Hot Property: The biggest property headlines from week 15–19 April

To compile this list, not only do we consider the week’s most-read stories and the news that matter most to you, but we also curate it to include stories from our sister brands that also have an impact on the Australian property landscape.

Here are the biggest stories of the week:


Interest in becoming ‘property pals’ increases: ING

Almost half of Australians think that purchasing property with someone who isn’t a spouse or partner will become common practice, ING has found.


Australia’s debt service ratio ‘extraordinary’: CBA

The change in the debt service ratio has been ‘extraordinary’, according to the major bank.


Increased land taxes resulting in SME insolvencies

An increased number of SMEs have fallen into insolvency as growing land taxes have forced landlords to increase rent.


Victorian landlords must meet minimum standards – or risk $57k fines

The Victorian government is cracking down on minimum rental standards in the wake of a concerning rise in tenant complaints.


6 additional NSW suburbs targeted for rezoning

Local councils working with the state government on its Transport Oriented Development Program have helped identify six further sites for residential construction.


‘A terrible week for industry’: NSW tax talk alarms property sector

The NSW government has said it may look to increase taxes on foreign investors in the same week it confirmed that property owners would be tapped to pay for the state’s emergency services.


Real estate literacy takes centre stage in new show

Better-informed consumers benefit the entire industry, which is why the Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) is going directly to the source.


‘Super portfolio’ to tackle housing announced in SA cabinet shake-up

South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas will create a new Department of Housing and Urban Development to roll together many of the state’s existing entities to coordinate efforts.


The regional towns driving Victoria’s rebound

Prices across the state are down over the past 12 months, but regional houses have recently buoyed the numbers with strong quarterly growth.


[RELATED: Hot Property: The biggest property headlines from week 8–12 April]