Blog & Articles | MCG Quantity Surveyors

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Construction Estimating 101: A Beginner's Guide to Accurate Project Costs

construction estimating

Construction Estimating 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Accurate Project Costs

Accurate project costing is the backbone of any successful construction project. Whether you’re a seasoned contractor or just starting in the industry,…

April 10, 2025 5 min read

Australian Construction Costs

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…

January 23, 2024 3 min read

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2026 Federal Budget Property Changes: Negative Gearing, CGT and Depreciation Explained

2026 Federal Budget Property Changes: Negative Gearing, CGT and Depreciation Explained

Mike Mortlock unpacks the 2026 Federal Budget's biggest property changes, negative gearing limits, CGT reforms and tax depreciation…

Why Every Contractor Needs a Construction Estimate Template for Accurate Budgeting

construction estimate template

Why Every Contractor Needs a Construction Estimate Template for Accurate Budgeting

Accurate budgeting is the cornerstone of any successful construction project. For contractors, managing costs effectively not only ensures…

How to Calculate Home Construction Cost Per Square Metre

How to Calculate Home Construction Cost Per Square Metre

Understanding the home construction cost per square metre is essential for anyone planning to build a new home…

Top Tips for Accurate Construction Cost Estimating in Adelaide

Top Tips for Accurate Construction Cost Estimating in Adelaide

Accurate construction cost estimating is crucial for the success of any building project in Adelaide. Whether you’re a…

Construction Price Estimator 101: How to Improve Accuracy and Reduce Costs

Construction Price Estimator 101: How to Improve Accuracy and Reduce Costs

In the realm of construction, precise cost estimation is a pivotal component that can make or break a…

The Federal Budget’s fumbled opportunity

The Federal Budget’s fumbled opportunity

The argy-bargy of political wrangling always seems to include collateral damage. Parties come out swinging with a host…

Browse the full article archive (238 articles by topic)

Construction

Investment Property

Perth Property Market: Navigating the Boom with Insight and Data Oct 2023
Maximizing Tax Benefits: The Importance of a Depreciation Schedule and Inspection for Your Investment Property Aug 2023
A Tax Guide for Property Investors Jul 2023
How these SINGLE MUMS made their way to being successful property investors May 2023
Is Easter the best time to purchase an investment property? Mar 2023
Five essential investment resolutions for 2023 Feb 2023
Investment Property Depreciation: How Property Depreciation Consultants Can Help Jan 2023
Is This The Best Investment Property Ever? Dec 2022
The political idiocy surrounding Aussie housing Oct 2022
Five Ways to Profit From Eco-Upgrading Your Investment Property Oct 2022
5 ways to profit from ‘going green’ on your investment property Sep 2022
My 2022 Hot Tips Jan 2022
Get Your Assets Working Harder with an Investment Property Depreciation Report Sep 2021
The truth about depreciation and CGT Jul 2021
Investing in fast rising market Apr 2021
The true costs of investing without expert advice Feb 2021
The simple solution turning negative investments into positives Feb 2021
How the government delivered an ‘accidental investor’ boom Jan 2021
Average distance investors are buying from where they live – A surprising Result Jan 2021
The NSW Stamp Duty fallout: my three big predicted outcomes Nov 2020
Spotlight on Property Investing Data – Suburb Trends Sep 2020
It’s never too late to claim depreciation. Well, except when it is Aug 2020
5 things to consider when buying an off the plan investment property Sep 2017
Depreciation deductions, an investment property and capital gains tax Aug 2017
How do I backdate my investment property depreciation? Aug 2017
How will changes to investment property depreciation affect you? Jul 2017
3 strategic factors that influence the TDS for your investment property May 2017
How to use investment property tax depreciation to maximise cash flow Apr 2017

Landlords

The Cause of Our Deepening Rental Crisis Mar 2022
Property Investors are being ignored and it’s hurting Australia Oct 2020
75 percent of Australia is under-supplied, rents to soar. Aug 2020
Investors are losing to depreciation changes to plant and equipment Nov 2017
Super deductions – Inside the Hilton Hotel Surfers Paradise Jun 2016
Derive Maximum Benefit from Property Tax Depreciation Mar 2016
What will a new kitchen do for you? Feb 2016
An Average Sydney Unit’s Depreciation Feb 2016
Claim Tax Depreciation Entitlements Jan 2016
Prestige Residential Units & Depreciation Deductions – How do they stack up? Jan 2016
Is your Quantity Surveyor endorsed by the Australian Tax Office (ATO)? Oct 2014
4 Things you need to know about depreciation this tax season Jun 2014
ATO Tax Depreciation Effective Lives – Depreciation Rates for 2013/2014 under Tax Ruling 2013/2014 Nov 2013
New effective life legislation from the ATO – TR 2013/4 in effect from 1 July 2013 Aug 2013
5 Things you need to know about depreciation this tax season Jun 2013
The average house that achieved over $3,000 worth of depreciation deductions in 59 days May 2013
Tax Depreciation Schedule Inspections – When is an inspection required? Aug 2012
MCG director Mike Mortlock on Property Observer Jun 2012
MCG Featured in Australian Property Investor Magazine Apr 2012
The Biggest Mistakes Landlords Make Mar 2012

Economics

Interest Rate Rises and The Property Market, My Two Cents. May 2022
The wealthy, the comfortable middle and the rest: Australia’s wealth and income ladder explained Mar 2021
What the 2019 Federal Election result means for property investors May 2019
Our predictions – Property Market Scorecard for 2017 and 2018 Jan 2018
Sydney leading the charge as dwelling values rise in May Jun 2016
Negative Gearing and the Mum and Dad Investors Mar 2016
RBA Lowers Cash Rate to 2.75% – May 2013 May 2013
Consumer House Price Expectations Index Moderates in January 2013 Jan 2013
RBA December 2012 Meeting Minutes point to subdued investment and labour market Dec 2012
RBA November 2012 Board Meeting Minutes Nov 2012
RBA leave the cash rate at 3.25% Nov 2012
Lessons from Freakonomics – Are real estate incentives aligned with the goal of achieving the highest price? Nov 2012
RBA April Meeting – Cash Rate Left on Hold Apr 2012
RBA February 2012 Board Meeting Minutes Feb 2012
RBA Commentary on the Investment Boom in the Resources Sector Feb 2012
The Cappuccino Price Index – A Year in Review 2011 Jan 2012
Housing State of Supply Report 2011 Dec 2011
Reserve Bank December Board Meeting Minutes Dec 2011

Commercial Property

Mastering the Art of Commercial Construction Estimates in Queensland Dec 2023
Deciphering the Puzzle of Commercial Construction Costs in NSW Dec 2023
Navigating Commercial Construction Cost Estimates in Victoria Dec 2023
The Ins and Outs of Commercial Construction Cost Estimation Mar 2023
The Commercial Property Wave of 2022 Mar 2022
How common property assets can supercharge your upfront deductions Jan 2018
Maximise depreciation deductions when buying your own commercial space Sep 2017
Is a commercial property investment something you should consider? Jul 2017
5 reasons to consider investing in commercial property Jun 2017
Commercial property owners AND tenants can benefit from depreciation Mar 2017
Investing with Super – Commercial Offices & Depreciation Aug 2016
Dwelling values continue to rise with momentum slowing Apr 2016
What are Scrapping Schedules? Feb 2016
New effective life legislation from the ATO – TR 2012/2 in effect from 1 July 2012 Jul 2012
Accommodation & Food Services – Asset Lists & Tax Depreciation Deductions May 2012

Property Investing

Business

Building approvals point to a potential future housing shortage Dec 2019
Wrapping up the year with Data, Dance Floors, and Depreciation Dec 2019
Bushfires & Floods – The cost of a Natural Disaster to home owners Sep 2019
Most common building defects in residential multi-owned properties Aug 2019
Why would a Quantity Surveyor be the life of the party? Aug 2018
Timely reminder to home owners – Watersun Homes Collapses Mar 2017
Melbourne Southbank’s Bella Apartments – A Depreciation Case Study Oct 2016
Good news for property investment co-ownership with split deductions. Oct 2016
CoreLogic dwelling values rise in September, RBA place doubt over previous figures Oct 2016
Combined Capital City Dwelling Values up, led by Sydney & Melbourne Sep 2016
Property in Scotland – Is it the next hot spot for you as an investor? Sep 2016
Overseas Investment Properties & Depreciation Sep 2016
Unit Renovation Case Study Aug 2016
Budget 16 Property & Tax Changes May 2016
The questions we’re asked on a daily basis Mar 2016

House Prices

MCG’s 2024 Australian Property Market Predictions Jan 2024
Unit Investment Swell Leaves Housing in its Wake Nov 2023
First homebuyers success in this hot market Nov 2021
Should you invest in Queensland? Nov 2021
3 Things to Be Aware of BEFORE Investing in Brisbane Aug 2020
HOW TO AVOID SELLING THE WRONG PROPERTY EVEN THOUGH IT FEELS RIGHT Aug 2020
Despite everything, being a landlord is still the best job Aug 2020
Split depreciation reports are saving investment property co-owners thousands Jun 2017
Average Depreciation for Port Macquarie Home Feb 2016
The property market in Darwin – Still a hotspot? Apr 2013
MCG Director Mike Mortlock on Property Observer Today Nov 2012

Information

My 2023 Outlook Dec 2022
My 2021 Predictions – thoughts on what 2021 will deliver Jan 2021
Depreciation and the Instant Asset Write-off – Economic Stimulus Package 2020 Mar 2020
Why does your split depreciation schedule not add up? Nov 2018
It’s all in the timing – When to organise a depreciation schedule Sep 2018
My favourite QS BS – The top three furphies spouted by the depreciation industry Jul 2018
What you need to know – Tax depreciation effective lives 2018/2019 – TR 2018/4 Jul 2018
Depreciable asset or repairs and maintenance? – How to make the call Jun 2018
Draft Legislation for Depreciation Changes Issued by Treasury Aug 2017
Capital city dwelling values up, with pace of growth slowing. Nov 2016
Scrapping Schedules Demystified Jun 2016

Tax Depreciation

Stay ahead of the ATO Tax Deadline in 2024 Feb 2024
How to claim working from home deductions and depreciation Sep 2020
Are depreciation legislation changes affecting property investor behaviour? Feb 2020
Three Key Triggers Telling You To Get A Depreciation Schedule May 2018
Changes to Depreciation Deductions for Plant & Equipment Items May 2017
Five items your tax depreciation schedule shouldn’t overlook Apr 2017
Four times you can benefit from a tax depreciation schedule Mar 2017
Granny Flats & Tax Depreciation – What can you claim? Nov 2016
An inside look into a landmark lakeside lodge Apr 2016

Budget2017

Property Insurance

The Danger in Errors in Property Insurance Sep 2021
David Lost Everything A Real Life Case Study Sep 2021
Percentage Of Home Owners That Have No Insurance At All Sep 2021
What you need to know about under-insurance & online calculators Sep 2019
Quantity Surveyors – accurate replacement costs of your development Sep 2019

Data

Media

construction estimating

1000 Assets Report 2022

Property Economics

Budget 2026

2026 Federal Budget Property Changes: Negative Gearing, CGT and Depreciation Explained May 2026

construction estimate template

Why Every Contractor Needs a Construction Estimate Template for Accurate Budgeting Apr 2025

Federal Budget

The Federal Budget’s fumbled opportunity Jun 2024

Rental Crisis

Is the Lucky Country Losing It’s Mojo? Oct 2022

construction cost

‘Coinsurance’ or ‘Average Clause’ Explained and Case Study Sep 2022

Property Replacement

You Used an Online Calculator That’s Hilarious Sep 2021

News

Instant Asset Write-off – Budget 2020. What has changed? Oct 2020

Bathroom

5 Hot tips on how to renovate your investment property – properly. Mar 2019

International Womens Day

Join us here at MCG in celebrating International Women’s Day Mar 2018

Cinema

The Melbourne Residences – Rippling Facades and Ripping Deductions Mar 2017

Common Area

181 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda – Super depreciation, and a pool to die for. Jan 2017

inflation

RBA May Board Meeting – Rates cut by 50 basis points May 2012

Nationwide Coverage

Offices Across Australia

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