Rental affordability still stretched, but worst is over
Vacancy rates are edging higher and growth in advertised rents is stalling in welcome news for the nation's renters.
construction and property
‘Whitewash’: doubt cast over fixes for ‘rotten’ CFMEU
Measures may not be strong enough to weed out construction sector criminality after revelations of bikie and organised crime figures infiltrating the CFMEU.
‘Sense of urgency’: extra social homes fast-tracked
Funding an extra 5000 social properties through a partnership with the community housing sector will help get more people into homes sooner, advocates say.
‘Not bringing down a premier’: new turn in track plan
A probe into a controversial proposal to turn a historic racecourse into housing has delivered the latest salvo in a divisive debate over the facility's future.
Development halted causing ‘distress, financial strain’
A major development has been paused after a local council raised significant concerns about the distress and financial strain placed on buyers.
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.
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.