Yesterday
Discounting war as landlords slash rents
A discounting war is in full swing in the rental market as landlords try to fill empty properties or keep existing tenants, with the proportion of properties with discounts surging since the emergence of COVID-19.
- Ingrid Fuary-Wagner
This Month
AssetOwl raises $1.5 million for virtual inspections
The disrupter has developed an app that permits agents to guide tenants remotely to do inspections, creating a record that stands up in court.
- Michael Bleby
May
- Exclusive
- Property investment
Investors sell up as rental stress rises
Rental stress rose in most cities despite the JobSeeker and JobKeeper grants, prompting investors to consider selling up.
- Nila Sweeney
Rental market hit by student exodus: Gurner
Tim Gurner says the treatment of foreign students by state and federal governments 'was incredibly poor' and its impact on the rental market will be huge.
- Larry Schlesinger
NSW taps underworked commercial builders for social housing
The depressed development cycle gives state agency a window of opportunity to tap the private market to redevelop much-needed stock.
- Michael Bleby
Investors jump ship as renters leave
A growing number of investors are selling up amid a worsening rental market.
- Nila Sweeney
Rebel without a cause on cheaper rents
Super Retail Group is trying to negotiate cheaper rent but in one store sales have gone up more than 50 per cent during one week in April.
- Matthew Cranston and Nick Lenaghan
- Exclusive
- Commercial Real Estate
DealCorp takes aim at tenants over rent
Strained relations between landlords and tenants are in full swing, from Australian Pharmaceutical Industries to Bupa.
- Carrie LaFrenz
Singapore expats ask for rent cuts as employers tighten belts
Government support measures to combat effects of the pandemic focus on citizens and are tough for resident foreign renters.
- Faris Mokhtar
- Opinion
- Coronavirus pandemic
Why the biggest property price falls are ahead
Expect a big hit to residential property prices as rent takes a bashing at the same time interest rate deferrals and government assistance unwind.
- Matthew Cranston
Melbourne house prices fall, Sydney loses steam
Melbourne and Hobart house prices fell in April, while the value of homes in Sydney lost steam after a slowdown in sales halved the pace of growth nationally.
- Ingrid Fuary-Wagner
April
JobSeeker makes rental more affordable – for now
Welfare payments will drop back in six months and many affected people will also be out of work – increasing housing hardship for many.
- Michael Bleby
Inflation to edge up, but then plunge into deflation
Economists expect deflation is already making its way into figures even though the annual rate could edge just above 2 per cent.
- Matthew Cranston
NSW lease extensions open up funding for housing providers
A door has just opened that allows the state's crucial social housing sector to tap new funding to develop new homes.
- Michael Bleby
More property insurers scrap cover for rent defaults
The new restrictions are increasing the risk of losses for investors as sales and the market sentiment take a hit.
- Duncan Hughes
Angry property investors claim they are forgotten victims
With some tenants asking for rent payments to be reduced or waived altogether rent thanks to COVID-19, landlords have a number of strategies available to them.
- Duncan Hughes
- Exclusive
- Property investment
Australian Unity raises for disability housing fund
Industry forecasts for the emerging specialist disability accommodation sector are expecting the creation of a $5 billion asset class.
- Nick Lenaghan
AFR readers back tenants in COVID-19 rent debate
In our latest poll, 72 per cent of almost 500 readers said they would support protections for residential tenants, while 15 per cent did not.
- Hannah Wootton
NSW gives 25pc land tax relief to landlords
Landlords of both commercial and residential properties will gain $440 million worth of land tax relief from the NSW government if they assist tenants hit by COVID-19.
- Matthew Cranston
Victoria pulls plug on property inspections in occupied homes
Industry body slams "absolutely disgraceful" behaviour in which estate agents were informed of new rules at 5.35pm just before a long weekend.
- Michael Bleby
