<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/consolidated-properties">Consolidated Properties Group</a> (CPG) is approaching the launch of its latest Brisbane riverfront development, Castile, on the dress circle Skyring Terrace in Newstead.

VIP buyers are now being engaged, with a full public sales launch coming later this year.

Positioned as the final opportunity to secure a new absolute riverfront residence on the East bank of Newstead, Teneriffe or New Farm, Castile at 47 Skyring Terrace has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a> as a timeless addition to the Brisbane skyline.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150489 project_image_fid=371113]

The name Castile draws on themes of permanence, sophistication and legacy, reflecting a broader vision centred on enduring architecture and timelessness in the rarest of riverfront positions.&nbsp;

CPG Chairman and CEO Don O’Rorke said the project had been envisioned as a future Brisbane icon.&nbsp;

“With 47 metres of direct river frontage and never to be built out views, 47 Skyring Terrace is the definitive address on the Brisbane River,” O’Rorke said.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150489 project_image_fid=371114]

“Rather than following trend-based apartment design, Castile draws inspiration from Brisbane’s great heritage buildings, reinterpreting classical architecture into a contemporary riverfront landmark designed to stand proudly for the next 100 years,” he said.&nbsp;

The approved development will comprise 227 apartments across a 25-storey tower alongside a boutique six-storey riverfront building of just 12 residences.&nbsp;

Construction is scheduled to commence in September 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150489]

Joel Robinson

CPG unveils Castile Newstead ahead of upcoming sales launch

Australia’s online shopping habits have shifted dramatically over the last decade. As eCommerce volumes surged, so too did the frustrations that came with traditional parcel delivery: missed deliveries, long Post Office queues, parcel theft and the challenge of being home during business hours.

Australia Post’s Parcel Lockers emerged as one of the more practical responses to that changing consumer behaviour.

What started as a relatively niche delivery option has evolved into a nationwide network of more than 1,400 self-service Parcel Lockers positioned at train stations, shopping centres, supermarkets and Post Offices across the country. The system allows Australians to send, collect and return parcels 24 hours a day, fundamentally changing how many people interact with deliveries.

The appeal is relatively straightforward: flexibility.

Instead of waiting at home for a delivery driver or rushing to a Post Office before closing time, users can direct eligible parcels to a Parcel Locker location of their choice. Once the parcel arrives, Australia Post sends a notification with a collection code or QR access through the AusPost app, allowing customers to retrieve their package at any time within the collection window.

For apartment residents in particular, the system has become increasingly valuable.

Higher-density living has created logistical challenges around deliveries, especially in buildings without concierge services or secure parcel rooms. Missed deliveries are common, while parcel theft has become an increasing concern as online shopping volumes continue to rise.

Australia Post itself has repeatedly highlighted the growing issue of “porch pirates” during peak shopping periods, encouraging customers to use Parcel Lockers as a safer alternative to unattended home deliveries.

That security aspect is one of the key reasons the Australia Post Parcel Locker network has grown so rapidly.

Parcel Lockers are positioned as secure, monitored collection points that reduce the risk of theft while also improving delivery efficiency for Australia Post. Instead of multiple redelivery attempts, parcels can be consolidated into a single secure destination.

The Parcel Lockers themselves are free to use through a MyPost account and support a range of parcel sizes up to 16 kilograms and dimensions of approximately 35 x 44 x 61 centimetres.

Beyond receiving parcels, the system has increasingly become integrated into the broader eCommerce ecosystem.

Customers can now use Parcel Lockers to return online purchases, while retailers have embraced the model as a way to improve delivery success rates and reduce friction in the shopping process. Australia Post has actively expanded partnerships with major retailers and promoted Parcel Lockers as part of a broader out-of-home strategy.

The timing of that expansion aligns with broader changes in Australian shopping behaviour.

The acceleration of online retail during and after the pandemic placed enormous pressure on delivery infrastructure. Parcel volumes reached record highs, particularly during Black Friday and Christmas periods, with Australia Post delivering more than 100 million parcels during peak festive seasons.

That growth forced logistics providers to rethink the “last mile” of delivery, widely regarded as the most expensive and operationally difficult stage of the process.

Parcel Locker systems have increasingly been viewed as part of the long-term solution.

The concept itself is not unique to Australia. Parcel Locker networks have become common globally, particularly across Europe and Asia, where dense urban environments and apartment living create similar logistical challenges. But Australia’s geography and suburban sprawl made adoption slower initially.

Now, however, the convenience factor is driving mainstream usage.

For commuters, Parcel Lockers near train stations allow parcels to be collected on the way home from work. For apartment dwellers, they remove the uncertainty around access and missed deliveries.

The rise of the AusPost app has also streamlined the experience, centralising notifications, tracking and Parcel Locker access into a single platform. Australia Post has increasingly pushed customers toward app-based delivery management, partly as a way to combat phishing scams and fake delivery notifications, which have become more sophisticated in recent years.

The Parcel Locker model is also beginning to influence property development itself.

Parcel management has become a growing consideration in apartment building design, particularly as online shopping becomes embedded in everyday life. Many new residential developments are now incorporating dedicated parcel rooms or Parcel Locker systems into foyers and communal spaces.

For developers, parcel management is increasingly viewed as part of the broader resident amenity offering, alongside gyms, wellness spaces and communal work areas.

That reflects a wider evolution in how residential buildings are designed.

Apartment buyers are placing greater emphasis on convenience, security and operational functionality, particularly in higher-density urban environments. Parcel delivery, once considered a minor operational detail, has become an increasingly important part of that equation.

Australia Post’s Parcel Locker network sits at the centre of that behavioural shift.

What began as a simple alternative delivery option has evolved into a key piece of infrastructure supporting Australia’s growing eCommerce economy and changing urban lifestyles.

And as online shopping continues to expand, the role of Parcel Lockers is likely to become even more embedded in how Australians live, shop and receive goods.

How Australia Post Parcel Lockers changed parcel delivery convenience in Australia

Perth’s new apartment market recorded its strongest quarter of sales since Q4 2021, with 412 apartments sold in Q1 2026 and a record quarterly sold value of $537 million, according to Urbis’ latest Apartment Essentials results.

Urbis said the March quarter result reflects strong, highly product‑specific demand across both ends of the market, from more attainable projects delivering at scale, through to premium stock being absorbed by equity‑rich downsizers.&nbsp;

David Cresp, Partner at Urbis, said the key story in Perth is not demand, it is the market’s ability to convert demand into delivered housing.&nbsp;

“This is the strongest sales quarter since Q4 2021, and it reinforces that demand in Perth is real and it’s local,” David Cresp said. “But the task now is delivery, turning that demand into projects that can actually be built and completed.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110291 project_image_fid=302785]

<h2>Affordable product leads, premium demand remains resilient</h2>

Sales in Q1 were led by more affordable projects, with The Boulevard (SKS Group) recording 115 sales in the quarter, the presentation noting this is only the second time a single project has surpassed 100 quarterly sales. The project was able to offer more affordable housing product right next to a train station.&nbsp;

Palmyra West (Finbar) also delivered strong results with 28 sales in Q1, following 84 sales in Q4, with an average price of under $800,000, underscoring depth of demand for well‑located, attainable new stock.&nbsp;

At the premium end, Urbis said downsizer demand is continuing, with the results highlighting Romeo (Applecross, Finbar) recording 75 sales and reaching almost 50% sold in one quarter.

Jual (Shenton Park, Celsius Property) also posted a strong quarter with 28 sales, reaching 39% sold in one quarter.

Urbis noted that Perth apartment demand is not speculative, not investor‑led, and not uniform, describing it as localised, often equity‑driven and highly product‑specific, a pattern reflected in the polarisation between strong “attainable” performers and premium downsizer product.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=148957 project_image_fid=364102]

<h2>Prices underpinned by costs, and the delivery risk is growing</h2>

Urbis said pricing pressure is cost not demand‑driven: construction costs and delivery risk are now a central constraint, with the results noting build costs remain elevated and volatile, and that energy, fuel and labour uncertainty weigh on feasibility.

David Cresp said a growing challenge for private Build‑to‑Sell developers is simply securing a builder in the current environment.

“Developers are really feeling the pressure from a building market that was operating at capacity and securing a builder is challenging,” David Cresp said, adding that even where a builder can be secured, “trying to get to the price that makes the development financially viable is incredibly challenging in the current market.”&nbsp;

Urbis’ broader WA commentary also notes that industry remains at or above capacity with lot and housing creation, and that many builders are limiting new sales to manage stretched workforces and fixed‑price contract pressures, conditions that flow directly into apartment feasibility and delivery timing.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108869 project_image_fid=317905]

<h2>Supply: improving later, but still constrained, and Perth lags eastern benchmarks</h2>

While near‑term supply remains constrained, Urbis’ forecast shows completions lifting “Supply is forecast to be back above 1,500 apartments per annum for the first time since 2019”, with 1,775 completions forecast for 2026, and volumes remaining above that level over the following years.&nbsp;

Looking further ahead, completions are forecast to reach 2,500 in 2028, with the report noting 32% of that total is social/affordable, reflecting the role of government‑supported delivery in rebuilding the pipeline.&nbsp;

However, Urbis said Perth remains behind comparable markets on pipeline scale. In a national comparison of projects under construction, the report shows under construction Perth Build‑to‑Sell (BTS) at 3,446 apartments versus the Gold Coast at 7,922. Mr Cresp said “The challenge for Perth is how to we grow the delivery pipeline”.

Urbis’ conclusion is that Perth’s market is increasingly defined by product discipline and delivery certainty, with the research identifying “delivery certainty is key” and calling out builder risk and procurement models as core success factors, alongside “timing and staging”.&nbsp;

Perth apartment sales hit strongest pace since late 2021 as builder capacity tightens

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sammut-developments">Sammut Group</a> has secured development approval for its latest Brisbane apartment project, marking the Sydney developer’s next step in expanding its Queensland pipeline following the success of its debut Gold Coast development, Coast.

The approved project at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/44-glen-road-toowong-qld-4066">44 Glen Road, </a><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/toowong-qld-4066">Toowong</a> will deliver a 15-storey riverfront apartment building with 42 residences, significantly increasing the scale of the site’s previous approval for a smaller luxury scheme. Designed by Bureau^proberts, the development will comprise a mix of predominantly four-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments positioned to maximise Brisbane River and city views.

Sammut Director Julian Sammut said the group had been actively searching Brisbane for several years before identifying Toowong as the right fit.

“Brisbane was the right step for Sammut,” Sammut said.

“With the success of Coast we thought we should definitely look to do more in Queensland alone. We then pushed up to look at Brisbane. We've been looking for I'd say two to three years actually and it was hard to find the right location.”

<img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_75/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.14%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=dYAVIL7qdcGA8ojvkslSrLjczXFejSSx" />

Sammut said suburbs including New Farm and Teneriffe were considered before the group ultimately focused on Toowong due to its strong downsizer demographic and limited supply of developable riverfront land.

The site was acquired off-market after what Sammut described as a lengthy negotiation and planning process, with the developer pursuing an uplift to the original approval.

“We are DA approved now which is very exciting,” Sammut said.

“We've had our change approval come through and we've obviously doubled the height, 15 storeys plus rooftop. We've got 42 amazing apartments that are going to be coming to market soon.”

<img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.26%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=ohkRkY0dIZlqdfME2EZePsCQavRiBadE" />

Bureau^proberts said the design responds to Toowong’s evolving urban character, balancing contemporary apartment living with the area’s established residential identity.

“A place where traditional Queensland living has taken place for centuries; Toowong is seeing a shift of contemporary influence, commercial and retail hubs mixed with well-considered residential offerings – all the while maintaining its character and charm,” the architect noted in planning documents submitted to Brisbane City Council.

The architecture practice said the project’s form was shaped by its riverfront setting, flood considerations, neighbouring building scales, and view corridors.

“They said the mix of four and two-bedroom apartments capture the ‘fundamental qualities of Queenslander living,’ translated into the context of a contemporary subtropical building.”

The development sits just off Coronation Drive within walking distance of Toowong’s retail precinct and the upgraded Regatta ferry terminal, while also benefiting from proximity to the incoming green bridge connection to West End. Sammut said the accessibility and amenity offering were central to the site’s appeal.

The approval adds to growing residential activity along the Toowong riverfront, joining nearby projects including Consolidated Properties’ Monarch Residences and Spyre Group’s ARC Residences.

Sammut secures approval for debut Brisbane apartment development in Toowong

Developer Lanevick is heading back into Sydney’s apartment market after focusing more heavily on the luxury townhouse and terrace sector in recent years.

Lanevick, founded and directed by Steve Maroun, is expecting to receive approval in the coming months for a new apartment development in Gladesville, with the aim to launch it to the market later this year.

The 51-apartment project, designed by Studio Johnston, will comprise a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments positioned toward the Hunters Hill downsizer market.

“Traditionally it’s been difficult for people in that market to downsize because there just hasn’t been the right product available,” Maroun said.

“We’re targeting buyers who might have 30 to 40 per cent of their house value sitting in the bank after downsizing.

“They still want good spacious entertaining areas, they still want quality design, but they also want flexibility and the ability to enjoy life a bit more after working hard for a long time.”

The project sits near Boronia Park and within close proximity to the Parramatta River foreshore, an area Maroun says offers more of a Hunters Hill lifestyle than a traditional apartment precinct.

“From a lifestyle perspective, it’s really more Hunters Hill than Gladesville,” Maroun said. “You’re close to the foreshore, close to parklands, and still connected back into the village precinct.”

From level four and above, apartments will capture water views&nbsp;toward Sydney Harbour. Communal amenity will include rooftop entertaining areas, wellness spaces, and a gym tailored toward owner-occupier buyers.

“We’ve really designed these apartments around that buyer coming from the Hunters Hill LGA and what they’re actually looking for in their next chapter.”

The proposed development has also been designed to respond to the changing character of the broader Gladesville town centre, where a growing number of mixed-use and residential proposals are expected to emerge over the coming years.

“Gladesville presented a rare opportunity to deliver a genuinely design-led residential project within an evolving lifestyle precinct, just moments from the growing Gladesville town centre, and we’ve approached the project with a strong focus on architecture, liveability and long-term community value,” Maroun said.

Maroun said Lanevick saw a first-mover advantage within the precinct as planning controls continue to evolve to accommodate greater housing density.

“We think there’s a real opportunity there that hasn’t really been serviced properly yet,” he said.

“There’s going to be a broader evolution of the whole Gladesville village precinct over time, particularly with more activation and mixed-use outcomes.”

The Venus Street proposal will include a commercial and retail component at ground level designed to contribute to that evolving streetscape activation.

“A big part of the thinking was how do you activate that area properly and create more vibrancy and amenity, which is what Hunters Hill has been looking for,” Maroun said.

Lanevick’s focus since 2020 has largely been on smaller-scale luxury townhouse and terrace developments. The developer recently completed Royale Randwick, also designed by Studio Johnston, where prices reached $3.65 million. The project was featured in the UDIA NSW 2026 Professional Development Prospectus and was also named a finalist for Development of the Year.

&nbsp;

Lanevick to cater for Hunters Hill downsizers with new Gladesville apartment development

Investor Warning

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The Australian Taxation Office will be carefully monitoring this financial year, as with previous years, rental property expenses in tax returns.
It was often first-time landlords who got their claims for rental property deductions wrong, Tax Office assistant commissioner Karen Anstis told Fairfax Media.
A common query may arise for claiming rental deductions for a property that was not genuinely available for rent.
Another mistake was overstating the deductions on the interest on the mortgage.
Karen Antis said the Tax Office had increasingly sophisticated technology for identifying excessive claims.
The lodgement deadline for returns is 31 October, 2014 for those filing their returns themselves.
Those lodging through a registered tax agent are usually eligible for a later deadline of up to May 2015.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

ATO cautions first time investors

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It’s coming up to tax time, which is great news for those few that enjoy filling out extra paperwork and visiting their accountant.
Last year, thousands of <a href="/news/aussies-scammed-out-of-89-million-in-2013-accc-report">Australians were scammed out of a combined $89 million in 2013</a>, according to an Australian Competition and Consumer Commission report that was released yesterday.
It’s unfortunately also a time of year when you’re more comfortable providing your details to sort out your tax return and get your affairs in order. Here are five tips from the Australian Taxation Office on being aware of, and recognising, signs of fraud and unscrupulous activity.
Simple tips to recognise fake SMS and emails that pretend to be from the ATO
These aren’t all ‘Nigerian Prince’ style emails that you can tell at a single glance should be deleted without opening and some can actually look convincing, the ATO warns.
If the emails are one or many of the below, then you may be dealing with a case of fraud:
<ul>
<li>Unsolicited 
</li>
<li>Not from a valid ATO address (but may look as though it is from an official email) 
</li>
<li>Do not address you by your name, or uses your email address instead of your name 
</li>
<li>Asks for your personal or financial details (in particular, date of birth, address or PIN number) – This is a big warning sign. The ATO notes they will never ask for these details via SMS or email 
</li>
<li>Poorly worded, containing gramma errors (pun intended) – this helps to avoid filters 
</li>
<li>Promises money – Do we need to explain why this one is unlikely? 
</li>
<li>Contains an attachment 
</li>
<li>Contains fake links (the ATO suggests moving your cursor over the link, not clicking, and seeing where you’ll be redirected to. If it’s not to the ATO’s official site, then don’t click it.)</li>
</ul>
If the SMS or email you have received fits the above categories - head to the official ATO website and give them a call.
Report SMS and emails offering tax refunds in exchange for your personal details
Tax refunds are calculated after you’ve reported your information – not before.
“Any SMS or email that requests additional information before a refund can be released is a hoax,” they warn.
If an SMS or email says that you owe money, or that your account is in arrears and you will be taken to court – it’s time to ignore it.
This information will not be sent in an email or as a text. The phone, mail, an external collection agency or a personal visit are the methods more likely to be used.
Use online services via the official ato.gov.au
Don’t use other websites or methods, other than phoning the official number, to do business with the ATO. If they text you, it’s probably not them.
You’ll be prompted to sign in with a TFN and password and often AUSkey. If you aren’t asked to login, beware – it’s not the ATO. Double check the address bar.
Keep your TFN and passwords secure
Don’t share your password, and do not respond to emails with your TFN or password.
When are SMS and emails used by the ATO? For promotional or information services. Reminders, notifications, requests for you to contact the ATO and confirmation may be sent in these formats.
YOU MAY ALSO WANT TO READ
ATO warns of tax time scammers:<a href="/expert-insights/finance/ato-warns-of-tax-time-scammers-here-s-how-to-spot-them"> Here's how to spot them</a>
ATO branded scam alert: <a href="/news/ato-branded-scam-alert-fake-landlord-tax-exemption">Fake landlord tax exemption</a>
Beware of tax scams: <a href="/expert-insights/finance/beware-of-tax-scams-how-to-make-sure-you-don-t-get-fleeced">How to make sure you don't get fleeced</a>
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jduke-EHk3XBmHkn

Four ATO tips to protect yourself from end of financial year scams

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Thousands of Australians were scammed out of a combined $89 million in 2013, according to report released by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission today.
The Targeting Scams report says while the amount of money lost through scams decreased by 5% last year, <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/technology/information-technology/32204-accc-report-shows-scammers-cost--93-million-last-year-five-lessons-for-your-business" target="_blank">compared to 2012</a>, the number of scam-related contacts reported increased by 10% to almost 92,000.
Persons aged 45 to 54 were the most common reporters of scams, and the amount of people aged 65 and over reporting scam contacts nearly doubled to 18%.
Delia Rickard, deputy chair of the ACCC, told SmartCompany the biggest threats to small businesses are false billing scams.
“It can take a whole range of forms: getting a bill from a domain name register saying it will expire if you don’t pay within 24 hours,” says Rickard.
“[Or] it could be one of the directory scams where you get a bill or false invoice for a Yellow Pages entry that you never ordered,” she says.
False billing scams made up 3,600 of all contacts reported last year, with 445 losses amounting to a total of almost $725,000— a 45% increase in reports, and a 28% increase in the amount of reported losses. 
“It’s really important to have systems in place to check whether the bills you are receiving are legitimate,” says Rickard.
“If something doesn’t look quite right, don’t trust it, and don’t use the contact details in the emails,” she says.
The Federal Department of Communications <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/technology/42256-small-businesses-warned-about-a-shocking-fake-power-bill-scam" target="_blank">warned small business owners earlier this month</a> to keep their eyes open for electricity and gas bill scams.
The email-based scam bills, which purport to be from Energy Australia, often have links to malicious websites and can automatically download the malware to victims’ computers.
The ACCC report suggests businesses receiving suspicious bills should verify them by contacting the companies directly, using contact details sourced independently through an internet search or a phone book.
This article first appeared on <a href="https://www.SmartCompany.com.au" target="_blank">SmartCompany</a>.
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po-LsXgBTHBmX

Aussies scammed out of $89 million in 2013: ACCC report

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Investors should seek an independent second opinion when investing their super savings in property, according to the Real Estate Buyer’s Agents Association of Australia (REBAA).
The industry body’s president Jacque Parker urges investors to question advisors offering inflated property values and guaranteed rents.
“The real estate industry has always attracted its fair share of ‘shonky’ selling agents and it’s disappointing to hear advisors accepting kickbacks from developers under the guise of “financial advice” and taking advantage of innocent investors,” says Parker.
REBAA’s warning comes amid reported claims of advisors receiving higher than standard commission payments for recommending off the plan residential apartments as self-managed super fund investments.
Earlier this year, property commentator <a href="/expert-insights/investing/exclusive-how-to-spot-a-dodgy-operator-tips-from-the-experts">Neil Jenman told Property Observer</a> that "property spruikers are getting commissions ranging up to $50,000 per property".
Parker advocates engaging an accredited buyer’s agent for a second opinion on property investments. Buyer’s agents do not sell real estate but specialise in finding, evaluating and negotiating property purchases on the behalf of buyers.
 “The old saying ‘if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is’ certainly applies here,” said Parker.
“If you are an investor who is considering investing your superannuation in property, then we would highly recommend you get an independent second opinion from a buyer’s agent.
“Independent buyer’s agents do not sell real estate or accept any kickbacks from other sources for doing so.
“If they do and they don’t disclose this to the buyer then they are contravening Section 47 of the Agents Act.”
Parker claims that using a buyer’s agent can save investors thousands of dollars.
 
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jrichardson-uRX5hFdKfN

Don’t be lured in by “one stop shop” SMSF advisors: REBAA

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Personal insurance isn’t something that property investors should ignore, warns EPS Property Search director Patrick Bright.
Australia is one of the most underinsured developed countries in the world, Bright said, and many investors are failing to adequately protect themselves.
“Before you sign a contract to purchase a property you should have the appropriate insurances in place, at the very least income protection,” said Bright.
“You not only want to protect your 10% deposit in case something unforeseen happens between exchange and settlement but you want to know that you can complete settlement.”
He said that one of the quickest ways to lose your home is through unpredictable occurrences that stop your ability to earn. Many property investors consider burglary, tenant damage or natural disaster, but then fail to consider the possibility of dying or getting ill.
Pointing to an Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance study on the Victorian Black Saturday bushfires, he noted that for 171 people who died – less than $1 million was paid out in life insurance.
“You need to insure the person who is paying for the asset rather than just insuring the asset itself,” he explains.
“Ask yourself how your family will manage if one of the breadwinners becomes sick or dies? Do you have the necessary income protection and life insurances in place to protect your assets and allow your family to continue their quality of life rather than being forced to sell the family home?”
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Investor warning: Don’t ignore your personal insurance

<html><body>
New residential buildings will have 12 months to make the required changes to smoke alarms.
The new Building Code of Australia (2014) will require all new smoke alarms to be interconnected when there is more than one alarm in a residential dwelling. When interconnected, if one fire alarm is triggered, the others in a home should also be activated.
Western Australia’s Building Commissioner Peter Gow has confirmed that the 12 month transition period will see the requirements coming into effect on 30 April 2015.
“Some building and electrical industry stakeholders were concerned about their ability to comply with the new requirements, so we have applied the one-year transition period that was built into our new Building Act to give the industry time to adjust their operations,” said Gow.
If dwellings are approved for construction before 1 May 2015, they will not be required to include interconnected smoke alarms. However, old dwellings will still need to have smoke alarms or heat detection alarms no older than 10 years old installed before they can be sold, transferred, hired or rented. 
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Investor alert: Changes to smoke alarm requirements for new residential buildings

<html><body>
Checking testimonials and reviews, particularly online, are one way we all do a little bit of our due diligence when looking for any type of holiday accommodation or even restaurant to go to.
Property investors also largely use them for experts and professionals to help them with their buying, renovating, building and even accounting.
In fact, they're such a powerful way to be convinced into using a particular company or individual that it's rare to see a website without them.
But, just as it's easy to write someone a testimonial - which they may, or may not, use - it's just as easy for a less-than-reputable character to be overtly selective with their testimonials or just to fabricate them completely.
WHAT IS A TESTIMONIAL
Testimonials are comments from customers and clients of a service or product that explain their service and how they found dealing with a company of person. They are heavily used as marketing tools, and for promotion, in every industry - from the Sham Wow to the back of a novel. Testimonials can be incredibly useful for finding out what other people think about a service.
You might see them in newspapers, in emails, on websites or forums (particularly the business' own website), on review websites and in brochures.
MUST KNOW
Before we get into when to be alerted by a potentially fake testimonial, for companies in Australia it's worth noting that making, relying or using false or misleading testimonials is unlawful, according to Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV).
That means, while they shouldn't be falsified, if they are then you do have a right to notify Consumer Affairs about it.
CAV notes that businesses that regularly rely on testimonials include alternative health care businesses, restaurants, weight loss service provides and, of course, estate agents.
<blockquote>
Businesses that regularly rely on testimonials include alternative health care businesses, restaurants, weight loss service provides and, of course, estate agents.
</blockquote>
If you're a real estate company using testimonials, basically make sure they're coming from real people, you haven't paid for a review, that you note down if there has been any sort of commercial relationship with that person, that you do not delete negative reviews and that you keep records of them all.
Remember, while less common, some do use fake testimonials to purposely say bad things about a competitor as well. These are also misleading, and you'll want to keep an eye out for them.
WHAT TO BE WARY OF
Duplicate reviews in different names, or appearing in different places multiple times.
Reviews that seem to overtly suggest you use the service, often providing discounts or codes. They may even be slagging off a competitor within the same review.
Review websites that are in some way associated to the company.
Email addresses with three or more numbers at the end - suggesting this is fake and may have been created by an automated program.
If it's an Australian company that deals with primarily Australian residents, then be wary if all the reviews have Americanised spelling. This should be a surefire warning sign that there's something fishy going on.
Those that sound like advertisements (there's a specific tone to be aware of). Be alerted by anything over the top, overly endorsement heavy, and non-specific. If they have industry-specific terms or phrasing that an average person is unlikely to use - also be aware.
Websites where all the reviews are positive or where large numbers of reviews sit at either end of the spectrum. The majority of real people give reviews within the two to four star bracket, rather than the one and five stars.
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The majority of real people give reviews within the two to four star bracket, rather than the one and five stars.
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Gut feeling is a powerful thing. Would this be something you could see yourself writing if you had the same good/bad experience? If not, why not?
Do they overtly use words and phrasing that a typical person would not? For instance, they may refer to a iPad Mini as an iPad or an iPad Mini, but it's unlikely they'd refer to its complete specs in a review e.g. iPad Mini 16GB with retina display and Wifi. Similarly, phrasing might be a little... off, particularly if cliched.
Not everyone is a wordsmith, and it's likely some people will use typical phraseology to review an item, but something like the following sentence reeks of falsity: "Great buying experience, couldn't be happier - now on my way to millions!". Unconvinced? So are we.
While not everyone will allow you to check their identity, usually there's at least one person with their full name (in which case, is it a "common" name that cannot be verified?).
If photos are with the testimonial - are they stock photos? Have you seen them used elsewhere? Search the photo through Google images' search function or through a reverse image search. Just because a photo has been included, it doesn't mean it's real.
Have you checked reviews across a number of sites? If you haven't it's time to get Googling a little more. Check out forums, where unhappy clients may be able to tackle false reviews more easily by providing their own experiences.
Look for links. Links to a person's blog or own website can be a powerful thing, suggesting they're a real individual. However, a 'tracking' link or a link that redirects you suggests that the review may be paid for.
If you're wanting to verify any further, then Property Observer suggests calling the company in question and asking for contact details for the person who provided the review - or for your contact detail to be passed on (such as an email).
Video testimonials can be even more convincing for some, however how do you know when the video was taken? Was the reviewer halfway through a seminar, or about to head in? Again, it's worth asking to contact the individual themselves.
Think you've seen a false review on a property product online? Email: <a href="mailto:jduke@propertyobserver.com.au" target="_blank">jduke@propertyobserver.com.au</a>
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How to tell if a testimonial is fake: Spruiker alert

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A warning has been issued by the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria about scam emails advising about court and tribunal appearances and proceedings.
The email may advise you to report to court on a specific day/time and to bring documents and witnesses.
The email instructs the recipient to open and read an attached ‘court notice’. They’re warning that this contains a virus and that you should not open the attachment and that you should delete the email.
“If you are not involved in a proceeding, a court or tribunal will not communicate with you by email. Unsolicited emails or requests for personal information are not sent by courts or tribunals,” VCAT is advising.
 
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