A landmark former orphanage site in Surrey Hills could be transformed into a new residential community under plans lodged by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/antipodean-land-developments">Antipodean Land Developments</a> that would deliver 76 apartments and townhouses while restoring some of the suburb's most significant heritage buildings.

The burgeoninng Melbourne-based developer has submitted plans for the 9,158 sqm site at 1 Kent Road and 24 Durham Road, home to the former St Joseph's Home for Destitute Children, a historic institutional complex dating back to the late 19th century. The proposal seeks to adaptively reuse several heritage buildings while introducing two new four-storey residential buildings set within extensive landscaped grounds.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a> and Kerstin Thompson Architects, the project has been conceived as a contemporary residential village embedded within a restored heritage precinct. The development team describes the design approach as "The Village in the Garden," with new buildings positioned among mature landscaping by OCULUS and significant heritage structures.

<img alt="First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="44ec8c1b-c0b6-44ae-859e-5811b3e6a023" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29.png?VersionId=p.p1_KFh4iQoV4nisdnPfQBAsWNi7m79" />

The proposal would deliver 76 dwellings comprising a mix of apartments and duplex-style residences, significantly increasing housing supply on one of the largest privately held residential landholdings in Surrey Hills. The development includes 127 car spaces, 24 bicycle spaces and more than 1,000 sqm of communal amenity, with the existing chapel building earmarked for conversion into resident facilities.

According to the planning submission, the project centres on the restoration and adaptive reuse of the site's most significant heritage assets, including the original c.1889 St Joseph's building, the chapel designed by architect Augustus Andrew Fritsch, and the historic brick perimeter walls and entry gates. The proposal also incorporates the retention of other contributory buildings including the former infirmary and school building.

Tract Consultants, in the planning report accompanying the application, said the scheme had been shaped through extensive heritage analysis and design development.

"The shared vision for the Site by the project team has culminated in a scheme which successfully breathes life back into a historic site while delivering upon the objectives of Victoria's Housing Statement in a carefully curated and contextually responsive manner."

<img alt="First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7263b7d8-95ea-400f-9531-6ca7d22c3c33" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%282%29.png?VersionId=4cR1tiWOsDpgxEOwZi5vVFcyvvOsYkIE" />

The proposal is being assessed under Victoria's Significant Residential Development with Affordable Housing pathway. As part of the application, three per cent of the project's residential development cost would be contributed to the Social Housing Growth Fund. The development would also provide a diverse mix of one, two and three-bedroom residences targeting a broader range of buyers than typically found in Surrey Hills' detached housing market.

Sustainability initiatives include an anticipated 66 per cent BESS score, natural cross-ventilation to 80 per cent of apartments, 28 per cent deep soil landscaping and a canopy cover outcome exceeding local planning requirements. The proposal also sets aside more than 1,083 sqm for communal indoor and outdoor resident amenity spaces.

<img alt="First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="33fad46f-fe26-4d0a-acfd-6b776e1c6a3d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Untitled%20design.png?VersionId=D9F6WVSyYCtGvSUmith35LRp6R7PQkw_" />

Planning documents describe the property as one of the largest underutilised residential sites in Surrey Hills, arguing it presents a rare opportunity to introduce "missing middle" housing in an established inner-eastern suburb while preserving and revitalising a significant heritage precinct.

Antipodean Land Developments has built a reputation for design-focused residential projects across Melbourne, particularly in the medium-density sector. Previous developments include Neighbourhood in Brunswick East, delivered with Breathe Architecture, and Balfe Park Lane, designed by Kerstin Thompson Architects.

They've been very active in site acquisition as they build out their future development pipeline. They recently launched Thornubury House, 45 apartments above a mix of commercial, retail, and food and beverage tenancies, and have plans for a boutique project in Fitzroy and another <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/vic/antipodean-plan-apartments-for-deepdenes-missing-middle-on-whitehorse-road">"missing middle" project</a> on Deepdene's Whitehorse Road.

Joel Robinson

First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills

Developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/auyin-property-development">Auyin</a> is the latest to turn to the Victorian Government's Development Facilitation Program in an effort to secure approval for its long-planned, mixed-use project in Elsternwick.

In 2018, Auyin lodged plans with Glen Eira City Council for a 14-storey building, however Council approved a reduced eight-storey scheme. A subsequent VCAT appeal in 2019 upheld the eight-storey height limit.

The project was later amended to nine storeys, but Auyin is now seeking to revive something closer to its original vision. The developer argues that the planning context has evolved significantly over the past decade, particularly within the Elsternwick Activity Centre, where higher-density development has increasingly been encouraged along Glen Huntly Road.

The proposal would transform the 1,239 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/7-12-horne-street-elsternwick-vic-3185">7-15 Horne Street</a>, opposite Elsternwick Railway Station, into a 13-storey residential and retail development designed by CBG Architects, with 40 apartments

The site currently comprises three commercial properties.

<img alt="First look: 13-storey mixed-use tower planned for Elsternwick activity centre" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5f465dd4-509b-4082-a669-0253b313914b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/elsternwick%20podium.png?VersionId=72frWi0SmQ5AVJ3ARRhX5ILUYObhTm7x" />

The proposed apartment mix comprises 25 two-bedroom and 15 three-bedroom residences above 200 sqm of retail space at ground level. Residents would have access to a 90 sqm wellness facility, a 351 sqm communal indoor and outdoor terrace on the third level, and extensive landscaped areas throughout the development. A publicly accessible 135 sqm plaza would be created on the north-east corner of the site, providing seating, landscaping, and a new gathering space adjoining Horne Street.

The design adopts a four-storey podium that references the finer-grain character of the surrounding streetscape, with the upper tower recessed behind generous setbacks on all boundaries.

<img alt="First look: 13-storey mixed-use tower planned for Elsternwick activity centre" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e637e763-2abc-4c34-a0aa-5c7ad36fae18" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/elsternwick%20open.png?VersionId=J1AoOpZgTyaF.KeeFSX6lMjEScX8KKRi" />

A key element of the proposal is the reconfiguration and widening of the surrounding laneways. Vehicle access would be retained from Lois Lane, with upgraded pedestrian connections linking Ross Street and Horne Street. The development would provide 58 residential car spaces, two retail car spaces, and 52 bicycle spaces across two basement levels and ground-floor facilities.

Architecturally, the building draws inspiration from the established character of Elsternwick Village. The façade combines dark charcoal brickwork, textured concrete, bronze-toned metal detailing, and extensive planting integrated into podium and tower levels. The design also incorporates a chamfered corner treatment and publicly accessible plaza intended to strengthen pedestrian activity around the station precinct.

Elsternwick's last new development completion was&nbsp;EVA Elsternwick by Pitard late last year. <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/milieu-property">Milieu</a> is working away on its nature-led neighbourhood, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/elsternwick-gardens-by-milieu-8-gordon-street-elsternwick-vic-3185">Elsternwick Gardens</a>, on Gordon Street, with its first stage expected to complete next year.

First look: Auyin seeks mixed-use apartment project in growing Elsternwick Activity Centre

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/otium-parkdale-123-125-como-parade-east-parkdale-vic-3195">Otium Parkdale</a>, the 13-residence boutique development by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/huxtable-property">Huxtable Property</a>, has entered its final stages of delivery, with completion expected within the coming month and more than half of the residences sold.

The Como Parade East project is nearing the finish line at a time when opportunities to purchase new apartments in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/parkdale-vic-3195">Parkdale</a> remain exceptionally limited. Fewer than 10 per cent of dwellings in the bayside suburb are apartments, making developments like Otium a relatively rare addition to a market traditionally dominated by detached housing.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134974 project_image_fid=5427]

The three-level development comprises 13 residences, including ten two-bedroom apartments and three larger three-bedroom homes, all positioned above a secure basement car park.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/almeida-architects">Almeida Architects</a> with a strong connection to its coastal surroundings, Otium combines red brick, exposed concrete and dark metal detailing with integrated landscaping and greenery. Expansive glazing, generous balconies and terraces have been incorporated throughout the design to maximise natural light and reinforce indoor-outdoor living.

Inside, the residences feature engineered European oak flooring, natural and reconstituted stone benchtops, Bosch kitchen appliances, ducted heating and cooling, lift access and secure entry systems. The larger three-bedroom residences on the upper level have been designed with house-like proportions, while the two-bedroom apartments prioritise functionality, flexibility and low-maintenance living.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134974 project_image_fid=5421]

The project is now in its final stages, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/labco">Labco</a> completing the remaining landscaping and external finishing works following the completion of the residences' interiors.

Otium's location within the heart of Parkdale continues to underpin its appeal. Residents will be just steps from local cafés, restaurants, shops and the newly elevated Parkdale Station, while the beach is less than a kilometre away.

With the project tracking ahead of schedule, buyers can currently secure a residence with a five per cent deposit and benefit from settlement terms of up to eight months. The advanced stage of construction also provides buyers with the opportunity to walk through the near-complete residences and experience the quality and finishes firsthand ahead of completion.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134974]

Otium Parkdale enters final month before completion as rare apartment opportunity nears sellout

A new boutique apartment development is entering the market in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/chermside-qld-4032">Chermside</a>, with Brisbane-based developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ausdev">Ausdev</a> bringing 33 residences to a well-connected pocket of Brisbane's north.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/parkdrive-apartments-chermside-25-sammells-drive-chermside-qld-4032">Parkdrive Apartments</a>, at 25 Sammells Drive, will comprise a mix of one- and two-bedroom residences positioned within walking distance of Westfield Chermside, The Prince Charles Hospital, and Bradbury Park.

Established in 1989, Ausdev has a long-standing presence across both development and construction, with Parkdrive Apartments representing its latest residential project in Brisbane's northern suburbs.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152125 project_image_fid=363778]

The development has been designed around open-plan living and natural light, with residences featuring stone benchtops, timber cabinetry, BOSCH appliances, and private balconies that extend the living areas outdoors.

Kitchens are positioned as the centrepiece of the homes, incorporating natural material palettes and integrated appliances, while bathrooms have been designed with a focus on functionality and understated finishes.

Residents will have access to a communal barbecue and entertaining area on Level 3, providing shared outdoor space within the development. Secure parking and lift access are also incorporated into the building.

The project will deliver a limited collection of 33 apartments, with one-bedroom residences priced from $749,000.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152125 project_image_fid=363782]

Beyond the building itself, the location places residents within easy reach of several of Chermside's key amenities. Bradbury Park is around 350 metres away, while Westfield Chermside is approximately 1.3 kilometres from the site. The Prince Charles Hospital is located within 750 metres, and the Chermside Bus Interchange is around 1.5 kilometres away, providing connections across Brisbane.

Parkdrive Apartments adds to the growing residential pipeline in Chermside, a suburb that continues to evolve as a major retail, healthcare, and transport hub for Brisbane's north.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152125]

Ausdev introduces boutique Parkdrive Apartments to Chermside's growing centre

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/skymark-group">Skymark</a>'s boutique Cronulla development Solis has secured a 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy through Resilience Insurance, providing buyers of the 16-residence building on Ewos Parade with structural and waterproofing protection that extends a decade beyond the building's completion.

Currently under construction and due for completion in late 2027, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/solis-cronulla-8-ewos-parade-cronulla-nsw-2230">Solis</a> is one of a small number of new developments in the Sutherland Shire to carry Resilience LDI coverage, a distinction that carries increasing weight as buyer confidence in the off-the-plan sector continues to be shaped by how developers stand behind their product.

Latent Defects Insurance, which entered the Australian market in 2022 when Resilience Insurance was approved to offer the cover, protects buyers against major structural or waterproofing defects for ten years post-completion. Unlike traditional statutory warranties, it operates as a first-resort policy, if a covered defect arises, the insurer responds directly, without the buyer needing to pursue the builder or developer through a lengthy claims process.

Resilience Insurance CEO Corey Nugent has noted that the product addresses something fundamental to the new apartment market.

"The overarching feedback from prospective buyers in the new development space is that they want more confidence and assurances around the quality of the build," Nugent says.

"Resilience Insurance Latent Defects Insurance not only gives them complete peace of mind for 10 years, but it shows the developer they are buying from is standing by their product."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150499 project_image_fid=370898]

For Solis, the Resilience LDI policy adds a meaningful layer of accountability to an already considered project. The development comprises nine two-bedroom and seven three-bedroom residences, including one dual-level three-bedroom apartment, across a five-storey building on Ewos Parade, positioned between Shelly Beach and South Cronulla.

Garden apartments connect directly to private landscaped courtyards, while upper-level homes capture beach views to the east from level four and above.&nbsp;

All 16 residences include at least one balcony or courtyard, and select apartments on the upper floors feature bar areas and secondary flexible living spaces.

Hiba Sander, Managing Director of Skymark, says Solis offers a rare balance, nestled between the quiet beauty of secluded beaches and the lively charm of South Cronulla's esplanade.

"It's a place to choose your pace and live gracefully, seaside'," Sander says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150499 project_image_fid=370900]

The architecture, designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ida-design-group">IDA Design Group</a>'s Michael Trinh, draws from the natural erosion patterns of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/cronulla-nsw-2230">Cronulla</a>'s sandstone headlands, translating the organic forms of the coastline into soft curves, pavilion-style massing, and a material palette chosen for longevity in a salt-tinged environment.&nbsp;

Textured natural stone, soft renders, and timber-look battens reference the tones of the surrounding cliffs, while the building has been oriented to maximise natural light and passive ventilation, with primary living spaces facing north and east to capture morning sun and sea breezes.

"At Solis, our aim was to create architecture that feels quietly confident, grounded in natural materials like stone and timber, and elevated by light and landscape," Trinh says.&nbsp;

"The buildings are designed to sit gently within their coastal surrounds, with expansive glazing and abundant greenery creating a seamless dialogue between inside and out."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150499 project_image_fid=370897]

Interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hot-black">Hot Black</a> carry the same material language through to every room. Kitchens feature integrated Gaggenau appliances, sculpted stone benchtops, and Lo &amp; Co joinery, while bathrooms feature natural stone, timber, and brushed metal finishes.&nbsp;

Hot Black Founder and Design Director Sophie Safrin describes the intent as one of considered restraint: "At Solis, every detail has been thoughtfully considered to create a timeless coastal retreat, calm, refined, and effortlessly liveable. From natural finishes to seamless indoor-outdoor flow, Solis offers a quiet elegance that's deeply connected to its surroundings.

The landscape, designed by Julian Brady of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/sitedesignstudios">Site Design Studios</a>, treats green space as an integral part of the resident experience rather than an afterthought.&nbsp;

"Gentle curves and layered native plantings mirror the ebb and flow of the ocean," Julian Brady says, "creating a serene connection between architecture and place."&nbsp;

Coco Republic has provided bespoke furniture packages tailored to the project's coastal palette.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150499 project_image_fid=370899]

Skymark has an established track record in the Sutherland Shire, with a portfolio spanning Cronulla, Woolooware and Burraneer that includes Isla, Sylva, Bask, Shells, Sula and Mist. Securing LDI on Solis reflects a broader shift in how the developer is positioning its buildings to buyers, at a time when Resilience Insurance expects the policy to become mandatory in New South Wales by 2028.

Sales at Solis are launching soon through Ray White Projects, with an official event scheduled for 11 June. Enquire for more information.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150499]

Skymark takes out 10-year Resilience Insurance LDI at Solis Cronulla

Domacom

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ASIC has issued a relief instrument that will allow fractional investment platform DomaCom to deliver an equity release product for the ageing retiree cohort who are asset rich and cash poor.
DomaCom CEO Arthur Naoumidis said the result was a major milestone for DomaCom.
“We have been working with ASIC for over six years to obtain the necessary regulatory framework for our Senior Equity Release (SER) product," Naoumidis said. 
“With the last big four bank recently withdrawing from the reverse mortgage market, we believe there is a need for an alternative source of funding that will enable retirees to sell fractions of their house whilst remaining in their home and enjoy a contented retirement in their later years.
"With the large baby boomer cohort entering retirement, the need for equity release funding over the next 5-10 years should be very significant and our SER product will help the 3 trillion-dollar superannuation sector to provide the capital needed.”
The SER product will be structured as a financial product to be provided by financial advisers who complete an accreditation course for this product.
“The financial advisers will, for the first time, have a financial product available that will enable them to assist their retired clients in funding their lifestyle using their most significant asset– their home.
"Also, financial advisers will now have an additional tool to assist them with intergenerational family wealth planning to manage the upcoming transfer of wealth between generations.” 
DomaCom will now focus on the work needed to deliver the SER product to the market and is targeting the first half of 2019.
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

ASIC grant DomaCom's Senior Equity Release after six year pursuit

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DomaCom have been selected by developers CWP Renewables and Partners Group as their partner to implement the community co-investment initiative of Sapphire Wind Farm in rural New South Wales.
The Sapphire Wind Farm, in Kingsland New England in Northern New South Wales, will be an Australian first for its community co-investment.
DomaCom's <a href="https://domacom.com.au/" target="_blank">fractional property platform</a> will allow local community members to invest alongside institutional investors.
The platform allows multiple investors to aggregate their investments into an asset, typically a real estate asset, but now also renewable energy projects.
Andrew Dickson at CWP Renewables, the company behind developing and constructing the wind farm, said DomaCom is a great fir for the community co-investment initiative.
"Their online platform makes it very easy for people to establish and manage their investment," Dickson said, adding that after testing the community's interest late last year, he was surprised with the level of interest.
“With over $7.3m of pledges received so far from the local community, we are pleased to now be delivering on our promise to the community, to open up the project for co-investment.”
Ross Laidlaw from DomaCom said the company are excited about the partnership.
“We are very excited to be partnering with CWP Renewables and Partners Group in the Community Co-Investment Sapphire Wind Farm. DomaCom has been a pioneer in fractional investment in Australia now in its 5th year of operation.
"The Sapphire Wind Farm Community Fund is a clear demonstration of the vision of DomaCom taking large institutional assets and breaking them down into fractional components to allow retail investors to obtain exposure to an asset class not previously available.”
Construction of the wind farm began in January, and the final turbine was installed in October. 
Ben Haan from Partners Group, the investment fund manager that co-owns the project, said community investment is integral to the business.
"What we are pioneering at Sapphire will be applied to future Grassroots projects, allowing our communities to share the benefits and to invest in Australia’s renewable energy future," Haan said.
For more information on DomaCom <a href="https://domacom.com.au/" target="_blank">click here.</a>
 
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DomaCom partner to offer co-investment in Sapphire Wind Farm

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DomaCom have announced an allocation to two mortgage investment by their first branded Mortgage Fund with DFS Portfolio Solution (DFSPS).
The two first mortgages total around $4.1 million. The first mortgage has been drawn down and the second is expected over the next few weeks.
DomaCom CEO Arthur Naoumidis said “DomaCom has been working with DFSPS for some time to bring about a branded retail mortgage sub-fund on the DomaCom platform that can be accessed by advisers and portfolio managers”.
“Until now this market was mostly accessed by sophisticated investors but as a model manager, DFSPS has unlocked the retail potential of the non-bank sector by making this sub-fund available to clients and advisers who utilise its portfolio services.”
In an environment of highly compressed yields across a range of defensive investments, the non-bank sector is offering annualised target returns substantially higher than the cash rate, in a range of 5%-10% pa.
DFSPS managing director Stephen Romic acknowledged that it was difficult to access and manage mortgage assets until the fractional model developed by DomaCom became available.
“DFSPS and DomaCom have been working together for over 12 months to build a unique and innovative capability that allows advisers to efficiently incorporate exposures to first mortgage investments within their client portfolios," Romic said.
"With increasing market volatility expected within a persistently low yield environment, we wish to take advantage of the prevailing risk premiums whilst they continue to present.
"We are pleased to be able to offer the AFSLs that use our portfolio service access to this unique opportunity; and expect further demand in this sector going by the growing interest among new AFSLs”.
Appointed by DomaCom, DFSPS will act as sub-manager with responsibility for decisions on portfolio composition and management, including, seeking, vetting and recommending first mortgage opportunities, liaising with mortgage originators, arranging independent credit assessments, overseeing and managing timelines and liquidity management and co-ordinating funding and managing cashflows.
In developing an institutional-grade mortgage fund within the DomaCom Fund DFSPS aims to invest an initial $25m as part of the initial phase and then continue to build over time.
 
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DomaCom launch branded mortgage sub-fund

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Fractional property investment company DomaCom has announced the conclusion to the legal proceedings which the company has been supporting in the Federal Court of Australia.
The proceedings centred on superannuation legislation permitting investment in the DomaCom Fund by an SMSF where a related party was the tenant in the underlying property.
The ATO had (unless an extension of time is granted by the High Court) until 7 September 2018 to file with the High Court an application for special leave if it was to appeal the decision of the Federal Court of Appeal. 
DomaCom's lawyers have advised no such appeal or application for an extension of time has been filed.
Orders were issued last week by the Federal Court as follows:
<ul>
<li>There be a declaration that the leasing of the Burwood property by the DomaCom Fund would not cause Aussiegolfa Pty Ltd as trustee of the Benson Fund (Aussiegolfa) to breach the sole purpose test set out in section 62 of the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993 (Cth);  </li>
<li>Aussiegolfa pay 40% of the ATO’s costs of the first instance proceeding (as agreed or otherwise assessed); and/</li>
<li>Aussiegolfa pay 40% of the ATO’s costs of the appeal (as agreed or otherwise assessed).</li>
</ul>
In relation to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal Appeal, the Court orders that the ATO pay 100% of Aussiegolfa’s cost of the appeal.
DomaCom CEO Arthur Naoumidis said DomaCom will now focus on addressing the related trust matter and is reviewing its constitution and disclosure documents to address this issue with respect to future sub-funds.
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Investments loom after DomaCom's Federal Court win on SMSF investment 

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If finance is limiting your property investment ambitions or the idea of investing in a pooled managed fund where someone else chooses the asset doesn’t appeal, then why not create your own investment syndicate with family and friends and choose the property you want or engage a property adviser to help.  
The beauty of creating your own syndicate, or joining a crowdfunding campaign with like-minded investors in specific properties or projects that interest you, is that everyone can contribute as much as they can afford, or an amount that fits into your portfolio asset allocation strategy.  In this way no-one has to feel self-conscious as their name and the amount they contribute is private. Only the total amount is shown in the campaign as people contribute. 
By creating your own syndicate, you can set a target and invite people to participate. The entire process is done online.  You don’t even need to choose a property to get started, simply invite those you want to open an account, deposit the funds they want to invest and when your target is reached you can then go about selecting the property you want. Family members and friends is a good place to start.
It will pay to have a plan in place as to the type of property you’re looking for before launching a campaign. For example, “our objective is to acquire a residential property in one of Melbourne’s growth corridors”, or “to acquire agricultural farm land in the Western District of Victoria”. In this way you may avoid unnecessary disagreement on the type of property from the outset. 
You can literally choose from any property for sale in Australia; residential, commercial, industrial, rural farmland, or from a range of development projects that are listed on the website <a href="http://www.domacom.com.au" target="_blank">www.domacom.com.au</a>. 
DomaCom is an online property platform that lists crowdfunding campaigns for a range of properties. Some are set up as private campaigns by financial advisers exclusively for their clients or by individuals for family and friends to participate.  Some are set up as public campaigns that anyone can join.  
DomaCom also offer development projects in areas like renewable energy, affordable housing, hotels, aged care and child care centres to offer investors the ability to diversify their portfolio.
If you think going into an investment with family or friends might end in tears, the DomaCom Fund structure is an ASIC registered managed fund that handles the due diligence and ongoing management process, distributing rental income and providing tax, income and expense reports.
Having a Fund do this removes you from the process by making all the decisions and managing the investment on your behalf. You choose the property, DomaCom manage the acquisition process tenancy and ongoing management. 
Each property crowdfunded by DomaCom or acquired for private syndicates is segregated, meaning your investment is only in the specific property you have chosen. DomaCom calls these sub-funds and each sub-fund has a specific term to expiry so guaranteeing an exit strategy. For early exits (most are 5 years) DomaCom operate an online liquidity facility enabling you to sell your units to a buyer without affecting the other investors. 
Funds on deposit awaiting a suitable property attract an interest rate – currently 2.06%. 
After a property has been identified and acquired investors receive a proportional share of the rent and the ongoing capital value. No entry or exit fees.
Investing in property inevitably involves more than just the price of the property. There are acquisition and due diligence costs such as conveyancing, property inspection and a formal valuation – because you want to know that the seller has legal entitlement to sell and there are no encumbrances on the property. Also, you don’t want to buy a lemon or pay too much for it. On top of the due diligence of course there is stamp duty to be paid.
Once acquired you will want a tenant to pay rent so DomaCom arranges a property manager to do that and carry out regular inspections property.
Whilst care must be taken when buying a property and there are processes to observe a platform like DomaCom can take the worry and effort away.
General Advice Warning 
This information is general information only and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Accordingly, before acting on the information provided you must consider the appropriateness of the information, in the light of your own objectives, financial situation or needs.  If you wish to acquire a financial product within the DomaCom Fund offering, you should first obtain a copy of, read and consider, the PDS before making any decision.  A copy of that PDS is available at on the DomaCom Ltd website, <a href="http://www.domacom.com.au" target="_blank">www.domacom.com.au</a> or by calling your financial adviser. We also recommend that you obtain legal and financial advice before investing with DomaCom.
Warren Gibson is the head of marketing and business development at DomaCom.
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Co-investing a good alternative to limited finance: DomaCom

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The DomaCom fractional property investing platform has moved to expand into the rural property sector.
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DomaCom's initial investment under its partnership with Cultivate Farms is Springview Eco Farm at Big Creek near Wagga Wagga.
</div>
<div class="cq-article-content-media section">It is a 65 hectare <a href="https://domacom.com.au/public-crowdfunding-campaigns/rural-properties/next-generation-farmers/" target="_blank">pig farm</a>.</div>
<div class="cq-article-content-media section"> </div>
<div>The ASX-listed company recently secured a partnership with rural start-up, Cultivate Farms.</div>
<div class="cq-article-content-media section">
<div>
Under the arrangement, Cultivate Farms will source appropriate properties from farmers looking to retire and match these to aspiring or next generation farmers.
DomaCom will provide the investment capital through its crowdfunding platform.
The AFL great and farming sector advocate Kevin Sheedy has come on board as ambassador.
“We need to encourage the next generation to stay on the land and build a future for our country," Kevin Sheedy said.
"Through crowdfunding all Australians can now invest into farming families and regional Australia’s future.
Some of the footy’s greatest players grew up kicking a Sherrin on the dairy farms, market gardens and sheep farms out the back of nowhere.
"I struggle to see where the next generation of farmers, and therefore, AFL players will come from if it is financially impossible to own a farm.”
"The idea behind this project is to enable young farming families to get their foot on a property they can farm commercially, while at the same time enabling a retiring farmer to sell down or sell out in order to retire," said Warren Gibson, sales and marketing manager at DomaCom.
</div>
"We are 50 per cent to closing our first property and through our partner, Sam Marwood of Cultivate Farms, have another 19 in the pipeline," he told The Australian Financial Review.
<div class="cq-article-content-paras section">
Each farm will be held in a separate DomaCom sub-fund with investors receiving a share of the rent.
They can also benefit from any capital growth through the trading of units in the fund or when the property is eventually sold and the fund wound up.
Funds typically have a five-year term and a targeted gross return of 5 per cent. The minimum investment is $2500.
Springview Eco-Farm, located in the Eastern Riverina area of southern NSW, a 2.5 hour drive from Canberra, is run by vendor, Pennie Scott, who will retain some equity via the DomaCom property sub-fund units.
The farm has an indicative value of $800,000 with a target amount of $400,000 being raised. Its indicative capital growth is tipped as 6%* p.a. with a targeted rental return of 5%* p.a.
As DomaCom will be the landlord for Springview EcoFarm, a property manager will be appointed to manage the property including collecting the rent and future tenancy if or when required. 
The gross rent is targeted to be around 5% which should result in an approximate income return of 4% to investors after the 0.88% management fee, plus capital growth.
DomaCom is Australia's leading property crowdfunder. It allows anyone to invest a little or a lot in to property investment. 
They recently crowndfunded the first mortgage backed loan for a residential property in Melbourne.
</div>
</div>
 
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DomaCom hire AFL legend Kevin Sheedy as ambassador for farm project

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Crowdfunding is disrupting property investment by fractionalising the asset to make it easier for people to invest a bit or a lot in one or more properties of their choice, giving investors opportunities in any type of property anywhere in Australia.
Australia’s leading property crowdfunder, DomaCom, allows investors to contribute towards the purchase of a property asset of their choice.  This includes residential, commercial, retail, and industrial and thematic sectors such as agriculture, energy, affordable housing, student accommodation, land banking and social infrastructure, among others.
Sometimes called fractional investing, crowdfunding is a modern form of syndication that DomaCom have taken to another level.
The DomaCom model is an online platform in two parts; the first facilitates the investment application and a strict due diligence process to ensure that every property is fairly valued, legally entitled and of sound structure.
The second part is a legal structure that fractionalises the ownership via a unitised structure.
This structure is called a managed investment scheme (MIS). Each property acquired is held in a segregated sub-fund of the MIS in which investors receive units in proportion to the amount they invest.
Crowdfunding requires cash on deposit before a property can be selected as this determines how much is available. DomaCom have a number of residential strategy or thematic campaigns running at any one time that investors can choose from.
So who chooses property to crowdfund?
DomaCom is a platform for investors to use but the company does not choose specific properties. We select residential strategies from analysed research then ask property advisers to select assets based on that research. Thematic projects are usually partially completed with due diligence enabling them to be posted to the platform for investors to participate. Thematic projects usually have a longer sale process and therefore time to raise the necessary capital. Residential properties on the other hand come to market for 4 or 5 weeks so it is necessary to have cash on hand to act quickly when the properties are identified. 
Investing is the easy part, but how do investors exit?
An exit strategy is just as important as the investment. The DomaCom Fund generally has a 5 year term for residential properties thereby guaranteeing an exit for investors if they wish. Those who wish to retain the property can do so by buying out those who wish to exit. If they don’t the property is sold and the proceeds are distributed to investors. 
Just as the sharemarket enables online trading in company shares, DomaCom has created an online unit trading facility within the platform, complete with buy/sell and market depth screens to enable investors to trade their units at any time provided there is a buyer, just like the sharemarket. A third facility exists where unit holders can vote to wind up a sub-fund and sell the property at any time, provided 75% of unit holders vote to do so.
DomaCom have recently been active seeking to raise $4.3 million working with Utilas Group to develop a BioHub project in Casino.
Landbanking has been popular venture too with funds being sought for near Sydney's second planned airport, with KSI Investments acquiring over 11 acres near Badgerys Creek. 
To learn more about crowdfunding, visit <a href="https://www.domacom.com.au/" target="_blank">DomaCom here</a>.
 
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What is crowdfunding into property?

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The Full Federal Court has handed down judgment in the appeal by Aussiegolfa Pty Ltd (in its capacity as trustee of the Benson Family Superannuation Fund (BFSF) which clarifies SMSF rules regarding the sole purpose test. 
The Court held that the primary judge was incorrect in concluding that the leasing of a property held by the sub-fund to a child of a member of the BFSF was a breach of the ‘sole purpose test’. 
It related to a $104,000 student residential property in Melbourne's Burwood.
DomaCom had entered into a leasing and managing authority with Student Housing Australia for the leasing of the Burwood Highway property. The first two longterm tenants of the studio apartment were persons unknown, and unrelated, to the Benson family, but then Student Housing Australia agreed to lease an apartment to a daughter of the Benson family with the lease at the same $869 monthly rental as had been paid by the first two tenants. 
The DomaCom chief Arthur Naoumidis has welcomed the decision.
"DomaCom is very pleased to have the court confirm that it was not a breach of the sole purpose test when a related party of the BFSF rented a property held by the DomaCom Burwood sub-fund.
"We believe that this finding, on its own, represents a milestone for the SMSF industry.” 
DomaCom supported the action against the Commissioner of Taxation in the Federal Court hoping a ruling would confirm that SMSFs can invest in property sub-funds where the tenant of the underlying property is a related party of the SMSF.
The court heard it was in 2015 that the Benson family fund made a decision to invest in student accommodation and other ‘relatively low-cost, relatively high-return’ opportunities through a DomaCom sub-fund with a return of approximately 6.5%.
The decision to lease the Burwood property to the daughter was not made until 2017.
The appeal judges' ruling noted four reasons why the finding made by the primary judge was in error.
But the Court also held that the primary judge was correct to conclude that the units held by Aussiegolfa Pty Ltd in a sub-fund of the DomaCom Fund constituted an investment in a ‘related trust’ of the BFSF. 
“In relation to the related trust determination, we are reviewing the comprehensive judgment with our lawyers and will make a further announcement about the effect, if any, of the decision on the DomaCom Fund.
The DomaCom Fund disclosure documents have been amended significantly since the Burwood sub-fund was created in 2015.
"Accordingly, we will analyse the effects of the judgment on sub-funds created using the current version of the DomaCom Fund constitution and disclosure documents," Arthur Naoumidis said.
"If our analysis determines that it is necessary, we will consider amending our constitution and disclosure documents to address this issue with respect to future sub-funds.” 
MT Flynn QC and Dr J Glover were counsel for Aussiegolfa Pty Ltd.
DomaCom launched Australia’s first online platform (registered as a managed investment scheme) to provide a property investment solution for the SMSF market and other long term investors through the fractional acquisition of units in a unique trust structure that enables investors to gain exposure to the property they select.
<div title="Page 2">
Residential and commercial property Australia wide can be accessed in this fund, sourced from a variety of vendors and developers.
DomaCom is Australia's leading property crowdfunder. It allows anyone to invest a little or a lot into property investment. 
</div>
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DomaCom win Federal Court battle in SMSF breakthrough

<html><body>
The Full Federal Court has handed down judgment in the appeal by Aussiegolfa Pty Ltd (in its capacity as trustee of the Benson Family Superannuation Fund (BFSF) which clarifies SMSF rules regarding the sole purpose test. 
The Court held that the primary judge was incorrect in concluding that the leasing of a property held by the sub-fund to a child of a member of the BFSF was a breach of the ‘sole purpose test’. 
It related to a $104,000 student residential property in Melbourne's Burwood.
DomaCom had entered into a leasing and managing authority with Student Housing Australia for the leasing of the Burwood Highway property. The first two longterm tenants of the studio apartment were persons unknown, and unrelated, to the Benson family, but then Student Housing Australia agreed to lease an apartment to a daughter of the Benson family with the lease at the same $869 monthly rental as had been paid by the first two tenants. 
The DomaCom chief Arthur Naoumidis has welcomed the decision.
"DomaCom is very pleased to have the court confirm that it was not a breach of the sole purpose test when a related party of the BFSF rented a property held by the DomaCom Burwood sub-fund.
"We believe that this finding, on its own, represents a milestone for the SMSF industry.” 
DomaCom supported the action against the Commissioner of Taxation in the Federal Court hoping a ruling would confirm that SMSFs can invest in property sub-funds where the tenant of the underlying property is a related party of the SMSF.
The court heard it was in 2015 that the Benson family fund made a decision to invest in student accommodation and other ‘relatively low-cost, relatively high-return’ opportunities through a DomaCom sub-fund with a return of approximately 6.5%. 
The decision to lease the Burwood property to the daughter was not made until 2017.
The appeal judges' ruling noted four reasons why the finding made by the primary judge was in error.
But the Court also held that the primary judge was correct to conclude that the units held by Aussiegolfa Pty Ltd in a sub-fund of the DomaCom Fund constituted an investment in a ‘related trust’ of the BFSF. 
“In relation to the related trust determination, we are reviewing the comprehensive judgment with our lawyers and will make a further announcement about the effect, if any, of the decision on the DomaCom Fund.
The DomaCom Fund disclosure documents have been amended significantly since the Burwood sub-fund was created in 2015.
"Accordingly, we will analyse the effects of the judgment on sub-funds created using the current version of the DomaCom Fund constitution and disclosure documents," Arthur Naoumidis said.
"If our analysis determines that it is necessary, we will consider amending our constitution and disclosure documents to address this issue with respect to future sub-funds.” 
MT Flynn QC and Dr J Glover were counsel for Aussiegolfa Pty Ltd.
DomaCom launched Australia’s first online platform (registered as a managed investment scheme) to provide a property investment solution for the SMSF market and other long term investors through the fractional acquisition of units in a unique trust structure that enables investors to gain exposure to the property they select.
<div title="Page 2">
Residential and commercial property Australia wide can be accessed in this fund, sourced from a variety of vendors and developers.
DomaCom is Australia's leading property crowdfunder. It allows anyone to <a href="/expert-insights/crowdfunding-into-property-domacom-explains">invest a little or a lot</a> into property investment. 
</div>
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

DomaCom secures stronger SMSF footing after Federal Court decision

<html><body>
<div class="cq-article-content-paras section">
The DomaCom fractional property investing platform has moved to expand into the rural property sector.
</div>
<div class="cq-article-content-paras section">
DomaCom's initial investment under its partnership with Cultivate Farms is Springview Eco Farm at Big Creek near Wagga Wagga.
</div>
<div class="cq-article-content-media section">It is a 65 hectare <a href="https://domacom.com.au/public-crowdfunding-campaigns/rural-properties/next-generation-farmers/" target="_blank">pig farm</a>.</div>
<div class="cq-article-content-media section"> </div>
<div>The ASX-listed company recently secured a partnership with rural start-up, Cultivate Farms.</div>
<div class="cq-article-content-media section">
<div>
Under the arrangement, Cultivate Farms will source appropriate properties from farmers looking to retire and match these to aspiring or next generation farmers.
DomaCom will provide the investment capital through its crowdfunding platform.
The AFL great and farming sector advocate Kevin Sheedy has come on board as ambassador.
“We need to encourage the next generation to stay on the land and build a future for our country," Kevin Sheedy said.
"Through crowdfunding all Australians can now invest into farming families and regional Australia’s future.
Some of the footy’s greatest players grew up kicking a Sherrin on the dairy farms, market gardens and sheep farms out the back of nowhere.
"I struggle to see where the next generation of farmers, and therefore, AFL players will come from if it is financially impossible to own a farm.”
"The idea behind this project is to enable young farming families to get their foot on a property they can farm commercially, while at the same time enabling a retiring farmer to sell down or sell out in order to retire," said Warren Gibson, sales and marketing manager at DomaCom.
</div>
"We are 50 per cent to closing our first property and through our partner, Sam Marwood of Cultivate Farms, have another 19 in the pipeline," he told The Australian Financial Review.
<div class="cq-article-content-paras section">
Each farm will be held in a separate DomaCom sub-fund with investors receiving a share of the rent.
They can also benefit from any capital growth through the trading of units in the fund or when the property is eventually sold and the fund wound up.
Funds typically have a five-year term and a targeted gross return of 5 per cent. The minimum investment is $2500.
Springview Eco-Farm, located in the Eastern Riverina area of southern NSW, a 2.5 hour drive from Canberra, is run by vendor, Pennie Scott, who will retain some equity via the DomaCom property sub-fund units.
The farm has an indicative value of $800,000 with a target amount of $400,000 being raised. Its indicative capital growth is tipped as 6%* p.a. with a targeted rental return of 5%* p.a.
As DomaCom will be the landlord for Springview EcoFarm, a property manager will be appointed to manage the property including collecting the rent and future tenancy if or when required. 
The gross rent is targeted to be around 5% which should result in an approximate income return of 4% to investors after the 0.88% management fee, plus capital growth.
DomaCom is Australia's leading property crowdfunder. It allows anyone to <a href="/expert-insights/crowdfunding-into-property-domacom-explains">invest a little or a lot</a> in to property investment. 
They recently crowndfunded the <a href="/news/domacom-crowdfunds-first-mortgage-backed-loan-for-melbourne-purchase">first mortgage backed loan</a> for a residential property in Melbourne.
.
 
</div>
</div>
</body></html>

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