Briefs

With median house prices declining in Australia, there has been debate about potentially reforming negative gearing, and with a federal election looming in early 2019 this debate will likely grow.

Although not common in Australia, community land trusts have been used in some parts of the world, particularly the US and the UK, to make housing more affordable. A Community Land Trust (CLT) is a form of shared ownership of a property, where the land component of a residential property is owned by community based, not-for-profit legal entity and the actual building is owned (or leased long-term) by an individual household.

Australian households have different housing requirements at different times in their lives. Household migration patterns within Australia reflect the various drivers of migration including employment, study, housing affordability and even retirement.

Looking at the regional migration data within Australia brings to light the various factors that influence a household's decision to move including employment, study, housing affordability as well as retirement and lifestyle aspirations. Further distinguishing migration data by age cohorts helps identify these various factors over a lifetime.

The Victorian Government recently introduced proposed rental reforms to parliament, including changes to minimum standards for rental properties. The proposed minimum standards include the requirements of a functioning toilet; adequate hot and cold water connections in the kitchen, bathroom and laundry; external windows with functioning locks; a functioning cooktop, oven, sink and food preparation area; and bedrooms and main living areas to have window coverings.