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.
construction and property
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.
Property market picking up in smaller capital cities
REA Group's CEO says property listings in Melbourne and Sydney might marginally decline in 2024/25, but Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth are showing growth.
Property giant Mirvac warns of ‘challenging’ conditions
Mirvac is investing in build-to-rent apartments and industrial sites as it slashes the value of high-rise offices and warns of ongoing challenging conditions.
Fight against ‘disgraceful’ accessible housing standard
Living in a home built with accessibility in mind is a dream Julie Charlton and others with disabilities like her want to be made a national reality.
construction and property
consumer confidence
economy, business and finance
housing and urban planning
inflation and deflation
retail
Relief in sight as rates focus switches to cuts
Mortgage-holders appear to have avoided another interest rate hike, in a welcome development for the federal government with an election on the horizon.
Doubt cast over plan to convert CBD offices into homes
The cost of retrofitting under-used Melbourne CBD offices into residential apartments is proving an obstacle to a key housing policy getting off the ground.
Building ‘black hole’ link to scared horses, jockey ban
Horse racing at Queensland's biggest track is at a standstill after jockeys refused to ride, claiming a nearby construction site is spooking the animals.
‘No secrets’: CFMEU ‘bikie-fication’ dates back decades
Political leaders have expressed shock at revelations of bikie links within the CFMEU but they were a matter of public record long before the latest reports.
Ex-minister defends Labor on CFMEU as union heads roll
Labor heavyweight Craig Emerson has distanced the party from allegations of criminality within the CFMEU, suggesting it won't cause significant voter backlash.
Qld freezes talks with union as Vic allegations unfold
No further meetings will proceed between the construction union and Queensland's Labor government while serious allegations develop interstate.
Cheaper materials take edge off home-building costs
Residential construction costs have finally stabilised after a prolonged period of strong price growth put pressure on the industry.
Albanese condemns Setka amid fresh union allegations
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has fired a parting shot at controversial Victorian construction union boss John Setka following his sudden resignation.
Call for union probe as PM fires parting shot at Setka
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has welcomed the departure of construction union boss John Setka as the Victorian opposition calls for an independent probe.
Controversial union boss John Setka suddenly quits
Union heavyweight John Setka has suddenly quit the CFMEU's top role citing "malicious attacks" and "ongoing false allegations" in stories.
Victoria backs probe into ‘serious’ Setka, union claims
Serious allegations levelled at a Labor-aligned construction union and its long-time state boss John Setka must be investigated, the Victorian government says.
Lehrmann one of Australia’s most hated men, lawyer says
Media "harassment" has forced Bruce Lehrmann to move interstate and left him unable to defend himself in a $20,000 property dispute, a tribunal has been told.
Sombre retail sales likely as consumer pain persists
Prising open wallets has been tough as tough financial conditions batter households and retail sales figures are likely to show a continuation of the trend.
Retail sales rise 0.6 per cent as sales start early
Financially-strapped shoppers took advantage of sales last month, with retail turnover lifting 0.6 per cent from a limp 0.1 per cent gain in the previous month.
Early sales send bargain hunters on shopping spree
Shoppers took advantage of sales in May, helping fuel an improvement in retail sales otherwise trending weak as higher interest rates weigh on households.
Shoppers still spending but only if a sign says ‘sale’
Shoppers have rushed to snap up heavily discounted goods, helping buoy retail sales which were trending weaker as higher interest rates weigh on households.
auto trends
automotive equipment
construction and property
consumer issue - lifestyle and leisure
consumers
energy
energy (general)
energy resources
environmental issue
renewable energy
road transport
transport
Old apartment blocks struggling to support EV take-up
More Australians are buying electric cars but experts warn millions of apartment dwellers may delay making purchases if they can't charge the vehicles at home.
Housing lending falls after three months of growth
Both owner-occupier and investor lending slid in May after three months of growth, based on official Australian Bureau of Statistics data.
Home lending slips but still well ahead over the year
Both owner-occupier and investor lending slid in May after three months of growth, yet the total value of loans is holding up as property prices rise.
Flipping good deal: property profits hit a 14-year high
More than 94 per cent of national home sales in the first three months of 2024 recorded a nominal gain, the highest profitability rate since 2010.
Chilly residents wonder why Australian homes so cold
As more residents take to social media complaining about cold homes, experts warn chilly interiors can impact people's health and wellbeing even if they rug up.
Landlord claims Lehrmann caused $13k in property damage
Bruce Lehrmann is facing claims for almost $20,000 to cover damage and rental loss from the owner of a luxury property in Sydney.
banking
construction and property
consumers
economy, business and finance
electrical appliance
electricity production and distribution
energy
environmental issue
finance (general)
politics
Green bank unlocks cheap loans for home energy upgrades
Some $60 million in cheap loans is up for grabs as part of a $1 billion federal fund to encourage homeowners to install solar panels and batteries.