Thursday 12 February 2026: Australian Commercial Property & SMSF Investment News Brief

📈 Today's Commercial Property & SMSF News

SMSF Sector's Key Concerns Over New Super Earnings Tax Bill Remain Unaddressed

The SMSF Association, led by CEO Peter Burgess, has voiced disappointment that the government has largely overlooked critical industry feedback regarding the proposed Division 296 superannuation earnings legislation. Despite the introduction of the 'Building a Stronger and Fairer Super System' bill into Parliament, the association's primary concerns persist. These include the method for calculating a member's Total Superannuation Balance (TSB) based on the higher of their opening or closing balance for the year, and the absence of a simplified transitional approach for Capital Gains Tax (CGT). While some technical adjustments were noted, such as minor changes to net exempt current pension income (ECPI) calculations and the exclusion of pre-2017 deferred capital gains from Div 296 earnings, the core issues raised by the sector have not been incorporated into the draft legislation.

Source: www.smsfadviser.com

ASIC Enhances Director Privacy by Removing Residential Addresses from Public Records

ASIC has officially confirmed its decision to no longer make the residential addresses of company officeholders publicly available on company extracts purchased through its website. Matthew Burgess, director of View Legal, highlighted this significant change. The regulatory body explained that this measure was implemented in response to increasing concerns about privacy and personal safety. The aim is to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive personal information, enhance the security of individuals in corporate roles, and reduce the potential risks of identity theft and cybercrime.

Source: www.smsfadviser.com

Dubbo Becomes Top NSW First-Home Buyer Hotspot as Affordability Drives Exodus from Sydney

New data from InfoTrack indicates that Dubbo, located in central-west New South Wales, emerged as the leading destination for first-time property purchasers in the final quarter of 2025. This trend highlights a growing movement of young families relocating from Sydney in search of more affordable housing options. Despite Western Sydney suburbs making up the majority of the top ten areas by sales volume, Dubbo's prominence underscores how far buyers are willing to venture for better value. The city's median house price of approximately $630,000 stands in stark contrast to Sydney's $1.617 million, positioning Dubbo as a crucial alternative for those struggling with metropolitan housing costs.

Source: www.news.com.au

Retiree Warns Buyers of 'Sunrise Clauses' After $1.2M Off-the-Plan Price Hike

A retired individual has shared a critical caution regarding 'sunrise clauses' in off-the-plan property contracts, following a personal experience where their apartment agreement was cancelled and subsequently re-offered at a staggering $1.2 million higher price. This incident highlights the significant financial risks and potential pitfalls that buyers face when developers invoke such clauses, often allowing for contract termination under certain conditions, which can then lead to substantial price increases on the same property. Prospective buyers are advised to thoroughly understand these contractual terms to avoid unexpected financial detriment.

Source: www.news.com.au

Real Estate Expert Cautions Labor's Proposed Tax Reforms Could Harm Tenants

A prominent figure in the Australian real estate sector has voiced concerns that the Labor Party's suggested tax policy adjustments might inadvertently have negative consequences for renters. The warning suggests that while the reforms may target specific outcomes, their practical implementation could lead to unintended adverse effects on tenants, potentially impacting rental costs or availability. This perspective calls for careful consideration of how proposed legislative changes in taxation could ripple through the rental market, affecting those it may not directly intend to target.

Source: www.news.com.au

Major Coles-Anchored Retail Precinct Begins Construction in Growing Suburb

Development has commenced on a significant retail complex featuring a Coles supermarket as its anchor tenant, designed to cater to the needs of a rapidly expanding suburban community. This commercial property project signifies new investment in local infrastructure and services, aiming to provide essential retail offerings and contribute to the economic vitality of the booming area. The groundbreaking marks a crucial step in delivering expanded shopping facilities for residents.

Source: www.news.com.au

Off-the-Plan Buyer Faces $1.2M Price Hike After Contract Termination Due to Sunset Clause

An Australian retiree encountered a significant financial setback when his off-the-plan apartment contract for a Brisbane development was unilaterally terminated by the developer. The original agreement for a $2.6 million three-bedroom unit was cancelled shortly before Christmas under a 'sunset clause' (also known as a 'latest date' clause), which permits developers to withdraw from a sale if construction does not commence by a specified deadline. Following the termination, the developer re-offered the same apartment for $3.8 million, an increase of $1.2 million. This incident serves as a crucial warning to potential off-the-plan property purchasers to meticulously review all contract terms, especially clauses related to construction commencement and termination rights, given the current market conditions.

Source: www.news.com.au

📊 Yesterday's Key Developments

Adelaide's Gilberton Embraces Luxury Living with New Residential Development

The Buckingham, a new residential project by Citify in Adelaide's inner-north suburb of Gilberton, is creating luxurious homes that respect the area's historical character. This development is contributing to Gilberton's growing appeal as a prime residential spot for those desiring an accessible, pedestrian-friendly lifestyle. According to Joel Wilkinson, Citify's Managing Director, Gilberton's allure is enhanced by its mature, green environment, its low-density housing, and its close distance to the Adelaide central business district. He observes a trend among purchasers seeking a blend of peacefulness, high standards, and historical depth, alongside urban convenience. Downsizers are especially attracted to the location, benefiting from the prestige associated with neighbouring Walkerville and North Adelaide.

Source: www.realestate.com.au

Australian Biotech Giant CSL Faces $4 Billion Valuation Drop Amidst Challenges

Australian biotechnology company CSL has experienced a significant downturn in its market valuation, plummeting by billions since 2023. The company's financial struggles were exacerbated by a challenging US flu season and a decline in vaccine demand, which some reports link to growing skepticism, including comments from figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Further contributing to investor concern, CSL announced a change in its chief executive, released half-year financial results that fell short of market expectations, and disclosed substantial asset writedowns. These combined factors led to a sharp drop in CSL's share price to an eight-year low, highlighting a turbulent period for one of Australia's largest corporations.

Source: www.theage.com.au

RBA Deputy Governor Defends Central Bank's Independence on Fiscal Policy Critique

Reserve Bank of Australia Deputy Governor Andrew Hauser has publicly addressed recent criticisms regarding the RBA's reluctance to comment on the Albanese government's spending policies. Speaking in Sydney, Mr. Hauser articulated that it is inappropriate for unelected central bank officials to critique the fiscal decisions made by an elected government. He emphasized the RBA's commitment to its monetary policy mandate, stating that the central bank assesses all sources of economic demand equally, whether public or private, when determining interest rate adjustments. This clarifies the RBA's position on maintaining its independence and focus on price stability without interfering in government fiscal responsibilities.

Source: www.abc.net.au

CBA CEO Defends Interest Rate Adjustments Amidst Profit Growth

Commonwealth Bank's chief executive, Matt Comyn, addressed public concerns regarding the bank's interest rate policies, particularly the discrepancy between increases for home loans and savings accounts. While acknowledging that one specific savings product saw a smaller interest rate hike of 15 basis points compared to the full 25 basis points for borrowers, Comyn stated that the bank had generally lifted rates across many of its savings offerings. This discussion comes as the bank reported increased profits and share performance.

Source: www.abc.net.au

Australian Dollar Reaches Four-Decade High Against Japanese Yen, Boosting Tourism

The Australian dollar has strengthened significantly against the Japanese yen, reaching its highest level since 1986, trading at 110.79 yen. This surge makes travel to Japan considerably more affordable for Australians, contributing to a record increase in tourist numbers, which surpassed one million in the previous year. Financial analysts attribute this currency movement partly to the Australian dollar's overall strong performance, including against the US dollar, making Japan one of the most cost-effective developed nations for Australian holidaymakers.

Source: www.abc.net.au

Commonwealth Bank Reports Strong Half-Year Profits and Increased Dividends

Australia's largest bank, Commonwealth Bank (CBA), saw its shares climb following the announcement of robust financial results for the first half of the financial year. The bank reported a 5 percent increase in net profit, reaching $5.367 billion, driven by growth in lending and deposit volumes. Shareholders are set to receive an interim dividend of $2.35 per share, fully franked, marking a 4 percent rise from the previous year. CBA's preferred measure, cash profit, also increased by 6 percent to $5.45 billion, with CEO Matt Comyn expressing optimism about the economic outlook.

Source: www.abc.net.au

Understanding 'Capacity Constraints': The Economic Factor Driving Mortgage Pain

The term 'capacity constraints' is central to recent economic discussions by key policymakers, including the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA), and is identified as a primary reason for the challenges faced by mortgage holders. This concept refers to the economy's inability to meet demand without generating inflationary pressures. The RBA's decision to raise interest rates, including a recent 0.25 percent increase, is directly linked to these capacity pressures, which contributed to a significant rise in inflation in the latter half of the previous year, consequently impacting mortgage repayments.

Source: www.abc.net.au

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Published: Thursday 12 February 2026 | Fresh Articles: 37 | Sections: 14 | RunID: 2026-02-12T08:24:08+11:00