tied to its balance of bushland, established amenity, and access to some of Sydney’s most respected education and healthcare institutions.

Along Fox Valley Road, that combination is becoming increasingly sought after by buyers looking to remain connected to the Upper North Shore lifestyle while prioritising walkability, wellbeing, and convenience.

Developer Capital Corporation's initial vision of a 62-hectare site on Fox Valley Road was that they could create their own walkable community, bordered by&nbsp;more than 25 hectares of bushland and adjoining Coups Creek.

<img alt="Wahroonga" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b84917a1-0d75-49b9-888c-ddf7ebfd6692" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/NEW2026_Wahroonga_Walkway.gif?VersionId=Gk3_xi5ssYfalmwuQQ5umQakddceC31j" />

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-residences-at-wahroonga-estate-169-fox-valley-road-wahroonga-nsw-2076">The Residences at Wahroonga Estate</a> draws directly on the area’s natural landscape, with walking trails and green corridors linking into sections of Lane Cove National Park. The surrounding network of bushwalks, cycling tracks, and reserves reinforces the suburb’s long-standing reputation as one of Sydney’s most nature-oriented residential pockets, while still maintaining close ties to village retail and transport infrastructure.

The address places residents within minutes of Wahroonga and Turramurra villages, where cafés, local grocers, boutiques, and everyday services support a highly localised lifestyle. Popular nearby venues including The Fox Café and Breeze Valley Café provide easy options for morning coffee or casual dining, while longstanding retailers such as IGA Wahroonga Fresh and Novella Fine Books continue to anchor the area’s village character.

&nbsp;

<img alt="Wahroonga" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c4a950f7-4f05-4370-b360-b106359788e5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/2026_Wahroonga_Entry_Gates.gif?VersionId=7n5kh9ymu.azYEYDemJkPgiIAfSw44oj" />

Healthcare access remains one of the defining locational advantages of the estate. Sydney Adventist Hospital, known locally as The San, sits directly adjacent and is one of the largest and most respected private hospitals in New South Wales. The hospital precinct incorporates specialist medical services, radiology, physiotherapy, and outpatient care, contributing to growing buyer demand from downsizers and owner-occupiers seeking long-term convenience and peace of mind.

Research commissioned by Capital Corporation found that health and wellbeing considerations are increasingly influencing downsizing decisions, particularly among buyers wanting to remain within familiar neighbourhoods while accessing medical infrastructure more easily.

Education has also historically underpinned demand across Wahroonga and the broader Upper North Shore. The estate sits close to several of Sydney’s leading private and independent schools, including Knox Grammar, Abbotsleigh, Barker College, Pymble Ladies’ College, Ravenswood School for Girls, and Loreto Normanhurst. Co-educational options including Wahroonga Adventist School and Sydney Adventist School further strengthen the area’s appeal to established families looking for long-term schooling pathways within a tightly held catchment.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135247 project_image_fid=262183]

Transport connectivity supports the suburb’s liveability without compromising its quieter residential character. Wahroonga and Turramurra train stations provide direct rail access into the Sydney CBD, while the nearby Pacific Highway and M1 motorway strengthen links across the North Shore and broader metropolitan area. At the same time, the heavily treed streetscape and low-density character continue to distinguish the precinct from more urbanised parts of Sydney.

The Residences at Wahroonga Estate forms the first stage of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/capital-corporation">Capital Corporation</a>’s broader masterplanned vision for the precinct, delivered alongside the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135247 project_image_fid=364995]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/group-gsa">GroupGSA</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/coco-republic-interior-design">Coco Republic</a>, the development integrates landscaped communal spaces including a pet-friendly Green Spine, resident lounge, BBQ pavilion, and direct bushland access, reinforcing the project’s focus on outdoor connection and community-based living.

Now under construction by Gold Star iCIRT-rated builder <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/dasco-australia">DASCO</a>, The Residences at Wahroonga Estate will deliver a collection of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments priced from $990,000, with completion anticipated in 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135247]

Capital Corporation to cater to Upper North Shore downsizers by creating walkable community at The Residences at Wahroonga Estate

Assets

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The average balance of self-managed super funds has topped $1 million for the first time, the latest tax office statistics show. It was at around $800,000 four years ago.
SMSFs returned 9.8 percent on assets in fiscal 2014, the fifth consecutive year of positive returns.
"For the first time the average assets of SMSFs grew to over $1 million in 2014, a growth of 23 percent over five years," ATO assistant commissioner Kasey Macfarlane said.
"Likewise, average assets per member increased to $564,000, the highest over the period," Fairfax Media reported.
The data shows there are one million members of DIY super funds which combined are worth $590 billion in assets.
The average assets per small fund are $1,066,080 and median assets $602,629.
Nearly 31percent of SMSFs now have assets of $1 million or over, including 10.8 percent with assets between $2 million to $5 million; 2.1percent in the $5 million to $10 million range and 0.5percent with a balance over $10 million.
 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

SMSF average balance hits $1 million

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Household finance data released by the Reserve Bank (RBA) each quarter looks at the ratios of household debts and assets to disposable income. The latest RBA update shows that while households debt is growing, asset wealth is simultaneously increasing. 
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According to the RBA, the ratio of household debt to disposable income was recorded at 193.7% at the end of June 2017 and now sits at a record-high having increased by 2.0% over the quarter and by 3.9% over the year.
According to CoreLogic research analyst Cameron Kusher it was not surprising to see that most of this debt is housing related; the ratio of housing debt to disposable income is recorded at 136.4% having increased by 1.4% over the quarter and 3.9% over the year.
Kusher said, “Clearly, household and housing debt has increased over time relative to disposable incomes. Of note is that since the financial crisis, the rate of escalation has slowed.”
Further data from the RBA reveals that of the 136.4% ratio of housing debt to disposable income, 103.2% is held by owner occupiers with the remaining 33.2% held by investors.
At the end of June 2017 the ratio of household assets to disposable income was recorded at 935.6% and the ratio of housing assets to disposable income was 516.5%, both of which were record highs. Over the past year household assets and housing assets have increased by 6.6% and 7.8% respectively, well in excess of the increase in household and housing debt.
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By comparing the ratios of assets and debt the RBA also produces ratios of household and housing debt to assets. Mr Kusher said, “The data reiterates that although debt levels are high, at this stage debt is well supported by assets which are valued substantially higher.”
Over recent years the ratios of household and housing debt to assets has actually been falling. In June 2017, the ratio of household debt to assets was recorded at 20.7% and the ratio of housing debt to assets sat at 26.4%.
According to Kusher, a big contributor to the declining ratio of debt to assets over recent years has been the ongoing fall in interest rates to their current lows. At the end of June 2017 the ratio of household interest repayments to disposable income was 8.7% and for housing it was 7.1%. Lower interest rates also mean that where there is a debt, debtors have the ability (if they choose) to maintain previous repayments which in turn means additional debt is repaid as interest rates fall.
He said, “The latest household finance data from the RBA highlights that Australian households are heavily indebted, largely due to housing. While debt levels are high, the value of household and housing assets are, at this stage, considerably greater than the level of debt.”
“Of course, if household and housing asset values begin to fall in the future, the accompanying debt may not fall at the same rate and that remains the main concern with the ongoing increase in household and housing debt.
“Although Australia survived the financial crisis with much less damage than many other countries, of note was the fairly sharp rise in the ratio of household and housing debts to assets over that period. A more sustained downturn could potentially see a much greater increase in these ratios as asset values fall but the debt against these assets remain,” Mr Kusher said. 
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ckusher-ujnxiKuFQs

Household debt growing slower than asset wealth as both hit record highs

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Melbourne's likely last significant CBD offering of 2018 is a one of Queen Street’s trophy buildings.
Colliers International’s Oliver Hay, Daniel Wolman and David Sia have been appointed to manage the on-site auction campaign for 438 Queen Street.
Set on 1,440 sqm the property is expected to sell for more than $7 million.
The property is being sold by David Tweed, a controversial stocks predator who gained notoriety more than a decade ago through his practice of making unsolicited off-market offers to unsophisticated investors to acquire their securities at prices well below market value.
“With so few freestanding assets hitting the Melbourne CBD market, we’re expecting developers, investors and owner-occupiers to all be after a piece of the city’s history,” Mr Hay said. 
The corner property located in the heart of Melbourne’s Queen Victoria Market Precinct and Elizabeth Street 24-hour Precinct has triple street frontage spanning 69 m and is zoned for Capital City 1.
“These characteristics present scope for the building to be used as a powerhouse office headquarters, hospitality or student accommodation/hotel,” Mr Hay said. 
The property is for sale by auction on 13 December.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Melbourne's last 2018 CBD offering of 2018 is a historic Queen Street building

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<h2>An SMSF can lease an asset of the fund – such as business equipment or machinery – to a related party of the fund. This is known as an in-house asset.</h2>
An in-house asset is a loan to – or an investment in – a related party of your fund or an asset subject to a lease to a related party.
A related party of your fund can include fund members, trustees, their relatives and any companies and trusts these related parties control or influence. Employers who contribute member benefits for you or another member of your super fund are also related parties.
It’s important to remember that in-house assets can’t be more than 5 percent of the total market value of fund assets.
If your SMSF holds an in-house asset, the value of all of your funds’ assets needs to be determined at the end of the income year. The valuation enables you to test whether the market value of the in-house assets exceed 5% of the funds’ total assets at the end of a year of income.
<h2>Certain events will affect the percentage of in-house assets and there are also some exceptions to the in-house asset rules.</h2>
Your SMSF must also ensure that the lease of business equipment or machinery complies with the sole purpose test and is made on a commercial ‘arm’s length’ basis.
Can an SMSF sell a collectable or personal-use asset to a related party?
Yes – collectables and personal-use assets held in an SMSF can be sold to a related party. For items acquired:
<ul>
<li>after 1 July 2011, the sale must be made at market price as determined by a qualified, independent valuer</li>
<li>before 1 July 2011 and sold before 1 July 2016, an independent valuation is not required, however, the sale must be made on an arm's length basis.</li>
</ul>
All sales to related parties that occur on or after 1 July 2016 must be supported by an independent valuation.
What is the time limit for providing requested documents to my SMSF auditor?
You must provide requested relevant documents to your SMSF auditor within 14 days of the request being made.
If you fail to do so, you will be in breach of a statutory time period in section 35C (2) of the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993.
Where a statutory time period is exceeded by more than 14 days, your SMSF auditor is required to report the contravention to the ATO via an Auditor Contravention Report.
What is my preservation age for accessing super benefits?
Your preservation age is the minimum age at which you can access your preserved super benefits without meeting another condition of release. It is based on your year of birth.
Your preservation age will be 55 if you were born before 1 July 1960.
If you were born after 30 June 1960, you will have a higher preservation age of:
<ul>
<li>56 – if you were born between 1 July 1960 and 30 June 1961</li>
<li>57 – if you were born between 1 July 1961 and 30 June 1962</li>
<li>58 – if you were born between 1 July 1962 and 30 June 1963</li>
<li>59 – if you were born between 1 July 1963 and 30 June 1964</li>
<li>60 – if you were born after 30 June 1964 
</li>
</ul>
To access your preserved super in the 2015-16 income year, you must have turned 55 before 1 July 2015.
Your preservation age is relevant to the following conditions of release:
<ul>
<li>reaching preservation age and retired with no intention to work again in the future</li>
<li>reaching preservation age and starting a transition-to-retirement income stream.</li>
</ul>
What happens if TRIS payments exceed the maximum annual payment limit?
A transition-to-retirement income stream (TRIS) can be paid to a member who has reached their preservation age even if they have not retired. However, strict annual payment conditions apply. The minimum annual payment amount depends on the member’s age and the maximum annual payment amount is 10 percent of the member’s account balance. 
If payments are outside the allowable limits, the TRIS is automatically taken to have ceased for income tax purposes from the start of the financial year in question. This means your fund cannot claim a tax exemption on the income from the account supporting all the payments. It also means all payments made during the financial year will be treated as a lump sum and taxed at the individual’s marginal tax rate, unless the payments are unrestricted non-preserved benefits.
Can an SMSF purchase shares in a private company?
An SMSF is prohibited from acquiring assets from a related party. There are limited exceptions, including market listed shares, business real property or in-house assets (where the value of all in-house assets does not exceed 5% of total fund assets).
In recent communications, we have described situations where an SMSF purchases the shares of a private company for the purpose of channelling franked dividends to the SMSF instead of the company’s original shareholders.
If the private company is a related party of the SMSF, the purchase would be a prohibited acquisition and a breach of section 66 of the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993 (SISA) would occur.
How are unrestricted non-preserved benefits related to a condition of release?
The most common conditions of release for paying benefits to a member are when the member has:
<ul>
<li>reached their preservation age and retires</li>
<li>reached their preservation age and begins a transition-to-retirement income stream</li>
<li>turned 65 (even if they haven't retired)</li>
<li>died</li>
</ul>
When you meet a condition of release with no cashing restrictions, your preserved benefits become unrestricted non-preserved benefits (UNPB).
Under the rules for voluntarily cashing benefits, UNPBs may be cashed at any time. 
Can you set up an SMSF with a corporate trustee? 
Under paragraph 19(3)(a) of the SISA, the trustee of the fund must be a constitutional corporation pursuant to a requirement contained in the governing rules.
This means you need to set up a company incorporated under law and obtain a certificate of registration in order to have the company act as trustee of a fund. Registering a company incurs immediate costs and there is also an annual fee depending on the purpose of the fund.
The company must be registered before the SMSF is established.
How do I amend my SMSF annual return?
To amend your SMSF annual return you need to resubmit the whole return and answer ‘yes’ in Section A question 5.
You cannot request amendments by:
<ul>
<li>writing to us with the correct details</li>
<li>submitting a partially completed SMSF annual return</li>
<li>submitting a Request for an amendment of an income tax return form.</li>
</ul>
Can I make salary-sacrificed contributions to my SMSF and at the same time access retirement money to make mortgage payments?
There are very limited circumstances when you can access your retirement savings early. Strict criteria must be met to do so.
A release on compassionate grounds must be applied for through the Department of Human Services. In these circumstances, superannuation savings will only be released to make mortgage payments if you do not have the financial capacity to pay and your mortgagee is threatening to repossess or sell your home.
If you are voluntarily salary sacrificing into your super fund, instead of paying your mortgage, you will not qualify for compassionate grounds because you have the financial capacity to make your mortgage repayments by accessing your employment income.
You are only able to withdraw super under severe financial hardship if you have received Australian Government income support payments continuously for 26 weeks and are unable to meet reasonable and immediate living expenses. Payments from your super fund are limited to a maximum of $10,000 every 12 months.
Improper early access to your super is illegal – there are severe consequences for you and your fund if you access your super before you are legally entitled to do so. These include disqualification of trustees, the fund being made non-complying, imposition of administrative penalties, and prosecution.
Any money accessed illegally will also be assessed as income for the individual and taxed at the applicable marginal tax rate.
Can an SMSF take out insurance on a cross-insurance basis?
Regulations that came into operation on 1 July 2014 do not allow SMSFs to provide insurance for a member unless the insured event is consistent with one of the following conditions of release:
<ul>
<li>death</li>
<li>terminal medical condition</li>
<li>permanent incapacity</li>
<li>temporary incapacity.</li>
</ul>
<h2>The Explanatory Memorandum associated with the amended regulations makes it clear that the proceeds of an insurance policy must be released to the member who is the insured under the policy. This means that cross-insurance arrangements where the proceeds of an insurance policy are paid to someone other than the insured under the policy are not permitted.</h2>
Does the temporary budget repair levy apply to SMSFs?
The Temporary Budget Repair Levy started on 1 July 2014. It is a 2 percent levy that applies if your income is taxed at the highest marginal tax rate. Super fund tax rates that match the top marginal tax rate for individuals have been increased by 2 percent. These tax rates are:
<h2><a href="/images/2016/10/12/Screen%20Shot%202016-10-12%20at%209.25.33%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></h2>
<img src="/images/2016/10/12/Screen%20Shot%202016-10-12%20at%209.25.33%20AM.png" alt="">
For more information from the ATO, <a href="https://www.ato.gov.au" target="_blank">click here</a>.
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Property 101: Can equipment owned by the SMSF be leased to other members of the same SMSF?

<html><body>
GUEST OBSERVER
New online resources – the Divorce and Separation Financial Checklist and the Asset Stocktake Calculator – developed by ASIC will help people navigate the financial aspects of divorce and separation.
The resources are designed to help Australians manage their finances and make informed financial choices to avoid financial pitfalls during periods of significant change in their life.
The <a href="https://www.moneysmart.gov.au/life-events-and-you/life-events/divorce-and-separation/divorce-and-separation-financial-checklist" target="_blank">divorce and separation financial checklist</a> and <a href="https://www.moneysmart.gov.au/tools-and-resources/calculators-and-apps/asset-stocktake-calculator" target="_blank">asset stocktake calculator</a> will provide guidance on:
<ul>
<li>making informed financial decisions at the time of a relationship breakdown;</li>
<li>separating finances and getting money on track post separation and divorce and;</li>
<li>commencing the property settlement process by providing a summary of assets and debts.</li>
</ul>
'A relationship breakdown changes many aspects of a person's life, including their finances. This can leave people feeling stressed and overwhelmed and make it difficult to focus on financial decisions', said Mr Peter Kell, ASIC Deputy Chairman.
'The new resources can help sort out money issues and guide people through the financial uncertainty they may be facing when a relationship ends, by providing practical steps to separate finances,' added Mr Kell.
Research undertaken by the Australian Institute of Family Studies has measured the impact of a relationship breakdown on people's finances, which especially affects women. Divorce had a substantial negative effect on the equivalised household incomes of women, with Australian women experiencing a fall in income of 21 per cent compared to their pre-divorce income.<a name="_ftnref1" href="https://www.asic.gov.au/about-asic/media-centre/find-a-media-release/2016-releases/16-285mr-asic-launches-new-divorce-and-separation-resources-to-support-your-financial-decisions/#_ftn1" title=""> </a>
Anne Hollonds, Psychologist and Director of the Institute of Family Studies said, 'When a relationship breaks down, we often don't know how to start sorting out our finances. The new checklist from ASIC's MoneySmart can help you work out what you need to do. You can also use it to support someone you know who's going through a divorce or separation.'
ASIC's promotion of the resources is supported by a video featuring Anne Hollonds who explains how the divorce and separation financial checklist can help navigate finances when a relationship ends.
To view the video, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RyM327PY744" target="_blank">click here</a>.
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