<p>Construction is now underway at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/cumulus-grand-villas-carrara-17-baltimore-court-carrara-qld-4211">Cumulus Grand Villas</a> in Carrara, with all stages fully funded as <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/venturecrowd-property-projects">VentureCrowd</a> progresses its 59-residence gated community on an elevated ridgeline overlooking 100 hectares of natural savanna.</p>

<p>The commencement marks a key milestone for the Gold Coast project, designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bda-architecture">BDA Architecture</a> and being delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/devcon">Devcon Property Group</a>, at a time when buyers are placing greater emphasis on delivery certainty and builder track record.</p>

<p>With Devcon active in South East Queensland since 1993 and having delivered more than 1,000 homes, the team is positioning Cumulus as a fully financed, under-construction offering in a market where risk mitigation has become a central consideration for off-the-plan purchasers.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=135663 project_image_fid=360496]</p>

<p>Located at 17 Baltimore Court, Cumulus Grand Villas comprises 59 three- and four-bedroom villas across four collections, Skyline, Canopy, Savanna and Broadview. Pricing starts from $1,455,000, with completion of the first stage targeted for Q4 2026.</p>

<p>Across the four collections, each design represents an expansive and thoughtfully considered offering. The Broadview provides additional flexibility within its floorplan, incorporating a multipurpose room or optional additional bedroom, and is priced from $1,895,000.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Configured across two levels, the four-bedroom villas feature two master bedrooms with private ensuites, as well as a multipurpose room (MPR), supporting intergenerational living, guest accommodation, or the creation of a dedicated retreat space.&nbsp;</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=135663 project_image_fid=360497]</p>

<p>The main living areas are positioned on the ground floor, while the bedrooms are located upstairs, a configuration that promotes both family separation and connected living. All villas include a second master suite on the ground floor, reinforcing the project’s focus on flexibility and long-term adaptability.</p>

<p>That adaptability was central to BDA Architecture’s design approach. The team sought to create a sophisticated, low-maintenance product that makes the most of the site’s elevation and outlook while responding to evolving household needs. Expansive glazing, open-plan interiors and private outdoor areas draw in natural light and frame views towards the savanna, hinterland and Broadbeach skyline.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=135663 project_image_fid=360470]</p>

<p>VentureCrowd Director of Property David Whitting said the project responds to a growing group of buyers reassessing what premium living on the Gold Coast looks like.</p>

<p>Flexible floorplans have proven particularly relevant for purchasers aged between 40 and 65, including next home buyers, downsizers and investors. The inclusion of dual master suites in the Broadview design, along with options for a downstairs MPR or guest bedroom, allows homes to adapt as family dynamics shift, whether accommodating older parents, adult children, or extended stays.</p>

<p>Across the community, villas are specified with European appliances and premium fixtures and fittings, alongside double garages and landscaped private areas. The gated enclave includes number plate recognition entry, reinforcing a focus on security and exclusivity.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=135663 project_image_fid=360474]</p>

<p>Lifestyle amenity is anchored by the Infinity Terrace, an elevated communal space incorporating a 20m heated pool, alfresco zones and barbecue facilities, designed as a shared retreat within the neighbourhood. A two-acre private nature reserve with walking trails and rehabilitated bushland further integrates the development with its savanna-edge setting, reflecting a broader masterplan initiative to restore native vegetation and habitat corridors.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/carrara-qld-4211">Carrara</a>’s positioning continues to attract attention from prestige buyers seeking proximity to the coast without beachfront pricing. The suburb offers access to major retail centres including Pacific Fair and Robina Town Centre, is around 15 minutes from Broadbeach, and benefits from connectivity via the M1 to Brisbane and the Gold Coast Airport.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135663]</p>


Joel Robinson

VentureCrowd’s Cumulus Grand Villas in Carrara advances with construction underway

<p>Joint venture partners <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/abadeen">Abadeen</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/perifa">PERIFA</a> are officially launching the third and final residential stage at their landmark $350 million harbourfront precinct, Putney Wharf, with The Residences representing the final opportunity to secure a new home within this rare waterfront destination.</p>

<p>Strong demand has already been established across the earlier stages of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-residences-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a>, with more than 50 per cent sold ahead of this final release. The Residences will introduce a selection of the precinct’s most premium apartments, many of which were deliberately reserved for this concluding stage.</p>

<p>Located at 20 Waterview Street, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/putney-nsw-2112">Putney</a> NSW, the completed precinct will comprise 67 residences, including 18 terraces and 49 apartments, alongside five retail tenancies and a 36-berth marina.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=13962 project_image_fid=1338]</p>

<p>Developed alongside partners Phoenix Property Investors and Mitsubishi Estate Asia, Putney Wharf occupies a prized 300-metre stretch of absolute waterfront and incorporates the historic former Halvorsen’s Boatshed. The precinct connects directly to surrounding parklands via a landscaped foreshore walkway and a large, landscaped podium linking both sides of the development to the adjoining foreshore parklands.</p>

<p>The Residences comprise two newly built, three-storey apartment buildings delivering a boutique collection of 30 generously proportioned waterfront apartments. Designed to capture harbour outlooks, natural light and cooling breezes, The Residences balance architectural refinement with relaxed, low-maintenance living.</p>

<p>Architecturally designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, the apartments continue the cohesive design language seen across the broader precinct. A refined palette of light and dark materials, softer-toned stone and neutral, earthy finishes reflect the surrounding landscape and harbour setting. Interiors feature painted timber veneers, tactile joinery, timber flooring to living spaces and 100 per cent natural wool carpets in bedrooms, creating warm and sophisticated homes.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=13962 project_image_fid=362525]</p>

<p>Justin Brown, Executive Chairman and Founder of Abadeen, said the release of the final residential stage marks an important milestone for the project.</p>

<p>“Putney Wharf brings together everything we’ve learned over more than 25 years of development,” Mr Brown said. “It respects the site’s extraordinary maritime history while delivering contemporary homes that connect people directly to the harbour.</p>

<p>The Residences offer the rare combination of low-maintenance apartment living, waterfront outlooks with beautiful sunset views, and the convenience of retail and amenity at your doorstep. For boating enthusiasts, the opportunity to secure a private marina berth completes a truly unique Sydney harbourfront lifestyle.”</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=13962 project_image_fid=291197]</p>

<p>PERIFA Managing Director and Co-Founder Fabrizio Perilli added that the diversity of housing across the precinct has been central to the project’s success.</p>

<p>“Whether it’s the heritage Halvorsen’s apartments, the Waterview Terraces or now The Residences, Putney Wharf offers a range of homes that respond to different lifestyles, all united by an unrivalled harbourfront setting,” Perilli said. “This is a precinct that will add lasting value to the Putney community.”</p>

<p>Managing project marketing and sales, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/srm-residential">SRM Residential</a> Partner Tim Rees said the final release has already attracted strong demand reflecting the project’s unique harbourfront position and the success of earlier stages.</p>

<p>“Following the strong response to both the Halvorsen’s Boatshed residences and the Waterview Terraces, The Residences represent the final chance to secure a new home within this tightly held waterfront precinct,” Rees said. “Buyers are drawn to the rare combination of absolute harbour frontage, parkside living and genuine architectural quality.”</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=13962 project_image_fid=362240]</p>

<p>Putney Wharf is a one-of-a-kind mixed-use destination, delivering an exclusive residential offering alongside waterfront dining, retail and a 36-berth marina designed to the latest Australian Standards, accommodating vessels up to 18 metres and helping address Sydney Harbour’s ongoing marina shortage.</p>

<p>The precinct will include five retail tenancies and a prominent waterfront jetty area fronting the retail village, creating an activated harbourfront destination for residents and visitors alike.</p>

<p>Residents will enjoy direct access to lush harbourfront parklands, a public foreshore walkway and landscaped podium gardens connecting the development to the surrounding waterfront reserve. Construction across the Putney Wharf precinct is expected to be completed by Q2 2027.</p>

<p>Sales of The Residences officially launch this weekend, with the display suite open Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 12pm at Putney Wharf. Visitors are invited to enjoy a complimentary coffee while touring The Residences and experiencing the Putney Wharf lifestyle firsthand.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=13962]</p>


Final Harbourfront release in Putney Wharf launches this weekend

<p><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/draycon">Draycon Building</a> is nearing completion of Boutique Chevron Island, a 42-apartment development on the northern end of Chevron Island at 17–19 Parneno Street, with a limited-time offer of fully furnished apartments available.</p>

<p>Now more than 90 per cent complete, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/boutique-chevron-island-17-19-parneno-chevron-island-qld-4217">Boutique</a> has been shaped by one of the Gold Coast’s most tightly held island addresses, where riverfront outlooks and walkable access to Surfers Paradise converge.</p>

<p>For Draycon Building Managing Director Howard Dabit, the appeal of the site was immediate.</p>

<p>“I knew it was a good site as soon as I saw it,” Dabit said.</p>

<p>“The position and location on the north end of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/chevron-island-qld-4217">Chevron Island</a>, the way the river swirls around the site basically from the north to the east, it feels like the site is surrounded by the water. The height that we’ve got and the aspect looking north is beautiful. Eighty per cent of the apartments are looking north so they get that drenching sunlight coming in.”</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=89709 project_image_fid=360922]</p>

<p>That northern orientation places the development within a stretch of Chevron Island defined by open river aspects and skyline views, while remaining embedded in the suburb’s established village setting.</p>

<p>Chevron Island has increasingly drawn owner-occupiers seeking centrality without the intensity of high-rise beachfront living. Positioned at the geographical centre of the Gold Coast, the island offers direct access to both the beach and key cultural infrastructure while retaining a neighbourhood-scale character.</p>

<p>Connected by bridge to Surfers Paradise, Chevron Island offers walkable access to beaches, riverfront parklands and a revitalised foreshore boulevard animated by walkers and cyclists throughout the day. The Pacific Ocean is only minutes away, reinforcing the suburb’s dual river-and-surf identity.</p>

<p>At the same time, Thomas Drive forms the spine of the island’s village life, delivering cafés, wine bars, casual dining and everyday services within easy reach. Independent grocers, wellness operators and neighbourhood retailers contribute to a community atmosphere that remains distinct from the vertical scale of the beachfront.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=89709 project_image_fid=360915]</p>

<p>In the opposite direction, the Green Bridge links directly to HOTA – Home of the Arts – placing galleries, performance venues and parklands within walking distance. Weekly markets and major exhibitions draw visitors from across the region, while residents return to a quieter residential pocket at day’s end.</p>

<p>Public transport, including nearby bus routes and the G:link light rail corridor along the coastal spine, strengthens connectivity north and south. Griffith University, the Gold Coast University Hospital precinct and established private schools such as The Southport School are all within a short drive.</p>

<p>Ongoing investment across Surfers Paradise, HOTA and the broader Southport corridor has elevated amenity while preserving Chevron Island’s comparatively low-rise residential character. It is this balance, walkable village atmosphere paired with metropolitan-scale infrastructure, that continues to differentiate the suburb from higher-density beachfront precincts.</p>

<p>Boutique comprises just 42 residences, designed to maximise river and skyline outlooks within this tightly held island setting.</p>

<p>Boutique Chevron Island is slated for completion in April 2026, with prices starting from $1,220,000.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=89709]</p>


Draycon Building’s Boutique Chevron Island places 42 residences at the heart of the Gold Coast

<p>Sydney developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/deicorp">Deicorp</a> has secured planning approval for a $300 million residential development in Lindfield, marking the company’s second project on Sydney’s North Shore and its first on the Upper North Shore.</p>

<p>Located on Beaconsfield Parade and designed by DKO Architecture, the state significant development comprises three buildings of up to 10 storeys and will include 399 residences, including 59 affordable homes and 40 adaptable homes.</p>

<p>Residences will range in size from one, two and three bedrooms, with two-bedroom apartments accounting for over 60 per cent of the product make-up. Residents will have access to a broad suite of amenities, including a wellness area, indoor and outdoor recreational spaces, a pool, a gym, a community room and a golf simulator.</p>

<p>In line with Deicorp’s long-standing focus on creating transit-oriented communities, the project is located just 260 metres from the Lindfield Train Station, reinforcing its role in delivering well-connected housing close to established infrastructure, retail and local services.</p>

<p>The inclusion of affordable and adaptable housing supports greater diversity within the local market, while the mix of apartment types responds to demand from downsizers, young professionals and families seeking access to the Upper North Shore.</p>

<p>Deicorp Founder Fouad Deiri OAM said the approval represents an important milestone for both the company and the suburb</p>

<p>“This approval allows us to deliver well-designed homes in a location that is already supported by strong transport and community infrastructure," Deiri said.</p>

<p>"Our focus is on creating places that integrate into their surroundings and provide long-term value for residents, and the broader Lindfield community. Being within walking distance of the station ensures this project supports sustainable growth in the right locations."</p>

<p>Across its portfolio, Deicorp currently has 4,703 apartments under construction, playing a leading role in shaping connected, liveable communities across Sydney.</p>

<p>Its expanding portfolio of Metro-linked developments includes Tallawong Village, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kings-bay-village-five-dock-53-75-queens-road-five-dock-nsw-2046">Kings Bay Village</a> in Five Dock, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/hyde-metropolitan-sydney-133-141-liverpool-street-sydney-nsw-2000">Hyde Metropolitan</a> in Sydney CBD, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/falcon-alexander-crows-nest-8-alexander-street-crows-nest-nsw-2065">Falcon &amp; Alexander</a> in Crows Nest and Showground Village, Castle Hill.</p>

<p>Deicorp purchased the Beaconsfield Paradise site last year. Construction is scheduled to commence in Q2 of 2026 and will be completed in 2029.</p>


Deicorp expands portfolio to nearly 5,000 apartments with Lindfield project

<p>In a joint venture with The Trump Organization, Australia developer Altus Property Group has announced plans to bring a Trump International Hotel &amp; Tower to the Gold Coast, marking the first Trump-branded project in Australia.</p>

<p>"Trump International Hotel &amp; Tower, Gold Coast is our first official project in Australia and reflects our unwavering commitment to delivering world-class luxury experiences in iconic locations around the world," Eric Trump, Executive Vice President of The Trump Organization, said.</p>

<p>"This development exemplifies the Trump brand’s dedication to quality, sophistication, and unmatched service, and we are thrilled to bring this vision to the vibrant Gold Coast community."</p>

<p>The 91-storey building, which will become the tallest in Australia at 335 metres, will feature a&nbsp;285-room luxury hotel bearing the trademark Trump logo. It will also include 272 luxury residential apartments, a three-level podium with an exclusive Beach Club, and over 3,400 sqm of premium commercial, retail, and dining space, revitalizing the central Surfers Paradise precinct.</p>

<p>“Trump International Hotel &amp; Tower, Gold Coast will be a truly unique offering in the Australian market, bringing the prestige and allure of a world-class luxury brand,"&nbsp;Altus founder and chief executive David Young said.</p>

<p>"Altus Property Group is proud of its track record in delivering landmark developments across Australia, and our expertise ensures this project will be an outstanding success."</p>


Trump Hotel heads for the Gold Coast to become Australia's tallest building

Household Budgets

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<div>Another data series which doesn't really fit the narrative of tight or stretched household budgets, as trend new car sales moved to their highest ever level in July 2015. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>This follows on from recently compiled Reserve Bank data which shows that mortgage redraw buffers and offset account balances are also at their highest ever level as household enjoy low interest rates and cheaper repayments.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Of course, it often doesn't feel this way at the individual household level - interviews with the world's wealthiest people have shown that financial stress never entirely goes away whatever the true state of one's personal finances.</div>
<div> </div>
<div><span>The Reserve Bank itself has mused<span>:</span></span></div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div><em>"The continued concern about living cost pressures might arise because the standard of living that can be sustainably afforded by households’ incomes remains lower than many would like."</em></div>
<div> </div>
<div>Certainly although wages growth is soft at +2.3 per cent, this has to date at least remained well in excess of the increase in the cost of living for employee households.</div>
<div> </div>
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<div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Record new motor sales </span></strong></div>
<div> </div>
<div>In any event it was another monster month for new motor vehicle sales at a seasonaly adjusted 96,388 which saw trend sales reach an all-time record high in July 2015, having increased by 3.7 per cent over the past year. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>The result was all the remarkable given the weak data evident in the resources states, a slowing rate of population growth, as well as the fact that the Aussie dollar has depreciated sharply in recent times. </div>
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<div><a href="/images/2015/08/19/MV1.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
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<div><img src="/images/2015/08/19/MV1.jpg" alt=""></div>
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<div><span>Looking at the "original" data on a rolling annual basis we can see that more than 1.13 million new vehicle sales have been recorded over the past year, while the 588,619 units sold over the past six months is a record for any half year period in Australia's history.</span></div>
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<div><a href="/images/2015/08/19/MV6.jpg" target="_blank"><span>Click to enlarge</span></a></div>
<div><span><img src="/images/2015/08/19/MV6.jpg" alt=""></span></div>
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<div> </div>
<div><span>It was another prodigious month for Sports Utitlity (SUV) sales at more than 34,000 seasonally adjusted from fewer than 30,000 one year ago (a +14 per cent year-on-yearincrease), the annualised number of SUV sales climbing inexorably to beyond 380,000.</span></div>
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<div><a href="/images/2015/08/19/MV3.jpg" target="_blank"><span>Click to enlarge</span></a></div>
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<div><span><img src="/images/2015/08/19/MV3.jpg" alt=""></span></div>
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<div> </div>
<div>
<div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">State versus state</span></strong></div>
<div> </div>
<div>New South Wales has been recording a number of king-sized seasonally adjusted results in recent months, firing total new motor vehicle sales to their highest ever level in the Premier State. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>On a rolling annual basis new motor vehicle sales are rising in Queensland too, but are now looking somewhat peaky in Victoria after a fine run. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Sales have declined moderately in South Australia over the past year, and fairly sharply in Western Australia as the mining construction boom comes undone. </div>
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<div><a href="/images/2015/08/19/MV4.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
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<div><img src="/images/2015/08/19/MV4.jpg" alt=""></div>
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<div>
<div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">State trends</span></strong></div>
<div> </div>
<div>The trend year-on-year increase in sales was particular strong in each of the most populous states, those being New South Wales (+8.1 per cent), Victoria (+3.4 per cent) and Queensland (+6.6 per cent).</div>
<div> </div>
<div>While somewhat immaterial at the national level, the surprise package is Tasmania with a trend +13 per cent year-on-year increase in units sold. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>The strength of the data in the three most largest states has more than offset the weakness in South Australia (-4.2 per cent) and the resources-impacted Western Australia (-11 per cent) and Northern Territory (-1.4 per cent).</div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="/images/2015/08/19/MV7.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div><img src="/images/2015/08/19/MV7.jpg" alt=""></div>
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<div>
<p><span><em>PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of <a href="https://allenwargent.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">AllenWargent</a> property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">blogger</a>.</em><br></span></p>
<p><em>His latest book is <a href="https://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/Books/General-Interest/Four-Green-Houses--and-a-Red-Hotel/1015/productview.aspx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Four Green Houses and a Red Hotel</a>.</em></p>
</div>
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<div><span> </span></div>
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Stretched household budgets or not? Pete Wargent

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<p><span>The value of new lending commitments to households fell 3.7 per cent in March 2019, seasonally adjusted, according to the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) figures on new lending to households and businesses.</span><br><br><span>The fall in lending to households in March follows a 2.2 per cent rise in February 2019.</span></p>
<p><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/5/13/Lending1.jpg" alt=""><br><br><span>ABS Chief Economist, Bruce Hockman said all components of new lending to households were weaker in March, "more than offsetting a bounce in lending activity seen in February.”</span><br><br><span>“There were large falls in the value of lending for owner occupier dwellings in seasonally adjusted terms in both New South Wales (-5.7 per cent) and Queensland (-5.3 per cent) in March, after rises in both states the previous month" he said.</span></p>
<p>Nationally, lending for investment dwellings also contracted further in March, with the series down 25.9 per cent (seasonally adjusted) compared to March 2018. The level of new lending for investment dwellings is at its lowest level since March 2011. </p>
<p>While nationally there was a fall in the number of loans to owner occupier first home buyers (-0.5 per cent) in March, in a similar pattern to recent months this fall was again much less than the drop in the number of loans to owner occupier non-first home buyers (-3.3 per cent). </p>
<p><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/5/13/March-ABS.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>After rises in January and February, lending to households for personal finance excluding refinancing fell 11.2 per cent in March, seasonally adjusted.<br><br>In trend terms, the value of new lending commitments to businesses fell 2.0 per cent in March. The ABS noted all components of business lending remained subdued.</p>
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

NSW leads downturn in March new lending commitments to households

jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

What's up (and down) with households? RBA assistant governor Luci Ellis

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<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">GUEST OBSERVER</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">According to the Australian Institute of Petroleum, the national average Australian price of </span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">unleaded petrol fell 3 cents per litre to 113.9 cents per litre in the week to April 24.</span></p>
<p>The national average wholesale (terminal gate) unleaded petrol price stands at <span style="line-height: 1.3em;">102.4 cents per litre, down 1.5 cents per litre on a week ago and still up 6.7 cents a litre on the lows set in </span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">mid-February.</span></p>
<p>The petrol figures have implications for retailers, especially petrol marketing groups.</p>
<p>What does it all mean?</p>
<p>The latest data on petrol prices confirms that - contrary to popular belief and media reports – pump prices do not <span style="line-height: 1.3em;">tend to rise ahead of a long weekend. Motorists enjoyed the cheapest petrol ahead of ANZAC Day in 11 years, </span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">with the national average price falling by 3 cents a litre.</span></p>
<p>As always, competitive factors, the discounting cycles and variable lags between wholesale and retail prices <span style="line-height: 1.3em;">determine how capital cities and regional centres fare. But at present the key driver of pump prices is the </span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">variations in the discounting cycle across the capital cities. In Sydney, prices have been falling for 18 days and in</span></p>
<p>Melbourne prices have been falling for almost four weeks, with petrol at around $1.08 a litre in both capital cities.</p>
<p>Brisbane prices have been falling for a fortnight and are closer to $1.14 a litre. Adelaide prices spiked a week ago <span style="line-height: 1.3em;">and have started to drift lower. Adelaide motorists would benefit by holding off from filling up the family vehicle.</span></p>
<p>Not only have global oil prices eased in the past week but the Aussie dollar has held up relatively well – ensuring <span style="line-height: 1.3em;">that any saving in regional oil prices should get passed through to the bowser within the next fortnight.</span></p>
<p>In the short term, oil production disruptions in Kuwait and speculation of a further lift in potential supply by major <span style="line-height: 1.3em;">oil producers will keep oil markets volatile. CBA commodity analysts expect oil to potentially drift to US$30-35 a </span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">barrel in the near term.</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Importantly cheap fuel continues to keep inflation contained and the Reserve Bank will keep an implicit easing </span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">bias in play over the next six months.</span></p>
<p><a href="/images/2016/04/27/Screen%20Shot%202016-04-27%20at%209.57.20%20AM.png" target="_blank"><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Click to enlarge</span></a></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"><img src="/images/2016/04/27/Screen%20Shot%202016-04-27%20at%209.57.20%20AM.png" alt=""></span></p>
<p>What do the figures show?</p>
<p>Petrol prices</p>
<p>According to the Australian Institute of Petroleum, the national average Australian price of unleaded petrol fell <span style="line-height: 1.3em;">3 cents per litre to 113.9 cents per litre in the week to April 24. The metropolitan petrol price fell by 4.9 cents to </span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">113.6 cents per litre while the regional price rose by 0.9 cents to 114.5 cents per litre.</span></p>
<p>The national average Australian price of diesel petrol fell by 0.2 cents to 111.8 cents per litre in the week to <span style="line-height: 1.3em;">April 24. Last week the metropolitan price fell by 0.3 cents to 110.6 c/l, while the regional average price was down </span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">0.1 cents to 112.8 c/l.</span></p>
<p>Average unleaded petrol prices across states and territories over the past week were: Sydney (down 9.3 <span style="line-height: 1.3em;">cents to 108.5 c/l), Melbourne (down 6.2 cents to 111.5 c/l), Brisbane (down 7.8 cents to 118.9 c/l), Adelaide (up </span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">6.7 cents to 124.4 c/l), Perth (up 1.2 cents to 111.5 c/l), Darwin (down by 0.3 cents to 115 c/l), Canberra (down </span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">0.7 cents to 115.9 c/l) and Hobart (unchanged at 117.4 c/l).</span></p>
<p>Today the national average wholesale (terminal gate) unleaded petrol price stands at 102.4 cents per litre, <span style="line-height: 1.3em;">down 1.5 cents per litre on a week ago and still up 6.7 cents a litre on the lows set in mid-February. The terminal </span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">gate diesel price stands today at 98.5 cents a litre, up 0.2 cents a litre over the week.</span></p>
<p>Last week the key Singapore gasoline price rose by US$1.75 or 3.2 per cent to US$56.10 a barrel. However <span style="line-height: 1.3em;">prices eased yesterday to US$55.30 a barrel. In Australian dollar terms the Singapore gasoline price rose by </span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">$2.13 a barrel (0.2 per cent) to $72.61 a barrel or 45.7 cents a litre. Yesterday prices eased to $71.73 a barrel or </span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">45.1 cents a litre.</span></p>
<p>MotorMouth records the following retail prices for capital cities today: Sydney 108.1c; Melbourne 107.5c; Brisbane <span style="line-height: 1.3em;">113.7c; Adelaide 119.4c; Perth 120.5c; Canberra 107.5c; Darwin 113.8c; Hobart 117.8c.</span></p>
<p>What is the importance of the economic data?</p>
<p>Weekly figures on petrol prices are compiled by ORIMA Research on behalf of the Australian Institute of <span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Petroleum (AIP). National average retail prices are calculated as the weighted average of each State/Territory's </span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">metropolitan and non-metropolitan retail petrol prices, with the weights based on the number of registered petrol </span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">vehicles in each of these regions. AIP data for retail petrol prices is based on available market data supplied by </span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">MotorMouth.</span></p>
<p><a href="/images/2016/04/27/Screen%20Shot%202016-04-27%20at%209.59.05%20AM.png" target="_blank"><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Click to enlarge</span></a></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"><img src="/images/2016/04/27/Screen%20Shot%202016-04-27%20at%209.59.05%20AM.png" alt=""></span></p>
<p>What are the implications for interest rates and investors?</p>
<p>Lower oil prices may add further downward pressure on energy stocks and increase volatility across <span style="line-height: 1.3em;">sharemarkets. However cheap fuel is a positive for a number of sectors including transport and logistics.</span></p>
<p>Filling up the car with petrol is the single biggest weekly purchase for most families. So the savings being reaped <span style="line-height: 1.3em;">at the petrol bowser are serving to boost discretionary spending in areas such as cafes, restaurants and takeaway </span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">outlets.</span></p>
<p><em>Savanth Sebastian is an economist for <a href="https://www.commsec.com.au/" target="_blank">CommSec</a></em></p>
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