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A Townsville mansion owned by the founders of collapsed Storm Financial Services, Emmanuel and Julie Cassimatis, has been listed for auction next week.
The eight-bedroom home has failed to sell at the family’s asking price of $3.8 million ever since first being listed in 2006.
The sale highlights the demise of the couple, who oversaw the loss of $3 billion of investors’ money in 2009. They have since sold their private jet and a similar property in Brisbane, which went for $2 million this year. The Cassimatis couple are charismatic socialite figures in Townsville, with the mansion once representing the financial success of Townsville business.
This 900-square-metre property, which sits on an 1,854-square-metre block, features a $75,000 Waterford crystal chandelier, lifts, two swimming pools, four bathrooms and has views over Magnetic Island, Cleveland Bay and the Townsville CBD.
Its listing agent Garry Byrnes from Ferry Property Townsville has had the Melton Terrace listing on and off the market since 2009. 
It has been reported the current price guide is now about half the original asking price of $3.8 million, although Byrnes has been responsible for the town's most recent prestige house sale.
The agent's marketing says " Under strict instruction from the owners, this property is to be sold."
The property has not been lived in for many months. 
It was originally bought for $280,000 in 1997. 
It has been reported the current price guide is now about half that, although Ferry Property agent Garry Byrnes has been responsible for the town's most recent prestige house sale.
 It was a three-level Stanton Terrace property sold for $2.85 million in 2010. 
The ASIC website notes ASIC's investigations into the collapse of Storm continues.
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Cassimatis property for auction three years after Storm collapse

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{yoogallery src=[images/stories/november11highrd]}
Khazzoum, a recently completed West Pennant Hills house, has been listed with high price hopes for the Hills district.
The three-storey sandstone Highs Road home was designed by Bennett Murada Architects.
It was built by Sarkis Bros Sandstone, who named the house in honour of their late mother.
It’s a suitable tribute given it’s a six-bedroom, five bathroom house – and she was a mother of 10.
There are four of her children working in the business, which was founded in 1993.
Khazzoum is set on an expansive 2,400 square metres of landscaped gardens with a sandstone sided swimming pool and a gas-heated spa.
The house has a three-car garage and a wine cellar.
It boasts sweeping views across the whole Sydney basin but you won’t have to climb any stairs to reach the vantage point as the house has its own lift.
Mechlenne Douaihy from McGrath Estate Agents is seeking offers by November 25.
She is hopeful to secure $3.5 million plus – maybe even $4 million.
A nearby Hoop Pine house that set a northwest price precedent sold for a bullish $4.1 million in March 2010 but it was a private sale without agents. The suburb’s next highest property was $3.35 million for a five-bedroom home in August 2008.
“It’s an outstanding full sandstone residence unparalleled to other new homes in the Hills District,” Douaihy says.
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Pride of the Hills district to test prestige market in West Pennant Hills

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Confidence among mortgage holders has soared following the November rate cut by the Reserve Bank, according to the Westpac Melbourne Institute Index of Consumer Sentiment, which improved in November.
Westpac chief economist Bill Evans says the significance of the rates decision is most apparent from the breakdown in responses among home owners.
“Confidence amongst those folks which have a mortgage soared by 13.9%; and people who own their house mortgage free boosted their confidence by 6%,” Evans notes.
“The Index is now indicating that optimists slightly outnumber pessimists for the first time since June 2011 and this is the highest reading for the Index since May 2011.
“However it is still 6.7% below its level last year.”
Evans recalls that the index fell by 5.3% in response to the rate hike in November last year.
He says the changes follow the same pattern as 2008, when the Reserve Bank cut rates for the first time in that cycle.
When the bank stopped threatening rate hikes sentiment grew 9.1% and when the cuts were delivered that year sentiment went up another 6.3%.
In the past week the Westpac Melbourne Institute Index of Consumer Sentiment increased by 6.3% in November from 97.2 in October to 103.4 in November.
Although sentiment towards housing improved by a solid 6.5% in November, sentiment towards purchasing a motor vehicle was down by 3%.
The Reserve Bank Board next meets on December 6.
“Our view has been that the easing cycle which has now begun is likely to be much more measured than the one we saw in 2008, when rates were slashed by 300bps over four consecutive meetings,” Evans says.
“Accordingly, we would expect the next move to be in February next year when the Bank has had time to assess the impact of the first move; more information is available about the global economy; and further evidence is available on inflation.
“However, our interpretation of the bank’s recent statement on monetary policy is that it is troubled by developments in Europe and, due to a more downbeat assessment of the domestic economy, sees clear room to cut further.
“Developments overseas, as we saw in 2008, have the potential to move the next cut forward to December but, for now, our call remains that the next move will be 25bps in February with a further 50bps in cuts over the course of 2012,” Evans says.
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Mortgage holder confidence soars following November rate cut: Westpac

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Suburbs in Melbourne’s north, west and southeast are set to flourish under the Baillieu government’s $200 billion growth corridor plan, which aims to house 1 million people over the next 20 years.
The blueprint details plans to redevelop train infrastructure, build new major roads, revamp town centres, build 350,000 new homes and create jobs for 400,000 people as well as building new parks and environmental reserves.
The Growth Areas Authority has identified growth regions in the city’s fringe in which it will develop affordable housing close to shopping centres, schools, health services and jobs.
Planning Minister Matthew Guy told The Herald Sun the plan was a major project for Victoria.
“[The plan addresses] how the city will manage an extra million people over time,” he said.
“It can be done with improvements to transport, regionalising jobs in out suburban centres and better health and education facilities in those centres.
“You could potentially house up to 1.3 million people; you are looking at a plan the size of Adelaide.”
The northern suburbs faces major development, with four new town centres and Donnybrook and Beveridge each receiving new train stations and the Hume Freeway getting extra interchange access in the north and south of outer-metro ring reservations.
The western suburbs will have six new town centres and will have new regional rail link stations at Wyndham Vale and Tarneit with options at Truganina, Davis Road, Sayers Road and Wyndham Vale South. Toolern and Paynes Road will have new train stations, and Rockbank Melton line will be upgraded.
A possible new major outer metropolitan ring road is part of the part plan which would link the southwest with northeast.
Between them Sunbury looks to receive a new town centre and a train overhaul with rail electrification and possible new stations at Sunbury South and Sunbury North.
In the southeast two new town centres are planned, and Clyde will be added to the Craigieburn line. The plan will investigate better links between Cranbourne, Officer and Pakenham, including a new crossing at Cardinia Creek.
The plan was originally started by the former Brumby government to direct the development of the 43,600 hectares of land bought inside the Urban Growth Boundary under that government.
The work will be tendered out to major developers. It is not clear yet which developers have won a tender to carry out the work.
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A new Adelaide on Melbourne's outskirts: Baillieu government's growth corridor plans

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Lend Lease has appointed Michael Ullmer to its board as it announced increased profits but decreased revenue.
Ullmer stepped down as deputy group chief executive at National Australia Bank in August.
He also serves on the Fosters Group board.
Chairman of Lend Lease David Crawford welcomed Ullmer.
“Michael’s 30 year-career in international strategy and banking and his financial and executive management experience will be a valuable addition to the board,” Crawford told shareholders at the company’s annual general meeting.
Crawford reported an operating profit of $485 million for 2011, a 50% increase on Lend Lease’s $323 million operating profits in 2010.
Lend Lease’s revenue slipped 15% from 2010, decreasing from $10.57 billion to $9.014 billion.
Crawford reported the infrastructure business had a backlog of $6.3 billion including secured and pending work and was the preferred bidder on a further $1.2 billion of work.
He said statutory profit after tax for the year was $492.8 million.
Crawford said one of the most significant achievements was acquiring Valemus Australia, the parent company of Abigroup, Baulderstone and Conneq. He said the acquisition materially increased the group’s capabilities and activities in the engineering and construction market in Australia.
 
 
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Lend Lease announces increased profits but decreased revenue as Michael Ullmer joins board

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An 1870s Surry Hills residential warehouse – last traded in 2005 – has been listed for November 19 auction.

It was once a stable and coachworks and of recent times has had an interesting group of owners.

It’s been listed by the Domabyl family, who paid $3.2 million in 2005.

Its joins the recent production line of bulky inner-city warehouse conversions that have been offered for sale.

Many appear stuck on the market for lengthy periods of time. Several of the warehouse conversions have asking prices either going stale or being slashed.

They have traditionally been considered hot property, but the industrial conversions appeal to entrepreneurial types who don’t seem to have the same deep pockets as in the past.

<img src="/images/stories/warehouse_0000_bourke%20st.jpg.jpg">

Bresic Whitney listing agent Shannan Whitney expects more than $4 million for the three-bedroom <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-surry+hills-108398881" target="_blank">Little Bourke Street, Surry Hills</a> warehouse (pictured above) that has room for seven cars and includes a photography studio. His pricing is based on a recent nearby $4 million plus sale.

The Little Bourke Street warehouse listing fetched $1.105 million in 1989 when bought by the antique dealer Joan Bowers from Kings Cross identity Catherine O'Malley.

Bowers’ purchase was reportedly backed by Lord Alistair McAlpine whose then wife, Romilly, was in business with Bowers.

Bowers sold to Jennette Miller of Wahroonga for $1 million in 1993 through estate agent Margaret Blok. It next sold to the Domabyl family, who’ve put it on the market this month through Bresic Whitney.

<img src="/images/stories/warehouse_0003_oconnell.jpg.jpg">

Across town in Newtown, the 1920s<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-newtown-107307549" target="_blank"> O'Connell Street warehouse</a> (pictured above) best known for its prior ownership by broadcaster Alan Jones remains listed for sale. The five-bedroom former Champion Textiles warehouse passed in at a May auction on a $3.7 million vendor’s bid. It’s still listed through Michael Harris at Raine and Horne Newtown.

Jones sold it in 2003 for $2.9 million to the current vendors, hotelier and former Newtown rugby league player Steve Bowden. The five-bedroom home came with space for a boxing ring used by boxer Danny Green. It’s also been a studio of the fashion designer Dion Lee.

<img src="/images/stories/warehouse_0005_sloane.jpg.jpg">

Still in Newtown there’s a <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-newtown-108503221" target="_blank">Sloane Street warehouse listing</a> (pictured above). It was last sold in 1996 for $520,000 by ABC 7 o’clock news anchor Richard Morecroft, who converted the property. Film producer Matt Carroll is the current owner, and he’s had it on the market with an asking price of $2.35 million. It’s a  two-level, 218-square-metre space listed through Eric Lundberg from DB Property in Surry Hills. The similar adjoining property with 259 square metres of space went for $2.25 million in 2008.

<img src="/images/stories/warehouse_0006_sloane2.jpg.jpg">

A few doors up is another <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-terrace-nsw-newtown-108499966" target="_blank">Sloane Street property</a> (pictured above) that has been on the market since May. The last reported sale of the unrenovated property was in 1984, when it sold for $115,000. It’s listed through Ian McPhee from Belle Property.

<img src="/images/stories/warehouse_0004_probert.jpg.jpg">

At Camperdown a <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-studio-nsw-camperdown-106859765" target="_blank">Probert Street warehouse</a> (pictured above) with a commercial occupancy has been on the market since late 2007 through three real estate companies. It comes with an asking price of $2.6 million. It last changed hands in 1997 for $645,000. It’s set up as a live-in showroom but can be used as a two-bedroom abode. It’s listed through Joseph Gambino from The Edge Property Agency in Darlinghurst.

<img src="/images/stories/warehouse_0002_mclaughlin.jpg.jpg">

There is a Paddington conversion (pictured above) listed that last sold in February 2010 for $1.341 million and has been on the market since then. Before that the  <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-paddington-107316144" target="_blank">McLaughlan Place property</a> sold for $1.25 million in 2008 when Aboriginal art dealers Hogarth Galleries sold up and moved out. Hogarth originally bought it in 1993 for $265,000. It’s listed through Darren Pearce from Bresic Whitney.

<img src="/images/stories/warehouse_007_abercrombie.jpg">

The owners of a <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-chippendale-108473901" target="_blank">Chippendale unrenovated warehouse </a>(pictured above)  have been trying to lease their property since May this year. The Abercrombie Street property has five bedrooms and just the one bathroom. It’s currently being listed for sale through Adam Bodon from Deans Property in Broadway.

For warehouse conversions in Melbourne, <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/port-melbourne-tops-list-of-five-special-residential-warehouse-offerings-in-melbourne/2011110952293" target="_blank">click here</a>.

<h2>Take a look at our latest Sydney listings:</h2>

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8590]

[smartcode_project:default project_id=28100]

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7758]
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Seven residential warehouse offerings in Sydney

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A guide for imminent and future retirees on superannuation investments has been released by ASIC.
<a target="_blank" href="#super">Financial Decisions at Retirement</a> helps people make informed decisions about super funds and investments and the financial choices available to people at retirement.
“It will help people decide what to do with their retirement nest egg. It has been extensively user-tested to ensure it meets the needs of people on the verge of retirement,” says ASIC chairman Greg Medcraft.
It details the basics of super funds including the different types available and how and when they can be accessed and then provides in-depth advice on financial decisions.
The guide includes tools for judging the performance of retirement investments, which gives advice on how to assess whether a fund will perform well.
It says past performance is no guarantee of future returns; today’s top-performing funds tend to fall back to the average over time, but consistent poor performance can prove hard to turn around.
As part of this guide it provides a worksheet for comparing three investment funds based on benefits, fees, insurance, investment options and performance.
An alternative to super fund companies is to run a self-managed investment fund, for which the guide recommends a minimum starting base of $250,000 to be successful.
An overview of investment strategies is presented that defines growth, balanced, conservative and cash strategies and how they distribute investment. The guide says growth funds, with their high percentage of investment in property and stocks, have historically given the best returns, and cash funds are only slightly better than inflation.
Many people work several jobs in their lives and opt for the default super funds in each instance, leading to many super accounts. The guide explores how to merge many super accounts and discusses how to find lost super funds. It says 6.4 million accounts totalling $12.9 billion are lost or in inactive accounts.
There are certain circumstances where access to super funds is granted before preservation age, and the guide lists these conditions, which can include severe financial hardship.
Alongside this launch ASIC has updated its <a target="_blank" href="https://www.moneysmart.gov.au/tools-and-resources/calculators-and-tools/retirement-planner?gclid=COWm2r2NqKwCFURNpgodvlD-1g">MoneySmart Retirement Planner</a>, an online calculator that shows people how to boost their retirement savings.
“The MoneySmart Retirement Planner provides people with an estimate of how much they are likely to have in every year of retirement and even calculates the best way to make extra super contributions,” Medcraft says.
The calculator works out your super balance at retirement and then works out the impact of fees and additional contributions on that balance.
“People need reliable and trustworthy information to help them make confident and informed choices for their retirement money. The new tools are easy to use and empower people to get the most out their retirement income,” says Paul Clitheroe, chairman of the Australian Government Financial Literacy Board.
 
 
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ASIC releases super guide and compares SMSF with other funds

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The traditional mid-spring surge in property listings didn’t happen this year in Melbourne, with October listings increasing only 3.3% from September.
Melbourne’s listings increased from 49,613 to 51,265 in October, according to a report from property research group SQM Research.
In Sydney the number of listings increased by a muted 2% (to 35,682), and listings were up just 0.4% across Australia.
Listings were down in three capital cities, with Brisbane down 3.4% to 30,249, Perth down 2.5% to 20,000 and Darwin down 2% to 1583.
Perth was the only city to report a drop in annualised listings from October 2010.
“This might actually be the peak in stock levels for this cycle,” SQM managing director Louis Christopher says.
“I note that Perth is now recording falling listings and Brisbane is now recording signs of stock numbers peaking.
“I suspect Sydney may record a peak this month as well.”
“The Melbourne results are deeply concerning, particularly in light of the fact that we know there is still much dwelling construction yet to be completed,” Christopher adds, repeating his concerns from September's figures.
Hobart was the only city with significant increases in property listings in Australia and had an increase of 20% over September figures, to 4316 listings.
“That seems to be consistent with some of the house price falls recorded in the September quarter for [Hobart],” Christopher says.
Canberra’s new listed property went up 7.3% in the month to 1,995 and Adelaide's rose 8% to 17,948 in October.
The report did show a 14.5% national increase in October listings from 2010 but this a modest increase when compared with other months this year.
Homes offered for sale climbed to 383,217 in October from 334,575 a year ago, the Sydney-based research group says.
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No October listings surge except in Hobart and Adelaide

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."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363228]

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."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=1979]

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150489 project_image_fid=373834]

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."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150713 project_image_fid=373827]

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.

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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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