<p>Not all apartment amenities are immediately visible.</p>

<p>Swimming pools, gyms, rooftop terraces and residents' lounges have long featured on buyers' wishlists, but as the way Australians live has changed, so too have the features that make apartment living more convenient.</p>

<p>Increasingly, buyers are placing value on the practical aspects of day-to-day life. Fast internet, EV charging, secure bike storage, flexible workspaces and parcel management are becoming just as relevant as lifestyle amenities, reflecting changing habits and expectations.</p>

<p>Online shopping has been one of the biggest drivers of that shift.</p>

<p>Australians spent a record $82.6 billion shopping online in 2025, with almost one in every four retail dollars now spent digitally, making parcel deliveries a routine part of everyday life rather than an occasional convenience.</p>

<p>For apartment residents, however, receiving those deliveries isn't always straightforward.</p>

<p>Without someone home to accept a parcel, deliveries can be redirected to a nearby Post Office, left in building foyers or common areas, or require building management to temporarily store packages. As apartment living continues to grow across Australia's cities, parcel management has become an increasingly important consideration for both residents and developers.</p>

<p>Australia Post's Parcel Locker network is one response to that shift.</p>

<p><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/KPZ9j5FRdsQ?si=Qztc1dNP3ZvEIUhb" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p>Rather than relying on home delivery, eligible parcels can be directed to a nominated Parcel Locker, where they're securely stored until collected. Once a parcel arrives, residents receive a notification through the AusPost app or SMS and can retrieve it using a one-time code or QR code at a time that suits them.</p>

<p>The network has expanded to more than 1,500 locations nationwide, with Parcel Lockers positioned at Post Offices, shopping centres, supermarkets, transport hubs and, increasingly, within or alongside residential developments.</p>

<p>That growing presence reflects a broader change in how apartment buildings are being planned.</p>

<p>Developers are increasingly considering the operational side of apartment living alongside traditional lifestyle amenities. Just as secure mailrooms, bicycle storage and EV charging have become more common inclusions, parcel management is emerging as another feature that supports everyday convenience.</p>

<p>It also helps preserve the arrival experience within a building. Carefully designed lobbies and communal spaces can quickly become cluttered when deliveries accumulate, while secure parcel solutions reduce the likelihood of missed deliveries or parcels being left unattended.</p>

<p>For buyers comparing apartments, these everyday details are becoming part of the decision-making process.</p>

<p>Location, floorplans and finishes remain fundamental, but the features that simplify daily life are carrying greater weight than they once did. As online shopping continues to shape consumer behaviour, secure parcel delivery is increasingly becoming another amenity worth looking for.</p>


Joel Robinson

Parcel delivery is joining the apartment amenity checklist

<p data-end="471" data-start="164">Inca Property Group has lodged a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for Dawn, a 53-apartment oceanfront development overlooking Mona Vale Beach.</p>

<p data-end="777" data-start="473">The proposal, at 35-39 Darley Street East, would replace an existing 18-apartment strata building with a new owner-occupier-focused development comprising 53 two and three-bedroom apartments, including nine affordable built-to-rent residences delivered under the State's infill affordable housing scheme.</p>

<p data-end="976" data-start="779">Positioned on a 2,679 sqm elevated site around 280 metres from Mona Vale Beach, the development has been designed to maximise panoramic ocean views while responding to the site's sloping topography.</p>

<p data-end="1119" data-start="978"><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/inca-property-group">Inca Property Group</a> Managing Director Josh Thompson said the State Significant pathway provided greater certainty for projects of this scale.</p>

<p data-end="1399" data-start="1121">"This State Significant pathway gives the team real certainty to progress <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/dawn-35-39-darley-street-east-mona-vale-nsw-2103">Dawn</a> through to completion," Thompson said.</p>

<p data-end="1399" data-start="1121">"It allows us to acquire a one-off site, design it carefully and deliver the right offering for the suburb, assessed by the NSW Government's planning department."</p>

<p data-end="1605" data-start="1401">The project is one of the first developments in the area to be assessed under the NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing policy, with the site sitting on the edge of the policy's designated inner area.</p>

<p data-end="1852" data-start="1607">The proposal includes three basement levels providing 124 car spaces, alongside a range of resident amenities including a swimming pool, gym, sauna, wellness facilities and private plunge pools for selected ground-floor and penthouse apartments.</p>

<p data-end="1852" data-start="1607"><img alt="Dawn" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fc1a1daf-0ce4-4f12-9076-b1fa553c7a91" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-21%20at%208.42.11%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=4GZ9h.gpNkTljbxyAET8Jfhv51XUamDm" /></p>

<p data-end="2031" data-start="1854">Thompson said Dawn had been designed specifically for owner-occupiers and downsizers, a buyer profile that has driven demand across Inca's recent Upper North Shore developments.</p>

<p data-end="2299" data-start="2033">"The majority of buyers in our recent North Shore projects have been downsizers, and we are learning exactly what this market is looking for. Beyond the location itself, we have included resort-style amenities to deliver a genuine lifestyle offering," Thompson said.</p>

<p data-end="2588" data-start="2301">Located within walking distance of Mona Vale Beach, the town centre, Mona Vale Golf Club and the Royal Motor Yacht Club, Dawn represents Inca's first Northern Beaches project following the sell-out of Tara on Park in Waitara and Ellis Residences, currently under construction in St Ives.</p>

<p data-end="4143" data-start="3991">Construction will be undertaken by Inca's in-house construction arm, GOP Constructions.</p>

<p data-end="593" data-start="417">Dawn is the latest major apartment proposal for Mona Vale, with the suburb emerging as one of the key beneficiaries of the NSW Government's new Low and Mid-Rise Housing policy.</p>

<p data-end="789" data-start="598">New developer One Living, led by industry veteran Joseph Scuderi, recently secured a site on Mona Vale Road, on the border of Mona Vale and Pymble, where it is planning around 140 apartments.</p>

<p data-end="1053" data-start="794">IPM is also planning its third project in Mona Vale, significantly increasing the scale of its previous developments with an 82-apartment proposal at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/159-167-darley-street-west-mona-vale-nsw-2103">159-167 Darley Street West</a>, opposite Bayview Golf Course and less than 800 metres from Mona Vale town centre.</p>

<p data-end="4143" data-start="3991"><em>Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/one-living-enters-sydneys-new-apartment-market-with-northern-beaches-site-acquisition">One Living enters Sydney's new apartment market with Northern Beaches site acquisition</a></em></p>

<p data-end="4143" data-start="3991"><em>Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-ipm-plans-third-mona-vale-project">First look: IPM plans third Mona Vale project</a></em></p>


First look: Inca eyes Mona Vale with State Significant DA for Dawn apartments

<p>Seasoned Victorian apartment developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/central-equity">Central Equity</a> has logged more than $400 million in sales in its luxury apartment project Palmera Residences at Northcliffe on the Gold Coast.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Central Equity Director Karl Kutner said the sales result reflected a combination of location, product quality and delivery certainty with the project already under construction by building powerhouse Multiplex.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Surpassing $400 million in sales since launch is a significant milestone and an outstanding endorsement of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/palmera-residences-gold-coast-18-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Palmera Residences</a>,” he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We believe one of the key reasons for this strong result is the confidence purchasers have in knowing the project is under construction with Multiplex. Buyers are increasingly looking for certainty. They want to know that the project they commit to today will be delivered by an experienced team with a proven track record."&nbsp;</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365782]</p>

<p>Kutner said it was clear there was still high demand for luxury projects that offered certainty of delivery.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We are in a market where many residential developments have faced delays due to rising construction costs, labour shortages and financing challenges,” said Kutner.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"But having construction underway has provided our buyers with resounding confidence backed by more than 40 years of development delivery by Central Equity combined with construction by one of Australia's most respected construction companies."&nbsp;</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365785]</p>

<p>Central Equity is one of Australia's most experienced privately-owned property developers. Over more than four decades, the company has delivered in excess of 85 residential developments including 10,000 apartments and many thousands of stand alone homes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Located on Garfield Terrace at Northcliffe, between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, Palmera Residences occupies one of the Gold Coast's most sought after beachside locations. The development has been designed to appeal to owner occupiers seeking premium residences that combine generous living spaces and resort style amenities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Palmera Residences will feature an exceptional collection of resort style amenities, including two swimming pools: a generously sized family pool with safe shallow zones for relaxed recreation, and a 20 metre lap pool positioned to maximise all day sunlight.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Residents will also enjoy exclusive access to wellness and recreational facilities including a magnesium pool, sauna, yoga studio, expansive fitted gymnasium, resident lounge, outdoor BBQ’s&nbsp;and indoor and outdoor dining areas, together with a dedicated concierge and luxurious hotel inspired entrance foyer.&nbsp;</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365767]</p>

<p>A unique feature at Palmera Residences has been designed to enhance the Gold Coast lifestyle which includes both indoor and outdoor gymnasium facilities, together with thoughtfully designed indoor and outdoor dining and entertaining areas. A corner café has also been incorporated to provide residents with a destination for their everyday needs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kutner said buyer demand had been broad based with purchasers attracted from interstate as well as throughout South East Queensland.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We're seeing strong interest from owner occupiers, lifestyle buyers and people relocating to the Gold Coast. Many purchasers have been searching for a premium beachside residence where quality, design and delivery are equally important."&nbsp;</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365771]</p>

<p>Kutner said the sales milestone was an important achievement, but the focus remained firmly on delivering an exceptional development.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"While reaching $400 million in sales is an important milestone, our priority remains delivering a project that exceeds purchaser expectations,” he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Palmera Residences has been designed to become one of the Gold Coast's landmark residential addresses, and we look forward to welcoming our purchasers to their new homes."&nbsp;</p>

<p>There are a limited number of residences remaining in selected configurations with pricing from $2,950,000 to $8,950,000. Palmera Residences is also crowned by expansive penthouses with wrap around views.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108274]</p>


Construction certainty and strong buyer demand drive major sales result for luxury Gold Coast development

Palmera Residences fly out the door as sales pass $400 million

<p>National property developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/goldfields-group">Goldfields</a> has appointed BINAH as its construction partner for Quartet, its new Brisbane apartment development in the undersupplied suburb of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/milton-qld-4064">Milton</a>.</p>

<p>Located just two kilometres from the Brisbane CBD and moments from key 2032 Olympic precincts, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/quartet-milton-33-manning-street-milton-qld-4064">Quartet</a> will deliver 131 one, two, three, and four-bedroom apartments priced from $1 million to $4.2 million, combining elevated design with a wellness-focused lifestyle offering.&nbsp;</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=108736 project_image_fid=368000]</p>

<p>Goldfields’ Chief Executive Officer, Lachlan Thompson, said the appointment of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/binah-constructions">BINAH</a> marked an important milestone for the project.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Bringing BINAH on board as our construction partner will allow us to bring our vision for Quartet forward with a team that has a proven track record of delivering high-quality residential projects,” Thompson said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We’ve taken a considered approach to progressing the site because we wanted to deliver the whole package. Buyers ultimately back great developers, great projects and great builders, and with Quartet, we’ve made sure all three line up.</p>

<p>“People want certainty, they want to know the project will be built, that the homes will be delivered as promised, and that the developer stands behind the quality of what they create. That’s something Goldfields has built its reputation on over many years.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=108736 project_image_fid=367993]</p>

<p>BINAH’s Managing Director, Khalil Hafza, said the company was proud to be partnering with Goldfields to deliver Quartet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Quartet is an exciting project to bring to life, particularly given the level of detail in the residences and the extensive rooftop amenity planned for the building,” Mr Hafza said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Our focus is on delivering a high-quality build that brings that design vision to life and creates homes residents will enjoy for many years.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=108736 project_image_fid=367999]</p>

<p>The facilities at Quartet have been feared towards the roof, with a&nbsp;25 metre lap pool, spa, sauna and cold plunge, and a communal barbecue area and alfresco.</p>

<p>Town planning was designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> and brought to life by Melbourne-based architecture firm Cera Stribley.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/cera-stribley">Cera Stribley</a> Co-Founder and Managing Principal, Dom Cerantonio, said the project responds to both its riverside setting and Brisbane’s evolving urban character.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Quartet has been designed to sit comfortably within its riverside context, offering a refined take on urban living through well-planned, generously proportioned residences that will stand the test of time,” Mr Cerantonio said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“An emphasis on natural light, natural textures and carefully selected finishes from timber and marble to premium appliances, creates calm, considered interiors designed for comfort and long-term liveability.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>Construction of Quartet will commence in July 2026, with completion anticipated in Q4 2028.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108736]</p>


Construction to commence on 131-residence tower designed around wellness-focused living

Goldfields appoints BINAH for Quartet apartments in Milton

<p>The first partnership between national developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/fortis">Fortis</a> and Adelaide-based developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/otello">Otello</a> has made a strong start, with the pair securing $21 million in unconditional sales at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/one-four-four-hutt-adelaide-144-hutt-street-adelaide-sa-5000">One Four Four Hutt</a>&nbsp;on the edge of the Adelaide CBD.</p>

<p>Over a third of apartments have been snapped up in the boutique 44-apartment project on the corner of Hutt Stret and Wakefield Road. Local downsizers and owner-occupiers wanting to remain in Adelaide's tightly-held southeast quarter have been the most prominent purchasers.</p>

<p>The DKO-designed, mixed-use development is one of the few new apartment projects in the precinct, an area where new housing supply has remained limited despite continued demand from buyers wanting to stay close to the CBD, Victoria Park and Adelaide's established east-end amenities.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=151233 project_image_fid=375378]</p>

<p>Fortis Head of Development SA Arthur Dendrinos said the early sales reflected both the strength of the local owner-occupier market and confidence in the Hutt Street location.</p>

<p>"The level of early commitment reflects the confidence local buyers have in the Hutt Street precinct," Dendrinos said.</p>

<p>"Many purchasers are long-term east-end residents who love the area and want to stay connected to the neighbourhood. They recognise the value of a well-designed, well-located development.</p>

<p>"Our partnership with Otello has been central to this success, and the number of unconditional sales at this stage only strengthens our confidence in the South Australian market."</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=151233 project_image_fid=375379]</p>

<p>Otello Director Daniel Harris said the sales result also highlighted the lack of new apartment opportunities within the Hutt Street precinct.</p>

<p>"One Four Four Hutt has clearly resonated with buyers, with strong early sales reflecting both the appeal of the Hutt Street corridor and the lifestyle on offer," Harris said.</p>

<p>"The activated ground-floor retail has also been a key drawcard, with purchasers responding to the vision of a more vibrant and connected streetscape, not just the residences themselves."</p>

<p>One Four Four Hutt will deliver 44 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, alongside a collection of penthouses, above a ground-floor retail offering designed to further activate the Hutt Street precinct.</p>

<p>Construction is scheduled to commence in the third quarter of this year, with completion anticipated in 2028.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151233]</p>


Fortis Head of Development SA Arthur Dendrinos said the early sales reflected both the strength of the local owner-occupier market and confidence in the Hutt Street location.

Fortis makes Adelaide debut with Otello as One Four Four Hutt records strong early sales

Residential Property

<html><body>
<p><span>The number of residential vacancies nationally fell during February, recording a vacancy rate of 2.3 percent, and 70,161 vacancies, latest figures from SQM Research show. </span></p>
<p><span>Year-on-year results demonstrate that national vacancies appear to be slightly above the common seasonal trends expected at this time of year.</span></p>
<p><span>Melbourne had the largest monthly fall, with vacancies falling 0.5 percentage points in February. Brisbane, Canberra, Sydney and Darwin also experienced monthly falls, with percentage points down 0.2 percent.</span></p>
<p><a href="/images/2016/03/16/Screen%20Shot%202016-03-16%20at%2012.13.32%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<p><img src="/images/2016/03/16/Screen%20Shot%202016-03-16%20at%2012.13.32%20PM.png" alt=""></p>
<p><span>Despite this, both Darwin and Perth continue to record an alarming number of vacancies, compared with this time last year (February 2015).</span></p>
<p><span>February results for Hobart reveal the tightest rental market recording a vacancy rate of just 0.9% based on just 239 vacancies, the data shows.</span></p>
<p><span><strong>Asking rents</strong></span></p>
<p><span>Perth has recorded ongoing falls in asking rents of 10.5% for houses and 9.1% for units over the past 12 months. Darwin also saw yearly falls, with asking rents down 10.3% for houses and 11.2% for units. Hobart continues to record the most affordable rental accommodation with rents for houses at just $337 a week, while units on average rent for $286 a week.</span></p>
<p><span>“Overall, there was a noticeable fall in vacancies for the month driven by Melbourne and Sydney. However, year on year vacancies are still edging up for the country and we think this will still be the trend going forward. The cities and townships most exposed to the commodities downturn are causing this yearly rise. On the flip side Melbourne, Hobart and Canberra are all recording downward trends in vacancies now and this is resulting in upward pressure in rents for these three cities,” said Louis Christopher, managing director of SQM Research.</span></p>
<p><span>The calculations of vacancies are based on online rental listings that have been advertised for three weeks or more compared to the total number of established rental properties. </span></p>
<p><span>Key Points</span></p>
<p><span>* Nationally, vacancies fell during February 2016, recording a vacancy rate of 2.3%, based on 70,161 vacancies.</span></p>
<p><span>* Perth recorded the highest vacancy rate in February 2016 of 3.9% based on 7,819 vacancies.</span></p>
<p><span>* Vacancy rates in Sydney have fallen 0.1 percentage points over the last year.</span></p>
<p><span>* Year-on-year, vacancy rates dropped in Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne and Hobart.</span></p>
<p><span>* Hobart recorded the lowest vacancy rate during February 2016, with a rate of 0.9% based on 239 vacancies.</span></p>
<p><span>* Over the past 12 months, Perth asking rents have also experienced excessive yearly falls with houses down 10.5% and a 9.1% fall for units.</span></p>
<p><a href="/images/2016/03/16/Screen%20Shot%202016-03-16%20at%2012.13.47%20PM.png" target="_blank"><span> Click to enlarge</span></a></p>
<p><span><img src="/images/2016/03/16/Screen%20Shot%202016-03-16%20at%2012.13.47%20PM.png" alt=""></span></p>
</body></html>

prateek24-ezbwHMbNAk

Melbourne leads the fall in February residential vacancies: SQM Research 

<html><body>
<p><span>The REIV has released details on the suburbs with the top growth in median unit prices in the December Quarter 2015. </span></p>
<table dir="ltr" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<colgroup>
<col width="100">
<col width="100">
<col width="100">
<col width="100">
</colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Suburb"]'>Suburb</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Dec-15 Median"]'>Dec-15 Median</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Sep-15 Median"]'>Sep-15 Median</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Quarterly Change"]'>Quarterly Change</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"COBURG"]'>COBURG</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,540000]">$540,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,461000]">$461,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.171]">17.1%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"ST KILDA"]'>ST KILDA</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,530000]">$530,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,455000]">$455,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.165]">16.5%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"PRAHRAN"]'>PRAHRAN</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,555000]">$555,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,483000]">$483,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.149]">14.9%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"BALWYN"]'>BALWYN</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,892500]">$892,500</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,781000]">$781,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.143]">14.3%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"CLAYTON"]'>CLAYTON</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,622500]">$622,500</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,547500]">$547,500</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.137]">13.7%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"ELSTERNWICK"]'>ELSTERNWICK</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,589750]">$589,750</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,531000]">$531,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.111]">11.1%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"MOUNT WAVERLEY"]'>MOUNT WAVERLEY</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,795000]">$795,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,727500]">$727,500</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.093]">9.3%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"BRIGHTON EAST"]'>BRIGHTON EAST</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1005000]">$1,005,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,925000]">$925,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.086]">8.6%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"MELBOURNE"]'>MELBOURNE</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,497500]">$497,500</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,460000]">$460,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.082]">8.2%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"RINGWOOD"]'>RINGWOOD</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,502500]">$502,500</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,465000]">$465,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.081]">8.1%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"FRANKSTON"]'>FRANKSTON</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,336000]">$336,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,312000]">$312,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.077]">7.7%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"BENTLEIGH"]'>BENTLEIGH</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,890000]">$890,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,828750]">$828,750</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.074]">7.4%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"MENTONE"]'>MENTONE</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,556000]">$556,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,520000]">$520,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.069]">6.9%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"FITZROY"]'>FITZROY</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,660000]">$660,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,617500]">$617,500</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.069]">6.9%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"BRUNSWICK"]'>BRUNSWICK</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,504750]">$504,750</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,472500]">$472,500</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.068]">6.8%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"GLENROY"]'>GLENROY</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,445000]">$445,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,418000]">$418,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.065]">6.5%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"CHELTENHAM"]'>CHELTENHAM</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,605000]">$605,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,570000]">$570,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.061]">6.1%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"NORTH MELBOURNE"]'>NORTH MELBOURNE</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,548500]">$548,500</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,518500]">$518,500</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.058]">5.8%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"ST KILDA EAST"]'>ST KILDA EAST</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,555000]">$555,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,526250]">$526,250</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.055]">5.5%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"NOBLE PARK"]'>NOBLE PARK</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,372500]">$372,500</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,353750]">$353,750</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.053]">5.3%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>Only suburbs with at least 25 sales in the relevant quarter are included.</p>
<p><em>Property Observer</em> went looking for recent unit sales in Victoria's Coburg around the median price and came up with a few:</p>
<p><img src="/images/2016/03/3/image8.jpg" alt="" width="671" height="503"></p>
<p>1. A three-bedroom apartment at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-vic-coburg-121309090" target="_blank">103C/41-43 Stockade Avenue</a> (above) sold in December for $514,750 </p>
<p> <img src="/images/2016/03/3/Screen%20Shot%202016-03-03%20at%204.45.12%20PM.png" alt="" width="609" height="370"></p>
<p>2. A two-bedroom unit at <a href="https://realestateview.com.au/real-estate/30-shaftsbury-street-coburg-vic/property-details-sold-residential-9411030" target="_blank">7/30 Shaftsbury Street</a> was sold for $553,000.</p>
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Coburg apartments top median price growth: REIV

<html><body>
<p>GUEST OBSERVER</p>
<p>Consider this: ‘Investor A’ and ‘Investor B’ both purchased separate properties for $400,000 each. <span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Fast forward to fifteen (15) years’ time and ‘Investor A’s’ property is worth $600,000 while ‘Investor B’s’ property is worth $800,000. </span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Which property will make a greater contribution to the investor’s retirement?</span></p>
<p>The answer to this question is very logical however, the initial decision making process for a lot of investors is far from logical.</p>
<p>Decision making is a refined skill. Really good decision making starts by first exploring what ALL of your options are. Often, it won’t be obvious to people what all those options are – one can’t know what they don’t know – so seeking the advice of a genuine specialist will expose us to more options. There can be very few more important financial decisions than picking the right property to invest in.</p>
<p>Property investors ought to first start their decision making process by acknowledging that [as at 2015] there are 9.6 million properties. That’s a lot of choices.</p>
<p><a href="/images/2016/03/3/A_PropertyChoices.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<p><img src="/images/2016/03/3/A_PropertyChoices.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>Historically speaking, Australia has built on average 160,000 new dwellings each year. Over the last few years, this figure has increased to around 200,000 new dwellings per year. For the purpose of the exercise, let’s say that 180,000 new dwellings are added to the existing pool of 9.6 million dwellings each year. </p>
<p>Now, it is true that there are bigger tax deductions (depreciation benefits) to claim on brand new property. But, depreciation deductions can also be significant on established properties, too.</p>
<p>At the end of the day though, taxation benefits should not be any investor’s primary reason for investing. While we all want to take advantage of every benefit available, the primary reason for investing is to accumulate a big enough net asset base so that, in the future, we have sufficient passive income without relying on work.</p>
<p>Common sense suggests that ‘Investor B’ referred to earlier is better placed than ‘Investor A’.</p>
<p>Investors need to avoid being ‘lured’ in to the features-and-benefits that property promoters refer to when trying to sell new property.</p>
<p>The sale price of a brand new property typically includes a 40% loading for taxes associated with the initial construction. When compared to the price of a comparable established property, the owner of a new property is behind the eight-ball from Day 1.</p>
<p>Remember, all brand new properties become subject to wear-and-tear anyway. And, unlike machinery, properties don’t have a ‘used by date’ – as properties change hands they are often renovated. A property within my own portfolio is 104 years old and I have incurred less outgoings for repairs and maintenance than many other properties which are decades newer.</p>
<p>An astute property investment decision starts by reviewing the supply-and-demand investment fundamentals of the markets of Australia’s 550 local government jurisdictions – 100% of your options – not by limiting your potential to 2% of your choices (new properties).</p>
<p> </p>
<p><em>Simon Pressley is Managing Director of Propertyology, a REIA Hall Of Fame Inductee, property market analyst, accredited property investment adviser, and Buyer’s Agent. </em><a href="https://www.propertyology.com.au/more-than-a-buyers-agent/" target="_blank"><em>Propertyology works exclusively with property investors</em></a><em> to purchase properties in strategically chosen locations all over Australia.</em></p>
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spressley-sBoeMhannA

Why investors like old property not new: Simon Pressley

<html><body>
<p>The Reserve Bank of Australia released its Financial Aggregates data for January 2016, which showed credit growth of +6.5 percent in the year to January 2016, a steady increase on the +6.1 percent recorded for the year to January 2015.</p>
<p><a href="/images/2016/03/RBA2.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<p><img src="/images/2016/03/RBA2.jpg" alt=""></p>
<div>Total annual housing credit growth has slowed a bit from its recent peak of +7.47 per cent in November 2015 to +7.33 per cent in January 2016, reflecting in part the shift in composition of lending from investors to owner-occupiers. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Investor credit growth is now well below APRA's arbitrary +10 per cent threshold at just +7.9 per cent and consistently slowing from +11 per cent in June, meaning that theoretically major banks could in due course start to ramp up lending into this sector should they feel the urge to do so. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Of course, any such move would be dependent upon a range of regulatory factors, and whether APRA has the appetite to loosen its throttle.<br><br>Meanwhile owner-occupier annual credit growth recorded another significant jump in surging to a 64 month high of +6.95 per cent, with homebuyers looking to take advantage of attractive mortgage rates.</div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="/images/2016/03/RBA1.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div><img src="/images/2016/03/RBA1.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div> </div>
<div><span>Deposit growth seems to present few headaches for banks right now. While term deposits have been understandably less popular in the prevailing low interest rate environment, total deposits with banks have expanded in a robust manner over the year to January. </span></div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div><a href="/images/2016/03/RBA3.jpg" target="_blank"><span>Click to enlarge</span></a></div>
<div><span><img src="/images/2016/03/RBA3.jpg" alt=""></span></div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Business credit</span></strong></div>
<div> </div>
<div>Business credit grew by +6.2 per cent in the year to January 2016, up from +5.5 per cent in the year to January 2015. It is as yet unclear whether this is the end of the uptrend for business lending growth, or a blip in the upwards trajectory. </div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="/images/2016/03/RBA4.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div><img src="/images/2016/03/RBA4.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Housing credit</span></strong><br><br><span>The chart below shows how lenders in the housing market have conveniently managed to shift almost seamlessly away from investment lending to owner-occupier credit, with a bit of reclassification jiggery-pokery along the way.</span><br><br><span>In fact, the data submitted by lenders makes it look as though the chart has been drawn up on an Etch-A-Sketch.</span>
</div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div><a href="/images/2016/03/RBA5.jpg" target="_blank"><span>Click to enlarge</span></a></div>
<div><span><img src="/images/2016/03/RBA5.jpg" alt=""></span></div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<div>Total housing credit continued to push beyond $1.53 trillion, growing at an annual pace of +7.33 per cent, although naturally there are marked differences between the states and capital cities, with some faring much better than others.<br><br>There have been a few pro-equities articles today discussing "plummeting" lending and investors "leaving the market in droves".<br><br>That's interesting, but it's not what I'm seeing. Don't forget that housing credit expanding at a pace of +7 per cent implies a doubling in outstanding credit over a decade.<br><br>It's all in the marketing, I guess.</div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="/images/2016/03/RBA6.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div><img src="/images/2016/03/RBA6.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The wrap</span></strong></div>
<div> </div>
<div>Credit growth was fairly steady in January, with owner-occupiers continuing to pick up the baton from investors within the housing sector.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>A key question going forward will be whether having managed to push investor credit growth below its preferred +10 per cent threshold APRA releases its grip on investor lending at all. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>As APRA's data last week showed, the overwhelming majority of property buyers these days have substantial deposits, the question is whether tougher criteria are to be maintained surrounding mortgage serviceability. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Another key factor could be movements in the cash rate, with interest rate cuts potentially set to stimulate demand for mortgage borrowing further, although it appears likely that lenders would hold back 10bps to15bps of a prospective 25bps interest rate cut.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Adding to the parts of GDP we already know such as net exports, the Business Indicators released by the ABS this morning including inventories (-0.4), wages (+0.5), and company profits (-2.8), each suggested that headline GDP growth for the fourth quarter of 2015 is likely to be weak. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>These GDP partials may prove to be another tack in the coffin for the next movement in interest rates being down. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<p><span><em>PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of <a href="https://allenwargent.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">AllenWargent</a> property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">blogger</a>.</em><br></span></p>
<p><em>His latest book is <a href="https://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/Books/General-Interest/Four-Green-Houses--and-a-Red-Hotel/1015/productview.aspx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Four Green Houses and a Red Hotel</a>.</em></p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</body></html>

pwargent-M4siyDbqQY

Owner-occupiers lead housing lending: Pete Wargent

<html><body><div>
<p>Share markets in Australia have had a horror start to 2016 following weak performance in 2015.</p>
<p>Market losses are leading some investors to query whether to look elsewhere for investment.</p>
<p>Amid market volatility, some Australians will be eyeing residential property as a safer haven for their investments, not withstanding the likelihood of reform to the longstanding negative gearing system.</p>
<p>The prospects for Australian property over the coming year also mixed.</p>
<p>So what should you consider when reviewing your asset portfolio?</p>
<p>To download our handy guide from DPN to help aid your decision, <a href="/images/2016/DPN_ebook/DPN.pdf" target="_blank">click here</a>.</p>
</div></body></html>

po-LsXgBTHBmX

Property v Shares

<html><body>
<p><span>The Turnbull government has rejected Labor's policy to restrict negative gearing to new properties.</span></p>
<p><span>It now plans to target high-end investors by either capping the number of properties that can be geared or limiting the annual tax deductions of which can be claimed.</span></p>
<p><span>The Coalition is now pursuing negative gearing, superannuation and tax deductions for savings after plans for an increased GST were ditched.</span></p>
<p><span>"We've seen that they've converted tax reform into a cupcake process. The big reform is off the table. Clearly they're looking at options," Property Council chief executive Ken Morrison said.</span></p>
<p><span>Master Builders of Australia chief executive Wilhelm Harnisch took aim at Labor's policy saying it was a populist response.</span></p>
<p><span>"Investing in new private rental housing is not evil," he said.</span></p>
<p><span>Labor says its policy will raise $32 billion over 10 years, but just $570 million in the first four.</span></p>
<p><span>Treasurer Scott Morrison told <em>The Australian Financial Review</em> on Sunday that Labor's policy would focus all investors into the new housing market, making it harder for so-called "everyday mum and dad investors" to buy new houses or units off the plan.</span></p>
<p><span>This, he said, would intensify the inequity caused by negative gearing in which first homebuyers struggle to compete against cashed-up investors.</span></p>
<p><span>"Labor thinks all people who negatively gear are property barons to be fleeced."</span></p>
<p><span>On Saturday, Bill Shorten announced that a Labor government, if elected, would move change the rules so that only new homes purchased after July 1, 2017, could be negatively geared.</span></p>
<p><a href="/images/2016/02/15/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-05%20at%209.37.06%20AM.png" target="_blank"><span>Click to enlarge</span></a></p>
<p><span><img src="/images/2016/02/15/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-05%20at%209.37.06%20AM.png" alt=""></span></p>
<p><span>There would be no limit on the number of new properties that could be geared. Existing investors would not be affected by the changes.</span></p>
<p><span>Labor will also halve from 50 percent to 25 percent the capital gains tax deduction for investors who sell a property after holding it for at least 12 months.</span></p>
<p><span>On Sunday, shadow treasurer Chris Bowen reinforced Labor's reasoning that its policy would cause a boom in new home construction.</span></p>
<p><a href="/images/2016/02/15/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-05%20at%209.37.17%20AM.png" target="_blank"><span>Click to enlarge</span></a></p>
<p><span><img src="/images/2016/02/15/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-05%20at%209.37.17%20AM.png" alt=""></span></p>
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Scott Morrison targets high end negative gearing residential property investors

<html><body>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">NewsLocal has launched a real estate portal geared towards Chinese-Australian audiences led by NewsCorp NSW real estate editor Tim McIntyre.</span></p>
<p><a href="https://sydneypropertyexperts.com" target="_blank"><em style="line-height: 1.3em;">SydneyPropertyExperts.com</em></a><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"><a href="https://sydneypropertyexperts.com" target="_blank">,</a> written in both Chinese and English, covers </span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">market trends, new developments, suburb hotspots and foreign investment issues and is written by real estate experts </span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Shayne Collier, Brendan Wong, Erin Forster and Alison Cheung. </span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"><img src="/images/2016/02/12/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-12%20at%202.02.08%20PM.png" alt=""></span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">NewsLocal editor-in-chief Kathy Lipari said</span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> there is a gap in the market for expert real estate content and analysis tailored specifically to our Chinese-Australian audiences. </span></p>
<p><em style="line-height: 1.3em;">"SydneyPropertyExperts.com </em><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">utilises the expertise and resources of the NewsLocal real estate team to provide comprehensive information in both English and Chinese to Chinese real estate buyers," she said. </span></p>
<p>NewsLocal general manager Michael Wilkins said <em>SydneyPropertyExperts.com </em>is a true cross-platform experience for our audiences.</p>
<p>"We have listened to the feedback from our readers and the real estate team and are excited to deliver this unique in-language product to the market,” he said. </p>
<p><em>SydneyPropertyExperts.com </em>will feature an investment section, featured properties, market reports, ask the experts, development and the latest news.</p>
</body></html>

NewsLocal targets Chinese community with new real estate website

<html><body><div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="section">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column"><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">GUEST OBSERVER</span></div>
<div class="column"><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> </span></div>
<div class="column"><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">The past week has been a turning point in the economic cycle. A raft of strong indicators has confirmed that economic momentum is picking up, reducing the need for lower interest rates. Data this week has shown strong employment growth, increased consumer confidence and solid business conditions. And the latest figures out today show that lending has hit 71⁄2 year highs, underpinned by stronger borrowing by businesses. </span></div>
<div class="column">
<br><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">If businesses are borrowing and employing more staff then they are likely spending and investing. Businesses are clearly more confident and embracing opportunities again.</span>
</div>
<div class="column">
<br><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">The Reserve Bank has patiently waited for businesses to get their mojos back. Well, it’s happening. A more stable political and economic environment has laid the groundwork for businesses to get back to business.</span>
</div>
<div class="column">
<br><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">It’s taken some time but new loans are almost back to record levels. But while businesses are less fearful about taking on debt, consumers remain cautious. Credit card debt is still lower than a year ago and personal lending is falling in trend terms near the fastest pace in almost four years.</span>
</div>
<div class="column">
<br><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Aussie consumers are only really prepared to take on debt to buy cars (more generally, new cars) and homes. New loans to buy cars hit record highs over the year to September while new housing loans were also at historic highs over the same period. </span>
</div>
<div class="column"><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> </span></div>
<div class="column"><a href="/images/2015/11/13/Screen%20Shot%202015-11-13%20at%202.22.19%20PM.png" target="_blank"><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Click to enlarge</span></a></div>
<div class="column"><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"><img src="/images/2015/11/13/Screen%20Shot%202015-11-13%20at%202.22.19%20PM.png" alt="" width="572" height="191"></span></div>
<div class="column"> </div>
<div class="column">
<div class="page" title="Page 2">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><span>What do the figures show? </span></p>
<p><span>Credit card lending: </span></p>
<p><span>Figures released from the Reserve Bank show that the average credit card balance rose by $5.20 (0.2%) to $3,135.70 in August. Compared with a year ago, the average credit card balance was down 1.5%. In smoothed terms (12 month average) the average balance was down by 0.7% – the biggest fall in 13 months.</span></p>
<p><span>Of credit cards attracting interest charges, the average outstanding balance fell by $11.80 in September to a near 10-year low of $1,979.00. The average balance accruing interest is down by 6.8% on a year ago. In smoothed terms (12 month average) the average balance was down by 5.0% on a year ago – an 11-month low.</span></p>
<p><span>The average credit card limit rose by $5.80 (or 0.1%) to $9,067.70 in September. The average credit card limit rose by 0.2% in the year to September. </span></p>
<p><span>Usage of credit card limits lifted from a 14-year low of 34.5% in August (lowest since November 2001) to 34.6% in September.</span></p>
<p><span>The average repayment per credit card rose from $1,599.10 to $1,610.10 in September. On average, there were 11.8 transactions made per each credit card account in September, up from 11.6 a year ago. The average value of purchases was $128.01 in September with the rolling annual average up from a 101⁄2 year low of $130.96 to $131.29 in September.</span></p>
<p><span>The number of cash advances recorded a 1.3% annual fall in smoothed (12-month average) terms in September.</span></p>
<p><span>Debit card lending</span></p>
<p><span>The number of debit card accounts rose by 3.7% in the year to September to 41.0 million.</span></p>
<p><span>The number of purchases and cash-out transactions made with debit cards in August were up by 12.8% on a year ago. The annual growth rate has averaged 12.0% over the past two years.</span></p>
<p><span>On average there were 8.9 transactions made per debit card in September, up from 8.2 a year ago. The average value of a transaction was $53.26 with the rolling annual average at $53.91 – a record (12-year) low.</span></p>
<p><span>Lending finance</span></p>
<p><span>Total new loans (personal, business, housing &amp; lease) rose by 6.4% in September to a 71⁄2-year high of $75.3 billion. It was the biggest monthly rise in lending in eight months.</span></p>
<p><span>Housing finance: The seasonally adjusted measure of construction and new purchases rose by 3.0% in September while alterations &amp; additions rose by 0.9%. Home loans are up 22.9% on a year.</span></p>
<p><span>Commercial finance: The seasonally adjusted series for the value of total commercial finance commitments rose by 9.5% in September after falling by 4.1% in August and falling by 4.3% in July. Revolving credit commitments rose by 8.7% while fixed lending commitments rose by 9.8%. Business loans are up 14.1% over the year.</span></p>
<p><span>Personal finance: The seasonally adjusted series for the value of total personal finance commitments fell by 0.8% in September, the third straight fall. Revolving credit commitments rose by 3.0% and fixed lending commitments fell by 3.2%. Personal loans are down 3.4% over the year. Within personal fixed finance commitments, finance for used cars was down 1.8% on a year earlier while loans for new cars were up by 12.4%. Loans for residential blocks of land were down by 14.8% on a year ago – the 11th consecutive annual decline.</span></p>
<p><span>Lease finance: Lending fell by 0.5% in September. Lease finance rose by 8.8% over the year. </span></p>
<p><a href="/images/2015/11/13/Screen%20Shot%202015-11-13%20at%202.32.31%20PM.png" target="_blank"><span>Click to enlarge</span></a></p>
<p><span><img src="/images/2015/11/13/Screen%20Shot%202015-11-13%20at%202.32.31%20PM.png" alt="" width="453" height="151"></span></p>
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<span style="line-height: 1.3em;">What is the importance of the economic data?</span><br><p style="line-height: 1.3em;">The Reserve Bank releases data on credit and debit card transactions each month. The credit card figures are <span style="line-height: 1.3em;">useful in highlighting consumer borrowing and spending trends.</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 1.3em;">Lending Finance is released monthly by the Bureau of Statistics and contains figures on new housing, personal, commercial and lease finance commitments. The importance of the data lies in what it reveals about the appropriateness of interest rate settings, confidence and spending levels in the economy.</p>
<p style="line-height: 1.3em;"><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">What are the implications for interest rates and investors?</span></p>
<span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Businesses are borrowing again – but they are taking on debt quietly and with purpose. Consumers are also thoughtful when it comes to debt – there is clearly an inherent degree of conservatism involved.</span>
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<br><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">The latest lending data is encouraging for investors of banks and other finance providers.</span>
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<div class="column"><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">The latest data confirms that the Reserve Bank can stay on the interest rate sidelines. </span></div>
<div class="column"><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> </span></div>
<div class="column"><a href="/images/2015/11/13/Screen%20Shot%202015-11-13%20at%202.43.48%20PM.png" target="_blank"><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Click to enlarge</span></a></div>
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<div class="column"><em>Craig James is the chief economist at <a href="https://www.comsec.com.au/default.aspx" target="_blank">CommSec</a>.</em></div>
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cjames-5S2v74qSNK

New lending hits 71⁄2-year highs: CommSec's Craig James

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<p><span>Outside investors have shrunk considerably as a force in the Cairns market, according to Herron Todd White.</span></p>
<p><span>The valuation firms analysis suggests outsiders buying into Cairns have deceased from nigh on 50% of the market in 2003 down to around 22% of the market today.</span></p>
<p><span>They say that the switch is especially noticeable for units, where outside buyers have reduced in activity from near 70% in the heyday of the market in 2003 to approximately 36% of a much smaller market in 2015.</span></p>
<p><span>"The flip side is that the Cairns market these days is being sustained primarily by intending occupiers and a smattering of local investors.</span></p>
<p><span>"Over the same twelve year period, investor yields have improved from 6.3% to 6.8% for units and 3.6% to 4.9% for houses, though it must be said that the increased yield has in many cases been more than frittered away by higher ownership costs, particularly through escalated building insurance charges."</span></p>
<p><span>The report suggests that part of the explanation for the investor slowdown over the period has been the slowdown in new housing construction, especially of units.</span></p>
<p><span>"The absence of large unit developments has seen the absence of new units targeting out of town investors by project marketing specialists.</span></p>
<p><span>"Even though building conditions have improved significantly in Cairns over the past three years, building conditions are still patchy and only a fraction of normal.</span></p>
<p><span>"By rights Cairns should be returning as an investment hotspot given its relative affordability, especially compared to investment in the capital cities, and its good prospects as the economy continues to improve on the back of increased tourism.</span></p>
<p><span>The review showed that this is evidenced by the Golden Lakes unit development which commenced marketing earlier this year and has seen most of its first stage of 74 units sell to Chinese buyers.</span></p>
<p><span>"In addition the seven-tower Aspial Nova 8 development in the CBD, likely to ultimately consist of over 1,100 residential units, is also poised to commence its first stage development aimed largely at investor buyers."</span></p>
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Outside investors shrink from 50% to 22% in Cairns: HTW

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<p><span>The rate of dwelling price growth across the capital cities slowed from 11.5% to 7.4% between April 2014 and March 2015, according to the latest r</span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">esearch note from the Housing Industry Association, Perspectives on Australian Dwelling Prices.</span></p>
<p><span>The report found since March the pace of aggregate dwelling price growth increased to 10.1% during October 2015. </span></p>
<p><a href="/images/2015/11/5/Screen%20Shot%202015-11-05%20at%2011.46.16%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<p><img src="/images/2015/11/5/Screen%20Shot%202015-11-05%20at%2011.46.16%20AM.png" alt=""></p>
<p><span>HIA senior economist </span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Shane Garrett said </span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">the current market is quite polarised in terms of dwelling price growth. </span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">"Two of the eight capital cities have seen prices drop over the past year, while two are experiencing growth at double-digit rates," he said.</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">"Tellingly, no capital city currently </span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">lies in the ‘middle </span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">ground</span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">’ </span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">price growth band of between 5% and 10%.</span></p>
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<p><span>"With respect to dwelling price growth, the situation in Australia is currently quite unique, with a significant gap between the high growth markets (Sydney and Melbourne) and those cities experiencing falling prices."</span></p>
<p><a href="/images/2015/11/5/Screen%20Shot%202015-11-05%20at%2011.52.21%20AM.png" target="_blank"><span>Click to enlarge</span></a></p>
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