📈 Today's Commercial Property & SMSF News
SMSF Association Highlights Financial Abuse Risk in Corporate Trustee Structures
The SMSF Association has drawn attention to a concerning form of financial abuse within Self-Managed Superannuation Funds, particularly when a corporate trustee is involved. In such scenarios, an abuser might force a victim to become a director of the corporate trustee and a member of the SMSF. This setup then allows the perpetrator to manipulate the victim's superannuation, potentially rolling over their funds into the SMSF and illicitly withdrawing them, often without the victim's full awareness or consent. This issue was raised in a submission concerning strategies to combat financial abuse stemming from coerced directorships.
Source: www.smsfadviser.com
MLC Expert Explains "39-Week Rule" for Early Super Access Due to Hardship
MLC's senior technical service manager, Mark Gleeson, recently highlighted a less-known but viable option for individuals facing severe financial difficulties to access their superannuation. During a webinar, Gleeson detailed the "39-week rule," which can permit a member to withdraw their entire super balance if they satisfy specific conditions. He illustrated this with a case study of a 61-year-old individual, unemployed for over a year and receiving job seeker payments, seeking to withdraw a portion of their retirement savings. This rule serves as an important avenue for financial relief in dire circumstances.
Source: www.smsfadviser.com
Self-Employed Aussie Details Loan Approval Struggles Despite High Income
An Australian first-home buyer shared her significant difficulties in obtaining mortgage approval, despite earning a substantial six-figure income and having a 20% deposit. Emily Mai, 35, purchased a $640,000 townhouse in Melbourne in 2019, but her self-employed status proved to be a major hurdle with traditional lenders. She explained that banks often require a consistent two-year income history for self-employed applicants, making the process complex. Mai emphasised that without the expert assistance of a mortgage broker, securing the necessary home loan would have been virtually impossible, highlighting the challenges faced by non-salaried individuals in the Australian property finance sector.
Source: www.news.com.au
Unconventional Income Streams Present Challenges for Australian Home Loan Approval
A Melbourne woman, despite earning a significant six-figure income and having a substantial 20% deposit, encountered unexpected difficulties when applying for a home loan to purchase her first property. Her profession, which involved self-employment, led to struggles in securing bank approval, as lenders typically require a consistent two-year income history for such roles. The individual ultimately relied on the expertise of a mortgage broker to navigate these complex lending criteria and successfully obtain financing for her $640,000 townhouse in 2019. This scenario highlights how non-traditional employment can impact the home buying journey in Australia, even for high earners.
Source: www.news.com.au
ASX Poised for Gains Following Robust Wall Street Performance
Australian financial markets are anticipated to open strongly, driven by a positive overnight trading session on Wall Street. Despite news of a US Justice Department inquiry involving the Federal Reserve Chair, American stocks experienced a rally, with particular strength observed in technology companies and major retailers. This upward trend saw the S&P 500 achieve an intraday record high. The optimistic sentiment from the US market is expected to create a favourable environment for the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX), suggesting a likely increase in local stock values.
Source: www.abc.net.au
📊 Yesterday's Key Developments
Victorian 'Ghost Town' Property Sells for Exceptionally Low Price
A two-bedroom residence located in the sparsely populated Victorian locality of Rosebery recently concluded a sale, reportedly becoming one of the most budget-friendly property transactions across Australia in December. Situated in a region that the 2021 Census indicated had virtually no inhabitants, this home at 5 Lascelles Street was sold after its asking price saw a significant reduction. Rosebery, found in western Victoria, is notable for its landmark grain silos adorned with public art and is primarily surrounded by agricultural land. The community's population has sharply declined from its count in 2016, making this sale particularly noteworthy for its affordability in a remote setting.
Source: www.realestate.com.au
Frankston North Delivers Significant Property Gains for Melbourne Homebuyers
Young homeowners in Melbourne's Frankston North have experienced substantial property value growth, with one couple seeing their home increase in worth by over $100,000 in less than a year. This mirrors the broader trend in the suburb, which has emerged as a top performer in the city's property market, with median house prices reportedly rising by approximately $112,000 throughout the previous year. This rapid appreciation highlights specific areas within Melbourne exhibiting strong market momentum for residential property.
Source: www.realestate.com.au
Brisbane Property Market Experiences Double the Usual Buyer Demand Post-Holidays
Brisbane's real estate sector is witnessing an exceptionally strong start to the year, with agents reporting more than double the typical number of attendees at open homes compared to previous post-holiday periods. This surge in interest is particularly pronounced in the inner-city housing market, where limited available properties are intensifying competition. Experts note a shift in buyer behaviour, with many returning to the market with increased urgency and decisiveness, often driven by a desire to secure a property after missing out on opportunities in the preceding year.
Source: www.realestate.com.au
ACCC Targets Supermarkets, ASX Shows Gains
The Australian stock market experienced positive movement, building on strong international performance. Meanwhile, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is reportedly preparing to take legal action against major supermarket chains, leveraging recently granted expanded authority. This development follows news from the United States regarding the Federal Reserve Chair facing legal scrutiny, which impacted the US dollar.
Source: www.abc.net.au
Sydney Communities Resist Fast Food Developments
Several Sydney suburbs are actively opposing the expansion of major fast-food chains into their areas. These communities are concerned about preserving their local character and have expressed their opposition through various channels, including public submissions to local councils and social media campaigns, against proposed developments. This pushback occurs as the fast-food sector in Australia continues to grow, with a significant increase in the number of such businesses nationwide.
Source: www.abc.net.au
RBA Rate Outlook and Australian Population Growth Highlighted in Finance Report
A recent finance report touched upon global market trends and specific Australian economic indicators. It noted the Reserve Bank of Australia's upcoming interest rate decision in February, with speculation about potential rate increases later in the year. The report also highlighted Australia's significant population expansion, which exceeded 27.6 million, largely driven by migration. Additionally, it discussed findings suggesting that older generations might be financially supported by younger demographics.
Source: www.abc.net.au
Busselton Shopping Centre Lessor and Tenant in $2.2 Million Legal Battle
A significant legal conflict has emerged in Western Australia's South West region, involving the owner of a Busselton shopping complex and an individual planning to establish a restaurant there. The disagreement, which centers on a substantial sum of $2.2 million, has now advanced to the Supreme Court, indicating the severity and complexity of the commercial property dispute. This situation highlights potential challenges and financial risks associated with commercial leasing agreements and business development within retail precincts.
Source: www.businessnews.com.au
Published: Tuesday 13 January 2026 | Fresh Articles: 38 | Sections: 12 | RunID: 2026-01-13T08:14:59+11:00
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