Household spending flat despite retail boost, tax cuts
The economy is still struggling along with flat household spending despite an uptick in retail turnover and income tax cuts beginning to flow.
housing and urban planning
High-density issues hurting Australia’s housing goal
Unless Australia can significantly lift the pace at which it is building new homes, a nationally-agreed target to solve the housing crisis looks at-risk.
Cash injection as regulator probes supermarket claims
The consumer watchdog has received a cash injection as it examines allegations of land banking and dubious discounts against the major supermarket chains.
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.
No negative gearing reform on cards for election: PM
The prime minister has hosed down suggestions Labor will take changes to negative gearing to the election, amid warnings it could hike up rents.
China stimulus a ‘very good development for Australia’
After iron ore prices plunged by more than a third since the start of the year, Chinese stimulus measures spell good news for the Australian budget.
‘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.
Overheated market could burn first-time home buyers
The head of Australian Centre for Housing Research has responded to new data, suggesting encouraging buyers into a the "overheated" market is unfair to them.
Renters still can’t keep up, despite more supports
Despite an increase in government supports, low-income earners would still find themselves in rental stress across most of the country, a report has found.
State government promises to boost affordable housing
Queenslanders facing sky-high property prices will have to wait two years for more affordable and social homes to come on the market.
‘Largest’ social housing development aimed at seniors
The federal and state governments will build nearly 500 social and affordable homes in Queensland's far north, specifically accommodating older residents.
New bid to nail down housing bill as talks hit the wall
A key housing bill will be pushed back into parliament despite the government, the opposition and the Greens reaching a stalemate in negotiations.
PM’s early election warning labelled an ’empty threat’
The prime minister has threatened a double dissolution over resistance to his government's housing policy but experts don't think this will benefit his party.
Early election ‘stunt’ to ram through housing bill
The government has failed to pass its housing legislation through the Senate a second time, giving it the first trigger to call a double dissolution election.
PM tries to pry door open in deadlocked housing talks
Pressure is mounting on the coalition and Greens to pass the government's housing policies with the PM accusing his rivals of blocking moves to fix the problem.
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.
Downsizer tax break not ruled out under housing reform
The Property Council argues stamp duty is a major barrier for downsizers, while Victoria's premier did not rule out a one-off exemption to free up family homes.
Independent housing advisor lashes overseas student cap
A proposed cap on international university students has been torn apart by a federal government advisor, who says it will make no difference to housing supply.
‘No silver bullet’ to solving housing affordability
The head of the federal government's independent housing council says ambitious targets to create new homes should still be made even if they're not met.
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.
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.
Funding block flagged for states failing to build homes
Leveraging Commonwealth payments to states if they fail to tackle housing supply is under consideration.
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.
Housing approvals bounce back but market still subdued
Housing approvals have risen 10 per cent off the back of a surge in new apartments as opposition parties release policies to tackle the housing crisis
Home sweet home: the places people never leave
Waterside suburbs and areas with idyllic lifestyles are unsurprisingly among the tightest-held property markets in the country, new data reveals.
Gen X, older millennials ride housing boom to the bank
Older millennials and generation X are among the biggest winners from Australia's real estate boom as profits from sales hit their highest level in 10 years.
Queensland renters locked out of solar savings
In the lead-up to the Queensland state election, Solar Citizens wants the major parties to make big commitments to renewable energy.
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.
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.
Feeling the cold? Study shows newer homes are more cosy
Apartments and houses built in the last decade are more energy efficient and easier to cool or heat, a CSIRO study has revealed.
Racing boss hits out at ‘cheats’ in racecourse fight
Racing NSW CEO Peter V'landys has attacked "cheats and undesirables" seeking to undermine him amid a battle over the future of Sydney's Rosehill racecourse.