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The Real End-of-Winter Home Maintenance Check
Winter is still very much with us. There may be a few cold mornings, and possibly another cold snap, still to come before we can properly say goodbye to the season. But that doesn’t mean we can’t start getting ahead. These final weeks of winter are a good opportunity to check what the colder months may have left behind and tackle a few important home maintenance jobs before the warmer weather arrives. Not quite spring cleaning. Just a sensible end-of-winter home maintenance reset. Check your plumbing for leaks after winter Plumbing probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think about winter home maintenance, but it’s worth a quick look. Check under sinks and vanities for dampness or water marks, look around toilets and taps for slow leaks and inspect outdoor taps, hoses and visible pipework. Pay attention to seals and joins around wet areas too. If something is cracked, deteriorating or staying damp, add it to the maintenance list. Small plumbing leaks are generally much easier to deal with before they become bigger problems. If your water use seems unusually high, it may also be worth checking your water meter when everything in the house is turned off to see whether there could be a hidden leak. Check for winter damp, condensation and mould Winter often means closed windows, heaters and less airflow through the home. That can make bathrooms, laundries, bedrooms, wardrobes and other enclosed spaces more prone to condensation, moisture and mould. On a dry day, open things up and let some fresh air through. Check window frames, walls, ceilings and the backs of cupboards for signs of moisture or mould, particularly in areas that don’t receive much sunlight. It’s also a good opportunity to air mattresses, heavier bedding, rugs and cushions before the seasons change. Clear gutters, downpipes and outdoor drains Leaves and debris can build up through winter, particularly around gutters, downpipes and drainage areas. Before the warmer weather arrives, clear accumulated leaves and debris and make sure water can move freely away from the house. Take a look around ground-level drainage too. If you’ve noticed water pooling in one area after rain, now is a good time to investigate it rather than leaving it until later in the year. Good drainage and regular gutter maintenance are simple parts of looking after a property year-round. Prepare your home for pests before the weather warms We might still be waiting for warmer weather, but when it arrives, insects are likely to become more active too. Late winter is a useful time to make your home a little less inviting before pest activity increases. Check flyscreens for holes, look for obvious gaps around doors and windows and clear leaves, debris and clutter from around the house. Empty containers or areas holding standing water and keep outdoor bins and storage areas clean and tidy. Garages and sheds deserve a look too, particularly if things have been sitting untouched through winter. If your property is due for a professional pest inspection or treatment, late winter can also be a good time to get it organised before the warmer months are well underway. Check your home’s exterior after winter You can learn a lot by simply walking around your property and looking carefully. Check fences and gates, external paintwork, eaves, outdoor steps, paths and entertaining areas. Look for peeling paint, cracked or deteriorating sealant, loose fittings or other areas that appear to have suffered through the colder months. Small property maintenance jobs are easy to ignore when they’re not urgent, but they’re generally much easier to deal with before they turn into larger repairs. Give the garden an end-of-winter tidy There’s no need to launch into a full spring garden makeover just yet. Start by dealing with what winter has left behind. Remove dead growth, clear fallen leaves, tidy garden beds and look for damaged or overhanging branches. Check outdoor taps, hoses and irrigation while you’re there and trim back vegetation sitting directly against the house. It’s less about making everything perfect and more about giving your property a clean, well-maintained starting point for the season ahead. Prepare heating and cooling for the change of season It might still be cold enough for the heater now, but eventually the air-conditioning will be working hard again. Before you need it regularly, clean or check your air-conditioning filters. At the same time, clean window tracks, check flyscreens and screen doors and give outdoor furniture and entertaining areas a once-over. These are the simple jobs you’ll be glad are already done when the warmer days finally arrive. Give winter equipment a final check Don’t pack everything away just yet. There may still be another cold morning or two ahead. But once winter really is finished, clean heaters before storing them, wash heavier blankets and bedding and make sure anything being packed away is clean and completely dry. It’s one of those small maintenance jobs your future self will appreciate when next winter rolls around. Getting your property market-ready for summer If a new home is part of your summer plans, an end-of-winter maintenance check can also help put your current property in a better position if you decide to sell. A well-maintained property generally presents better and means fewer last-minute jobs when it comes time to prepare your home for market. That doesn’t mean renovating or trying to make everything perfect. Staying on top of the basics such as plumbing leaks, gutters, gardens, paintwork, screens, pest prevention and general maintenance, can make getting a property market-ready much simpler when the time comes. If you’re wondering what preparation may actually make a difference before selling, you can also read more about the RealWay to sell. And if a move is on the horizon, your local RealWay team is always happy to have a real conversation about what may be worth doing before your property goes to market. If you’d like to understand where your property currently sits in the market, you can also request a no-obligation sales appraisal. You don’t have to do it all at once An end-of-winter home maintenance checklist shouldn’t turn into an enormous weekend project. Walk around the house. Make a list. Fix the easy things straight away and schedule the bigger jobs for another day. One weekend might be gutters and the garden. Another might be plumbing checks, windows or the garage. The aim isn’t to have a perfect home by the first day of spring. It’s simply to deal with the little things winter may have left behind and put your home in a good position for whatever the next season brings. Because every season asks something different of our homes. Looking after them along the way is simply part of living life the RealWay. Real Service. Real Results....
The Federal Budget and Investor Changes
New build or established? Why the distinction matters more after the Budget After the Federal Budget, investors will need to look more closely at what counts as a new residential property. The Government has announced changes to negative gearing and Capital Gains Tax (CGT) intended to apply from 1 July 2027. The measure is not yet law, but the direction is clear: new residential property will be treated differently from established property. The ATO states the changes will limit negative gearing for residential property investments to new builds, with properties held before 7:30pm AEST on 12 May 2026 exempt from the negative gearing changes. For investors, this makes the detail behind a property purchase more important. A property may look new, recently renovated or newly available for rent, but that does not automatically mean it will be treated as a new build under the proposed rules. What is considered new? A key issue will be whether the property genuinely adds to housing supply. A newly constructed apartment, townhouse or house may qualify where it creates an additional dwelling. A development that replaces one older home with multiple townhouses is a clear example of increased housing supply. However, a knock-down rebuild that replaces one house with another house would not meet the criteria, because it does not add an extra residence to the market. The key is to look beyond whether a property appears new and understand how it may be classified under the final rules. Completion dates, occupancy history and whether the development adds housing supply may all become relevant details. Timing will be critical The date an investor acquires a property will be central to how the rules apply. The proposed changes are intended to apply from 1 July 2027. However, properties already held at 7:30pm AEST on 12 May 2026 will be exempt from the changes. For established dwellings acquired after 12 May 2026, the grace period until 1 July 2027 still applies. Clear records of contract exchange dates and ownership history will help investors and their advisers determine whether a property is covered by the existing rules, the proposed new rules or any transitional treatment. Unique scenarios investors should consider Some situations may require closer review before purchase. A knock-down rebuild, a dual occupancy, a subdivision, a granny flat or a property that has been completed but occupied for a very short period may all raise questions about how “new” is defined. For example, if a newly built dwelling has been occupied for less than 12 months, investors may need to confirm whether it still qualifies. If a granny flat is added to an existing property, it typically won't qualify as the primary residence is considered an established property. These details should be checked before purchase, not after the first tax return is prepared. Where depreciation fits in Depreciation remains an important part of property investment cash flow and record keeping. For new properties that retain full negative gearing treatment, eligible depreciation deductions help offset other income. For affected established properties, depreciation deductions still form part of rental losses that are carried forward instead of being used immediately. These carried-forward deductions may still provide value in future years, including when applied against future rental income or considered in the property’s eventual CGT position. Whether a property is new, when it was acquired, whether it adds housing supply and what depreciation deductions are available may all affect an investor’s cash flow and tax records. BMT Tax Depreciation prepares specialist tax depreciation schedules for all types of investment properties, identifying deductions to provide a clear record of the depreciation that has been or can be claimed. To review the depreciation potential of your investment property, contact BMT on 1300 728 726 or Request a Quote. Disclaimer: This information is general in nature and does not consider your personal circumstances. Tax outcomes depend on individual situations and current legislation. You should seek independent advice from your accountant before making decisions based on this information. - This article has been supplied by BMT - - RealWay receives no rebate from any enquiry made to BMT - For professional real estate advice contact your local RealWay team. Looking for a new build now? Find out if there are any great potential investment properties on the market in your area by getting in touch today or check out the listings on realway.com.au ...
Springfield and Ripley in 2026: Prestige Living With Purpose
Some places grow because they are close to Brisbane. Others grow because they offer something more considered. Greater Springfield and the Ripley Valley are becoming one of South East Queensland’s most purposeful property corridors. Close enough to Brisbane for work, business and lifestyle, yet spacious enough to offer modern homes, strong schools, green space and room for families to build a future. This is not just a growth corridor. It is a place where lifestyle, education and long-term property value are all working together. A Brisbane Lifestyle, With More Room to Live For many buyers, the appeal is clear. Springfield and Ripley offer access to Brisbane without asking families to compromise on space, comfort or community. The homes are newer. The streets are planned. Schools, parks, shopping, health services and transport links are already part of everyday life. Greater Springfield has matured into a genuine city of its own. Ripley is following with strong momentum and major infrastructure still unfolding. Together, they offer a rare mix: modern family living, strong investment fundamentals and the kind of planning that gives buyers confidence beyond the next market cycle. The Market Snapshot Springfield, Ripley and South Ripley are all performing strongly, but each offers something slightly different. Springfield is now the more established premium market, with a median house price around $1.01 million and very low vacancy. Ripley and South Ripley are still showing strong growth, with median house prices in the mid-$800,000s, quick selling times and healthy rental demand. Together, they show a corridor with both lifestyle strength and long-term investment appeal. Built Around Education, Health and Lifestyle One of the strongest parts of this corridor is how deliberately it has been planned. Greater Springfield includes UniSQ Springfield, Mater Private Hospital Springfield, Orion Springfield Central, Robelle Domain, rail access to Brisbane and a strong network of schools and early learning centres. There are also highly regarded private and state schooling options across the corridor, including Springfield Anglican College and St Peter’s Lutheran College Springfield. For families making property decisions with children, education and future opportunity in mind, that matters. This is the kind of area people choose not only for where they are today, but for where they want their family to be in ten or twenty years. Where the Appeal Is Strongest Each suburb has its own role to play. Springfield Lakes remains one of the established lifestyle favourites, with lakes, parks, walking tracks, family homes and a strong sense of community. Spring Mountain is attracting buyers who want newer homes, larger lots and access to green space, while still staying close to Springfield’s key amenities. Augustine Heights, Bellbird Park and Camira offer more established homes, larger blocks and settled streets. Ripley and South Ripley are where the new-build growth story is strongest, with modern estates, young families, parks, schools and future town centre infrastructure shaping the next stage of the corridor. This is not a one-size-fits-all market. It rewards buyers who understand the difference between established prestige, family lifestyle, growth potential and rental return. For Buyers, Sellers and Investors For buyers, preparation matters. Good homes are moving quickly, and the strongest buyers are the ones who know what they want and are ready to act. For investors, the corridor offers two clear opportunities. Springfield and Spring Mountain provide a more established, low-vacancy market with strong tenant demand. Ripley, South Ripley and Redbank Plains offer a stronger growth and yield story, with newer homes and expanding infrastructure. For sellers, the demand is there, but strong demand does not mean every property will achieve the same result. The homes performing best are the ones presented well, priced correctly and marketed to the right buyer audience. In this corridor, buyers are looking for more than bedrooms and bathrooms. They are looking for lifestyle, space, school access, quality finishes, street appeal and a sense of long-term value. The Real Story Springfield and Ripley are no longer simply affordable alternatives to Brisbane. They are becoming destinations in their own right. For families, they offer space, education, community and a better everyday lifestyle. For investors, they offer strong rental demand and long-term growth fundamentals. For sellers, they offer a buyer pool that is motivated, informed and increasingly focused on quality. This is prestige living with purpose. Not prestige for show. Prestige because the area offers what people genuinely value: a beautiful home, a strong community, access to Brisbane, education for the next generation and confidence in the future. That is why this corridor continues to matter in 2026. And that is why the right local guidance can make all the difference. Find your local RealWay office:https://realway.com.au/offices Live Life the RealWay.Real Service. Real Results....
New AML Rules Are Coming to Australian Property
From 1 July 2026, buying or selling property in Australia will include a new layer of identity and source-of-funds checks. For most Queensland buyers and sellers, this should not be something to fear. It is simply something to be ready for. The changes form part of Australia’s Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing reforms, commonly known as the Tranche 2 reforms. These reforms bring real estate professionals, buyer’s agents, property developers, conveyancers, lawyers and accountants into the same compliance framework that banks have operated under for many years. In practical terms, it means your real estate agent will need to complete certain checks before, or at the start of, a property transaction. That may sound formal, but for most everyday residential transactions, the process should be straightforward. The key is preparation. Why are the rules changing? Property has long been recognised as an area that can be misused to move or hide illegal funds. Australia’s new AML/CTF reforms are designed to make that harder by creating clearer obligations for the professionals involved in property transactions. From 1 July 2026, real estate agencies will need to have proper systems in place to verify clients, understand where transaction funds are coming from and keep appropriate records. This is not about making property harder to buy or sell. It is about protecting the integrity of the property market and ensuring Australia’s real estate sector meets modern compliance expectations. What buyers may be asked for If you are buying property in Queensland, you should expect some identity and source-of-funds checks to happen earlier in the process. For most buyers, this may include: Current photo identification, such as a driver licence or passport Proof of address, such as a utility bill, bank statement or rates notice Evidence of where the purchase funds are coming from Bank pre-approval or loan documentation where finance is being used Additional entity documents if buying through a company, trust or SMSF For many standard residential buyers using a bank loan, the source-of-funds check should be relatively simple. A formal loan approval or pre-approval will often provide a clear starting point. Where the transaction is more complex, such as a company purchase, trust structure, overseas buyer, gifted funds, inheritance or cash component, more information may be needed. That does not mean the transaction cannot proceed. It simply means the agent may need to ask more questions and gather more documentation. What sellers may be asked for Sellers will also need to complete identity checks. When you appoint an agent to sell your property, the agency will need to verify who they are acting for and confirm the ownership structure of the property. For most sellers, this may include: Current photo identification Proof of address Confirmation that your name matches the property ownership records Company or trust documents if the property is owned by an entity If the property is owned by a company, trust or SMSF, your agent may also need to identify the people who ultimately own or control that entity. This is one of the areas where being organised early can make a real difference. Will this slow down property transactions? For most standard Queensland residential transactions, the additional checks should be manageable. The biggest difference is timing. Rather than leaving identification and documentation until late in the process, buyers and sellers should expect these checks to happen earlier. A well-prepared agency will have systems in place to make this as smooth as possible. Transactions that may take longer include those involving: Trusts, companies or SMSFs Overseas buyers or sellers Unusual payment arrangements Large cash components Gifted funds or inheritance More complex ownership structures The more complex the transaction, the more important it becomes to have your documentation ready before you need it. What your agent is not doing These checks are not the same as a bank loan assessment. Your real estate agent is not there to assess your borrowing capacity, credit score or financial position in a broad sense. The purpose of the checks is much narrower. Your agent needs to confirm who they are dealing with, understand the basic source of funds involved in the transaction and meet the legal obligations that apply under the AML/CTF framework. In some cases, agents may also have reporting obligations if something appears unusual or suspicious. These obligations are part of the law and are designed to protect the wider market. How to prepare before 1 July 2026 The best thing buyers and sellers can do is get organised early. Before you list, buy or make an offer, it may be useful to have the following ready: Current photo ID Proof of address Bank pre-approval if you are buying with finance Company, trust or SMSF documents if relevant Clear records for gifted funds, inheritance or proceeds from another sale If you are unsure what applies to your situation, speak with your agent early. The right advice at the beginning can help avoid delays later. What this means for Queensland property For Queensland, these reforms arrive at a time when property decisions already carry a lot of weight. Buyers are navigating finance, affordability, competition and timing. Sellers are weighing presentation, price, market conditions and their next move. Adding another compliance step may feel like one more thing to manage, but in practice, it should become part of the normal rhythm of a property transaction. The agencies that handle this well will be the ones that make the process feel clear, calm and organised from the beginning. That matters. Because real estate is already one of the biggest financial decisions most people make. Buyers and sellers deserve to know that the people guiding them are not only focused on the result, but also on the process behind it. For RealWay, this is where good service shows up. In the details. In the preparation. In helping people understand what is needed before it becomes stressful. Compliance may be changing, but the heart of real estate remains the same: people making important life decisions, and needing the right guidance around them. Thinking of buying or selling in Queensland? Whether you are preparing to list, planning your next move or simply wanting to understand what these changes may mean for you, your local RealWay team can help you take the next step with confidence. Find your local RealWay office and speak with our team today:https://realway.com.au/offices Live Life the RealWay.Real Service. Real Results....
The Real End-of-Winter Home Maintenance Check
Winter is still very much with us. There may be a few cold mornings, and possibly another cold snap, still to come before we can properly say goodbye to the season. But that doesn’t mean we can’t start getting ahead. These final weeks of winter are a good opportunity to check what the colder months may have left behind and tackle a few important home maintenance jobs before the warmer weather arrives. Not quite spring cleaning. Just a sensible end-of-winter home maintenance reset. Check your plumbing for leaks after winter Plumbing probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think about winter home maintenance, but it’s worth a quick look. Check under sinks and vanities for dampness or water marks, look around toilets and taps for slow leaks and inspect outdoor taps, hoses and visible pipework. Pay attention to seals and joins around wet areas too. If something is cracked, deteriorating or staying damp, add it to the maintenance list. Small plumbing leaks are generally much easier to deal with before they become bigger problems. If your water use seems unusually high, it may also be worth checking your water meter when everything in the house is turned off to see whether there could be a hidden leak. Check for winter damp, condensation and mould Winter often means closed windows, heaters and less airflow through the home. That can make bathrooms, laundries, bedrooms, wardrobes and other enclosed spaces more prone to condensation, moisture and mould. On a dry day, open things up and let some fresh air through. Check window frames, walls, ceilings and the backs of cupboards for signs of moisture or mould, particularly in areas that don’t receive much sunlight. It’s also a good opportunity to air mattresses, heavier bedding, rugs and cushions before the seasons change. Clear gutters, downpipes and outdoor drains Leaves and debris can build up through winter, particularly around gutters, downpipes and drainage areas. Before the warmer weather arrives, clear accumulated leaves and debris and make sure water can move freely away from the house. Take a look around ground-level drainage too. If you’ve noticed water pooling in one area after rain, now is a good time to investigate it rather than leaving it until later in the year. Good drainage and regular gutter maintenance are simple parts of looking after a property year-round. Prepare your home for pests before the weather warms We might still be waiting for warmer weather, but when it arrives, insects are likely to become more active too. Late winter is a useful time to make your home a little less inviting before pest activity increases. Check flyscreens for holes, look for obvious gaps around doors and windows and clear leaves, debris and clutter from around the house. Empty containers or areas holding standing water and keep outdoor bins and storage areas clean and tidy. Garages and sheds deserve a look too, particularly if things have been sitting untouched through winter. If your property is due for a professional pest inspection or treatment, late winter can also be a good time to get it organised before the warmer months are well underway. Check your home’s exterior after winter You can learn a lot by simply walking around your property and looking carefully. Check fences and gates, external paintwork, eaves, outdoor steps, paths and entertaining areas. Look for peeling paint, cracked or deteriorating sealant, loose fittings or other areas that appear to have suffered through the colder months. Small property maintenance jobs are easy to ignore when they’re not urgent, but they’re generally much easier to deal with before they turn into larger repairs. Give the garden an end-of-winter tidy There’s no need to launch into a full spring garden makeover just yet. Start by dealing with what winter has left behind. Remove dead growth, clear fallen leaves, tidy garden beds and look for damaged or overhanging branches. Check outdoor taps, hoses and irrigation while you’re there and trim back vegetation sitting directly against the house. It’s less about making everything perfect and more about giving your property a clean, well-maintained starting point for the season ahead. Prepare heating and cooling for the change of season It might still be cold enough for the heater now, but eventually the air-conditioning will be working hard again. Before you need it regularly, clean or check your air-conditioning filters. At the same time, clean window tracks, check flyscreens and screen doors and give outdoor furniture and entertaining areas a once-over. These are the simple jobs you’ll be glad are already done when the warmer days finally arrive. Give winter equipment a final check Don’t pack everything away just yet. There may still be another cold morning or two ahead. But once winter really is finished, clean heaters before storing them, wash heavier blankets and bedding and make sure anything being packed away is clean and completely dry. It’s one of those small maintenance jobs your future self will appreciate when next winter rolls around. Getting your property market-ready for summer If a new home is part of your summer plans, an end-of-winter maintenance check can also help put your current property in a better position if you decide to sell. A well-maintained property generally presents better and means fewer last-minute jobs when it comes time to prepare your home for market. That doesn’t mean renovating or trying to make everything perfect. Staying on top of the basics such as plumbing leaks, gutters, gardens, paintwork, screens, pest prevention and general maintenance, can make getting a property market-ready much simpler when the time comes. If you’re wondering what preparation may actually make a difference before selling, you can also read more about the RealWay to sell. And if a move is on the horizon, your local RealWay team is always happy to have a real conversation about what may be worth doing before your property goes to market. If you’d like to understand where your property currently sits in the market, you can also request a no-obligation sales appraisal. You don’t have to do it all at once An end-of-winter home maintenance checklist shouldn’t turn into an enormous weekend project. Walk around the house. Make a list. Fix the easy things straight away and schedule the bigger jobs for another day. One weekend might be gutters and the garden. Another might be plumbing checks, windows or the garage. The aim isn’t to have a perfect home by the first day of spring. It’s simply to deal with the little things winter may have left behind and put your home in a good position for whatever the next season brings. Because every season asks something different of our homes. Looking after them along the way is simply part of living life the RealWay. Real Service. Real Results....
The Federal Budget and Investor Changes
New build or established? Why the distinction matters more after the Budget After the Federal Budget, investors will need to look more closely at what counts as a new residential property. The Government has announced changes to negative gearing and Capital Gains Tax (CGT) intended to apply from 1 July 2027. The measure is not yet law, but the direction is clear: new residential property will be treated differently from established property. The ATO states the changes will limit negative gearing for residential property investments to new builds, with properties held before 7:30pm AEST on 12 May 2026 exempt from the negative gearing changes. For investors, this makes the detail behind a property purchase more important. A property may look new, recently renovated or newly available for rent, but that does not automatically mean it will be treated as a new build under the proposed rules. What is considered new? A key issue will be whether the property genuinely adds to housing supply. A newly constructed apartment, townhouse or house may qualify where it creates an additional dwelling. A development that replaces one older home with multiple townhouses is a clear example of increased housing supply. However, a knock-down rebuild that replaces one house with another house would not meet the criteria, because it does not add an extra residence to the market. The key is to look beyond whether a property appears new and understand how it may be classified under the final rules. Completion dates, occupancy history and whether the development adds housing supply may all become relevant details. Timing will be critical The date an investor acquires a property will be central to how the rules apply. The proposed changes are intended to apply from 1 July 2027. However, properties already held at 7:30pm AEST on 12 May 2026 will be exempt from the changes. For established dwellings acquired after 12 May 2026, the grace period until 1 July 2027 still applies. Clear records of contract exchange dates and ownership history will help investors and their advisers determine whether a property is covered by the existing rules, the proposed new rules or any transitional treatment. Unique scenarios investors should consider Some situations may require closer review before purchase. A knock-down rebuild, a dual occupancy, a subdivision, a granny flat or a property that has been completed but occupied for a very short period may all raise questions about how “new” is defined. For example, if a newly built dwelling has been occupied for less than 12 months, investors may need to confirm whether it still qualifies. If a granny flat is added to an existing property, it typically won't qualify as the primary residence is considered an established property. These details should be checked before purchase, not after the first tax return is prepared. Where depreciation fits in Depreciation remains an important part of property investment cash flow and record keeping. For new properties that retain full negative gearing treatment, eligible depreciation deductions help offset other income. For affected established properties, depreciation deductions still form part of rental losses that are carried forward instead of being used immediately. These carried-forward deductions may still provide value in future years, including when applied against future rental income or considered in the property’s eventual CGT position. Whether a property is new, when it was acquired, whether it adds housing supply and what depreciation deductions are available may all affect an investor’s cash flow and tax records. BMT Tax Depreciation prepares specialist tax depreciation schedules for all types of investment properties, identifying deductions to provide a clear record of the depreciation that has been or can be claimed. To review the depreciation potential of your investment property, contact BMT on 1300 728 726 or Request a Quote. Disclaimer: This information is general in nature and does not consider your personal circumstances. Tax outcomes depend on individual situations and current legislation. You should seek independent advice from your accountant before making decisions based on this information. - This article has been supplied by BMT - - RealWay receives no rebate from any enquiry made to BMT - For professional real estate advice contact your local RealWay team. Looking for a new build now? Find out if there are any great potential investment properties on the market in your area by getting in touch today or check out the listings on realway.com.au ...
Springfield and Ripley in 2026: Prestige Living With Purpose
Some places grow because they are close to Brisbane. Others grow because they offer something more considered. Greater Springfield and the Ripley Valley are becoming one of South East Queensland’s most purposeful property corridors. Close enough to Brisbane for work, business and lifestyle, yet spacious enough to offer modern homes, strong schools, green space and room for families to build a future. This is not just a growth corridor. It is a place where lifestyle, education and long-term property value are all working together. A Brisbane Lifestyle, With More Room to Live For many buyers, the appeal is clear. Springfield and Ripley offer access to Brisbane without asking families to compromise on space, comfort or community. The homes are newer. The streets are planned. Schools, parks, shopping, health services and transport links are already part of everyday life. Greater Springfield has matured into a genuine city of its own. Ripley is following with strong momentum and major infrastructure still unfolding. Together, they offer a rare mix: modern family living, strong investment fundamentals and the kind of planning that gives buyers confidence beyond the next market cycle. The Market Snapshot Springfield, Ripley and South Ripley are all performing strongly, but each offers something slightly different. Springfield is now the more established premium market, with a median house price around $1.01 million and very low vacancy. Ripley and South Ripley are still showing strong growth, with median house prices in the mid-$800,000s, quick selling times and healthy rental demand. Together, they show a corridor with both lifestyle strength and long-term investment appeal. Built Around Education, Health and Lifestyle One of the strongest parts of this corridor is how deliberately it has been planned. Greater Springfield includes UniSQ Springfield, Mater Private Hospital Springfield, Orion Springfield Central, Robelle Domain, rail access to Brisbane and a strong network of schools and early learning centres. There are also highly regarded private and state schooling options across the corridor, including Springfield Anglican College and St Peter’s Lutheran College Springfield. For families making property decisions with children, education and future opportunity in mind, that matters. This is the kind of area people choose not only for where they are today, but for where they want their family to be in ten or twenty years. Where the Appeal Is Strongest Each suburb has its own role to play. Springfield Lakes remains one of the established lifestyle favourites, with lakes, parks, walking tracks, family homes and a strong sense of community. Spring Mountain is attracting buyers who want newer homes, larger lots and access to green space, while still staying close to Springfield’s key amenities. Augustine Heights, Bellbird Park and Camira offer more established homes, larger blocks and settled streets. Ripley and South Ripley are where the new-build growth story is strongest, with modern estates, young families, parks, schools and future town centre infrastructure shaping the next stage of the corridor. This is not a one-size-fits-all market. It rewards buyers who understand the difference between established prestige, family lifestyle, growth potential and rental return. For Buyers, Sellers and Investors For buyers, preparation matters. Good homes are moving quickly, and the strongest buyers are the ones who know what they want and are ready to act. For investors, the corridor offers two clear opportunities. Springfield and Spring Mountain provide a more established, low-vacancy market with strong tenant demand. Ripley, South Ripley and Redbank Plains offer a stronger growth and yield story, with newer homes and expanding infrastructure. For sellers, the demand is there, but strong demand does not mean every property will achieve the same result. The homes performing best are the ones presented well, priced correctly and marketed to the right buyer audience. In this corridor, buyers are looking for more than bedrooms and bathrooms. They are looking for lifestyle, space, school access, quality finishes, street appeal and a sense of long-term value. The Real Story Springfield and Ripley are no longer simply affordable alternatives to Brisbane. They are becoming destinations in their own right. For families, they offer space, education, community and a better everyday lifestyle. For investors, they offer strong rental demand and long-term growth fundamentals. For sellers, they offer a buyer pool that is motivated, informed and increasingly focused on quality. This is prestige living with purpose. Not prestige for show. Prestige because the area offers what people genuinely value: a beautiful home, a strong community, access to Brisbane, education for the next generation and confidence in the future. That is why this corridor continues to matter in 2026. And that is why the right local guidance can make all the difference. Find your local RealWay office:https://realway.com.au/offices Live Life the RealWay.Real Service. Real Results....
New AML Rules Are Coming to Australian Property
From 1 July 2026, buying or selling property in Australia will include a new layer of identity and source-of-funds checks. For most Queensland buyers and sellers, this should not be something to fear. It is simply something to be ready for. The changes form part of Australia’s Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing reforms, commonly known as the Tranche 2 reforms. These reforms bring real estate professionals, buyer’s agents, property developers, conveyancers, lawyers and accountants into the same compliance framework that banks have operated under for many years. In practical terms, it means your real estate agent will need to complete certain checks before, or at the start of, a property transaction. That may sound formal, but for most everyday residential transactions, the process should be straightforward. The key is preparation. Why are the rules changing? Property has long been recognised as an area that can be misused to move or hide illegal funds. Australia’s new AML/CTF reforms are designed to make that harder by creating clearer obligations for the professionals involved in property transactions. From 1 July 2026, real estate agencies will need to have proper systems in place to verify clients, understand where transaction funds are coming from and keep appropriate records. This is not about making property harder to buy or sell. It is about protecting the integrity of the property market and ensuring Australia’s real estate sector meets modern compliance expectations. What buyers may be asked for If you are buying property in Queensland, you should expect some identity and source-of-funds checks to happen earlier in the process. For most buyers, this may include: Current photo identification, such as a driver licence or passport Proof of address, such as a utility bill, bank statement or rates notice Evidence of where the purchase funds are coming from Bank pre-approval or loan documentation where finance is being used Additional entity documents if buying through a company, trust or SMSF For many standard residential buyers using a bank loan, the source-of-funds check should be relatively simple. A formal loan approval or pre-approval will often provide a clear starting point. Where the transaction is more complex, such as a company purchase, trust structure, overseas buyer, gifted funds, inheritance or cash component, more information may be needed. That does not mean the transaction cannot proceed. It simply means the agent may need to ask more questions and gather more documentation. What sellers may be asked for Sellers will also need to complete identity checks. When you appoint an agent to sell your property, the agency will need to verify who they are acting for and confirm the ownership structure of the property. For most sellers, this may include: Current photo identification Proof of address Confirmation that your name matches the property ownership records Company or trust documents if the property is owned by an entity If the property is owned by a company, trust or SMSF, your agent may also need to identify the people who ultimately own or control that entity. This is one of the areas where being organised early can make a real difference. Will this slow down property transactions? For most standard Queensland residential transactions, the additional checks should be manageable. The biggest difference is timing. Rather than leaving identification and documentation until late in the process, buyers and sellers should expect these checks to happen earlier. A well-prepared agency will have systems in place to make this as smooth as possible. Transactions that may take longer include those involving: Trusts, companies or SMSFs Overseas buyers or sellers Unusual payment arrangements Large cash components Gifted funds or inheritance More complex ownership structures The more complex the transaction, the more important it becomes to have your documentation ready before you need it. What your agent is not doing These checks are not the same as a bank loan assessment. Your real estate agent is not there to assess your borrowing capacity, credit score or financial position in a broad sense. The purpose of the checks is much narrower. Your agent needs to confirm who they are dealing with, understand the basic source of funds involved in the transaction and meet the legal obligations that apply under the AML/CTF framework. In some cases, agents may also have reporting obligations if something appears unusual or suspicious. These obligations are part of the law and are designed to protect the wider market. How to prepare before 1 July 2026 The best thing buyers and sellers can do is get organised early. Before you list, buy or make an offer, it may be useful to have the following ready: Current photo ID Proof of address Bank pre-approval if you are buying with finance Company, trust or SMSF documents if relevant Clear records for gifted funds, inheritance or proceeds from another sale If you are unsure what applies to your situation, speak with your agent early. The right advice at the beginning can help avoid delays later. What this means for Queensland property For Queensland, these reforms arrive at a time when property decisions already carry a lot of weight. Buyers are navigating finance, affordability, competition and timing. Sellers are weighing presentation, price, market conditions and their next move. Adding another compliance step may feel like one more thing to manage, but in practice, it should become part of the normal rhythm of a property transaction. The agencies that handle this well will be the ones that make the process feel clear, calm and organised from the beginning. That matters. Because real estate is already one of the biggest financial decisions most people make. Buyers and sellers deserve to know that the people guiding them are not only focused on the result, but also on the process behind it. For RealWay, this is where good service shows up. In the details. In the preparation. In helping people understand what is needed before it becomes stressful. Compliance may be changing, but the heart of real estate remains the same: people making important life decisions, and needing the right guidance around them. Thinking of buying or selling in Queensland? Whether you are preparing to list, planning your next move or simply wanting to understand what these changes may mean for you, your local RealWay team can help you take the next step with confidence. Find your local RealWay office and speak with our team today:https://realway.com.au/offices Live Life the RealWay.Real Service. Real Results....