Purpose -This study seeks to determine an appropriate form of yield analysis as a means of improving the supply of low cost rental housing within Australia. Design/methodology/approach -Rental returns are quantified on a disaggregated basis based on the amalgamation of three major government property databases.Findings -Much of the information on returns in low cost rental housing is based on erroneous assumptions. More accurate reporting of returns would put in place the appropriate risk premium for investment in low cost rental housing. Originality/value -The study adds value by allowing policy makers to better understand the nature of returns required to increase the level of investment in the low cost end of the private rental market.

Purpose -Spatially enabled taxation systems provide public policy makers in Australia with a conundrum. For the Valuers General who provide the fiscal cadastre for the taxation system, spatial enablement could lead to a central role in State Government taxation or to a sidelined role. This paper aims to address this issue. Design/methodology/approach -The paper uses a survey of Valuers General. Findings -The paper establishes the current extent of adoption of spatially enabled taxation systems, identifies current provision and uses of valuation data and explores possible future provision and uses of such data.Research limitations/implications -The sample size for survey may limit its use elsewhere. Practical implications -The paper concludes that further integration and a unified national policy approach would be preferable. Originality/value -The first published paper to establish the current extent of adoption of spatially enabled taxation systems and to identify current provision and uses of valuation data in Australasia.

ABSTRACT

This paper discusses the implications of labour market change for first time homebuyers. It reports on whether experiences of labour market change, in particular the lack of job security resulting from more casual and contract employment, is impacting on their purchaser behaviour. It explores the relationship between job security and financial wellbeing of first home buyers, expectations of future job security and if and how these have influenced their home purchase. The survey shows that, while future job security is not a concern for many households, any concerns about job security are strongly associated with a households financial well being and income level. Those who are finding life the most difficult financially are the same households with the greatest concerns about future job security. As well, the survey shows that despite the stated lack of concern, most first time buyers acknowledge that their experience of job security has influenced their purchase behaviour.

No abstract