Door opens for first-home buyers to unlock ownership
Headway has finally been made on federal housing policy reform with laws set to pass parliament to allow home buyers to buy with a smaller deposit.
construction and property
Mining hubs lead regional property price rise
Affordability and lifestyle choices continue to drive up property prices in regional Australia, but there are signs the heat is coming out of the market.
Union members march against changes to work conditions
The mother of a construction worker who died of heat stress has marched alongside thousands of unionists to maintain workplace rights.
2032 Olympic Games countdown begins with venue review
The countdown to the Brisbane Olympics has begun with an independent infrastructure review body to deliver a 2032 Games venue blueprint in 100 days.
‘Flippant’: Greens’ housing scheme demands draw ire
The housing crisis is too serious for the Greens' "flippant ideas" about help-to-buy and build-to-rent scheme reforms, the Property Council of Australia says.
Property giants see reasons for optimism in real estate
Positive sentiment is returning to the Australian property market, the bosses of Mirvac and Lendlease have told shareholders at their annual general meetings.
Govt ditching ‘sweetheart deal’ will cost lives: union
The Queensland government's decision to suspend a "sweetheart deal" with the CFMEU has copped a backlash, with one union claiming it will cost workers' lives.
Union ‘sweetheart deal’ suspended in state crackdown
Members have hit out at a state government after CFMEU "perks" were put on ice as a campaign against the beleaguered union heats up.
‘Everything points to a slowdown’: property loses heat
House and unit prices may have found new record highs but interest rate cautiousness has tempered the pace of growth.
Bulk of CFMEU probe evidence relates to coercion
Dozens of incidents within the embattled CFMEU are being investigated after it was placed into administration following criminal allegations.
Realestate.com.au CEO sees house price growth slowing
REA Group CEO Owen Wilson says the company has had its best September since 2015, and the increased listings should moderate housing price growth.
Million-dollar madness: record suburbs in seven figures
More suburbs than ever have median house or unit prices of more than $1 million, with economists predicting the number will continue to grow.
‘Knocked on the head’: Labor rebuffs property tax moves
After days of discussions over curbing property investors' tax concessions, the government has firmed its stance against the rumours.
Streets behind: every state lagging on housing targets
Australia is targeting 1.2 million new homes by 2029, but a major construction body says only significant reform can overcome a huge shortfall.
Three open police investigations over CFMEU allegations
A former union leader won't face charges over visits to government building sites, although Victoria Police is considering charges over alleged CFMEU fraud.
Calls to come under one roof to tackle housing crisis
The number of Australian renters is set to grow as available homes dwindle and prices soar, prompting calls for the government to come together on solutions.
Construction boss guilty of $10m fraud in marathon case
A Sydney construction boss and four others have been found guilty of a conspiracy to defraud the tax office of more than $10 million over two years.
Jury mulls $13m tax fraud after crime proceeds verdicts
A jury is still grappling with conspiracy charges in a $13 million tax fraud despite finding a construction boss and others guilty of dealing with dirty money.
Warning for national housing target after approval data
Peak construction bodies have warned that a boost in building approvals in July was not enough to hit the national target of 1.2 million new homes by 2029.
Economy ‘nowhere near recessionary’ despite predictions
Australia's economic forecasts might not be as positive as hoped but there are still signs of strength in the economy, an expert says.
CFMEU is down but the court battle may be just starting
A possible court challenge could threaten the government's attempt to tackle the CFMEU's alleged corrupt behaviour and criminal links.
‘Dangerous’ building cladding used despite fire risks
Building owners are seeking millions in damages over combustible cladding that could rain flaming debris on those below, like during the Grenfell Tower blaze.
Construction workers plan protests over takeover move
Unions are set to hold protests as a legal battle looms over the government placing the CFMEU's construction arm and associated branches into administration.
Class action seeks ‘fullest relief’ over dodgy cladding
A group of building owners has asked a judge for the maximum relief possible after spending millions replacing combustible cladding that caused a fire risk.
CFMEU legal luck questioned as blue-collar anger boils
More than 50,000 angry protesters rallied against the construction union being put into administration but its chance of winning a legal fight is questionable.
‘Negligent villains’ blamed for cladding fire risk
A combustible cladding manufacturer has defended its product in court, saying misuse by negligent building professionals created an increased fire risk.
Hey big spender: home prices soar in Olympics host city
The launch of an eye-watering penthouse development targeting ultra-wealthy buyers is a sign of the times in one of Australia's hottest real estate markets.
Lendlease’s losses deepen after tough year in property
Lendlease has extended its bottom line losses to more than $1 billion after taking a hit in a tough market as charges related to its new strategy took a toll.
BlueScope backs Port Kembla steelworkers amid downturn
A major steelmaker warns of tough conditions as it braces for rising electricity, gas and labour costs amid a stubbornly soft home building market.
Crack down on construction union clears final hurdle
The CFMEU has signalled it could challenge new laws forcing it into administration for at least three years, as parliament agreed to pass the reforms.
Building costs in the frame for ongoing housing crisis
The Reserve Bank says it is closely monitoring the housing shortage, but dismisses reports a construction union is to blame for escalating costs.