Australian cities among the best in the world
Sydney is Asia-Pac’s best city to live in according to a new poll. The Mercer Quality of Living league table considers everything from climate to housing and Vienna in Austria has come top globally this year. Sydney is the only city in Asia-Pac to make the top 10 (at number 10) with Wellington its closest regional rival at 12. Melbourne is ranked 16th, Perth at 22, Adelaide at 27, Canberra at 30, Brisbane at 37. Australia’s cities beat the likes of Hong Kong, Los Angeles, London, New York and Rome.
Source: Mercer

Confidence rises in household finances
Australian consumers’ confidence in their household finances improved last week according to the latest ANZ-Roy Morgan report. Overall confidence in the economy was still low increasing by 0.5 per cent following a fall of 2 per cent for the week, which researchers suggest could be due to lower reporting of the budget and a fall in unemployment. When asked about their household finances confidence was up by 2 per cent for this year and 2.3 per cent for next year. ANZ chief economist Warren Hogan commented: “While rising house prices, relative low petrol prices and low interest rates may be helping consumers feel more positive about their own finances, households remain concerned with the economic outlook in an environment of low wage growth, government budgetary strains and a soft labour market.”
Source: ANZ-Roy Morgan

Don’t buy because you’re sick of looking says buyer’s agent
With some highly competitive markets currently it can be a hard task to find a home that you really love but buyer’s agent Patrick Bright says don’t just settle for a property because you’re sick of looking. He says some people end up buying a home that is unsuitable and then waste thousands of dollars selling it again. Bright urges patience and says the right home will eventually come along. His top tips to avoid making a purchase that you’ll later regret include; knowing what you want and need, and what the compromises are; understand the current market; be ready to buy with a mortgage in place; and of course he recommends using a buyer’s agent.
Source: News Corp Australia Network

Development becomes the first 6-star Green Star property
The Green Building Council of Australia has awarded its first ever 6-star Green Star to Alkimos Beach, the first significant coastal development north of Perth in 50 years. The 710 hectare project will include homes, a primary school and retail and business space together with playing fields and conservation reserves. GBCA’s chief executive officer, Romilly Madew, said Alkimos Beach’s 6 Star Green Star rating for a community project sets the bar for world leadership community development and demonstrates a long-term commitment to sustainability at scale. 
Source: REIWA
 

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