Tuesday 11 November 2025: Australian Commercial Property & SMSF Investment News Brief

📈 Today's Commercial Property & SMSF News

Couple Preserves Beach Shack, Defying Luxury Trend in $3.8M Suburb

In Mermaid Beach, where luxury mansions are replacing older homes, one couple chose to renovate a 1955 asbestos-ridden shack instead of demolishing it. Kurt and Jamee Parker bought the property for $1.015 million in 2019 and transformed the graffiti-covered ex-rental into a family home, blending its original character with modern elements. This decision bucks the trend in the affluent suburb, where the median house price is $3.825 million, an increase of 12.5% over the past year, according to PropTrack data.

Source: www.news.com.au

Credit Card Spending on Non-Essentials Hinders Australian Home Ownership Dreams

Australians' aspiration to own a home is being significantly impacted by credit card spending on non-essential items. Research indicates that Australians are spending an average of $1200 each month on lifestyle purchases, such as dining, entertainment, travel, and shopping, totaling $14,400 annually. This amount represents roughly one-third of a 5% deposit required for a median-priced Australian home, valued at $858,000 according to PropTrack. Over 40% of monthly credit card transactions are allocated to non-essential items, highlighting a trend that is hindering the ability to save for a home deposit.

Source: www.news.com.au

Beachport Holiday Cabin Owners Locked Out Over Safety Concerns

Owners of approximately 40 holiday cabins located in Beachport, South Australia, are prohibited from using their properties during the summer due to fire safety concerns. One couple who purchased a unit three years ago will be unable to spend Christmas there. The units, which are located at the Southern Ocean Tourist Park, typically sell for between $30,000 and $80,000.

Source: www.abc.net.au

📊 Yesterday's Key Developments

ATO Flags Missing Lease Agreements as SMSF Audit Risk

The ATO has identified the absence of lease agreements in SMSF audit files as a significant concern. According to ATO director Kellie Grant, a review of auditor files revealed that many lacked lease agreements, preventing the ATO from assessing compliance with the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993. In the 2024-25 income year, 17 out of 41 auditors referred to ASIC did not have lease agreements on file.

Source: www.smsfadviser.com

Refinancing LRBAs: SMSF Adviser Highlights Potential Issues

Refinancing limited recourse borrowing arrangements (LRBAs) can lead to interest savings, but SMSF trustees should be aware of potential complications, according to SMSF Alliance principal David Busoli. Legislation since July 2018 includes certain LRBAs in a member’s total super balance, impacting contribution eligibility. Busoli provides an example of an individual with a geared property where refinancing could impact their ability to make non-concessional contributions.

Source: www.smsfadviser.com

Government Pension Remains Key Income Source for Retirees: ABS

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the government pension was the most common income source for retirees in 2024-25. The data also indicates that 30% of retired women depended on their partner's income, compared to 9% of retired men. Financial security was the primary factor influencing retirement decisions. The ABS also found that superannuation is increasingly used as the main income source, rising between 2014-15 and 2024-25.

Source: www.smsfadviser.com

Australia's Most Popular Homes Showcase Modern Design

In October, visitors to realestate.com.au showed a preference for modern homes with spacious designs and eye-catching features, especially those near the beach. The most viewed properties included large mansions, such as a Gold Coast estate with a go-kart track, a rural property near Geelong, a Melbourne home, and a beachside property on the NSW Central Coast. Smaller properties, like a Gold Coast apartment with ocean views and a Geelong starter home, also attracted attention.

Source: www.realestate.com.au

Australian Home Loan Sizes Surge, Fueling Rentvesting Trend

The average home loan in Australia has increased by over $50,000 in the past year, reaching a record $661,520. This surge is driving a growing trend of first-time homebuyers considering 'rentvesting' – buying an investment property before their own home. Approximately 25% of potential first-time buyers are now contemplating this strategy, particularly in Victoria and New South Wales, hoping the investment will appreciate enough to later facilitate a purchase in their desired location. Mortgage Choice reports that the typical loan size has jumped 8.4% year-on-year, outpacing the growth in home values.

Source: www.realestate.com.au

Derelict Gippsland Unit Listed for $165,000 Attracts Interest

A severely dilapidated two-bedroom unit in Moe, Gippsland, is on the market for $165,000. The property requires extensive renovations due to rotting cabinetry, stained walls, damaged fixtures, and broken tiles. The unit is being sold on behalf of State Trustees Victoria, which manages the affairs of individuals unable to do so themselves. Despite its condition, the property has garnered interest from potential buyers.

Source: www.realestate.com.au

Renovators Preserve Beach Shack Amidst Luxury Home Trend

In Mermaid Beach, where luxury rebuilds are common, one couple chose to renovate a run-down, asbestos-ridden beach shack instead of demolishing it. Kurt and Jamee Parker restored the 1955 cottage, blending its original charm with modern elements. The median house price in Mermaid Beach is $3.825 million, reflecting a 12.5% increase over the past year. The Parkers purchased the property for $1.015 million in 2019 and transformed it into a family home near the beach.

Source: www.realestate.com.au

Prestige Property Buyers Shift Focus Inland on the Gold Coast

Luxury property buyers on the Gold Coast are increasingly turning to expansive estates in the hinterland for greater privacy and unique amenities. These properties often feature resort-style pools, wellness centers, go-kart tracks, and guest houses. A notable example is the estate owned by former AFL star Brad Moran, located a short drive from Broadbeach, showcasing the trend of high-end buyers seeking secluded, amenity-rich properties away from the beachfront.

Source: www.realestate.com.au

Critica Identifies Gallium By-Product in WA Rare Earths Resource

Critica Limited has discovered gallium oxide as a potential by-product within its Jupiter clay-hosted rare earths deposit near Mt Magnet, Western Australia. Testing indicates a leach recovery rate of approximately 63% for gallium oxide. This discovery enhances the strategic value of the Jupiter rare earths resource, which is estimated at 1.8 billion tonnes. The addition of roughly 70,000 tonnes of contained gallium oxide strengthens the project's overall appeal.

Source: www.smh.com.au

West Wits Secures Equity-for-Fees Agreement for South African Gold Mine

Absa Bank, backed by the government, has accepted over 100 million share options in West Wits Mining instead of cash payment for arranging a US$50 million senior loan facility for the Qala Shallows gold project in South Africa. Absa received 100,386,000 unlisted options to settle fees of ZAR 7.65 million (A$680,000). The options are priced at 1.85 cents each, with a five-year term. This agreement shows support for West Wits Mining's Qala Shallows project.

Source: www.smh.com.au

Nine Network Restructures, Cutting 50 Jobs

Nine Entertainment Co. is reducing its workforce by 50 positions within its broadcast and streaming division. This restructuring aims to eliminate redundancies resulting from the integration of Stan, Channel 9, and 9Now under a unified management structure. The job cuts follow a review led by Amanda Laing and are intended to promote collaboration and address challenges in the advertising market. Staff were notified of the proposed changes, with affected individuals being informed throughout the week. The reductions primarily affect the news division.

Source: www.smh.com.au

RBA Official Suggests Limited Scope for Further Rate Cuts

A senior figure at the Reserve Bank of Australia, Andrew Hauser, has indicated that further interest rate cuts are unlikely. Hauser stated it's plausible that there may not be room for rates to decrease further. He outlined specific scenarios needed for rate cuts, including higher spare capacity than current data suggests, a pessimistic outlook for demand growth, or minimal impact of capacity pressures on inflation. He emphasized the need for multiple factors to align before the RBA would consider lowering the cash rate.

Source: www.abc.net.au

Stealth Group Eyes Hardware & Building Traders Acquisition for $22 Million

Stealth Group Holdings' shares surged by 60% to $1.11 following the announcement of its intended acquisition of Hardware & Building Traders Pty Ltd (HBT). The deal is valued at $22 million.

Source: www.businessnews.com.au

$22 Million Apartment Complex Proposed for Victoria Park Café Strip

A development application has been lodged with the Western Australian Planning Commission for a $22 million apartment tower in Victoria Park. The proposed building includes 45 residential units.

Source: www.businessnews.com.au

Published: Tuesday 11 November 2025 | Fresh Articles: 33 | Sections: 17 | RunID: 2025-11-11T08:19:36+11:00