Tuesday 27 January 2026: Australian Commercial Property & SMSF Investment News Brief

📈 Today's Commercial Property & SMSF News

SMSF Association Calls for Industry Unity to Amend Div 296 Super Bill

Peter Burgess, CEO of the SMSF Association, is urging the broader superannuation sector to collaborate in advocating for amendments to the proposed Division 296 bill. He believes that such changes are essential to benefit all Australians within the superannuation system. Burgess indicated in a recent SMSF Adviser podcast that the bill is anticipated to be introduced to Parliament next month, aligning with typical legislative procedures.

Source: www.smsfadviser.com

Advisers Push for ATO Portal Access in Wake of $3 Million Super Tax Proposal

Financial advisers are renewing their long-standing request for direct access to the Australian Taxation Office's (ATO) Online services for agents portal, a need highlighted by the proposed $3 million superannuation tax. This issue was previously addressed when the Treasury sought feedback on whether the ATO should be permitted to share specific client information with registered financial advisers, enabling them to provide comprehensive tax advice.

Source: www.smsfadviser.com

Serial Investor Aims to Acquire 100 Properties in a Single Month

A Sydney-based investor, Nathan Birch, known for his extensive property portfolio of over 350 homes, has declared an ambitious goal to purchase an additional 100 properties within one month. This strategy, which he terms "bulk buying," allows him to acquire multiple assets below market value, generating quick equity. Mr. Birch's firm, B Invested, leverages this method to rapidly expand his real estate holdings, a notable feat given the current challenging mortgage environment for most investors.

Source: www.news.com.au

Waterfront Mansion Sold Following Supercars Sponsor's Bankruptcy

The opulent waterfront residence belonging to the spouse of a Supercars sponsor has been successfully sold prior to its scheduled auction. This sale indicates a move to divest assets in response to significant financial difficulties, following the sponsor's declaration of bankruptcy.

Source: www.news.com.au

Historic Sydney Residence Illustrates Dramatic Property Market Appreciation

A Sydney property with a rich historical background has been sold, revealing a remarkable increase in its value over time. This transaction serves as a vivid illustration of the substantial capital growth experienced within the Sydney real estate market, underscoring the significant rise in property prices.

Source: www.news.com.au

Australian Property Auctions Achieve Over $140 Million in Sales Despite Market Headwinds

Recent auction events across Australia have collectively generated more than $140 million in sales, setting new records for weekend turnover. This robust performance highlights continued buyer demand and market activity, even as purchasers contend with economic pressures such as displacement and rising debt levels.

Source: www.news.com.au

Analysis Shows Select Melbourne Units Cheaper to Own Than Rent, But Deposit Remains a Barrier

New research indicates that for specific unit properties in Melbourne, the monthly cost of ownership can be lower than the equivalent rental payments. However, this financial advantage largely disappears for the majority of prospective buyers once the substantial requirement for a low deposit is factored into the equation, making entry into the market challenging.

Source: www.news.com.au

Prominent Melbourne Investor Backs New Apartment Development Amidst Construction Stalls

A notable Melbourne billionaire has committed financial support to an apartment development located in the city's inner south. This project is significant as it is one of the few new constructions to commence groundbreaking in the area, at a time when numerous other building projects across Melbourne are facing widespread delays or a complete halt in activity.

Source: www.news.com.au

ASIC Considers Banning Risky Financial Product Advertising to Protect Consumers

Australia's top corporate regulator, ASIC, is exploring the possibility of prohibiting advertising for certain high-risk financial products. ASIC Chair Joe Longo drew a comparison to historical bans on cigarette advertising, highlighting the potential for consumer harm from aggressive online promotions of speculative investments. This consideration arises as numerous individuals have reportedly lost their retirement savings after engaging with high-risk offerings, sometimes influenced by high-pressure sales tactics. Both ASIC and the government are committed to closing existing regulatory loopholes within the financial services industry. Longo stressed that alongside efforts to enhance financial literacy, implementing restrictions or outright bans on specific financial product advertisements is a necessary step to better safeguard consumers.

Source: www.theage.com.au

Expert Advice for Cultivating Stronger Financial Habits in the New Year

A behavioural economist suggests that the start of a new year is an opportune moment to improve personal financial management, recommending a measured and consistent approach over ambitious, drastic changes. Dr. Meg Elkins from RMIT advises individuals to prioritize developing financial awareness and taking smaller, manageable steps to control spending. She cautions against setting overly challenging goals, as failing to meet them can lead to discouragement. Instead, focusing on gradual progress helps foster sustainable positive financial habits without overwhelming individuals, making the process of becoming financially savvy more effective.

Source: www.abc.net.au

📊 Yesterday's Key Developments

Victoria Boosts Renter Support with $98 Million Program

The Victorian government has committed $98 million over five years to enhance support for renters across the state. This significant funding will establish a new Victorian Renter Rights Program, designed to offer localised advocacy services and advice. A key initiative includes dedicated assistance for tenants aged 55 and over, alongside the creation of a statewide Renter Helpline. This investment aims to double the state's capacity to aid renters, expanding support to 25,500 individuals, and builds upon existing Consumer Affairs Victoria programs.

Source: www.realestate.com.au

Gold Coast Mansion Sells for $13M Amidst Owner's Bankruptcy Claims

A luxurious waterfront property on the Gold Coast, owned by the wife of a businessman declared bankrupt, recently sold for $13 million at auction. The sale occurred two years after the property was acquired under a company name linked to Maxine Hickmann, whose partner, Aaron Hickmann, faced bankruptcy proceedings last April. Despite his company, Vailo, sponsoring a major event, Mr. Hickmann's statement of affairs reportedly declared no personal assets, including property, vehicles, or financial holdings. This high-value transaction highlights the complex financial arrangements surrounding the couple's assets as they relocated to Queensland.

Source: www.realestate.com.au

Former Paparazzo Darryn Lyons Divests Multi-Million Dollar Australian Property Portfolio

Renowned media personality and former Geelong mayor, Darryn Lyons, known as 'Mr Paparazzi', is selling off approximately $6 million worth of his Australian property assets. This divestment includes a unique Far North Queensland beachfront residence, distinguished by gorilla sculptures, and a notable pink apartment in Sydney. Lyons is undertaking this property reshuffle as he prepares to move overseas to pursue new professional and travel opportunities, signaling a significant change in his personal and investment landscape.

Source: www.realestate.com.au

Queensland Auctions Shatter Records with $140 Million in Sales Over Weekend

Queensland's real estate market commenced the year with unprecedented strength, as two major auction events over the weekend generated more than $140 million in property sales. A single event, Ray White Bell Group's 'The Event 2026', alone accounted for $105 million from 101 Gold Coast auctions, achieving an impressive average sale price exceeding $1 million. A significant portion, $64 million worth of properties, were sold prior to the actual auction day, contributing to record-breaking figures for both pre-auction and total sales value, with an initial clearance rate of 84 percent expected to rise further.

Source: www.realestate.com.au

Brisbane Apartment Sells Sight Unseen in Record Time, Signifying Strong Buyer Confidence

An inner-city Brisbane apartment in Fortitude Valley was sold in a remarkable 30 minutes after being listed, fetching $650,000 and yielding a $205,000 profit for the sellers who had owned it for just two years. The rapid, unconditional, and sight-unseen sale underscores the intense demand and robust confidence prevalent in Brisbane's apartment market. This quick transaction highlights a trend where premium properties in desirable locations are attracting immediate interest from buyers unwilling to delay.

Source: www.realestate.com.au

Uninhabitable Glebe Rental Property Continues to Be Leased Despite Tribunal Ruling

An Australian rental provider, ShareSorted, is reportedly re-leasing properties in Sydney's Glebe area that have been declared uninhabitable by the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT). One case involved a tenant who faced significant issues like a collapsing roof, mould, and structural holes, leading him to terminate his lease early. Despite NCAT ruling in his favour regarding withheld bond money and finding the living conditions unacceptable, the provider appears to be offering the same or similar substandard accommodations. Other former tenants have also reported issues with withheld bonds and poor living conditions, raising concerns about rental standards and tenant protections in the current market.

Source: www.abc.net.au

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Published: Tuesday 27 January 2026 | Fresh Articles: 28 | Sections: 16 | RunID: 2026-01-27T08:16:07+11:00