The Real Estate Conversation

Contact

Navigating the ever-changing oceans of development finance

When Dan Holden began compiling HoldenCAPITAL's Elite Property Developers Product Guide, the numbers showed how important non-bank lenders have become on the development finance scene.

Western Australia (WA)

The Economy

The most affordable suburbs in Western Australia's South West

The towns of Withers and Usher are "hidden gems" says REIWA councillor Joe White.

Victoria (Vic.)Melbourne

Politics

Vic government introduces new laws to protect Yarra River

New Victorian legislation identifies the Yarra River and the land it flows through as one living, integrated entity, the first time in Australia such a declaration has been made.

Victoria (Vic.)

Featured Property

Watch the sun set over the ocean at your very own vineyard

‘Views and Vines’ is a productive six-acre vineyard in Drysdale with a grand homestead perfect for entertaining large groups. The property is for sale through Lee Martin and Chris Bartley of Bellarine Property Barwon Heads.

Politics

NSW budget fails to deliver: REINSW

The NSW government has failed to help those wanting to buy property, says John Cunningham, president of the REINSW.

New South Wales (NSW)

The Economy

Southern Highlands the favourite alternative for Sydney families: Di Jones

The Southern Highlands has become the favourite alternative for Sydney renters and buyers alike, with more affordable homes and lifestyle drawing families to the region.

People

Get to know Ben Khong, sales agent with Cranecorp

Ben Khong is a sales agent with property developer Cranecorp. With a background in fashion, he loves working with the developer's design teams, and takes the 'two ears, one mouth' approach when dealing with his clients.

New South Wales (NSW)

Featured Property

A house designed for maximum joy, with its own waterfall for good measure

This award winning, eco home is for sale through James Leary of Raine & Horne Byron Bay.

Victoria (Vic.)Melbourne

The Economy

Eight tips to consider when purchasing commercial property

When buying commercial property in Melbourne, it's important to wait for the ideal property and the right market conditions, says Dominic Gibson of Melbourne Acquisitions.

New South Wales (NSW)Sydney

$23m Woolwich sale beats Cate Blanchett's 'Bulwarra' record

The sale of historic home 'Vailele' for $23 million has set a record for the Hunters Hill peninsula.

Pages

News Roundup

http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/news/gender-pay-gap-hits-record-high/2558853/

Real Estate gender pay gap $28.7%

New Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows the national gender pay gap has risen to a record-high. The financial and insurance services industry had the highest gender pay gap (29.6%), followed by health care and social assistance (29.1%) and rental, hiring and real estate services (28.7%).

Sunshine Coast Daily

https://au.news.yahoo.com/vic/a/26456300/real-estate-agent-strips-down-to-sell-homes/

Agent strips down to sell house

Bellarine property agent Levi Turner has switched his suit and tie for swimmers in a promotional video where he sprints shirtless from the Barwon River to the back deck of the house he is trying to market.

Yahoo

http://www.mortgagebusiness.com.au/breaking-news/8213-govt-warned-that-real-estate-reforms-could-prove-costly?utm_source=Mortgage%20Business&utm_campaign=Mortgage_Business_Newsletter27_02_2015&utm_medium=email

Fees for foreign buyers say 'we don't want you'

Simon Henry, the co-chief executive of Juwai, a listings portal for China-based real estate investors, has labelled the government's proposed fees for foreign buyers "basically a $200 million stamp duty for offshore buyers, and stamp duties discourage investment.” Henry said, “The proposals say to foreign buyers, 'We don’t want you and we won’t treat you fairly’."

Mortgage Business

http://www.afr.com/p/business/financial_services/apra_chief_wayne_byres_flags_financial_OqsPVFCOmY7cnhu6fwfj5M

Warning over loans to property investors

The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has warned banks that they must be prudent when lending to property investors. APRA chairman Wayne Byres told a Senate committee on 25 February 2015 that default risk increases when interest rates are low and house prices are high.

The Australian Financial Review

http://www.architectureanddesign.com.au/news/made-in-china-with-asbestos-mba-raises-alarms

Asbestos warning from Master Builders Australia

Master Builders Australia have released an alarming media release warning the Australian design and construction industry to be wary of imported Chinese building products “laced with asbestos”.

Architecture & Design

http://thenewdaily.com.au/money/2015/02/25/facts-defy-claims-qld-fear-mongers-foreign-ownership/

Asian investors do not own vast tracts of Australian farmland

Claims that Chinese investors own vast tracts of Australian farmland are not supported by official data.

The New Daily

http://www.cricketcountry.com/articles/how-a-cricketer-became-a-real-estate-agent-mick-malones-interesting-story-256459

From The Ashes to real estate

How a cricketer became a real estate agent: Mick Malone’s interesting story.

Cricket Country

http://www.afr.com/p/national/home_building_grows_stall_record_3vODpyODoKbZwqelPYQd6O

Home building grows to record in 2014

New figures show that $54.4 billion worth of residential dwellings were built across Australia during 2014, compared with $49.3 billion in 2013. Dwelling commencements in the December 2014 quarter topped $14.3 billion, an increase of 12.3 per cent.

The Australian Financial Review