When it comes to setting up and running a self-managed super fund (SMSF) there are many rules and regulations dictating what you can and cannot do. Many people set up an SMSF to have greater control over their investments or their operating costs, but one wrong move could cost you a lot. In fact, it…
The number of suburbs in Australia’s million-dollar club has shrunk considerably in the past six months as the weight of rising inflation, consecutive rate hikes and falling property values takes its toll. Since April, the median value in 169 suburbs around the country has dropped below seven figures while only seven suburbs across capital cities…
The COVID-induced boom for Australia’s regional housing market has burst, with several regional markets that had the strongest value growth through the upswing now among the fastest declining markets. Corelogic’s Regional Market Update, which examines Australia’s 25 largest non-capital city regions, shows house values in six of the most popular lifestyle markets recorded falls of…
How have rising inflation and rising interest rates affected you? Have you had to change your lifestyle, have you sold a property, or are you considering selling because of rising interest rates? And have the current economic conditions changed your strategy or approach to property investing? These are some of the questions we recently asked…
Most days I take our dog Lincoln for a walk along the beach at the end of our street. This morning as we walked along the path I looked out at the water on the bay and saw strong waves thrashing onto the shore and thought to myself, “Wow, it’s windy out there.” As I…
Restrained spending has characterised the Albanese Government’s first federal budget. With Treasury forecasting annual headline inflation to hit 7.75% in the December quarter, key considerations for fiscal policy range include increasing productivity and moderating spending to minimise inflationary pressures. Various measures seek to increase labour force capacity, including upskilling workers through subsidised tertiary education, boosting…
Jim Chalmers’ first speech as treasurer outlines the enormity of the global economic situation – inflation, energy and supply chain issues, and a continuing war in Europe – and signposts that this is a budget that’s much more about what he’s taking away (or reallocating) than new announcements. It’s not often we get two budgets…
I always keep careful track of consumer confidence because it’s a good indicator of what’s ahead for our economy and property markets. And recently consumer confidence fell 2.4pts to 82.2 and is now a large 24.8pts below the same week a year ago. In addition, consumer confidence is now 8.1pts below the 2022 weekly average…
The recent release of 2021 Census data revealed a shocking “one million homes were unoccupied”. This statistic sent housing commentators, government agencies and policymakers into a spin. At a time of significant housing shortages, these extra million homes would surely make a big difference. They could provide housing for some homeless, ease the rental affordability…
House and unit rents across the combined capital continue to reach new record highs, according to Domain’s Rent Report for the September quarter. In fact, combined capital city house rents are up by 1.9% over the quarter, and 12.8% annually, while unit rents are up by 6.5% over the quarter, and 16.7% annually. Why is…
