Lending To Rental Investors Drops Further
Demand among Australia's property investors fell quite sharply in January, adding further significant weight to the case for rates being left on hold. Investment lending for housing fell by 14.1 per cent in seasonally adjusted terms, following a 5.1 per cent decline in December 2003 and a 6.5 per cent drop in November 2003.
More information >>

State acts to protect flat developers
The State Government has closed a legal loophole, which enabled apartment investors to back out of off-the-plan contracts and threatened more than $14 billion worth of construction in Victoria. The legislation will be introduced on the 30th March and will broaden the Sale of Land Act to cover all off-the-plan contracts, including deposit requirements and cooling-off periods for apartment sales.
(The Age 17/03/04)

Henry Deane leads the way for ‘greener’ buildings
The Henry Deane building in Railway Square is the greenest office in Sydney, according to the Sustainable Energy Development Authority. It saves 992,000 kilos of greenhouse gas emissions – the equivalent of removing 220 cars from the road each year. More information >>

Builder admits breaking law
Builder Gregory Harkin, the former director of several building companies which, failed owing millions of dollars, has admitted breaking the law when he managed a formwork construction company while he was an undischarged bankrupt. He pleaded guilty to breaking the Corporations Act and was sentenced to a two-year good behaviour bond. (Illawarra Mercury 18/03/04)

2003 Ends Strong But 2004 Will Be Weaker
Master Builders Australia, the peak building and construction industry association said the strong rise in commencements in the December quarter 2003 reflects conditions in the building industry prior to the rate increases of November and December, but conditions have now changed. More information >>

Nation's Top Architectural Prize to Be Announced
The winner of Australia’s top architectural prize, The Royal Australian Institute of Architects Gold Medal Award, is to be announced in Melbourne next Tuesday 23 March. More information >>

Tender process starts for new Aust Defence Force HQ
A two-stage tender process has begun for the construction of the Australian Defence Force's new $300 million joint operational headquarters. More information >>

Baulderstone supports FM sector
Baulderstone Hornibrook is backing the Australian industry minister’s initiative to enhance the Facility Management industry – and its contribution to Australian society and economy. More information >>