Tuesday 24 February 2026: Australian Commercial Property & SMSF Investment News Brief

📈 Today's Commercial Property & SMSF News

Navigating Wealth Management: SMSF vs. Trusts Amidst New Tax Rules

Katie Timms, a partner at RSM, highlights that deciding between an SMSF and a trust for wealth management has become a complex strategic decision. This choice is influenced by factors such as an individual's total wealth, their intended beneficiaries, and their broader estate planning goals. Both structures offer distinct benefits and drawbacks. The introduction of the proposed Division 296 tax further complicates this landscape, requiring individuals to carefully consider whether to keep their assets within the superannuation system or explore alternative structures like trusts or companies for optimal financial and estate planning outcomes.

Source: www.smsfadviser.com

AFCA Addresses Emerging Challenges of Coercive Control in SMSFs

Alexandra Sidoti, a senior ombudsman at the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA), notes that instances of coercive control within Self-Managed Superannuation Funds (SMSFs) present unique challenges for investigation. She explained that identifying the specific behaviors constituting coercive control can be difficult, and its presence is often subtle or not immediately evident. Consequently, while such issues may form a background element in disputes brought to AFCA, they are not always the central point of a formal complaint, making them a complex area for resolution.

Source: www.smsfadviser.com

Geelong Council Leases Heritage Office Spaces to Boost Property Portfolio Value

The Geelong City Council is actively seeking to enhance the financial return from its property holdings by offering office spaces within two of its significant heritage buildings for lease. This initiative involves making available commercial premises in both the Geelong West Town Hall, located on Pakington Street, and another landmark property situated in the central business district. The council has engaged Jellis Craig Geelong Commercial and Projects to manage the leasing process, aiming to attract a diverse range of businesses, such as legal firms, accounting practices, or trade-related enterprises. While the council is making office suites available, it confirms that it will retain ownership and control of the heritage-listed structures, specifically the main hall and supper room at the Geelong West Town Hall, which will continue to be available for event hire. This strategic move is designed to generate additional revenue from publicly-owned assets without divesting ownership.

Source: www.news.com.au

St Kilda Luxury Apartment with Unique Warne Tribute Hits Market for $12.5 Million

A high-end residential unit located within the prestigious Saint Moritz development in St Kilda, Melbourne, is currently listed for sale with an asking price of $12.5 million. This opulent property distinguishes itself with a dedicated entertainment space designed as a homage to cricket icon Shane Warne. Further enhancing its appeal, the residence includes an expansive garage capable of accommodating eight vehicles, alongside extravagant interior finishes such as a custom-built staircase and Italian marble, each valued at half a million dollars. The Saint Moritz complex, developed by Tim Gurner, was completed in 2022 on the site of a former hotel and ice-skating rink.

Source: www.news.com.au

Barbeques Galore Faces Financial Challenges Amidst Stagnant Sales

The iconic Australian retailer, Barbeques Galore, established in Sydney in 1976 and later listed on the Australian Securities Exchange, is currently grappling with significant financial difficulties. Despite a general expansion in the Australian barbecue market, the company has reported cumulative losses exceeding $30 million over the past three fiscal periods. Sales figures for its core products, including barbecues and heating solutions, have remained flat, hovering around $170 million, indicating a struggle to capitalize on the growing consumer interest in outdoor living.

Source: www.smh.com.au

Australian Exporters Grapple with Heightened US Tariff Uncertainty

The Australian business community, particularly exporters, is expressing considerable apprehension regarding the volatile trade policy landscape in the United States. Following a recent decision by the US Supreme Court to overturn several existing tariffs, there has been an announcement by former President Trump of a new, broad 15% levy on most imported goods, though certain categories like critical minerals, metals, and pharmaceuticals are expected to be exempt. This rapidly shifting environment is presenting significant challenges for Australian companies attempting to plan and operate effectively in international markets.

Source: www.abc.net.au

📊 Yesterday's Key Developments

Bendigo Region Sees New Residential Price Benchmark in Strathfieldsaye

Melbourne-based business owners have set a new residential property record for the Bendigo suburb of Strathfieldsaye, purchasing an estate for $2.97 million. This sale significantly exceeded the previous suburb high by $270,000 and stands at almost four times the current median house price of $765,000 for Strathfieldsaye, which has seen a 7.4 per cent increase over the past year. This transaction marks the third instance of a record-breaking property sale in the broader Bendigo area within the last twelve months, indicating a robust and growing luxury segment of the local real estate market. A local director from First National Bendigo attributed the strong sales performance to tightening property supply across the city.

Source: www.realestate.com.au

Dilapidated Uraidla Property Sells for $662K, Set for Major Renovation

An extensively overgrown residence in Uraidla, South Australia, colloquially known as the 'Jumanji house', has found new owners at auction for $662,000. Local residents, living only minutes away, acquired the 1369sqm property with intentions for a comprehensive restoration project. Despite the property's neglected condition and the challenging circumstances of a heatwave during open inspections, it garnered substantial public interest, attracting over 112 groups throughout its marketing campaign. The selling agent from Harcourts Adelaide Hills noted the considerable curiosity surrounding the unique prospect of transforming the dilapidated property.

Source: www.realestate.com.au

Hobart's Rental Affordability Shrinks to Just Six Suburbs Below $500 Weekly

A recent analysis highlights the severe shortage of affordable rental housing in Hobart, with data indicating that only six suburbs now offer houses for rent below $500 per week. These areas include Gagebrook and Herdsmans Cove, where median rents are around $450, along with Primrose Sands at $455, Bridgewater at $470, New Norfolk at $490, and Risdon Vale at $495. The report also underscores the extremely limited availability of properties in these affordable pockets, making it increasingly difficult for renters to secure housing within this budget. Even in suburbs like New Norfolk, some listings significantly exceed the $500 threshold, reflecting the broader market pressure.

Source: www.realestate.com.au

Brisbane Unit Market Recovers Strongly, Signalling End of Oversupply Era

Brisbane's apartment market has made a remarkable turnaround, moving from a period of oversupply to a robust boom, as evidenced by a Fortitude Valley unit that recently saw its value double within three years. This one-bedroom property, initially purchased for $301,000 in December 2022, sold for $600,000 this month. Industry experts attribute this strong performance to a structural market adjustment, rather than speculative activity, driven by a tightening of supply, historically low vacancy rates, and a positive shift in buyer and investor sentiment. This resurgence marks the conclusion of a challenging phase for Brisbane's inner-city apartment sector, which previously experienced an influx of new developments between 2014 and 2018.

Source: www.realestate.com.au

Historic Hyde Park Retail Site Sells for $4 Million at Auction

A significant commercial property situated on King William Road in Hyde Park, previously housing the renowned fashion boutique Wild Child Stylelab, has been acquired for $4 million at a recent auction. The building, which comprises three interconnected shopfronts, attracted considerable interest, with eleven registered bidders vying for the asset. This sale marks the first time the property has been on the market in over four decades, presenting a rare opportunity. The successful purchasers are a family with existing restaurant businesses, indicating plans to transform the site into a new dining establishment, further enhancing the vibrant commercial strip.

Source: www.realestate.com.au

Brisbane owner quoted $70,000 a year as home insurance premiums surge

Australian homeowners are experiencing a significant escalation in property insurance costs. One retired couple, living in Dargen near the Blue Mountains, saw their annual home insurance premium almost double from $2,603 in 2019 to $5,071, even after applying a 30 per cent multi-policy discount. This sharp increase follows the catastrophic Black Summer bushfires, which severely impacted their region. The couple reported that some insurers are now unwilling to cover their property, highlighting a growing challenge for residents in areas prone to natural disasters. This trend reflects broader market adjustments to increased risks and claims across the country.

Source: www.abc.net.au

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Published: Tuesday 24 February 2026 | Fresh Articles: 34 | Sections: 12 | RunID: 2026-02-24T08:28:58+11:00