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Renewed calls for stamp duty reform in the wake of REINSW figures

A report commissioned by the Real Estate Institute of NSW has revealed the top 50 suburbs where the most stamp duty is paid, prompting CEO Tim McKibbin to speak out against the the way the tax is calculated.

Victoria (Vic.)Melbourne Collingwood

People

Get to know Scott McElroy

In his more than 25 years with hockingstuart, Scott McElroy has been deeply involved in the early days of Melbourne's push into large residential projects, and the adaptation of large industrial buildings for residential use.

Queensland (Qld)Gold Coast

Featured Property

Hamptons inspired excellence in Robina

Live the Hamptons lifestyle in this dreamy Robina abode. For sale by Renee Morgan of Queensland Sotheby's International Realty.

National

The Economy

"No good news" in latest housing finance figures

The number of home loan approvals fell by 0.9 per cent in November, and economists warn the weakness in the housing market is likely to be felt for some time.

Western Australia (WA)Perth

The Economy

Perth market showing signs of life

With the median house price lifting, REIWA President Damian Collins is optimistic about Perth's property market.

National

The Economy

5 homes to buy if you won last night's Powerball jackpot

Won the Powerball jackpot last night? Here are some of the most amazing homes from around the country to spend your winnings on.

Queensland (Qld)Sunshine Coast

Featured Property

The Palms: Hinterland oasis on the Sunshine Coast

Just 15 minutes from Noosa, The Palms is a contemporary oasis nestled in the hinterland. For sale by David Conolly and Sam Walker of Century 21 Noosa Heads.

Queensland (Qld)

The Economy

Queensland poised for strong capital growth

The Sunshine State is set to enjoy a year of consistent home value rises, as the market continues defying national trends of falling house prices.

National New South Wales (NSW)Sydney

The Economy

A tenants market: More than 25,000 homes available for rent in Sydney

Sydney renters have twice as many properties to choose from than their Melbourne counterparts after a spike in listings over the December period, new figures from SQM Research reveals.

Victoria (Vic.)Melbourne

People

Get to know Jenny Dwyer, director of Hockingstuart Sandringham

Hockingstuart Sandringham director, Jenny Dwyer has had a love for real estate ever since she was a little girl.

Pages

News Roundup

http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/state-government-considers-reopening-parramatta-jail-20160310-gng3mc.html

Baird says major Parramatta redevelopment will proceed - despite thoughts of reopening neighbouring jail

The state-heritage listed jail was closed in 2011, but the government is now analysing the costs of re-opening it in a bid to deal with record numbers of inmates and overcrowding in prisons.

The Sydney Morning Herald

http://www.afr.com/opinion/bis-shrapnel-why-limiting-negative-gearing-would-push-up-rents-20160309-gnf5y9

BIS Shrapnel: Why limiting negative gearing would push up rents

Most of the concern about housing has focused on affordability for owner occupiers. And that is a challenge. Our concern is affordability for renters.

The Australian Financial Review

http://www.afr.com/real-estate/exlittle-projects-ceo-michael-fox-emerges-with-new-jv-costafox-20160218-gmxccf

Ex-Little Projects CEO Michael Fox emerges with new JV CostaFox

Fox says the Sydney market has more room for prestige homes.

The Australian Financial Review

https://theconversation.com/how-negative-gearing-changes-can-bring-life-back-to-eerily-quiet-suburbs-55750

How negative-gearing changes can bring life back to eerily quiet suburbs

While curbing negative gearing would ease house prices in the short term, in the longer term some suburbs will benefit as empty housing comes onto the market. The synergies of higher-density, mixed-use development within reach of good public transport will then come into play.

The Conversation

http://www.apimagazine.com.au/2016/03/women-deserve-respect-on-building-sites/

Women deserve respect on building sites

Challenging the CFMEU to do better in their treatment of women on building sites is important, according to Wilhelm Harnisch, CEO of Master Builders Australia.

Australian Property Investor

http://www.wsj.com/articles/spanish-colonial-once-owned-by-cary-grant-goes-on-the-market-1457622960

Spanish Colonial Once Owned by Cary Grant Goes on the Market

The onetime Palm Springs home of Hollywood actor Cary Grant is going on the market for $3.495m. Mr Grant lived in 'Las Palomas' for about 20 years from the 1950s to the 1970s.

The Wall Street Journal

http://www.afr.com/news/politics/government-goes-negative-on-negative-gearing-20160308-gne326

Government goes negative on negative gearing

Having ditched its own plans to touch negative gearing, the government has decided to mount a full-blown assault on Labor's policy throughout the federal election campaign with the claim that it will 'cripple' the economy and crash the markets.

The Australian Financial Review

http://www.afr.com/real-estate/housing-boom-rewards-sydney-melbourne-home-owners-with-equity-boost-20160309-gnejee

Housing boom rewards Sydney, Melbourne home owners with equity boost

The recent housing boom has given home owners in Sydney and Melbourne a boost, with surging values raising the levels of equity they enjoy in their homes.

The Australian Financial Review