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Perth Property Shake-Up

Perth Property Shake-Up: How the Budget Impacts You

There’s been a lot of talk lately about the Federal Budget. People here in Perth are asking, “What does this actually mean for the property market?” So I thought I’d take a moment to break it down – what’s changing, how it might impact us locally, and what you should be thinking about if you’re planning to buy, sell or invest in the coming months. First up – some real support...

RBA Cuts Interest Rates: Who Wins and Who Loses?

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has announced a 0.25% cut to the cash rate, bringing it down to 4.1%. This decision, which ends a cycle of 13 consecutive rate hikes since mid-2022, was widely expected due to falling inflation and a slowing economy. While the rate cut will bring relief to many, it also presents challenges for certain groups. Winners Homeowners With banks...

How rising building costs boost home values

New business insolvency data is a sharp reminder for owners and buyers that the building industry is still operating on shaky ground across Australia. Those who want to renovate before selling, or buy land and then build, need to carefully consider their risks before pushing ahead. Insolvency data from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) shows 27% of some 11,000...

RBA Maintains Steady Interest Rates Amid Economic Uncertainties

In its latest policy meeting, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) opted to keep the official cash rate unchanged at 4.35%. This decision was influenced by key inflation data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) last week, indicating that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased 1% in the June quarter and 3.8% over the last year. The RBA's primary focus remains on controlling...

City Beach’s New High-Rise: Progress or Overreach?

Last Friday's announcement of the City Beach high-rise development, led by developer Paul Blackburne, will take many locals by surprise. The twin towers, planned at 22 and 10 storeys, will be the first high-rise buildings in the area, transforming the Ocean Village site into a "luxury" apartment complex. While the development promises 247 apartments with ocean and parkland views, alongside a range of...

Exciting News! Contessi Properties Expands to Kalbarri

I’m thrilled to share some exciting news with you all. Our company has grown and taken a significant step forward by acquiring Ray White Kalbarri, the town’s only real estate agency, which has been serving the community since 1997. This new chapter in our journey not only marks a major milestone for us but also reinforces our commitment to offering top-tier real estate services across the...

New tax incentives set for build-to-rent properties

The Australian Government's recent move to incentivise Build-to-Rent (BTR) projects will help open up new options for property investors. A financial instrument called a Managed Investment Trust (MIT) is a core part of build-to-rent projects for investors. It allows multiple investors to pool their funds, enabling even individuals with limited financial resources to invest in property through Real...

Overseas interest in local market at five-year high, research finds

The question of how much foreign buyers influence the Australian property market can be controversial with claims their participation bolsters prices and worsens housing affordability for ordinary Australians. New research by PropTrack, part of the portal realestate.com.au, has recorded a 20% increase in searches from overseas buyers compared to the five-year average. This surge is not...

Everything you need to know about stamp duty

Amid all the fees and charges of a home loan comes stamp duty. Also called transfer duty, this one-off state and territory government tax levy applies to several everyday situations, such as vehicle registrations and insurance policies. However, stamp duty is most well known for its application to property purchases, including holiday homes, investment property and vacant land. With the high...

Addressing Housing Affordability: A Review of the 2024-25 Western Australia State Budget

The 2024-25 State Budget, recently unveiled by the Cook Government, garnered positive reception, particularly within the real estate sector, for its measures aimed at bolstering housing supply. Notably, adjustments to the First Home Owner Transfer Duty Concession thresholds were highlighted as a step in the right direction. The Real Estate Institute of Western Australia (REIWA) expressed...

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