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Perth’s housing market experienced a rebound of activity at the end of last year with sales turnover during the December quarter moving back to the long-term average for the metropolitan area.  The strong sales activity through the December quarter had not slowed and that enthusiastic ‘buyer momentum’ had carried into the New Year.
Sales normally calm down over the Christmas holiday period but that didn’t happen last year. The real-time reporting from our members currently indicates that January will also be a bumper month for turnover.
Earlier analysis by the Real Estate Institute of Western Australia showed the median house price lifting by 4% on the previous quarter, suggesting 2013 would end up with growth of at least 7% across the year.
However, real-time sale data from REIWA agents indicate that the quarterly growth was closer to 6% and pushing Perth’s median house price towards $545,000 through 9% annual growth.
This has largely been driven by two key factors. The number of first home buyers has dropped 12% since the June quarter with a  notable fall in sales under $400,000, while at the same time there was an increase in sales over $600,000. Together, this compositional change in sales acted to pull the median price upwards towards the end of the year.
I think the fall in turnover with sales under $400,000 has largely been a reaction to both low levels of housing stock and also affordability pressure on some first home buyers.
The number of houses and vacant lots on the market is below average by about 3,000 properties and this is increasing demand on the available stock.
First home buyers
 
Strong first home buyer activity had been a significant market driver over the past 18 months, although applications for established homes dropped away by 12% in the December quarter.
Data from the Office of State Revenue show there were approximately 5,330 first home buyers in the December quarter paying a median purchase price across the state of around $433,000.
However, countering the drop in demand for established homes was a 9% lift in applications for new buildings following the state government’s increase in grants for first home buyer construction.
Entry-level activity had prompted an increase in trade-up sales as relinquishing owners sold to first time buyers.
The City of Fremantle dominated house price growth for the quarter with the western part of the City of <a href="/news">Stirling</a> also doing well.
Across the whole year price growth was strongest in the City of <a href="/news">Belmont</a>, while the cities of <a href="/news">Fremantle</a>, <a href="/news">Gosnells</a>, the western suburbs and the northern end of <a href="/news">Joondalup</a> were close behind with growth exceeding the metropolitan average of 7%.
Units
The sales of multi-residential properties, such as apartments and villas, dropped a little during the quarter but I feel this was probably a reflection of slowing first home buyers and weak investor interest.
Even so, multi-residential dwelling stock enjoyed good growth of almost 5% for the quarter.
Stock and selling days
At the end of the year there were 8,700 properties on the Perth market, virtually unchanged from the September quarter as sales were quickly replaced with new listings.
It was a similar story with blocks of land, with the metropolitan area finishing the year with 1,115 lots on the market, much as it was in the previous quarter.
Days on market have stabilised around 50 days, well down on the 70-plus days at this time last year but it’s the rental market which is really experiencing a slowdown in activity.
Rental system
REIWA data that during the December quarter the metropolitan vacancy rate grew further to around 3.2% as more than 700 additional rentals came onto the market. That’s up 135% since late 2012 with more than 4,800 rental properties currently available for lease through REIWA member agents
In response to the competition the Perth median rent came down by $10 to $460 per week and representing a drop of $15 per week since the middle of last year.
It seems that the downturn of jobs in the mining sector, as well as many former tenants having now become first home owners, has caused the rental system to relax a little.
Regions
In the regions results were patchy depending on local economic conditions.
The Mandurah-Murray area finished up having a good year with sales turnover but price growth was modest. Rents also lifted by $10 to a median of $380 per week.
Turnover in <a href="/news">Bunbury</a> was up by almost 20% across the year despite a dip in sales for the December quarter, however, prices didn’t move much from September.
In Kalgoorlie-Boulder sales activity has been trending downwards for two years resulting in volatility in the median price.
Geraldton-Greenough also had a weak year with its median price sliding on stagnant turnover. The mid-west city reporting 500 sales for the year, the same number as 2012.
In the Pilbara, the downturn in the mining sector is very apparent in the housing system.
<a href="/news">Karratha</a> sales actually picked up despite annual turnover being at its lowest point in 23 years. With the median house price having dropped across 2013, the improved affordability attracted buyers in the December quarter.
Nearby <a href="/news">Port Hedland</a> is also feeling the effects of the downturn with annual turnover being down by a significant 60%, although rents remain very high at around $1,300 per week.
David Airey is president of the <a href="https://reiwa.com.au/home/default.aspx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Real Estate Institute of Western Australia.</a>
<a href="https://reiwa.com.au/home/default.aspx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"></a>This article was originally published on <a href="https://reiwa.com.au/Faq/Pages/Feature.aspx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">reiwa.com</a>.
 
 
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Perth sales activity rebounds, but rental rates slacken

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Current data from the Real Estate Institute of Western Australia (REIWA) show that sales turnover lifted during both October and November pushing Perth’s median house price to a new record.
The data show sales had returned to normal levels and indicate that for the three months to November Perth’s median house price climbed to around $530,000 – $535,000, up from the previous peak of $525,000 on the June quarter.
The main reason for the big rise in sales was that Perth was coming out of a big slump in turnover in the September quarter and had returned to more normal conditions.
The quarterly median for the three months to November was up by almost 4% and due mainly to the composition of sales during this period after strong first home buyer activity pulled the median house price down to $510,000 in the September quarter.
While first home buyer activity is still very evident, there was a solid increase in sales within a 10 kilometre radius of the CBD and a softening of activity in outer areas, particularly along the coastal sub-regions north and south of the city.
This shift in sales composition towards more expensive properties selling pulled the median upwards.
The data also show that in some of the coastal sub regions, such as parts of Wanneroo, Joondalup and in Rockingham there was a weakening in sales activity that had emerged through the month of November.
While this retraction is sales is only modest at around 2-3% on the previous month, it is accompanied by a drop in listings also in these areas which suggests that the fall in sales activity has nothing to do with oversupply.
It is more likely that first home activity in areas away from the coastal strip has been the focus of buyers in more recent times.
The number of properties on the market continues to recover from below average levels over the last year to now reach its highest point for the year. REIWA data currently showing 8,656 dwellings and 1,199 land lots for sale.
The rental market continued to turn in favour of tenants, with the number of available rentals growing and median rents coming down once again.
The median rent in the metropolitan area has dropped by just over 2% over the last three months to $460 across the board. This now breaks down to typical rents for houses coming in at around $470 per week and for units and apartments at around $450 per week.
Current REIWA data show rental listings lifted by 2% last week alone, to 4,419 properties on the market while the vacancy remains above average at around 3.2%.
 
<hr>
 David Airey is president of the <a href="https://reiwa.com.au/home/default.aspx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Real Estate Institute of Western Australia.</a> This article was originally published on <a href="https://reiwa.com.au/Faq/Pages/Feature.aspx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">reiwa.com</a>.
 
 
 
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 Perth median reaches a new high, while rents fall 

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The Real Estate Institute of Western Australia released its property results from the September quarter last week and there were three clear trends to be found among the data.
The most noticeable trends are the drop in sales turnover, strong but declining first home buyer activity and the narrowing of most sales into a particular price range.
Sales drop
The REIWA analysis show the number of metropolitan sales dropped away by around 6% in the quarter with 10 of its 13 weeks being below average for turnover this year.
In fact the more affordable north-east and south-east corridors in metropolitan Perth were the only sub-regions to show an increase in activity.
The sales of units and apartments remained steady across the board, but house sales dropped away.
First home buyers
First home buyers were very active at the more affordable end of the market and in combination with softening activity at the upper end, Perth’s median house price came down from $525,000 in June to $505,000, but is expected to lift to $510,000 once all settlements are in.
There was evidence to suggest that the first home buyer activity is seeing some multiple bidding on more affordable homes and resulting in many sale prices that are above the asking price.
The Office of State Revenue reported that the median purchase price for first home buyers across WA for both August and September was $435,000, up from $400,000 on the same time last year.
Units, stock levels and price range
Units, apartments and villas saw a very modest drop in median price across the state, dipping by $4,000 in both the city and the country to $421,000 and $306,000 respectively, but the broader theme from the quarter was the narrowing of the overall buying range.
The distribution of house sales in Perth by price range reveals the compressed nature of the market. Some 75% of turnover occurred within the band of $350,000 to $800,000 and which compares to 71% of turnover in the same bracket this time last year.
The stock of listings for Perth dropped by 1% to 8,700 properties but this was well down by 16% on last year. The tight supply is also reflected in the average number of selling days dipping by just one day to 48.
Bounce in October
Since the September quarter REIWA’s member data is showing a 9% lift in sales activity in October with an increased share in the central part of the Perth market.
The 15% increase in more expensive near-city sales has subsequently pushed the median price up by 1.9% to $520,000 for the three months to October. There has also been a 7% lift in listings during the month.
Rents
In the metropolitan rental system the vacancy rate tightened a little to 3.1%, but this was above average and as a result and the median rent had come off by $5 to around $470 per week across the board in the September quarter.
This change is more strongly reflected in units and apartments which have dropped $10 to a median of $450 per week.
Since the September quarter we have seen a further dip in properties available for lease but more notably a further drop in the median rent to $465 per week.
The regions
In the regions the two main themes emerged from the data; that sales turnover is holding up through the south-west, including Mandurah, Bunbury and Busselton, and that rents in the Pilbara continue to fall.
Broadly, the median house price across the state showed no change over the last three months and is steady at $375,000.
In good news for the Mandurah region the number of sales dropped by around 10% and the median price looks to have cooled by about $5,000 to $390,000, but this is still a good result for the region with turnover sitting comfortably at its 15 year average.
And in positive news for Bunbury, sales turnover reflected stability with the number of listings trending down 15% in the quarter while the median price looks to have lifted 1% to around $380,000. This is its best result since December 2009.
Kalgoorlie-Boulder saw very flat turnover ticking along at 35% below its 15 year average and with the median price dropping by at least 2% to around $338,000.
More notable in the goldfields is the rapidly cooling rental market. The number of available leases jumped 19% in the quarter and 170% over the year while the median rent dropped 5% in the quarter to $390 per week.
In the Midwest, Geraldton-Greenough saw a healthy boost of at least 30% in sales, however its median price is unchanged at $379,000.
Pilbara downturn
In the Pilbara, Karratha remained very subdued in the quarter with little movement in sales or price. Its median is sitting at $679,000 and listings increased by 22%.
Rents there continued to slide, down by 8% on June to $1,100 per week and well down by 19% on the year.
Sales in Port Hedland also dropped significantly in the quarter but late sales data may adjust this. The median looks to have fallen by around 9% on REIWA figures, which would put it at about $818,000.
As with Karratha, the more interesting development in Hedland is with rents. These plummeted by 10% in the quarter to $1,300 per week, down by 35% same time last year.
These are still huge amounts to pay for weekly rent, but there are clear signs the mining sector is winding back with jobs and this impacts directly on the housing market in mining towns.

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David Airey is president of the <a href="https://reiwa.com.au/home/default.aspx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Real Estate Institute of Western Australia.</a> 
This article was originally published on <a href="https://reiwa.com.au/Faq/Pages/Feature.aspx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">reiwa.com</a>.
 
 
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Perth sales drop but first home buyers active at affordable end

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Initial analysis by the Real Estate Institute of Western Australia for the September quarter indicates that the declining trend in Perth’s median house price as reported over the past two months has continued.
Median price
Real-time sales data by REIWA members is showing a 2.8% fall in the metropolitan median with Perth now showing a median of around $508,000 for September, down from the revised June quarter median of $522,500.
The data is not surprising given strong first home buyer activity at the more affordable end of the market pulling down the median. However, with first home buyer activity starting to slow I expect the decline to turn around in the December quarter.
Sales turnover
We reported 2001 sales in the month of September and even though that figure is up by 13% on the same time last year, it’s a drop of 4% in sales since August.
The south-east part of metropolitan Perth is the only area with significant sales movement where more affordable homes in Gosnells and Armadale are attractive to buyers. Turnover jumped by 8 and 12% respectively.
We also saw a modest lift in turnover in the western suburbs, northern Joondalup and the north eastern part of Wanneroo, however, this was based on small sales volumes.
Areas with weaker sales turnover included the northwest area of Wanneroo (down 21%), Bassendean and Bayswater (down 19%), and the cities of Swan and Canning, both down 9%.
Listings
There were 8,693 properties listed in September, down by 6% on August and down 16% on last year.
Of the properties for sale 7,527 were dwellings and showed a drop of 5% on August, while 1,166 were blocks of land, down by 6% on August.
Rental market
REIWA data also show that the rental system is cooling with median rents dropping by around 1% as the metropolitan vacancy rate rests at a normal 3.1% of available properties.
We now have around 3,843 rental listings in the market place which is down by about 6% over the last three months but still well above the same time last year at 81%.
Within this context the median rent has dropped back to $470 per week, or around $475 for a house – down by $5 on the June quarter and $450 for a flat, unit, apartment or villa – down by $10. REIWA data is now highlighting the expected fall in rents anticipated in several sub-markets.
As REIWA has previously predicted, the rise in the vacancy rate is now seeing a softening in rents in a number of areas.
Rents coming down
Median rents have come down by $10 per week in Bayswater and Bassendean, $15 in Fremantle, $22 in Melville, $30 in the City of Perth, $25 in South Perth and Victoria Park, $20 in Vincent, $25 in the western suburbs, $23 in Mundaring, $20 in north-west Wanneroo, $10 through northeast and southern Wanneroo, $10 in Cockburn and also $10 in Rockingham.
Vacancy rates
Around 65% of vacant rental properties are broadly within a 10km radius of the CBD and that this central sub-region witnessed a decrease in listings during the September quarter.
However, some sub-markets such as Bassendean-Bayswater, Belmont and South Perth-Victoria Park saw increases in listings of between 5 and 16% for the quarter.
In the eastern part of the City of Stirling, places like Joondanna, Yokine and Tuart Hill saw an increase in listings of around 5%.
 
<hr>
 David Airey is president of the <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://reiwa.com.au/home/default.aspx">Real Estate Institute of Western Australia.</a> This article was originally published on <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://reiwa.com.au/Faq/Pages/Feature.aspx">reiwa.com</a>.
 
 
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Prices down, rents down; Perth's trend of decline continues: David Airey

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Two of the more common questions REIWA agents get asked in relation to the buying and selling process are: what happens when there are multiple offers on a property and what is the 48 hour clause?

Let’s look at these separately.

First, when a seller finds themselves in the envious position of having more than one offer on their property for sale, there is no right or wrong procedure in terms of how they might respond to that.

There is no law around this and it’s up to the seller in consultation with their agent as to how to move forward.

In this context it is important to remember that it is always a seller’s right to assume that any offer received from a buyer is their best offer.

If the seller has several offers to consider then they will probably ask the agent to inform the potential buyers that there are multiple offers and that the buyers subsequently have until a specified time to reconsider and then present their best offer.

Alternatively, the seller might decide only to negotiate with one of the offers. That may not necessarily be the highest price as the decision by the seller might also be based upon the least complicated offer. For example, a higher offer that relies on the sale of another property may not interest a buyer who is keen to sell quickly.

The ‘48 hour clause’, now more properly known as the ‘two business day condition’ is a separate issue that buyers might come across.

This clause is normally inserted when the buyer wants to make an offer that is conditional upon the sale of the buyer’s existing property, but the seller wants to continue marketing their property in the hope of receiving an unconditional offer on better terms.

This clause gives the seller the right to continue advertising their property and to negotiate with a possible second buyer.

The second offer might be for a lesser amount but may provide greater certainty for the seller.

If the seller receives an alternative offer that they wish to accept, then they must serve a notice upon the first buyer.

From receipt of that notice the initial buyer then has two business days to secure an alternative source of finance or obtain a contract for the sale of their existing property.

If the first buyer does not waive the condition of selling their own home by the termination of two business days then the contract comes to an end and they get their deposit back.

The seller is then able to enter into the other contract with the alternative buyer.

REIWA provides a standard ‘two business day’ clause for its members to use, however, buyers and sellers are strongly encouraged to fully understand its terms and conditions before agreeing to it.

 

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David Airey is president of the <a href="https://reiwa.com.au/home/default.aspx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Real Estate Institute of Western Australia.</a>This article was originally published on <a href="https://reiwa.com.au/Faq/Pages/Feature.aspx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">reiwa.com</a>.

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How do I deal with multiple offers and what is the 48 hour clause? David Airey

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If you are renting a residential property the landowner will require the tenants on the lease to pay a security bond which is usually the equivalent of four weeks’ rent.
The purpose behind the bond is to provide the land owner with the means to cover any losses that might be caused by the tenants, including damage to the premises or a failure to pay the rent.
The bond must be paid by the tenant to the property manager or landlord, who in turn is required to promptly lodge it with the bond administrator, which is a specific government-managed trust account. There are severe penalties for landlords or agencies which fail to comply with this.
When your tenancy comes to an end or is terminated, then the owner or their property manager will inspect the property to ensure it has been left in the same state and condition it was at the commencement of the lease.
Naturally, they must take reasonable wear and tear into consideration.
Sometimes there might be a disagreement between the departing tenant and the owner in terms of what exactly constitutes ‘fair wear and tear’, and where this happens may result in a disagreement as to how the bond money is disbursed.
If, after a final bond inspection it is revealed, for example, that the tenant has damaged a bench top or failed to properly clean the carpets, then the tenant may be given the opportunity to address this but the owner is under no obligation to grant further access to the property.
Alternatively, the tenant may acknowledge those issues and simply leave them to the owner to address and is happy to have the costs of making those things made good deducted from their bond.
Occasionally however, agreement cannot be reached over the manner in which the bond is disbursed and this results in a dispute.
In these situations the property condition report (PCR), which had its contents agreed to by both the owner and the tenant at the start of the lease, is relied upon to determine whether any damage was caused during the tenancy.
It’s possible that some damage may have occurred prior to the tenancy, but if this is not correctly noted in the PCR, then it’s impossible for the tenant to disprove responsibility.
In the end, the Magistrate’s Court will decide on the allocation of bond monies where there is unresolved dispute.
To avoid this situation, it’s always best for tenants to ensure the PCR is accurate at the commencement of their lease and return the property to the owner in the best possible condition at the end of the tenancy. This should ensure a full refund of the bond.

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David Airey is president of the <a href="https://reiwa.com.au/home/default.aspx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Real Estate Institute of Western Australia.</a> This article was originally published on <a href="https://reiwa.com.au/Faq/Pages/Feature.aspx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">reiwa.com</a>.
 
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How to get your bond money back: David Airey

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The delay in changes to the first-home owners grant (FHOG) is good news for many buyers.
Legislative changes to the distribution of the FHOG were anticipated to take effect last Sunday, however, the Western Australian parliament has not yet passed the necessary bill.
The state government announced changes to the FHOG in the August budget and was aiming for 15 September as the change-over date, but parliament has not yet fully processed this legislation so the change now looks like happening in October.
This is good news for the 70% of first-home buyers who preferred to purchase existing, older homes rather than building new.
Currently first-home buyers are eligible for a grant of $7,000 whether they buy an established home or build a new one. However, once the FHOG change takes effect the grant will drop to $3,000 for established homes and lift to $10,000 for new-builds.
The current delay in the change means that first-home buyers looking for an established property have a few more weeks to access the higher grant and, conversely, those who want to buy a block and build will be likely tohold back until the grant lifts to $10,000.

<hr>
David Airey is president of the <a href="https://reiwa.com.au/home/default.aspx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Real Estate Institute of Western Australia.</a> This article was originally published on <a href="https://reiwa.com.au/Faq/Pages/Feature.aspx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">reiwa.com</a>.
 
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Good news comes in the shape of delays to FHOG changes: David Airey

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Current investor activity in Perth’s residential sector is relatively weak. Despite interest rates being very low and rental yields being around 5%, investors still find the entry costs to Perth property significant.
Particularly against the backdrop of a relaxed vacancy rate and its potential to <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/perth-landlords-lower-rents-to-dissuade-potential-buyers/2013090264735?utm_source=po&amp;utm_medium=aida&amp;utm_campaign=news&amp;utm_source=Property+Observer+List&amp;utm_campaign=ae09f508a4-June_21_1_29_2013&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=0_a523fbfccb-ae09f508a4-" target="_blank">soften median rents in coming months</a>.
Investor activity in the market is important because around 80% of rental accommodation is provided by the private sector. Governments simply cannot provide rental accommodation for everyone who needs it, so incentives to investors flows through to more choice in accommodation for tenants.
Most investors purchase multi-residential stock such as flats, units, apartments and villas. Partly because these are more affordable than houses but also because, depending on location, they tend to be easier to rent and more sought after by tenants.
Around half of all multi-residential property is owned by investors.
Property investors can spend a lot of time researching a suitable purchase but this is only half the skill of successful real estate investment. The other important factor is keeping the property in good condition.
Understandably, there is a tendency to minimise ongoing expenditure and to maximize returns, but experienced investors know that spending money to keep a property in good condition results in better performance, including more conscientious tenants, above average rents and fewer vacancies.
Ultimately, a well maintained property is likely to attract a better resale price.
Unless you have plenty of spare time and are familiar with the legal processes involved in renting property, it pays to ensure your investment is looked after properly by appointing a licensed property manager. Around 60% of investment properties are professionally managed in WA.
Such properties are more likely to require less long term maintenance than those handled privately, simply because property managers conduct regular inspections and advise owners of any upkeep.
A good property manager will also advise owners of any up-coming major work identified during an inspection.
Having appointed a property manager you should conduct a thorough inspection of the property to determine any repair work.
If a rental property is in top condition when leased, it is much more likely that a tenant will keep it that way. It is important that owners set a high standard for the condition of their property at the start of the lease in order to maintain that standard from the tenants.
This is particularly relevant for investors who may have purchased older, possibly run-down properties.
For owners, it pays to spend money on quality locks, security screens, a fresh coat of paint, air-conditioning, floor coverings, window treatments, tap fittings, contemporary tiling and repairs to cupboards.
Better presented properties will attract more appreciative tenants and a better rental return.
 
<hr>
 David Airey is president of the <a href="https://reiwa.com.au/home/default.aspx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Real Estate Institute of Western Australia.</a>This article was originally published on <a href="https://reiwa.com.au/Faq/Pages/Feature.aspx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">reiwa.com</a>.
 
 
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Good property maintenance attracts better tenants and creates greater rental return: David Airey

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Around most of Western Australia the property market is stable with modest price growth, good turnover and low levels of listings.
Interest rates are low and most rental markets are turning in favour of tenants. Of course there are regional exceptions and all this can be a bit confusing to buyers and investors who might be trying to decide where and when is a good time and place to purchase?
In this situation you might like to turn to a buyer’s agent.
Just as you would expect a selling agent to represent your interests when selling, a buyer’s agent will act with the same level of professionalism in helping the buyer achieve their goals.
There are several characteristics that you should look for when selecting a buyers’ agent but the three key areas include communication, expertise and negotiation skills.
First up, a good buyers’ agent should be an excellent communicator. They should take the time to fully understand your needs and budget when selecting an investment or your next home and prepare a brief relative to these requirements.
This means that the buyers’ agent has a good working knowledge of your expectations and should be able to deliver. Conversely, if your expectations are unrealistic, a good buyers’ agent should be able to explain this effectively and politely to set you on the right path.
They should also possess the expertise and knowledge required to conduct specific research that may affect the purchase of the property and any other relevant items that are important to you the buyer. For example, development potential, re-zoning and major planning projects in the property’s locality that may impact on value over time.
If schools are important they should know which schools are available to your needs.
Demonstrated negotiation ability is extremely important. The buyers’ agent should be able to negotiate the deal on your behalf with the seller, including the contract and settlement terms, as well as ensuring you are paying a fair price for the purchase.
Buyers’ agents, as with any professional, will charge a fee for their service which may be fixed or a percentage of the purchase price of the property. In either case you should ensure this is discussed and agreed at the start of the process.
Remember, sales agents can offer great value and information when purchasing a property but of course they are engaged by the seller and are legally obliged to work in the sellers’ best interest.
Whereas a buyer’s agent is working for you, the buyer, and can save you lots of time while helping you get you the kind of property you really want. It’s a particularly handy service for busy people.
 
<hr>
 David Airey is president of the <a href="https://reiwa.com.au/home/default.aspx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Real Estate Institute of Western Australia.</a>This article was originally published on <a href="https://reiwa.com.au/Faq/Pages/Feature.aspx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">reiwa.com</a>.
 
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Buyer's agents are particularly beneficial for busy people: David Airey

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I welcome the decision by the state government to maintain the stamp duty exemption for first-home buyers but I am disappointed by changes to the First-Home Owners Grant (FHOG).
Maintaining the stamp duty exemption for first-home buyers is a huge saving to many people, but slanting the FHOG towards new construction and away from established dwellings will not produce the outcome the government is expecting.
The Treasurer adjusted the FHOG from $7,000 to $3,000 for the 70% of people who purchase an existing dwelling. New-builds will receive a boost of $3,000 to a grant of $10,000.
In defending the policy shift Premier Barnett said it would help stimulate construction and provide more homes.
That argument is not supported by any evidence from over east where other states have already gone down a similar path.
Building a new home is a lifestyle decision that around 30% of first-home buyers are attracted to. It is not a decision based on cost.
The policy shift in the application of FHOG is unlikely to have any impact on boosting construction.
More importantly, the building industry doesn’t need any stimulus and is currently flat-out meeting existing demand.
Data from the Office of State Revenue show that for the June quarter, first-home buyer applications for new-builds jumped by 36% on the March quarter.
Grant applications from first-home buyers increased from 1,522 in the March quarter to 2,075 in late July, reaching their highest level since September 2009.
However, the 12.5% increase in land tax for other owners is a kick in the shins for property investors who supply two thirds of rental stock in WA. It will suck an extra $73 million out of their pockets as a punishment for being an investor.
The budget’s projected land tax revenue in 2013-14 is $657 million and is projected to raise an extra $338 million over the forward estimates.
These owners already pay rates to local government for the provision of services yet get nothing from the state directly and subsidise government services which benefit the entire community.
It’s a great concern that the government remains so dependent on property taxes to run the state despite the enormous revenue earnings from resources.
 
<hr>
 David Airey is president of the <a href="https://reiwa.com.au/home/default.aspx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Real Estate Institute of Western Australia.</a>
 
This article was originally published on <a style="color: #006699;" title="REIWA - Real Estate Institute Western Australia" href="https://www.reiwa.com/">reiwa.com</a>.
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WA government's changes to the FHOG unlikely to provide any boost to construction: David Airey

Buyers considering a residence at boutique Gordon townhouse development <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/lume-gordon-43-47-dumaresq-street-gordon-nsw-2072">Lume</a>&nbsp;now have another reason to bring forward their decision.

For a limited time, purchasers of a residence at Lume will receive a BMW iX3 50 electric SUV, valued at more than $120,000, as part of their purchase. The offer is designed to add value for buyers while complementing the lifestyle envisioned for the architecturally designed Upper North Shore development.

Scott Timmins, Development Manager at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/winim">WINIM</a>, said the partnership was created to provide buyers with a compelling reason to act.

"In today's market, buyers need a compelling reason to act now, and the BMW partnership was designed to create that catalyst. We wanted to add genuine value for our future purchasers. Choosing the all-electric BMW iX3 50 also reflects the values behind LUME, forward-thinking design, innovation and a more sustainable way of living. It's a premium incentive that complements the lifestyle our buyers aspire to and rewards those who commit early."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7354 project_image_fid=374893]

Delivered by WINIM in partnership with Burtonwood Investment Partners, Lume comprises 14 architecturally designed two, three and four-bedroom townhomes created for families seeking the space of a freestanding house with the ease of modern, low-maintenance living.

The three-storey residences, designed by award-winning architecture practice <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>, have been tailored for families and multi-generational living, featuring private internal lifts, flexible lower-level spaces, generous open-plan living and entertaining areas, media rooms, and landscaped outdoor spaces with custom outdoor kitchens.&nbsp;

Inside, engineered oak flooring, bespoke dining joinery with integrated wine fridges and backlit bars, sculptural porcelain bathrooms, Parisi freestanding baths and Astra Walker tapware create interiors that balance functionality with refined finishes.

Each townhome has been designed to combine generous internal spaces with sustainability initiatives such as EV charging infrastructure, while <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/arcadia-landscape-architecture">Arcadia</a>'s landscaped communal areas, centred around a restored creek line and native planting, encourage residents to connect with nature and spend more time outdoors.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7354 project_image_fid=269527]

Rothelowman's Gary Tsui said the architecture was conceived to respond carefully to its Upper North Shore setting.

"Our vision was to create elegant, uplifting homes that draw on and positively contribute to the local character through meticulously considered design and an interaction with the surroundings."

The communal landscape has been designed as more than an open space between homes. Arcadia's Ben Newell and Kate Phillips said the adjoining reserve provided an opportunity to create a distinctive natural retreat for residents.

"Just as waterways carve their way through Ku-ring-gai's landscape, a raised boardwalk weaves through the reserve, connecting the homes to this tranquil oasis."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7354 project_image_fid=374892]

Located just 300 metres from <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/gordon-nsw-2072">Gordon</a> Village and Gordon railway station, Lume offers convenient access to Sydney's CBD while placing residents close to some of the North Shore's leading schools, including Ravenswood, Pymble Ladies' College and Knox Grammar. Lane Cove National Park, Gordon Golf Club and a range of cafés and restaurants further reinforce the family-focused lifestyle on offer, with the BMW iX3 50 complementing everything from local trips around Gordon to weekend drives and city commutes.

Construction is underway with completion expected in mid-2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=7354]

Joel Robinson

Boutique Gordon townhomes now come with a BMW iX3 50

Two apartments have sold for more than $10 million at EADE Byron Bay, setting some of the highest apartment prices ever achieved in the coastal town and underlining the growing appetite for luxury beachfront apartments in Australia's most popular coastal locations.

The $210 million project by Vitale Property Group has now secured more than $70 million in sales, led by residences that changed hands for $12.75 million and $11.75 million.

The record-breaking transactions reinforce the shift occurring in Byron Bay's premium property market, where affluent downsizers and lifestyle buyers are increasingly opting for high-end apartments over large beachfront homes.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/eade-byron-bay-29-shirley-street-byron-bay-nsw-2481">EADE Byron Bay</a> occupies a rare 6,000 sqm absolute beachfront site on the corner of Shirley and Milton Streets overlooking Main Beach and The Wreck surf break, just 350 metres from Byron Bay's town centre.

The 25-residence development is the first beachfront apartment project approved in Byron Bay in more than a decade and is currently under construction, with completion expected in May 2027.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145590 project_image_fid=359521]

The project has attracted a mix of local Byron Shire residents downsizing from larger homes, alongside interstate buyers from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane seeking a permanent coastal lifestyle without compromising on space.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hayball">Hayball</a> and with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/alexander-co">Alexander &amp; Co</a>, EADE comprises&nbsp;10 garden apartments ranging from 284 sqm to 622 sqm, nine with private pools, five full-floor apartments and 10 rooftop residences with private plunge pools, expansive outdoor entertaining areas and uninterrupted ocean views.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145590 project_image_fid=359527]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/vitale-property-group">Vitale Property Group</a> Managing Partner Chris Vitale said the project's combination of scale, location and limited future supply was driving buyer demand.

"There isn't another beachfront holding in Byron Bay of this size and position that could be developed again," Vitale said.

"Buyers are responding to the scarcity and the irreplaceability of a site of this calibre and to floorplans they can't find elsewhere in the market.

"We are seeing buyers place significant value on quality, space, design, resort-style amenities and the rarity of the location. The sales achieved to date demonstrate that discerning purchasers recognise the long-term significance of what is being created at EADE Byron Bay.

"Many are coming from larger homes in the Byron region, or from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, and are after the space, security and convenience, without the upkeep of a house."

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145590 project_image_fid=359523]

The Byron Bay project follows Vitale Property Group's delivery of the Mondrian Hotel and Private Residences at Burleigh Heads, with EADE continuing the developer's focus on luxury coastal developments.

Residents will have access to a resort-style swimming pool, gymnasium, sauna, cold plunge pool, concierge services and dedicated workspaces, while the project is targeting an 8-Star Green Star rating.

EADE Byron Bay is being exclusively marketed by Projx Australia in conjunction with WHITEFOX Projects.

WHITEFOX National Projects Director Phillip Rand said demand had been driven predominantly by owner-occupiers.

"We are seeing buyers at EADE place significant value on quality, space, design, resort-style amenities and the rarity of this location," Rand says.

"The sales achieved to date demonstrate that purchasers at this level recognise the long-term significance of what is being created at EADE Byron Bay."

Residences at EADE Byron Bay are currently priced between $4.75 million and $15.95 million.

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[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145590]

Vitale breaks Byron Bay records with EADE sales flurry 

When buying an apartment, most people compare the big-ticket items first. Floorplans. Kitchens. Balcony size. Natural light. The view.

But there's one everyday consideration that often doesn't come up until after moving in: how parcels are delivered.

As online shopping has become part of everyday life, parcel deliveries have shifted from an occasional event to a regular occurrence. Australians spent a record $82.6 billion shopping online in 2025, with almost one in every four retail dollars now spent digitally.

For apartment residents, that can present a challenge.

If nobody is home to accept a delivery, parcels may be redirected to a nearby Post Office, left in a building lobby or common area, or require building management to step in. In higher-density buildings, where dozens or even hundreds of residents may receive deliveries each day, parcel management has become an increasingly important part of everyday living.

That can create a range of frustrations. A missed delivery often means making time to collect a parcel elsewhere, while packages left unattended in foyers or mail areas can create clutter and increase the risk of theft. What seems like a minor inconvenience can quickly become a recurring issue for residents who shop online regularly.

It's one of those details that rarely features in a display suite but can have a noticeable impact once residents move in.

As a result, buyers are beginning to look beyond traditional apartment features and consider how a building supports day-to-day convenience, including whether there are secure options for receiving deliveries.

Australia Post's Parcel Lockers provide one solution.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CkF2oKmlACg?si=C50sDaoUUn2nuLmq" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Rather than having a parcel delivered directly to an apartment, eligible deliveries can be sent to a nominated Parcel Locker. Once the parcel arrives, residents receive a notification through the AusPost app or SMS and can collect it using a QR code or one-time PIN at a time that suits them.

The Parcel Locker network now includes more than 1,500 locations nationwide, with installations at Post Offices, shopping centres, transport hubs and an increasing number of residential developments. By providing a secure collection point, Parcel Lockers help reduce missed deliveries and avoid parcels being left unattended in common areas.

For developers, parcel infrastructure is becoming another way to improve the resident experience. Rather than relying on concierge staff or leaving parcels in communal spaces, secure collection points help streamline deliveries while preserving the presentation and functionality of shared areas.

For buyers, it's a reminder that the best apartment features aren't always the most obvious.

A generous floorplan or quality finishes might help narrow the shortlist, but the conveniences that simplify everyday life, whether that's EV charging, secure bike storage or reliable parcel delivery, often become the features residents appreciate most once they're living there.

The apartment feature many buyers don't think about, until their first missed delivery

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hg-developments">HG Developments</a> is doubling down on Maud Street in Newstead, filing plans for a new apartment tower just a few doors down from its under-construction Aire Newstead development.

Recently submitted to Brisbane City Council, the proposal is for an 18-storey building designed by bureau^proberts, which has drawn heavily on Brisbane's subtropical design principles while referencing the suburb's industrial heritage.

A total of 64 apartments are planned for the amalgamated 1,518 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/17-21-maud-street-newstead-qld-4006">17–21 Maud Street</a>, a short walk from the Brisbane River and Newstead Riverwalk.

<img alt="First look: HG Developments plans 18-storey subtropical apartment tower for Newstead" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a400c7fd-bd15-48f8-a63b-10ede92efe00" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Maud%20st%20bldg.png?VersionId=.0vPmjpbC7CNP7kqGWa6L7rGIwsNExaw" />

"The building is defined by a series of vaulted motifs that reinterpret the arches, colonnades and layered facades evident throughout Newstead's historic built fabric," the Urban Design Report states.

"Combined with recessed glazing and generous balconies, these elements create a layered building envelope that provides shade, weather protection and opportunities for natural ventilation whilst establishing a distinctive architectural identity."

The proposal comprises 64 two, three and four-bedroom apartments across 18 residential levels, positioning it alongside a growing number of taller residential projects transforming Newstead's northern precinct. The tower incorporates extensive subtropical landscaping, with cascading planter boxes, deep planting at street level and a landscaped rooftop recreation area.

<img alt="First look: HG Developments plans 18-storey subtropical apartment tower for Newstead" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1d8140f4-8b98-45cd-b1b8-1efe8c8e266b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Maud%20st%20podium.png?VersionId=VAZtbCoD44YCJ57N99fQCAKeSJx7ldZs" />

Bureau Proberts has prioritised passive environmental design throughout the project, with generous balconies, recessed glazing and operable façades helping reduce solar heat gain while maximising natural ventilation. River views become available from the upper levels, while the building has been orientated to capture prevailing breezes from both the Brisbane River and the west.

The architects say landscape is intended to be integral to the building rather than an applied element.

"Vertical greenery, cascading planter boxes and elevated gardens are woven throughout the architecture, softening the built form and strengthening the connection between residents and the subtropical environment."

"Through the integration of landscape, high-quality materials and passive design principles, the development delivers a refined residential address that celebrates Newstead's heritage character while contributing positively to Brisbane's evolving subtropical identity."

Newstead has remained one of Brisbane's most active apartment markets in recent years, with a number of developers continuing to back the inner-city suburb.

HG Developments is currently delivering the 40-apartment Aire Newstead at 25 Maud Street. Fortis recently launched the 65-apartment <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/crest-walker-newstead-12-kyabra-street-newstead-qld-4006">Crest &amp; Walker</a> on Kyabra Street, while builder-developer BPG and Don O'Rorke's Consolidated Properties are both expected to launch their respective Newstead projects before the end of the year.

HG Developments doubles down in Newstead with second Maud Street apartment development

Walk past a new apartment development promoting its sustainability credentials and it's easy to picture rooftop gardens, mature trees, landscaped courtyards and residents surrounded by nature.

But in many cases, that's not actually what those sustainability ratings guarantee.

Australia's leading environmental rating tools have played a significant role in improving the energy efficiency and environmental performance of buildings. Yet despite their focus on reducing emissions, many don't require developers to include trees, biodiversity or meaningful green space.

In other words, a building can achieve one of the country's highest sustainability ratings while containing little more than concrete, glass and hard landscaping.

That disconnect has led to the emergence of a new movement across Australia's property industry: nature-based cities.

The concept goes beyond designing buildings that consume less energy. Instead, it encourages developers to treat nature as essential infrastructure, integrating biodiversity, tree canopy, living landscapes and green spaces into projects from the earliest stages of planning.

Research has consistently linked access to nature with better physical and mental health, cooler neighbourhoods, improved biodiversity, stronger climate resilience and more connected communities. As Australia's cities continue to become denser, advocates say those outcomes should be considered just as important as energy efficiency.

Nature Based Cities (NBC) was established in 2022 to help accelerate that shift.

Founded by Hamton Executive Chairman Paul Hameister OAM, the not-for-profit was created after research highlighted a significant gap in Australia's sustainability framework. While existing environmental rating tools rewarded energy performance and emissions reductions, they placed little emphasis on the inclusion of living landscapes.

"We've always wanted to do more, and we know other developers who want to do more, but the ESD rating tools just aren't there," Hameister says.

"In Australia, you can have a five-green-star rated building that's concrete and glass with not a blade of grass.

"The focus is on reducing emissions, which is laudable, but there hasn't been enough attention paid to protecting and re-establishing nature. We need both for the health of the environment and for communities."

Since its launch, NBC has developed independent design guidelines and accreditation frameworks that encourage developers to prioritise ecology, biodiversity, tree canopy, walkability and living landscapes alongside traditional sustainability measures. The organisation first focused on medium and high-density residential developments before recently expanding into precinct-scale communities and masterplanned neighbourhoods.

Jan Talacko, founder of sustainability consultancy Ark Resources and a member of the Nature Based Cities Advisory Council, says the initiative addresses an area that has largely been overlooked by the property industry.

"Throughout my 25 years of working collaboratively with all stakeholders in the property sector, I've always favoured a pragmatic approach to sustainable design which encourages initiatives that not only meet environmental expectations but also improve amenity," Talacko says.

"Whilst we are making steady progress in relation to energy and carbon emissions from buildings, there has been much less emphasis on encouraging biodiversity and tackling the urban heat island effect.

"The Nature Based Cities initiative responds to a gap in the suite of tools currently used by the property development sector, which don't provide sufficient incentive, or recognition, for the integration of landscaping and greenery."

For apartment buyers, the shift is also changing the questions worth asking.

Rather than assuming a sustainable building will naturally include abundant green space, buyers are increasingly being encouraged to look beyond environmental ratings and ask what nature is actually being delivered. How much tree canopy will the development create? Has biodiversity been considered? Are landscaped spaces designed for people as well as appearance?

As Australia's cities continue to grow upwards and outwards, the next generation of sustainability may not simply be measured by lower emissions, but by how successfully developments bring nature back into everyday urban life.

David Airey

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