Brisbane-based developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/red-co">Red &amp; Co</a> has made a striking debut on the Gold Coast, officially unveiling its $250 million COMO development in Varsity Lakes, a lifestyle-driven residential project anchored by an extensive rooftop wellness and activity precinct.

Having recently launched to market, construction has already been fast-tracked by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/5point-projects">5Point Projects</a>, ensuring momentum continues on what is set to become a landmark residential address for the growing Varsity Lakes community.

Located at 22 Lake Street, Varsity Lakes, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/como-varsity-lakes-22-lake-street-varsity-lakes-qld-4227">COMO</a> will comprise 156 apartments across 16 levels, comprising one-, two- and three-bedroom residences designed for modern living. However, it is the project’s rooftop amenity offering that sets COMO apart.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135546 project_image_fid=363510]

Designed as a dedicated wellness and recreation hub, the rooftop will feature a 25-metre lap pool, fully equipped gymnasium, and multiple pickleball and paddleball courts - amenities rarely seen in boutique apartment projects.

Residents will also have access to a sauna and plunge baths, while landscaped gardens and relaxation zones will provide tranquil spaces overlooking sweeping panoramic views across the Gold Coast skyline.

The rooftop precinct has been designed to function as the social and wellness heart of the development, encouraging residents to embrace an active, balanced lifestyle within their own building.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135546 project_image_fid=363512]

Red &amp; Co director David Laverty said the amenity offering was central to the project’s design from the outset.

“Amenities were at the forefront of our decisions,” Laverty said.

“Buyers today are looking for more than just an apartment - they want a lifestyle that promotes health, connection and balance.

“The rooftop at COMO has been designed to be the epicentre of that lifestyle, with a suite of wellness and recreation facilities that are quite unique for a boutique development of this scale.”

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135546 project_image_fid=363514]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bda-architecture">BDA Architecture</a>, the residences prioritise liveability, featuring spacious layouts, 2.7-metre ceilings and high-quality finishes throughout.

The development sits beside Bond University, placing residents within walking distance of education, retail and dining options within the vibrant Varsity Lakes precinct, including Robina Town Centre, Varsity Lakes Train Station and a range of leading schools.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135546 project_image_fid=363511]

Laverty said the location was a key driver behind Red &amp; Co’s decision to bring the project to the Gold Coast.

“<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/varsity-lakes-qld-4227">Varsity Lakes</a> was a clear choice for us to invest in as it’s a lifestyle hub that seamlessly blends lakeside living with urbanity,” he said.&nbsp;

“Como will capitalize on this great location, delivering a project that not only creates premium homes, but a lifestyle defined by community, wellbeing, and connectivity.”

Red &amp; Co has delivered more than 500 apartments and townhouses across 26 projects in Brisbane in recent years, with COMO marking the company’s first major Gold Coast development.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135546]

Joel Robinson

Red & Co unveils amenity-rich Como development in Varsity Lakes

Gold Coast developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/big-projects">Big Projects</a> has secured approval for its second Mermaid Beach project.

The developer, currently selling <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-frederick-mermaid-beach-2265-gold-coast-highway-mermaid-beach-qld-4218">The Frederick in Nobby Beach</a>, has secured approval for its next project just 1.5 kilomnetres up the road.

The new development, dubbed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/glenelg-residences-2462-2472-gold-coast-highway-mermaid-beach-qld-4218">Glenelg Residences</a>, has been designed by BDA Architecture and&nbsp;will have just under 100 apartments across an 11-storey building&nbsp;at 2462–2472 Gold Coast Highway, on the corner of Glenelg Avenue just under 300m from the future Mermaid Beach Light Rail stop.

The apartments, a mix of two- and three-bedrooms, will sit above a retail-focused ground plane and under extensive rooftop resident amenities.

<img alt="Exclusive: Big Projects plot Mermaid Beach apartment development, Glenelg Residences" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_75/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screen%20Shot%202024-06-11%20at%209.55.04%20am.png?VersionId=z6NV4izeuvhBSSVlY6vK6TPO1LxrFeaG" />

BDA said in its planning submission that the project is intended to support the area’s transition toward higher-density, mixed-use living. “This project offers the opportunity to generate appropriate higher-intensity development within the future Light Rail corridor of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/mermaid-beach-qld-4218">Mermaid Beach</a>,” the submission noted.

At ground level, Glenelg Residences will include eight retail tenancies designed to activate the street frontage, complemented by a basement bar offering an additional hospitality element. Above, residents will have access to a rooftop amenity deck featuring an infinity pool, hot and cold plunge spas, day beds, and barbecue facilities.

The architectural approach adopts a restrained material palette of brick, textured concrete, and integrated landscaping, with cantilevered concrete frames and cascading planting intended to soften the built form. BDA described the design as aiming to create “a memorable sculptural mid-rise mixed-use building” that responds to both its coastal setting and urban context.

<img alt="Exclusive: Big Projects plot Mermaid Beach apartment development, Glenelg Residences" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screen%20Shot%202024-06-11%20at%209.55.45%20am.png?VersionId=cpjIVBqcT_sujmo2UMWkVyLcQ7WGJHaQ" />

The approval comes as the City of Gold Coast continues to plan for significant population growth, with regional targets requiring more than 100,000 new high-density dwellings by 2046.

<section data-scroll-anchor="false" data-testid="conversation-turn-36" data-turn="assistant" data-turn-id="request-WEB:55d7c6ac-8e6d-4881-ad49-0ed9bf66d1cc-17" dir="auto">
Big Projects, led by Matthew and John Barrett, is part of a growing cohort of developers that deliver construction in-house, providing a high level of confidence to prospective purchasers.
</section>

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150260]

Big Projects secures approval for Glenelg Residences in Mermaid Beach

Sherpa Group is ramping up its investment in the southern Gold Coast by lodging a development application for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-viver-87-griffith-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Flourish Viveré</a>, a new $350 million project in Coolangatta.

The move comes after the group’s $27 million acquisition of the 2,029 sqm site on the corner of Griffith and Warner Street, last year.

They will develop 194 apartments across a 26-storey tower, which will become Sherpa’s largest project to date.

Viveré will be the next chapter in the Flourish story, following closely behind Amargo, Oasis, and the Avenues in Palm Beach, as well as Symphony in Brisbane, all designed to deliver affordable housing in lifestyle-rich locations, giving locals a real chance to secure a residence close to the beachfront.

The HAL Architect-designed project will offer a diverse range of residences, from one-, two, and three- bedroom apartments to the premium Canopy range to luxury penthouses.

<img alt="Vivere" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c85f5a7e-a22f-4745-8def-400adb3c0b35" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-04-15%20at%209.53.43%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=OY.chur3BPExn1exQ2q8clHqWnW_CaBi" />

“The Gold Coast is undergoing a period of immense growth, with more people drawn to the incredible 
lifestyle that’s available, leading to strong growth in property prices,” said Christie Leet, founder of Sherpa 
Group.

“Our goal at Sherpa is to ensure locals are not priced out of the market in prime locations, which is why we 
created the Flourish collection.

“Flourish Vivere will form the next chapter in our portfolio, and we are so excited to be lodging the DA, marking our first project in Coolangatta.”

A signature of the Flourish developments is the communal rooftop. Flourish Vivere will showcase a private resident’s lounge, outdoor dining with barbecues and pizza ovens, heated pool, fully-equipped gym, and a wellness centre with sauna and steam room.

<img alt="Vivere" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c09372cc-aae6-4458-af2e-f291bd19a5e5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-04-15%20at%209.53.49%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Sc_RLXl5jiff.tnadogXjQJ_WIpDjf3p" />

The project is strategically located to offer a walkable lifestyle, with the Strand shopping centre, cafes, restaurants, shops and the beach, all just a short stroll away.

“We have meticulously planned Vivere to build on the Flourish legacy, creating a truly special project,”&nbsp;Leet added.

“Wellness, lifestyle and community are at the forefront of every decision we make, and that has not 
changed for Vivere.”

With the DA now lodged with the Gold Coast City Council, Sherpa has moved quickly to secure LPS Group as the builder, offering buyers a level of certainty that is rarely seen in today’s market.

Sherpa has delivered 16 residential projects over the past seven years with a pipeline of $1 billion, with more under construction.

Sherpa takes Flourish brand to Coolangatta, lays plans for Flourish Vivere 

S&amp;S Projects is boosting its investment at Rainbow Bay to more than $1 billion after the prolific Gold Coast developer acquired a new site for $20.25 million and immediately laid plans for a new luxury apartment project in the sought-after precinct.

The site, which is the company’s fifth acquisition at Rainbow Bay in the past four years, will be home to the company’s largest project to date after delivering 3 sold-out projects and construction progresses on Radia worth a combined $215m. 
S&amp;S Projects is currently finalising plans for its latest strategic acquisition, a 1,518 sqm site located 209-213 Boundary Street in Coolangatta, with a development application expected to be lodged within weeks.

The luxury residential development will build on the company’s highly successful projects at Rainbow Bay, comprising Flow, Awaken, Esprit and Radia, with Radia currently under construction by Hutchinson Builders.

“We have been unflinching in our commitment to Rainbow Bay and the transformation we have helped drive in this incredible part of the Gold Coast, which is among the city’s most desirable residential locations,” said S&amp;S Projects founder and director Paul Gedoun.

“Our fifth project will reflect the best of what we have done so far to create a lifestyle precinct that is second to none.”

The latest development, which has yet to be named, is proposed to accommodate 88 luxury apartments in a design that will immerse residents in a unique wellness lifestyle that expands on the legacy of S&amp;S Project’s earlier developments at Rainbow Bay.

The development will feature an expansive rooftop garden and wellness centre with a resort- style pool, among a host of lifestyle amenities planned for residents.

“Rainbow Bay, with its beautiful, protected beach and alongside one of the world’s best surf breaks at Snapper Rocks, is the natural wellness heartland of the Gold Coast,” said Gedoun.

“We are taking every advantage to create a truly unique rooftop wellness experience with a natural feel for residents, offering stone features throughout and an underlying theme that emulates a botanical garden.”

The latest acquisition comes as S&amp;S Projects is at the completion of Esprit and construction continues on Radia, which are part of their significant portfolio undertaken by the company at Rainbow Bay since 2022.

The $215 million Radia, which comprises 38 apartments, is currently the flagship development by S&amp;S Projects at Rainbow Bay which is expected to be completed in 2027.

Jayde Pezet, of Pezet Matheson, which has managed sales and marketing for S&amp;S Projects across their Gold Coast portfolio, emphasised the developer’s commitment to continuous improvement and excellence.

“S&amp;S Projects continue to elevate the benchmark of luxury with each development," Pezet said.

“We have worked with S&amp;amp;S on their 4 other projects in Rainbow Bay and their approach reflects a team that is constantly learning, refining, and pushing the standard higher.

“Their hyper-local knowledge and deep expertise within the luxury property sector are what truly set them apart, allowing them to deliver projects that feel both globally sophisticated and authentically connected to their coastal environment”

S&amp;S Projects plans to officially launch its latest project at Rainbow Bay in the second half of this year.

“As we embark on our largest project yet, we have pulled out all stops to create another landmark development that truly reflects the relaxed southern Gold Coast lifestyle,” Gedoun added.

S&S buys $20m Rainbow Bay site for fifth beachside apartment project

Japandi, an emerging design trend that combines Scandinavian functionality with Japanese rustic minimalism, remains relatively untested in Australia’s residential development market.

As developers look to differentiate their projects and offer something distinct to buyers, Brisbane-based developer Lantona has embraced the hybrid style for its recently launched Toowong apartment project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/koya-residences-6-josling-street-toowong-qld-4066">Koya Residences</a>, with early response to the design proving positive.

Lantona entrusted Red Door Architecture and interiors practice Luma Design Co with delivering the Japandi brief. The approach blends Japanese minimalism with Scandinavian functionality, emphasising warm, restrained interiors, natural materials and clean lines. Drawing on the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi (beauty in imperfection) and the Scandinavian principle of hygge (comfort and cosiness), it creates serene, uncluttered and sustainable living environments.

These design principles are expressed throughout the Josling Street development, both in its exterior form and across the 40 one-, two- and three-bedroom residences within.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150787 project_image_fid=366229]

Koya reflects a deliberately scaled approach, with the five-storey form designed to align with the surrounding residential streetscape rather than dominate it.

“Koya is conceived as a building that sits comfortably within its surroundings. Every decision, from material selection to spatial planning, has been guided by long-term liveability and enduring relevance,” the developer said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150787 project_image_fid=366243]

Positioned within an established inner-west neighbourhood, the development sits near riverfront parklands and the Bicentennial Bikeway, while remaining within walking distance of Toowong Village and multiple public transport options connecting to the CBD, St Lucia and West End.

Lantona said the location was central to the project’s conception, pointing to Toowong’s balance of green space, transport access and proximity to major education institutions.

“<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/toowong-qld-4066">Toowong</a> combines river access, walkability, immediate CBD connection and a strong educational presence. That balance made it the obvious setting for Koya.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150787 project_image_fid=366230]

Communal amenity is concentrated on the rooftop, where a shared retreat will include a pool, dining areas and outdoor spaces oriented towards neighbourhood and city views. The design allows for both private use and small gatherings, extending the living environment beyond individual apartments.

Koya enters the market at a time when smaller-scale developments are becoming less common in established suburbs, with many recent projects in the suburb shooting for the sky.

In a nod of confidence,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/brisbane-builders">Brisbane Builders</a>&nbsp;has already commenced construction on the building, which is slated for completion in early 2027. Keenan &amp; Byrne is marketing Koya.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150787]

Japandi-inspired Koya Residences launch in Toowong

Tradespeople

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Australia is in the midst of a tradie shortage in years with many home owners unable to find anyone qualified to complete their home improvement jobs, according to ServiceSeeking.com.au
On average, jobs listed on ServiceSeeking.com.au receive four quotes, however, there are a number of specific categories that aren't getting filled.
The website noted apprenticeships are now at their lowest since 2004, according to figures released by the Mitchell Institute. 
"This gap in the market offers a great opportunity for tradies looking to grow their business," Jeremy Levitt, CEO of ServiceSeeking said.
"The few tradies that do work in these industries are never short of work and charge premium prices as customers grow desperate to get them done."
The percentage of niche jobs in FY17 with no tradies:
<ol>
<li>Bathtub resurfacing (69%)</li>
<li>Glass installation (64%)</li>
<li>Staircase jobs (64%)</li>
<li>Garage, shed and carport installation (60%)</li>
<li>Stonework and masonry jobs (56%)</li>
</ol>
  
<table style="width: 712px;"><tbody>
<tr>
<td>
Niche Category
</td>
<td>
Missed revenue (FY17)
</td>
<td>
Average value per job
</td>
<td>
% of jobs with no tradies
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Stonework and Masonry
</td>
<td>
$996,875
</td>
<td>
$3,438
</td>
<td>
56%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Cabinetmaking
</td>
<td>
$898,149
</td>
<td>
$1,576
</td>
<td>
39%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Garages, sheds and carports
</td>
<td>
$717,723
</td>
<td>
$643
</td>
<td>
60%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Insulation Installation
</td>
<td>
$645,641
</td>
<td>
$1,416
</td>
<td>
55%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Staircases
</td>
<td>
$504,000
</td>
<td>
$2,400
</td>
<td>
63%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Carpet laying and Installation
</td>
<td>
$404,172
</td>
<td>
$1,199
</td>
<td>
41%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Bathtub Resurfacing
</td>
<td>
$236,000
</td>
<td>
$500
</td>
<td>
69%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Tinting and films
</td>
<td>
$122,563
</td>
<td>
$360
</td>
<td>
46%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Fridge repair
</td>
<td>
$68,969
</td>
<td>
$146
</td>
<td>
55%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Glass Installation
</td>
<td>
$30,800
</td>
<td>
$560
</td>
<td>
64%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Total missed revenue:
</td>
<td colspan="3">
$4,970,038
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
This data was derived from over 52,000 quotes submitted by customers to <a href="https://serviceseeking.apms5.com/anywhere/m?s=serviceseeking&amp;m=s_205f66db-c70a-4d91-bce6-8c33e656d58d&amp;u=e1jq4wvfdtfkeh9r890m4dht5n138hht5mu36d9j5mwkaha25mu34chq8cw3echh6ct48&amp;r2=d1u78w1u5wqn6tbjetmp6takcnjppubecwq66vvd5tgqa&amp;n=3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ServiceSeeking.com.au</a> over FY17.
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Tradie shortage means some jobs go wanting

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<div class="column">
Step-by-step guidelines to help identify asbestos in domestic properties has been released by the Asbestos Education Committee in partnership with the Asbestos Diseases Research Institute.
The guides, ‘Asbestos Awareness Healthy House Checklist – A Homeowners Guide To Identifying Asbestos-Containing Materials’ and the ‘Residential Checklist For Tradies – A Tradespersons Guide To Asbestos Containing Materials In Domestic Properties’ is available from <a href="https://www.asbestosawareness.com.au" target="_blank">www.asbestosawareness.com.au</a>.
The checklists include product images and lists each possible location where asbestos-containing materials might be found both inside and outside homes as well as simple step-by-step instructions.
Cherie Barber, Asbestos Awareness Campaign Ambassador said the health risks to anyone working on domestic properties when asbestos materials are disturbed is something every Australian needs to take seriously because asbestos doesn’t discriminate.
“The Healthy House Checklist provides a practical guide for homeowners enabling them to conduct a simple step-by-step easy to follow visual inspection of their property," she said.
“In doing so, homeowners will improve their understanding of the sorts of products to look for, the locations where asbestos might be found and how to manage these products safely. 
"The checklist also enables homeowners to maintain a record of possible asbestos locations should work or renovations be anticipated in the future and monitor asbestos-containing materials to ensure they remain sealed,” she said.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="page" title="Page 2">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
“Until now, the only information available to homeowners wishing to conduct visual inspections of residential properties has often been cumbersome, complex, extensive documents that can be difficult to access."
Peter Dunphy, Founding Chair of the Asbestos Education Committee said, tradespersons are particularly at risk because all too often they’ve come from a culture where asbestos risks have been ignored.” 
“While tradies may have worked with asbestos in the past and ignored the warnings, they need to be aware that the more a person is exposed to fibres, the greater the risk of developing asbestos-related diseases so it’s vital that they conduct visual inspections of properties to look for the potential dangers to ensure they’re managed safely," he said.
“The ‘Residential Checklist For Tradies – A Tradespersons Guide To Asbestos Containing Materials In Domestic Properties’ will increase Tradies’ understanding of the various products they need to be wary of when working on residential properties and ensure they engage suitably qualified professionals to conduct asbestos-related work or remove asbestos-containing materials safely."
</div>
</div>
</div>
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Property 101: Asbestos healthy house checklists for homeowners and tradies launched

<html><body>
Hipages, Australia’s website for finding and hiring trusted tradies, has partnered with the Housing Industry Association (HIA), whose membership builds over 85 percent of all new residential detached, medium density and high rise construction work and undertakes over 80 percent of renovations in Australia.  
The new partnership will see HIA members having their membership visible on their hipages profile, indicating to customers which qualified trade and building professionals are registered with the HIA, as well as access to over 90,000 hipages’ monthly job requests.
“We’re thrilled to start working closely with the HIA team,” said Gideon Kline, Chief Commercial Officer of hipages. 
With over $1.35 billion worth of jobs processed annually, hipages has helped over 1.1 million Australians get projects done around the home, helping homeowners find professionals that are ready and available to do the job while providing tradies with tools to easily manage their workflow and grow their business.
Customers have access to more than 80,000 trade and building professionals, providing a simple platform to see reviews, contact businesses directly and get quotes within minutes.
“Technology is shaping the industry and with thousands of local recommendations and real time information at your fingertips, getting help and finding work has never been easier,” said Kline.
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Property 101: hipages partners with the HIA

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Uncertainty around the housing market has affected the cost of renovating in NSW with costs rising by just 0.8 per cent in the past year.
According to data released by ServiceSeeking.com.au, NSW costs have fallen below the national Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the same time period.
The state average for a tradie has stabilised at $60.25 an hour, 2.3 percent less than the national average of $61.65
It’s a great time to get stuck into your renovation plans, says ServiceSeeking.com.au.
 “If you’ve been dreaming of a new kitchen, bathroom, entertaining area or applying a new coat of paint to your house, then now is the time to take advantage of a slowing down in home renovation prices," said ServiceSeeking.com.au CEO Jeremy Levitt
It is cheaper to renovate in NSW than Western Australia ($67.34 up 1.8 per cent) and Queensland ($63.14 up 4.4 per cent).
Victoria is the cheapest and the only state to record a drop in prices by 2.2 per cent to $57.28.
The trades which bucked the trend in NSW were carpentry (up 11.3 per cent on the national average at $62.83 an hour) and painting (where prices were 10 per cent higher).
Other big price changes affected electricians - who were 9.4 per cent cheaper in NSW than the national average - and plumbing at 4.2 per cent cheaper.
The prices were derived by comparing 52,000 quotes submitted through the online services marketplace during the FY16 Q4.
To view price changes across 10 popular renovation services around the country, including major capital cities, see <a href="https://ib3.bislr.net/m?s=serviceseeking&amp;m=s_4e868d04-e38e-4d68-9756-a7b45fffcc78&amp;u=e1jq4wvfdtfm2e2174w3ee1k5n346ga45mu30ha25mw3ehhj5muk4dhr8cu4ad2568v46&amp;r2=d1u78w1u5wqqexvq5ttpawkpd5hpawv5cnnpjvk75thpyvkd5tgqabvjcnq6yxk1ehmpyvkk&amp;n=1" target="_blank">www.serviceseeking.com.au/renovations</a>
 
<img src="/images/2016/08/03/Screen%20Shot%202016-08-03%20at%209.28.37%20AM.png" alt="">
 
</body></html>

How much to pay your tradie? NSW cheaper than national average for renovations

<html><body>
The upkeep and maintenance of rental properties by tradespeople and maintenance workers is directly related to the tax offset of "Other Rental Deductions" according to Nicholas Proud, principal, Property and Construction Analytics Australia.
He said the most recent ATO Taxation data saw Other Rental Deductions soar to $18.376 billion for 2013-14 which via negative gearing drives repairs and maintenance activity in such a way that should see tradies taking more than a casual interest in the result of the July 2 election.
“Outside of council rates, water charges , travel and insurances there are a lot of plumbers, sparkies, chippies and other asset maintenance workers such as cleaners, gardeners and handymen whose work makes up this Other Rental Deductions figure that can be claimed by property owners at tax time," he said.
“Unlike any election before the value of this type of work assisted by negative gearing concessions is at record levels.
“In contrast to other elections, annual Other Rental Deductions in 1996 sat at $4.55 billion at the time of the election of the Howard Government, it has risen by $13.83 billion per annum since then. Even more recently, since the 2007 election of the Rudd Government the annual value of Other Rental Deductions declared has increased by $6.82 billion.
“What hasn’t been factored into account really is the impact on those smaller handy trades that comprise a significant part of the property and construction workforce if the negative gearing concession is changed or quarantined to new dwellings only.
 
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="156">
Taxable Income
</td>
<td valign="top" width="100">
Other Rental Deductions
</td>
<td valign="top" width="89">
Other Rental Deductions No.
</td>
<td valign="top" width="63">
Average Deduction
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="156">
Less than or equal to $18,200
</td>
<td valign="top" width="100">
$2,253,074,560
</td>
<td valign="top" width="89">
277,693
</td>
<td width="63">
$8,114
</td>
<td width="64">
14%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="156">
$18,201 to $37,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="100">
$2,325,522,579
</td>
<td valign="top" width="89">
314,028
</td>
<td width="63">
$7,405
</td>
<td width="64">
16%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="156">
$37,001 to $80,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="100">
$5,632,316,431
</td>
<td valign="top" width="89">
702,735
</td>
<td width="63">
$8,015
</td>
<td width="64">
35%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="156">
$80,001 to $180,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="100">
$5,686,914,423
</td>
<td valign="top" width="89">
575,554
</td>
<td width="63">
$9,881
</td>
<td width="64">
29%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="156">
$180,000 or more
</td>
<td valign="top" width="100">
$2,479,123,491
</td>
<td valign="top" width="89">
149,268
</td>
<td width="63">
$16,609
</td>
<td width="64">
7%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="156">
Total
</td>
<td width="100">
$18,376,951,484
</td>
<td width="89">
2,019,278.00
</td>
<td valign="top" width="63">
 
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
 
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
 
“By income, those on a taxable income under $180,000 are likely to declare an Other Rental Deduction under $10,000.
“Across the electorates, 126 out of the 150 lower house seats on average declared an Other Rental Deduction under $10,000.
“If negative gearing was quarantined to new homes only there would be no concession for  the upkeep of existing homes, which are the homes that most need the reinvestment.
“With no offset it is likely that only those repairs and maintenance that are most fundamental to the upkeep of the property will be made which not only will reduce activity and also have the potential to reduce the quality of rental stocks in the lower yield suburbs which would be detrimental to tenants.
“Exactly how many entry-level handy jobs and low-level trades maintenance workers would go is difficult to say, but the growth in this deduction since 1995-96 shows a reasonable baseline to consider the scale of any such decline."
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