Developments
What You Need to Know About Australian Construction Costs in 2024
As you’re probably aware, Australian construction costs have been in the news after posting an 11.9% growth rate in 2022. You’ve probably heard whispers about the cost of building a home zigzagging like a roller coaster. Well, it’s time to buckle up and explore what’s really happening with construction costs as we step into 2024.…
Read MoreBuilding approvals point to a potential future housing shortage
It doesn’t seem that long ago we were talking about an oversupply of apartments across Sydney, South Melbourne, and Brisbane. However, a lot has changed in the past few years. The ABS October figures on building approvals show a seasonally adjusted estimate for total dwelling units falling by 8.1% in October. The graph below from…
Read MoreWrapping up the year with Data, Dance Floors, and Depreciation
Our year started on a high, coming off the back of a massive win for MCG. Landing a position on the Financial Review’s top 100 of fastest-growing businesses, we hit the ground running! Mike Mortlock and Mitch Ford completed their much-anticipated triathlon, with over $2k raised for Heartkids, a charity helping those affected by congenital…
Read MoreProgress Claim Case Study – The MCG Method of Assessment
As part of the services of quantity surveyors, we are regularly commissioned to undertake progress claim assessments on behalf of financial institutions. During the last month, we have seen quite a common conversation held between ourselves and a client (developer) regarding the difference between our assessment of the builders claim and the amount that the…
Read MoreMost common building defects in residential multi-owned properties
In a recent research paper pertaining to the examination of building defects in residential multi owned properties, there has been some great findings. These findings were authored by Nicole Johnston (Deakin University) and with Sacha Reid (Griffith University). In summary, two studies have been undertaken to identify the most common building defects in residential multi-owned…
Read MoreAn Expert Witness Case Study – Owner V Builder, August 2019
In a recent expert witness case that I was asked to provide my opinion of costs on, the result has now been published. Background The background to both applications is best described as: The Owners’ sought damages from the Builder in respect of: o (Item 1) Defective and/or incomplete works (the Defects Claim); o (Item…
Read MoreThe recent regulatory changes and the state of the Property Market
The January CoreLogic figures have shown that capital city dwelling values have posted their first quarterly fall since April 2016. The peak of the market was called as far back as 2016, but now we’re seeing the evidence some two years later. On a positive note, the combined regionals edged slightly higher over the Dec-17…
Read MoreHow common property assets can supercharge your upfront deductions
Most investors would be aware that if you own a unit within a complex, you’ll have an entitlement to claim over the common property assets based on your share of ownership. This percentage share is commonly referred to as a unit entitlement and can be found on your strata plan or plan of subdivision. You’ll…
Read MoreWhat you need to know – Investment Property Budget Changes
Investment property tax deductions hit the headlines when the 2017-18 Federal Budget was handed down on 9 May 2017. As the second biggest tax deduction after interest, depreciation deductions against investment properties save investors thousands of dollars and can make or break the profitability of a property investment What deductions can you claim against…
Read MoreWhy buying brand new is now the key to maximising your tax deductions
People often ask me questions like “I should buy a new investment property because it’s better for tax right?” The answer is yes and at the same time, no. Buying a brand-new property because of the available deductions is not a sophisticated strategy. Accountants tell me the same thing, people say they need an investment…
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