If you haven’t heard the news, the long-awaited Sydney Metro North West, Australia’s largest public transport infrastructure project, has opened on Sunday May 26! Source: Financial Review The 26-kilometre long line will run from Rouse Hill (Tallawong) to Chatswood, providing the people of Epping with a direct link to the CBD via an ultra-fast metro train service. With departures every four minutes during peak periods, the future residents of The Langston have a lot to look forward to, especially considering Epping Train Station is located only 100 meters from the project’s front door. This will ensure that a range of outstanding local amenities, including major regional destinations such as Macquarie University and Macquarie Shopping Centre, are only five minutes away on the train, providing the ultimate in convenience for the future Langston community.

Victoria has taken the title of Australia's best performing economy, overthrowing New South Wales which is now in second place, according to Commsec’s state of the state market report. For the first time in three quarterly surveys Victoria has solely taken the top spot on the overall economic performance rankings, thanks to the strength of the state’s economic growth, retail trade, the job market and construction work. While New South Wales, which had previously jointly shared the top spot with Victoria, remains consistently strong across all indicators. Each quarter CommSec analyses eight key indicators: economic growth, retail spending, equipment investment, unemployment, construction work done, population growth, housing finance and dwelling commencements. When looking across growth rates for the states and territories, Victoria exceeded the national-average on seven of the eight indicators, with Victoria’s lowest ranking, in population growth, ranking in fourth. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="953"] Victoria has kept top spot...

Auction clearance rates rose strongly last week following the federal election, led by far stronger performances from the Sydney and Melbourne markets.According to data from CoreLogic, median home prices in Sydney and Melbourne also increased last week.The federal election result, along with likely rate cuts from the RBA and an easing in lending standards from APRA, may have contributed to the recent improvement in conditions in Australia’s largest and most expensive housing markets.Further housing-related data in the period ahead will help to determine whether a turning point for the property market is currently underway. Auction clearance rates rose strongly last week following the federal election, led by far stronger performances from the Sydney and Melbourne markets. Prices in both major cities also increased, bucking the trend seen for well over a year. According to CoreLogic, Australia’s preliminary combined capitals clearance rate jumped to 62.6%, a sharp improvement on the 57.0% level...