Tuesday 16 December 2025: Australian Commercial Property & SMSF Investment News Brief

📈 Today's Commercial Property & SMSF News

Court Upholds iPhone Note as Valid Will in $10 Million Estate Case

A recent court ruling, Wheatley v Peek [2025] NSWCA 265, has overturned an earlier decision, affirming that a note found on an iPhone can be legally recognised as a deceased person's last will. This significant judgement, highlighted by Matthew Burgess of View Legal, reinforces the principle that courts may accept informal documents as legitimate testamentary instruments, provided there is clear evidence of the deceased's intention for the document to serve as their final wishes. The case involved a substantial $10 million estate, underscoring the importance of understanding the evolving legal landscape for estate planning.

Source: www.smsfadviser.com

SMSF Trustees Warned About Indirect Financial Assistance Breaches Under Section 65

Tim Miller, from Smarter SMSF, recently cautioned trustees of Self-Managed Superannuation Funds (SMSFs) about the potential for "indirect" financial assistance to breach Section 65(1B) of the superannuation legislation. He explained that Section 65 outlines two key prohibitions. While the direct lending of money from an SMSF to a member or their relative is a clear violation, trustees must also be vigilant about less obvious forms of financial aid that could inadvertently fall under this strict regulatory provision, potentially leading to compliance issues. This highlights the need for careful adherence to SMSF rules to avoid penalties.

Source: www.smsfadviser.com

Property Experts Detail Strategy for $3000 Weekly Passive Income

Australian property investment specialists have outlined a method for individuals and couples to generate substantial passive income, potentially reaching $3000 weekly. This approach, detailed by Empower Wealth founders Bryce Holdaway and Ben Kingsley in their publication 'How to Retire on $3000', focuses on long-term, structured property investment rather than speculative activities like house flipping or chasing market fads. The experts suggest that by strategically utilising the family home as a foundation, middle-income Australians, particularly couples in their thirties with children, can establish a robust investment plan designed to build significant wealth over time. This strategy aims to provide a consistent income stream without requiring individuals to leave their primary employment.

Source: www.news.com.au

Palm Beach Luxury Development 'Pescado' Secures First High-Value Sale

A new luxury residential project, Pescado, located on Jefferson Lane in Palm Beach and valued at $50 million, has achieved its initial off-plan sale. The development is spearheaded by YLB Developments, a company associated with musician DJ Paul Fisher and his wife Chloe. A local family has purchased one of the exclusive full-floor apartments within the beachfront complex. Collaborating with BDA Architecture and Kollosche, the developers have refined the building's design, enhancing internal layouts and significantly expanding communal facilities for residents. The updated plans also include an additional basement level to provide more parking and storage solutions, catering specifically to owner-occupiers, families, and those seeking to downsize into premium living spaces.

Source: www.news.com.au

Australian Economists Divided on RBA's Future Interest Rate Strategy Amid Inflation Concerns

A significant debate is unfolding among Australian economic commentators regarding the Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA) monetary policy decisions, particularly concerning interest rates. While many financial analysts and market participants anticipate stable or even reduced interest rates in the coming year, a vocal minority holds a contrasting view. This group contends that the RBA's previous rate cuts were ill-advised or insufficient, pointing to signs of renewed inflationary pressures and a perceived imbalance between supply and demand in the economy. They suggest that the RBA did not act decisively enough when global consumer prices surged in 2023, and that inflation, which peaked in Australia in 2022, is now presenting fresh challenges. These economists are advocating for a more aggressive stance, arguing that higher interest rates are necessary to manage the current economic climate effectively.

Source: www.abc.net.au

📊 Yesterday's Key Developments

The Block Buyer Lists Unique Rainforest Mansion and Hikes Penthouse Rent

A prominent participant from 'The Block' reality TV show is actively managing their property portfolio, listing a distinctive rainforest estate in Far North Queensland, Alkira, for sale with an asking price exceeding $5 million. Simultaneously, they have increased the weekly rental rate for their full-floor beachfront penthouse on the Gold Coast to $2,500. The rainforest property is also offered for short-term stays, indicating a strategy to generate income while awaiting a buyer.

Source: www.realestate.com.au

Adelaide's Beachside Suburbs Emerge as New Executive Rental Hotspot

Adelaide's high-end rental market is experiencing a notable shift, with beachside areas increasingly surpassing the traditional eastern suburbs in demand for executive properties. Property managers report a growing preference among interstate and international professionals for coastal homes, who are prepared to pay premium prices. Suburbs like Glenelg are now highly sought after for corporate rentals, indicating a new competitive landscape for luxury leasing in the city.

Source: www.realestate.com.au

Simple Coin Trick Helps Home Buyers Detect Costly Subsidence

Property expert Phil Spencer is advising prospective home buyers to employ a straightforward method using a 10-cent coin to identify potential subsidence issues. Subsidence, a condition where the ground beneath a property sinks, can lead to severe structural damage and incur repair costs ranging from hundreds to tens of thousands of dollars, potentially exceeding $40,000 for complex cases. This simple inspection tip can help buyers avoid significant financial outlays by detecting this hidden danger early.

Source: www.realestate.com.au

Perth-Based Winsome Resources to Merge with Canadian Lithium Explorer Li-FT Power

Li-FT Power, a Canadian lithium exploration company, is planning a merger with Winsome Resources, an exploration firm based in Perth, Australia. This proposed transaction places a valuation of $131 million on Winsome Resources. The consolidation of these two entities aims to combine their respective lithium exploration portfolios and operational capabilities.

Source: www.businessnews.com.au

Westgold Resources to Spin Off Non-Core Gold Assets in Murchison, Plans IPO

Westgold Resources has announced plans to separate a collection of its non-essential gold assets located in the Murchison region into an independent operational entity. This new company is slated to have its own Initial Public Offering (IPO) and will appoint a chairperson who also serves on the board of Chalice Mining, suggesting a strategic link or shared governance expertise. This move aims to streamline Westgold's focus while unlocking value from the spun-off assets.

Source: www.businessnews.com.au

Perth's South-East Corridor Poised for Significant Property and Infrastructure Boom

A recent housing forum, convened by the South East Corridor Council Alliance (SECCA), underscored the substantial growth trajectory anticipated for Perth's south-eastern region. Comprising local government areas such as Armadale, Canning, Gosnells, and Victoria Park, the alliance outlined a shared vision for a corridor marked by rapid population increase and considerable infrastructure investment. Key industry figures, including developers and urban economists, participated in discussions, offering insights into the strong market confidence and lifestyle advantages driving this expansion, particularly noting the area's strategic location along major transport routes. This signals a period of significant real estate development and investment opportunities within this part of Western Australia.

Source: www.businessnews.com.au

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Published: Tuesday 16 December 2025 | Fresh Articles: 38 | Sections: 11 | RunID: 2025-12-16T08:14:53+11:00