A prominent eastern gateway site to Bondi Junction could soon host a new eight-storey apartment project combining market and affordable housing, under new plans lodged with Waverley Council.

The proposal covers a 1,631 sqm amalgamated site across five properties at 2–6 Bondi Road and 75–77 Old South Head Road, including the corner of Ben Eden Street.&nbsp;

According to the Design Verification Statement by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/tony-owen-partners">Tony Owen Partners</a>, the development will deliver a total of 56 apartments, incorporating 10 affordable dwellings. The project takes advantage of the NSW Government’s Housing SEPP, which provides a 30 per cent uplift in height and floor space ratio in exchange for the inclusion of affordable housing.

<img alt="Bondi Road, Bondi" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="64226782-681d-430f-a08b-31d007ba40e0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Bondi%20Road%20Bondi%20site.png?VersionId=gCt8XpeE4jXEoao0FnG.Ij9mUr73CB68" />

The mix of apartments spans one-, two-, and three-bedroom configurations, with a layout designed to optimise amenity and environmental performance.&nbsp;88.5 per cent of units achieve natural cross ventilation, Tony Owen Partners notes in the statement, attributing the result to the site’s configuration and a high proportion of corner apartments.

The design also responds to the site’s transitional context, on the periphery of the high-rise Bondi Junction commercial core and adjoining the lower-scale Bellevue Hill precinct.&nbsp;

“The siting, scale, bulk, and massing of the proposed development is consistent with that anticipated for the area,” the statement reads, with the building’s height capped at 28.6 metres in line with the LEP controls including bonuses.

<img alt="Bondi Road building" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="083fb63f-8a64-4c21-9c09-83e379f1cedd" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Bondi%20bldg.png?VersionId=aQMby6eh5kCepC_rlXkobUpV0M6IsYns" />

Located near the intersection of Bondi Road, Oxford Street, and Old South Head Road, the site occupies a pivotal position at the entry to Bondi Junction from the east. The site is currently occupied by four detached two-storey dwellings.

Bondi Junction seldom sees new apartment development. Stargate is currently developing <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-centennial-collection-east-sydney-2-nelson-street-bondi-junction-nsw-2022">The Centennial Collection</a>, on the edge of Woollahra and Centennial Park, and are soon to launch <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/signature-by-stargate-362-384-oxford-street-bondi-junction-nsw-2022">Signature by Stargate</a>, just down Oxford Street.

Urban Editorial

First look: Eight-storey apartment block pitched for key Bondi Junction gateway site

Boutique developer SIERA has recently completed PIPIS, a rare, absolute beachfront address that embodies the best of the southern Gold Coast.

PIPIS was delivered in under three years, an achievement that reflects SIERA’s considered yet efficient approach. After securing the prime Golden Four Drive site in late 2022, the team refined the approved design and delivered a boutique collection of 19 residences, including two double-storey penthouses, homes that demonstrate how precision, craftsmanship and a disciplined approach to design can make the most of a rare beachfront location.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138311 project_image_fid=353604]

With construction now complete and residents settled in, the final sub-penthouse offers a rare opportunity to join an address that captures the calm and quality of true beachfront living on the southern Gold Coast.

Beyond its location, PIPIS distinguishes itself through the depth of its amenity and the way those spaces are considered. Every element, from the magnesium lap pool and tropical landscaping to the dedicated dog wash and reformer Pilates equipment, has been planned with the residents’ day-to-day lives in mind. It’s not just what’s included, but how thoughtfully it’s executed.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138311 project_image_fid=353605]

What truly sets PIPIS apart is the construction quality and craftsmanship, a hallmark of SIERA projects since its inception in 2014.

“Design and construction quality is the absolute first priority at SIERA,” says Managing Director Brent Thompson. “It’s the most important aspect of any project we do, before speed of delivery, before sales. If you can guarantee build quality, then the rest will fall into place.”

Thompson says the company’s reputation has been built on trust and lived experience rather than marketing promises. “What we want at SIERA is for future purchasers to speak to our past purchasers and ask them what it’s like living in a SIERA building. If we haven’t delivered on what we’ve promised previously, we won’t be successful in the future.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138311 project_image_fid=6572]

With a background in construction, Thompson’s hands-on approach is a key part of SIERA’s success. “If buyers are putting faith in the SIERA brand, it’s my responsibility that we deliver absolute quality and the highest level of service.”&nbsp;

But for Thompson and SIERA, liveability goes far beyond build quality. Every project begins with a clear understanding of who it’s being designed for. “Before we commit to buying a piece of land to develop, we consider who will reside there and what will matter to them,” Thompson says.

Every residence at PIPIS has been designed to open to the breeze, the natural light, and the sound of the ocean. Broad balconies extend living spaces outward, while the use of robust, tactile materials ensures each home feels grounded and easy to live in. It’s a design shaped by Queensland’s climate and a genuine understanding of how people want to live by the beach.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138311 project_image_fid=353606]

Location was central to the vision for PIPIS. It was designed for people who know what makes the southern Gold Coast special, those who live here year-round and those who return whenever they can. “Our buyers all share the same mindset,” says Thompson. “They want to be close to Kirra, Palm Beach and Coolangatta, yet still have privacy and calm. They prefer smaller, well-crafted buildings to big towers, and they want to walk straight onto the beach. PIPIS was built around that sense of ease and familiarity.”’

With construction complete and residents now settled in, the final sub-penthouse offers a rare chance to join an address that defines absolute beachfront living on the southern Gold Coast, a building conceived with care, built with precision, and unlikely to be repeated anytime soon.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=138311]

Joel Robinson

Quality assured: The sole focus driving SIERA’s Gold Coast apartment pipeline as PIPIS in Bilinga completes

When apartments are the minority in a suburb, their success often hinges on what’s available without needing a car.&nbsp;

Raya by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/core-developments">Core Developments</a> arrives at a time when apartment options in Gungahlin remain limited, and demand for well-located, walkable housing continues to grow.

Located on Ernest Cavanagh Street, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/raya-gungahlin-ernest-cavanagh-street-gungahlin-act-2912">Raya</a> places residents within the most active part of Gungahlin.&nbsp;

Retail, dining, education and transport are all within close walking distance, with many of the suburb’s primary amenities located within a 150 to 300 metre radius.

“Raya has got the best to both worlds. A great looking building, that will be built impeccably. It will stand the test of time, and add enduring value for any buyer. And, this is quite simply the best residential location in <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/gungahlin-act-2912">Gungahlin</a> with immediate access to every amenity Gungahlin has on offer. You could quite easily sell your car if you move here,” James Herbert of <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/project-marketer/lj-hooker-project-marketing-act-0">LJ Hooker projects</a> said.

<img alt="Raya, Gungahlin" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="266b0b21-f56b-4d93-9039-e9e17a2c4b71" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/e450173a099aaad8055757c92e45efb1-1600x0-c-default.png?VersionId=4X06Ja6e9pQTjOo4QKBEfKiRP1T7hR68" />

Marketplace Gungahlin - the suburb’s main shopping precinct - is less than a two-minute walk from the site. It offers access to major retailers including Woolworths, Aldi, BIG W and Kmart, along with a variety of services, medical centres, and fitness providers.

Dining options in the surrounding blocks are diverse and expanding. Longstanding local favourites like Le Bon Mélange and EQ Café are now joined by new arrivals such as Ikigai Ramen, The Usual and Sunday Canberra, reflecting Gungahlin’s emerging reputation as one of Canberra’s up-and-coming café and dining destinations.

While apartment living often calls for easy access to open space, Raya benefits from its proximity to several parks and recreational facilities. Yerrabi Pond District Park is just minutes away and offers walking trails, playgrounds, and picnic spots, as well as outdoor fitness equipment and a skate park.&nbsp;

Gungahlin Enclosed Oval and the Gungahlin Leisure Centre are also nearby, supporting a range of community and sports activities.

<img alt="Raya, Gungahlin" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6b2ebc21-8257-4144-ad11-3970a73d5125" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/RAYA_2Bed-Living_nochair_3000-2000x0-c-default_0.png?VersionId=BJUJN_k6tZL9p9Lzq13m9OzyyKPstKQY" />

Public transport is a core strength of the location. The Gungahlin Place Light Rail stop, one of the network’s terminal stations, is located less than 100 metres from the development, providing direct access to Canberra’s inner north and CBD. Several local bus routes also operate from the same area, making car-free commuting a realistic option.

The immediate area also includes a number of schools catering to all levels, from early years through to college. Franklin School is within walking distance, while Gungahlin College and Burgmann Anglican School are both around two kilometres away. Childcare centres, health services and veterinary clinics are all established in the precinct.

Medical clinics, pharmacies, allied health services and a public walk-in centre are all available within the town centre footprint.

<img alt="Raya, Gungahlin" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7b35a7c5-dbee-491a-8ec4-ee41c06505b5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Raya_INT03_Rooftop_FP_3000-1600x0-c-default_0.png?VersionId=mTcDlZi3gAUq_spekHAWlWd5kvCbTiH3" />

Raya comprises 166 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, each with a private outdoor area. Balconies start at eight sqm, with some larger configurations offering upwards of 50 sqm of external space - a feature that aligns with the nearby parklands and active public spaces.

Buyers can secure an apartment now with a five per cent deposit, ahead of the project’s 2027 completion.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=149952]

Raya: Rare apartment living in Gungahlin’s town centre

Leeka Group has gone down the path of bringing a heightened level of wellness to its recently unveiled Melbourne apartment development, Comme Prahran.

It isn't in the form of a suite of amenities, given the building is more boutique in nature with just 32 apartments, but with clever inclusions designed to uplift their residents lifestyle.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/comme-prahran-182-194-commercial-road-prahran-vic-3181">Comme</a>, directly opposition the iconic Prahran Market on Commercial Road, has been designed by renowned architecture studio <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a> and&nbsp;will introduce the first-of-its-kind multi-dimensional wellness offering, where physical, mental, social, environmental, and cultural well-being are embedded throughout.

“Prahran has long been a destination for culture, community and quality of life, and Comme builds on that in a deeply intentional way,” says Leeka Director, Chek Ming Cheng.&nbsp;

“This project introduces a new kind of urban sanctuary, one that adapts to individual definitions of wellness, whether that’s through nutrition, rest, movement, design or connection. Every space has been thoughtfully shaped to support the diverse rhythms of modern life."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108413 project_image_fid=353544]

There will be a rooftop with a&nbsp;Zen garden designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/plume-studio">Plume Landscape Architects</a>, offering&nbsp;a sensory experience that activates all five senses, an edible herb wall to taste, calming botanicals to smell, reflexology paths to feel, lush plantings to see and the gentle sounds of water and birdsong to hear.

Inside each residence, wellness is deeply personal, and Comme embraces this individuality with a suite of customisation options designed to enhance both health and lifestyle. Residents can tailor their homes with circadian lighting automation, supported by research linking it to improved well-being, better rest, and even longevity.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108413 project_image_fid=353546]

Other add-ons residents can opt for include real-time air monitoring and purification systems, ensuring a cleaner, healthier environment, while blackout blinds help optimise sleep quality. Additionally, the option to include integrated smart home technologies and security measures with multiple controlled access points offers ease, convenience, and peace of mind, supporting day-to-day living and contributing to overall mental well-being.

Kitchens can be fitted with healthy cooking appliances such as steam ovens and taps for instant filtered, sparkling or hot water, while ensuites can be transformed into spa-style sanctuaries complete with steam showers, heated floors, rain heads, smart toilets, and sensor night lights to support restful sleep cycles. In the penthouse residence, further options include an outdoor spa for enhanced recovery and indulgence.

“Comme isn’t just about design, it’s about how space can support your day-to-day life," Chek added.

"Whether you like a steam shower, checking your indoor air quality, simply enjoying a quiet moment in the rooftop garden, or reflecting on the artworks in the building, wellness is part of your everyday routine, not an afterthought."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108413 project_image_fid=353543]

The residences will feature open-plan layouts compliant with Better Apartment Design Standards (BADS), with floor-to-ceiling windows that maximise ventilation, natural light and thermal comfort. Finishes such as natural stones, timber flooring and low-VOC paints are complemented by facade design that filters dappled light and aids in thermal comfort.

Cera Stribley, Co-Founder, Domenic Cerantonio, said the first thing you notice is the light.

"Natural light floods the living spaces, casting a soft glow that instantly lifts your spirits. It's as if the outside world melts away, and you're cocooned in a peaceful oasis."

The gallery-style residential lobby will feature circadian-inspired lighting and artwork, while the ground-floor will offer retail and hospitality spaces.

The building’s mixed-use design fosters connection, with ground-floor retail and hospitality creating a vibrant, welcoming destination. These spaces are thoughtfully designed to enhance the precinct and bring it to life.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108413 project_image_fid=353545]

Sustainability and environmental responsibility are integral to Comme Prahran’s DNA. All homes are gas-free and designed to a 7-star energy average, with double glazing, WELS-rated plumbing, and EV charging capabilities available. A light-coloured exterior has been chosen to minimise heat absorption, supporting thermal efficiency and reducing reliance on artificial cooling.

Honouring the cultural richness of Prahran, the project reimagines an Edwardian-era landmark, integrating its historic character into a contemporary architectural form. Art experiences will activate the residential and retail lobbies, and a dedicated artwork on the external eastern facade will enrich the building’s street presence, embedding it into the creative fabric of the neighbourhood.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108413]

Comme Prahran launches opposite Prahran Market

Apartment developer Third.i has seen "overwhelming interest" in its recently unveiled new harbourside apartment project, The Rushcutters.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-rushcutters-51-57-bayswater-road-rushcutters-bay-nsw-2011">The Rushcutters</a>, which is being delivered in partnership with James Packer's NPACT, will comprise just 13 luxury two- and three-bedroom apartments.&nbsp;

Demand is predominantly coming from local downsizers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144646 project_image_fid=351903]

“We’ve been absolutely blown away by the level of interest in The Rushcutters,” said Luke Berry, Director and Co-founder Third.i Group.

“It’s clear that buyers are seeking more than just a place to live, they’re looking for a lifestyle upgrade. The ability to amalgamate apartments into expansive, whole-floor homes is a game-changer for downsizers who want space without the maintenance of a traditional house.”

The Rubinstein Group is marketing the project alongside Hume Residential and JLL.

“It’s no surprise that if you’re downsizing from a five-bedroom house in Bellevue Hill, for example, you want to maintain that sense of space and luxury when looking for your next home, "&nbsp;Gavin Rubinstein, Founder of The Rubinstein Group, said.

“The Rushcutters is a great fit. Amalgamating apartments to create a bespoke, whole-floor home is a natural progression for buyers who aren’t willing to compromise on size and/or quality.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144646 project_image_fid=351901]

Amalgamating apartments has become a common theme among high-end buyers across Third.i's portfolio including Muse in Potts Point, and Elevate Hume Place in Crows Nest, which set a Lower North Shore apartment record with the $15.1 million sale of an amalgamation of a penthouse and sub-penthouse.

“We’re witnessing a clear shift towards more amalgamations in a number of our projects across Sydney,” said Jason Fraser, Principal at Woods Bagot.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144646 project_image_fid=351899]

“The ability to combine apartments is enabling buyers to create truly unique, house-sized residences with high-end finishes, and proximity to vibrant urban precincts. The desire to amalgamate apartments to bespoke, house-sized residences is becoming a defining feature of Sydney’s evolving luxury apartment market."

Due to the City of Sydney’s no net dwelling loss policy, Thirdi is only able to offer one level for amalgamation at The Rushcutters, combining two apartments into a single, expansive residence.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=144646]

The Rushcutters a "great fit" for downsizers

Treasury

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The federal Treasury has proposed to streamline the buying of new property by foreign investors.
It says the current set of rules had unintentionally encouraged non-compliance due to its complicated structure.
It also proposes to encourage investment in sectors like retirement living, aged-care and student accommodation.
The consultation paper by the Treasury's Foreign Investment Policy Unit said the December 2015 overhaul of the foreign investment framework – the biggest in 40 years – had unintentionally “incentivised non-compliance" of the rules when it came to buying new residential property, according to a report in the Australian Financial Review.
Under current rules, foreign investors who want to purchase a new dwelling or block of vacant residential land need to apply individually for each property they are considering and pay multiple fees starting from $5000 per application.
To avoid through this cumbersome process, some foreign buyers were choosing to pay a fine and notify after they had purchased the property, rather than apply multiple times in advance, the paper said.
It suggested the introduction of an "new exemption certificate" giving foreign persons "broad pre-approval to purchase one new dwelling or vacant residential block".
Foreign buyers would then be required to notify Australian authorities when an actual purchase was made. 
The report also seeks to amend the treatment of residential land that is used for an aged-care facility, retirement village or student accommodation so that it is considered "non-vacant commercial land" thus lifting the FIRB screening threshold from zero to more than $55 million.
Some in the industry, like Julius Wei, co-founder of BMY Group, which connects Chinese high-net worth investors with opportunities in Australia, said the country was short of supply in these sectors and foreign investment into them "should be welcomed".
But he said the rules needed to incentivise foreign investors to invest for yield rather than capital gain, otherwise there could be a "huge jump in prices".
"Capital gains [in these sectors] should be taxed heavily," he said.
Wei also backed the proposed exemption certificate for individual buyers as according to him it was unfair to pay multiple fees if a buyer only intended to buy one property.
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Treasury plans to simplify rules for foreign property buyers

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The Federal Opposition has demanded to be consulted ahead of any federal election in July on the appointment of the Reserve Bank governor.
It is speculated the deputy governor will succeed Glenn Stevens as the central bank's governor.
The Australian Financial Review says Treasurer Scott Morrison has declined to consult with the opposition on any promotion to governor of Reserve Bank of Australia deputy Philip Lowe, who has won Labor's backing.
Shadow treasurer Chris Bowen on Monday demanded the government stop naming senior Treasury portfolio positions without consulting the opposition, because he argued the government is now effectively on an election footing.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Labor demands to be consulted on next RBA governor 

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The Opposition has again slammed Treasurer Joe Hockey's latest crackdown on foreigners owning Australian land, describing it as a diversion from tackling housing affordability.
Mr Hockey announced the forced sale of six homes around the country. 
Three of the properties were in the Sydney suburbs of Eastwood, Fairfield and Mosman, two were in Kewdale in Perth and the other at Eight Mile Plains on the outskirts of Brisbane.
There were five owners from four different countries who had come forward since the crackdown began in ernest with a $39 million diverestiture order against a Piper Point buyer in March.
The six self reported cases ranged in price from $152,000 to $1.86 million.
There are 50 investigators looking into 462 cases in which foreigners were suspected of having bought or retained existing property without correct approvals. 
The Australian Taxation Office, the Foreign Investment Review Board, Department of Immigration and AUSTRAC have uncovered more than 2000 pieces of information relating to suspected breaches since monitoring of residential property acquisitions was shifted to the ATO in May from the FIRB. 
The Treasurer outlined his new, harsher penalties that will be enforced from December, against foreign investors who illegally buy established Australian properties or don't sell when the laws required.
"The period of amnesty we announced in May means that no criminal conviction is recorded for those who self-report by November 30, and they have to re-sell their property in 12 months, instead of three," Mr Hockey said.
"Australia welcomes foreign investment and Australia needs foreign investment but, at all times, foreign investors must comply with our laws," Joe Hockey said on Saturday.
"Some of the five investors have purchased property with Foreign Investment Review Board approval, but their circumstances have changed and they have failed to comply with the divestment requirements.
"Some have simply broken the rules by purchasing a property without approval and done so against the law.
"Time is running out for foreign investors to voluntarily come forward if they have illegally purchased existing residential real estate," Mr Hockey warned. 
"They have until November 30, 2015 to come to us before we come to them."
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Foreigners admit overstaying their Australian land ownership  

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GUEST OBSERVER
Federal Treasurer Joe Hockey’s call for a proper debate on state taxes and the state governments’ over-reliance on inefficient state taxes including stamp duty is welcome and completely in line with community attitudes. The Treasurer’s speech comes just days after polling revealed widespread public acceptance of future GST changes.
Joe Hockey has said what everyone knows – stamp duty is a harmful, distortive tax which needs to be abolished and this will require broader tax reform to be achieved.
Abolishing stamp duty and replacing it with a more efficient revenue base would address housing affordability, boost the economy, be supported by the community, and bolster fragile state budgets.
Obviously the removal of stamp duty needs to occur in conjunction with a broader series of tax changes so that states and territories have the revenue they need to deliver services, and it is essential that GST reform is on the table.
A report from Newgate Research Community attitudes towards tax reform, commissioned by the Property Council, found that nine out of ten Australians surveyed supported tax reform which made the system simpler and fairer.
Far from being political poison, people see the GST as our fairest tax.
Our research shows that a reformed GST would pass the fairness test set by our political leaders.
Some 65% of respondents believed the GST to be fair or very fair, and only 35% as unfair, with most citing its benefit as a tax that cannot be dodged.
While there was some variation, this fairness rating was the majority view regardless of the respondent's gender, age, state, voting intention or property tenure.
The research also shows that people think it is inevitable that the GST will go up. When asked what they believed would happen over the next decade, almost three quarters (72%) said the GST will increase.
Strikingly, only 2% believed it would definitely not go up and just 6% that it would probably not go up. For the public, this is almost a done deal.
Getting rid of stamp duty needs to be a top priority of every government in the country. It has the highest costs to economic growth and living standards.
Treasury’s own modelling shows that Australia’s economic welfare is reduced by 73 cents for every dollar of stamp duty raised, which is 50% worse than company tax and three and a half times worse than income tax or the GST.
The Treasurer’s call today coincides with a release of the Grattan Institute’s Property Taxes working paper which moots the introduction of a new property tax on owner occupied housing.
We welcome the Grattan’s Institute acknowledgement that stamp duty needs to be abolished, but the idea of introducing yet another new property tax without retiring existing inefficient taxes is unfair and will unacceptable to the community.
The Grattan report conveniently leaves out stamp duty in its attempts to argue that property is undertaxed in Australia.
The industry currently pays $77 billion of taxes to all three levels of government. Treasury estimates that property specific taxes make up 9% of Australia's total tax take compared to an OECD average of just 5%. We're surprised Grattan would get this so wrong.
Furthermore the Grattan Institute report admits that they would need an extra new property tax at double the rate they proposed to fund the replacement of stamp duty.
The Property Council is happy to explore the option of a broad based low rate land tax, but the reality is that it won’t raise enough money to abolish stamp duty, it will be politically unpopular and it doesn’t do anything to fix the high land taxes on commercial and investment property.
There is absolutely no justification for a new property tax that does not offset other punitive taxes.
Changes to the GST is a practical solution to enable stamp duties to be retired to boost the economy in a way that is fair.
Ken Morrison is chief executive of Property Council of Australia. He can be contacted <a href="https://www.propertyoz.com.au/Profiles/ProfileDetail.aspx?pid=76" target="_blank">here</a>. 
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po-LsXgBTHBmX

Hockey’s call for proper debate on state taxes welcome

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Further developments into possible legislation tightening foreign investment in residential real estate have been made with stakeholders invited to make a submission into the substantive Bills making up Treasury's Exposure Draft into implementing foreign investment reform.
Treasury are asking for submissions into the Fees Imposition Bill, with the eventual reforms will be given effect by the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Legislation Amendment Bill 2015, the Register of Foreign Ownership of Agricultural Land Bill 2015 and the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Fees Imposition Bill 2015.
According to the submission the government aims to promote greater transparency through a lands register, implement a simpler foreign investor framework, transfer all residential real estate functions to the ATO and enforce stricter penalties for illegal foreign investment.
CoreLogic RP Data's senior research analyst Cameron Kusher recently stated that while housing may be looking expensive to locals, the declining Australian dollar means that it may be looking more attractive to foreign buyers.
The Exposure Drafts and Regulatory Impact Statement of legislation designed to tighten foreign investment rules can be read <a href="https://treasury.gov.au/ConsultationsandReviews/Consultations/2015/Implementing-Foreign-Investment-Reforms" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;">here</a>, with submissions open up until Friday 17 July.
 
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mick.cee-iDmgDDAmu8

Government calls for foreign investment reform submissions

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Figures from Federal Treasury show there were 88,000 established homes owned by temporary residents as of March 2015.
There are concerns that people on temporary residency visas — who are entitled to buy established homes as long as they sell on leaving the country — have kept their properties as investments.
NSW accounts for 26% with Victoria constituting 25 per cent of those home approvals as temporary visa-holders.
Western Australia accounts for 22% of the established housing market for temporary residents, Fairfax Media report.
Queensland has 19% followed by South Australia with 4%, the ACT with 1.5%, Tasmania with 1.1% and Northern Territory with 0.2%.
Temporary residents are allowed to buy one established dwelling to live in, but are required to sell it when their visa expires or the property is no longer their primary residence.
 
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