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From the extension of several states’ rental moratoriums to the reopening of Victoria’s property marketplace: Here are this week’s biggest property stories.
Welcome to REB’s weekly round-up of the headline stories and news that’s important not only for the real estate sector, but also for the state of property in Australia more broadly.
To compile this list, not only are we taking a look at the week’s most read stories and the news that matters to you, but we are also curating it to include stories from our sister brands that could have an impact on the Australian property landscape.
1. Harcourts International names new COO
Andrew Friebe has been announced as the new COO of Harcourts International, taking up a position in the brand’s global executive leadership team which oversees more than 900 franchise offices across nine countries. Most recently, he was the regional managing director for SA/WA at LJ Hooker.
2. Should agents instantly receive commissions?
Under a new @realty program, agents will be able to claim commission when a contract goes unconditional, with the company promising a 24-hour turnaround for payment.
@realty CEO James Taylor stated this new format will provide agents with more consistent cash flows and greater security.
3. ‘We expected better’: REINSW puts state government on blast
The Real Estate Institute of NSW (REINSW) has lashed out over the NSW government’s decision to extend its rental moratorium. It’s calling for an urgent review of the state government’s decision to extend the rental moratorium, noting the “failure” to explain the rationale as a “critical concern”.
4. Raine & Horne expands Victorian network despite lockdown
Raine & Horne has launched the new office at Berwick, which is being headed up by real estate principal James Fernando, who joins the group from independent agency Xenith Real Estate, which he has operated since 2018 with the support of six sales agents and two property managers.
5. Responsible lending axed: Who will win and who will lose?
On Friday, 25 September, the government revealed that it was peeling back responsible lending laws, in an effort to increase the flow of credit and promote economic recovery. Who might be better off as a result of the changes and who might struggle?
6. Are we nearing another property boom?
Wealthi investment director Stephanie Davies has highlighted how prices usually do recover by a large magnitude after a fall — particularly when interest rates are declining.
While it does depend on the velocity of the dip and other factors, Ms Davies said: “If we take a look at the property life cycle, we’ll notice that we usually see property prices return at a rapid speed due to the pent-up demand from buyers holding back for such a long period of time.”
7. Affordability and improving rental yields key drawcards in Perth appeal
New research by the Real Estate Institute of Western Australia (REIWA) has found that buyer activity in Perth is tracking 40 per cent higher annually. Further, the data shows that 45 per cent of Perth suburbs recorded price growth in August 2020, with local buyer’s agents noting high attendance at home opens.
8. Aggregator heads to consult with government over credit changes
While the specifics of the revocation are yet to be formulated (though a fact sheet has been issued to provide further context), the government said it will consult publicly with stakeholders before finalising any legislation required to implement the reforms.
9. Citi predicts broking industry to thrive
According to the head of Australian banks research for Citi Research, Brendan Sproules, the Australian mortgage broking sector is set to grow and gain more market share, with the incoming best interests duty showcased as an additional benefit for the sector.
10. 5-step guide to transitioning from agent to principal
Do you want to step up from agent to business owner? If so, let me explain exactly how to do it, writes Andrew Reeves.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Grace Ormsby
Grace is a journalist across Momentum property and investment brands. Grace joined Momentum Media in 2018, bringing with her a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Communication (Journalism) from the University of Newcastle. She’s passionate about delivering easy to digest information and content relevant to her key audiences and stakeholders.
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