October 2024 Newsletter

October 2024 Newsletter

Newsletter snapshot:

  • NSW CPD update: Ballina Face-to-face, Upcoming Webinar training.

  • Industry updates: Some millionaires, some struggling: The fall-out of Adelaide's 50% property price hike, Myer family’s Melbourne mansion could sell for $100m+, Qld agent handed 10-year ban and $30k fine, Home prices fall in parts of Sydney as ‘buyer's market’ looms.

  • Job Opportunities!

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September 2024 Newsletter

September 2024 Newsletter

Newsletter snapshot:

  • NSW CPD update: Face-to-face AND Webinar training dates released!

  • Industry updates: Making renting fairer in NSW, New laws introduced to improve strata living.

  • Commercial Updates: Blue Mountains: 'rare' opportunity to invest at the Three Sisters, Airbnb boom hits a wall as landlords slash prices to lure tourists.

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July 2024 Newsletter

July 2024 Newsletter

Newsletter snapshot

  • NSW CPD updates

  • Industry updates: Sydney defies gravity smashing out a fresh home price record, Homeowners warned of looming ban on dangerous renovation product, Why it’s a better time to buy a home right now, National Property Manager’s Day!

  • Job Opportunities: Exciting opportunity for a part-time Property Administration Professional, located on the Sunshine Coast! Interested? Reach out to Gillian Gatt: gillian.gatt@AusDN.org.au

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New rental laws commence in South Australia on 1 July 2024 under "biggest update of rental laws" in nearly 30 years

New rental laws commence in South Australia on 1 July 2024 under "biggest update of rental laws" in nearly 30 years

23 June 2024

In a media release today, the South Australian Government has announced the commencement of major rental reforms from 1 July 2024. This comes after earlier reforms were introduced to SA renting laws on 1 September 2023.

The July 2024 reforms also follow the State Government’s proposed bill from November 2023 to amend the Residential Tenancies Act 1995, and it seems the then-proposed changes will now become law.

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June 2024 Newsletter

June 2024 Newsletter

Newsletter snapshot

  • Mothers Day Giveaway Winner Announced!!

  • Industry updates: Cheap rentals drying up in Townsville, 100 granny flats a week: Families turn to ‘instant’ housing solution

  • Commercial updates: Brisbane CBD tower being sold by DWS Group could trade for $112m.

  • On the road again! Stay tuned for our upcoming Face-to-face classes!

  • NSW CPD updates: NSW Class 1 and Class 2 licensees can now complete their training with us online!

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November 2023 Newsletter

November 2023 Newsletter

3 November 2023

Newsletter snapshot:

  • Industry updates: NSW strata sector updates October 2023 // NSW Government introduces strata sector reforms, extends existing property services commissioner role // National Association of Renters' Organisations launches report on principles for strengthening renters’ rights.

  • Disciplinary action: Former Victorian estate agent convicted over illegal transfers of client funds // Victorian estate agent facing disciplinary action for poor conduct // Western Australia Consumer Protection urges tenants to report racist behaviour after agent reprimanded and suspended // NSW Fair Trading publishes results from underquoting compliance inspections, confirms $52,800 in fines issued.

  • Legislative changes: South Australian government clarifies further commitments to improving housing outcomes for tenants and prospective tenants // Bill introduced to amend South Australia's Residential Tenancy Act.

  • NSW CPD updates: NSW Class 2 and Class 1 licensees can now complete their CPD training with us online! Plus more face-to-face classroom CPD options!

  • WA CPD: WA agents, don’t forget to enrol in and complete your CPD by 31 December 2023!

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Bill introduced to amend South Australia's Residential Tenancy Act

Bill introduced to amend South Australia's Residential Tenancy Act

1 November 2023

In a media release today, the South Australian Government has announced the introduction of “landmark rental reforms” to parliament as part of its commitment to improving housing outcomes in the rental market.

Under the proposed bill to amend the Residential Tenancies Act 1995, changes to legislation would include:

  • introducing prescribed grounds to terminate or not renew a tenancy

  • extending the notice period to end a tenancy from 28 days to 60 days

  • allowing tenants to have pets in rental homes with reasonable conditions

  • protecting tenants’ information

  • ensuring rental properties comply with minimum housing standards

  • providing additional support for victims of domestic violence.

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South Australian government's commitment to improving housing outcomes

South Australian government's commitment to improving housing outcomes

27 September 2023

In its latest issue of ‘CBS Connect’, South Australia’s Consumer and Business Services (CBS) announces the State’s commitment to greater protection for prospective tenants.

Earlier this month, we reported on new laws surrounding the prohibition of rent bidding in South Australia, which commenced on 1 September 2023. CBS has since clarified further commitments to improving housing outcomes for tenants and prospective tenants.

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September 2023 Newsletter

September 2023 Newsletter

1 September 2023

Newsletter snapshot:

  • Industry updates: NSW licensees in charge: Ensure assistant agents are qualified by March 2024 // NSW Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for multi-licence holders clarified.

  • Disciplinary action: Queensland Fair Trading charges Cairns real estate agent over 13 offences.

  • Legislative changes: Further reforms to rent bidding in NSW // Rent bidding illegal in South Australia from 1 September 2023 // New laws around minimum housing standards commence 1 September 2023 in Queensland.

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Rent bidding illegal in South Australia from 1 September 2023

Rent bidding illegal in South Australia from 1 September 2023

1 September 2023

After placing a ban on rent bidding in July, South Australia Consumer and Business Services (CBS) has today announced that the practice of rent bidding is officially illegal in the state of South Australia. A landlord or agent found to be soliciting rent bids may be fined up to $20,000.

According to CBS, under the reforms:

  • Landlords or agents must now advertise premises at a fixed amount and must not solicit or otherwise invite an offer for higher rent. This means landlords are no longer able to advertise properties with a rent range, put properties up for rent auction, or solicit offers over the advertised rental price.

  • Additionally, where a third party is facilitating tenancy applications, any rating or assessment of a prospective tenant must not be based on an offer of higher rent.

  • A penalty of up to $20,000 will apply for breaches of the new rent bidding laws.

  • This significant reform brings South Australia in line with other Australian jurisdictions.

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August 2023 Newsletter

August 2023 Newsletter

4 August 2023

Newsletter snapshot:

  • Industry updates: NSW Government announces change to temporary accommodation access support people in crisis // NSW Government introduces rental commissioner role // Queensland Residential Tenancies Authority reports over 114,000 outstanding bond payments // NSW stock agent news: Sheep and goat electronic ID grants open for saleyards and processors

  • Disciplinary action: Victorian agents hit with over $500k in fines for underquoting // Consumer Affairs Victoria commences action against agency for practising while unlicensed.

  • Legislative changes: NSW Government engages community consultation for further changes to rental laws // No-cause evictions to be banned in South Australia.

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