Record high-rise apartment building in Sydney has yet to apply downward pressure on rents, with apartment rents jumping sharply in the June quarter. This is good news for property investors but it’s no relief for renters. The median weekly rent for an apartment is now $520 per week which is just $5 cheaper than houses, according to Domain […]

“I’ve never seen it like this in 20 years of business… It’s so bad.” Peter Kelaher from PK Property Group It’s tougher to buy a house in Sydney now than a year ago. New data shows there’s a third fewer properties for sale in some areas. Buyers house hunting in the northern beaches have it the toughest with […]

In April the Australian Bankers Association announced it would review the banking industry’s service to consumer and small business. They have now confirmed the terms of reference and appointed a former regulator, Phil Khoury, to head up the review. The current code of practice covers rules that banks should abide by on issues such as […]

At the start of the new financial year, there is always a raft of changes in taxes and thresholds that you need to know about. The following 5 changes will make sure you don’t run the risk of falling foul of the rules and risk being penalised. 1. Income tax cut Government proposals in the May budget […]

“While the recent changes implemented by banks appear to be prudent, we expect further tightening in lending standards over time.” Macquarie Bank A critical change in the mortgage lending market over past 12 months was the introduction of tougher bank lending rules for property investors. Under pressure from regulators, the banks tightened credit standards to property investors, demanding […]