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Credit Union Australia will maintain interest rate discounts for eligible home loan customers after being found of misleading advertising by the Australian Securities and Investment Commission.
CUA's advertisements for its 'Rate Breaker' home loan package promoted a 1% discount off the average standard variable interest rates advertised by the big four banks.
But the ill-displayed terms and conditions enabled CUA to change the 1% discount at any time and stipulated that the interest rate could not fall below a minimum rate of 3% per annum.
CUA will ensure all consumers who entered into a Rate Breaker Package loan up to August 31 will, for the duration of their loans, receive a discount of no less than 1% off the average of the variable interest rates advertised by the big four banks, unless it is below 0%.
ASIC Deputy Chairman Peter Kell says taking out a home loan is one of the biggest commitments a person or family could make.
“Consumers should be able to trust the promises and information provided in the marketing of home loans,” Kell says.
“ASIC expects that financial services firms will provide clear and accurate information to consumers in their advertising, and we will act when those expectations are not met.”
The advertisements featured on television, in cinemas, the CUA website, and on public transport in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne.
CUT has to sufficiently highlight both the 3% per annum minimum interest rate and its ability to change the 1% discount rate in all future advertising of the Rate Breaker Package and it will notify existing Rate Breaker Package customers of its undertaking to honour the 1% interest rate discount by 30 September 2013.
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Lengthy mortgage windfall for select CUA customers after ASIC investigation

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All dominant regional property markets in South Australia are at the bottom of the house and unit property cycle according to Herron Todd White’s latest monthly report.
Southwest WA is at the start of a recovery while Alice Springs houses is in a declining market. Units in Alice springs though are a rising market.
In its capital city analysis Adelaide is at the Bottom of the cycle, Perth is at the peak and Darwin is rising.
<table style="width: 470px;" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<colgroup>
<col width="154">
<col>
<col>
<col>
<col span="2" width="234">
<col>
<col>
<col>
</colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr height="25">
<td height="25" width="622" colspan="3">Stage of property cycles in regional VIC/TAS</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Region</td>
<td>Houses</td>
<td>Units</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Adelaide</td>
<td>Bottom of market</td>
<td>Bottom of market</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Adelaide hills</td>
<td>Bottom of market</td>
<td>Bottom of market</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Barossa Valley</td>
<td>Bottom of market</td>
<td>Bottom of market</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Iron Triangle</td>
<td>Bottom of market</td>
<td>Bottom of market</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Mount Gambier</td>
<td>Bottom of market</td>
<td>Bottom of market</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Riverland</td>
<td>Bottom of market</td>
<td>Bottom of market</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Alice Springs</td>
<td>Declining market</td>
<td>Rising market</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Darwin</td>
<td>Rising market</td>
<td>Rising market</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Southwest WA</td>
<td>Start of recovery</td>
<td>Start of recovery</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Perth</td>
<td>Peak of market</td>
<td>Peak of market</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Source: Herron Todd White
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Investors advised Alice Springs house market is in decline, but units are rising: Herron Todd White

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In Queensland nine of the 14 dominant regional property markets are at or near the bottom of the market according to Herron Todd White’s latest monthly report.
Just Emerald, Gladstone and Gold Coast are in a declining market.
All other regional housing markets in Queensland are between the start of a recovery and a rising market.
The trend applies to units and houses.
In its capital city analysis the Brisbane house and unit markets were at the start of a recovery.
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0" style="width: 470px;">
<colgroup>
<col width="154">
<col>
<col>
<col>
<col>
<col>
<col>
<col>
<col width="234" span="2">
<col>
<col>
<col>
<col>
<col>
<col>
<col>
</colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr height="25">
<td colspan="3" width="622" height="25">Stage of property cycles in regional Queensland</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Region</td>
<td>Houses</td>
<td>Units</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Cairns</td>
<td>Bottom of market</td>
<td>Bottom of market</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Townsville</td>
<td>Bottom of market</td>
<td>Bottom of market</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Whitsunday</td>
<td>Bottom of market - rising market</td>
<td>Bottom of market - rising market</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Mackay</td>
<td>Bottom of market - rising market</td>
<td>Bottom of market - rising market</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Rockhampton</td>
<td>Bottom of market</td>
<td>Bottom of market</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Emerald</td>
<td>Declining market</td>
<td>Declining market</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Gladstone</td>
<td>Declining market</td>
<td>Declining market</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Bundaberg</td>
<td>Bottom of market</td>
<td>Bottom of market</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Hervey Bay</td>
<td>Start of recovery - bottom of market</td>
<td>Bottom of market</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Sunshine Coast</td>
<td>Bottom of market</td>
<td>Bottom of market</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Brisbane</td>
<td>Start of recovery</td>
<td>Start of recovery</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Goldcoast</td>
<td>Declining market</td>
<td>Declining market</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Ipswich</td>
<td>Bottom of market</td>
<td>Bottom of market</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Toowoomba</td>
<td>Start of recovery - bottom of market</td>
<td>Rising market</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Source: Herron Todd White
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Queensland regional markets at bottom of property cycle: Herron Todd White

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In Victoria, five of the 9 dominant regional property markets are at the bottom of the property cycle, according to Herron Todd White’s latest monthly report.
They include Mildura and Shepparton.
Bendigo and Echuca are in a rising market while Melbourne is at the start of a recovery.
For units Echuca is at the start of a recovery while most others are the bottom of the market.
In the capital city analysis Melbourne was between the bottom of the market and a recovery while Hobart was in a declining market.
All regions in Tasmania are in a declining market.
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0" style="width: 470px;">
<colgroup>
<col width="154">
<col>
<col width="234" span="2">
<col>
</colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr height="25">
<td colspan="3" width="622" height="25">Stage of property cycles in regional VIC/TAS</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Region</td>
<td>Houses</td>
<td>Units</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Bendigo</td>
<td>Rising market</td>
<td>Rising market</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Echuca</td>
<td>Rising market</td>
<td>Start of recovery</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Ballarat</td>
<td>Bottom of market</td>
<td>Bottom of market</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Gippsland</td>
<td>Bottom of market</td>
<td>Bottom of market</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Melbourne</td>
<td>Start of recovery</td>
<td>Start of recovery - bottom of market</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Mildura</td>
<td>Bottom of market</td>
<td>Bottom of market</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Shepparton</td>
<td>Declining market</td>
<td>Bottom of market</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Latrobe Valley</td>
<td>Bottom of market</td>
<td>Bottom of market</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Wodonga</td>
<td>Bottom of market</td>
<td>Bottom of market</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Burnle/Davenport</td>
<td>Declining market</td>
<td>Declining market</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Hobart</td>
<td>Declining market</td>
<td>Declining market</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Launceston</td>
<td>Declining market</td>
<td>Declining market</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Source: Herron Todd White
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Mildura and Shepparton among the half of regional Victorian property markets at bottom of price cycle: HTW

<html><body>
Albury is one of the five NSW regional housing markets still at the bottom of the property cycle, according to Herron Todd White’s latest monthly report.
The four other regional locations at the bottom of the cycle are – Central Coast, Tweed Coast, Wollongong and Coffs Harbour.
Wagga Wagga and Canberra/Queanbeyan are listed as the areas in a declining market.
Orange and Tamworth are both at the peak of their cycle for houses and units.
For units, Griffith is at the start of recovery as well as Newcastle.
The house and unit markets in Sydney were considered to be rising.
<table style="width: 470px;" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<colgroup>
<col width="154">
<col>
<col>
<col>
<col width="234">
<col>
<col>
<col>
<col width="213">
<col>
<col>
<col>
</colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr height="25">
<td height="25" width="601" colspan="3">Stage of property cycles in regional NSW</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Region</td>
<td>Houses</td>
<td>Units</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Albury</td>
<td>Bottom of market</td>
<td>Bottom of market</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Bathurst</td>
<td>Rising market</td>
<td>Rising market</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Canberra/Queanbeyan</td>
<td>Declining market</td>
<td>Declining market</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Central Coast</td>
<td>Bottom of market</td>
<td>Rising market</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Dubbo</td>
<td>Rising market</td>
<td>Bottom of market</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Griffith</td>
<td>Start of recovery</td>
<td>Start of recovery</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Mudgee</td>
<td>Rising market</td>
<td>Rising market</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Newcastle</td>
<td>Start of recovery</td>
<td>Start of recovery</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Orange</td>
<td>Peak of market</td>
<td>Peak of market</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Sydney</td>
<td>Rising market</td>
<td>Rising market</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Tamworth</td>
<td>Peak of market</td>
<td>Peak of market</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Tweed Coast</td>
<td>Bottom of market</td>
<td>Bottom of market</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Wagga Wagga</td>
<td>Declining market</td>
<td>Declining market</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Wollongong</td>
<td>Bottom of market - rising market</td>
<td>Bottom of market - rising market</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Coffs Harbour</td>
<td>Bottom of market</td>
<td>Bottom of market</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
 
Source: Herron Todd White
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Investors advised Albury one of five regional NSW markets at bottom of property cycle: Herron Todd White

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The Perth property market is at the peak of its property cycle with house sales declining, according to Herron Todd White’s latest report.
And unit sales are still increasing but the rental vacancy for units is now steady, compared to a severe shortage for Perth houses.
In Sydney new unit sales are now frequently selling for above their potential resale value, though demand for new units and the volume of unit sales have dropped down slightly.
And there is now a shortage of rental houses compared to demand in Sydney.
In Melbourne, Herron Todd White’s assessment remains the same as last month – it’s at the bottom of the property cycle at the start of recovery, though new units are frequently selling for above their potential resale value.
Click to enlarge
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Click to enlarge
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Perth at peak, Melbourne at bottom of property cycle: Herron Todd White

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Saul Eslake, chief economist at Bank of America Merrill Lynch says any potential property recovery in Australia will be led by investors buying established homes, pushing prices up.
He says first-home buyers face too many hurdles to enter the market meaning the recovery will be led investors – who typically buy established homes rather than newly built properties.
"An investor-driven recovery is much more likely to put upward pressure on prices and is less likely to induce new dwelling supply, which is the opposite of what the Reserve Bank wants, and what the country needs," Saul Eslake, chief economist of Bank of America Merrill Lynch, told the Sydney Morning Herald.
"If [this] is right then I think that would be a very regrettable development from a social point of view."
It echoes comments by columnist Robert Gottliebsen, who predicts there will be a <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/robert-gottliebsen-forecasts-mother-of-all-dwelling-booms-driven-by-property-investors/2013081864307?utm_source=po&amp;utm_medium=aida&amp;utm_campaign=news">“mother of all dwelling booms”</a> led by property investors.
"Australians are going to rush for bricks and mortar," he wrote on Business Spectator, saying the boom will come from three reasons.
"First is a dramatic push to lift the demand for dwellings by banks offering cut mortgage rates thanks to Reserve Bank Governor Glenn Stevens.
"But second, and just as importantly, there is reluctance by banks to fund new supply.
"In any commodity if you inflate demand and squeeze supply, prices go through the roof.
"Thirdly taxpayers will subsidise the boom via a massive increase in the use of negative gearing via both personal and superannuation tax breaks.
"Longer term, that will damage the economy and the Reserve Bank will have to take responsibility for pulling the price boom trigger.”
 
<hr>
CORRECTION: This article has been updated since initial publication. Saul Eslake tipped a property "recovery" as compared to the initial report of him tipping a property "boom".
 
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Property recovery to be led by investors: Saul Eslake

<html><body>
Director of property advisory group Chan &amp; Naylor Ken Raiss has called for a rate increase by the Reserve Bank of Australia in what he calls a dose of tough medicine.
He has dismissed recent rate cuts by the RBA saying they are sugar fixes trying to stimulate near term future growth.
“While approximately 35% of home owners have a mortgage and therefore may have an excuse to briefly celebrate, the flow on benefits of an interest rate cut are futile for business lending, job creation or for older Australians in particular who rely on income derived from savings,” said Mr. Raiss.
He says a gloomy forecast of 2.2% economic growth and a 6.7% 2014-15 unemployment rate by the National Australian Bank shows the economy is unwell and needs some healing.
“Now that Australia’s economic well-being has been laid bare, any further saccharine fuelled rate changes will do more harm than good, as it hides the real world of a sick economy,” Raiss says.
He says a near-future rate rise may seem anathema to many but combined with economic reform it may be the "tough medicine" required to restore the country to pre-2007 levels.
“The new Government must cease abrogating monetary policy to Treasury,” Raiss says.
“Whilst some tough tax related questions now need to be asked, we also need to focus on restoring the health to the vital organs of a functioning economy, namely employment, growth and sustainability.
“A future rate rise may make borrowing more expensive, but enlightened homeowners that have jobs will be happy to pay this slight impost, as will those who depend on their income and living standards from higher interest rates.”
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Chan & Naylor calls for RBA rate rise tough medicine

<html><body>
Negative gearing will not be addressed by either a Labor or a Liberal government in the near future, Labor senator Doug Cameron has told Triple J’s youth programme Hack.
“Negative gearing is a huge issue that is raised with me continually. The government at this time has said that we’re not going to deal with negative gearing,” he told Hack recently.
“But there are a range of issues that we will have to look at and maybe negative gearing will have to come into that mix in the future. But zoning, infrastructure costs, excessive regulation, outdated planning policies, and transaction taxes, as well as negative gearing – these are all issues that we will have to look at.”
Liberal senator Marise Payne, also on the <a href="https://soundcloud.com/triple-j-hack/hack-wed-14-august">election housing special</a> of Hack said they won’t be touching it either.
“We don’t have that in contemplation at the moment. But I think that some of the issues which increase the challenge for purchasing for young people in particular are exacerbated by the lack of land that is released for construction,” Payne said.
“That not only pushes up prices but increases the housing shortage. While those land releases policies are often dealt through the state and local governments it doesn’t stop the commonwealth government from assisting where that is a problem.”
Meanwhile Joel Pringle from Australians for Affordable Housing told Tony Eastley on Radio National that negative gearing fails to deliver new housing.
“What we know is that negative gearing as it currently stands is a failed policy. It doesn’t deliver new housing. Over 90% of negatively geared properties are actually existing housing stock,” he said on Thursday.
“So it’s not lowering rents in the way it’s meant to be. So we know it’s failing to deliver on its aim.”
Meanwhile economist Saul Eslake has told The Border Mail he believes negative gearing should be abolished as keeps prospective home buyers out of the market.
“It has not been an effective instrument for increasing the supply of housing, which would be a legitimate policy objective,” he said.
“Negatively geared investors enjoy tax breaks, which, of course, are funded by higher taxes on the rest of us indirectly, in order to compete with would-be owner-occupiers to drive up the price of established housing.
“It is hard to think of anything that would do more to make it easier for people, especially young people who want to buy their own property, than to abolish negative gearing.”
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Negative gearing a non-debatable topic for both parties

<html><body>
Chris Gray has the latest Residex figures on his property show tonight.
Purchase or Pass airs on the Business Channel at 6.30pm.
Tune in or check the Property Observer website for Purchase or Pass updates.
<a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/ChrisGrayEmpire"><img alt="chrisgraytweet-aug-16-one" height="185" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/08/chrisgraytweet-aug-16-one.jpg"></a> 
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Chris Gray has latest Residex figures

For most new apartment buildings, the Owners Corporation starts life with little more than a bank account and the first quarterly strata levies.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/9-gay-street-castle-hill-9-gay-street-castle-hill-nsw-2154">9 Gay Street</a> in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/castle-hill-nsw-2154">Castle Hill</a>, it starts with around $7 million in reserve.

It's an unusual legacy of what was once one of Sydney's highest-profile apartment remediation projects. When the development, originally known as Skyview and built by disgraced developer Top Place, came under scrutiny by then NSW Building Commissioner David Chandler, an $11 million remediation bond was negotiated to ensure any building defects could be fully rectified.

The building underwent an 18-month remediation program, during which around $4 million of that bond was spent bringing the building up to the standard it should have been in from the outset.

After extensive inspections, all active rectification orders have been lifted. What's more, around $7.2 million remains secured for the Owners Corporation for the next 15 years.

In a twist few would have predicted, what began as a significant concern for purchasers has left the building with something almost unheard of in the apartment market: a multi-million-dollar financial reserve from day one.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147685 project_image_fid=359136]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a> Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said the structure offers buyers a level of certainty that is difficult to replicate.

"The $11 million bond established for the Skyview Castle Hill development represents exceptional value, providing genuine financial security for purchasers," Huxley said.

"Unlike a standard insurance policy, this bond consists of real funds held in trust for the Owners Corporation, offering a tangible layer of protection and added peace of mind."

The apartments themselves have been designed with a focus on practical, contemporary living. Interiors feature Smeg appliances, stone benchtops, tiled living areas, carpeted bedrooms, 2.7-metre ceilings, floor-to-ceiling glazing, and ducted heating and cooling throughout.

Residents also have access to a range of shared amenities, including two rooftop barbecue areas, a swimming pool, children's playgrounds, secure building access, storage cages, and visitor parking.

The location continues to be one of the project's strongest drawcards. Castle Hill Metro Station sits virtually on the doorstep, providing direct connections across Sydney's expanding Metro network, while Castle Towers offers extensive retail, dining, entertainment, and service amenities within walking distance.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147685 project_image_fid=359127]

The building, now named after its location at 9 Gay Street, comprises a diverse mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments starting from just under $600,000.

Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett said demand in the Hills District continues to be driven by buyers seeking convenience and connectivity.

"Interest from both owner-occupiers and investors in Castle Hill remains exceptionally strong, with buyers consistently prioritising developments in close proximity to the Metro station and Castle Towers Shopping Centre," Hamblett said.

"There is a clear trend in the market, with purchasers seeking convenient access to transport and lifestyle amenities that support a seamless, low-maintenance way of living."

On top of the long-term protection afforded by the remaining $7.2 million bond, Equitifund is offering a limited-time stamp duty rebate on selected apartments.

Eligible purchasers can also secure finance options, including a 3.99 per cent two-year variable rate, loan-to-value ratios of up to 90 per cent, and interest-only lending options through EquitiCredit.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=147685]

Joel Robinson

Why this Castle Hill apartment building starts with a $7 million advantage

For much of the past few years, conversations about Australia's property market have centred on the rapid growth seen in Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Perth. <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/melbourne-vic-3004">Melbourne</a> has followed a different trajectory.

That relative underperformance is now encouraging some buyers to reassess the city, particularly those willing to look beyond short-term market movements and focus on quality property in established locations, along with the long-term growth prospects of a city expected to overtake Sydney as Australia’s most populous.

John Bekiaris, Research &amp; Market Insights at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Projects by Equitifund</a>, said Melbourne's current position is attracting increasingly sophisticated purchasers.

"Melbourne continues to present one of Australia's strongest long-term investment stories," Bekiaris says.

"While other capital cities have experienced stronger recent growth, that relative underperformance is exactly what's attracting sophisticated counter-cyclical investors."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363268]

Equitifund isn't just commenting on Melbourne's property market, it's investing in it.

The Sydney-headquartered capital partner has taken over the remaining apartments at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/victoriana-melbourne-20-queens-road-melbourne-vic-3004">Victoriana</a>, the recently completed glass-encased development opposite Albert Park Lake in Melbourne's tightly held St Kilda Road precinct.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> and built by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/hickory">Hickory</a>, Victoriana places residents between one of Melbourne's most recognised parklands and the CBD, offering oversized two and three-bedroom apartments aimed at owner-occupiers seeking a genuine alternative to a traditional family home.

The development comprises 232 completed residences alongside a suite of resident amenities, including a 25-metre indoor swimming pool, gymnasium, landscaped entertaining areas, resident lounges, EV charging, secure basement parking and a concierge-style arrival experience.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363229]

The apartments have been designed with owner-occupiers firmly in mind.&nbsp;Open-plan living and dining areas flow onto generous balconies framing views across Albert Park Lake, Fawkner Park, the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Melbourne skyline.

Kitchens feature Gaggenau appliances, stone benchtops and generous preparation space. Bedrooms include built-in robes, while bathrooms feature full-height textured tiling. Hardwood flooring and ducted air conditioning complete residences designed for long-term living.

Rothelowman's architecture takes its cues from the landscape opposite the site. Sweeping horizontal glazing references the movement of Albert Park Lake, while generous balconies and expansive glazing strengthen the connection between the apartments and the surrounding parklands. The result is a building designed to deliver the scale and amenity expected of luxury apartment living, while offering the larger floorplans increasingly sought by owner-occupiers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363284]

The location is one of Victoriana's defining characteristics. Positioned on Queens Road, residents are directly opposite Albert Park Lake and within easy reach of Fawkner Park, the Royal Botanic Gardens, South Melbourne, St Kilda Road and the CBD. With few comparable development opportunities remaining in the precinct, buyers are increasingly placing value on outlooks that are unlikely to be interrupted by future construction.

Greg Huxley, Founder of Equitifund, believes those qualities become even more valuable over time.

"Premium real estate has always rewarded buyers who take a long-term view," Huxley said.

"Victoriana represents the kind of asset that's increasingly difficult to recreate today, particularly in an established location like Queens Road."

He said rising construction costs are also changing the way buyers assess completed developments.

"When you combine an irreplaceable location with thoughtful architecture and premium finishes, you create something that becomes increasingly difficult to reproduce as construction costs continue to rise."

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According to National Sales Director Ben Hamblett, enquiry has been driven largely by Melbourne downsizers and buyers upgrading from smaller apartments.

"Interest in Victoriana continues to build, with strong buyer focus on the larger owner-occupier residences within the development," Hamblett says.

"Enquiry is increasingly driven by local buyers who recognise the rarity of what's on offer: park-facing apartments in an established neighbourhood where new development opportunities are becoming increasingly scarce. At Victoriana, the view is not just a feature; it's an appreciating asset in its own right."

He said interstate enquiry has also strengthened as buyers reassess Melbourne's position within the national property cycle.

"Melbourne currently stands as the most compelling entry point of any major Australian capital, and discerning buyers are beginning to recognise what those who move early always understand: the best opportunities are taken before the price rise confirms them."

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Why now is the time to buy in Melbourne's premium apartment market

Developers and apartment buyers have a narrowing window of opportunity before Brisbane's Olympic infrastructure pipeline begins competing directly with residential construction, pushing up costs, tightening labour supply and making new projects increasingly difficult to deliver.

While Brisbane's apartment market continues to benefit from strong population growth and limited housing supply, industry research suggests the years leading up to 2027 could prove to be the most important period for developers looking to secure builders and buyers hoping to purchase before the next wave of price increases.

A new Colliers report, Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games: Creating Solutions, highlights the scale of the challenge. While thousands of new homes are planned across South East Queensland, the Brisbane Olympic Athletes Village alone will deliver more than 10,500 beds during the Games before being converted into around 1,750 to 2,000 apartments. Equivalent to almost two years of typical inner-city apartment supply, the project will also absorb a significant share of the construction workforce and building materials.

The broader construction pipeline paints an even clearer picture.

Construction Skills Queensland's Horizon 2032 report forecasts Queensland's annual construction pipeline will average $69 billion over the coming years before peaking at $75 billion in 2027-28. Demand for construction workers is expected to increase by 17 per cent to almost 150,000 people, with the industry facing an annual shortfall of around 19,000 workers that could blow out to as many as 35,000 during the peak construction period.

The Olympic venues, athletes village and supporting infrastructure will account for billions of dollars worth of work across South East Queensland through to 2032, creating intense competition for labour at a time when Australia's residential construction sector is already under pressure.

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Colliers Queensland Residential Director Andrew Scriven said the convergence of these projects is creating a clear window of opportunity for both developers and buyers.

"From 2027 onwards, the market will shift dramatically," Scriven said.

"Labour will increasingly be locked into government-led infrastructure and Olympic projects, which means private residential developments will face higher costs and tighter margins. The developers who move now are the ones most likely to get projects off the ground."

Scriven said the same dynamic would also affect buyers, with fewer apartment projects expected to launch once construction capacity tightens.

"If you're looking to change your lifestyle over the next five years, now is your window of opportunity to buy."

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Developers are already positioning themselves ahead of that window.

Following the success of Monarch at Toowong, Consolidated Properties is preparing to launch two new Brisbane apartment projects in the second half of 2026. They include <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/gloriette-30-bedivere-street-yeerongpilly-qld-4105">Gloriette</a> at Yeerongpilly Green, a 25-storey tower within one of Brisbane's key Olympic precincts, and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/castile-47-skyring-terrace-newstead-qld-4006">Castile</a>, a recently approved 25-storey riverfront development at 47 Skyring Terrace in Newstead.

Hutchinson Builders will deliver both projects, with early works already underway at Yeerongpilly and Newstead expected to commence later this year.

The timing comes as Brisbane's fundamentals continue to strengthen, with strong interstate migration, population growth and vacancy rates remaining below 1.5 per cent.

Colliers Queensland researcher Pragya Sharma said Greater Brisbane is forecast to require around 40,000 new apartments between 2021 and 2031.

"There's a real mismatch emerging between when housing is needed and when it will be feasible to build," Sharma said.

"As a result, the period leading up to 2027 presents a key window of opportunity for developers to secure approvals, funding and construction capacity, while buyers will have greater choice before supply constraints intensify."

Colliers research outlines a critical pre-2027 window to start residential projects before labour squeeze: now is the time to buy

Developers, buyers on watch in South East Queensland ahead of construction crunch: Colliers

It's taken less than nine months for developer Sherpa Property Group to sell out all 51 apartments in its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-oasis-palm-beach-7-9-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Oasis</a> development in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/palm-beach-qld-4221">Palm Beach</a>, over a year before its anticipated completion.

&nbsp;

Located at 7-9 Sixth Avenue, the $67 million development has resonated strongly with both local owner-occupiers and downsizers seeking high-quality apartments within walking distance of the beach, dining precincts and everyday amenities.

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Christie Leet, Founder of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Group</a>, said the sell-out reflected both the strength of the Palm Beach market and the success of Sherpa's community-first approach to development.

"The sell-out of Oasis is a fantastic outcome and reinforces the strong demand we're seeing for thoughtfully designed apartments in lifestyle locations," Leet said.

"From the outset, our vision was to create a development that genuinely enhanced the Palm Beach community while providing residents with exceptional homes and wellness-focused amenities.

"We've been incredibly encouraged by the level of local support throughout the campaign, 72.5 per cent of buyers are locals, with a significant proportion of purchasers choosing Oasis as their future home rather than an investment."

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Construction is now progressing following development approval, with trusted builder LPS Group delivering the project and completion anticipated in Q3 2027.

Oasis forms part of Sherpa Group's successful Flourish collection, which has become recognised for its focus on wellness, community and elevated coastal living.

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Residents will have private access to a rooftop amenity space featuring a pool, gym, sauna, steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, spa and barbecue facilities.

"The success of Oasis demonstrates that buyers continue to prioritise quality, location and lifestyle," Leet said.

"We are proud to have delivered a project that has resonated so strongly with the market and look forward to bringing Oasis to life for our future residents."

Sherpa recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-palm-beach-1150-1160-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a>, its third instalment of the Flourish brand in Palm Beach following Flourish Oasis and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/amargo-6-12-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Amargo</a>.

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Sherpa sells out Flourish Oasis in booming Palm Beach

Urban Property Group's <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/la-vera-macquarie-park-94-talavera-road-macquarie-park-nsw-2113">La Vera</a> is leading the next phase of Macquarie Park's residential evolution, with the new apartment development set to become the first of several new apartment projects in the precinct to complete.

The 169-apartment building has now topped out ahead of its scheduled completion in the third quarter of 2026, as new residential investment continues to reshape one of Sydney's largest employment hubs into a true mixed-use precinct.

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Cox Architecture has designed La Vera to capture the best of its unique positioning on Talavera Road, orienting the building towards Lane Cove National Park.&nbsp;The building features a sculpted northern façade with flowing curves inspired by the surrounding landscape, while its city-facing elevation adopts a more structured architectural expression to maximise skyline views.

"The vision for the project was to conceive a building that adopted an organic and curvilinear form to the northern portion that faces the Lane Cove National Park," <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">Cox Architecture</a> Director Felipe Miranda said.

"The residents that reside in the northern portion of the building benefit by having beautifully crafted curved balconies that speak to the natural context and heighten the relationship of their internal living spaces to the external balconies."

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La Vera offers a diverse mix of one, two, three, and four-bedroom configurations, with prices currently starting from $740,000. Buyers so far have been a mix of Sydney-based investors,&nbsp;metro commuters, owner-occupiers and downsizers from surrounding North Shore suburbs.

Both investors and owner-occupiers have been drawn to La Vera's proximity to Macquarie University, Macquarie University Hospital, Macquarie Centre and the Sydney Metro, infrastructure that supports both strong rental demand and a convenient lifestyle for residents.

The apartments feature full-height glazing, timber flooring throughout living areas, stone kitchen benchtops, SMEG appliances, floor-to-ceiling bathroom tiling and ducted air conditioning.

Residents will have access to a rooftop recreation level featuring a swimming pool, sauna, barbecue facilities and landscaped relaxation areas, complemented by additional communal space at ground level. Many apartments enjoy uninterrupted views across Lane Cove National Park, reinforcing the project's connection to its natural setting.

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<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a>, a family-owned developer and builder with nearly four decades of experience, holds a 4.5-star iCIRT rating and was Australia's first developer to introduce 10-Year Latent Defects Insurance (LDI). La Vera is the first apartment development in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/macquarie-park-nsw-2113">Macquarie Park</a> approved to offer the additional insurance protection, alongside a five-year warranty on SMEG appliances.

Urban Property Group CEO Patrick Elias said the additional protection reflects changing buyer expectations in the off the plan market.

"Consumers are a lot more weary and a lot more concerned in buying off the plan than they ever have been. Having LDI is a tool to portray the confidence that we have in our product, and a confidence we want buyers to share," Elias said.

Following completion of the building later this year, buyers will move into their apartments well before Christmas.

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Alistair Walsh

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