Energy stocks surge on Middle East conflict
The Australian share market is edging higher as conflict in the Middle East sends valuable oil and energy stocks higher.
The S&P/ASX200 rose 6 points, or 0.07 per cent, to 8,553.4 as the broader All Ordinaries gained 10.5 points, or 0.12 per cent to 8,781.1.
"With Iran striking back after Israel's attacks, and the US mulling involvement, investors are bracing for further market impact from the conflict," Moomoo market strategist Jessica Amir said.
"A broad risk-off mood is taking hold, as oil, defence and gold rise."
Only four of 11 sectors were clearly in the green by midday, but a more than seven per cent rally in oil prices since the conflict began on Friday has sent Australian energy stocks more than six per cent higher in morning trade.
Futures in global benchmark Brent crude are trading above $US74 a barrel, their highest level since March.
The commodity's price spike pushed Woodside four per cent but Santos was the top-200's second-best performer, surging almost 12 per cent to $7.80 after receiving a $30 billion takeover bid from an Abu Dhabi oil giant and private equity group Carlyle.
But it was uranium play Paladin Energy that took out the top spot, up more than 15 per cent to $7.36.
Financials were weighing on the bourse, down 0.6 per cent as all the big four banks traded lower, led by a 1.1 per cent slip in Westpac shares.
Commonwealth Bank was doing the best of the banks, fading 0.3 per cent to $178.77.
The materials sector was mixed, with large cap miners Rio Tinto ( up 1.6 per cent), BHP (up 0.5 per cent) and Fortescue (up 0.7 per cent) pushing higher with only a modest uptick in iron ore prices.
Gold miners are predominantly trading lower, with Northern Star and Evolution each falling more than five per cent despite an uptick in gold prices over the weekend, as the surging oil price put pressure on extraction and transport costs.
And with no end to the Middle East conflict in sight, there are concerns crude prices could go higher.
While Iran only produces roughly 3.5 per cent of global crude supply, there are fears it could close the Strait of Hormuz, the primary route for multiple OPEC producers, IG Markets analyst Tony Sycamore said.
"The knock-on impact of higher energy prices is that they will slow growth and cause headline inflation to rise," he said.
"While central banks would prefer to overlook a temporary spike in energy prices, if they remain elevated for a long period, it may feed through into higher core inflation as businesses pass on higher transport and production costs."
Four major central banks, including the US Federal Reserve, are broadly expected to keep policy rates on hold when they meet this week, but the rising oil price and any resulting inflation could further restrict their ability to cut interest rates in the months ahead, which in turn weighs on companies' ability to invest in growth.
The Australian dollar is buying $64.80 US cents, roughly on par with Friday at 5pm, when it traded at 64.76 US cents.
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Sky News AU
12 minutes ago
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Ooops, an error has occurred! Please call us on 1800 070 535 and we'll help resolve the issue or try again later. The Streaming Subscription provides Australians access to top rating opinion shows, award-winning political coverage, live breaking news, sport and weather, expert business insights and groundbreaking documentaries across four dedicated news channels for $5 a month. This includes: Sky News – Australia's news channel featuring award-winning journalists, insights from the biggest names in opinion, ground-breaking special investigations, and live breaking news, sport and weather. Available live and on-demand. Sky News Extra – A dedicated 24/7 channel featuring live press conferences and Parliament broadcasts, with unfiltered access to Australian democracy in action. Available live. Sky News Weather – Australia's only 24/7 weather channel bringing you the latest weather forecasts from the country's largest team of meteorologists. Available live. FOX SPORTS News – Australia's only 24/7 sports news channel, first and live in breaking sports news. Available live. Stream Sky News channel shows in full live and on-demand on or the Sky News Australia app and cast to your compatible TV. For the best streaming experience, stream your favourite Sky News shows on your compatible Smart TV. For a step-by-step guide on how to sign in on your Smart TV or to find out if your Smart TV is compatible, visit our help page. There is no lock-in contract when you subscribe to a Streaming Subscription. Renewals occur automatically unless cancelled as per full Terms and Conditions . The Streaming Subscription is not available outside of Australia. If overseas (excluding New Zealand), you can access your favourite Sky News Australia programs by signing up to Australia Channel. Sky News Australia's international 24/7 news streaming service. Find out more here. You can continue to access digital-only content, video highlights, and listen to the latest podcasts without a subscription on our website and app. The Streaming Subscription gives subscribers live stream access to unrivalled news and opinion content across four dedicated news channels 24/7.
The Advertiser
37 minutes ago
- The Advertiser
Shares nudge up, oil dips - Mideast tensions in focus
World shares have nudged up, with oil prices steadier but holding on to most of last week's increase, as the conflict between Israel and Iran added further uncertainty to the world's economic troubles in a week packed with central bank meetings. The escalation in the Middle East came just as Group of Seven leaders were gathering in Canada, with US President Donald Trump's tariffs already straining ties. Yet there was no sign of panic among investors on Monday as currency markets stayed calm and Wall Street stock futures firmed after an early dip. Brent was last off 0.5 per cent at $US73.85 ($A113.40) a barrel,, but last week's 13 per cent surge means its inflationary pulse, if sustained, could make the Federal Reserve more nervous about giving too many hints at its Wednesday meeting about interest rate cuts later in the year. Markets are still wagering on two easings by December, with a first move in September seen as most likely. "The key is how much flexibility the Fed thinks it has, we've been pleasantly surprised we've not yet seen in inflationary pass-through from the tariffs," said Ben Laidler, head of equity strategy at Bradesco BBI. "The situation in the Middle East is the major issue of the day. The message from the market is that it isn't too afraid, but it does turn what was already going to be a busy week into a frenetic one, and that has a lot of people on the sidelines." Data on US retail sales on Tuesday will also be a hurdle, as a pullback in autos could drag the headline down even as core sales edge higher. A market holiday on Thursday means weekly jobless claims figures are out on Wednesday. For now, investors were waiting on developments and MSCI's all-country world share index gained 0.2 per cent, to sit a touch below last week's record high. Europe's STOXX 600 rose 0.3 per cent and S&P 500 futures rose 0.5 per cent. 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The calmer mood across markets saw some of gold's safe-haven bid reverse and it was down 0.55 per cent at $US3,413 ($A5,241) an ounce.. World shares have nudged up, with oil prices steadier but holding on to most of last week's increase, as the conflict between Israel and Iran added further uncertainty to the world's economic troubles in a week packed with central bank meetings. The escalation in the Middle East came just as Group of Seven leaders were gathering in Canada, with US President Donald Trump's tariffs already straining ties. Yet there was no sign of panic among investors on Monday as currency markets stayed calm and Wall Street stock futures firmed after an early dip. Brent was last off 0.5 per cent at $US73.85 ($A113.40) a barrel,, but last week's 13 per cent surge means its inflationary pulse, if sustained, could make the Federal Reserve more nervous about giving too many hints at its Wednesday meeting about interest rate cuts later in the year. Markets are still wagering on two easings by December, with a first move in September seen as most likely. "The key is how much flexibility the Fed thinks it has, we've been pleasantly surprised we've not yet seen in inflationary pass-through from the tariffs," said Ben Laidler, head of equity strategy at Bradesco BBI. "The situation in the Middle East is the major issue of the day. The message from the market is that it isn't too afraid, but it does turn what was already going to be a busy week into a frenetic one, and that has a lot of people on the sidelines." Data on US retail sales on Tuesday will also be a hurdle, as a pullback in autos could drag the headline down even as core sales edge higher. A market holiday on Thursday means weekly jobless claims figures are out on Wednesday. For now, investors were waiting on developments and MSCI's all-country world share index gained 0.2 per cent, to sit a touch below last week's record high. Europe's STOXX 600 rose 0.3 per cent and S&P 500 futures rose 0.5 per cent. Earlier in the day, Chinese blue chips added 0.24 per cent, and Hong Kong gained 0.7 per cent as data showed Chinese retail sales rose 6.4 per cent in May to handily top forecasts, while industrial output was in line with expectations. In currency markets, the dollar gave back of some of last Friday's gains against European currencies - the euro was up 0.3 per cent at $US1.1582 ($A1.7785) - and held steady on the Japanese yen at 144.10. The spike in oil prices is a negative for the yen and euro at the margin as both Japan and the EU are major importers of energy, while the United States is an exporter. Currencies from oil exporters Norway and Canada both benefited, with the Norwegian crown hitting its highest since early 2023. "We should expect that economies with a positive energy trade balance should see their currencies benefiting from the shock to oil prices," noted analysts at Deutsche Bank. "It's notable the dollar is in this category, highlighting how the US has moved from a net energy-importer to a net exporter in recent years." Central banks in Norway and Sweden meet this week, with the latter thought likely to trim rates. The Swiss National Bank meets on Thursday and is considered certain to cut by at least a quarter point to take rates to zero, with some chance it may go negative given the strength of the Swiss franc. The Bank of Japan holds a policy meeting on Tuesday and is widely expected to hold rates at 0.5 per cent, while leaving open the possibility of tightening later in the year. There is also speculation it could consider slowing the rundown of its government bond holdings from next fiscal year. Government bond yields nudged higher around the world. The US 10-year Treasury yield was last up 1 bp at 4.44 per cent Germany's 10-year Bund yield was up nearly 3 bps at 2.56 per cent. The calmer mood across markets saw some of gold's safe-haven bid reverse and it was down 0.55 per cent at $US3,413 ($A5,241) an ounce.. World shares have nudged up, with oil prices steadier but holding on to most of last week's increase, as the conflict between Israel and Iran added further uncertainty to the world's economic troubles in a week packed with central bank meetings. The escalation in the Middle East came just as Group of Seven leaders were gathering in Canada, with US President Donald Trump's tariffs already straining ties. Yet there was no sign of panic among investors on Monday as currency markets stayed calm and Wall Street stock futures firmed after an early dip. Brent was last off 0.5 per cent at $US73.85 ($A113.40) a barrel,, but last week's 13 per cent surge means its inflationary pulse, if sustained, could make the Federal Reserve more nervous about giving too many hints at its Wednesday meeting about interest rate cuts later in the year. Markets are still wagering on two easings by December, with a first move in September seen as most likely. "The key is how much flexibility the Fed thinks it has, we've been pleasantly surprised we've not yet seen in inflationary pass-through from the tariffs," said Ben Laidler, head of equity strategy at Bradesco BBI. "The situation in the Middle East is the major issue of the day. The message from the market is that it isn't too afraid, but it does turn what was already going to be a busy week into a frenetic one, and that has a lot of people on the sidelines." Data on US retail sales on Tuesday will also be a hurdle, as a pullback in autos could drag the headline down even as core sales edge higher. A market holiday on Thursday means weekly jobless claims figures are out on Wednesday. For now, investors were waiting on developments and MSCI's all-country world share index gained 0.2 per cent, to sit a touch below last week's record high. Europe's STOXX 600 rose 0.3 per cent and S&P 500 futures rose 0.5 per cent. Earlier in the day, Chinese blue chips added 0.24 per cent, and Hong Kong gained 0.7 per cent as data showed Chinese retail sales rose 6.4 per cent in May to handily top forecasts, while industrial output was in line with expectations. In currency markets, the dollar gave back of some of last Friday's gains against European currencies - the euro was up 0.3 per cent at $US1.1582 ($A1.7785) - and held steady on the Japanese yen at 144.10. The spike in oil prices is a negative for the yen and euro at the margin as both Japan and the EU are major importers of energy, while the United States is an exporter. Currencies from oil exporters Norway and Canada both benefited, with the Norwegian crown hitting its highest since early 2023. "We should expect that economies with a positive energy trade balance should see their currencies benefiting from the shock to oil prices," noted analysts at Deutsche Bank. "It's notable the dollar is in this category, highlighting how the US has moved from a net energy-importer to a net exporter in recent years." Central banks in Norway and Sweden meet this week, with the latter thought likely to trim rates. The Swiss National Bank meets on Thursday and is considered certain to cut by at least a quarter point to take rates to zero, with some chance it may go negative given the strength of the Swiss franc. The Bank of Japan holds a policy meeting on Tuesday and is widely expected to hold rates at 0.5 per cent, while leaving open the possibility of tightening later in the year. There is also speculation it could consider slowing the rundown of its government bond holdings from next fiscal year. Government bond yields nudged higher around the world. The US 10-year Treasury yield was last up 1 bp at 4.44 per cent Germany's 10-year Bund yield was up nearly 3 bps at 2.56 per cent. The calmer mood across markets saw some of gold's safe-haven bid reverse and it was down 0.55 per cent at $US3,413 ($A5,241) an ounce.. World shares have nudged up, with oil prices steadier but holding on to most of last week's increase, as the conflict between Israel and Iran added further uncertainty to the world's economic troubles in a week packed with central bank meetings. The escalation in the Middle East came just as Group of Seven leaders were gathering in Canada, with US President Donald Trump's tariffs already straining ties. Yet there was no sign of panic among investors on Monday as currency markets stayed calm and Wall Street stock futures firmed after an early dip. Brent was last off 0.5 per cent at $US73.85 ($A113.40) a barrel,, but last week's 13 per cent surge means its inflationary pulse, if sustained, could make the Federal Reserve more nervous about giving too many hints at its Wednesday meeting about interest rate cuts later in the year. Markets are still wagering on two easings by December, with a first move in September seen as most likely. "The key is how much flexibility the Fed thinks it has, we've been pleasantly surprised we've not yet seen in inflationary pass-through from the tariffs," said Ben Laidler, head of equity strategy at Bradesco BBI. "The situation in the Middle East is the major issue of the day. The message from the market is that it isn't too afraid, but it does turn what was already going to be a busy week into a frenetic one, and that has a lot of people on the sidelines." Data on US retail sales on Tuesday will also be a hurdle, as a pullback in autos could drag the headline down even as core sales edge higher. A market holiday on Thursday means weekly jobless claims figures are out on Wednesday. For now, investors were waiting on developments and MSCI's all-country world share index gained 0.2 per cent, to sit a touch below last week's record high. Europe's STOXX 600 rose 0.3 per cent and S&P 500 futures rose 0.5 per cent. Earlier in the day, Chinese blue chips added 0.24 per cent, and Hong Kong gained 0.7 per cent as data showed Chinese retail sales rose 6.4 per cent in May to handily top forecasts, while industrial output was in line with expectations. In currency markets, the dollar gave back of some of last Friday's gains against European currencies - the euro was up 0.3 per cent at $US1.1582 ($A1.7785) - and held steady on the Japanese yen at 144.10. The spike in oil prices is a negative for the yen and euro at the margin as both Japan and the EU are major importers of energy, while the United States is an exporter. Currencies from oil exporters Norway and Canada both benefited, with the Norwegian crown hitting its highest since early 2023. "We should expect that economies with a positive energy trade balance should see their currencies benefiting from the shock to oil prices," noted analysts at Deutsche Bank. "It's notable the dollar is in this category, highlighting how the US has moved from a net energy-importer to a net exporter in recent years." Central banks in Norway and Sweden meet this week, with the latter thought likely to trim rates. The Swiss National Bank meets on Thursday and is considered certain to cut by at least a quarter point to take rates to zero, with some chance it may go negative given the strength of the Swiss franc. The Bank of Japan holds a policy meeting on Tuesday and is widely expected to hold rates at 0.5 per cent, while leaving open the possibility of tightening later in the year. There is also speculation it could consider slowing the rundown of its government bond holdings from next fiscal year. Government bond yields nudged higher around the world. The US 10-year Treasury yield was last up 1 bp at 4.44 per cent Germany's 10-year Bund yield was up nearly 3 bps at 2.56 per cent. The calmer mood across markets saw some of gold's safe-haven bid reverse and it was down 0.55 per cent at $US3,413 ($A5,241) an ounce..
The Advertiser
2 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Divorcees, widows 'slipping through the cracks' in housing market
With the median Australian house price of all capital cities combined now hitting a whopping $1,025,742, the dream of home ownership has become even more of a struggle - especially for mature, single women. And while the government normally focuses on the younger generation getting their foot on the property ladder, it overlooks the struggle that older Aussies face who want to buy a home, according to experts. Mortgage Expert, Debbie Hays told The Senior getting a mortgage is tough for older Australians, even when there's a large deposit and they work full-time. For many women, getting a divorce later in life can leave them with a deposit when household assets are divided - but it's rarely enough to buy a place on their own without a loan. Read more from The Senior: Widows can also find themselves with housing insecurity due to lack of funds. "Banks are required to ensure that you can service and repay your loan in full during its loan term," Ms Hays said. "Which often means assessing whether it can be paid off before you reach retirement age or that you have a tangible exit strategy in place for any remaining debt at your retirement age." The mortgage expert said lenders are "cautious" of borrowers in their 50s and 60s and their application will be "heavily assessed". "Unless you can prove you'll continue working into retirement or have a clear exit strategy, like downsizing or using super to pay off the loan," she said. Bricks and More Developer and Property Flipper Jo Yates told The Senior she has noticed in recent years how many more women have been "slippping through the cracks". "I know that there's quite a lot of women having to live in cars now, which is just shocking," she said. The developer said she wants to be part of the solution of helping women find affordable accommodation, but says council regulations and red tape are stopping creative ideas. "Councils need to come to the party as well," she said, noting more land needs to be released while in many cases zoning laws were outdated and also needed changing. The developer points to tiny homes being a possible cost-effective solution, but council rules in many parts of Australia make it nearly impossible for people to live in one long-term. "On the Sunshine Coast and Hinterland, you can only have tiny homes on land if they're moveable," Ms Yates said. "And then it's only, I think, 180 days to stay on land. That's not feasible. If you've got to move it after 180 days, that's still no security." Ms Yates also sees rezoning costs as a problem in Queensland after coming up against a $180,000 bill to rezone a double block to be able to build three dwellings. "That one block of land could have accommodated three families," she said. Ms Yates is now focusing on micro apartments (small self-contained living spaces) within homes as a possible solution. "There's a movement towards rooms in houses and micro apartments," she said. "You'll take a family home and turn it into four micro apartments, and then they'll have communal areas." Another solution the developer is exploring is building affordable homes on a communal block of land. Women can buy in with their small deposits, which would be enough to own a small home or cabin - because they would not be buying the land. "I would like to create a little community on land that is strata titled," Ms Yates said. "They own the right to that property, and they can sell that on. "I just need councils and banks to join me and I can try and do something." Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE. With the median Australian house price of all capital cities combined now hitting a whopping $1,025,742, the dream of home ownership has become even more of a struggle - especially for mature, single women. And while the government normally focuses on the younger generation getting their foot on the property ladder, it overlooks the struggle that older Aussies face who want to buy a home, according to experts. Mortgage Expert, Debbie Hays told The Senior getting a mortgage is tough for older Australians, even when there's a large deposit and they work full-time. For many women, getting a divorce later in life can leave them with a deposit when household assets are divided - but it's rarely enough to buy a place on their own without a loan. Read more from The Senior: Widows can also find themselves with housing insecurity due to lack of funds. "Banks are required to ensure that you can service and repay your loan in full during its loan term," Ms Hays said. "Which often means assessing whether it can be paid off before you reach retirement age or that you have a tangible exit strategy in place for any remaining debt at your retirement age." The mortgage expert said lenders are "cautious" of borrowers in their 50s and 60s and their application will be "heavily assessed". "Unless you can prove you'll continue working into retirement or have a clear exit strategy, like downsizing or using super to pay off the loan," she said. Bricks and More Developer and Property Flipper Jo Yates told The Senior she has noticed in recent years how many more women have been "slippping through the cracks". "I know that there's quite a lot of women having to live in cars now, which is just shocking," she said. The developer said she wants to be part of the solution of helping women find affordable accommodation, but says council regulations and red tape are stopping creative ideas. "Councils need to come to the party as well," she said, noting more land needs to be released while in many cases zoning laws were outdated and also needed changing. The developer points to tiny homes being a possible cost-effective solution, but council rules in many parts of Australia make it nearly impossible for people to live in one long-term. "On the Sunshine Coast and Hinterland, you can only have tiny homes on land if they're moveable," Ms Yates said. "And then it's only, I think, 180 days to stay on land. That's not feasible. If you've got to move it after 180 days, that's still no security." Ms Yates also sees rezoning costs as a problem in Queensland after coming up against a $180,000 bill to rezone a double block to be able to build three dwellings. "That one block of land could have accommodated three families," she said. Ms Yates is now focusing on micro apartments (small self-contained living spaces) within homes as a possible solution. "There's a movement towards rooms in houses and micro apartments," she said. "You'll take a family home and turn it into four micro apartments, and then they'll have communal areas." Another solution the developer is exploring is building affordable homes on a communal block of land. Women can buy in with their small deposits, which would be enough to own a small home or cabin - because they would not be buying the land. "I would like to create a little community on land that is strata titled," Ms Yates said. "They own the right to that property, and they can sell that on. "I just need councils and banks to join me and I can try and do something." Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE. With the median Australian house price of all capital cities combined now hitting a whopping $1,025,742, the dream of home ownership has become even more of a struggle - especially for mature, single women. And while the government normally focuses on the younger generation getting their foot on the property ladder, it overlooks the struggle that older Aussies face who want to buy a home, according to experts. Mortgage Expert, Debbie Hays told The Senior getting a mortgage is tough for older Australians, even when there's a large deposit and they work full-time. For many women, getting a divorce later in life can leave them with a deposit when household assets are divided - but it's rarely enough to buy a place on their own without a loan. Read more from The Senior: Widows can also find themselves with housing insecurity due to lack of funds. "Banks are required to ensure that you can service and repay your loan in full during its loan term," Ms Hays said. "Which often means assessing whether it can be paid off before you reach retirement age or that you have a tangible exit strategy in place for any remaining debt at your retirement age." The mortgage expert said lenders are "cautious" of borrowers in their 50s and 60s and their application will be "heavily assessed". "Unless you can prove you'll continue working into retirement or have a clear exit strategy, like downsizing or using super to pay off the loan," she said. Bricks and More Developer and Property Flipper Jo Yates told The Senior she has noticed in recent years how many more women have been "slippping through the cracks". "I know that there's quite a lot of women having to live in cars now, which is just shocking," she said. The developer said she wants to be part of the solution of helping women find affordable accommodation, but says council regulations and red tape are stopping creative ideas. "Councils need to come to the party as well," she said, noting more land needs to be released while in many cases zoning laws were outdated and also needed changing. The developer points to tiny homes being a possible cost-effective solution, but council rules in many parts of Australia make it nearly impossible for people to live in one long-term. "On the Sunshine Coast and Hinterland, you can only have tiny homes on land if they're moveable," Ms Yates said. "And then it's only, I think, 180 days to stay on land. That's not feasible. If you've got to move it after 180 days, that's still no security." Ms Yates also sees rezoning costs as a problem in Queensland after coming up against a $180,000 bill to rezone a double block to be able to build three dwellings. "That one block of land could have accommodated three families," she said. Ms Yates is now focusing on micro apartments (small self-contained living spaces) within homes as a possible solution. "There's a movement towards rooms in houses and micro apartments," she said. "You'll take a family home and turn it into four micro apartments, and then they'll have communal areas." Another solution the developer is exploring is building affordable homes on a communal block of land. Women can buy in with their small deposits, which would be enough to own a small home or cabin - because they would not be buying the land. "I would like to create a little community on land that is strata titled," Ms Yates said. "They own the right to that property, and they can sell that on. "I just need councils and banks to join me and I can try and do something." Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE. With the median Australian house price of all capital cities combined now hitting a whopping $1,025,742, the dream of home ownership has become even more of a struggle - especially for mature, single women. And while the government normally focuses on the younger generation getting their foot on the property ladder, it overlooks the struggle that older Aussies face who want to buy a home, according to experts. Mortgage Expert, Debbie Hays told The Senior getting a mortgage is tough for older Australians, even when there's a large deposit and they work full-time. For many women, getting a divorce later in life can leave them with a deposit when household assets are divided - but it's rarely enough to buy a place on their own without a loan. Read more from The Senior: Widows can also find themselves with housing insecurity due to lack of funds. "Banks are required to ensure that you can service and repay your loan in full during its loan term," Ms Hays said. "Which often means assessing whether it can be paid off before you reach retirement age or that you have a tangible exit strategy in place for any remaining debt at your retirement age." The mortgage expert said lenders are "cautious" of borrowers in their 50s and 60s and their application will be "heavily assessed". "Unless you can prove you'll continue working into retirement or have a clear exit strategy, like downsizing or using super to pay off the loan," she said. Bricks and More Developer and Property Flipper Jo Yates told The Senior she has noticed in recent years how many more women have been "slippping through the cracks". "I know that there's quite a lot of women having to live in cars now, which is just shocking," she said. The developer said she wants to be part of the solution of helping women find affordable accommodation, but says council regulations and red tape are stopping creative ideas. "Councils need to come to the party as well," she said, noting more land needs to be released while in many cases zoning laws were outdated and also needed changing. The developer points to tiny homes being a possible cost-effective solution, but council rules in many parts of Australia make it nearly impossible for people to live in one long-term. "On the Sunshine Coast and Hinterland, you can only have tiny homes on land if they're moveable," Ms Yates said. "And then it's only, I think, 180 days to stay on land. That's not feasible. If you've got to move it after 180 days, that's still no security." Ms Yates also sees rezoning costs as a problem in Queensland after coming up against a $180,000 bill to rezone a double block to be able to build three dwellings. "That one block of land could have accommodated three families," she said. Ms Yates is now focusing on micro apartments (small self-contained living spaces) within homes as a possible solution. "There's a movement towards rooms in houses and micro apartments," she said. "You'll take a family home and turn it into four micro apartments, and then they'll have communal areas." Another solution the developer is exploring is building affordable homes on a communal block of land. Women can buy in with their small deposits, which would be enough to own a small home or cabin - because they would not be buying the land. "I would like to create a little community on land that is strata titled," Ms Yates said. "They own the right to that property, and they can sell that on. "I just need councils and banks to join me and I can try and do something." Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE.
