📈 Today's Commercial Property & SMSF News
SMSF Association Advocates for Exemption on Actuarial Certificates for Single-Member Funds
The SMSF Association has formally communicated its concerns to the Treasury regarding the proposed Better Targetted Superannuation Concessions bill. While acknowledging the general requirement for small super funds to acquire an actuarial certificate for specific calculations and attribution shares under the new Division 296 legislation, the Association specifically argues that this obligation should not extend to single-member self-managed super funds. Their reasoning is that a single-member fund inherently lacks the potential for selective asset attribution among multiple members, thereby negating the primary risk the actuarial certificate is intended to mitigate.
Source: www.smsfadviser.com
AFCA Awards $100,000 to SMSF in Financial Advice Complaint Case
The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has issued a significant ruling in a case involving MWL Financial Services, resulting in a $100,000 award to an SMSF. This decision highlights the consequences for financial advisers who improperly encourage clients to review their superannuation, particularly in situations where clients were compensated for their investments in the Shield Master Fund. AFCA's lead ombudsman for investments and advice, Shail Singh, elaborated on the case, noting that the clients were pressured into reviewing their super, leading to the complaint.
Source: www.smsfadviser.com
Outback Town Leads Australia in Rental Yields, Mining Regions Dominate Top Performers
Coober Pedy, South Australia, has emerged as the top-performing location for property rental yields across Australia, according to the latest REA Market Trends report. This unique outback town, where many residents live underground, recorded an impressive 17.9% indicative gross rental yield for houses, significantly surpassing returns seen in major cities. The analysis of the top 25 highest-yielding suburbs revealed a strong presence of regional areas, particularly those associated with the mining sector, spanning the Northern Territory, Queensland, and Western Australia. Additionally, strong unit rental yields were observed in various tourism, mining, and defence hubs, highlighting diverse investment opportunities outside traditional metropolitan markets.
Source: www.news.com.au
Fire-Damaged Whittington Property Sells for Redevelopment Potential
A residential property in Whittington, Victoria, previously rendered uninhabitable by a fire in February 2023, has successfully been sold after three years on the market. The three-bedroom brick veneer house at 157 Solar Drive suffered extensive damage, particularly to its roof and interior, necessitating a complete rebuild. The new owners are anticipated to demolish the existing fire-ravaged structure before developing the 626sqm site. This sale highlights the ongoing demand for land in the area, even for properties requiring significant renovation or demolition, reflecting a focus on redevelopment opportunities.
Source: www.news.com.au
Geelong Fire-Damaged Property Sells for Redevelopment
A residential property in Whittington, Geelong, which had been severely damaged by fire in 2023 and rendered uninhabitable, has recently been acquired by new owners. The three-bedroom brick veneer dwelling at 157 Solar Drive requires complete demolition due to the extensive damage. The 626 square metre site, marketed by Hayeswinckle, East Geelong agent Jayden Overall with a price guide between $280,000 and $300,000, is now slated for a comprehensive redevelopment project, indicating investor confidence in rebuilding on the site.
Source: www.news.com.au
Tasmanian Home Buyer Faces Hurdles with Shared Equity Scheme
A 32-year-old Tasmanian woman, Erin Bell, encountered significant difficulties and emotional distress while attempting to purchase her first home through the state government's MyHome shared equity scheme. The initiative allows the government to contribute a percentage of the property's cost, which must be repaid at market value over 30 years. Ms. Bell's application process was complicated when her lender, Bank of us, insisted she include her relatively new boyfriend on the application, despite her preference to apply independently. This requirement led to repeated challenges and highlighted complexities within the home ownership assistance program.
Source: www.abc.net.au
📊 Yesterday's Key Developments
Rural Estate Featuring Private Skate Park Listed in Tweed Shire
A vast 23.7-acre rural property in Cudgera Creek, within the Tweed Shire, has been put on the market, offering a distinctive feature: a professional-grade skate park. The estate, described by its listing agent as an ideal spot for active lifestyles, combines a spacious residence with elevated rainforest surroundings. The unique skate park was reportedly installed by a previous owner for their child. The property is currently being sold through an Expressions of Interest campaign by Jamie Wilmen and Jesse Wilmen of Raine & Horne Pottsville Beach and Cabarita Beach.
Source: www.realestate.com.au
Adelaide's Salisbury North Nears Million-Dollar Median Price Amid Rising Demand
Salisbury North, an unexpected northern suburb of Adelaide, is reportedly on track to join the city's exclusive club of million-dollar suburbs in the coming years. According to local real estate expert Jake Flavel from Ray White Salisbury, a significant increase in buyer interest is steadily driving up property values in the area. This surge in demand has shifted focus from previously popular suburbs like Paralowie. The appeal of Salisbury North is attributed to its convenient proximity to the city and major expressways, offering prospective buyers more affordable housing options without venturing too far north.
Source: www.realestate.com.au
BHP Accepts Lower Iron Ore Prices Following Protracted China Negotiations
Australia's prominent mining company, BHP, is reportedly accepting reduced prices for its iron ore exports, a key commodity for the nation. This development follows extended discussions with China's state-owned iron ore purchasing entity, China Mineral Resources Group. While unconfirmed reports indicated China might have imposed restrictions on some BHP shipments to gain an advantage, the mining giant has acknowledged that these negotiations, ongoing since late last year, have influenced the pricing of iron ore supplied from its Pilbara operations for the 2026 contract period.
Source: www.smh.com.au
BHP Accepts Lower Iron Ore Prices Following Protracted China Negotiations
Australian mining giant BHP has agreed to reduce the prices for its iron ore exports, a move stemming from ongoing and challenging negotiations with its primary Chinese buyers. Discussions with China Mineral Resources Group, a state-owned entity, have been underway since September of the previous year. While BHP has not confirmed reports of China imposing import restrictions to gain leverage, the company acknowledged that these negotiations have influenced the pricing of iron ore shipped from its Pilbara operations in Western Australia, specifically impacting 2026 supply contracts. This development highlights the significant pressure Australian commodity exporters face in major international markets.
Source: www.theage.com.au
South Perth Office Building Acquired for $5.8 Million by Luxury Home Builder
A commercial office building located in South Perth has recently been sold for $5.8 million. The buyer is a luxury home construction company based in Osborne Park. This firm intends to utilize approximately half of the acquired premises for its own operations, indicating plans for internal occupation and subsequent refurbishment or enhancement of the space. This transaction highlights ongoing activity in the Perth commercial property market, particularly for owner-occupier opportunities.
Source: www.businessnews.com.au
Australian Share Market Declines Amid Trade Tensions and Mining Sector Weakness
The Australian stock market experienced a decline for the second consecutive trading day. This downturn was primarily attributed to persistent global trade disputes, which negatively impacted investor confidence. Additionally, the performance of one of Australia's largest mining companies contributed significantly to the overall market slide. Major banking institutions also saw their share values decrease, further exacerbating the market's downward trend.
Source: www.businessnews.com.au
Published: Wednesday 21 January 2026 | Fresh Articles: 36 | Sections: 12 | RunID: 2026-01-21T08:15:58+11:00
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