The Gold Coast economy has grown by 25 per cent since 2020/21 to surpass $55 billion, but perhaps the more significant story is what sits behind the headline number.

For decades, the Gold Coast has been viewed through the lens of tourism, lifestyle and population growth. The latest State of the City Report suggests that perception is increasingly out of step with reality.

Released by Invest Gold Coast, the report ranks the Gold Coast as Australia's largest non-capital city economy and, perhaps more notably, second nationally behind Sydney for Economic Complexity, a measure that assesses the diversity and sophistication of an economy.

It's a result that places the Gold Coast ahead of Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide, highlighting the extent to which the city's economic base has broadened beyond its traditional industries.

Today, the Gold Coast supports more than 350,000 jobs, is home to over 83,000 businesses and generates $19 billion in annual exports. Manufacturing now accounts for 62 per cent of international export growth, while sectors including health, education, advanced manufacturing, technology and professional services are becoming increasingly important contributors to the local economy.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=372547]

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said the report confirmed the city's evolution into one of Australia's most significant economies.

"The Gold Coast economy continues to grow at an incredible pace. This is no surprise to those of us who have watched the evolution up close," Mayor Tate said.

"As one of the most entrepreneurial, investment driven and opportunity focused economies in the country our ambition has been realised and possibilities are endless.

"The Gold Coast has built a reputation as the city that says yes. We say yes to investment, yes to opportunity and yes to people who want to build something.

"It's this mindset helping us drive major growth across health, advanced manufacturing, screen production, marine, technology and the knowledge economy."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360975]

While population growth has been one of the defining stories of the past decade, the report points to a broader economic transformation taking place.

The city's knowledge economy now contributes $7.9 billion annually and supports around 31,000 jobs, while the health and wellbeing sector contributes $5.2 billion and employs more than 42,000 people. Together, the six priority sectors identified in the report account for almost $24 billion in economic output and more than 145,000 jobs.

One of the strongest examples is the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct at Southport. The 200-hectare precinct now contains more than $5 billion worth of health, education, research and innovation infrastructure and supports over 16,000 jobs.

The report also highlights the growing role of advanced manufacturing, particularly in aerospace, defence and modular construction.

Gold Coast-based Gilmour Space Technologies recently became the first Australian commercial company to attempt an orbital launch, while companies including Modscape and ModnPods are helping establish the Yatala-Stapylton corridor as one of Australia's fastest-growing advanced manufacturing hubs.

The city's entrepreneurial culture is also translating into business growth.

Since 2019/20, the number of businesses operating on the Gold Coast has increased by 22 per cent, while firms employing more than 200 people have grown by 80 per cent. The report suggests the next challenge is converting more local start-ups and medium-sized businesses into nationally significant companies.

Development activity remains another key indicator of confidence.

There are currently more than $23 billion worth of major projects underway across the Gold Coast, supported by a record 75 active cranes, a figure that now exceeds Brisbane and represents a 150 per cent increase since 2016.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112024 project_image_fid=343235]

Importantly, the report notes the next phase of investment will need to extend beyond residential development.

While 93 per cent of crane activity is currently tied to housing, Invest Gold Coast argues future investment will increasingly need to focus on cultural, civic, infrastructure and industry-enabling projects that strengthen the city's long-term economic resilience.

Invest Gold Coast Chair Will Hodgman said the city was now benefiting from years of economic diversification.

"What is happening on the Gold Coast is the result of the city's economic base broadening, fuelled by industries with long-term, high-growth potential," Mr Hodgman said.

"This is no longer a secondary Australian economy, the Gold Coast is becoming a globally connected city with deeper capability across health, knowledge and creative industries, advanced manufacturing, technology and exports."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365786]

Looking ahead, the Gold Coast's population is projected to exceed one million residents by 2046.

For a city that was once largely defined by tourism and lifestyle, the latest figures suggest the Gold Coast is becoming something more significant, one of Australia's most diverse and economically sophisticated urban economies, and increasingly one that national and international investors can no longer afford to overlook.

Joel Robinson

75 cranes, $23 billion pipeline and a $55 billion economy: Inside the Gold Coast economic boom

Ron Bakir's Homecorp has sold more than 75 per cent of the apartments in its wellness-driven Florence Residences in Surfers Paradise following its first weekend release.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/florence-residences-24-monte-carlo-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">26-storey project on Monte Carlo Avenue</a>, which commenced construction earlier this year, has seen a flurry of buyers secure their slice of the Gold Coast's latest wellbeing-focused offering in one of the nation's most competitive property markets.

Since the pandemic, the Gold Coast's population has grown by more than 11 per cent, a rate approximately four times faster than Sydney's, driven largely by lifestyle changes and interstate migration. While buyer activity has moderated in some markets nationally, demand for newly built dwellings on the Gold Coast continues to gain momentum as purchasers increasingly prioritise lifestyle, amenity, wellbeing, liveability and long-term investment potential.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150414 project_image_fid=372743]

Homecorp CEO Ron Bakir says buyers today are looking for more than just a home.

"What we are seeing is a shift in how people define value in property," Bakir says.

"What attracts residents to new developments is a desire for more than just a residence. They are looking for a place that complements their lifestyle, supports their wellbeing and reflects the way they want to live into the future.

"Lifestyle, longevity, proactive health, wellbeing, connection and a sense of community are increasingly shaping purchasing decisions, particularly on the Gold Coast, where these factors continue to be a major drawcard."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150414 project_image_fid=372744]

Bakir says Homecorp is responding to this shift through an approach that places greater emphasis on design, amenity and experience working together to create places that feel considered, connected and enduring in value.

Inspired by Eastern European design, Florence Residences will comprise 120 apartments alongside a private residents-only wellness club featuring a resort-style rooftop pool, hot and cold plunge pools, a spa retreat, contemporary gymnasium, and a spacious yoga and Pilates studio.

The development will also feature a residents-only lounge with private dining facilities and a rooftop bar, premium outdoor entertaining areas, a hotel-style lobby lounge, generous bike parking, and pet-friendly amenities including a heated dog wash.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150414 project_image_fid=372742]

A limited number of apartments remain available, with an exclusive collection of four-bedroom sub-penthouses set to be released in the coming months.

Florence is one of the latest additions to Homecorp's expanding multi-billion-dollar property portfolio, which also includes plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/homecorp-lodges-plans-for-260-million-moroccan-bathhouse-inspired-tower-in-budds-beach">$260 million development in Budds Beach</a> tailored to the growing wellness market.

A development application has been lodged for a 27-storey, 156-residence tower at 8–10 Acacia Avenue and 25–27 Oak Avenue, featuring a residents-only Moroccan spa-inspired sanctuary.

Apartments at Florence Residences are priced from $1,249,000, with construction expected to be completed by late 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150414]

Buyers rush to Homecorp's Florence Residences as Gold Coast wellness trend gains momentum

The NSW Government has expanded its $1 billion Pre-sale Finance Guarantee program, broadening access for affordable housing providers and smaller residential developments as it seeks to accelerate housing delivery across the state.

The Minns Government says the program has already helped bring forward more than 600 homes across Sydney and regional NSW since launching in September 2025, with similar models now adopted in South Australia and Western Australia.

The latest changes, announced by Treasurer Daniel Mookhey and Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully, are designed to improve access to finance for projects that have planning approval but are struggling to secure funding.

Among the key changes is an expansion of support for community housing providers. The program will now support up to 100 per cent affordable housing projects valued at up to $30 million when delivered by not-for-profit providers, while support for larger affordable housing developments will increase for projects worth up to $80 million.

The government says the changes will help accelerate the delivery of housing for low-income workers, older people, people living with disability, and those at risk of homelessness, while reducing reliance on direct grants or subsidised loans to bridge funding gaps.

The eligibility criteria for smaller residential developments have also been broadened. The previous $5 million minimum project value threshold has been removed and replaced with a requirement that projects deliver at least four homes.

Support has also increased for projects delivering fewer than 20 homes, with the guarantee now able to cover up to 75 per cent of dwellings in a development, capped at $30 million per project.

The changes are expected to particularly benefit smaller-scale and regional developments, which often face greater challenges meeting pre-sale requirements imposed by lenders.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said the scheme demonstrates how government can use its balance sheet to stimulate housing supply without relying solely on taxpayer-funded grants.

"The Pre-sale Finance Guarantee shows how this Government is using its balance sheet to reduce risk and unlock private investment, enabling new homes to move from design to construction faster," Mookhey said.

"This landmark reform allows us to deliver homes for working families at a lower cost to taxpayers, while also maintaining strong financial discipline."

Planning Minister Paul Scully said the program had already proven effective in bringing stalled projects to market.

"The Pre-sale Finance Guarantee has already proven it can unlock stalled projects and accelerate housing delivery by giving lenders the confidence they need to back good developments," Scully said.

"These changes will allow more affordable housing and smaller developments to access support so more homes can be built faster where communities need them most."

Housing Minister Rose Jackson said the expansion would help community housing providers overcome financing barriers that often delay projects.

"We know community housing providers are ready to build more homes, too often they're held back by barriers to finance," Jackson said.

"Expanding the Pre-sale Finance Guarantee helps remove those barriers so more affordable homes can get off the ground sooner."

The announcement was welcomed by the Property Council of Australia, which has long advocated for measures aimed at improving project feasibility and access to finance.

Property Council NSW Executive Director Katie Stevenson described the expansion as a practical intervention that addresses one of the most immediate constraints on housing delivery.

"This is exactly the kind of practical intervention we need right now, focused on getting projects out of the ground, not just approved," Stevenson said.

"It builds on a model the Property Council has worked closely with government to develop following calls for such a scheme ahead of last year's NSW Budget, so it's great to see it being expanded."

Stevenson said the reforms would help unlock projects that are ready to proceed but have been delayed by financing challenges. However, she noted that broader feasibility issues remain a significant barrier to increasing housing supply.

"The biggest challenge in NSW housing today is delivery. Too many projects have planning approval but are simply not financially viable to proceed under current settings," she said.

Speaking at the Property Council's NSW Housing Summit, Housing Minister Rose Jackson acknowledged that feasibility and financing pressures continue to constrain housing delivery, while reaffirming the government's commitment to work with industry on solutions.

Stevenson said the government's recognition of those challenges was encouraging ahead of next week's state budget.

"It's positive to see the government clearly recognising that feasibility pressures are now a binding constraint on supply," she said.

"With the Budget just days away, the focus must be on backing delivery, making sure projects stack up, finance can flow, and more homes can move from approval to construction."

The expanded Pre-sale Finance Guarantee forms part of the NSW Government's broader housing agenda, which also includes planning reforms, the NSW Housing Pattern Book, and a series of rezonings intended to increase housing capacity across the state.

NSW expands Pre-sale Finance Guarantee to unlock more affordable and regional housing

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

Lowe Living launches Jardin House in Camberwell

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

The Walden pairs house-scale living with North Sydney connectivity

Prime Minister

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The five-storey longtime Northbridge home of the late former prime minister Bob Hawke and his wife Blanche d’Alpuget was touted as having been sold for about $15 million.
But the price on settlement emerged as $9.2 million.
Hawke and his then-wife Hazel paid $1.23 million for the three-bedroom knockdown overlooking Sugarloaf Bay in 1991, just seven months before he lost the top job to Paul Keating.
After their marriage ended, the property was kept by Bob and transferred to Blanche’s name in 1999.
Blanche has bought in One30 Hyde Park development for $3.6 million.
This article first appeared in The Daily Telegraph. 
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Bob Hawke's Northbridge home sells at $9.2 million, not $15 million

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The five storey longtime Northbridge home of the former Australian prime minister Bob Hawke and his wife Blanche d’Alpuget has been sold reportedly for around $15 million.
Hawke and his then wife Hazel paid $1.23 million for the three bedroom knockdown house overlooking Sugarloaf Bay in 1991, just seven months before he lost the prime ministership to Paul Keating who suggested at the time it signalled Hawke was preparing to move on from the top job.
During construction on the 960 sqm block, the Hawkes stayed at Birchgrove in the townhouse of adman John Singleton and then lived at the then Ritz Carlton Hotel in Double Bay. It was completed in late 1993.
In 2013 Australia’s longest-serving Labor Prime Minister secured Willoughby Council approval for his plans for a rooftop pergola, decking and synthetic turf entertaining area able to be used as a putting green.
After their marriage ended the property was kept by Bob Hawke and transferred in Blanche’s name in 1999.
No estate agent has yet taken credit for the sale - or its reported price by Domain - which ranks as the third highest in Northbridge, behind a $21 million top sale from 2017.
Selling agent Chris Downie of Richardson &amp; Wrench Northbridge declined to comment on the sale.
The house set on the north shore’s Middle Harbour was constructed on a bushy block with views from one of the suburb’s best streets.
The original modest three-bedroom brick house came with jetty, sandy beach and harbour pool.
Hawke and his then wife, Hazel had sold their 1940s Melbourne home in Sandringham in 1986 for $430,000, three years after the family moved to The Lodge in 1983.
Hawke, Australia’s 24th Prime Minister, was born in South Australia’s Bordertown in 1929 and lived there until 1935.
The downsizing couple secured their whisper quiet off market sale with plans to soon relocate to an apartment overlooking Hyde Park in the Sydney CBD. Hawke, who turned 89 last December, has said his health has been “terrible.”
They are believed to have bought in the One30 Hyde Park development where off the plan settlements are due in coming weeks.
The couple borrowed $4.25 million using the Minibah Road Northbridge home as collateral for the financing of the switch.
The 38-storey tower has been developed by Hong Kong-listed developer Aoyuan Property Group in a joint venture with Ecove, the developer behind the controversial Opal Tower building at Olympic Park.
Developer Aoyuan International subsequently sought assurances of quality of the build at One30 Hyde Park at 130 Elizabeth Street. 
Prices in the luxury development started for two-bedroom apartments from $2.1 million and three-bedrooms starting at $3.1 million.
News of the move comes shortly before d’Alpuget’s next book, The Lions’ Torment is published, which her agent described as “Game of Thrones meets Hilary Mantel”.
This article was first published in the Daily Telegraph.
 
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Bob Hawke sells Northbridge home

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EXPERT OBSERVER
Yet another new Prime Minister in Canberra. Does this mean it’s time to check our smoke alarms? It’d be comical if it wasn’t so concerning.
The frequent changes in leadership and constant mud-slinging through the media, many people tune out of daily political news.
As prices fall in markets across the country, tuning out of politics is simply not an option for the astute property owner with much at stake in the coming election.
Ignoring Canberra and its politics can be a costly mistake as the various proposed policy changes from both the Australian Labor Party (ALP) and The Liberal Party of Australia (Liberal) camps will make a huge impact on our property landscape – affecting home-owners and investors.
The ALP unleashed a media storm when it burst out of the policy box and promised to abolish negative gearing for all properties except new housing – with a tidal wave of opposition among the investment community.
Any property owner should be very concerned about this proposal and its impact on prices.
There has been considerably less attention to other significant property-related policies that ALP has tabled such as increasing capital gains tax – which could have a monumental impact on all property sales.
Liberal’s policies have been deemed more investor-friendly – particularly keeping negative gearing in its current form and just removing travel expenses as a deduction.
A policy already implemented. So what is best for property investors – ALP or Liberal policy? There is no blanket solution and what is best will vary depending on each individual investor’s age, retirement plans and financial position.
One thing is clear – if Labor implements its new negative gearing regime – the winner will be the new housing market as any investor wanting to minimise their tax burden will snap up to new developments - new houses and new apartments.
Conversely investment in existing properties will take a nosedive as it will be far less appealing with no negative gearing benefits.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has this week foreshadowed a “housing market crash” as a likely result of Labor’s property policies including abolishing negative gearing and halving the 50 per cent capital gains tax discount.
With an election due by the end of May next year property investors will have greater certainty about any changes to the market.
In the meantime it’s important to continue to monitor what is coming out Canberra to ensure investors are best placed to protect and grow their portfolio.
Keeping up-to-date with the proposed changes is a minefield but is best summarised in this table.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/9/20/Nihilism%20table.JPG" alt="">
James Nihill (pictured above) is the Managing Director at the real estate agency Patrick Leo
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Politics of property, What does it mean for property owners: James Nihill

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The former prime minister Julia Gillard has joined the board of Liberman family-backed CVS Lane.
It is a Melbourne-based property finance and investment company established in 2011.
Since inception it has raised over $600 million across 75 transactions with an end value of over $4 billion.
Earlier this year former Prime Minister Paul Keating took a similar board role with MaxCap, a rival property finance house, also based in Melbourne.
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Both finance companies are looking for growth beyond being backed by a local wealthy investors in the expanding opportunity of residential development debt which has emerged as the banks curb their exposure under pressure from the regulators.
"I'm intrigued by the work that it does, property financing," the Adelaide-based Ms Gillard told the AFR.
"That is a microcosm of understanding what's happening with the Australian economy and what's happening with global trends.
"I thought I could value-add, not by being a property finance expert – I'm never going to match it with these guys on that depth of knowledge – but by bringing to the table that broader perspective and broader expertise."
Gillard has been on the board for five months having already completed an Asia roadshow.
The former prime minister is the first independent director on the board alongside its founders including Joshua Liberman.
Gillard is also on the board of a New York based educational software group and an adviser to a US venture capital outfit, alongside her philanthropic activity including chair of mental health charity beyondblue. "I'm leading this portfolio life now, which is quite different to my old life of the one big job," she said.
The Collins Street, Melbourne-based investment house manages a range of investments, including a property partnership with Don O'Rorke's Consolidated Properties Group.
Last week CVS Lane Capital Partners and Consolidated Properties Group confirmed settlement of the sale of Casuarina Village Shopping Centre to the Sydney based investor, Whistle Funds Management for $27.4 million which represented a yield of 5.90%.
CVS has provided a first mortgage facility to assist in the acquisition of the Coburg Quarter property.
It also provided a first mortgage facility for <a href="http://www.pamada.com/oslo" target="_blank">Pamada</a> on the Oslo Apartments site, located 5km northeast of the Brisbane CBD, which will comprise 160 apartments and a retail premises upon completion.
Lee Centra is its managing director with Jason Henry, the chief financial officer. Andrew Vasarelli is the head of credit and asset management.
Its directors include Michael Goldman, Nick Pettigrew and Ari Bergman.
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Julia Gillard joins CVS Lane property financing board

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Former prime minister Paul Keating has joined leading commercial financier MaxCap as a stakeholder and board member, as it looks to fill the gap in commercial lending left by banks' tightening criteria. 
MaxCap, which manages more than $3 billion of commercial real estate mortgages, claims to be leading the charge on super funds investing in lucrative commercial real estate lending.
MaxCap managing director and founding partner Wayne Lasky was cited by Fairfax Media as saying that Keating was providing strategic advice and had invested in the business.
Keating, who was PM from 1991 to 1996, recently said if a decision was taken to allow young Australians to access their superannuation to buy a house, it would “rob them” of savings later in life and called it an “irresponsible idea” in an opinion piece on Fairfax Media.
MaxCap group recently teamed up with Australia’s biggest industry super fund, Australian Super, to offer large $100 million-plus loans direct to developers.
Keating joined MaxCap late last year as a director.
The former PM's government was behind the 1992 creation of Australia's compulsory employer contribution scheme that now looks after $2 trillion in superannuation retirement savings.
"If a former head of state seeks to take an investment in a business, they do even more due diligence than institutional investors. Paul carefully guards his legacy, and rightfully so. Having done that work with us, he wanted to get a stake. We're happy to accommodate it," Lasky said.
"It's a big shot in the arm to the sector. When you've got the big instos [institutional investors] participating and you've got the former prime minister participating, you can see where it's moving to in the future."
MaxCap focuses on filling the gap in commercial lending left by the banks after the Australian Prudential Regulatory Authority tightened rules in the wake of the global financial crisis.
Lasky said Australia's commercial property lending was a $220 billion market, with more than 80 per cent of funding dominated by the big four banks.
APRA's imposition of stricter international Basel banking requirements will shrink the bank's market share and open up a $30 to $40 billion funding gap, he said.
"There's a structural dislocation which has been taking place since the crisis. If you've got the capital, there's pretty good lending to be done," Lasky said.
MaxCap placed $300 million in private funds through first mortgage lending over six months to December last year.
It also raised and placed $50 million in the first tranche of a $100 million first mortgage fund, with another raising expected in the next two months, he said.
A spokesman for Keating said the former PM believed it was the right time to invest into MaxCap's platform which was well placed to take advantage of the structural opportunity as the banks were obliged to withdraw from commercial funding due to Basel III and IV guidelines.
The MaxCap website is <a href="https://www.maxcapgroup.com.au" target="_blank">available here</a>.
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Former PM Paul Keating takes stake, joins board of commercial financier MaxCap

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GUEST OBSERVER
The Prime Minister’s statement yesterday that there will be no changes to capital gains tax (CGT) on housing has the full support of the residential building industry. 
New housing is one of the most highly taxed commodities in the Australian economy.
In the lead up to last year’s election there were a range of proposals from reducing CGT on investment properties to applying the tax on the family home. Yesterday’s categorical statement by the government provides continued certainty to the industry and to investors.
The housing industry has opposed changes to the way capital gains are currently treated on investment properties. It would mean investors pay even more tax.
Right now, around two dollars out of every five that an individual pays for a new home is tax. 
Buyers pay those taxes. And then they pay taxes on the taxes. They pay stamp duty on top of taxes, including the GST. And when they eventually sell the property, if they make any money, they pay tax on that. 
Housing cannot be asked to pay even more taxes. It would simply have the opposite effect. 
When it comes to improving housing affordability, the focus should be on increasing supply year on year. This won’t happen by removing the incentives to build new homes and placing pressure on existing housing prices to meet demand.
Graham Wolfe is deputy managing director, HIA, and can be contacted <a href="https://hia.com.au" target="_blank">here</a>.
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PM’s capital gains tax decision the right one: HIA's Graham Wolfe

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The Edgecliff office block - tenanted in part by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull as his electorate office - has been sold.
It fetched $15.67 million having been bought from Telstra for $3.865 million in 2001. 
The 287-289 New South Head Road building was formerly the Edgecliff Post Office, a landmark building at the busy corner.
It was offered by the Scarf family as a rare opportunity to own a freestanding, mixed use property.
It is a freestanding, four storey, mixed use property, offered fully leased with a NLA 1,405 sqm.
Its net income was $955,144.74 pa.
There was secure car parking for 15 cars plus a large outdoor deck area with harbour views.
The initial marketing by Ray White Double Bay suggested there was future potential for residential conversion.
It was bought by the Spyrides family from Vaucluse. 
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Malcolm Turnbull gets new office landlord in Edgecliff

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Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and wife Lucy were spotted post-election viewing an apartment in Point Piper, however it was not intended for them.
They were looking for their expat Singapore based son, Alex, a hedge fund manager, his wife, Yvonne Wang and their one year old daughter, Isla.
They dropped by <a href="https://www.belleproperty.com/buying/NSW/Eastern-Suburbs/Point-Piper/Apartment/64P3245-3b-8-st-mervyns-avenue-point-piper-nsw-2027" target="_blank">the unrenovated 1960s apartment</a>, (above) apparently on the spur of the moment, while taking an early afternoon stroll around their blue-ribbon neighbourhood.
They didn't turn up to the auction where 14 parties registered to bid from the 27 potential buyers who took contracts.
Last traded in 1966 at $60,200, it was knocked down to buyers who came from Kangaroo Point.
Lucy later told friends they weren't really in the market for an apartment and certainly not that expensive, as it sold for $4.3 million, some $1.2 million over reserve.
With the highest price in the block previously being $3.8 million next door, Belle Property Double Bay agent Albert Sassoon had marketed it as a 'house-sized apartment'.
It has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a large balcony with views of the Sydney Harbour.
Alex has recently launched a mobile phone application 'GoCatch' with Seek co-founder Paul Bassat. The taxi booking app has been backed by casino tycoon James Packer.
Alex worked for Goldman Sachs before joining a private equity firm in Singapore.
This article was first published in the Saturday Daily Telegraph.
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Malcolm and Lucy Turnbull walk into pricey Point Piper open for inspection

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The former Kew home of the longest serving prime minister Sir Robert Menzies has been snapped up pre-auction having been listed with $4.5 million hopes. 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.jelliscraig.com.au/property-details-74-Charles-Street-Kew/376402">Talgai, the 1890s property on leafy Charles Street</a>, played home to the Menzies family in the early 1920's.  
Their time in the five bedroom, three bathroom property was brief however as by 1924 the family had moved into their newly built Grange Road, Culdares, a reference to the eponymous Scottish seat of the Menzies clan.  
Jellis Craig agents Campbell Ward and Richard Winneke secured the sale of Talgai which last sold in 1985 for $322,000 when bought by the Curtin family.  
The property, which was rented from the printer and engraver, Charles Shugg, was where Bob and Pattie's second son, Robert was born. 
Winneke has also sold other Melbourne houses lived in by Menzies – in nearby Howard Street and in Reid Street in Balwyn. 
After his 1966 retirement, Sir Robert and Dame Patti Menzies famously lived at Haverbrack Avenue, Malvern. Witty Menzies dubbed Haverbrack Avenue "have a look avenue" on taking up residence.
This article was first published in the Weekend Australian Mansion Australia property section.
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 Former Kew home of Sir Robert Menzies sold pre-auction

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GUEST OBSERVER
Business confidence slipped in October, offsetting most of the gains made in the previous month in response to the new Prime Minister. Although it is still early days for the new government, this is a disappointing result. On the other hand, current business conditions remained at their high level, reflecting the general improvement in the non-mining economy. 
After business confidence rose sharply in September, we noted the importance for both the government and the broader economy of sustaining this increase. Today’s data suggest that this is not going to be a straightforward task. However, the fall is somewhat surprising given solid increases in consumer confidence and in the government’s poll results over the same period.
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 That said, the fall in the NAB measure of business confidence brings it broadly back into line with the Roy Morgan business confidence series, which had been weaker previously.
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 It appears that Australian businesses are still sensitive to overseas conditions. Australian business confidence has tracked the softening in the global PMI which is a good proxy for global growth (Figure 2).
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 In more positive news, current business conditions remained elevated and are supportive of further solid growth in the non-mining economy in the near term (Figures 3 and 4).
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 The details were also encouraging. While profitability has eased a little, it remains at a high level and bodes well for near-term employment growth (Figure 4). Capacity utilisation continued to slowly improve, but our view is that ample spare capacity remains in the economy, limiting upward pressure on inflation, despite the risk that we see some belated pass-through from the lower AUD to tradables inflation (Figure 7). 
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Daniel Gradwell is economist and Justin Fabo is senior economist <a href="https://www.anz.com/corporate/research/" target="_blank">ANZ Research</a>.
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