A who's who of Australian surfing, business and entertainment has emerged on title records following the completion of Esprit Rainbow Bay, the latest boutique beachfront apartment development by former professional surfer Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects.

The completed project has attracted an enviable collection of owners, many with long-standing ties to the southern Gold Coast and the surf culture that has helped define Rainbow Bay and neighbouring Kirra for generations.

Given Gedoun's own background in surfing, it perhaps comes as little surprise that some of Australia's most recognisable surfers have chosen to buy into the development overlooking one of the country's most celebrated stretches of coastline.

Pezet Matheson directors Jayde Pezet and Todd Matheson launched the project in late 2021, and have managed the sales campaign all the way through to its sell-out and recent completion.

<img alt="Esprit" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="08fc6261-b84e-4b09-8a44-66d3067fd0d1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-29%20at%208.51.05%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=4AOcb6ETZwNUnMPdTtz1B3pZAIB_jgZ2" />

Former world champion Mick Fanning, who grew up in Coolangatta, secured an apartment in 2023. He paid&nbsp;$2.07 million. Last year he sold his Bilinga home for over $16 million.

Three-time world champion Joel Parkinson also purchased in the development, alongside big wave surfer Mark Mathews. Mathews bought the most expensive apartment in the building, spending just over $4 million.

Joining them is Rip Curl founder Doug Warbrick, whose company helped shape Australia's global surfing industry over the past five decades.

The appeal of Rainbow Bay has extended well beyond the surfing community.

International DJ Paul Fisher purchased an apartment through his investment vehicle, YLB Developments, an abbreviation of his trademark phrase "You Little Beauty".

The purchase comes as Fisher and his wife Chloe are developing their own luxury apartment project further north in Palm Beach. Their boutique beachfront development, Pescado, comprises just seven apartments on Jefferson Lane, which start from just shy of $6 million. The couple intend to retain the two-level penthouse as their Australian base between international touring commitments.

Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy and his wife Wendy have also invested in Esprit, purchasing two apartments after spending decades holidaying on the southern Gold Coast. They also have a luxury apartment in Joe Adsett's Rockpool, less than 400m away from Esprit.

<h2>Boutique project draws owner-occupiers</h2>

Esprit launched in 2021 and sold strongly, with buyers drawn to its boutique scale, beachfront position and contemporary design.

The completed development comprises 94 apartments across 11 levels, offering expansive floorplans designed primarily for owner-occupiers rather than the investor market.

Crowning the building is Club Esprit, pitched as being the Gold Coast's first residential rooftop wellness centre. The roof features a&nbsp;25 metre magnesium lap pool, which is surrounded by wet daybeds and poolside cabanas,&nbsp;multiple barbecue areas,&nbsp;a yoga and relaxation play lawn, and a private dining room with a kitchen scullery, bar, lounges, and an outdoor terrace.

The wellness centre is&nbsp;fully equipped with a Technogym, ice bath, infra-red sauna, steam room, thermal room, and treatment room. The roof has views spanning&nbsp;Rainbow Bay, Snapper Rocks and the Pacific Ocean.

<h2>S&amp;S Projects continues to shape Rainbow Bay</h2>

S&amp;S Projects founder Paul Gedoun has become one of the key figures behind Rainbow Bay's evolution over the past several years.

After establishing S&amp;S Projects, Gedoun has focused on delivering lifestyle-driven apartment developments designed primarily for owner-occupiers seeking a permanent coastal home.

Esprit is Gedoun's third completed project in Rainbow Bay, following Flow and Awaken, both of which achieved record prices for the suburb.

He is now delivering <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/radia-rainbow-bay-271-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Radia Rainbow Bay</a>, a 38-apartment development on Boundary Street that is currently selling, and has no plans to leave the precinct anytime soon. S&amp;S Projects has also lodged plans for its fifth Rainbow Bay development, an 88-apartment project on Boundary Street featuring a strong wellness focus.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-s-s-projects-proposes-88-apartment-wellness-tower-at-coolangattas-boundary-street">First look: S&amp;S Projects proposes 88-apartment wellness tower at Coolangatta's Boundary Street</a>

&nbsp;

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Joel Robinson

Who's who of buyers revealed as Esprit Rainbow Bay settles

Nature Based Cities (NBC), the not-for-profit organisation focused on improving biodiversity and nature outcomes in urban development, has launched its latest industry design guidelines and accreditation framework, this time targeting precinct-scale residential communities.

The move extends NBC’s influence beyond its initial focus on medium and high-density residential developments. Several projects have already achieved NBC accreditation since the launch of its Medium &amp; High-Density Residential Guidelines in early 2025.

The expansion into masterplanned communities and new residential precincts reflects the growing need for stronger nature-positive benchmarks as Australia’s outer suburban growth corridors continue to expand at pace.

Paul Hameister OAM, NBC Founder and the Executive Chairman of Melbourne developer Hamton who itself leans heavily into nature and biodiversity in its developments, says the&nbsp;nature-first approach to mitigate the effects of climate change has become standard in other parts of the world such as the UK, but Australia is lagging.&nbsp;Australia’s environmentally sustainable design (ESD) rating tools have no minimum mandatory requirements for living landscapes.

“We’ve always wanted to do more, and we know other developers who want to do more, but the ESD rating tools just aren’t there,” Hameister says. “In Australia, you can have a five-green-star rated building that’s concrete and glass with not a blade of grass. 
 
“The focus is on reducing emissions, which is laudable, but there hasn’t been enough attention paid to protecting and re-establishing nature. We need both for the health of the environment and for communities.”

He says that having now&nbsp;made good progress in supporting developers of medium and high-density residential projects, NBC is now looking to bolster better nature-based decision-making and recognise developers of greenfield projects in the outer ring and large inner-ring brownfield precincts, who want to champion nature and living landscape as a defining feature.

Since 2022, the not-for-profit has sought to remove the roadblocks preventing developers from incorporating nature and living landscapes into their projects, shifting the conversation from the reduction of emissions and grey infrastructure, toward recognising nature as an essential infrastructure.

The New Communities Design Guidelines and Scorecard arm developers with the tools needed to deliver a nature positive outcome for their new communities. Intended to be adopted at the outset of the planning process, the guidelines are designed to help create communities that are cooler, healthier and more resilient while also enhancing social wellbeing and long-term economic value.&nbsp;

New Communities developers seeking accreditation will be independently assessed across a range of key criteria including ecology, tree canopy, biodiversity, and walkability. Once the masterplan is complete and submitted for approval, the scorecard is formalised based on proposed outcomes. Projects that meet the NBC criteria will receive either Commended or Exemplary accreditation outcomes, creating a clear benchmark for nature-positive new communities in Australia.&nbsp;

Janis Fischer, Director at Tract and NBC Advisory Council member, said the development of new communities in our suburbs can have a substantial impact on nature and biodiversity.

"By incorporating nature-based design principles at the inception of a project, developers and their design teams can achieve nature positive outcomes that are good for both people and the planet.’’&nbsp;

NBC accredited New Community projects will gain access to NBC branding and marketing tools to help communicate their nature-based credentials to purchasers and the broader market.&nbsp;

Nature Based Cities: A new Australian benchmark for developing nature-positive new communities

Apartment buildings are increasingly being designed around how people actually live day to day, not just how they want a building to look.

For buyers, that shift is showing up in practical inclusions that respond to changing habits. Work-from-home spaces, EV charging, wellness amenities, secure bike storage and parcel management are becoming part of the broader apartment conversation, reflecting a move toward buildings that reduce friction in everyday life.

Online shopping has become one of the clearest examples of that change.

Australians spent a record $82.6 billion online in 2025, with nearly one in four retail dollars now spent online. That has made parcel delivery a regular part of apartment living, rather than an occasional inconvenience.

For apartment residents, however, the delivery process can be less straightforward than it is for detached homes. Parcels may be left in lobbies, redirected to Post Offices, missed entirely, or placed under the responsibility of building managers and concierge teams.

That is why secure parcel infrastructure is increasingly being considered alongside more familiar apartment amenities.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-VjjLwoViX0?si=A3k7ws9NX35Uac7_" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Australia Post Parcel Lockers offer one way to address the issue. When a parcel arrives, residents receive a notification through the AusPost app or SMS, then collect it using a QR code or one-time PIN. The parcel is kept secure, accessible and removed from common areas.

The broader Parcel Locker network now includes more than 1,500 locations across Australia, positioned at Post Offices, shopping centres, supermarkets, transport hubs and other accessible locations.

For new apartment projects, the relevance is clear. A building’s amenity offering is no longer only about lifestyle spaces, but also about convenience, security and functionality.

As buyer expectations evolve, secure parcel delivery is becoming part of the same design conversation as flexible working, sustainable transport and resident wellbeing.

It is one less thing for residents to worry about, and another example of apartment design adapting to the way Australians now live.

Apartment design is adapting to the way Australians shop

While school holidays and trips to Europe tend to define the winter property market, there's been no cold snap at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-walden-north-sydney-177-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">The Walden</a> in North Sydney.

Developer-builder&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aland">ALAND</a> sold more than $35 million worth of apartments throughout June, including a $6.8 million apartment that now ranks among the highest apartment sales ever recorded in North Sydney.

SRM Residential agent Ben Stewart said buyer demand throughout June reflected a mix of improving market confidence and longer-term thinking from owner-occupiers.

"We're seeing strong demand from owner-occupiers who are taking a longer-term view," Stewart said.

"Many recognise the opportunity to secure an apartment in an iconic building and premium location while values remain attractive. They may initially lease the property, but the intention is to eventually move in themselves, rather than purchasing purely as an investment."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=367129]

Located at 177 Walker Street, The Walden will deliver 161 one, two, three and four-bedroom residences across a 30-storey tower designed by Rothelowman. Every apartment occupies a corner position, maximising natural light, cross ventilation and views across Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, Sydney Heads and the northern districts.

Rather than a traditional balcony, the residences feature winter gardens that seamlessly extend the open plan living areas, creating versatile spaces for relaxing or entertaining throughout the year. Floor-to-ceiling glazing draws in natural light while showcasing sweeping views from the building's elevated Walker Street position.

Every apartment features high-end Calacatta marble, bespoke joinery, and fully integrated appliances.

The larger residences have been planned with distinct entertaining and private zones, with many master suites positioned on corners to capture natural light and harbour views. Walk-in dressing rooms, freestanding baths and refined stone finishes reinforce the house-like feel that has resonated with downsizers and owner-occupiers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6393]

Rothelowman Principal Ben Pomroy said the project was designed to make the most of its unique position overlooking the harbour.

"The Walden is a celebration of all things beautiful, curated for those who expect nothing less than exceptional," Pomroy says.

"Meticulously designed entertaining spaces and light-filled living areas that capitalise on capturing the natural beauty of Sydney's iconic harbour."

Residents will also have exclusive access to The Pavilion, a dedicated amenity building featuring a rooftop pool, wellness studio, gymnasium, sauna, concierge service, residents' lounge, private dining spaces and work-from-home facilities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6402]

The project marks ALAND's first major luxury apartment development in Sydney's inner-city market after more than two decades delivering residential communities across Greater Sydney.

Founder and CEO Andrew Hrsto previously said the rarity of the Walker Street site made it an opportunity the company could not overlook.

"This is a rare opportunity to bring a truly exceptional project to life in one of Sydney's most iconic locations, and to showcase our craftsmanship and design expertise at a world-class level," Hrsto said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6383]

The Walden has been introduced to the market at a time when demand for living in North Sydney is at an all-time high. Billions of dollars have been invested in infrastructure, including the recently opened Victoria Cross Metro station, located just 300 metres from The Walden, providing residents with direct access to the Sydney CBD in just minutes.

Private investment has also transformed the area through the arrival of new retail and dining destinations, elevating the lifestyle offering in what was once considered primarily a commercial precinct rather than an aspirational residential address.

The Walden is currently under construction and is scheduled for completion in 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134323]

ALAND records $35 million in sales in North Sydney as The Walden bucks quiet winter selling season

The long-awaited redevelopment of the former Eastlakes Shopping Centre site has reached a major milestone, with Conquest's plans for a new mixed-use precinct officially placed on public exhibition.

The State Significant Development Application would transform the 1.7-hectare site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/19a-evans-avenue-eastlakes-nsw-2018">19A Evans Avenue</a> into one of Sydney's largest urban renewal projects, delivering 736 apartments above a new shopping centre anchored by Woolworths, alongside specialty retail, dining, commercial space and new public open spaces.

The public exhibition marks the next chapter for the project after <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/conquest">Conquest</a> acquired the stalled Stage Two development from Crown Group, who completed the first stage across the road prior to their voluntary liquidation.

<img alt="First look: Conquest unveils plans for 736-home Eastlakes Shopping Centre redevelopment" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5fca22c5-d1ed-4e2c-8801-03f7df1eafc8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/eastland%20podium.png?VersionId=uomwr41nF8CmLUZRDcu3mHQechlbxucS" />

&nbsp;

Designed by DKO Architecture, the proposal comprises four residential buildings ranging from 14 to 18 storeys above a two-level retail podium. The development would deliver 736 apartments, including 74 affordable homes, 215 Build-to-Rent apartments and 521 market residences. Provision has also been made for dual-key apartments, which could increase the total number of dwellings to 877.

At ground level, the shopping centre has been designed as the suburb's new meeting place, anchored by a full-line Woolworths and complemented by a curated mix of fresh food retailers, cafés, restaurants, health services and everyday convenience shopping. Generous pedestrian links and landscaped public spaces will connect the retail precinct through to Jack Mundey Reserve, creating a more walkable and connected neighbourhood.

Conquest CEO Michael Akkawi said the redevelopment was about far more than replacing a shopping centre.

"Eastlakes has been overlooked for too long, and this is the community’s moment. We are building a shopping centre and homes, a genuine heart for the suburb, and we genuinely want locals to help shape it."

"We enrich communities through the creation of homes, places, and experiences designed for life, built to last, and owner for generations. That starts with listening, so we warmly encourage everyone with a connection to Eastlakes to view the plans and share their thoughts."

<img alt="First look: Conquest unveils plans for 736-home Eastlakes Shopping Centre redevelopment" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="22f6fb20-54fb-4bd7-8a92-48fafdd00608" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/eastland.png?VersionId=cugp7s9hrMHGJJdYzkeAkrFoQgnF4GXf" />

DKO said the design had been shaped by the site's landscape setting and surrounding open space.

"Our vision for the site embraces its unique Bidjigal identity by blending the residential living with generous landscaping and a material palette inspired by the Bidjigal locality, and celebrating the panoramic views to Botany Bay and the wetlands reserves."

"Taking cues from Country, we seek to harmonise built form with the landscape and lightly touch the earth. By reconnecting, retaining and regenerating existing ecology, and weaving in natural elements, we can deepen our connection to Country."

The landscape strategy extends across the podium and rooftops, incorporating communal gardens, children's play areas, lawns, community gardens, family gathering spaces and extensive tree planting. New landscaped links will also strengthen the connection between the precinct and Jack Mundey Reserve, while publicly accessible open spaces have been integrated throughout the development.

The proposal builds on Conquest's broader placemaking strategy for the site. Through an ongoing partnership, local artist Joe Rashbrook has been appointed Urban Art Curator, working alongside young residents to transform the project's site hoardings into a public art gallery that allows the community to engage with the redevelopment before construction is complete.

Conquest has rapidly expanded its development pipeline since acquiring the Eastlakes site, with more than $6 billion worth of mixed-use projects now in planning across Sydney, including Stanmore, Castlecrag and Waterloo.

Conquest CEO Michael Akkawi said the redevelopment was about far more than replacing a shopping centre.

First look: ‘Far more than replacing a shopping centre’ as Conquest unveils 736-home Eastlakes redevelopment

Mortgage Payment

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Roy Morgan reported from its survey of over 50,000 households per annum that those at risk of mortgage stress fell by some 78,000 from a year ago to 16.8 percent, to sit well below the decade average.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/06/26/RM1.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<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/2017/06/26/RM1.jpg" alt="">
Those 'extremely at risk' also fell to the lowest level in well over a decade, which is good to see. 
The high risk cohort overwhelmingly comprises lower income households, and is far less represented by households earning $100,000 per annum or more. 
PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of <a href="https://allenwargent.com/" target="_blank">AllenWargent</a> property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blogger</a>.
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">Four Green Houses and a Red Hotel</a>.
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pwargent-M4siyDbqQY

Lower rates reducing mortgage stress

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<div>Low interest rates are allowing homeowners to forge ahead on repayments. </div>
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From the Reserve Bank: "...two-thirds of borrowing is [now] covered by a repayment buffer of at least one month's worth of required mortgage payments, and for half of this, that buffer is more than one year." One third have at least a 12 month buffer, a remarkable statistic.
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<div><a href="/images/2015/12/16/RBA.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
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<div>The RBA also found that across every state "all arrears levels are relatively low", with New South Wales the best placed of all thanks to its solid economic performance. </div>
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<div><a href="/images/2015/12/16/RBA2.gif" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div><img src="/images/2015/12/16/RBA2.gif" alt=""></div>
<div> </div>
<div>
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>. 
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>.
</div>
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Homeowners forging ahead on repayments: Pete Wargent

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New research by ING reveals 51% of all Aussie home loan holders fear they’ll never be able to pay off their home loan.
Some 40% are concerned they’ll carry their mortgage into retirement.
The research confirmed that 82% are paying down more than what’s required most years.
The research comes as ING launches Everyday Round Up for Home Loans, a digital tool that enables ING customers to round up the loose change from their card purchases to pay down their ING mortgage. 
Card purchases made through ING’s Orange Everyday account are rounded up to the nearest $1 or $5 and the extra amount is automatically shifted from the customer’s Orange Everyday account to pay down the mortgage. 
ING’s head of retail banking, Melanie Evans says the loose change in less than a year has helped over 160,000 customers collectively save $32 million.
ING estimates that customers who round up $50 each month to their 30 year owner occupier Mortgage Simplifier mortgage of $350,000 could shave 19 months or save $14,000 in interest by rounding up their loose change.
It assumes the customer puts down a 20% deposit and makes principal and interest repayments.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Anxious home loan holders seek fast lane to pay off their mortgage early

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The federal government is offering homeowners over 65 the possibility of a small reverse mortgage.
While tapping the equity in their homes would be seen as a last resort measure, the scheme offers $11,799 per year initially for part-pensioners.
But under the extended scheme anyone over the retirement age can now access equity in their homes without selling, as part of a $258 million package aimed at helping older people to better plan for a "healthy, independent, connected and safe" life in retirement.
There is an interest rate of 5.25 per cent on the loans, considerably below the commercial rates on reverse mortgages which are currently between 6.3 per cent and 6.4 per cent.  
The Pension Loans Scheme was introduced in 1997. 
The measure, which was leaked before last night's Federal Budget, is set to cost $11 million over the next four years, according to the budget papers.
About 1.8 million age pensioners own their home in Australia, according to the budget papers, including 1.1 million full pensioners and 700,000 part-rate age pensioners.
The scheme will attract attention from the elderly with their wealth tied up in property while cash-poor.
Under the new plan, if a 66-year-old took up the proposed offer and lived until 91, he or she could receive a total of $295,000 worth of ongoing payments which would simultaneously be removed from their equity in their home.
Retirees on a full age pension as well as fully self-funded retirees will be able to use equity in their homes to increase the maximum fortnightly income stream to 150 per cent of the age pension, which is about $23,000 a year for individuals. 
Last year Domain noted there are only a few reverse mortgages on offer.
It advised Bankwest Seniors Equity Release Home Loan charges 6.27 per cent and up to the lesser of 25 per cent of the value or $250,000.
CBA's Equity Unlock for Seniors charges 6.37 per cent, and the maximum loan ranges from the lesser of 20 per cent of value or $275,000 for those aged 65 to 69, up to 40 per cent or $450,000 for those 85 and over.
Toowoomba-based Heritage Bank's Heartland Finance Reverse Mortgage Home Loan charges 6.19 per cent, and offers up to 35 per cent at age 80.
P&amp;N Bank, the W.A. bank once known as the Police &amp; Nurses credit union, charges 6.24 per cent and offers up to 35 per cent of the home's value.
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Reverse mortgage loan scheme for elderly extended in Federal Budget

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In another crowdfunding first, DomaCom Australia announced that the crowdfunding campaign to fund a mortgage backed loan has been successfully completed. 
Newcastle based financial advice firm Shartru Wealth Management has used the DomaCom platform to acquire a $1.6 million residential property in Melbourne using both debt and equity.
A crowdfunding campaign was completed to raise around $682K for the equity component and another campaign was completed to raise the remaining $948K debt. 
In executing both sides of the transaction, Shartru have been able to satisfy the growth needs of their accumulation clients as well as the income needs of their retiree clients with an attractive net return of 5.06% in a low risk environment.
The loan is secured by a first mortgage security on residential property with a conservative LVR of around 60%. 
Shartru CEO, Rob Coyte, said it delivered a tax effective investment for our growth-oriented clients whilst also being able to deliver an attractive income investment to our retiree clients.
"An investment option returning 5.06% and secured by first registered mortgage with a low LVR is attractive in today’s environment where retirees are lucky to receive a 2.5% return from term deposits,” he said.
DomaCom CEO, Arthur Naoumidis explained that one of the great benefits of property investment is to be able to use internal gearing to deliver long term tax effective returns.
“We are pleased we can now facilitate debt arrangements via the DomaCom platform, offering expanded opportunities for investors”
“Advisers can now fund both the equity and the debt portions of a property investment which enables them to provide the appropriate investment outcomes for both accumulation and retiree clients”.
“We are now looking forward to accelerating our FUM with these new debt facilities, particularly in the SMSF space. SMSFs can have a precise asset allocation to real property via DomaCom, including debt, without the need for a Bare Trust, limited borrowing and with all the additional administration and cost involved”.
“With a managed fund like DomaCom and with access to debt, Advisers have an internal solution to help clients access investment property and fixed interest income in line with their portfolio strategy as part of the adviser’s fee for service.
"This is something DomaCom has been working towards for three years”.
To learn more about crowdfunding, visit <a href="https://www.domacom.com.au/" target="_blank">DomaCom here</a>.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Domacom crowdfunds first mortgage backed loan for Melbourne purchase

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Sydney investor Nathan Birch has blamed administration oversight for his recent mortgage default, not cashflow issues.
The Australian Financial Review reported earlier this month that Birch had been sued by his lender, Permanent Mortgages, after defaulting on a $535,000 mortgage for a Paradise Point, Gold Coast investment property.
Birch told News Ltd the AFR story was a "misrepresentation” of his situation, noting the property never got repossessed.
He told <a href="https://au.news.yahoo.com/sunday-night/a/38540739/real-estate-whiz-kid-s-secret-to-property-success/" target="_blank">Channel 7's Sunday Night's </a>Denham Hitchcock all his 200 properties were positively geared.
News Ltd reported Birch saying that the default situation arose from an oversight.
"I had an overdue amount which equalled to one month’s interest which was paid immediately as soon as it came to my attention,” he said.
“Having 200-odd properties, the admin side of things can become a bit too much and not seeing the mail on time meant I had no idea of this.”
Birch had previously confirmed to the AFR he had "briefly" fallen behind on "one or two mortgages" citing increased lending restrictions arising from the much-heralded Australian Prudential Regulation Authority investor crackdown.
Last year Birch had revealed he was selling up some of his massive portfolio due to tightening finance conditions.
<div>
Birch told news.com.au mid-last year he was looking to offload up to 20 properties estimating he would reduce his debt to about $18 million.
</div>
<div>Birch blogged  at the time that he was adjusting his portfolio and riding the new APRA crackdown finance challenge "without breaking a sweat".</div>
He said that he had had to adapt his investment strategy.
"As a result of the tighter lending practices, I have simply sold some smaller properties and purchased larger ones to set myself up for a development phase in my portfolio," he advised.
Birch said he believed the best place to buy in2018 was the Gold Coast, where he holds 50 properties.
 “The market here I think is only just scratching the surface,” he told Sunday Night. 
“It’s like Australia’s Miami. Prices are still post-GFC prices, still very low.”
His most undervalued suburb is Coomera.
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Nathan Birch blames the overdue mortgage on having to administer 200 properties

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GUEST OBSERVER
Australian housing finance were materially weaker than expected in July with much of the detail also on the weak side, investor loans about the only exception.
The total number of owner occupier loans fell 4.2 percent, well below the consensus forecast for a 1.5 percent decline. 
Ex refinance the picture was even weaker with a 6.1 percent fall, the largest monthly decline since May last year.
Approvals can be choppy month to month but moves tend to be in the ±3 percent range.
Our estimates (using ABS seasonal factors) suggest seasonally adjusted owner occupier approvals ex refi were down 3-4% in NSW, Vic and Qld with, somewhat surprisingly, WA the only state to record a rise (+2.7%mth).
Note that the sum of these estimates across the big five states is firmer than the published national number (down about 2% rather than 6%).
Details 
Owner–occupiers (no.)              –4.2%mth, 1.8%yr
– ex-financing (no.)                  –6.1%mth, –2.7%yr      
Construction of dwellings (no.)  –4.9%mth, –3.9%yr
Purchase of newly built dwellings (no.)  –3.3%mth, 8.4%yr        
Value of loans:
Owner-occupiers ($bn)        –3.1%mth, 2.3%yr
Investors ($bn)                    0.5%mth, –9.3%yr
Total ($bn)                         –1.8%mth, –2.4%yr
Total ex refi ($bn)                –2.2%mth, –5.4%yr
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