Home & Lifestyle February 12 2026

“ON THE BRINK”: THE BIG RISK TO RENTAL MARKET

he Property Investment Professionals of Australia (PIPA) has issued a stark warning that changes to Capital Gains Tax (CGT) could trigger a wave of investor sell-offs that would deepen Australia’s

The 2025 PIPA Investor Sentiment Survey found that 35 per cent of investors would stop investing in property if CGT were reduced to 25 per cent after 12 months of ownership. Alarmingly, 19 per cent of investors who had sold one or more properties over the previous year said they did so because of the perceived risk of Federal Government tax reforms, while 51 per cent of current investors cited the same concern as a key reason why they may sell in the next 12 to

PIPA Chair Cate Bakos (pictured) said the findings reveal a rental market on

“These numbers are not hypothetical because investors are already leav-

ing. Our 2025 survey found that 16.7 per cent of investors had sold at least one property in the year to August – up from 14.1 per cent the year before and 12.1 per cent in 2023,” she said.

“Of those who sold, 19 per cent already did so because they fear tax changes, and another 35 per cent are telling us they will walk if CGT reforms proceed.”

The warning comes as SQM Research’s latest data shows the national vacancy rate remains critically low at 1.4 per cent, with several capitals operating at emergency levels: Perth (0.7 per cent), Adelaide (0.9 per cent), and Hobart (0.4 per cent). Even Sydney and Melbourne, at 1.8 per cent and two per cent, remain well below long-term averages.

“REMOVING INVESTORS FROM THE MARKET IS ECONOMICALLY RECKLESS”

Bakos said any policy that accelerates investor withdrawal would have immediate and severe consequences for renters.

“When vacancy rates are this tight, removing investors from the market is economically reckless,” she said.

“Every investor who sells to an owner occupier removes a rental home from the system and tenants are the ones who suffer the consequences.”

SQM’s data also shows advertised rents rising again in early January, with national rents up 2.4 per cent in 30 days and 5.8 per cent year-on-year, underscoring the pressure already facing households.

“Investors provide more than 90 per cent of Australia’s rental homes,” Bakos said.

“If governments want a functioning rental market, they must stop treating investors as expendable because the rental system collapses without them.”

PIPA is calling for evidence-based policy design and meaningful consultation with industry to avoid worsening the rental affordability crisis.

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MANAGING FOOT PAIN

Foot pain is not always caused by a problem within the foot itself. While symptoms are felt locally, there are times when the strength and stability of the ankle and lower limb can influence how much load the foot is required to manage. This is not always the case for every individual, but it can be an important contributing factor for some people.

From a podiatry perspective, assessment of foot structure, biomechanics, footwear and activity demands helps identify contributors to pain. Podiatrists play a key role in managing foot-related factors and providing appropriate support strategies, such as orthotics, load management or load modification, when required.

In some cases, however, a person’s lower limb strength and control can place additional stress on the foot. From a strength and conditioning standpoint, calf strength is one area that

can influence foot loading. The calf complex helps control ankle motion and absorb impact forces during walking, running and sport. When this capacity is reduced, the foot may be required to compensate, potentially increasing stress on structures such as the plantar fascia, tendons or surrounding soft tissue.

Ankle stability and control can also affect how forces are distributed through the foot. Adequate strength and proprioception allow the ankle to adapt to changing surfaces and movement demands. When this control is lacking, movement efficiency may decrease, sometimes resulting in repeated overload on particular

The Experts

HANNAH NORRIE One Point Health 4732 5188

structures of the foot.

Further up the chain, hip stability can influence lower-limb alignment during dynamic tasks. In some individuals, reduced hip control may alter how forces are transferred through the knee, ankle and foot. Addressing these areas does not imply the foot is the problem, but rather reflects how movement is influenced by multiple muscle groups and joints working together.

By combining podiatry care with targeted strength training, both factors can be addressed when appropriate. If you’re experiencing pain, book in at OnePointHealth to help relieve your symptoms.

ONE-YEAR-OLDS MOST AT RISK

Did you know that Royal Lifesaving Australia research shows that one-year-old children are statistically at the greatest risk of drowning in Australia, with the risk of drowning tripling after a child’s first birthday?

This is largely to do with children becoming more mobile at this age.

“Parents and carers need to know that the risk of drowning triples as soon as a child starts to crawl, peaking shortly after a child’s first birthday,” Royal Lifesaving CEO Justin Scarr said.

The importance of swimming lessons cannot be underestimated. The sooner a child can turn themselves around after a jump or fall into the water and return to the side, the safer they will be. We understand how busy parents are and that morning or weekend Water Babies lessons may not suit all families, especially families who also have older children in afternoon swimming lessons, which is why we also offer afternoon Water Babies swimming lessons at Nepean Aquatic Centre.

Our Water Babies program teaches young babies and children games and exercises that teach them when to jump into the water, when to hold their breath and to either turn over and float or paddle back to the side and hold on, or to pull themselves out. This is absolutely crucial to a child’s water safety. Lessons also teach children to wait their turn, and not to enter the water until invited to do so with an adult, an important skill when by the pool at home. The Australian Bureau of Statistics lists drowning as the number one cause of accidental death in children under five. Royal Life Saving said “almost all” drowning deaths in children under five were due to lack of adult supervision, with most of the deaths a result of a fall into the water. Royal Life Australia recommends that children 0-5 should be within arm’s reach of a supervising adult at all times when around water. We run water Babies swimming lessons seven days a week. Interested in afternoon Water Babies lessons? Jump onto the website www. nepeanaquaticcentre.com. au or give us a call.

The Experts

THE HIDDEN DANGERS OF VALENTINE’S DAY TREATS

Valentine’s Day is all about love, surprises, and sweet gestures. Chocolates, flowers and thoughtful gifts tend to take centre stage, but while we’re busy celebrating the people we care about, it’s easy to forget that some of these traditional treats can be dangerous for our pets. What feels like a harmless indulgence for us can quickly turn into a medical emergency for them.

Chocolate is one of the biggest risks around Valentine’s Day. It contains theobromine and caffeine, which people can process easily but dogs and cats cannot. Even small amounts can cause problems, with symptoms ranging from vomiting, restlessness and an increased heart rate through to tremors, seizures and, in severe cases, death. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are especially dangerous because they contain much higher levels of theobromine. With heartshaped boxes everywhere this time of year, it’s important to

remember that pets are experts at sniffing out things they shouldn’t eat.

It only takes a moment of distraction for a chocolate gift left on a coffee table to be grabbed by a curious dog or cat. Unfortunately, that quick mistake can lead to an urgent trip to the vet and a very stressful experience for everyone involved.

Flowers are another Valentine’s Day favourite that can pose a

hidden risk. Lilies are extremely toxic to cats, and even a small amount of pollen or a nibble on a leaf can cause kidney failure. This makes lilies particularly dangerous to have in homes with cats. Roses are less toxic, but if chewed or eaten they can still cause stomach upset. The thorns can also cause painful injuries to mouths, noses and paws.

The best way to keep pets safe is through a little extra awareness.

Make sure chocolates are stored securely in cupboards or containers that pets can’t access, and place flowers well out of reach. If you’re gifting flowers or treats, it’s also worth letting friends and family know if you have pets at home, so they can choose safer options.

It’s important to know the warning signs of poisoning, which can include vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, lethargy, agitation or changes in behaviour. If you notice any of these signs, or think your pet may have eaten something they shouldn’t, contact your veterinarian straight away.

This Valentine’s Day, showing love means thinking about the whole family – including the furry ones. Choosing pet-safe treats, non-toxic flowers, or even a special toy for your pet can help ensure the day stays happy, healthy and full of love for everyone.

For more information, contact the team at Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital on 4736 2027.

Relax & Unwind

JOANNE

MADELINE MOORE

Boho Astro

@JoMadelineMoore

© Joanne Madeline Moore 2026

AQUARIUS

JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19

The unpredictable Sun/Uranus square (on Monday) could stir up a domestic drama. And remember – just because you’ve thought of a brilliant idea (and talked about it endlessly) doesn’t mean you’ve achieved anything. Then, on Tuesday, there’s a Solar Eclipse in your sign and its Chinese New Year of the Fire Horse. So this week is all about ch-chchanges as you swap outdated old habits for exciting new horizons. Be proactive about turning dreams into reality.

TAURUS

APRIL 21 TO MAY 21

Calling all ambitious Bulls … are you confident enough for big time success?

With the Solar Eclipse, Mars, Pluto, Mercury and Venus activating your career and aspirations zones, a golden opportunity is waiting for you. But don’t waste time dithering! You must grab good luck when it appears, or it will promptly pass you by. Tuesday favours original ideas and innovative plans, whereas the weekend is wonderful for creative projects and spiritual pursuits.

LEO

PISCES

FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20

Tuesday’s Solar Eclipse lights up your spirituality and solitude zone. So put aside some special time where you can meditate, contemplate, ruminate, slow down, calm down and re-calibrate. Then the Sun transits into Pisces and Saturn hooks up with your ruler, Neptune. Which is wonderful for manifesting dreams – taking an abstract concept from your imagination and turning it into a doable, concrete project in the real world. If you can dream it, you can do it!

GEMINI

22 TO JUNE 21

You’re super busy and raring to go but are you achieving anything of substance?

This week your ruler Mercury trines Jupiter (which increases impatience) so make sure you double-check details and leave plenty of time to get to appointments. But it also increases good judgement and philosophical ideas, as you communicate with energy and enthusiasm. Tuesday’s Solar Eclipse heralds an insightful realisation about yourself or a welcome mid-week getaway.

VIRGO

HOROSCOPES

ARIES

MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20

On Tuesday there’s a Solar Eclipse in innovative Aquarius (in your hopes and wishes zone) and its Chinese New Year of the Fire Horse. So it’s the best week of the year to make a fresh start in an important area of your life, and gallop into fresh green pastures as you follow exciting new dreams. Then practical Saturn and inspirational Neptune join up in your sign on Friday/Saturday, so it’s also the perfect time to turn creative ideas into concrete projects.

CANCER

22 TO JULY 22

Tuesday’s Solar Eclipse encourages reinvention, while the Mercury/Jupiter trine highlights adventure, foreign places and international connections. And the Saturn/Neptune conjunction encourages following your professional dreams and turning them into reality. Be inspired by writer and birthday great Anais Nin, “Throw your dreams into space like a kite, and you do not know what it will bring back, a new life, a new friend, a new love, a new country.”

JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23 LIBRA

On Monday, a romantic relationship or a professional partnership could veer off in an unpredictable direction as disruptive Uranus squares your ruler, the Sun. When it comes to your career, don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater! Try to get the balance right between keeping what works and exploring exciting new options. Then Tuesday’s Solar Eclipse and Chinese New Year are all about refreshing stale relationships and starting bold joint ventures.

SCORPIO

OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22

This week the Solar Eclipse, Mars and Pluto (your boss planet) are stimulating your domestic zone. So it’s a good time to refresh a relationship with a family member, start plans to renovate your home or initiate a DIY project. And the Mercury/Jupiter trine jump starts your creative process. Your motto for the moment is from writer and birthday great, Anais Nin, “You should not give anybody the power to decide what is right and wrong in your creativity.”

AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23

The planets could generate a lucky break involving a partnership, joint venture, travel opportunity or educational project. So get your ideas out there as you inform and entertain others with your mercurial mind. A major relationship (with a friend or work colleague) could go through a Solar Eclipse and Pluto metamorphosis. Do your best to air any concerns in a compassionate way, as you work through problems that have been holding you back.

SAGITTARIUS

NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21

On Tuesday, the Mercury/Jupiter trine and the Solar Eclipse fire up your brain power. So it’s a good time to communicate your ideas, research a subject that has always fascinated you or enrol in a course of study. But think before you speak (and act) otherwise you could upset someone, especially at work. When it comes to love, be romantically proactive. If you are attracted to someone, aim to be bold and make the first move. Fortune favours the brave!

S EPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23

Expect the unexpected, as Monday’s stars stir up a problem involving friends and/or finances. Then Tuesday’s Solar Eclipse energises your family and friendship zone, so focus on the important people in your life who make your world go ‘round. Make sure you love, nurture, and appreciate them to the max. Your weekly motto is from birthday great Yoko Ono, “Remember love. Even when we are fighting with each other, our hearts are beating in unison.”

CAPRICORN

DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20

The Solar Eclipse, Mars and Pluto activate your cash zone. Letting finances take their own course seems tempting but you need to keep up to speed with money matters. If you increase your financial literacy then it will pay off handsomely further down the track, as you replace short-term whims with long-term strategies. The Mercury/ Jupiter trine is fabulous for social media connections and Internet endeavours as you talk, text, tweet and post up a storm.

9.

12.

32.

35. Peculiarity

37. Plant louse

38.

41. Fine-tuned (skills)

42. Rings up

43. Boat

44. Sri Lankan money unit

47. Roman emperors

51. Dodge City is there

52. Annul

53. Hooray!

54. Sure winner (4-2)

58. All-important

59. Dusk’s setting star

61. Ancient Mexican

63. Approaches

64. Recluses

65. Unlatch

66. Acute anxiety

68. Early Peruvians

71. Black timber

72. Taurus symbol

74. Stack

76. Beware the ... of March

78. Uses frugally, ... out

80. Probable arrival hour (1,1,1)

83. Fire warming shelf

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Maddie’s Meals

Creamy Chorizo Pasta

This pasta is creamy, spicy and indulgent – perfect for any night of the week.

What you'll need:

– Pot for pasta

– Large saucepan

– Large spoon or spatula for stirring

Ingredients:

– Pasta of choice (I used Rigatoni)

– 1 Chorizo sausage

– Roughly 50g or 1 small bag of Rocket

– 2 sachets of Tomato Paste

– 1 small jar of thickened Cream (approx. 300mL)

– 1/2 block of Feta (save some for topping the pasta)

– Spices (I used salt, white pepper, black pepper, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder and chilli flakes)

Method:

1. Boil water for the pasta and heat oil a pan on medium heat.

2. Cut Chorizo into slices, halving or quartering depending on your preference. Once sliced, place into pan.

3. Once cooked, remove Chorizo from the pan and set aside. Then add 2 sachets of Tomato Paste into the same pan, with spices, and combine.

4. Add thickened Cream to the pan and stir thoroughly. Taste test and add more spices if needed. Add pasta to water and boil until cooked, then drain.

5. Add Chorizo back into the pan, along with the feta, allowing the feta to melt into the sauce. Add in rocket, roughly chopped or ripped with your hands.

6. Once the sauce is thickened and tastes to your liking, add the pasta to the pan and stir, coating the pasta in the sauce. Move to low heat and let sit for 5 mins, stirring occasionally.

7. Top with extra Feta and serve!

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