The Real Estate Conversation

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Get to know Pauline Hurren, registered Architect for 63 years

"A letter sent to me upon my graduation from the Institute of Engineers, with weak congratulations, contained the advice that it would be prudent not to become a member of the Institute as female toilets were not available."

National

People

Wishing our readers a Merry Christmas as we review 2019

Read the stories that were important to you in the real estate industry for 2019, on The Real Estate Conversation.

International

Design

World-famous wonders of New Zealand wilderness surround Wyuna Preserve lots for sale

The internationally-renowned natural beauty of New Zealand's South Island combines with many of the conveniences of modern life at the Wyuna Preserve Gated Community, the lots of which are among the last locations on the shores of Lake Wakatipu that will ever become available for sale.

National

The Economy

Growing gap between prestige markets and rest of Australia

A preview of upcoming auctions sees the growing gap between Australia's strongest markets - Sydney and Melbourne - and the rest of the country.

New South Wales (NSW)Sydney

Featured Property

Cherished family home with rooftop terrace overlooking Kyle Bay

Owned by the same family since 1972, this elegant home is on the market for the first time. For sale by Haydon Sacilotto and Matt O’Shea of Ray White Oatley.

National

The Economy

The year of the first home buyer, but there are warnings

First home buyers will soon have the benefit of a deposit scheme to help them in the property market, but it is also a case of buyer beware.

International National

People

Second term for International Real Estate Federation Australia President

FIABCI president Greg Young has been re-elected to the role for a second term.

National

The Economy

New home sales continue on a steady path

Home sales have remained steady in the last quarter, according to the latest HIA report.

New South Wales (NSW)Sydney

Featured Property

Understated luxury in bayside village locale

“We’ve done things in this design that I believe haven’t been done elsewhere.” For sale by Patrick Cosgrove and Don Riley of Raine & Horne Double Bay.

National

The Economy

Sydney waterfront properties 'best in class' commanding 97% premium

The Knight Frank Waterfront Index found properties across Australia on the waterfront can command a 63 per cent average premium on their price.

Pages

News Roundup

http://www.afr.com/real-estate/property-lenders-hike-rates-by-60-basis-points-20161122-gsvco9

Property lenders hike rates by 60 basis points

Lenders are raising the cost of buying property by up to 60 basis points reflecting the "Trump effect", growing expectations central bankers will end the era of record low rates.

The Australian Financial Review

http://www.smh.com.au/interactive/2016/sydney2026/chapter3.html

The new airport

More than a year after being handed a deadline to leave, about 20 leaseholders on the land designated for the airport are refusing to move.

The Sydney Morning Herald

http://www.smh.com.au/business/property/john-mcgrath-shares-property-pain-20161123-gsvy36.html

John McGrath shares property 'pain'

John McGrath has vowed to stick with listed company bearing his name, telling investors he "shares the pain" of the struggling agent's performance.

The Sydney Morning Herald

http://www.domain.com.au/news/sydney-property-owners-subdividing-blocks-and-selling-vacant-sites-to-take-advantage-of-property-market-20161121-gsujx8/

Sydney property owners subdividing blocks, selling vacant sites

A tennis court and pool in Sydney’s northern beaches is on the market with a price guide of $4 million, as owners look to make the most of the hot property market.

Domain

http://www.afr.com/news/melbourne-must-limit-sprawl-to-protect-farm-land-20161123-gsvnkw

Melbourne must limit sprawl to protect farm land

Melbourne and its surrounds can continue to provide food for a population of 7-8 million only if Melburnians accept a hard urban boundary and higher population density, report says.

The Australian Financial Review

http://www.smh.com.au/interactive/2016/sydney2026/chapter5.html

Our green spaces

A “green grid” is proposed for Sydney, and will include converting golf courses into public parks, and retro-fitting cooling systems.

The Sydney Morning Herald

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/housing-developer-plans-will-just-drive-up-prices/news-story/00e7b67389634d4d3bc39195ba6d9574

Housing developer plans ‘will just drive up prices’

Plans to demand developers hand over up to 10% of new units for affordable housing will make housing more expensive.

The Australian

http://www.afr.com/business/banking-and-finance/financial-services/credit-rating-agency-questions-the-rise-of-lending-algorithms-20161122-gsuwjy

Credit rating agency questions the rise of lending algorithms

Rating agency experts doubt the ability of computers to fully assess credit risk.