Overview of Australia

On this page you will find links to details of Australia holiday homes for sale and Australia rental accommodation. The Commonwealth of Australia is a country in the southern hemisphere and today has a population of 21 million people. The neighbouring countries are Indonesia, East Timor, and Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. The North and South have high Mountain ranges while the western half of Australia is desert.The major cities are Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide. Australia is made up of six states; New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia.The Australian mainland has been inhabited for more than 42,000 years by Indigenous Australians. In 1770, James Cook claimed the land on behalf of Great Britain. In 1901, the Commonwealth of Australia was forme, leading to a colony in 1778 in New South Wales. The country is roughly divided on the issue of its Commonwealth staus and link with the British coloniation in its history. Voters rejected by a national referendum to become a republic back in 1999. Australian nationals are investing in property for rental purposes as well as for second homes and holiday homes, particularly in coastal areas. The largest age group of holiday home owners are the semi - retirement, the 50 - 64 year olds, who (according to recent studies), spend more time in their holiday home than younger age groups with second homes. Changes in lifestyle and financial pension planning are the demand for holiday home ownership across Australia. The economic prosperity Australia has also attracted not just Australian nationals but also overseas property investors from the UK and other countries, (hoping to cash in on the rental and property boom). The Australian Government has recognised this trend and has proactively responded by new political policies, to protect its own citizens interests with regards to access affordable housing and protection of the environment. To control over speculation in the housing market, the Australian Government has a restrictive policy designed to force foreign investors to formally apply to buy a property.  It aims to stop speculative practices as well as increase the number of property/ homes available in supply. This is to ensure a slower more manageable growth in property prices and access to residents of all incomes to purchase a second home.