Welcome to your monthly REIA update
This month, our advocacy has focused on several significant housing taxation and finance proposals that could affect housing investment, supply, and the operation of small and family-run real estate businesses. We have lodged our submission on the second tranche of the negative gearing and capital gains tax reforms, calling for workable new-dwelling definitions, proportionate compliance requir-ements, and a formal review of the reforms’ effects on investment, rental supply, rents, and housing delivery. We have also joined a broad industry coalition seeking to preserve borrowing for newly constructed homes through self-managed super funds while the proposed restrictions are independently assessed.
We are now seeking evidence from businesses that may be affected by the proposed 30 per cent minimum tax on discretionary trusts from 1 July 2028 to inform our advocacy efforts, so we encourage eligible members to have their say before the survey closes.
AML/CTF compliance also remains a priority. This edition outlines important updates to the AML/CTF starter kit and highlights the Smart Real Estate Agent’s Guide to AML/CTF, a practical training package developed specifically for frontline real estate professionals.
Across the broader market, inflation eased in June, the cash rate was held at 4.35 per cent, and housing lending declined during the June quarter, with investor commitments recording the sharpest fall. These trends will require close monitoring given the importance of finance and investor confidence to rental supply and new housing delivery.
Read on for these updates, along with details of an upcoming webinar exploring homelessness, domestic and family violence, and the contribution the property sector can make
—Scott Rollason
CEO, The Real Estate Institute of Australia
