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NSW government steps in to buy Fernhill, historic Blue Mountains estate

After a public outcry over plans to convert the historic Mulgoa estate into a cemetery, the New South Wales government has stepped in and bought Fernhill for $27.5 million.

Tasmania (Tas.)Hobart

People

Get to know Jim Playsted of Knight Frank Hobart

Jim Playsted of Knight Frank Hobart is a residential salesperson finalist in the REIA 2018 National Awards for Excellence, which are being held at Doltone House at Sydney's Jones Bay Wharf on 22 March.

Western Australia (WA)Perth

Featured Property

East Fremantle heritage residence with low maintenance lifestyle

This single level home with multiple versatile living areas is positioned on one of the finest streets in the area, close to many draw cards. For sale by Toby Astill of Space Real Estate Cottesloe.

New South Wales (NSW)Sydney

The Economy

Three-level penthouse atop Sydney's ANZ Tower hits the market for $66m

Could this lavish apartment, titled 'The Boyd Residence' after its current developer owner, become Australia's most expensive apartment?

The Economy

Clearance rates soften in Sydney, Melbourne

Clearance rates softened last week, with volumes the highest so far this year.

National

Politics

New report looks at how aging asbestos can be made less dangerous

A new report from the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency looks at ways to contain and stabilise asbestos when it is not immediately possible to remove it.

Victoria (Vic.)

Featured Property

Cliff-top showstopper

In the sought-after enclave of Big Hill, this elegant residence commands uninterrupted views of the shoreline and is on offer for the first time via Ian Stewart and Karen Stribling of Gorre - Lorne.

National

The Economy

Banks scrutinised for mortgage lending practices

The banking royal commission and the ACCC are shining a light onto the banks' "opaque" and conflicted home lending practices.

New South Wales (NSW)Sydney

People

Get to know Peter Chauncy of McGrath Crows Nest

Peter Chauncy is a finalist in the upcoming REIA 2018 Awards for Excellence.

International

The Economy

Sydney the tenth most expensive city in the world: The Economist

The Economist's annual cost-of-living survey puts Sydney in tenth place, ranking it as more expensive than London and New York.

Pages

News Roundup

http://www.afr.com/news/world/canada-pm-pledges-limits-on-foreign-home-buyers-20150813-giy56k

Canada PM pledges limits on foreign home buyers

The Canadian government has flagged a crackdown on foreigners buying homes to address rising concerns about housing affordability, citing Australia's recent efforts to limit purchases by overseas buyers.

The Australian Financial Review

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/property/property-sentiment-still-rising/story-fnko7zi0-1227480027513

Property sentiment still rising

Sentiment in the commercial property industry has continued to strengthen, according to National Australia Bank, with improvements in the outlook of retail sector.

The Australian

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-08-12/south-australia-foreign-investment/6692048

Real estate industry optimistic it can lure foreign investors to South Australian farming regions

South Australian reality experts are forecasting increasing foreign investor interest in the state's farm land.

ABC Online

http://www.watoday.com.au/wa-news/wa-property-decline-in-residential-construction-looms-20150812-gixsbx.html

WA property: decline in residential construction looms

Western Australia's residential construction is forecast to decline from recent all-time highs, according to a Housing Industry Association report.

WA Today

http://www.architectureanddesign.com.au/news/sydney-living-museums-presents-talks-series-on-arc

Leading Australian architects gather for Sydney Living Museum Talks Series

The Talks Series is being presented in conjunction with the upcoming exhibition, Superhouse: Architecture & Interiors Beyond the Everyday, opening on 29 August at the Museum of Sydney. The series will explore the stories and themes behind Superhouse, revealing how some of Australia’s most influential architects think about place, materials, size, heritage and much more when designing living spaces.

Architecture and Design

http://www.afr.com/personal-finance/superannuation-and-smsfs/senator-john-williams-pushs-asic-crackdown-on-smsf-property-spruikers-20150812-gixe44

Senator John Williams pushes ASIC crackdown on SMSF property spruikers

Real estate agents who encourage people to set up a self-managed super fund so they can borrow to buy investment properties are expected to face increased scrutiny for breaking the law.

The Australian Financial Review

http://www.businessspectator.com.au/article/2015/8/12/china/chinas-devaluation-big-deal-australia

China's devaluation is a big deal for Australia

China devalues the yuan by 1.9 per cent, Australia devalues by the same: as a result the AUD/CNY exchange rate this morning was the same as it was yesterday morning. And after China devalued by another 1.6 per cent earlier today, the Australian dollar followed the yuan lower.

Business Spectator

http://architectureau.com/articles/brisbane-casino-will-diminish-government-precinct/?utm_source=ArchitectureAU&utm_campaign=228f5e11d0-AAU_2015_08_11&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_e3604e2a4a-228f5e11d0-40540417&mc_cid=228f5e11d0&mc_eid=d865be39ad

Brisbane casino will diminish government precinct

The Australian Institute of Architects supports and welcomes the opportunity for investment in the city and in Queensland provided by a project of the scale of the integrated entertainment and leisure precinct proposal – but strongly recommends that the investment could be harnessed to greater effect and with fewer impediments on a more strategic and less vulnerable location than that anchored by Queen’s Wharf.

ArchitectureAU