Today
Overhaul for Adgemis’ Public Hospitality Group after refinancing
The Jon Adgemis-chaired pubs empire has completed its refinancing with Deutsche Bank, with the former KPMG dealmaker to focus on redeveloping its pubs.
- Kylar Loussikian
May
How South Korea’s giant pension funds fell prey to $395m NDIS housing scam
The elaborate fraud succeeded by making grand claims, name-dropping Australia’s biggest property players, and was only discovered by chance.
- Michael Bleby
Man behind $395m NDIS investment fraud gets 12 years in prison
The verdict brings to an end a criminal matter in which the former property developer used fake documentation to secure financing from Korean pension funds.
- Michael Bleby and Campbell Kwan
April
Bankers try on a new alternative asset class – surfing
The risk is high, but Urbnsurf – now backed by Nomura and a special situations lender – is trying to prove wave parks can be serious business.
- Aaron Weinman
Scape closes third joint venture with $1b student housing fund
The private developer of purpose-built student accommodation has paired again with funding partners APG and Ivanhoe Cambridge to develop 3000 new rooms.
- Michael Bleby
March
- Exclusive
- Commercial real estate
Cushman & Wakefield taps Noral Wild to lead, deepens alternatives push
The commercial agency’s appointment of a new CEO for Australia and New Zealand signals the trends in commercial property it is aiming to tap.
- Updated
- Michael Bleby
First tender surge for Housing Future funds
Public housing waiting lists make it crucial to expand funding beyond an initially planned 8000 homes, investors say.
- Michael Bleby
- Exclusive
- Pubs
Debt-laden Adgemis mortgages mum’s and grandmother’s homes
The ex-KPMG dealmaker has denied the loans are related to the hospitality empire he is hoping to refinance.
- Primrose Riordan
Tax uncertainty keeps build-to-rent investors away, developers say
A lack of clarity about new rules for offshore investors is slowing the development of much-needed housing.
- Michael Bleby
February
Cbus could invest more than $500m in affordable housing: Wayne Swan
The boss of the industry super fund says it is comfortable with the risks of a new asset class and wants to play a role in resolving Australia’s housing crisis.
- Michael Bleby
Super funds housing investment ‘not a subsidy’, IFM says
“When we invest in Australian companies that create jobs for Australians, no one says ’What are you doing investing in job-creating companies?” giant fund manager says.
- Michael Bleby
Australia needs $115b to fund new housing, Qualitas says
The pick-up in private funding puts pressure on the federal government to clarify rules around inclusion of affordable rental housing in new developments.
- Michael Bleby
- Exclusive
- Build-to-rent
BTR operator Local closes $650m fund for two buildings
As private investors pull back, institutions are stepping in to develop build-to-rent housing.
- Michael Bleby
Gurner-Roberts merger decision likely by month’s end
The Rich List developer and builder could decide to push ahead – or not – with combining their two companies in the next two weeks.
- Michael Bleby and Larry Schlesinger
How you could save up to 1pc off your mortgage rate
Three fintech start-ups – Craggle, Stay or Go and Elula – are challenging mortgage brokers and comparison sites by helping banks negotiate deals with customers.
- James Eyers
The global tremors from China’s real estate crisis are only starting
A new batch of overseas assets acquired in a decade-long Chinese expansion spree are starting to hit the market as landlords and developers want cash now.
- Neil Callanan and Ainslie Chandler
December 2023
Stockland says it can develop 12 sites more profitably than Lendlease
The deal involving two of Australia’s largest property developers and investors boosts Stockland’s land bank and will help Lendlease focus on investment.
- Michael Bleby
- Exclusive
- Property investment
Trilogy $700m fund races to restart work on Gosford apartment project
The Trilogy Monthly Income Trust says it will finish the 35-unit NSW project despite a three-month delay caused by liquidation of its contractor.
- Michael Bleby
November 2023
Australia must electrify 500 homes a day to meet 2050 emissions target
Achieving the country’s net zero carbon emissions goals will require a faster transition – and new sources of finance to make it happen.
- Michael Bleby
- Exclusive
- Property development
Investors face loss as part-built $22m tower goes back on market
The aborted residential project shows the risks of a turning market for property lenders – and their investors – of rising construction and borrowing costs.
- Michael Bleby