The sweeping tariffs President Trump implemented on April 2 have been ruled illegal by a federal appeals court that said Trump did not have the power under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to levy tariffs. However, the court is allowing the tariffs to stay in place until a lower court rules on whether the ruling affects just those involved in the case or a larger group affected by the tariffs.

Trump imposed tariffs after declaring several national emergencies related to border security and drug trafficking. On April 2 he imposed 10% ‘reciprocal’ tariffs on imports from all countries, with steeper tariffs for China (34%), Taiwan (32%), South Korea (25%), and the European Union (20%). Since that time the tariff amounts have been repeatedly amended depending on the country, the goods imported and any trade deals reached. Deadlines for the tariffs have also been extended numerous times.

Trump’s tariffs were almost immediately challenged in a number of court cases and the decisions of those courts have sometimes then been appealed by the administration. This case was originally heard in the Court of International Trade, where they combined the ‘reciprocal’ and ‘trafficking’ tariffs into one case and deemed them illegal. The anticipated next step is for the Supreme Court to weigh in.

The judges wrote today: “We are not addressing whether the President’s actions should have been taken as a matter of policy. Nor are we deciding whether IEEPA authorizes any tariffs at all. Rather, the only issue we resolve on appeal is whether the Trafficking Tariffs and Reciprocal Tariffs imposed by the Challenged Executive Orders are authorized by IEEPA. We conclude they are not.”

Tariffs that Trump imposed on specific goods under different executive orders are not affected by this decision.

The judges today wrote: “Since taking office, President Donald J. Trump has declared several national emergencies. In response to these declared emergencies, the President has departed from the established tariff schedules and imposed varying tariffs of unlimited duration on imports of nearly all goods from nearly every country with which the United States conducts trade. This appeal concerns Five Executive Orders imposing duties on foreign trading partners to address these emergencies.”

The judges in this case wrote: “The government has not pointed to any statute or judicial decision that has construed the power to regulate as including the authority to impose tariffs without the statute also including a specific provision in the statute authorizing tariffs.”

“While the president of course has independent constitutional authority in these spheres, the power of the purse (including the power to tax) belongs to Congress,” the judges wrote.

A new abode provides a unique opportunity to optimise your space for usability, focus, and a feeling of comfort and harmony.

Home organisation trends have gained significant popularity in Australia with the rise of shows about finding joy through the art of decluttering (Marie Kondo, anyone?) and increasing market demand for innovative storage solutions.

These trends reflect a broader cultural shift towards intentional living, especially for those working from home, which has increased the need for organised, multifunctional living spaces.

This means we’ve become more connected and more online than ever before, with our demand for internet growing faster than you might realise.

“About 36% of Australians are currently working from home at least part of the time and we are all using the internet more than ever,” says Jane McNamara from nbn.

“The average Australian household downloads eight times more than it did a decade ago, on about 25 connected devices, with downloads expected to double again in the next six or seven years, and connected devices expected to hit 44 by 2030.”

“This trend will continue as new technology emerges and becomes a part of our lives,” she adds.

Here are 5 tips to help optimise and harmonise your new home both physically and digitally.

1. Reducing clutter reduces stress

Stuck in a tech tangle? A cluttered home can disrupt your sense of harmony, potentially making you feel drained and unfocused.

So, whether it’s an overflowing inbox with thousands of unread emails, a home office filled with messy cords and old gadgets, or an internet connection that is not set up for your needs, every bit of digital clutter adds up.

Work on ridding your home of things you don’t need — think old paperwork, unused gadgets, random knick-knacks and anything else that no longer sparks joy.

You can apply the same philosophy to your digital space.

Spend a bit of time organising your documents, photos and videos into tidy folders, clearing your notifications and culling your apps for a more focused and efficient digital environment.

2. Fast internet makes you more efficient

The internet has evolved into the beating heart of the modern home, seamlessly connecting people, devices, and experiences.

“A decade ago, the typical Australian home had 2 to 3 internet-connected devices,” says Jane.

“Today, we have smart phones, watches, speakers, fans, fridges and cameras, on top of laptops, TVs, tablets and gaming consoles, not to mention electric vehicles downloading software patches and uploading footage and data from the day.”

“These all rely on your home connection, often downloading and uploading all at once.”

To cater for an increase in devices and family members using the internet at the same time, especially during peak times – think streaming, gaming and late-night work video calls – having the right internet plan for your needs is key for better online experiences.

Higher speed plans can offer more capacity so that your household can continue streaming, working from home and gaming online all at the same time with less disruptions.

3. Older tech could be holding you back

Just as old white goods and broken furniture can disrupt the functionality and harmony of your home, so can older tech devices.

Keeping the technology that connects you to the internet up to date is another element to consider in a well-organised digital life. The Wi-Fi generation of your router could limit the speeds you experience on your internet plan.

 “We know many Australians are still using Wi-Fi 4 technology, which was released about 16 years ago in 2009, and can typically only achieve download speeds of up to 100Mbps,” says Jane.

“Those with this technology simply can’t get the higher speeds they may be paying for.”

Check if your devices are compatible. Outdated firmware or tech tools from different generations, like an old printer and a new laptop, may not work well together.

4. Your Wi-Fi router’s position may be disrupting digital flow

Furniture placement plays a crucial role in enhancing the flow and functionality of a home.

Arranging furniture to ensure clear pathways and balanced layouts can help with zoning your home for your needs. And harmony is not just about physical furniture placement, it’s also about enhancing your digital experience by looking at your Wi-Fi set-up.

To make your internet connection work best for you keep these things top of mind:

1. Don’t hide your Wi-Fi router away in a cupboard or behind furniture, as obstacles including mirrors, fridges, and even fish tanks can block your signal and limit your speed.
2. Minimise interference as common household items like microwaves, TVs, radios and baby monitors can affect your Wi-Fi signal so try to avoid placing your Wi-Fi router near them.
3. Elevate your Wi-Fi router and place it in a central location where you use the internet the most.

“Even the fastest speed plan and latest equipment can’t deliver the speed you’re paying for if it’s set up poorly. It’s a bit like buying new speakers and laying them face down on the carpet,” says Jane.

5. You may have internet ‘dead zones’

If you live in a large home or multi-storey home, or if you’re experiencing internet dropouts, you could benefit from a mesh network – a type of Wi-Fi setup that helps improve internet coverage in your home, especially if you have a large house.

Instead of relying on a single router to send out Wi-Fi signals, a mesh network uses multiple devices called nodes.

Think of it like a team of people passing a message along. Instead of one person trying to shout the message across a big room, several people relay the message to ensure everyone hears it clearly.

This way, you get a stronger and more reliable Wi-Fi signal throughout your home, even in areas that are far from the main router. With a mesh network, you can potentially wave goodbye to internet dead zones, laggy streaming and slow smart devices caused by poor Wi-Fi coverage in the home.

Connecting with others is a fundamental human need. Virtual connections can be as supportive as in-person ones and the key to a harmonious internet connection could be optimising your home internet setup.

By harmonising your digital space, you can help make your internet coverage flow seamlessly through every corner of your home – bringing balance, connectivity, and peace of mind.

After all, in today’s world, good internet is more than a convenience — it’s the foundation of a harmonious, connected life.

Consider harmonising your home with a high speed nbn plan. Check what’s available at your address on the nbn website.

The post 5 ways to create balance and harmony in your home appeared first on realestate.com.au.

In an era where home ownership feels like a distant dream for many young Australians, one Gen Z trailblazer is shattering expectations and proving that ambition, grit, and a sharp strategy can build a fortune.

Meet Zach Hristodoulopoulos. Before the age of 30, this former semi-professional soccer player has not just entered the property market; he’s conquered it, forging a staggering $5 million portfolio.

His story isn’t just inspiring; it’s a powerful blueprint for anyone who dares to dream bigger than their pay cheque.

Zach’s journey began not in a boardroom, but on the pitch.

“Prior to starting investing in property, my first job was actually playing soccer at a semi-professional level, and I did that for a good six to seven years,” he recalls, having played for National Premier League South Australia clubs like West Adelaide Soccer Club and Adelaide Comets FC.

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But even then, the seeds of his future empire were being sown.

Alongside his sporting commitments, he immersed himself in sales roles.

“Sales is a job that I recommend to people who, if they don’t know what they are doing – the skills you obtain are transferable in any aspect of life,” he advises, highlighting the foundational skills that would serve him well.

The five year period – when Zach was age 18 to 23 – was a relentless, almost superhuman grind.

“I was working full-time, I was studying full-time and playing soccer at a semi-professional level,” he explains.

“I would go to work all day, then go straight to soccer training from work, then I would try and fit in this full-time finance degree.”

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This gruelling schedule, which he aptly terms the “learning and earning stage,” was his secret weapon.

Hours spent commuting became an invaluable classroom.

“Any given day, I would spend a couple of hours in the car driving around to my customers and whatnot. So I started listening to these property podcasts all day, every day,” he reveals. “Doing something for a few hours a day for a five-year period, the knowledge was growing quite a bit in those years. So that’s where I suppose the initial knowledge came from.”

The first strike: Land, location, and a leap of faith

At a mere 22 years old, Zach made his pivotal first move, purchasing a property in Gilles Plains, Adelaide.

“I’m a big believer in buying properties with land attached to them,” he asserts.

His inaugural acquisition was an older home on a generous 700-plus square metre block with a substantial 24m frontage.

“This was a great first purchase because 95 per cent of the value was in the land and as we know, land appreciates over time, whereas buildings depreciate.”

Bought with his partner for a now-unbelievable $400,000, he muses: “That’s probably half price to what it’s worth now.”

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His next bold move came amid the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic.

While the world braced for a property crash, Zach saw opportunity.

“We then bought again in the middle of Covid, when there was a time when everyone was talking about doom and gloom and how property prices were going to crash. So we took the plunge and ignored the noise.”

This was another older home with subdivision potential, this time in Camden Park, behind the famed Glenelg.

A third property followed in 2022, solidifying his counter-cyclical approach.

The “ugly duckling”strategy: Unlocking hidden value

Zach’s investment philosophy is disarmingly simple yet profoundly effective: “The properties we were buying were sort of the ugly houses on the best street. They were nothing special when you looked at them but it had all that value in the land.”

He prioritises structural integrity and prime location over cosmetic appeal.

“When you walk through, the bones are strong but internally, the colour of the walls may be black or yellow or pink – but I’m not fussed about that stuff. That’s something I can change. It’s more about the fundamentals and the location. Location does 90 per cent of the heavy lifting when it comes to a property’s performance.”

His long-term vision is where the magic truly happens.

“I tend to rent out my properties for four or five years, save up a bit more and grow my income – and then down they come,” he explains, referring to his strategy of demolishing existing structures to build multiple new dwellings.

The invaluable guidance of his father-in-law, a town planner, has been instrumental in unlocking the full potential of these land-rich blocks.

Today, Zach’s portfolio stands at a formidable $5 million, comprising five owned properties and two more subdivisions on the horizon.

Zach’s golden rules for aspiring investors

Zach Hristodoulopoulos isn’t just building his own empire; he’s now dedicated to helping others do the same.

As the founder of buyer’s agency HRISTO, he’s empowering a new generation of investors.

His advice is direct, actionable, and born from hard-won experience:

The “perfect time” is a myth:

“There’s never a perfect time to invest,” Zach states unequivocally.

“Generally I find that people are waiting for everything to line up. They want interest rates to be low, they want borrowing to be easy, prices to be low and no competition. But these things never line-up – so for many, there will always be a reason not to buy.”

He flips the script: “If interest rates are high, I say ‘OK, I’m not going to be competing. It’s less people at this option and you could potentially save tens of thousands of dollars.’”

Silence the noise, take action:

In a world awash with economic fearmongering, Zach advocates for a long-term perspective.

“I know there’s a lot of noise out there that puts fear in people’s heads but it just delays them taking action… if you’re going to buy and hold a property for five, 10, 15 years, does it really matter what happens in the next month or two?”

Go hard, go early:

The power of compounding is undeniable.

“I was always told to go hard in my 20s in regards to investing and self-development and learning, but the compound effect of starting early versus later is huge.”

Master your local market:

All of Zach’s properties are in Adelaide.

“I understand the best streets, the best suburbs and I’ve got some intel in regards to planning… my knowledge is here, so I’ve got the upper hand and it really doesn’t make sense for me to diversify.”

Embrace support:

Don’t be afraid to leverage help.

“Partner up if you can, be it by getting help from Mum and Dad as maybe your guarantors or with a partner or a friend.”

He notes the rise of parental guarantors: “All it really means is that parents are helping their kids with the deposit side of things, which can be one of the hardest parts – to save up for a deposit. So use the help if you can. Don’t frown upon that as it’s pretty common these days.”

Zach’s journey is a powerful reminder that the Australian property dream is not dead, especially for the young.

It simply requires a different kind of play – one built on relentless learning, strategic action, and the courage to ignore the crowd.

If a semi-professional soccer player can pivot to property powerhouse before 30, what’s stopping you from kicking your own financial goals?

The post Gen Z Aussie builds $5m property empire before 30 appeared first on realestate.com.au.

The Glen Waverley house of late tennis ace Will Coghlan and his wife Mary is set for a $1.9m-$2.08m sale.

Coghlan reached the 1967 Australian Open men’s doubles semi-finals playing alongside Dave Power.

He also coached players including Pat Cash, Danielle Jones and Belinda Woolcock.

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A 50-year member of the Kooyong Tennis Club, where he met Mary, Coghlan made it to Wimbledon’s second round and the Aussie Open and US Open’s third round in singles during his sporting career.

The Coghlans’ daughter Katie Riddell said her father had belonged to the Last 8 Club, an international group for players who have reached a Grand Slam’s quarterfinals.

In 1986, since the Last 8 Club tradition started at Wimbledon, similar groups have sprung up at other major tournaments to give members benefits such as court-side tickets and hospitality during tennis competitions.

Ms Riddell’s dad’s achievements were all the more impressive because he played in the era before many players became full-time professionals.

Coghlan worked in real estate and as a coach, often playing on weekends against the likes of the former men’s world number one-ranked player John Newcombe.

Ms Riddell said her parents built their architect-designed, four-bedroom house at 16 York St in the 1970s.

Apart from large windows, their main requirement for the abode was a tennis court.

The residence became Ms Riddell and her younger brother’s childhood home where they loved swimming in the backyard pool and celebrating special events.

“Dad had some milestone birthdays there, I still remember dad’s 40th,” she said.

“They could get a lot of people in there, it’s a big party house.”

Ms Riddell recalled her father’s friend, coach Ian Barclay who took Pat Cash to Wimbledon, enjoying tennis and backyard beers at the house along with their other mates.

Set on 1282sq m, the mid-century-esque home has an open-plan formal living and dining room with French doors that open to the garden.

The open-plan family and dining area is fitted with a built-in bar and bookcase, while the main bedroom has a walk-in wardrobe and renovated bathroom.

Other features include a rumpus room, laundry, double carport with undercover storage, and an

outside cabana, covered patio, clothesline and paved area.

Ms Riddell said her father died two years ago and her mother was now downsizing.

And Ms Riddell, an interior decorator, helped to style the house for sale.

Her aptitude for the profession emerged early in life when, as a baby, she would accompany her mother to design showrooms while the home was being built.

“I was a bit naughty, because I must have had my interior decorating hat on from a young age,” Ms Riddell said.

“They had this wall paper from the ‘70s in the hallway. And I hated it, so I started to rip it off – I got into a bit of trouble.”

The house will be auctioned at 3.30pm on Saturday, Jellis Craig’s Calvin Huang has the listing.

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The post Tennis star Will Coghlan’s Glen Waverley home listed for $1.9m+ appeared first on realestate.com.au.