Australia’s housing crisis has reached a tipping point. Demand continues to outstrip supply, affordability has fallen off a cliff, and the dream of home ownership is slipping away for many everyday Australians. For years we’ve talked about building more homes, but the real question is where, how, and what kind? Now the Housing Industry Association…
The simple answer is NO, not in the way you’re expecting. Many of the upfront costs are considered what we call a ‘capital cost’. These include stamp duty, conveyancing costs and building and pest inspections. You cannot claim these costs as a tax deduction in the year they were incurred. Instead, they get added to your…
In exciting news for the Melbourne property market – the recent Reserve Bank of Australia decision to reduce interest rates is expected to spark a wave of new residential property developments and attract a fresh influx of investors, setting the stage for a significant upturn in property prices. So, why are lower interest rates such…
Imagine a system where building a townhouse feels like playing a game of snakes and ladders—except the snakes are endless paperwork, delays, and appeals. That’s what Victoria’s planning process has been like for developers. But the state government just rolled out a new rulebook to shake things up. Premier Jacinta Allan and Planning Minister Sonya…
Whether it is an office, shop, warehouse, or even a factory, some investors are attracted to commercial property for portfolio diversification or for positive cash flow. But the thing is, successful commercial property investment is a different niche. It requires an understanding of complex market factors, unique financing requirements, property management options, leasing arrangements, and…
Every property investment carries its share of risks, but few are as potentially devastating as unnoticed structural problems. These hidden foes can lurk in the bones of even the most promising properties, silently chipping away at your investment’s worth and safety. So let’s look at the top 10 structural concerns that every savvy investor needs…
The cost of building a new house in Australia has surged over the past few years as supply and trade shortages continue to weigh on the market. And at the same time, the construction industry has seen a surge in insolvencies as rising labour costs, extreme weather, high material costs and shortages and global supply…
Politicians are raving about Transit-Oriented Developments (TODs) as the future of our cities—but in my mind, they are just another political pipe dream. Build higher-density housing, commercial spaces, and amenities around public transport hubs to encourage sustainable living, reduce car dependence, and create vibrant urban communities. Sounds good, doesn’t it? Recently Victorian Premier Jacinta Allen…
It’s no secret that Australia is struggling to meet the housing demand, but there’s a bigger underlying issue that many aren’t talking about: the extended time it takes to build a new home or apartment. It’s a slow-moving crisis, and data from the Master Builders Association highlights just how far behind we are in our…
With a trend towards private building certification and self-assessed development applications, I’m seeing a growing number of investors and developers cutting corners in the development process, based on the principle of ‘non-detection’. That’s because there’s now no council inspector involved in the process and it’s all handled by your professional, so there isn’t much chance…
