Ethan Glass served as lead outside counsel for the National Association of Realtors throughout the trial in the homeseller commission lawsuit known as Sitzer | Burnett.
The fear of losing one’s home is a growing reality for many Australians, with one in ten admitting they are just one setback away from housing insecurity.
Reports reveal a devastating housing crisis, with unaffordability and hidden homelessness affecting tens of thousands.
While street homelessness is visible, it accounts for only six per cent of the homeless population. The majority – 94 per cent – are hidden, sleeping in cars, couch surfing, or relying on precarious shelters.
Anglicare Australia’s 2025 Rental Affordability Snapshot – taken at the start of the year –highlights the severity of the issue.
Out of 51,000 rental listings surveyed, only three properties were affordable for those on JobSeeker, while just 0.3 per cent were accessible to Age Pension recipients.
For full-time minimum wage earners, only 0.7 per cent of rentals were affordable, and for those on the Disability Support Pension, the figure drops to 0.1 per cent.
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The number of people finding themselves homeless is on the rise.
In response, the property sector has launched A Home for All Foundation, aiming to raise funds and drive change for those without secure housing.
Christine Mikhael, the newly elected Advisory Committee Chair for A Home for All Foundation and CEO of LJ Hooker Group, underscores the industry’s profound responsibility. “The property industry is uniquely positioned to address the issue of homelessness and housing insecurity,” Ms Mikhael stated.
“Every day we help our clients buy, sell and rent homes and we have a responsibility to help Australians establish a home. Our work is closely linked to the heart of the issue and A Home for All Foundation is an opportunity to support those who really need it.”
The Foundation, backed by Australia’s leading digital property business REA Group, ensures that every dollar raised will go directly to homelessness and housing insecurity charitable organisations, with no funds diverted to administrative costs.
The human cost of this crisis is immense
Homelessness has surged by more than 30 per cent in the last two decades.
Disturbingly, women and children now represent one of the fastest-growing cohorts experiencing homelessness, with 45 per cent of women and girls identifying family and domestic violence as the root cause.
This particular form of homelessness has more than doubled between 2021 and 2024.
Ms Mikhael points to the broader housing affordability crisis as a significant contributor. “There are so many people now that can’t afford to rent or pay their mortgage,” she explained.
“There’s also not enough social housing for a family to stay together. On average, there’s a 10-year waiting period for social housing.”
Beyond the immediate need for social housing, Ms Mikhael stresses the critical shortage of affordable housing as rental costs continue to skyrocket.
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Christine Mikhael, the newly elected Advisory Committee Chair for A Home for All Foundation and CEO of LJ Hooker Group
She urges a long-term, strategic approach, looking 20 to 30 years ahead at population growth and housing supply.
“It’s a complex situation, but if we just took five minutes to go ‘okay, supply, demand,’ let’s start there and look at the number of empty bedrooms,” Ms Mikhael suggested.
She raised the possibility of tax reform to incentivise shared accommodation, allowing homeowners to rent out spare rooms with a tax break, potentially unlocking much-needed housing supply.
The Foundation’s inaugural initiative, “A Night Without Home,” invites the property industry and the wider public to participate this October.
Supported by powerful imagery designed to highlight the hidden nature of homelessness, the national fundraising campaign encourages individuals or teams to experience a glimpse of what it’s like to face homelessness.
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Women and children are among the biggest risk groups.
Participation can range from a single donation to spending a night without the comforts of home and fundraising for the cause, or committing to year-round support.
While the situation is complex, Ms Mikhael remains optimistic.
“We’re still at a point where there’s still time to solve it, but if it keeps growing in that trajectory, it’s going to be a lot harder in 10 years’ time.”
The property industry, which understands the fundamental human need for a home better than most, is now stepping up to ensure that more Australians have that basic security.
To sign up for A Night Without Home and to support A Home for All Foundation, visit: ahomeforall.com.au
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The clip comes after it was confirmed that the series will return for a second season — having avoided the chopping block that has seen seven of the network’s programs given the axe in recent weeks. Picture: HGTV
Reality TV star Tarek El Moussa is poking fun at his wife, Heather Rae, and his ex, Christina Haack, for “ganging up” on him during filming of their home renovation competition series, ‘The Flip Off.’
The 44-year-old, who recently snapped up a new mansion with his wife, took to Instagram to tease his ex and his spouse for becoming “close friends” in a silly video, Realtor reports.
In the clip, Haack, 42, and Heather, 37, stood on either side of Tarek and gave him a stern glare while he shrugged his shoulders.
The overlay text read, “Films a hit competition show with my wife and my ex-wife.”
The video then cut to a photo of Haack and Heather hugging with the words, “They become close friends.”
He captioned the post, “How did I not see this coming & now they like to gang up against me!”
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HGTV star Tarek El Moussa is poking fun at his wife, Heather Rae, and his ex, Christina Haack, for “ganging up” on him during filming of their home renovation competition series, ‘The Flip Off.’ Picture: therealtarekelmoussa/Instagram
The clip comes after it was confirmed that the series will return for a second season — having avoided the chopping block that has seen seven of the network’s programs given the axe in recent weeks.
Haack teamed up with Tarek and Heather to share the happy news with a tongue-in-cheek Instagram video in which the trio poke fun at the many comparisons drawn between the two women.
The clip began with Tarek seated in the office of his new $5.2 million Newport Beach mansion taking a work call — before he was interrupted by a text message seemingly announcing his show’s renewal.
Leaping up in excitement, the father of three exclaimed, “The king is back, baby!” before pulling a gold crown from his desk drawer and placing it atop his head.
Meanwhile, Haack and Heather hung around the sipping on champagne when they too received the same text announcing: “The Flip Off season two is a go!”
According to HGTV, Season 2 of “The Flip Off” will take the same format as the first, with Tarek and Heather teaming up in a renovation battle against Haack, who will bring in a series of guest helpers to assist in her home overhauls.
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The trio’s joint video post finally answered fan questions about the future of the series, which was put into serious doubt after it was revealed that HGTV had cancelled multiple shows — including other franchises starring the El Moussas and Haack. Picture: Instagram/Christina Haack
The future of the show was originally thrown into doubt after Haack’s public and messy split from husband Josh Hall eventuated during filming.
Hall, who had been part of the show from the beginning and the other half of Haack’s team, suddenly vanished from the show and promotional material mid-series.
Hall recently scored big in the divorce settlement, with the businessman being granted a Tennessee home and condo, California property, furniture and several cars, including a Hondo Motorcycle, a 1970 Chevelle, a DeLorean from the 1980s and a 1940s Dodge.
Hall was also entitled to his company’s interests and will not have to pay back Haack the $US100,000 ($A153,000) she gave him during their divorce proceedings.
Hall will maintain the full rights to his bank account and receive a $300,000 ($A460,000) one-time payment from Haack.
The exes, however, both waived their rights to spousal support.
Happier times… Haack and Hall. Picture: Instagram / @thechristinahall
Tarek, Heather and Haack’s joint video post answered fan questions about the future of the series, which was put into serious doubt after it was revealed that HGTV had cancelled multiple shows — including other franchises starring the El Moussas and Haack.
“Bargain Block,” “Married to Real Estate,” “Farmhouse Fixer,” “Izzy Does It,” “Christina on the Coast,” and “The Flipping El Moussas” were all given the chop by the network, prompting outrage from viewers, some of whom even threatened to boycott HGTV as a result of the cancellations.
“Exactly what are they planning on airing?” one person questioned in a Reddit thread about the cancelled series. “Everything is cancelled.”
Another chimed in: “It sounds like the end of the station.”
“Those are all great shows! I’m very frustrated,” one person added.
HGTV has not yet revealed the reasons for the cancellations; however, reports later emerged claiming that the network’s viewership has plummeted by half in the past eight years, which triggered some major changes to its programming.
HGTV has not yet revealed the reasons for the cancellations; however, reports later emerged claiming that the network’s viewership has plummeted by half in the past eight years, which triggered some major changes to its programming. Picture: HGTV
Deadline stated that HGTV averaged about 1.5 million viewers in 2017, citing Nielsen — but by 2024, that number had dropped to 773,000, the outlet claimed.
According to Deadline’s story, the company is struggling to attract viewers aged 18 to 49, losing 26% among that demographic in the past year.
In 2017, viewers aged 18 to 49 averaged 425,000, while 2024 saw only 101,000.
The outlet noted that part of the reason for HGTV’s troubles is the large budget it takes to produce and put on a home renovation show — which can reportedly cost upward of $500,000 per episode.
However, HGTV issued a statement on Aug. 21 announcing that its new slate of shows, confirming that several fan favourites will be returning, in addition to “The Flip Off.”
Erin and Ben Napier’s hit series “Home Town” will be making a return — along with a new spin-off, “Home Town: Inn This Together,” while “Love It or List It,” “Renovation Aloha,” and “100 Day Dream Home” are all due to be broadcast again.
Hostess Alison Victoria will return in a new series entitled “Sin City Rehab,” joining two other debut programs, “Cheap A$$ Beach Houses” and “Tropic Like It’s Hot.”
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Tamara and Brad Picking with kids Thomas, 21, Blake, 19, Hayden, 16, and Finlay, 12, are among the Melbourne families building a $1m home. Picture: Jason Edwards
When Tamara and Brad Picking were growing up, the idea of spending $1m building a home was the kind of thing only considered when thinking about winning the lottery.
They’re currently building a house that will cost that and more, and while it’s going to be their dream home it definitely won’t be “all marble and grand staircases”.
What they are getting is a home they hope will future proof their own lives, and give their four sons Thomas, 21, Blake, 19, Hayden, 16, and Finlay, 12, the space and amenity to stay at home, potentially with partners, until they’re ready to make their own home purchase.
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“For our dream home it will tick all the boxes, all of the children get their own bedroom and their own bathroom, and I get a proper pantry and all the storage — plus a big island bench where the family can all get together,” Ms Picking said.
Mr Picking said it was “nothing like what we grew up in”, and things like hydronic heating and solar panels would be a boon, but a big part of the seven-figure price tag was just surges in material and trade costs.
“Pre-Covid you would have got it at a fraction of today’s prices,” Mr Picking said.
After knocking down the Bentleigh home they first moved into with two babies in 2006, the couple are building with Metricon — adding a second storey that will increase their living spaces as well as the accommodation and bathrooms.
The Picking family’s revamped home is coming together quickly as they prepare for a future-proofed residence. Picture: Jason Edwards.
The couple initially looked at a renovation but eventually decided to demolish their old home in favour of a new one, given the cost of a complete upgrade wasn’t too much more — and relocating was ruled out due to the exorbitant tax costs involved.
“Stamp duty was just giving money away when you could be reinvesting that into your own property,” Mr Picking said.
And they’re not alone. Another family across the road from them started their street off with an about $700,000 new home build before the pandemic, but since then about a fifth of their street has either upgraded or is in the process of doing so.
The Pickings are also pretty confident they’ll get more than $1m back out of the home, given they’ve designed it so that they never have to leave.
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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Two Aussie sporting legends have set their sights on massive paydays in their post-sporting careers.
Two retired sporting champions have impressive listings on the Gold Coast hinterland.
AFL legend Buddy Franklin and wife Jesinta have relisted their Reedy Creek retreat, Villa Casa with reported $12m expectations through a new agency, White Fox.
Designed by Reece Keil Design with Spanish-style arches, the contemporary house last sold for $8.75m in 2022.
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Buddy Franklin and wife Jesinta have relisted their Reedy Creek retreat, Villa Casa.
The 4497sq m estate was initially listed in July last year when they were thinking of buying a farm.
“Villa Casa” is more than a home, it’s an icon,” the pitch for the home reads.
“Perched high on 4,497m² and sculpted to feel suspended on the hillside, this award-winning masterpiece fuses Mediterranean soul with Gold Coast edge
“Designed by Reece Keil and brought to life by Tidal Constructions, every inch of its 1,102m² footprint is bespoke.
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Inside the bespoke home.
Soaring ceilings.
It sits on over 4000 sqm.
“With soaring arches, hand-rendered lime walls, alabaster marble feature lights, chevron Kustom Timber floors, and a sculptural brass balustrade, all working in harmony to shape a residence that feels as much art as it does architecture.”
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The Franklins are selling up. Pictures Instagram
It was a set location for Russell Crowe’s latest film, Bear Country.
Andrew Bogut and wife Jessica have listed their Mudgeeraba property.
Just 6km away, retired Australian NBA player Andrew Bogut, who is now on the coaching panel at the Sydney Kings, and wife Jessica have listed their Mudgeeraba property through Leon Kong and Vivienne Dong of Matrix Global.
Set in the gated Jabiru Estate, the six-bedroom, five-bathroom home was designed by Jared Poole.
“Don’t miss out this opportunity to own a masterpiece in the exclusive gated enclave of Jabiru Estate,” the pitch for Bogut’s home reads.
The home sits in a gated community.
Hamptons inspired.
“Sunnymeade House is a new Hamptons-inspired mansion sets on a 1.62 acres elevated block and architecturally designed to evoke a rare sense of style and quality.
“Located moments from Somerset College, Robina Town Centre, pristine beaches, and elite sports facilities. It offers you and your loved ones unmatched serenity, elegance and privacy.
“This is truly is one of one!”
Bogut during his time in the NBA. Picture: Getty
The couple, who bought the 6675sq m parcel for $6.4m in 2021, are also selling other investment holdings.
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Aldi is expanding into the residential solar business. Picture: Aldi
Supermarket giant Aldi is making a surprise new move in Australia that could help deliver sweeping money-saving improvements to houses across much of the country.
The German retailer announced this week it would begin delivering solar panel and battery packages for Australian homes in key states, including installation.
The move is set to spark panic, causing major competition not just for major grocery retailers like Coles and Woolworths but also the solar panel industry.
Aldi Solar was trialled in Victoria, but will now be rolled out in NSW, Queensland and ACT. Pre-orders opened from September 10.
Aldi Australia group director Simon Padovani-Ginies said the program was about delivering value to Aussies outside of the grocery sector.
“With straightforward pricing, flexible battery options, installation by certified experts and an exceptional payback period, Aldi Solar puts power back in the hands of households ready to take control of their energy costs,” he said.
The program will give customers two options – one worth $6999 and the other worth $8499.
The cheaper option includes 15 solar panels with a 5.5kW hybrid inverter and a 10kWh battery system.
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The pricier option doubles the battery capacity to 20kWh and blackout protection and installation are included at both price points.
Aldi will partner with a separate company called Tempo to install the packages.
The standard cost of a just one 5kWh battery in Australia already comes in at $7000 so Aldi’s offer, which includes a bigger battery as well as solar panels and an inverter, will be hard to beat at the same price.
Aldi data claims a typical home in Sydney could save more than $3600 on their power bill in 12 months by installing a solar system, meaning the system will have paid for itself after just two years.
That would be welcome relief for thousands of households across the country who continue to suffer through a cost of living crisis that has seen average power bills skyrocket in recent years.
Finder reported power prices in Australia recently increased by almost 10 per cent or $280 a year for households.
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Solar panels are becoming increasingly popular as a way to reduce bills but the initial cost can be prohibitive. Picture: James Croucher
Aussies interested in pre-ordering solar systems through Aldi will have installations beginning from November.
Check if your postcode is covered by Aldi’s program here.
The Aldi offer comes as one Aussie homeowner shared how he slashed his power bills from $600 to zero – and now gets a passive income from the home changes he installed.
Michael Tat from Sydney’s southwest said he pocketing money every quarter from his electricity company after pairing a home battery with rooftop solar panels.
He is now using the extra money to pay off his mortgage quicker and looking to add a second battery for an EV to avoid paying for petrol.
“What really drove me was the beginning of the increase in price for electricity,” Mr Tat said.
“I was one of the early adopters in terms of purchasing an EV and getting on the green sustainability track.”’
Sydney resident Michael Tat with his home’s NeoVolt battery.
Mr Tat said having solar was a great starting point, however, the home battery allowed him to store power generated during the day when he would otherwise be at work and instead use this at night.
Mr Tat is now looking for a second battery, which he said will help not having to worry about potentially taking from the grid at all.
“It’s really trying to future-proof myself knowing that the federal government rebate is available now, looking at that initiative it actually is a very good offer in terms of being able to get a second battery at a low cost,” he said.
“Since I got the battery in October last year, I haven’t actually had to pay a cent in electricity bills until now, even in the winter period,” he said “My credit bill at the moment for my energy is actually in positive $487.”
Australian energy solutions provider VoltX Energy is reporting a 2000 per cent growth in battery solar pairings over the past year with data showcasing half of all households making the changes to reduce and even eliminate their energy bills.
VoltX Energy chief operating officer David Sedighi.
VoltX Energy CEO David Sedighi said this surge is “unprecedented” and reflects a major shift in how Australians are managing energy costs.
Mr Sedighi said solar panels generate electricity during the daylight with peak productions hours being between 10am to 2pm, however, excess electricity is typically exported back to the grid.
Home batteries store excess solar power so you can use this at night time when electricity is the most expensive, essentially cutting bills and giving consumers energy independence, he said.
Data from Climate Council shows 9.5 per cent of homes in NSW with solar now have a home battery, while in South Australia its 13.9 per cent and just 4 per cent in Queensland with another 160,000 installations slated across Australia in the next 12 months.
Additional reporting by Kaylee Cranley
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They’ve captured the hearts and minds of Australians for their lifestyle appeal and promise of a different daily pace.
According to the latest instalment of the Regional Movers Index (RMI) – a quarterly publication from the Regional Australia Institute and Commonwealth Bank – Australians continue to be wooed by regional locations that offer a combination of space, affordability and community. Several towns in particular have proven more popular than others for their unique blend of liveability and connectivity.
Not only have they captured former residents of the major capitals looking for a different pace of life, but they’re also proving to be favourable for movers from other regional areas, perhaps looking for that special mix of amenity and lifestyle.
According to the latest RMI, these are the top five LGAs by share of total net internal migration to regional Australia, based on the 12 months to June 2025.
5. Fraser Coast, Qld
Known as the whale watching capital of Australia, the Fraser Coast – encompassing towns such as Maryborough and Hervey Bay as well as the island of K’gari – has a population of just over 100,000 and growing.
According to the latest RMI, the Fraser Coast captured 1.7% of overall city movers in Australia and 1.5% of regional movers, taking in 3.2% of the nations total relocators over the last 12 months.
With the world-heritage listed natural site K’gari just off the coast, this region attracts nature lovers keen for a laidback way of life, but still within proximity of a major capital just three hours north of Brisbane.
Hervey Bay airport also offers connectivity to Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.
In a waterside suburb of Hervey Bay, new estate Beachside Dundowran Beach is offering the chance to build a new home, with the first release of this 1600-homesite community now selling lots ranging from 2000sqm to 3000sqm.
4. Maitland, NSW
Wine tourists to the Hunter Valley are finding plenty to stay for, with Maitland – the region’s major central town – coming in fourth on the Regional Movers Index.
This classic slice of rural Australia was a new entrant into the top five on the last RMI, and appears to have maintained its appeal.
Over the 12 months to June 2025, the region attracted 1.6% of total city relocators and 1.7% of all regional movers.
But there are more drawcards for new residents than just the region’s wineries. Maitland offers a bustling downtown with lots of creative appeal – boasting a regional art gallery and numerous studios of local artists. All of this is set against the picturesque banks of the Hunter River.
Just 11km west of Maitland’s downtown, new estates like Lochinvar Ridge are expanding the housing options in the area, and providing room for locals and new residents alike to build a home that suits their needs.
These 700sqm blocks are typical of the area, with many residents seeking a Hunter Valley lifestyle because of the space it offers outside of major metropolitan centres.
3. Lake Macquarie, NSW
The banks of Australia’s largest coastal salt water lake – in fact, the largest consistent salt water lake in the Southern Hemisphere – have long attracted Australians looking for affordable living within proximity of the water. That the region also offers excellent connectivity to a major metropolitan capital is a bonus.
Sydney is just a 90 minute drive from the towns surrounding Lake Macquarie. If the proposed high-speed rail link between Newcastle and Sydney goes ahead, it could be even closer.
Its major city proximity is perhaps the reason that the Lake Macquarie region attracted far more city dwellers looking for a lifestyle shift than it did movers from other regions.
In the latest RMI, 3.8% of relocators from capitals chose Lake Macquarie, while just 0.9% came from other regional or rural towns.
Ambitious projects like Trinity Point, which is currently selling land lots, are promising future amenities that will bring new, thoughtfully-planned communities to the area.
The subject of a master plan, Trinity Point will eventually incorporate a boutique hotel, residential apartment complex, multiple dining options, wellness clinic and function centre all set under green roofs that reflect the surrounding hillside.
2. Greater Geelong, Vic
Greater Geelong may have taken out the top spot in the last RMI, but its current position in second place hardly means the area is waning in popularity. Missing out on the number one ranking by a slim margin, Greater Geelong captured 7% of city movers and 1.5% of regional relocators in the latest RMI.
Within easy distance of Melbourne but a bustling commercial hub of its own – coupled with waterside access and proximity to the surf coast – it’s easy to see why Geelong appeals.
Much of the development in the area has been centered around Armstrong Creek, south of Geelong’s CBD, where numerous new land estates are in development.
But in other parts of the area, projects like Gen Fyansford are offering the ability to buy a slice of Geelong life and build a dream home within this attractive small city.
1. Sunshine Coast, Qld
Regaining its place at the top after falling into second last quarter, the Sunshine Coast has once again proven to be the most popular location for domestic relocators.
North of Brisbane, with exceptional expanses of stunning beaches, this hotspot has been capturing the hearts and minds of sea-changers across the country for years.
The coastal Queensland enclave spent nine consecutive quarters at the top of the RMI before being temporarily dethroned last edition.
From the suburbs that dot the coast like Coolum, Mooloolaba and Caloundra, to hinterland towns like Maleny, Mapleton and Landsborough, the communities that make up the Sunshine Coast have proven as popular as each other, with new residents finding homes across this Queensland LGA.
Overall, the region attracted 7.4% of city movers and 1.5% of regional relocators, to account for a total of 8.9% of all domestic moves in the last 12 months.
In hinterland Eumundi – a town known for hosting the country’s largest arts and crafts markets every Wednesday and Saturday – the Hazlewood Estate is offering a rare chance to secure land in the area.
These large lots range from 1.5 to 12 acres, with sweeping views of the Sunshine Coast’s classic rolling hills.
Are you interested in making a move and building your dream home? Check out our dedicated New Homes section.
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Houses have long reigned supreme in Adelaide but a new-found demand for units is driving prices up at a faster rate.
Latest PropTrack data shows unit values climbed 9.87 per cent in the year to September – or $57,200 – while those of houses rose 8.79 per cent – or $74,000.
The growth takes the median unit price to $642,000 and the median for houses to $925,000.
While there was still a significant divide between the median house and unit price, experts said it was gradually narrowing.
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Adelaide unit prices have climbed 9.87 per cent over the past year – more than house prices. Picture: Brenton Edwards.
Ray White Adelaide City director Andrew Downing said a recent spike in demand for units was pushing prices up at a more rapid rate than it has in the past.
“Probably because they’re coming from a low base and whereas before there were a lot of apartments being used for the investment side, there are a lot of people looking at downsizing now,” he said.
“If you go back traditionally over the decades, unit prices have hardly changed.”
While apartment blocks were mostly reserved for students a decade ago, Mr Downing said that wasn’t the case anymore, especially as more quality and luxury offerings were available.
He said it wasn’t until a couple years after Covid that unit prices started to rise more dramatically.
Much of that, he said, could be attributed to interstate buyers getting priced out of Melbourne and Sydney, as well as the lack of land to build.
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Ray White Adelaide City director Andrew Downing. Picture: supplied.
“Adelaide has become a destination place, people want to come over here for the first time, that underpins prices,” Mr Downing said.
Affordability was also a major factor, he said, with more people attracted to one-bedroom apartments as an entry-level home despite them once being the hardest to sell.
Turner Real Estate chief executive Emma Slape said her agency was noticing a change in preference for units over houses because it was a better entry point.
She said first-home buyers and even small families were opting for units because they were more affordable and offered other lifestyle benefits.
“Years ago we wouldn’t have seen as many first-home buyers or even people having a life change,” she said.
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Turner Real Estate chief executive Emma Slape. Picture: Brad Griffin.
“Now they want to be close to the city to access better schools and save on transport costs.”
Ms Slape said newer apartment complexes that had a bigger community focus and offered more flexibility, including allowing pets, also made units more appealing than ever before.
She believed demand for and the price of units and apartments would grow as house values continued to climb.
“As we close the gap, we’ll probably see prices in the unit market rise at the same pace as house prices,” she said.
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Victoria is calling on the community to give feedback on draft planning controls for housing along Melbourne’s busiest transport corridors.
Following an initial round of consultation that launched in May 2025, the Victorian government has released draft plans with proposed heights and boundaries for new homes across 25 Train and Tram Zones.
These zones are part of 50 activity centres, which are set to enable more than 300,000 homes close to transport, jobs and services by 2051.
The first 25 zones are expected to deliver more homes in some of Melbourne’s busiest transport corridors.
As part of the process, the Victorian government is considering where new homes should be built and what kind of homes are suitable for each area – as outlined in the draft plans.
“We’re making this city fairer for workers and families. Too many people are locked out of suburbs where they want to live – and I’m on their side,” Victoria’s premier Jacinta Allan said.
What the plans outline
There are individual draft plans for each of the 25 activity centres. These plans specify proposed building heights for two sections within each centre: the core and catchment areas.
The core refers to the central part of activity centres, which are the closest to transport corridors.
In these areas, the plans allow for more homes in taller apartment buildings, with heights varying by location – some up to six storeys, others up to 16.
Eligible buildings in core areas will be “deemed to comply” with planning rules and be exempt from VCAT review. Applications that exceed height boundaries won’t be eligible for the fast-tracked pathway and would go through a regular planning process.
Catchment areas are within a 10-minute walk – about 800 metres – of public transport. These plans encourage more low-rise apartments and townhouses.
In inner catchments (within a five-minute walk), the proposals limit buildings to four storeys, or six storeys on larger blocks of more than 1000sqm.
Outer catchments (within a 10-minute walk from stations) also propose limits of three storeys or four storeys on those larger blocks.
These limits set a maximum height allowance, meaning future developments can be built up to these heights but won’t necessarily be built to their maximum.
With the draft maps now released and available to be viewed at Victoria’s state government website, a second round of community consultation will help determine the final heights and boundaries for the new planning controls.
This will run through the rest of September and will close on October 19 2025, inviting public feedback on heights, setbacks and boundaries.
Consultation for all 50 centres is expected to be complete by early 2026.
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Charlie Sheen. Picture: Rich Polk/Getty Images for California Strong
He was once the highest paid actor on TV, earning close to $US2 million ($A3.03 million) an episode on the hit sitcom Two and a Half Men.
At the peak of his career, Charlie Sheen had a staggering net worth of $US150 million ($A227 million), with an impressive property portfolio.
Fast forward to today and the Golden Globe winner’s once-massive fortune has significantly diminished to $US3 million ($A4.5 million).
The Wall Street actor was so broke that he briefly moved in with his parents, living in their guesthouse.
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Charlie Sheen once had a staggering net worth of $US150 million.
Martin Sheen and Charlie Sheen in the 1987 film Wall Street.
Here’s a closer look at how Sheen lost his money and what became of his properties.
Two and a Half Men royalties
Sheen was fired from Two and a Half Men in 2011 after he made offensive comments about the series’ creator, Chuck Lorre.
Despite his dismissal, the actor still received $US100 million ($A153 million) in royalties from the show.
However, the lucrative payday didn’t last long as Sheen sold his participation rights for $US27 million ($A40 million) in 2016.
Sheen was fired from Two and a Half Men in 2011 after he made offensive comments about the series’ creator, Chuck Lorre (left). Picture: Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images
Anger Management deal
In 2012, Sheen returned to television in the sitcom Anger Management, which was based on the 2003 film of the same name.
Charlie Sheen secured a highly profitable deal that granted him 30 per cent syndication ownership (compared to the usual 1-3 per cent) in exchange for a lower per-episode salary.
He was set to earn hundreds of millions of dollars from syndication if the series was successful.
However, poor ratings led to soft syndication demand, and as of 2016, Sheen hadn’t received any payments, making it a significant financial failure for him. The show ended after 100 episodes.
Charlie Sheen and Selma Blair in Anger Management. Picture: Adam Rose/AP/FX
How did Charlie Sheen blow his fortune?
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Sheen lost the vast majority of his former fortune on well-publicised legal costs, child and spousal support payments and extravagant lifestyle expenses.
The Hollywood bad boy also spent millions on hookers and drugs.
In a March 2016 court filing, Sheen claimed to have $12 million in debts, largely attributed to various mortgages.
The Platoon star’s monthly income, which once peaked at $US600,000 ($A907,000), reportedly dropped to around $US167,000 ($A252,000). His monthly medical expenses amounted to $US25,000 ($A37,000).
He disclosed he had paid $US10 million ($A15 million) to settle with people who were blackmailing him about his HIV status over the preceding four years.
In 2016, Sheen claimed to have $12 million in debts. Picture: Dominik Bindl/Getty Images
Child and spousal support payments
Before September 2016, Sheen paid $US110,000 ($A166,000) a month in spousal support to two ex-wives, Denise Richards and Brooke Mueller.
A judge later reduced the Spin City star’s monthly spousal payment to $US25,000 ($A37,000) per ex, after he sued to have the payments lowered due to his diminished finances.
He also pays about $US500,000 ($A750,000) per year for child support.
In August 2018, Sheen claimed to be in a “dire financial crisis with less than $10 million to his name”.
Charlie Sheen and ex-wife, actress Denise Richards, in 2003. Picture: Vince Bucci/Getty Images
The actor stated he was unable to make his monthly child and spousal support payments, citing he had “been unable to find steady work and [has] been black-listed from many aspects of the entertainment industry”.
Sheen was seeking to reduce his annual $US1 million ($A1.5 million) child support – $US500,000 ($A750,000) each to Richards and Mueller.
In September 2019, Richards alleged Sheen owed her $US450,000 ($A680,000) in child support, stating he squandered $US24 million ($A36 million) from his Two and a Half Men equity sale, which was intended to settle his personal debts.
Charlie Sheen and ex-wife Brooke Mueller in 2009. Picture: Jason Merritt/Getty Images
What happened to Charlie Sheen’s properties?
Mulholland Estates
In 2011, Sheen paid $US7 million ($A10.6 million) for a Beverly Hills mansion in the exclusive Mulholland Estates gated community. He later sold this property in 2015 for $US6.6 million ($A10 million).
Sheen sold the property in 2015 for $US6.6 million. Picture: Realtor
In 2012, he bought another Mulholland Estates home, for which he paid $US4.8 million ($A7.2 million). He sold the residence in 2016 for $US5.4 million ($A8.1 million).
Sheen has also owned properties in Agoura Hills, Sherman Oaks, and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
Primary residence
In recent years, Sheen nearly lost his primary Los Angeles residence to foreclosure before finally selling the home at a steep loss.
The Money Talks star paid $US7.2 million ($A10.8 million) for this Mulholland Estates mansion in 2006. He listed it for sale in 2018 for $10 million ($A15 million).
Sheen eventually sold the property for $US6.6 million ($A9.9 million) in January 2020. He took a $US400,000 ($A605,000) hit when he sold a similar home in the same neighbourhood.
Sheen eventually sold the property for $US6.6 million in January 2020. Picture: Realtor
Charlie Sheen with his then “goddesses” – Natalie Kenly and Rachel Oberlin aka Bree Olsen
The estate gained infamy during the height of Charlie Sheen’s controversial behaviour.
The notorious house where he lived with several girlfriends whom he called his goddesses after separating from Brooke Mueller.
After moving out of his home and living in his parents’ guesthouse, Sheen briefly rented a trailer in an upscale Malibu mobile home park.
The Hot Shots! star has also owned properties in Agoura Hills, Sherman Oaks, and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
The actor was last reported to rent a Malibu home in 2022 for an estimated $US16,350 ($A24,800) per month, after selling off most of his Los Angeles properties.
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