Wednesday 28 January 2026: Australian Commercial Property & SMSF Investment News Brief

📈 Today's Commercial Property & SMSF News

SMSF Expert Raises Concerns Over New Div 296 Tax Calculation Method

Tim Miller, an expert from Smarter SMSF, has expressed reservations about the revised Division 296 tax bill. He points out that the proposed calculation, which uses the greater of an individual's total superannuation balance at the start or end of the financial year, fails to account for temporary, event-driven increases in the balance. Miller suggests that such fleeting 'spikes' could lead to an unfair tax assessment if the balance quickly returns to a lower level after the measurement date.

Source: www.smsfadviser.com

Understanding Partnership Investments for Self-Managed Super Funds

Anthony Cullen, an SMSF educator at Accurium, provides insights into the regulations surrounding self-managed super funds investing through partnerships. He clarifies that a partnership is not a distinct legal entity, meaning the partners collectively engage in investment activities or run a business. Cullen stresses the importance of distinguishing between a general law partnership, which involves active business operations, and a tax law partnership, which primarily concerns sharing income from joint asset ownership, as this difference has significant implications for SMSFs.

Source: www.smsfadviser.com

Amazon Enters Australian Fresh Food Delivery Market via Harris Farm Partnership

Amazon has initiated its first venture into fresh grocery deliveries in Australia through a collaboration with the premium retailer Harris Farm. This strategic move positions Amazon as a direct competitor to established supermarket giants like Coles and Woolworths in the core grocery sector. Starting this Wednesday, residents across 80 Sydney suburbs will gain access to Harris Farm's extensive selection of fresh produce, bakery goods, meats, and seafood, available for purchase directly via Harris Farm's dedicated page on the Amazon platform. The only exclusion from this offering is frozen items. This partnership, which took over a year to finalise, comes as Amazon's essentials category in the Asia Pacific region has reportedly experienced significant growth, exceeding 30 per cent year-on-year. This expansion marks a notable development in the Australian retail landscape, potentially influencing market dynamics and consumer shopping habits.

Source: www.smh.com.au

Sydney's Landfill Crisis Fuels Regional Incinerator Plans

Australia's largest city, Sydney, is facing a significant challenge with its landfill capacity, as key waste sites are projected to be full by 2030. To mitigate this issue, the New South Wales government is exploring the development of waste-to-energy incinerators in several regional areas. Proposed locations include Parkes, Tarago, the former Wallerawang power station site near Lithgow, and Tomago. This strategy, aimed at managing the city's overflowing waste, has generated controversy and strong opposition from some local residents in these regional communities, who are concerned about the environmental and social impacts of hosting such facilities.

Source: www.abc.net.au

Understanding Australian Interest Rates and Their Economic Impact

This news resource offers in-depth reporting on current interest rate movements and broader financial news in Australia. It compiles essential updates from the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA), expert commentary from economists, and perspectives from politicians, alongside detailed analysis on mortgages and the cost of living. The content explains that the RBA, as the nation's central bank, determines the official cash rate, which subsequently influences the lending rates set by major Australian banks such as Commonwealth Bank, ANZ, Westpac, and NAB. These interest rate adjustments are crucial as they directly affect the cost of borrowing for both home loans and business investments, reflecting the RBA's strategy in response to economic conditions.

Source: www.9news.com.au

📊 Yesterday's Key Developments

Gold Coast Apartment Outshines Luxury Homes at Mega Auction Event

A two-bedroom unit in Labrador, Gold Coast, achieved a sale price of $820,000 during a significant weekend auction, where properties worth $105 million were sold. Despite the presence of high-end waterfront residences, this more modest apartment garnered the most competitive bidding, attracting twelve registered potential buyers. This outcome highlights a strong market demand for accessible housing options, appealing to both individuals buying their first home and those looking to invest. The overall auction event saw a robust clearance rate, indicating a healthy property market.

Source: www.realestate.com.au

NSW Government's Pre-Approved Housing Designs Commence Construction in Western Sydney

The first set of residential properties designed under New South Wales' innovative "Pattern Book" scheme has begun construction in Edmondson Park, located in Sydney's western region. This government initiative aims to streamline the approval process for low and medium-density housing by providing 17 pre-vetted architectural designs. Landcom, a state-owned development entity, is leading this inaugural project, demonstrating the government's commitment to its own plan. Six of these terrace homes are slated for public sale, while one will serve as a display model to showcase the new design approach to prospective buyers and developers. This move is expected to accelerate housing supply.

Source: www.realestate.com.au

Artist David Bromley's Converted Adelaide Church Residence Listed for Sale

A distinctive former church in Alberton, Adelaide, which was transformed into a unique home and studio by celebrated artist David Bromley, has been put on the market. This historic c1880s property, acquired by Bromley in 1999, features a significant mural on an internal wall, though its authorship is debated between Bromley and subsequent owner Carol Foord. The listing is generating considerable interest from diverse buyers, including individuals seeking a unique residence and developers exploring potential opportunities for the landmark site.

Source: www.realestate.com.au

Major Bank Forecasts Inflation Surge, Raising Prospect of February Interest Rate Hike

Commonwealth Bank has diverged from other economists by forecasting a significant increase in the quarterly trimmed mean inflation figure, potentially reaching 0.9%. This prediction is critical because another major bank, ANZ, has previously indicated that such a figure would make an interest rate increase by the Reserve Bank of Australia in February "more probable." This development could have a substantial impact on Australian homeowners with variable rate mortgages, as a rate hike would lead to higher repayment costs. The financial markets are closely watching the official inflation data release from the Australian Bureau of Statistics for confirmation.

Source: www.realestate.com.au

Exclusive Double Bay Residence Hits Market with $7.8 Million Price Tag

An exceptional five-bedroom contemporary home located on Epping Road in Double Bay, a highly sought-after Sydney suburb, has been listed for sale with an asking price of $7.8 million. Marketed by Ric Serrao of Raine & Horne Double Bay/Bondi Beach, the property's appeal stems from its desirable street presence and its prime location, which offers convenient access to Double Bay's central business district, including its array of cafes, shops, restaurants, and the harbour, all within a short walking distance. The current owner, a radio presenter, chose the residence nearly two decades ago specifically for its unparalleled convenience and vibrant neighbourhood amenities.

Source: www.realestate.com.au

Tasmanian Gold Mine Operator Faces Liquidation Over Unpaid Debts

An insolvency practitioner has been formally appointed to manage the winding up of Hellyer Metals, the entity previously responsible for operating the Hellyer mine and its associated tailings reprocessing facility in western Tasmania. This development follows a period of financial difficulty for the company, which had been served with a cease-work order by the state government in November due to outstanding royalty payments. The mine, which typically employs around 80 people, has been struggling to maintain operations. The appointment of a liquidator signals a significant step in the company's financial demise, as reported by ASIC filings.

Source: www.abc.net.au

Expert Advice for Cultivating Stronger Financial Habits in the New Year

As the new year begins, many people aim to improve their financial health, and experts suggest a practical, gradual approach rather than setting overly ambitious goals. A behavioural economist highlights the importance of fostering awareness regarding spending habits as a foundational step. Instead of pursuing large, potentially overwhelming financial objectives, individuals are encouraged to adopt steady, incremental changes. This strategy helps prevent discouragement if initial grand plans are not fully met, promoting a more sustainable path to enhanced financial literacy and control.

Source: www.abc.net.au

Podcast Highlights Major Steel Mill Plans and Significant WA Property Sale

The 'At Close of Business' podcast on January 27, 2026, covered a range of Australian business and investment news. Key discussions included the Westview Group's proposed development of a substantial new steel manufacturing facility. Additionally, the podcast reported on a significant commercial real estate transaction in Western Australia, specifically the sale of a Bunnings retail site for $19.5 million. Other topics touched upon were the $13 million expansion plans for AQWA (Aquarium of Western Australia) and European Lithium's ventures into titanium.

Source: www.businessnews.com.au

Local Investor Acquires Former Bunnings Site in Morley for $19.5 Million

A significant commercial land parcel, previously housing a Bunnings outlet in Morley, has been successfully divested for $19.5 million. The property, which encompasses nearly two hectares, was purchased by a local investor. This transaction underscores continued activity in the Australian commercial real estate market, with a notable investment in a large-scale site.

Source: www.businessnews.com.au

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Published: Wednesday 28 January 2026 | Fresh Articles: 32 | Sections: 14 | RunID: 2026-01-28T08:13:21+11:00