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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.

New South Wales (NSW)Sydney

Design

UK-based architect Foster + Partners reveals design for Sydney's tallest building

Circular Quay Tower and the regeneration of the northern end of the CBD will confirm Sydney's status as a global city, say the architects.

Pages

News Roundup

http://www.afrsmartinvestor.com.au/p/property/sea_views_below_gfc_top_4uWOGJoPbembgJ7f489x3L

Holiday home values below GFC highs

Australia’s holiday home hotspots are in the midst of their busiest season of the year but most are still recovering from post-GFC lows.

AFR Smart Investor

http://thenewdaily.com.au/life/2015/01/29/house-flipping-block-phenomenon/

The Block influence on house flipping

Property industry figures say television shows like The Block and House Rules are encouraging people to renovate homes with a view to selling them for profit, but the outcome isn’t always satisfactory.

The New Daily

https://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/wa/a/26141158/tributes-flow-for-murdered-s-africa-family/

Engel & Volkers Australia mourn family

Martin van Breda, a South African who worked in Queensland for Engel & Volkers Australia, has been killed near Cape Town along with his wife and son. "A very sad time for the Engel & Volkers network with the loss of Martin van Breda, our thoughts are with everyone affected," the firm tweeted.

The West Australian

http://www.afr.com/p/property_industry_takes_aim_taxation_dezJ9wHzKyKlAdDlj2DYxO

Property industry takes aim at stamp duty

The property industry hopes the federal government's review of taxation will lead to the reform of a plethora of property taxes, including stamp duty. Real Estate Institute of Australia chief executive Amanda Lynch said the GST should be raised to 12 per cent to allow for removal of stamp duty.

The Australian Financial Review

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-01-28/get-ready-for-the-return-of-risky-mortgage-bonds-credit-markets

Subprime bonds are back

Seven years after the U.S. housing market triggered an economic collapse, the business of bundling riskier U.S. mortgages into bonds without government backing is gearing up for a comeback. Sydney-based bank Macquarie Group Ltd. are among firms buying up loans to borrowers who can’t qualify for conventional mortgages.

Bloomberg

http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2015/s4169920.htm

SA developers back state amid concerns

The Wetherill state government has tried to promote desperately needed development in South Australia by providing new land and planning laws to encourage growth.

ABC Radio

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/property/booming-housing-market-could-see-a-devine-comeback-for-metro/story-fnko7zi0-1227200017593

A public return for Devine

The hot residential property market could see developer David Devine make a return to public markets. His privately held Metro Property Development is on track to generate $500 million in sales this year and has about $2.5 billion worth of projects under way in Brisbane alone.

The Australian

http://www.architectureanddesign.com.au/news/there-s-a-sunny-future-ahead-for-rooftop-solar-pow

Solar soaring into the future

Solar energy is now a real alternative and considerable player in the power markets because over the past five years the world has seen a dramatic fall in the cost, particularly rooftop solar panels or solar photovoltaic power.

Architecture & Design