Tuesday, March 12, 2024

Tag: Industry News

Not Happy, Jan

The HIA believes that the consequence of these new fees will see investors withdraw from the Australian market

It looks like the industry is not swallowing the federal government’s pill that foreign investment is contributing to the housing crisis.

The Housing Industry Association (HIA) is one of many industry peak bodies and commentators to jump on the announcement made by Treasurer Jim Chalmers regarding the government’s plan to hit up foreign investors as a measure to improve housing supply for Australians.

In response to this proposed new impediment to housing investment, HIA chief economist Tim Reardon said more foreign investors would increase housing supply, not more taxes.

Read the original article at timesnewsgroup.com.au

Foreign Property Investors To Be Hit With Higher Fees

The federal government has announced changes to the foreign investment framework in an effort to boost Australia’s housing stock.

In an effort to boost Australia’s housing stock and provide more homes for Aussies, the Albanese government has announced higher foreign investment fees for housing.

“Higher fees for the purchase of established homes, increased penalties for those that leave properties vacant, and strengthened compliance activity will help ensure foreign investment in residential property is in our national interest,” Treasurer Jim Chalmers said in a statement.

At the same time, he announced the government will cut application fees for foreign investment in build-to-rent projects to support the delivery of more homes across Australia.

Read the original article at www.investordaily.com.au

Churches of Christ DigiAsk project changes the landscape of service provision for the homelessness

DigiAsk is a Churches of Christ Housing Services Limited initiative in partnership with Brisbane City Council. Using Churches of Christ’s mobile office (or DigiVan), the project is helping people experiencing homelessness – or those who are at risk of homelessness – to access technology and help.

Commencing in January 2018, DigiAsk has supported almost 500 patrons with digital advice and access to the internet. The service has also distributed reconditioned smart phones, sim cards and phone battery chargers.

Find out more on the Churches of Christ in Queensland website.

AIHW releases Housing assistance in Australia 2017 report

The Australian Institute of Health & Welfare has published its report titled Housing assistance in Australia 2017 which provides up-to-date information relating to government funded provision of social housing, rent assistance, home purchase assistance and support services to help households maintain their tenancies.

Secure and affordable housing is fundamental to the wellbeing of all Australians. It provides a platform for many of life’s benefits, including stable employment, connection to the community and a sense of home. Unfortunately, many Australians are not able to access affordable, suitable housing with their own economic and social resources. Assistance provided by governments and community organisations is available to eligible Australians who may have difficulties securing stable and affordable housing – this support is collectively referred to as housing assistance.

Key findings in the report include:

  • 845,400 tenants lived in social housing in 2016
  • 194,600 households were on social housing waiting lists in 2016

For further details on the AIHW report click here.