📈 Today's Commercial Property & SMSF News
First Home Buyer Mortgage Applications Surge, Driven by Affordability Challenges
Mortgage applications experienced a significant increase of 10.3% in the last quarter, marking the strongest growth since 2021. First-home buyers are showing the greatest interest, with the largest increase in this cohort since early 2022, according to the Equifax Quarterly Consumer Credit Insights report. Despite this surge, the total number of mortgage accounts has declined year-on-year for the second consecutive quarter, highlighting affordability concerns. The report identifies specific areas with high first-home buyer demand, including Parramatta in NSW. The median home price there is $704,000.
Source: www.news.com.au
Waterfront Mansion in Point Piper Listed for $75 Million After Record $80 Million Purchase
Akuna, a waterfront mansion in Point Piper, has been listed for sale with a price tag of $75 million. This listing comes after the property investor, Hoang Trang Do, recently acquired Elizabeth Bay's Boomerang for $80 million. The sale of Akuna is being handled off-market by Paul Biller and Ben Torban of Biller Property, who also facilitated the Boomerang transaction. The agents are showing potential buyers through the Wolseley Rd property.
Source: www.news.com.au
Renovated Belmont Home Sets Street Record with $362k Price Jump in Two Years
A fully renovated four-bedroom house in Belmont has become the first in its street to sell for over $1 million, fetching $1.05 million. The property, located at 72 Apex Ave, was purchased by a family from Bacchus Marsh, attracted by the area's schooling system and opportunities. The house's modern decor, quality renovation, and proximity to schools were key selling points, according to Ray White Highton listing agent Adam Natonewski. The home's value increased by $362,000 in just two years.
Source: www.news.com.au
Limited Spots Available for Federal Co-Purchasing Scheme Despite High Eligibility
Research from the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute indicates that nearly half a million Australian households could be eligible for the federal government's expanded shared equity housing scheme. However, with only 10,000 places offered annually under the Help to Buy scheme, competition for participation is expected to be intense. The scheme aims to assist lower-income households in purchasing a home with a minimum 2% deposit, with the government becoming a co-owner.
Source: www.abc.net.au
Construction Workforce Needs to Double by 2027 to Meet Project Demands
Infrastructure Australia reports a significant construction workforce shortage projected to reach 300,000 by mid-2027. This deficit is driven by a surge in energy and housing projects, valued at $242 billion over the next five years. The current workforce of just over 200,000 needs to more than double to meet the demands of the expanding project pipeline.
Source: www.abc.net.au
📊 Yesterday's Key Developments
Treasurer Sticks to Realised Earnings for Super Tax Bill
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has affirmed his commitment to using realised earnings for tax calculations in the revised Better Targeted Superannuation Concessions legislation, despite concerns raised by the SMSF Association. The updated bill, which now includes indexation of the threshold and a second threshold at $10 million, will be delayed until July 2026.
Source: www.smsfadviser.com
SMSF Auditor Numbers Continue Downward Trend
ASIC's Report 825 reveals a continuing decline in the number of registered SMSF auditors. In the past year, only 37 new SMSF auditors gained registration approval from ASIC, out of 52 applications received. The report also highlights the regulator's new licensing application systems.
Source: www.smsfadviser.com
New Retirement Solution Aims to Boost Financial Confidence
HUB24 and TAL are collaborating on a new “lifetime” retirement solution designed to address Australians' concerns about outliving their retirement savings. The solution aims to provide advisers with tools to enhance clients' financial security and confidence throughout their retirement years, expanding the range of retirement offerings available on the platform.
Source: www.smsfadviser.com
Australian Suburbs See House Prices Triple National Growth Rate
While Australia's median house price grew by 7.6% annually, 49 suburbs across capital cities experienced growth rates exceeding 22%. This rapid acceleration is attributed to factors such as interest rate cuts and increased government assistance for first-home buyers, creating a competitive market.
Source: www.realestate.com.au
Perth's 'Witch's House' Becomes Most Viewed Australian Home
A unique, owner-built home in Bullsbrook, Perth, dubbed the 'Witch's House', has become the most viewed residential listing on realestate.com.au. Inspired by the Witch's House in Beverly Hills, the off-grid, six-bedroom property features whimsical design elements such as a dungeon, spy holes, and fairy doors.
Source: www.realestate.com.au
NSW Planning Reforms Aim to Accelerate Housing Development Approvals
New South Wales has enacted significant changes to its planning laws with the primary goal of expediting housing delivery. The Planning System Reforms Bill 2025, an overhaul of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, has passed both houses of parliament. The government aims to modernize the planning system to facilitate faster approvals for new homes across the state, which they say has become a barrier that delays construction.
Source: www.realestate.com.au
Boomerang Buyers List Point Piper Mansion for $75 Million
The new owners of Elizabeth Bay’s Boomerang, who recently acquired the property for $80 million, have quietly put their former waterfront mansion, Akuna in Point Piper, on the market with an asking price between $70 and $75 million. Property investor Hoang Trang Do took possession of Boomerang last week, and the same agents who handled that transaction are reportedly representing her in the off-market sale of Akuna.
Source: www.realestate.com.au
Melbourne's Affordable Suburbs Experience Price Increases After First Home Guarantee Expansion
Following the expansion of the First Home Guarantee scheme, the most affordable property markets in Melbourne's western suburbs have seen house prices increase. PropTrack data indicates that suburbs like Melton, Melton South, Kurrunjang, Dallas and Brookfield have experienced price hikes between October and November. Melton South saw the largest surge, with prices increasing by almost $15,000.
Source: www.realestate.com.au
Toombul Shopping Centre Site Sold for Mixed-Use Redevelopment
Mirvac has sold the Toombul Shopping Centre site in Brisbane, which was severely damaged in the 2022 floods, to the Irvine Property Group. The new owners plan to develop a mixed-use precinct that will include a new shopping centre. The original centre housed 140 specialty stores.
Source: www.abc.net.au
West Perth Set for $32 Million Apartment Development
A proposed 17-story building valued at $32 million may soon be constructed in West Perth. The development plans include 41 residential apartments and several commercial spaces. Further details are accessible via subscription or login.
Source: www.businessnews.com.au
Published: Thursday 13 November 2025 | Fresh Articles: 25 | Sections: 15 | RunID: 2025-11-13T08:11:46+11:00
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