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🤗 Howdy Readers
In this newsletter, you'll find:
Post 1
Stop Emailing Attachments Like It’s 2003 — Use a Link Instead
and
Post 2:
Landlords & Rental Affordability: What’s Driving the Crisis?
📬️ Post 1: Still emailing attachments like it’s 2003?
It’s time to stop playing Russian roulette with your project files.
In this week’s post, we take a look at why sending attachments via email is a cyber liability waiting to happen—and why secure file share links are the smarter, safer way forward.
Think intercepted invoices, fake bank details, and compliance nightmares. Yep, it’s happening more than you think.
Whether you're a builder, client, or consultant, this is a simple change that protects everyone and keeps your workflow smooth. Read the full post and level up your file sharing game:
Anthony Painter
📬️ Post 2: Landlords, investors, and rental pain—what’s really going on?
Everyone’s got an opinion on why renting is so tough right now, but what’s actually driving the crisis?
In this post, we break it down—no spin, no shouting matches.
We unpack the landlord types (yep, they’re not all the same), how short-term investment behaviour is shrinking the rental pool, and why government tax settings might be part of the problem, not the solution.
If you're wondering how we got here—and what might fix it—this one's worth a read.
Anthony Painter
Built something recently using a Builder or Trade Contractor? We'd love to know how it went?
It takes less than 30 seconds to complete—no email is required to complete (nor is there any black magic going on behind the scene). We're interested in the result of the survey, the general consensus.
Cant see the survey below? Click here to open it
💾 Software of the Week: Annotely
Ever needed to quickly highlight something on an image or screenshot without the hassle of installing new software? Annotely is a free, browser-based tool that simplifies image annotation.
This is not a sponsored post - just software we're currently trying out and are sharing it with you
What is Annotely?
Annotely is an online image annotation tool that operates directly in your web browser. It allows you to add arrows, text, highlights, and other markers to images, making it easier to convey your ideas visually. Whether you're providing feedback, creating tutorials, or emphasising details in a photo, Annotely has you covered.
Why Use Annotely?
In many situations, a visual explanation can be more effective than a lengthy description. Annotely enables you to:
- Highlight specific areas of an image to draw attention.
- Add notes or comments directly onto the image.
- Create step-by-step tutorials by compiling annotated images into a slideshow.
This tool is particularly useful for professionals who need to provide clear visual instructions or feedback.
Key Features
- User-Friendly Interface: No technical skills required. Simply upload your image and start annotating.
- Variety of Annotation Tools: Includes arrows, text boxes, highlights, and more to suit your needs.
- Multi-Slide Tutorial Creation: Combine multiple annotated images into a cohesive tutorial or presentation.
- No Installation Needed: Works entirely in your browser, so there's no software to download or install.
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: Accessible on any device with a modern web browser—be it Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, or Android.
- Privacy-Focused: Annotely respects your privacy, with no hidden data sharing.
Who Should Use Annotely?
Annotely is ideal for:
- Educators: Creating visual aids or instructional materials.
- Designers: Providing feedback on visual projects.
- Developers: Explaining UI/UX elements or bugs.
- Team Collaborators: Sharing visual feedback during project development.
Its simplicity and accessibility make it a valuable tool for anyone needing to communicate visually.
Getting Started
There's no need to create an account or download anything. Just visit upload your image, and start annotating.
Whether you're streamlining your workflow or enhancing your communication, Annotely offers a straightforward solution for image annotation needs.
👉 Explore Annotely
ICYMI - the most important construction news from this week
🚀 The latest residential construction news from new sources around Australia for the news week ending 23-05-2025 🔥
This Week’s Theme: "The Land of Confusion: Housing Shortages for all (at least there's no bias)"
This week’s headlines highlight a worsening housing issue in Australia. Despite government efforts like the upcoming 5% deposit scheme set for January 2026, the country is projected to fall significantly short of its housing goals. Reports indicate that Australia will be approximately 462,000 homes behind its target of 1.2 million new dwellings by 2029.
In an attempt to stimulate the housing market, the Reserve Bank of Australia has reduced interest rates to 3.85% . While this move aims to make borrowing more affordable, it may inadvertently increase competition among buyers, driving up property prices and making it even harder for first-time buyers to enter the market.
Major cities like Sydney and Melbourne are now among the least affordable globally, with median house prices far exceeding average incomes . This affordability gap underscores the pressing need for comprehensive, long-term solutions to address the housing challenges facing Australians today.
Based on this weeks them we feel that Genesis said it best "My Generation will put it right, we're not just making promises, that we will never keep!"
We've highlighted our favourite news articles for the week by marking with a 🌯 or five
17-05-2025
Residential Focus: Building reform agenda timeline – [LINK]
Fletcher Building Divisional Restructure & Executive Changes – [LINK]
🌯🌯 What does $1 million now buy in Australia’s housing market? – [LINK]
🌯🌯🌯 The land bubble behind Australia’s housing crisis – [LINK]
Article Excerpt: "The upshot is that buyers of housing lots are paying more but are receiving less in return."
Australia's cities ranked among world's least affordable – [LINK]
🌯🌯🌯 High house prices are strangling Australia – [LINK]
Article Excerpt: "Australia is significantly overweight in housing (4.5 times GDP) and slightly underweight in shares (1.2 times GDP). Australians invest more of their wealth in housing and less in shares than other English-speaking countries."
Also noted: "Australian households have some of the world’s highest debt levels," and "Australia’s banks have grown into giant building societies that prioritise lending for housing over productive businesses."
First look: BPG eyes Newstead apartments on Maud Street – [LINK]
🌯🌯🌯 Not construction-related, but of interest to privacy-conscious readers – [LINK]
(US News from May 12th) InventWood is about to mass-produce wood that’s stronger than steel – [LINK] (24-05-2025 added missed link)
18-05-2025
🌯🌯🌯 Bulls circle Australian property – [LINK]
Article Excerpt: "The housing market will receive further stimulus once the Albanese government’s 5% deposit scheme for first home buyers comes into effect on 1 January 2026. The government’s tax on unrealised capital gains for superannuation accounts with balances over $3 million could also see some high net worth investors shift their money out of superannuation and into residential property, further stimulating demand."
🌯🌯 Why Gen X is the real loser generation – [LINK]
Our comment: Just don't mess with us. FAFO. 😄
Wealthy cash in on stamp-duty discount meant to help young home buyers – [LINK]
Cut, Baby, Cut — Why Trump Must Ramp Up Logging 450% to Meet Order – [LINK]
Our comment: Such an own goal. The USA gets a massive amount of lumber from Canada—who they just alienated with 51st state rhetoric.
19-05-2025
🌯 High costs bleed Aussie home builders – [LINK]
Our comment: Just to wrap this up in a neat bow:
- We need to build 220,000 homes per year to meet demand, yet we’re only building about 180,000.
- Industry associations keep asking for fewer restrictions, even though build quality is at an all-time low.
- Builders are going bust thanks to poor supply chains, unfair contract terms, and cash flow issues.
- The government plans to inject demand through the 5% deposit scheme and the super fund $3M cap change—which will funnel more money into housing construction.
Here’s the issue: the industry is already on the ropes. It can't meet current demand, let alone what’s coming. Expecting everything to magically work out is delusional. If we want any hope of meeting housing needs, drastic changes must happen now. Doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different outcome isn’t just naïve—it’s dumb.
Building approvals slump highlights need for bold productivity action – [LINK]
Our comment: If the QMBA wants government action, then we want QMBA to clean its own house first. It’s time their members actually built quality homes—like masters of their trade, not just masters of branding. He who is perfect shall cast the first stone. Look in the mirror, QMBA. You’ve had 30 years to lift the standard. According to all the recent reports, your members have failed. If they build homes, they’re in those reports.
🌯🌯🌯 Inside Asher Keddie’s home renovation from hell – [LINK]
Our comment: Read your RBC contract and check the clause on “vacant possession.” This is a textbook example of what not to do. If you take possession before practical completion, you’re effectively accepting the work in its current state—warts and all. That means no warranty, no defects liability period, and no leverage. Sure, you can try to recover through legal action, but it’s a painful, expensive, and uncertain road.
And if you're doing this to dodge your final invoice—because it seems like the cheaper option—you’re not being clever, you’re being unethical. Builders have families. They often fund parts of your project out of their own pockets. Pulling a stunt like this can ruin them—financially and emotionally.
You don’t need to screw someone over to “get ahead.” That’s a scarcity mindset. There is more than enough to go around. You can succeed without taking from someone else.
Excerpt from the QMBA residential contract:
"No Possession of the Works before payment: Unless the Owner has obtained the Contractor’s prior written consent, the Owner must not take possession of the Works, nor are they entitled to the keys, until the Contract Price is fully paid."
The sanitised version of what used to be called “vacant possession”-
"Consequences of Owner taking Possession of the Works when not entitled to do so:
If the Owner takes possession early, the Works are deemed to have reached Practical Completion with no defects or omissions, and the Owner becomes liable for any damages or losses suffered by the Contractor as a result."
Additional clauses:
- If the Owner fails to remedy a breach within the given time frame, the Contractor may terminate the contract.
- Upon termination, the Contractor can recover all losses, expenses, and damages incurred due to the breach and termination. The Contractor may also remove and retain any unfixed materials or equipment from the site.
20-05-2025
Architect’s bold ‘villain’s lair’ wins Australian Home of the Year – [LINK]
Our comment: This is clearly a paid promotion, though it’s not disclosed as such. That said, we love the single-storey design. Not fans of all the water features though—too high maintenance. We'd convert them into garden beds instead. The construction detail is similar, you just need proper overflows to avoid root rot or waterlogging after rain.
21-05-2025
Developer buys Sydney growth corridor apartment site – [LINK]
🌯🌯🌯🌯 It’s not as simple as building more houses – [LINK]
Our comment: What a great, nuanced article!
Why Australia sucks at building homes – [LINK]
Cheaper money for housing as RBA cuts rates will fuel demand and push up property prices – [LINK]
Construction begins on $310 million ‘The Bedford’ mixed-use project in Kangaroo Point – [LINK]
🌯🌯🌯 Rate cut will support housing markets, but don’t expect a boom in housing prices until affordability improves – [LINK]
Macro reforms for housing affordability – [LINK] (PDF Report)
22-05-2025
🌯🌯 Why Australia sucks at building homes – [LINK]
Inventive infill: Five homes that seize the opportunities of unused urban space – [LINK]
Our comment: Beautiful sardine cans. Just make sure they’re well ventilated—because if you fart, everyone will know who did it.
🌯🌯 Government forecasts permanent housing shortage – [LINK]
Article Excerpt: "The NHSAC report warns that ongoing strong immigration, combined with poor supply, will continue to pressure renters and result in more homelessness and overcrowding."
23-05-2025
Opinion: Australia is forecast to fall 262,000 homes short of its housing target. We need bold action – [LINK]
One way to improve the “dumpster fire of dumb stuff” that is Australia’s housing policy – [LINK]
The Last Word
This week, I had conversations with the management of a few companies (supply side and trade contractors) about our upcoming projects. Along the way, I asked a simple question: How busy are you—and how busy are your builders? The answer? Builders are flat out. They're taking orders like there's no tomorrow.
It honestly feels like we're back in that COVID-era boom, where builders just can’t say no. They're signing contracts, collecting deposits, and stacking jobs without a clear path to deliver. The problem? There are only so many trades in the country. And now, commercial and industrial projects are starting to poach from the residential trade pool to meet their own timelines.
That shift is only going to ramp up pressure on the residential sector—higher prices, longer wait times, and more delays across the board. And with the 2032 Olympics build-up kicking off, that competition is about to go into overdrive.
Now layer in the 5% deposit scheme and a fresh wave of buyer FOMO, and it’s clear: the second half of this year is going to be huge for signed contracts and paid deposits. But here's the kicker—2026 is when the fallout begins.
We've seen this movie before. The cycle repeats because no one wants to fix the root issues. We keep acting like this time will be different, and then act shocked when it all unravels—again.
Expect the same pattern: too many jobs, not enough trades, project delays, cost blowouts, builder collapses. The signs are all there.
Be smart—make sure your builder actually has the capacity to deliver what they’re taking deposits for. Too many are over committing because they don’t want to say no. And let’s be honest: greed drives a lot of it. Most builders want more. A bigger boat, a flashier car, a new house—whatever it is, someone’s footing the bill for that lifestyle. Make sure it’s not you.
Final Last Word
There aren't many reliable ways to check a builder’s financial capacity—especially if they’re a private company and refuse to share the info you request. If you’ve got an ABN, you can try getting a Financial Viability Assessment (FVA) from Illion or Dun & Bradstreet (D&B), but they generally prefer ongoing relationships over one-off engagements.
Another option is NCI’s Radar service. It’s mainly built for suppliers, but you can still use it to check out contractors and builders. You’ll need to sign up for a monthly plan, and then pay extra for a full approval check, trade report, or comprehensive report.
Beyond that, unless your builder is willing to hand over their financials, you’re pretty limited. If you do manage to get the documents, you could engage a credit risk or data science consultant to assess them—but let’s be real, chances are you won’t get that level of transparency.
And that’s the problem. It’s hard to trust builders when you have no real visibility into their financial position or whether they can actually handle the workload they’re taking on. You’re expected to put your faith—and your funds—into the process and just hope they follow through. It’s a risky bet, especially when you’re left in the dark.
Even lawyers have their limits here—they can only really advise on the contract itself. If it’s a standard form contract, they’ll red-flag risky clauses, but they can’t see behind the curtain either.
In the famous works of Bon Jovi "Take my hand, we’ll make it I swear”"
The Constructor Forum
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😶🌫️ That's all of today
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Feel free to reach out on X or Mastodon or Bluesky - @obiwonky - 👋 Anthony
PS: Quality Management Checklist Access
All our published checklists are available to download via the Checklists Link in the navigation menu or directly at https://www.constructor.net.au/checklists/.
To download, simply enter your email when prompted. This allows us to assign you a free license—nothing more. Once completed, you’ll be able to view and download the checklists.
Each checklist is formatted on A4-sized paper for easy printing. Be aware that the files are larger than typical PDFs, around 25–35 MB each, as they are saved in CMYK (print-ready) format. This ensures the best quality for printing, even if it makes the files a bit “chunkier.”
Enjoy the checklists, we hope they help you identify quality improvements in your new home or next project - or at least, get you thinking.
Anthony Painter
Please note: You’ll need to be a member and to log in to access the content.
Help us improve?
Head over to the Feedback tab in the navigation menu to share your thoughts, view our road map, and up vote feature requests. We want to hear from you—because no one likes the sound of one hand clapping.
PS: 23-05-2025 To the person trying to inject malicious code into our feedback form—get a life. If you've got skills, put them to good use. Go write your own blog, share your insights, and help people in a way that only you can. Stop wasting your energy being destructive when you could be doing something that actually adds value. It’s easy to tear down—try building something instead.
