Common Securitization Solutions (CSS) has rebranded as U.S. Fin Tech and will look to provide technology and business solutions to companies in addition to its owners.
In a social post on X on Thursday, FHFA Director Bill Pulte said a fired Freddie Mac employee who was arrested in March for threatening to blow up the Freddie Mac building in McLean, Virginia has continued to contact him. It’s Pulte’s first public statement on the incident since the woman’s arrest.
Pulte posted: “Recently, a fired Freddie Mac employee was arrested for threatening to blow up the building I was in at Freddie Mac. She was arraigned and her sentencing is next week. She has continued to contact me. I’d like to thank the Law Enforcement agencies for moving swiftly.”
It was not clear if Pulte was thanking law enforcement for acting quickly at the time of her arrest or if they had intervened more recently.
Maria Del Carmen Lopez Lozano was arrested on March 26 by Fairfax County Police who charged her with making a bomb threat and trespassing.
According to a story on Breitbart, Lozanno wrote several social media posts on March 25, including one that threatened to “blow everything up in Freddie Mac right now so they know this is real and not fake. Give me a few more minutes and I will blow up this mother ****** building at Freddie Mac so people know that this is real and not fake.”
The next day, Lozano was caught in a traffic stop after posting a video live stream while she was driving near the Freddie Mac building, during which she identified herself and made the bomb threats.
Daily Mail published Lozanno’s Facebook video which contained the threat, along with some confused ramblings about Freddie Mac “hacking the brain” with her help. Breitbart’s article says Lozano continued to make threats on social media after she was released from police custody on March 27.
It’s unclear what prompted Lozano’s threats. Pulte has made sweeping changes at Freddie Mac, including firing top executives on March 20 and ordering employees to return to work in person, but in her video Lozano said Freddie Mac hadn’t paid her in two years.
Sales have plunged in key Melbourne and regional suburbs like Glen Waverley, Doncaster and Geelong West, as affordability pressures, land tax hikes and oversupply spook buyers and investors.
A new property report has revealed the 10 Victorian suburbs where home sales have crashed hardest — and the findings are a grim warning for buyers betting on the wrong markets.
According to Hotspotting’s Winter 2025 Price Predictor Index, a wave of former favourites, including Glen Waverley, Doncaster and Geelong West, have seen house or unit sales halved in just 12 months, marking them as the worst performers in the state and some of the weakest nationwide.
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The report tracked quarterly sales volumes across thousands of suburbs to identify market momentum.
And in these 10 postcodes, the momentum has stopped dead.
In Glen Waverley, unit sales fell from 84 to 40 per quarter.
In Broadmeadows, house sales dropped from 52 to 26. In regional hotspot Geelong West, just 18 homes sold last quarter, less than half the volume seen a year ago.
Hotspotting director Terry Ryder says affordability is now the number one driver of buyer behaviour in Victoria, warning that suburbs with falling sales volumes could soon see price corrections.
Hotspotting founder Terry Ryder said the declines were not just a statistical blip, but a sign of deeper problems.
“We’ve seen a clear drop in demand in some key middle-ring and fringe suburbs,” Mr Ryder said.
“Affordability is king right now, and buyers are walking away from areas that don’t offer value.”
Mr Ryder pointed to unit-heavy suburbs like Doncaster, Box Hill and Williamstown as particularly vulnerable, not because buyers weren’t interested in apartments, but because prices no longer made sense.
“You can buy a one-bed apartment in Carlton or Kensington for under $500,000,” he said.
“In Doncaster or Monash, the same thing might cost you $800,000. That’s completely out of step.”
M R Advocacy director Madeleine Roberts says Melbourne’s apartment markets have become “oversaturated and overpriced”, with little capital growth potential and declining demand post-Covid.
M R Advocacy director and buyers agent Madeleine Roberts said oversupply was to blame for many of the unit market struggles.
“There’s no scarcity in these areas, and no urgency. That kills capital growth,” Ms Roberts said.
“If someone asked me what to avoid, I’d say most Melbourne apartments, they just don’t deliver returns.”
Ms Roberts said suburbs like Glen Waverley, Doncaster and Box Hill were once driven by international student and overseas family demand, but that demand hasn’t fully returned since Covid.
And the oversupply left behind has been dragging down the market ever since.
While some parts of Melbourne are bouncing back, others are floundering, particularly in the middle ring where prices no longer reflect value, experts warn.
“It’s not rocket science. Too much supply, not enough buyers, and poor affordability, that’s a dangerous mix,” she said.
Even fringe family areas like Thornhill Park and Trafalgar weren’t immune.
In both suburbs, Hotspotting data shows house sales have slowed sharply, a pattern Mr Ryder says is typical of estates with endless new land releases, which erode scarcity and limit long-term price growth.
But not all suburbs in the decline list are slowing for the same reasons.
Sales in Geelong West have halved in a year, but local experts say the drop reflects low supply, not low demand, and expect interstate buyers to drive a rebound.
Buxton Geelong East director Tony Moorfoot said Geelong West’s drop in house sales was less about demand, and more about supply.
“People move into Geelong West and don’t want to leave,” Mr Moorfoot said.
“It’s tightly held, so when listings dry up, so do sales.”
Mr Moorfoot said prices in the area had remained steady, and that recent buyer activity, especially from interstate, suggested confidence was already returning.
“The worst of the panic is behind us. We’re seeing interest from interstate buyers who see value in Geelong now that prices have cooled,” he said.
Buxton Geelong East director Tony Moorfoot says Geelong remains a top lifestyle choice for buyers, but Victoria’s policy settings have driven many “mum and dad” investors to the brink.
Victoria’s tax regime, however, is proving a much bigger problem.
All three experts pointed to land tax hikes, tight rental reforms, and investor compliance blowouts as major barriers for buyers, particularly “mum and dad” landlords who now feel squeezed from every direction.
“We’ve lost more than 24,000 rental properties in a year,” Mr Ryder said.
“When you’re already losing money and then get hit with thousands more in tax, the only option is to sell.”
Ms Roberts said many local investors were still paralysed, waiting for a more stable landscape, while interstate investors were pouncing.
“They’ve already made their money in Perth and Brisbane,” she said.
Units in suburbs like Box Hill and Doncaster are selling for up to $800,000 — far more than equivalent apartments in Carlton or Kensington, driving buyers toward better value elsewhere. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Crosling
“Now they’re looking at Melbourne and saying: this is next.”
While some suburbs on the list may rebound, the M R Advocacy director said buyers need to do their homework.
“Don’t just follow headlines, follow fundamentals,” Ms Roberts said.
“There’s still opportunity out there. But you have to cut through the noise.”
The Eight Victorian suburbs now on Hotspotting’s bottom 50 declining markets list:
Box Hill (units) – Whitehorse
Broadmeadows (houses) – Hume
Doncaster (units) – Manningham
Geelong West (houses) – Greater Geelong
Glen Waverley (units) – Monash
Thornhill Park (houses) – Melton
Trafalgar (houses) – Baw Baw
Williamstown (units) – Hobsons Bay
Sign up to the Herald Sun Weekly Real Estate Update. Click here to get the latest Victorian property market news delivered direct to your inbox.
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david.bonaddio@news.com.au
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In Sydney, where real estate is a prized commodity, the scarcity of space has reached a new and unexpected crisis point: even the deceased are struggling to find a place to call their own.
The city’s cemeteries are facing a critical shortage of burial plots, a situation that underscores the broader challenges of urban growth and space management in one of Australia’s most populous cities.
A recent audit by New South Wales’ planning department revealed a “critical shortage” of gravesites in Sydney, with multiple faith-run cemeteries predicted to run out of burial space within a few years.
The shortage is particularly acute in the city’s eastern suburbs, where the iconic Waverley Cemetery is rapidly approaching capacity.
Known for its stunning seaside location and historic Victorian and Edwardian monuments, Waverley Cemetery is not only battling space constraints but also the relentless wear and tear from its coastal environment.
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Concept images show what Waverley Council’s new ‘memorial wall’ is set to look like at Waverley Cemetery. Source: Waverley Council
To address these challenges, Waverley Council has unveiled plans for a “memorial wall” designed to alleviate the congestion of gravesites.
The innovative solution involves the construction of 20 memorial walls along Quinn Rd, each featuring 36 niches for ash interment.
Each of the niches will be available for long-term lease at the cost of a second-hand car.
“The memorial wall represents the most effective and sensitive way to meet these constraints,” a council’s spokesman said.
The cost for a single ash interment niche is set at $8,540, which includes the niche space, interment fee, and a bronze plaque.
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A total of 720 niches would become available under the proposal. Source: Waverley Council
According to Yahoo News, Waverley Cemetery currently charges $4,536 for a standard coffin or casket interment on weekdays, with an additional $622 fee for weekend services.
The purchase of a 25-year renewable interment right (essentially the burial plot) costs $28,330, according to the 2024–2025 official price list.
For those opting to inter ashes instead of a full burial, the standard interment fee is $1,270, with niche wall and memorial garden options ranging from $4,200 to $26,480, depending on the location and exclusivity.
Desperate times call for desperate measures
The scarcity of burial plots has also led to a surge in prices on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, where plots at Waverley Cemetery have been listed for as much as $165,000 – in line with the cost of apartments in some Aussie locations.
Another two burial plots in the same cemetery are on sale for $65,000, giving people a chance to be buried on the same grounds as some of the nation’s biggest names.
Notable names buried at Waverly include Sarah “Fanny” Durack – the first Australian woman to win an Olympic gold medal in swimming, cricketers Victor Trumper and John Fingleton, former Premier and Chief Justice of New South Wales Sir James Martin and William Dymock, founder of Dymocks bookstore.
A burial plot at Waverley Cemetery has been advertised on facebeook marketplace for a staggering price.
Waverley Cemetery in Sydneys eastern suburbs has long been regarded one of Australia’s most scenic final resting places. Picture: Richard Dobson
Talking to A Current Affair in 2024, Ben Kelly from the Australasian Cemeteries and Crematoria Association, said cost of living pressures – or perhaps cost of dying pressures – were a factor even in the graveyard industry.
“Waverley Cemetery is a beautiful, historic cemetery with extremely limited capacity left,” Mr Kelly said.
“As the population grows these cemeteries are filling up and they are creating new ones but they are further and further away.
“So when the spots do come available they are obviously of a premium.”
In response to the ongoing crisis, Sydney has seen the opening of its first new Crown cemetery in over 85 years at Varroville, providing 136,000 burial plots.
Additional cemeteries are planned in areas such as Lidcombe to further address the shortage.
The post Sydney’s space race: Even the dead can’t rest appeared first on realestate.com.au.
When Michael Jackson died in 2009, he was over $US500 million in debt – now he is roughly $A768 million richer today.
The King of Pop died of cardiac arrest caused by acute Propofol intoxication 16 years ago at the age of 50.
At the time of his death, the singer owed money to more than 65 creditors, People reports.
According to The US Sun, the Grammy-winner struggled financially and became technically homeless – staying with friends’ while his home, Neverland, went into foreclosure.
Since his passing, the “Thriller” hitmaker’s net worth has generated a staggering $US2 billion ($A3.07 billion).
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Michael Jackson was over $US500 million in debt when he died in 2009. Picture: Kevin Mazur/AEG via Getty Images
Here’s a closer look at how Jackson’s empire financially turned around and what became of his properties.
How did Michael Jackson blow his money?
According to Celebrity Net Worth, the “Moonwalker” star had earned between $US50 million and $US100 million ($A76 million and $A152 million) a year from 1985 until 1995 through touring, record sales, endorsements and merchandise.
But, the singer spent the money just as fast as he earned it. His lavish lifestyle reportedly cost about $US50 million ($A76 million) a year.
The Grammy-winner’s then home, Neverland, cost $US19.5 million ($A29 million) to buy and hefty $US10 million ($A15 million) a year to maintain.
Jackson splashed $US35 million ($A53 million) remodelling the compound into his own amusement park.
He blew his fortune on gifts, travel, antiques, art, zoo animals, jewellery and furniture – as well as making huge donations to numerous charities.
The “Moonwalker” star had earned between $US50 million and $US100 million a year from 1985 until 1995. Picture: Dave Hogan/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
The “Billie Jean” hit maker forked out between $US50 and $US100 million ($A76 million and $A152 million) on movie and music projects that never got off the ground.
He used 50 per cent of his ownership stake in music/publishing company Sony/ATV as collateral, as well as taking out a $US270 million ($A411 million) loan.
However, the pop sensation managed to spend the entire $US270 million ($A411 million), plus an extra $US120 million ($A183 million) within a few short years.
Before his death, Jackson had been in the middle of preparing for his “This Is It” tour, which added some strain on his finances.
The musician died close to the tour’s inception, which left his estate financially liable for $US40 million ($A61 million) to the tour promoter, AEG.
Jackson’s lavish lifestyle reportedly cost about $US50 million a year. Picture: George Rose/Getty Images
How did Michael Jackson’s empire go from debt to billions?
Following Jackson’s death, his executers began working to stabilise the pop star’s financial situation.
His lawyers went through personal home videos from the last year of the singer’s life to produce a movie called “This Is It”. To date, the film has made over $US500 million ($A762 million).
After the success of “This Is It”, Pepsi struck a deal to license Jackson’s image.
Cirque du Soleil produced two Las Vegas shows around his music and image, where Jackson’s estate is 50/50 partners with the entertainment company on both shows.
In 2023, Jackson’s estate pulled in around $US115 million ($A175 million), largely thanks to the success of the Broadway show “MJ: The Musical”.
Based on the music icon’s life, the show raked in roughly $US85 million ($A129 million) just from ticket sales.
Michael Jackson rehearses for his planned “This Is It” shows in London at the Staples Center on June 23, 2009 in Los Angeles. California. Picture: Kevin Mazur/AEG via Getty Images
Last year, Sony Music Group reportedly purchased half of Jackson’s music catalogue in a deal that valued his songs somewhere above $US1.2 billion ($A1.8 billion), according to Billboard.
The deal would also be the biggest ever for the work of a single musician, the BBC reported.
Sony’s deal with Jackson’s estate does not include royalties from the Broadway play and other theatrical productions featuring his music.
The news came just as an upcoming biopic about Jackson’s life and career starring his nephew, Jaafar Jackson, is set to hit the big screen this year.
“The Wiz” actor’s estate still earns a 50 per cent stake in the music licensing company Sony/ATV, which owns the rights to the Beatles catalogue. His share earns an eight-figure sum.
To date, the singer has sold over 750 million albums, including 35 million that were sold in the year following his death.
According to Parade, Jackson has been the highest-earning dead celebrity on the planet.
The singer has sold over 750 million albums following his death. Picture: George Rose/Getty Images
What happened to Michael Jackson’s properties?
Neverland
Jackson purchased the property, originally named Zaca Laderas Ranch, and later known as Sycamore Valley, in 1988.
He had discovered the property after Beatle Paul McCartney had stayed there while they were making the music video for smash hit “Say, Say, Say”.
The “Who Is It” singer renamed the estate Neverland after the character of Peter Pan, the boy who never grew up.
The musician spent millions transforming the estate into a Disney-style amusement park.
He was said to have installed a railroad, merry-go-round, arcade and ferris wheel.
The property also had a zoo filled with tigers, crocodiles, elephants, giraffes, orangutans and a bear.
Neverland included a 1200 sqm residence, 50-seat movie theatre building, guest quarters, barn and a pool house.
Jackson bought the ranch in 1988. Picture: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
Jackson spent close to US$35 million turning the ranch into an amusement park. Picture: Jason Kirk/Getty Images
The six-bedroom, nine-bathroom home spans a massive 1170 sqm and features an expansive master suit with private loft and two master bedrooms, as well as three separate guest homes.
Other luxurious features include two fireplaces, a butler’s pantry, spa bath, sauna, and breathtaking mountain views.
It is also a short 8km drive to the nearest town, and two hours from LA.
Jackson lived at the property until 2005. After he was acquitted of child sex charges, he moved out of Neverland and relocated to Bahrain.
He transferred the property to Sycamore Valley Ranch Company LLC in 2008 to cover debts he had run up.
In 2015, the property was renamed Sycamore Valley Ranch and put on the market for $US100 million ($A128 million).
After five years and numerous price cuts, the sprawling property finally found a buyer.
Billionaire and friend of the late pop star Ron Burkle purchased the 2700-acre (1092Ha) estate for $US22 million ($A28 million).
It was considered a “bargain” far below its initial asking price of $US100 million ($A128 million).
Jackson lived at the property until 2005. Picture: Jason Kirk/Getty Images
Trump Tower
Jackson once had a luxurious apartment in Trump Tower.
The four-bedroom, four-and-a-half bathroom condo, sat a few floors below Donald Trump’s penthouse in the complex.
It boasts floor-to-ceiling windows, granite and marble floors, and a wood-panelled library — plus use of the building’s doorman, concierge, valet and maid service.
Listing broker Dolly Lenz said neighbours claim Trump rented it to Jackson for a while, charging $US110,000 ($A167,000) per month in 1994, after Jackson had secretly married Lisa Marie Presley, Page Six reports.
Jackson once had a luxurious apartment in Trump Tower. Picture Spencer Platt/Getty Images
The Donald and the King of Pop were buddies.
“I know him well. He lived in my building,” Trump previously told CNN. “We never had one problem. He’s a good guy.”
After Jackson’s death, The US President wrote in TIME: “He was an amazing guy, but beyond all else, he was the greatest entertainer I’ve ever known.”
Fans regularly camped out downstairs for a glimpse of MJ and Presley.
“Some residents say Jackson rented it because he would be able to go in the elevator directly to the garage and leave stealthily out of the building,” Lenz says. “That was a big allure.”
Jackson lived in the condo with Lisa Marie Presley. Picture: AP Photo/ABC/Jonathan Exley
Las Vegas
South Monte Cristo Way
Jackson lived in Las Vegas for about a year starting in 2006.
According to The Wall Street Journal, the King of Pop paid $US50,000 ($A76,000) a month in rent for the spacious pad.
The 17,000-square-foot mansion sits on a one-acre corner lot in the exclusive Lakes neighbourhood, just a 15-minute drive from the famous Strip.
The King of Pop paid $US50,000 a month in rent for the spacious pad. Picture: Supplied
Jackson lived here for about a year in 2006. Picture: Supplied
The home is two stories with eight bedrooms – including a man-in-the-mirror-approved 2,500-square-foot master suite – and 7.5 bathrooms.
The focal point of the grand entryway is an indoor fountain and a curved staircase.
There’s also a spiral staircase. Outside, there’s a pool, spa, summer kitchen and tennis court.
The home hit the market this year for $US11 million ($A16 million), according to 1027vgs.com.
Outside patio space acts like a second living room. Picture: Supplied
The home is two stories with eight bedrooms. Picture: Supplied
‘Thriller Villa’
Jackson reportedly lived at the Las Vegas property with his three kids.
He never owned the home, but rented there from 2007 to 2009, selling agent Kristen Silberman of Sotheby’s International Realty told Mansions Global.
Owner Aner Iglesias, a supermarket mogul, nicknamed the property “Thriller Villa” after his famous tenant.
The almost 2,400 sqm home was built in 1952 under the guidance of Iglesias, who was inspired by Spanish architecture.
The lounge, reportedly Jackson’s favourite room in the house, has a rustic yet regal feel with exposed wood beams, a large stone fireplace and a Murano glass chandelier.
The Spanish-style villa has its own bell tower. Picture: Realtor
The lounge. Picture: Realtor
The biggest showstopper in the 10-bedroom home is the 74-seat Medieval-style chapel, complete with handpainted sky scene ceiling and a Crown of Thorns chandelier.
When Jackson lived at the property he used the chapel as more of a theatre.
An elevator connects the top level of the house, which holds the large master suite complete with a bar.
Jackson is said to have used the original mirrors in the bedroom to practice his choreography.
The home also has a second bar, two kitchens and a huge barbecue area with multiple tables and chairs to cater large gatherings.
The luxe residence was last listed for sale in 2016 with a $US9.5 million ($A14.4 million) price tag.
Jackson’s former private medieval-style chapel. Picture: Realtor
Jackson’s former bedroom. Picture: Realtor
Beverly Hills
Jackson’s last home in Holmby Hills, Los Angeles, was leased to him by AEG, after he signed a deal for a comeback tour.
Situated in a secluded Los Angeles neighbourhood, the home boasts seven bedrooms, 13 bathrooms, and 12 fireplaces.
Jackson’s last home in Holmby Hills. Picture: Supplied
The residence features a wine cellar, theatre, tasting room, spa with a gym, elevator guesthouse, along with a pool and gardens.
The mansion where the King of Pop died finally sold for $US18.1 million ($A27.6 million) in 2012, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Parts of this story first appeared in The US Sun and was republished with permission.
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Househunters are lining up to get their hands on an uninhabitable Elizabeth East home that has been destroyed by fire.
The 1960s-built house at 114 Halsey Rd still stands but much of its interior has been reduced to ash and rubble, with most of its ceiling caved in.
Selling agent Sadeq Al-Khalidi, of Belle Property Mawson Lakes, said the property’s interstate owner decided to cut his losses and sell once it was determined it wasn’t liveable anymore.
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The Elizabeth East house at 114 Halsey Rd is attracting buyers in droves.
It was destroyed in a fire so is in poor condition.
Much of its interior has been reduced to ash and rubble.
Its burnt state isn’t deterring buyers though, with many already signing up to make an offer for it at auction next month.
If anything, Mr Al-Khalidi said it was attracting more prospective buyers because people thought they could get it at a bargain price.
“We’ve had a lot of inquiries from people who want to buy,” he said.
“It’s been appealing to buyers because of the land size and the location – it’s got a good land size so it’s a very good investment opportunity.
“So far we’ve got five or six registered bidders.
“We’re expecting a good sale price for the vendor.”
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The home has been deemed uninhabitable.
The property comes as is so the buyers will have a big job on their hands.
The property is appealing to buyers because of its large block size.
The three-bedroom house is on a 1156sqm block in an area that’s close to schools, including Elizabeth East Primary and Playford International College, Lyell McEwin Hospital, and major shopping centres at Elizabeth and Munno Para.
Mr Al-Khalidi said prospective buyers had expressed interest in bulldozing it and redeveloping the site, either for one house or multiple after subdividing, or renovating it.
According to property records, the residence last sold in September 2022 for $513,000.
It will go under the hammer at noon on July 11 without a price guide but Mr Al-Khalidi said it must be sold.
The post Fire sale: Burnt out Elizabeth East home attracting buyers in droves appeared first on realestate.com.au.
Once a staple in many Aussie homes, the popular flooring choice is losing its charm according to recent data.
Whether building a new home or embarking on a big reno, a new floor is an important design choice that impacts style and practicality.
From budget-friendly vinyl and laminate to the elegance and durability of hardwood and tiles, there are a wealth of options for homeowners.
According to new data from flooring retailer Beaumont Tiles, flooring decisions have recently topped the list of design priorities for homeowners, surpassing kitchens, bathrooms and décor.
The brand’s “Great Flooring Debate” survey polled more than 350 Australians in April 2025 to determine which flooring they preferred.
According to the brand, the data revealed that carpet is “out” for home builders and renovators, with a noticeable shift towards hard flooring options like hybrid, engineered timber, laminate, and luxury vinyl. The bedroom is now the only space where carpet remains the most popular choice.
Beaumont Tiles design specialist Darren Brittan said carpet now ranked as one of the least popular choices for most areas of the home.
“On the flip side, we’re seeing new-generation hard flooring products, which combine the look of timber with water resistance and easy upkeep, become increasingly popular, along with tiles, across most living spaces,” he said.
“It’s no longer just about looks – homeowners want surfaces that can withstand life’s messiness without sacrificing style.”
Elsewhere, the data found hard flooring is the most popular choice for the dining room, with 84% nominating it as one of two they would most likely consider.
It was also the most popular choice for hallways and living rooms – with 78% of preferences – and kitchens, which came in at 76%.
This new generation of hard flooring is a popular choice in new developments, where carpet is becoming increasingly scarce. In fact, both high-quality engineered and hybrid options are increasingly being called out as an important facet of new home designs.
For example, Virgate Property Group’s Verde development in Southbank Melbourne, uses Merlot engineered European oak timber flooring across its apartments. The warm hue of this choice matches well with the construction’s attempt to create a sense of living in a green oasis for residents.
On the Gold Coast in Queensland, Morris Property Group’s Crest development features hybrid timber flooring, which is a more cost-effective choice in terms of installation. A lighter shade, it complements the property’s beachside design style.
Tiles still remain the top choice for bathrooms with 94% choosing it as the go-to option.
“Tiles continue to reign supreme in bathrooms thanks to their longevity, water resistance and ever-expanding range of styles that let people personalise their space,” Mr Brittan said.
“As technology continues to evolve and aesthetic expectations rise, it’s evident that Australians are becoming increasingly discerning about what lies beneath their feet.”
Are you interested in discovering design trends being popularised by Australia’s latest builds? Check out our New Homes section.
The post Is carpet ‘out’? appeared first on realestate.com.au.
St Kilda Road is shedding its office-heavy reputation and drawing in a new wave of residents—many of them downsizers and owner-occupiers looking for space, greenery and city convenience.
The shift isn’t exactly new, but it’s picking up pace as more commercial buildings are converted into apartments, and Melbourne’s property market stabilises after several turbulent years.
One of the latest projects tapping into that momentum is Park Quarter by Sunnyland, where more than 90% of homes have already sold.
Here are five signs the boulevard is turning a corner—and why buyers are paying attention.
1. The rise of residential over commercial
Where once there were only office towers, developers are now delivering larger apartments designed for long-term living.
Sunnyland’s Kevin Lin says the shift began during the pandemic when vacancies created an opening for reimagining the strip.
“During COVID, a lot of commercial buildings became vacant,” he says.
“Developers saw the opportunity to reshape the area into a new residential precinct.
“The location offers incredible views – Park Quarter, for instance, has double view lines: Fawkner Park to the east, and Albert Park to the west.
“It’s a park-hugging location, yet right on a lush green boulevard leading to the city.”
2. Buyers want tech that actually works
While smart home tech is increasingly common, Park Quarter leans into functionality.
An app allows residents to book amenities, receive parcel alerts and contact building management directly.
“We’re rolling out a dedicated Park Quarter app,” Lin says.
“It’s all about seamless living.”
Optional upgrades allow buyers to control lights, curtains and music from their phones, and all home handover info—like manuals and documents—is stored digitally.
“No more hunting for USBs—everything is in your portal.”
3. Bigger apartments, fewer compromises
Post-pandemic, many buyers are steering clear of smaller, investor-grade apartments.
Park Quarter offers two-bedroom homes from 83sqm, with some three-bedders starting at 130sqm.
“Post-COVID, people want homes they can actually live in—not just invest in,” Lin says.
“Our two-bedroom apartments start from 83sqm and go well over 100. Three-bedrooms begin at 130sqm.”
The building is split into three sections:
- Garden Homes on levels 7–14
- Sky Manor Residences on levels 15–16 with premium finishes
- Penthouses on level 17 offering top-floor views and private rooftop terraces with outdoor kitchen, spa pool, and outdoor lounge
Each garden home apartment includes a balcony, timber flooring and ASKO appliances, with Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances and curved natural stone benchtops featured in the upper levels.
4. A city-fringe location that feels more suburban
Park Quarter sits between two major parks and is minutes from the Royal Botanic Gardens.
Nearby Anzac Station—set to open soon—will connect residents to the CBD and eventually the airport rail.
“You’ve got direct tram and train access, excellent hospitals and schools nearby, and yet it’s quiet after 6pm – almost like a neighbourhood street,” Lin says.
“It’s ideal for people who work in the CBD but don’t want to live in the chaos.”
5. Timing is everything
With construction well underway and stamp duty savings still on offer, Lin says there’s been renewed interest from buyers looking to secure today’s prices in a future-ready location.
“Buyers today are incredibly savvy – they know they’re getting today’s prices for a home that will be completed in a couple of years, in a location that’s only going up in value,” he says.
“We’re able to offer premium quality at a much more competitive price.
In fact, many nearby projects are around 20% more expensive for comparable finishes.”
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Victoria has again become the country’s population-growth winner, after years of playing post-pandemic catch up.
A new analysis of the latest population data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows Victoria’s net population growth was 30% of the country’s total in 2024 – the largest share of any state or territory.
It was just the second time the state had the biggest slice of Australia’s overall population-growth pie since 2019 – and the first time by a significant margin.
In 2023, Victoria did have a slightly larger portion of growth than NSW – 28% of the country’s overall increase compared with NSW’s 27%. But it is clear from the 2024 data that Victoria firmly took back the top spot last year.
The chart below shows each state and territory’s net-population growth – which is the total increase or decrease in a population, including interstate and international arrivals and departures; and births and deaths – since 2015.
We can see that since at least a decade ago, Victoria took the lion’s share of new residents – until 2020 saw its numbers decrease by more than 22,000 people, with a further loss of 12,182 people the following year. This was of course due to the state’s – and in particular Melbourne’s – strict lockdowns.
Though the other states and territories also saw populations drop during the pandemic (with the exception of the Northern Territory) none recorded net decreases, and some took a larger than usual share of the country’s overall population growth.
Queensland and Western Australia had 29% and 14% of the country’s total population increase in 2019, respectively. Those numbers increased by about 20% for each state in 2020 – the Sunshine State taking half of Australia’s total increase in people and WA taking 36%.
The next year, those states also took a larger share of people than the others (46% and 24% of the country’s total increase) as Victoria’s population declined.
Both Queensland and WA’s capitals have also experienced some of the country’s most rapid property-price growth in the past two-and-a-half years, when compared with other capitals.
We can see from the chart below, that all capitals saw a property price-growth boom in 2021 – with the exception of Perth, where growth remained steady. This was a reaction to record-low interest rates and the re-opening of many of the country’s real estate markets post 2020.
That boom in price growth ended in 2022, however, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Canberra still saw prices increase while the other capitals recorded declines.
Then, the following two years saw Perth and Brisbane – along with Adelaide – become the clear front-runners for property-price growth, while Melbourne saw declines.
There are of course many factors which affect property prices, including interest rates, tax policies and property supply. Victoria has been the country’s front-runner when it comes to new-home building and has also had changes to taxes affecting property investors.
However, population-growth is also a piece of the puzzle, and one way we can try to interpret what may happen to a state or city’s property market.
If Victoria follows the post-pandemic trajectory of Queensland and WA, it is possible the state’s – and in particular Melbourne’s – property market could see a comeback in the near future following its population revival.
Green shoots have already started to pop up in the first half of 2025 – Melbourne has seen monthly growth in its median home price each month since February. This, coupled with lower interest rates and strong population growth, could be a sign Australia’s second-largest city is poised for a home-price renaissance.
The post The state staging a dramatic population-growth comeback: What could it mean for home prices? appeared first on realestate.com.au.
Building a home can feel out of reach for many first-home buyers in South Australia but there are budget-friendly pathways to homeownership if you know where to look.
Living in a newly built home is a dream for many South Australians but with rising costs and a lack of land available, it can seem impossible to many navigating the property market for the first time.
According to the South Australian government, the state will need approximately 315,000 more homes over the next 30 years to keep up with its rate of growth.
Real estate insiders note that this is a key issue for many first-home buyers, with many being approved for loans and ready to buy but not having land available.
Affordability can also be a considerable barrier to entry, with many first-home buyers feeling like they are priced out of the market in the face of this land scarcity.
South Australian first-home buyers, however, have access to some key programmes that can help them get into a new home at a more attainable price.
We spoke with the experts—finance broker and MV Finance owner Maddie Visser and Fairmont First housing consultant Scott Constable—to find out what is on offer for first-home buyers.
Government programmes
There are many initiatives offered by the South Australian government that can help first-time buyers achieve their homeownership goals.
HomeStart is a state government-established finance institution that specialises in making the path to homeownership more accessible.
“Budget-friendly lenders like HomeStart enable eligible buyers to get into their homes with a two to five percent deposit,” says Ms Visser.
Ms Visser explains that one of HomeStart’s most popular offerings are shared equity loans which allow lower deposits and avoid lender’s mortgage insurance.
“The shared equity component means that essentially the state government owns a silent share in the property but the buyer still lives in it and makes all the decisions,” says Ms Visser.
“It’s not forever, and once their income increases and they refinance later down the track they can buy back that portion—for many, it’s the difference between renting for another five years or owning their own home today.”
Buyers can share in equity up to 25% of the value of the property but they may not need to use the full amount.
Ms Visser often works with her clients to use the shared equity component to top up their existing borrowing power so they can get into a home sooner.
HomeStart also offers graduate loans which can boost the borrowing power of recent Certificate III or higher graduates.
Ms Visser says that there also other government incentives only accessible to those building a new home.
“If you’re building a brand-new home, you’ll receive the $15,000 first homeowners grant and stamp duty waivers that cuts out tens of thousands of upfront fees,” she explains.
Fixed-price packages
One opportunity that Fairmont First offers is fixed-price packages on new home builds.
“Fixed-price packages are one of the safest and most effective ways for first home buyers to get into the market,” says Ms Visser.
Fixed-price packages means that all the costs of the build are calculated before the contact is signed, meaning first-home buyers can have an accurate idea of how much their new build will cost from the start.
“When you build normally, if the builder hasn’t supplied perimeter paths, stormwater or any external landscaping then you’ve still got to factor that into your budget when you complete the home,” says Mr Constable from Fairmont First.
“When we go to a final contract, we know that is going to be a final figure and there are no surprises in a fixed-price contract.”
Fairmont First are currently offering a range of affordable fixed-price, ready-to-build homes at their Bentley Road community in Blakeview.
“Bentley Road offers a unique opportunity for first-home buyers to get into a master planned community,” says Mr Constable.
“It’s already well-established, family-orientated area and it’s close to everything, like schools and shopping centres.”
Bentley Road is served by nearby bus routes and quick access to both Main North Road and the Northern Expressway, making transport connectivity simple.
The project is also a master planned community, meaning that Fairmont First has fully considered the design and layout including the facades and streetscape, to create one cohesive and well-connected neighbourhood.
It also means that the community is well-suited to first-time buyers, with a range of homes being available for purchase using the HomeStart Shared Equity programme.
This means buyers can get into their dream homes, without compromising on style or size.
“You’re getting really nice big family homes at a really good price point,” says Mr Constable.
Expert advice and support
Navigating through the government schemes and builder packages can be difficult for first-home buyers just starting out in the property market.
That’s why talking to experts, like Fairmont First and MV Finance, can be such a game-changer for first-time home builders.
“I can’t tell you how many times I get contacted by people that are really deflated because they’ve walked into their bank and been told they need to save a 20% deposit or they can only borrow a certain amount,” says Ms Visser.
“It’s our job to know all of our lenders and all their different policies and to align you with a lender that’s suitable for your scenario instead of you walking into a bank and pigeonholing yourself to just that one policy.”
The importance of a mortgage broker is why Fairmont First has partnered with MV Finance as just one of the ways they assist first-time buyers in every step of the buying journey.
“We work with first-home buyers and we really do help them on that building journey,” Mr Constable says.
“A lot our clients are people who don’t know what their budget is initially, so we help them through the entire process by guiding them to MV Finance who qualifies what their borrowing capacity is and what their circumstances are.”
From there, Fairmont First can use their expert knowledge of the land estates in Adelaide and align those budgets with the land and build sizes that these first-home buyers are looking for.
Backed by Fairmont’s nearly 60 years of experience, buyers can then expect to have a high-quality home that allows them to get into the market at a price that suits them.
“We come in at that affordable price, a price point that’s going to be almost unbeatable in the market,” says Mr Constable.
Fairmont First specifically caters to first-home buyers and is dedicated to making that journey less daunting to those just entering the property market, overcoming significant hurdles that make owning a home seem inaccessible.
“We simplify everything, it’s a streamlined process,” says Mr Constable.
“We really are there for the first-home buyers who really do need that help and guidance through their first homebuying journey.”
If you’re interested in building and buying your first home, the first step is to get in contact with expert Fairmont First housing consultants like Mr Constable and seeing how Fairmont First can help you get started.
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