In the news this week, values and building approvals continue to fluctuate; rental market is steady; and the many ways you can go plastic-free this July
Every year Australians have at least a few months of sweltering conditions that make them seriously consider moving to a colder climate or at the very least installing air-conditioning! There’s no doubt that an air-conditioned investment property will be particularly attractive to the rental market especially in the hotter months. So how do the numbers stack up?
A fall in home values in Sydney and Melbourne has brought the national figure to its largest monthly fall since December 2022, property data analysts Cotality announced this week.
Approvals to build apartments continue to fluctuate, according to data released this week by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
The latest figures show that total number of homes approved fell 1.1 per cent in May to 17,019, seasonally adjusted.
Will your household be part of Plastic Free July this year, by choosing to refuse single-use plastics? Saying NO to the top culprits – plastic bags, water bottles, plastic packaging on produce, and takeaway coffee cups - is actually easier than we think, and it could be the beginning of some beneficial new habits. Here are some ways ...
Australia's rental market barely changed in May, research shows.
New data from SQM Research has revealed that despite a rise in available homes, the national vacancy rate remained at 1.2 per cent. Several capital cities recorded improvement, but conditions remain tight overall.
Australian lighting brand Rakumba, in collaboration with Italian designers Studiopepe, has received acclaim at Milan Design Week 2026 for its collection of weatherproof lights.
The collection, named ‘Torre’, features wall lights and rechargeable table lamps for indoor and outdoor use. Each piece is weather-sealed and portable, so they are perfect for extending the party into the garden when weather permits.
Need a change in your life and only have an hour this weekend? Try reorganising some shelves, a mantel or dresser in your house.
Remove everything from the visible surface and clean it off. Next, decide what you’d like to display there instead - perhaps some treasures that have been hidden away for a while, a few themed or colour-coordinated items or even a healthy indoor plant in a new pot.