Lendlease Announces Partners for $2.5 Billion Luxury Development on Hyde Park
Lendlease has formed a joint venture with Mitsubishi Estate Asia (MEA) and Nippon Steel Kowa Real Estate (NSKRE) to develop a luxury residential project on Hyde Park in Sydney's CBD. The project, which will feature two towers with up to 300 apartments and 2,000 square meters of retail and commercial space, is expected to have a development end value of over $2.5 billion. The joint venture partners will take a 33% and 17% equity share in the project, respectively. Lendlease has a strong track record in Sydney's luxury residential market and has previously partnered with MEA on several projects, including One Sydney Harbour and One Circular Quay.
Source: www.propertyobserver.com.au
Fund Manager Proposes Alternative to Div 296 Tax on Superannuation
Wilson Asset Management chairman Geoff Wilson has proposed an alternative to the proposed Div 296 tax on superannuation, which would tax large super balances at a higher rate only when a gain is realized. The alternative, called the Progressive Super Surcharge and Tax Offset, would raise $2.433 billion in revenue and would only apply to realized gains. Wilson argued that taxing unrealized gains would lead to a capital exodus and lower tax revenue, as seen in Norway, Spain, and Sweden.
Source: www.smsfadviser.com
China's AI Pivot Signals Major Investment Opportunities in Robotics and Semiconductors
China's shift towards artificial intelligence (AI) is driving investment opportunities in robotics and semiconductors, according to Associate Professor Dr Marina Yue Zhang from the University of Technology Sydney. Zhang noted that advancements in AI and robotics are presenting unique investment opportunities, particularly in semiconductor manufacturing. The market for warehouse robotics is forecast to grow to $25 billion by 2028, driven by technological innovation and labor shortages.
Source: www.smsfadviser.com
Auditor Shopping Could be a Problem with Div 296 Tax
SMSF trustees may start 'shopping around' to get the best market valuation for assets with the Div 296 tax on the horizon, according to a superannuation specialist. Natasha Panagis from the Institute of Financial Professionals Australia noted that valuations can be subjective and may vary widely between assets and valuation experts. This could lead to disputes and potential issues for auditors who would be forced to investigate and determine whether trustees are reporting the right values.
Source: www.smsfadviser.com
Advisers Could be at Risk if Unitholder Deeds Aren't Fit for SMSFs
Unitholder deeds can be a powerful tool to reduce the risks of dispute, but advisers who source or provide documentation that is not fit for purpose can be at risk, according to a legal specialist. Shaun Backhaus from DBA Lawyers noted that while unit trusts are a common investment structure for SMSFs, unitholder agreements can help avoid costly disputes or remove uncertainty. Advisers need to ensure that unitholder deeds are fit for purpose to avoid potential risks.
Source: www.smsfadviser.com
Melbourne's Mecca Superstore Developer Chases More Cash
The property fund refurbishing the former David Jones site has been forced to ask for more money at a significant discount as it struggles to stay afloat. Melbourne's Mecca superstore developer is chasing more cash to finance the project.
Source: www.commercialrealestate.com.au
Published: 2025-07-29 | Brief ID: australian-commercial-property-and-smsf-investment-news-brief-2025-07-29
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