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Market commentator Christopher Joye says Australia could be facing its most serious housing crash in 75 years.
He says banks have a commercial incentive to instigate high credit growth.
“I do not believe that the market characteristics are currently bubble-like, but they could quickly become so,” Joye wrote in the Australian Financial Review.
He says there could be a massive market downturn unless macro-prudential tools and higher rates are implemented.
He says Sydney’s high pace of house price growth is concerning.
“Very strong capital gains would start to put the Australian housing market into serious bubble territory,” he wrote.
He says this would prompt the most serious housing crash in 75 years.
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Australia facing most serious housing market crash in 75 years: Christopher Joye

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Renovating is a classic way to add value to a property but it can be quite costly. Some major overhauls cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, which frankly not everyone is willing to spend.
But it doesn’t have to be that expensive.
Over the next few weeks Property Observer will be speaking to renovation experts to get their top tips on how to get the best increases in value with just $10,000.
This week, Cherie Barber from Renovating for Profit gives her quick tips on adding value with just $10,000.
Most of her tips add $3-$5 of value for every $1 spent.
<ol>
<li>Add a lick of paint – for every $1 spent you get a $10 return</li>
<li>Change the floor coverings by ripping up old grungy carpet or polishing the floorboards.</li>
<li>Change the window furnishings</li>
<li>Improve the lighting. Quite often old houses have just one oyster light in the centre of the ceiling so it’s quite common to install down lights that really illuminate a property.</li>
<li>Cosmetically update the kitchen or bathroom. If your kitchen is structurally good but the wrong colour then add a lick of laminate paint and tile paint, or use a bench-top resurfacing kit.</li>
<li>Install ceiling fans in the bedrooms if the house doesn’t have air conditioning. </li>
<li>Installing wardrobes and install blinds. </li>
<li>Replace the skirting board and architraves.</li>
<li>Refreshing doors – keep the same door but add a lick of paint and upgrade the fixtures and fittings.</li>
<li>Outside update the rendering. Improve the landscaping for new garden beds. </li>
<li>Add new plantings, and rip away old foliage. </li>
<li>Take a chainsaw to any trees or bushes that don’t look good.</li>
<li>Resurface the driveway using things like Pour On gravel binder.</li>
</ol>
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Cherie Barber's top $10,000 renovation tips

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Unemployment has increased 0.1 percentage points to 5.8% in August leaving it just below its post GFC high of 5.9% which was reached in June 2009, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
The number of people employed decreased by 10,800 to 11,637,100 in August, mainly driven by a decrease in male full-time employment and a decrease in female part-time employment.
Part-time employment is down 8,200 to 3,508,300 people and full-time employment is down 2,600 people to 8,128,800.
The number of people unemployed increased by 9,400 people to 714,100.
"If the participation rate were still at its June 2009 level of 65.5% the unemployment rate would now be 6.5%. The fall in the participation rate to now 65%,  reflecting a combination of demographic forces as the population ages and more retire and workers leaving the job market after becoming disillusioned in the search for a job, has clearly had the effect of understating the true weakness in the jobs market over the last few years," AMP's Shane Oliver says.
"The underlying weakness in the jobs market is also highlighted by a further rise in the labour force underutilisation rate to 13.7%, from 13% in May. This takes account of the unemployed and those who are employed but would like to work more hours.
Australia’s jobs market is still much stronger than that in the US, but as can be seen the gap in the unemployment rate between the two countries is closing rapidly."
Oliver predicts there are further increases to come.
"Weak labour market leading indicators – such as falls in the ANZ job ads report and still weak hiring plans according to the NAB business survey – point to a further rise in unemployment over the next six to nine months," Oliver says.
"It should start to top out around the middle of next year though as growth picks up in response to low interest rates, the lower $A and the recent lift in consumer and business confidence. The labour market is usually a lagging economic indicator and right now it is reflecting the weakness in overall of economic growth from 3-6 months ago. 
"While stronger housing related indicators and the recent boost to confidence if sustained suggest that we are either at or very close to the bottom for interest rates in Australia, the weak job report highlights that the risk for interest rates is still on the downside."
ANZ says the signs point to no interest rate increases until late 2014 or early 2015.
"While the recent bounce in business and consumer confidence is encouraging, business conditions remain very subdued and labour market conditions are soft," ANZ's Riki Polygenis says.
"Admittedly, a number of tailwinds for the economy appear to be growing, including the more supportive global backdrop, the lower AUD and the housing market recovery which often has positive spill-over effects into consumer spending.
"However with mining investment to remain a significant drag on the economy and the outlook for non-mining investment still weak, we view an extended period of low rates the most likely outcome beyond the next few months (with no rate rise before late 2014 or early 2015)."
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Unemployment close to GFC highs: ABS

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International students will play a vital role in the recovery of the Brisbane rental market, according to property analysts Urbis.
It says transaction volumes have increased and higher prices are being paid, especially for two-bedroom apartments.
“Urbis is of the view that the international student population will play a significant role in Brisbane’s economy, whereas previously the student market had been focussed on Sydney and Melbourne. This will translate into an improved rental market,” Urbis’s Jon Rivera told The Australian Financial Review.
“It’s not a new trend but it is being highlighted more in Brisbane now. We are still seeing some of the purchases being made from offshore.”
He says the Brisbane City Plan, currently before the council will be favourable for the market.
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International students to fuel Brisbane rental recovery: Urbis

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An Asian investor is reportedly in negotiations to spend more than $95 million on a 24.3 hectare residential site in Yarraville, in partnership with a local developer.
The former Bradmill denim factory is <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/another-%24100-million-plus-residential-land-sale-pending-at-yarraville-gardens/2013070362959">being sold by former Carlton football club vice-president Colin De Lutis</a>, who bought the site in 2007 for a reported price of $7 million.
It was rezoned to residential and named Yarraville Gardens in 2011 and a master plan for 1500 dwellings was developed by Peddle Thor Architects.
The plan comprises a mix of townhouses and apartments.
In July CBRE suggested <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-vic-yarraville-500791159">the site</a> would sell for more than $100 million.
It is being sold by CBRE agents Mark Wizel and Justin Dowers. In July they tipped it would likely sell to an Asian developer.
“There is little doubt that while off-shore Asian developers remain the most active buying group for large inner city sites with residential development potential, Yarraville Gardens is also expected to generate significant interest from the domestic private and institutional development market,” Wizel said in July.
The Australian Financial Review reports De Lutis will retain 2 hectares which has approval for a 10,000 square metre shopping centre and a library.
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Asian investor to spend $95m on Melbourne residential site

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Melbourne fashion label Cubec Clothing is opening a new Melbourne premises.
It has negotiated a lease for a 50-square metre shop at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-vic-melbourne-500618083">144 Little Collins</a> with an initial rent of $1900 per square metre.
An investor paid $1.45 million for the ground-floor retail space in April this year.
It is in the Fender Katsalidis designed Hero apartment building.
At the time of sale the shop was leased to Pilkington Jewellers at a rent of $89,900 per annum.
CBRE's Josh Rutman and Ed Wight negotiated the sale and the seven-year lease was negotiated by Zelman Ainsworth and Cam Taranto from CBRE as well.
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Cubec Clothing leases Little Collins site

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The Napthine government will purchase units from off-that-plan buyers in Parkville’s Evo building which is to be surrounded by off-ramps from the proposed east-west link.
Buyers in the Pace Development Group have been demanding action from Linking Melbourne Authority after plans for the massive freeway development revealed the tower would <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/developments/doubt-cast-over-jardin-australand-parkville-project-but-evo-buyers-caught-in-east-west-link-plans/2013071663349">literally be surrounded by off-ramps up to five-storeys high.</a>
The LMA is offering buyers in the 175-unit complex the option to sell their contracts by September 25, settle and sell within 90 days or keep the property and seek compensation, or keep the apartment and sell at a later date at the affected value.
Treasurer Michael O’Brien says the decision is consistent with the government’s commitment to treat people who may be affected by the project fairly and with respect.
“The Coalition Government is acutely aware of how the East West Link project could impact people purchasing apartments at the Evo development,” O’Brien says.
“LMA has been listening to and working with the developer and purchasers to ensure they are continually informed, and to work towards an appropriate and fair outcome,” O’Brien says.
The deal allows first home buyers the retain eligibility for any applicable grants and stamp duty relief.
Buyers can claim back any capital appreciation which would have happened had the project not gone ahead as well as cash deposits or fees associated with a deposit bond up to $2000, legal fees up to $2500 and reimbursement of any lost stamp duty benefit.
The LMA will also purchase the 16 unsold units in the seven storey building and act as landlords.
At an average cost of $500,000 the acquisitions could cost $90 million.
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Napthine government to buy east-west link affected units

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Buyers have not been discerning about whether potential homes are connected to the National Broadband Network or not, according to real estate agents in Western Sydney.
Director of real estate firm Harcourts, Andrew Chrysanthou told The Australian Financial Review that not one single buyer in western Sydney’s Blacktown had asked about whether a home was connected to the NBN or not.
The district is mid-way through a roll-out of Labor’s NBN.
“It hasn’t made any extra sales… It’s definitely not the talk of the town from people looking to buy or rent around here,” he said.
“There may be a bit of an impact in the future as it becomes a more widely used service, but even then I don’t think it will be a major selling point.”
Sky Property’s Riza Kamerakkas told The Australian Financial Review buyers were interested in rental returns and other property features ahead of the NBN.
“It’s not something unique, it’s not something you’re going to have and your neighbour’s not going to have,” he said.
“Blacktown is an an investor market, people are coming and thinking about rental returns not the NBN.”
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Home buyers unswayed by NBN

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There is just 25% chance of a further rate cut by the Reserve Bank of Australia, according to Citi chief economist Paul Brennan.
He says an improved global economy will flow through to Australia and further cuts were unlikely, though things might chance once the RBA releases its views on September 17.
“In reality they are prepared to cut if they need to, but they probably feel as if they have time on their side,” Brennan told The Australian Financial Review.
He says the fundamentals are moving in the right direction but a pick-up in housing is slower than in previous cycles.
“In other cycles, interest rates were cut much more quickly. So you had a bigger shock effect.” Though he said auction rates have shot up.
“I think the August cut may have been a bit of a catalyst. And now the election is out of the way as well. Potentially the RBA strategy would be to wait…unemployment is drifting higher and they don’t want to get a run on.”
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Just a 25% chance of another RBA rate cut: Citi

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Dolce and Gabbana spent five years searching for a suitable location for its first Australian store it revealed at its Melbourne opening last night.
The choice was between Sydney and Melbourne and like most luxury retail brands they were looking to nestle in next to Louis Vuitton.
In Melbourne the fashion house wanted nothing less than the iconic Collins Street for its two-storey flagship. The strip is already home to other high-end brands like Chanel, Prada, Hermes, Cartier, and Gucci.
Despite initial hopes of a large box-shaped space they have settled with a two-storey shopfront straddling both sides of the archway entrance of the newly renovated 171 Collins Street office building.
The design effectively splits the shop into two distinct sections with two separate entrances. Journalists were carefully guided through the appropriate entrance at its opening last night.
In keeping with company policy, no one from D&amp;G was authorised to speak on the record.
The tower it’s nestled in is a Premium Grade 6 Start Green Start building – one of Victoria’s first.
Tenants in the building include BHB Biliton, Evans &amp; Partners, Egon Zehnder International and a new Andrew McConnel restaurant facing Flinders Lane.
The building includes access to a hotel-style concierge.
Leasing Information Services managing director Simon Fonteyn said he’s not surprised they had to wait so long to find the spot.
“They need to establish a flagship, and flagship locations in the CBD are difficult to obtain,” he says. “There’s a lot of competition from the larger international brands for these sorts of locations.”
For international brands looking to establish a foothold in Australia’s fashion market, flagship stores serve as a marketing and distribution hub in addition to making sales, he says.
“It’s a promotion strategy, particularly for a company like D&amp;G. They’ll be a major supplier to other stores in things like sunglasses, so it’s important for them to showcase the brand like that. It’s a very typical strategy, and one also followed by retailers like Zara and Topshop.”
After the flagship comes the rollout to the other capital cities, or, depending on the brand, to the suburbs.
While not all businesses can wait five years for the right location, nor need a space the size of D&amp;G’s new store, Fonteyn says putting solid effort in to getting the right location for your business is vital.
And he says if you’re not looking for a high-profile flagship CBD location, it’s a tenant’s market at the moment.
“For D&amp;G, there’s an excess of demand for supply for these types of locations.
“But in shopping centres, the market is very soft.”
At its half-year corporate results briefing towards the end of last month, Westfield Group revealed its <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/retail/057262-westfield-has-no-choice-in-decision-to-negotiate-lower-rent-on-new-leases-experts-suggest">new tenancy contracts could be lowered by up to 10%</a>.
It was the latest sign of a retail leasing sector under strain. Tough retail conditions are causing lower renewal rates, in turn putting pressure on the leasing sector. For retailers, this makes it a good time to upsize to a better location if you can afford it.
Fonteyn says it’s probably the last major announcement he would expect in the retail property space until the end of the year.
“Traditionally, retailers stop leasing permanent space around October as everyone gets ready for Christmas,” he says. “So, if they do deals after that, the stores won’t open until after February at least. It’s getting towards the end of the retail leasing season.”
 
<hr>
 This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au" target="_blank">SmartCompany</a>.
 
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Dolce and Gabbana open in Melbourne after a five year hunt

Perth’s new apartment market recorded its strongest quarter of sales since Q4 2021, with 412 apartments sold in Q1 2026 and a record quarterly sold value of $537 million, according to Urbis’ latest Apartment Essentials results.

Urbis said the March quarter result reflects strong, highly product‑specific demand across both ends of the market, from more attainable projects delivering at scale, through to premium stock being absorbed by equity‑rich downsizers.&nbsp;

David Cresp, Partner at Urbis, said the key story in Perth is not demand, it is the market’s ability to convert demand into delivered housing.&nbsp;

“This is the strongest sales quarter since Q4 2021, and it reinforces that demand in Perth is real and it’s local,” David Cresp said. “But the task now is delivery, turning that demand into projects that can actually be built and completed.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110291 project_image_fid=302785]

<h2>Affordable product leads, premium demand remains resilient</h2>

Sales in Q1 were led by more affordable projects, with The Boulevard (SKS Group) recording 115 sales in the quarter, the presentation noting this is only the second time a single project has surpassed 100 quarterly sales. The project was able to offer more affordable housing product right next to a train station.&nbsp;

Palmyra West (Finbar) also delivered strong results with 28 sales in Q1, following 84 sales in Q4, with an average price of under $800,000, underscoring depth of demand for well‑located, attainable new stock.&nbsp;

At the premium end, Urbis said downsizer demand is continuing, with the results highlighting Romeo (Applecross, Finbar) recording 75 sales and reaching almost 50% sold in one quarter.

Jual (Shenton Park, Celsius Property) also posted a strong quarter with 28 sales, reaching 39% sold in one quarter.

Urbis noted that Perth apartment demand is not speculative, not investor‑led, and not uniform, describing it as localised, often equity‑driven and highly product‑specific, a pattern reflected in the polarisation between strong “attainable” performers and premium downsizer product.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=148957 project_image_fid=364102]

<h2>Prices underpinned by costs, and the delivery risk is growing</h2>

Urbis said pricing pressure is cost not demand‑driven: construction costs and delivery risk are now a central constraint, with the results noting build costs remain elevated and volatile, and that energy, fuel and labour uncertainty weigh on feasibility.

David Cresp said a growing challenge for private Build‑to‑Sell developers is simply securing a builder in the current environment.

“Developers are really feeling the pressure from a building market that was operating at capacity and securing a builder is challenging,” David Cresp said, adding that even where a builder can be secured, “trying to get to the price that makes the development financially viable is incredibly challenging in the current market.”&nbsp;

Urbis’ broader WA commentary also notes that industry remains at or above capacity with lot and housing creation, and that many builders are limiting new sales to manage stretched workforces and fixed‑price contract pressures, conditions that flow directly into apartment feasibility and delivery timing.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108869 project_image_fid=317905]

<h2>Supply: improving later, but still constrained, and Perth lags eastern benchmarks</h2>

While near‑term supply remains constrained, Urbis’ forecast shows completions lifting “Supply is forecast to be back above 1,500 apartments per annum for the first time since 2019”, with 1,775 completions forecast for 2026, and volumes remaining above that level over the following years.&nbsp;

Looking further ahead, completions are forecast to reach 2,500 in 2028, with the report noting 32% of that total is social/affordable, reflecting the role of government‑supported delivery in rebuilding the pipeline.&nbsp;

However, Urbis said Perth remains behind comparable markets on pipeline scale. In a national comparison of projects under construction, the report shows under construction Perth Build‑to‑Sell (BTS) at 3,446 apartments versus the Gold Coast at 7,922. Mr Cresp said “The challenge for Perth is how to we grow the delivery pipeline”.

Urbis’ conclusion is that Perth’s market is increasingly defined by product discipline and delivery certainty, with the research identifying “delivery certainty is key” and calling out builder risk and procurement models as core success factors, alongside “timing and staging”.&nbsp;

Joel Robinson

Perth apartment sales hit strongest pace since late 2021 as builder capacity tightens

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sammut-developments">Sammut Group</a> has secured development approval for its latest Brisbane apartment project, marking the Sydney developer’s next step in expanding its Queensland pipeline following the success of its debut Gold Coast development, Coast.

The approved project at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/44-glen-road-toowong-qld-4066">44 Glen Road, </a><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/toowong-qld-4066">Toowong</a> will deliver a 15-storey riverfront apartment building with 42 residences, significantly increasing the scale of the site’s previous approval for a smaller luxury scheme. Designed by Bureau^proberts, the development will comprise a mix of predominantly four-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments positioned to maximise Brisbane River and city views.

Sammut Director Julian Sammut said the group had been actively searching Brisbane for several years before identifying Toowong as the right fit.

“Brisbane was the right step for Sammut,” Sammut said.

“With the success of Coast we thought we should definitely look to do more in Queensland alone. We then pushed up to look at Brisbane. We've been looking for I'd say two to three years actually and it was hard to find the right location.”

<img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_75/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.14%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=dYAVIL7qdcGA8ojvkslSrLjczXFejSSx" />

Sammut said suburbs including New Farm and Teneriffe were considered before the group ultimately focused on Toowong due to its strong downsizer demographic and limited supply of developable riverfront land.

The site was acquired off-market after what Sammut described as a lengthy negotiation and planning process, with the developer pursuing an uplift to the original approval.

“We are DA approved now which is very exciting,” Sammut said.

“We've had our change approval come through and we've obviously doubled the height, 15 storeys plus rooftop. We've got 42 amazing apartments that are going to be coming to market soon.”

<img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.26%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=ohkRkY0dIZlqdfME2EZePsCQavRiBadE" />

Bureau^proberts said the design responds to Toowong’s evolving urban character, balancing contemporary apartment living with the area’s established residential identity.

“A place where traditional Queensland living has taken place for centuries; Toowong is seeing a shift of contemporary influence, commercial and retail hubs mixed with well-considered residential offerings – all the while maintaining its character and charm,” the architect noted in planning documents submitted to Brisbane City Council.

The architecture practice said the project’s form was shaped by its riverfront setting, flood considerations, neighbouring building scales, and view corridors.

“They said the mix of four and two-bedroom apartments capture the ‘fundamental qualities of Queenslander living,’ translated into the context of a contemporary subtropical building.”

The development sits just off Coronation Drive within walking distance of Toowong’s retail precinct and the upgraded Regatta ferry terminal, while also benefiting from proximity to the incoming green bridge connection to West End. Sammut said the accessibility and amenity offering were central to the site’s appeal.

The approval adds to growing residential activity along the Toowong riverfront, joining nearby projects including Consolidated Properties’ Monarch Residences and Spyre Group’s ARC Residences.

Sammut secures approval for debut Brisbane apartment development in Toowong

Developer Lanevick is heading back into Sydney’s apartment market after focusing more heavily on the luxury townhouse and terrace sector in recent years.

Lanevick, founded and directed by Steve Maroun, is expecting to receive approval in the coming months for a new apartment development in Gladesville, with the aim to launch it to the market later this year.

The 51-apartment project, designed by Studio Johnston, will comprise a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments positioned toward the Hunters Hill downsizer market.

“Traditionally it’s been difficult for people in that market to downsize because there just hasn’t been the right product available,” Maroun said.

“We’re targeting buyers who might have 30 to 40 per cent of their house value sitting in the bank after downsizing.

“They still want good spacious entertaining areas, they still want quality design, but they also want flexibility and the ability to enjoy life a bit more after working hard for a long time.”

The project sits near Boronia Park and within close proximity to the Parramatta River foreshore, an area Maroun says offers more of a Hunters Hill lifestyle than a traditional apartment precinct.

“From a lifestyle perspective, it’s really more Hunters Hill than Gladesville,” Maroun said. “You’re close to the foreshore, close to parklands, and still connected back into the village precinct.”

From level four and above, apartments will capture water views&nbsp;toward Sydney Harbour. Communal amenity will include rooftop entertaining areas, wellness spaces, and a gym tailored toward owner-occupier buyers.

“We’ve really designed these apartments around that buyer coming from the Hunters Hill LGA and what they’re actually looking for in their next chapter.”

The proposed development has also been designed to respond to the changing character of the broader Gladesville town centre, where a growing number of mixed-use and residential proposals are expected to emerge over the coming years.

“Gladesville presented a rare opportunity to deliver a genuinely design-led residential project within an evolving lifestyle precinct, just moments from the growing Gladesville town centre, and we’ve approached the project with a strong focus on architecture, liveability and long-term community value,” Maroun said.

Maroun said Lanevick saw a first-mover advantage within the precinct as planning controls continue to evolve to accommodate greater housing density.

“We think there’s a real opportunity there that hasn’t really been serviced properly yet,” he said.

“There’s going to be a broader evolution of the whole Gladesville village precinct over time, particularly with more activation and mixed-use outcomes.”

The Venus Street proposal will include a commercial and retail component at ground level designed to contribute to that evolving streetscape activation.

“A big part of the thinking was how do you activate that area properly and create more vibrancy and amenity, which is what Hunters Hill has been looking for,” Maroun said.

Lanevick’s focus since 2020 has largely been on smaller-scale luxury townhouse and terrace developments. The developer recently completed Royale Randwick, also designed by Studio Johnston, where prices reached $3.65 million. The project was featured in the UDIA NSW 2026 Professional Development Prospectus and was also named a finalist for Development of the Year.

&nbsp;

Lanevick to cater for Hunters Hill downsizers with new Gladesville apartment development

Property developer One Living, backed by former Macquarie banker turned investment manager Chris Green’s investment firm, has unveiled plans to bring more institutional capital into housing to help address the national supply crisis.

The New York-based investor has focused his firm, GreenPoint Partners, on addressing the supply shortage hitting middle market housing in Australia.

It is backing the new One Living business to develop more than 1000 units along the eastern seaboard. The new firm is starting with a development on Mona Vale Road, on the border of Mona Vale and Pymble, in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, with around 140 apartments planned. They are eyeing off more sites across the city.

With cost pressures rising in the industry, One Living’s model is to be a vertically integrated developer-builder, so it can respond directly to the housing gap by removing the cost inefficiencies embedded in traditional residential delivery.

“We are building a platform designed to operate at scale and starting in a market where there’s a clear need for quality, attainable housing,” One Living joint managing director Joseph Scuderi said.

“It’s that missing middle – it’s that attainable end of housing… that’s what most Australians invest into and what Australians can actually afford.”

<img alt="Mona Vale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="798dfa93-4941-4db6-a696-31e9dc18e81c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%202.31.50%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=mKBqi5C_DmeiXS.AtJkcR8LQIxqCqmFi" />

GreenPoint Partners brings years of experience assembling and scaling real estate operating businesses across major markets. And Green sees a big opportunity in Australia.

“For its size, sophistication and importance to the community, Australia’s living sector has remained largely under-institutionalised, which represents significant opportunity,” Green said. “GreenPoint identified that gap, assembled the right team, and is backing One Living to build a platform that is aligned to market needs.”

Green said being a builder-developer would give the company the capacity and flexibility it required to deliver reasonably-priced homes.

“We want it to be at that attainable level; not super high end luxury but at that attainable level,” he said.

<img alt="Mona Vale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="74a5344a-4b26-4d4a-ada3-056b1220be77" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%202.32.15%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=vY8hXHO4reBMdO8ZXMWCNtGZJofUPQ3j" />

&nbsp;

One Living will undertake a component of affordable housing in its schemes, which it will own and operate, and it could also run build-to-rent on some sites.

Green praised local policy settings.

“The NSW government is being very supportive, strategic and pragmatic in terms of how do we generate more supply of housing,” he said. “We think it’s actually positive for development and the bit that’s been lacking at that attainable level is that it’s lots of relatively small private developers, whereas we want to create an institutional platform.”

One Living is also&nbsp;looking at high-density projects and could take on more institutional funding in the future.

“The way we will be able to achieve economies of scale is through size,” Green added.

One Living enters Sydney's new apartment market with Northern Beaches site acquisition

It's been several years since there's been an opportunity to buy a brand new townhome in Melbourne's coastal suburb of Mordialloc. Even apartment developments in recent times have been few and far between in the area.

Local developer LDS Property identified the gap in new housing, securing a site on White Street, directly opposite&nbsp;Woodlands Golf Club Mordialloc. They've recently launched&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/wm-residences-mordialloc-102-white-street-mordialloc-vic-3195">WM Residences</a>, just 13 townhouses which they have already started building.

Projects by Buxton Director Heath Thompson, who is selling WM Residences, says the townhouses x that perfect middle ground be

"Mordialloc residents have had limited options to downsize within the suburb, often forcing them to look elsewhere despite long-standing ties to the area," Thompson says.

"With very little comparable new supply coming to market, projects like WM Residences are well placed, particularly as buyers look to capitalise on current conditions amid constrained supply."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6109]

The development, designed by regarded architecture firm&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ewert-leaf">Ewert Leaf</a>,&nbsp;adopts a deliberately restrained architectural approach, focusing on simplicity, durability and liveability rather than overt design gestures.

The boutique scale is central to the offering. With only 13 three-bedroom residences, each home is configured to prioritise functional layouts and everyday use, supported by private terraces and secure two-car garages.

Ewert Leaf’s design response leans into a calm, neutral material palette. Interiors are defined by oak flooring, white walls and soft finishes, creating a consistent and understated backdrop. The approach avoids trend-driven detailing in favour of longevity, with an emphasis on natural light and spatial clarity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6110]

Beyond aesthetics, the homes are designed to meet contemporary performance expectations. Each residence targets a minimum 6-star energy rating, incorporating double glazing, comprehensive insulation and all-electric Bosch appliances.

The project’s location supports a walkable coastal lifestyle, sitting within close proximity to Mordialloc’s foreshore, Main Street retail strip and the train station. Local cafés and dining venues, including Suburbia Deli and Hendriks Café, are within a short walk, reinforcing the area’s established neighbourhood character.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6116]

While <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/mordialloc-vic-3195">Mordialloc</a> is often defined by its beach and pier, the project taps into other areas of day to day living, offering easy access to local food, casual dining and transport, rather than positioning itself purely as a lifestyle retreat.

WM Residences reflects a continued trend across Melbourne’s coastal suburbs towards smaller-scale, design-led townhouse developments, particularly on infill sites where proximity to amenity is already established.

With construction commenced prior to its market entry, the project aligns with a growing preference among buyers for developments with visible progress and defined delivery timeframes.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134646]

Alistair Walsh

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