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The number of new house listings in Sydney has dropped 9.3% over the last 12 months, according to RP Data.
There were 6,757 new listings in the last 12 months bringing the total number of listings to 28,484 - down 9.8% over the year.
Meanwhile, in Melbourne, new listings are up 5.3% over the year, with 8,219 additions. Total listings are up 9.2% over the year to 39,985 - the highest for any capital city.
In Darwin new listings increased 16% to 319 listings - the biggest increase for all the capital cities.
The total number of listings in Brisbane has dropped 14% over the last 12 months, with 9.2% fewer new listings this year.
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A new listing is one which has not been advertised for sale over the past 6 months. Total listings include new listings and properties which have been previously advertised.
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New listings in Sydney drop 9.3% over the year: RP Data

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Lenders have been offering a variety of incentives to borrowers as interest rate fluctuations focus peoples’ attention on whether to switch lenders.
Queensland-based lender Firstmac is offering a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&amp;rct=j&amp;q=&amp;esrc=s&amp;source=web&amp;cd=1&amp;cad=rja&amp;ved=0CFoQFjAA&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.firstmac.com.au%2Fhome-loans%2Fbroncos-home-loan&amp;ei=9zOLUfS8DqaaiQe4jICQCw&amp;usg=AFQjCNFV8RKLurkXwDrbzxpbpXHwZln7_g&amp;sig2=IVQCiUEhfuJrLKutHWSLMw&amp;bvm=bv.46226182,d.aGc">three-year family membership to Brisbane Broncos </a>rugby league team on its 5.21% (5.26% comparison rate) Broncos loan.
<img alt="broncosmay10one" height="245" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/05/broncosmay10one.jpg">
The Broncos last won a premiership in 2006.
Loans.com.au is offering a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.loans.com.au/our-loans/blackboard-special">special rate of 4.75%</a> (4.77% comparison rate) for home owners looking to refinance before May 20.
<img alt="loansmay10one" height="221" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/05/loansmay10one.jpg">
RAMS is offering refinancers <a target="_blank" href="https://bs.serving-sys.com/BurstingPipe/adServer.bs?cn=tf&amp;c=20&amp;mc=click&amp;pli=7012332&amp;PluID=0&amp;ord=%5Btimestamp%5D%20">$1000 in cash</a> if they choose any RAMS loan for those applying before the end of May.
The Bank of Melbourne is offering those who switch <a target="_blank" href="https://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&amp;rct=j&amp;q=&amp;esrc=s&amp;source=web&amp;cd=1&amp;cad=rja&amp;ved=0CFoQFjAA&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bankofmelbourne.com.au%2Fpersonal%2Fhome-loans%2Fswitch-offer%3Fpid%3Dweb%3Ahome-cfeature-hloffer-mar13&amp;ei=DjSLUeHjIeTwiAek74GACQ&amp;usg=AFQjCNGzd4h44K3hyV96hBs3P3L3c19lCQ&amp;sig2=RMlSSU1qqWTq6hWNAWFmDA&amp;bvm=bv.46226182,d.aGc">$700 in cash</a> for those applying before the end of July.
<img alt="bankofmelbournemay10one" height="237" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/05/bankofmelbournemay10one.jpg">
Mozo has brought back its <a target="_blank" href="https://mozo.com.au/mystery-bank-deal">mystery bank deal</a> and is offering switchers 5.33% (5.35% comparison rate).
UBank is offering a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ubank.com.au/ubank/web/products/home-loan/refinance/refinancing-overview?_afrLoop=124791503534000&amp;_afrWindowMode=0&amp;_afrWindowId=null#%40%3F_afrWindowId%3Dnull%26_afrLoop%3D124791503534000%26_afrWindowMode%3D0%26_adf.ctrl-state%3D1dh8n5adaw_9">0.25% per annum upfront discount</a> offer for a limited time with a variable rate of 4.87%.
And Coastline Credit Union is offering switchers <a target="_blank" href="https://www.coastline.com.au/Personal-Banking/Publications/News/Art56.php">$750 in cash</a> to switch over to their offering.
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Lenders offer varied incentives to attract loan switchers

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Sydney corporate law firm Gilbert and Tobin have signed a memorandum of understanding with Lend Lease to take 9,500 square metres of space in International Towers Sydney at Barangaroo South.
It will take the four stories above Westpac, in the second of three towers at the development.
Lend Lease says the memorandum shows the confidence banking, financial services and legal organisations have in the development.
The understanding now means more than 80% of tower two’s space is leased.
It is the first legal tenant to enter the $6 billion development.
Westpac and KPMG were named in June last year as the first confirmed tenants in the foreshore development. Lend Lease will also will taking up space.
The latest leasing agreement means Lend Lease can continue on with the third tower as financial backers required pre-leasing to hit 85% before undertaking further rental negotiations on the third tower.
The Australian Financial Review reports that the leasing deal is worth up to $9 million per year.
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Sydney law firm Gilbert and Tobin to move to Barangaroo South

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As part of its plan to develop Point Nepean National Park, the Victorian government is seeking expressions of interest from leasehold operators of it heritage listed quarantine station.
The government is hoping to turn the 17-hectare site, on the western tip of the Mornington Peninsula, into a vibrant tourist destination.
The site is the second oldest intact quarantine station in Australia, established in 1852.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/05/quarantinemay9one.jpg" width="470" height="279" alt="quarantinemay9one">
It was designed to defend the Colony of Victoria against disease and foreign attack.
A 2006 archaeological report said that by 1860, the Melbourne station was the largest and best appointed quarantine ground in Australia.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2013/05/may9quarantine]}
It was first built to accommodate the rush of immigrants following the discovery of gold in Victoria in 1851.
The site was developed following the tragic arrival of Ticonderga, a ship that sailed from Birkenhead England but was overrun with yellow fever during its 80-day journey.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/05/quarantinemay9seven.jpg" width="470" height="351" alt="quarantinemay9seven">
According to reports at the time, 100 people of the 795 passengers onboard died and there was not enough room to house all the survivors within the station and many died in tents surrounding it. Others, lured by gold escaped the confines.
Fears of small pox and other diseases meant subsequent arrivals to Victoria were impounded in the station until medical professionals deemed them fit to be released.
It was last used as a quarantine camp in 1954 when 113 army members onboard the Strathaird, were quarantined with smallpox.
It was officially closed in 1978.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/05/quarantinemay9six.jpg" width="470" height="320" alt="quarantinemay9six">
In 1952 a military training camp and army cadet school was established with the accommodation built remaining today. It
In 2005 it was reported there were plants to convert Point Nepean into a marine educational school.
The state government has suggested options including accommodation, restaurants, education uses.
The older buildings will likely be protected while those dating from the 1960s will likely be demolished. Parts of the site are falling into disrepair.
A government report recently recommended sensible and sensitive developments in national parks to unlock Victorian tourism.
It is nearby to a memorial to Prime Minister Harold Holt, who went missing in 1967.
A $13.8 million program to upgrade roads, car parks and infrastructure at Point Nepean is nearing completion.
The government is going through a tender process to select a tenant.
The lease is being marketed by Jones Lang LaSalle agents Matthew George and Peter Harper.
Images courtesy of the State Library of Victoria and the Point Nepean Community Trust.
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Point Nepean quarantine station available for leasehold tourism operators

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The new Stockland boss, Mark Steinert, has shaken up his executive team with the departure of his chief financial officer, Tim Foster, and his head of residential, Mark Hunter and hiring fresh blood.
Steinert has hired Simon Shakesheff, who will join the company in mid-August, in the new position of group executive strategy and stakeholder relations.
Foster will leave the company later this year when a replacement is found.
Shakesheff is an analyst who has advised property groups. Most recently he was managing director at Merrill Lynch’s real estate investment division.
“Having observed Stockland closely over my career, it is a privilege to now be joining the group at this significant time in its history. I look forward to contributing to its future success,” Shakesheff said.
Michael Rosmarin, currently the group executive will take up the role of chief operating officer.
Kingsley Andrew and Andrew Whitson will act as joint interim CEOs.
The move comes ahead of a strategic update on Monday anticipated to change the direction of the company.
Fairfax have reported Steinhert is likely to drop his predecessor’s three ‘r’ focus on residential, retail and retirement, in favour of a focus on medium density residential and retail.
Foster and Hunter were reportedly close allies of former CEO Matthew Quinn, who stood down in July last year following a poor run of earnings.
Goldman Sachs analyst Simon Wheatley says he is suprised by the shake-up.
"In our view, the timing of today's announcement is a surprise in that SGP is poised to provide its 3QFY13 update next Monday, and this is meaningful change amongst senior executives ahead of the update.
"That said, we believe the changes being implemented by the SGP CEO Mark Steinert are a core part of a restructuring of the business, since transitioning into his new role late in November 2012," Wheatley said.

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Stockland executive team shake-up as Tim Foster and Mark Hunter departing

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Sydney house prices have increased more than any other capital city so far this year, rising 2.9% in the year to date, according to RP Data.
It was closely followed by Melbourne at 2.5% so far this year.
Over the last 12 months Perth has increased the most, at 4.8%, but a drop of 1.8% in the last month has put the year to date growth at 2.8%.
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Sydney house price growth greater than other cities this year: RP Data

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Mirvac could pull forward sales and construction at its Harold Park project in Glebe after strong sales from the first two releases, according to a Goldman Sachs report.
Analyst Simon Wheatley’s report on Harold Park says stage 3 could be released ahead of timetable after pre-sales on stage one and two were strong with sales prices “potentially slightly ahead of feasibility”.
The report says around 90% of stage one is sold and 70% of stage two with recent sales numbers accelerating.
<img alt="haroldparkmay8one" height="264" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/05/haroldparkmay8one.jpg">
“Consequently, we believe that the release of stage 3 could be fast-tracked and may be brought to the market imminently,” Wheatley says.
He says pulling the project forward could result in a plateau in earnings for Mirvac after project completion but they are willing to take the risk because “the ducks are quacking”.
“Demand is strong at Harold Park currently and the release will be timed to meet this demand,” Wheatley says.
<img alt="haroldparkmay8two" height="261" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/05/haroldparkmay8two.jpg">
He says Mirvac are worried if they don’t pull the project forward they might be left with excess stock if the property market suddenly weakens.
Given the success of the Harold Park and Chatswood Era projects, Wheatley says Mirvac’s profits will likely be higher than previously anticipated.
Wheatley says Mirvac hope to achieve an earnings before interest and taxes figure on the project of more than $200 million.
He puts the total end value of the project, which he was given a tour of by Mirvac, at $1.2 billion.
In March more than 300 people attended the weekend launch of the project in Glebe.
One-bedroom apartments started at $525,000.
<img alt="haroldparkmay8three" height="277" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/05/haroldparkmay8three.jpg">
There were 27 one-bedders on offer ranging from 50 square metres to 75 square metres; 33 two-bedders (75 to 100 square metres) from $830,000; five three-bedders (105 to 125 square metres) from $1,325,000 and nine three-bed terraces (165 to 180-square metres) from $1.74 million.
The priciest offerings were $1.895 million four-bedroom terraces.
Mirvac is transforming the former Harold Park Paceway into a $1 billion-plus infill housing development.
The Harold Park master plan allows for 1,250 dwellings with a 208,000 square metre network of landscaped parks.
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Mirvac to pull forward Harold Park project sales and construction: Goldman Sachs

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A new voodoo-themed bar is set to launch in a vacant laneway car park in Sydney.
The proprietors of the planned <a target="_blank" href="https://www.hanzic.com.au/103491/972739/home/papa-gedes-bar-sydney-branding-and-typography">Papa Gede bar</a>, have secured a five year lease for a lower ground floor car-park at 207 Clarence Street.
<img height="539" width="400" src="/images/stories/2013/05/papagedemay6one.jpg" alt="papagedemay6one">
The space - located on the lower ground 139 square metre site area - was formerly used by the office tenants to park four cars with storage space and bathing facilities.
<img height="534" width="400" src="/images/stories/2013/05/papagedemay6two.jpg" alt="papagedemay6two">
The leasing agent, John Skufris from <a target="_blank" href="https://www.raywhite.net/?p=7344">Ray White</a>, says the tenants have either started taking public transport or have found other parking.
“The city’s western corridor has proven extremely popular for small bar operators, particularly the precinct bounded by Market, Erskine, George and Kent streets,” Skufris says.
“We received more enquiries for the lower ground floor of 207 Clarence Street from small bar operators than traditional car parking requirements.
“We also received enquiries from prospects including gym, bicycle and wellbeing groups partly due to the availability of weekend building access.”
According to branding of the bar designed by graphic designer Steve Hanzic, drinks will include 'corpse reviver #2', 'death in the afternoon' and 'hangman’s blood'.
<img height="408" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/05/papagedemay6five.jpg" alt="papagedemay6five">
The building, known as CBD House, has four levels plus a basement area located between King and Market streets. The 109 square metre top floor is up for lease through Ray White.
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Voodoo bar to animate former Clarence Street, Sydney car parking space

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It has only been a week since the Victorian government announced a June 30 deadline on changes to the first-home owner scheme grants but agents have already noticed an uptick in interest on established homes across Victoria.
It's forecast this interest could translate closer to a "mad rush" of buying closer to the deadline.
The Barry Plant Preston office says auctions have performed better after the announcement that the grant would be removed for established homes.
Melbourne buyers agent Frank Valentic suggests the rush is set to come.
The state government last week announced it would remove the first-home owners grant of $7000 on existing homes but would increase the grant to $10,000 for new homes prompting commentators to predict an unhealthy rush to buy established homes.
There will still be a stamp duty discount for all home buyers though, increasing from 30% to 40%.
Barry Plant Preston sold <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-preston-113356691">85 Albert Street</a> (pictured below) for $391,000 – well above the pre-auction price guide of $300,000 to $330,000 on the weekend.
<img height="347" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/05/fhbmay7one.jpg" alt="fhbmay7one">
There were five to six bidders at the auction with agents suggesting buyers were motivated by the first-home owners grant deadline.
Barry Plant last week issued first quarter results showing sales volumes were up 13.8%.
 
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The group says the results are even better than they look as they lost almost an entire week of sales volume due to Easter this year which would normally have put them down 20% rather up 13.8%.
"We are not back in boom-times and in fact we are still travelling below the 2010 figures, however our results are proof that if agents are prepared to work hard they can achieve great results for our clients,” says CEO Mike McCarthy.
"Across the group we have reported an increase in people attending open for inspections, bidding at auction and increased page views on our web advertising, so there are definitely more buyers out there."
Buyers agent Frank Valentic from Advantage Property Consulting says he has had more inquiries from first-home buyers since the announcement.
“We’ve noticed a pick-up in inquiry and at inspections there are more first home buyers. Its already happening. It’s just now seven weeks now,” Valentic told Property Observer.
“People are getting in before the mad rush.”
A two-bedroom unit at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.domain.com.au/Property/For-Sale/Apartment-Unit-Flat/VIC/Richmond/?adid=2010398473">4/31 Mary Street</a> (pictured below) sold for $483,000 after being marketed at $380,000 to $420,000.
<img height="302" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/05/fhbmay7two.jpg" alt="fhbmay7two">
Valentic says there were five to six bidders at the auction who were mostly first-home buyers.
He warns buyers that while they might capture the $7000 grant before it ends, they shouldn’t get emotional and bid above the value of the house.
“It’s the same as what we saw in 2010 with the last deadline. My advice to first-home buyers is to do your research,” Valentic says.
And there have been big jumps in the median price of houses and units in the cheapest two precincts in Melbourne, according to Australian Property Monitors data.
The median price for units in the north precinct increased from $438,000 last week to $472,500 this week.
And the median price for houses in the west precinct increased from $557,500 last week to $587,000 this week.
 
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Victorian first-home buyer uptick in one week since FHOG deadline announcement

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The Housing Industry Association has ramped up its pre-budget campaign saying high taxes, fees and levies make homes unaffordable as the building industry contracts.
It posted a half page ad (pictured below) in The Australian saying Australia is facing a housing shortage as the less homes are built due to costs being too high.
<img height="640" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/05/hiaonemay6one.jpg" alt="hiaonemay6one">
The website for its Australia Needs Building campaign says “taxes are the single biggest issue Australians faced when it comes to house affordability.”
The campaign says 150,000 families will miss out on a new home by 2020. It says the industry will build 25,000 fewer homes this year than it did 10 years ago.
Director Shane Goodwin said last week the home building industry needs more support from governments.
“Governments can’t ignore housing any longer. They need to act more constructively, cooperatively and determinedly to meet the housing needs of Australians and their families,” Goodwin said.
“With 2013 being an election year, it is essential that all parties embrace policies that will improve housing affordability and cut through the red and green tape that is strangling new housing development.”
He has yet to suggest what the HIA wants but its campaign details the taxes and levies faced by home-builders in each state.
“Taxes, levies, fees and charges account for 40% of the cost of building a new home. In some housing markets it’s even higher,” its campaign says.
“Tax on new homes in Sydney is 44% of the purchase price, 38% in Melbourne, 36% in Brisbane and 41% in Perth, in Adelaide its 39%.
“This means households will pay an extra $670 per month for the life of a loan, which is the equivalent raising the interest rate on the loan by 5.5%.”
The HIA will further its campaign on May 9, releasing 50 action strategies for housing. 
Shane Goodwin, the managing director is the key note speaker at Thursday's launch.
"We will be releasing 50 policies that run across the economy, taxation, industrial relations and small business red tape," the HIA advised.
The federal budget is announced on Tuesday May 14.
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HIA has 50 action ideas to invigorate the housing industry

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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