Housing News Digest
Housing News Digest
The Tenants' Union Housing News Digest compiles our pick of items from all the latest tenancy and housing media, sent once per week, on Thursdays.
Below is the Digest archive from November 2020 onwards. From time to time you will find additional items in the archive that did not make it into the weekly Digest email. Earlier archives are here, where you can also find additional digests by other organisations.
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Archive
How to be the best landlord to your tenants
Sue Williams Domain (No paywall)When making an investment decision, everyone researches the property, the location and the interest rate, but many forget completely to consider the person who rents that home and provides the income. And that’s the difference between a minimal landlord and one who’s going to earn the best reputation and attract the best tenants for the longest periods. ... Also, think carefully about what you’re offering a tenant, recommends Tenants Union of NSW Leo Patterson Ross CEO. Make sure, for example, to have cash reserves ready to sort maintenance issues promptly. “You’re providing a service of housing in exchange for rent, so you should act accordingly,” he says. “Think about what you’re offering. Some tenants might really appreciate having the option of a longer fixed term, with the security and stability that brings, and they might be happy to pay a premium for that. “Flexibility is also appreciated. Allow them to paint walls if it doesn’t reduce the value of the property. That can make a real difference to the experience of living in a place.”
https://www.domain.com.au/news/how-to-be-the-best-landlord-to-yo…
# TUNSW in the media Australia, Rent, Repairs, Starting a tenancy, Fixtures - lights, aircon etc, Landlords and agents.House price growth to slow, one way or another
John Collett The Sydney Morning Herald (Paywall)The madness of rising house prices cannot be allowed go on. Apart from higher prices making it harder for our kids to get into the property market, there is the broader impact on the economy. Ever bigger mortgages simply mean less of our wealth is used for productive pursuits, such as capital going into new start-ups that employ people, or invested in companies working on cures for diseases.
https://www.smh.com.au/money/borrowing/house-price-growth-to-slo…
# Australia, Home ownership, Housing market.‘A little bit scary’: Meet the single mum buying a house with a 2 per cent deposit
Sezen Bakan The New Daily (No paywall)Single parents battling soaring house prices are climbing onto the property ladder with ultra-low deposits. A number of government incentives is making it possible, even as Australian home buyers suffer the worst affordability crisis in more than a generation.
https://thenewdaily.com.au/finance/2021/09/27/house-family-home-…
# Australia, Federal Government, Home ownership.The pandemic is pushing Australia's hot property market to a whole new level — and the regulator is watching closely
David Taylor ABC (No paywall)You could argue the Australian property market has never been "hotter". That is, property price growth is at or near record highs, repaying a mortgage has never been cheaper and buying a first home has never been harder (in terms of the size of the deposit required). But what is it actually like selling property right now?
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-09-29/australia-hot-property-ma…
# Australia, Housing market.Policy priests should tell young Australians the truth about homeownership and supply
Jason Falinski The Sydney Morning Herald (Paywall)I have a confession to make. This month, when the House of Representatives Committee on Tax and Revenue convened to hear from Treasury, the Department of Social Services, and the Reserve Bank on housing affordability, their evidence did not have my full attention. ... [and he concludes by saying] I ask you: should we accept the unfair deficit of seats on the housing bus or stand up to the outrageous misuse of power by the high priests of policy who lie to all of us to protect their privileged position?
https://www.smh.com.au/national/policy-priests-should-tell-young…
# Australia, Housing market.International Tenants' Day on 4 October
(No paywall)International Union of Tenants, IUT has chosen the theme: ”Covid recovery, climate, and construction” for the International Tenants’ Day 2021. For more than a year the COVID-19 pandemic has caused massive human and economic harm on a global scale. Still it isn’t over, and the recovery will require immense investments, financially and on a human level. The housing sector as a result is subject to the same challenges as before the pandemic – just even deeper and more severe. Tenants, as a vulnerable group on the housing market, as a result of loss of income have faced evictions and rent arrears. ... Housing must be a focus for recovery plans. Consequently, the essence of a new post-pandemic housing policy must be based on the availability of affordable housing for all! Such policy should include the following ... [Check out this excellent set of recommendations] (International Union of Tenants)
https://www.iut.nu/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/IUTITD2021PR.pdf
# Must read International, Eviction, Rent, Coronavirus COVID-19.The new housing trend that could save you up to 90 per cent of your energy costs
Daniel Lo Surdo The Sydney Morning Herald (Paywall)With more people housebound and exposed to the quality of their homes during lockdowns, a new form of construction standard is emerging that embraces sustainable building practices at our front door. Passive houses are built to have year-round natural climate control, are free from mould or condensation, and consume as much as 90 per cent less heating and cooling energy than standard houses. It is considered the most rigorous, energy and health-based standard in the design and construction industry.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/the-new-housing-trend-that-c…
# Australia, Utilities electricity water gas, Health, Minimum habitability standards, Planning and development, State Government.Tenancy Support Package
NSW Fair Trading (No paywall)Copy of email sent by NSW Fair Trading to renters and landlords on Tuesday, 21 September 2021 … This email contains important information for residential tenants, landlords and managing agents about support that is available for tenants and landlords affected by the COVID-19 lockdown, including a freeze on evictions and assistance payments up to $4,500 for rent.
# Must read NSW, Rent, Coronavirus COVID-19, Landlords and agents.