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A new report from the Productivity Commission into small businesses' engagement with regulators has been welcomed by the Housing Industry Association (HIA) who are claiming it will ultimately help to reduce building costs.
HIA chief executive industry policy and media, Graham Wolfe, said that with around 85% of the residential building industry being small businesses, they often do not have the capacity to manage excessive compliance or data collection burdens. 
"Red tape ultimately gets built into the cost of delivering a product or service, which in our case adds to the cost of building a home," said Wolfe.
Wolfe pointed to s<a target="_blank" href="/news">ome of the approaches in the report</a> to reduce the compliance burden on small businesses, including reference in the recommendations to regulators to take a more reasonable approach to the requirements for data and information collection.
"This is particularly current with the problem being faced by the housing industry of mandatory contractor payment reporting to the Australian Tax Office, which is an unnecessary demand on small business and a further example of business undertaking unpaid work for a government agency," he said.
"The incoming federal government has given a strong commitment to address the red tape burden on small business and we look forward to working with them to implement measures from this report where appropriate," concluded Mr Wolfe.
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Home building costs to drop due to red tape reduction

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While the Sydney market is heating up, investors and property owners looking to sell should not rest on their laurels, according to ke3 Property.
Speaking about the selling market, ke3 Property director Monique Eyles said that the old methods of putting a sign out of the front of a property and hoping someone will love it, has changed.
Now, styling is very much a part of the sales process.
Having recently launched their in-house styling service, which is pushing sales prices up by 10%, they said that it's more than just about pretty furniture.
“With our teams diverse backgrounds we understand the psychology and consumer behaviour of buyers. Vendors need to put their best foot forward when selling their property," said Eyles.
“In a busy, competitive market, selling the vision and very best version of the home is a necessity to ensure your property attracts the highest price possible," she said.
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Sell smart, even in a good market: ke3 Property

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While an improving property market may be making life easier for sellers, there's a significant financial benefit that occurs in choosing the right real estate agent, according to director of Consumer Affairs Victoria, Claire Noone.
Negotiating commissions, fees and marketing expenses are steps that many don't always necessarily undertake.
“Selecting the right agent, working with them to market your property and negotiating the commission and advertising expenses will save you money and help avoid problems,” Noone said.
With more than 10,000 licensed agents across Victoria, Noone recommended the following steps:
- Find those with local area knowledge
- Get several to appraise your property
- Do not just choose the agent because they've given you the highest estimated selling price
- Consider marketing plan, commission, advertising costs and other outgoings
- Do not sign a sales authority unless you're ready to engage the services of that agent - there is no cooling-off period after signing a sales authority
Over the 2012/2013 financial year, Consumer Affairs Victoria received 5,850 enquiries and 745 compaints about real estate agents.
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Choosing the right agent is crucial

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New legislation allowing residency visas to non-EU citizens investing half a million euros, or more, into Spanish real estate has now come into effect.
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
New Spanish Residency Law for non-EU Property Investors Comes Into Force <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23propertysearch&amp;src=hash" target="_blank">#propertysearch</a> <a href="https://t.co/aC0262pvZG" target="_blank">https://t.co/aC0262pvZG</a>
— Propertyshowrooms (@prop_search) <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://twitter.com/prop_search/statuses/387196404772655104" target="_blank">October 7, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
 
There's even <a href="https://www.propertyvisaspain.com/investor-visa/" target="_blank">a website for those hoping to get visas</a> on the back of this property investment visa law.
The visa, according to the website, provides residency in Spain, which can then become permanent after five years.
Another five years after this is then required for citizenship.
The purchases must be made before application for the visa. There is also no minimum stay requirement to renew the visa, nor a minimum stay means or necessity to be a tax resident. The residency visa is also granted to immediate family members.
Typically, tax and stamp duty adds to an additional 10% on the cost of the property, and is not included in the €500,000 (AU$720,000) bracket.
Originally, a €160,000 (AU$230,000) minimum was going to be considered before it was revised upwards.
Other struggling property markets around Europe have been known to introduce similar schemes. It will be interesting to watch the take up and how it affects the property market in Spain.
A number of properties adding up to €500,000 or more as a total in the portfolio can also be purchased.
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Invest €500,000 in Spanish property for "Golden Ticket" visa

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In the Sydney and Melbourne markets, a large amount of stock is selling prior to auction, according to Bradfield Clearly principal, Bob Guth.
Buyers feeling panicked about missing out in the market are making offers prior to auction, however Guth suggested that with two premium offers, it’s worth waiting until auction day.
“Properties selling prior auction is reaching ridiculous proportions due to a lack of stock in the market, especially in the inner-suburban areas of Sydney and Melbourne. There is an extremely high demand for properties closer to the CBD and social hubs, so naturally there is a lower supply,” he said.
“Agents are working very closely with potential buyers over the course of a property campaign, with buyers potentially coming on as a premium purchaser. Their interest becomes above the market, where they see a property being worth $900,000 for example, a valuer may assess its value as only $800,000.”
He noted that the true power is with the vendor, who may be tempted to sell prior to auction to ensure the sale occurs.
“Vendors are still encouraged to let the property go to auction if they have two or more interested parties at premium levels. This can drive the price up, potentially selling well above the market price.”
What would you do in this situation, sell or wait until the auction?
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“Ridiculous proportions” of properties selling before auction: BradfieldCleary

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A new report has found that a majority of Fly In Fly Out (FIFO) tenants rate their 'mining camp' or 'donga' accommodation fairly highly, with very few looking to move into private rentals.
The report, created by the University of Queensland, the Centre for Social Responsibility in Mining and the Minerals Industry Safety &amp; Health Centre, found 63% of respondents rating their current accommodation as 'good' or 'very good' with just 7% looking to move from camp accommodation to a town rental.
The majority of those surveyed, 91%, were located on-site in employer-provided accommodation. Another 6% were in employer-provided accommodation in other nearby towns, with a final 3% in 'other' accommodation.
Two-thirds of survey participants did argue that they would like a change in their accommodation, despite being largely happy with it. This saw 30% wanting to move to accommodation with better services and facilities and 25% wanting a room upgrade.
Standard facilities provided in the accommodation included air-conditioning, ensuite bathrooms, room cleaning, laundry facilities and a mess.
Private rooms with TV/video connections were highly valued, as well as sleeping quarters distanced from communal areas, as well as black-out curtains provided to minimise sleep disturbance. Hot-bedding was seen as the most adverse situation.
These results were used to note that there were a range of other reasons contributing to 44% of miners suggesting they intend to change jobs over the next 12 months. This included a desire for better pay, greater work-life balance and career advancement.
"While the characteristics of FIFO facilities vary considerably from camp to camp, depending on such factors as the nature and location of the operation, the age of the camp, and the requirements of the company or operator involved, thereis evidence of a move to more sophisticated design elements in modern FIFO accommodation," the report notes.
"Earlier temporary accommodation was basic, with the facility typically located on the mine lease or construction site. These camps were sometimes ‘closed’ facilities that were both physically and socially isolated from the nearest residential community. While such camps still operate, more recently, there have been significant changes in the design and location of FIFO worker accommodation, with a greater range of facilities on offer and, in some cases, efforts to incorporate modern FIFO villages into existing residential communities."
This changing face of the accommodation was put down to three factors: An interest in facilitating retention of workers, a better understanding of attitudes towards the FIFO lifestyle and a growing need for companies operating in the resources sector to address criticisms by local residents that traditional worker villages were detrimental to the area.
Within the survey, 286 FIFO workers currently employed in Australia's resource sector were questioned. The report also included a literature review. Of survey participants, 70% had a university degree, 58% were male, with the average age being 35, and three quarters having partners. 
Almost three quarters of respondents earned over $100,000 per annum, with 53% located in Western Australia.
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FIFO tenants largely happy with 'donga' accommodation

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The largest proportion of properties selling for a loss across the country were located on the Gold Coast, according to a new report, with 35.3% of June quarter resales selling for a loss.
RP Data's latest Pain &amp; Gain report found the Queensland Gold Coast market to have suffered the most when looking at the prices they transacted for, said research analyst Cameron Kusher. This shows that the difficulties of investors who bought in is still being felt, with a third also having reported a loss <a href="/news">back in March quarter results</a>.
Across the country, however, 12% recorded a loss. The majority of these were based in 'lifestyle' regions. The gross profit made by the remaining 88% of properties totaled $12.1 billion.
The strongest re-sale conditions were seen in the resource-driven and agricultural areas, including Queensland's Central West, Victoria's Barwon and Central Highlands regions, and Perth. These areas noted a loss of less than 6%.
Making a gross profit or loss, said Kusher, is actually largely based on time in the market.
"As a stark example, homes that were purchased prior to 1st January, 2007 (pre GFC) and were then sold during the June quarter of this particular year, only 7.2 per cent of resales made at a gross loss. However, for homes purchased on or after this date, the propensity to make a loss on the sale climbed substantially," he said.
"If you look at those properties which sold at a loss over the quarter they had an average hold period of just 5 years. This highlights the long-term nature of investment in residential property and that if you chase short-term profits you are likely to be more susceptible to losses," Kusher concluded.
The report for the June 2013 quarter, which looks at where profits and gains werem made around the country, looked at a total of 69,390 residential property re-sales. The loss is based on re-sale value compared to original purchase price.
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A third of Gold Coast resales at a loss over June quarter: RP Data 

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While saving up a deposit can often be a hard enough task for first property owners, there are a number of other considerations to also make, according to Smartline adviser, Miriam Castilla.
Castilla explained that first time buyers should be considering the impacts of home ownership before they are necessarily even 'ready to go'.
She points to the following as criteria first time buyers should be trying to fill.
· A reasonably strong and steady income. Aiming for approximately 20-25% gross per annum of the amount you’ll borrow (e.g. $60,000-$75,000 for someone looking to borrow $300,000). 
·	A permanent job or casual job with long-term history. 
·	Limited or no personal debts (personal loans, credit cards, hire purchases, etc). 
·	Clean credit history. 
·	Good savings – aim to save at least 5% of the purchase price. 
·	Additional funds to put towards the purchase. These extra funds can come from more savings, family gifts, windfalls, etc. Ideally aim to have a total of at least 12% of the purchase price so fees and charges are also covered.  Extra savings beyond that level will make things even easier.
If the last two steps are not ticked off, a family or security guarantee is likely to be needed. 
“It’s really not unreasonable to start having these discussions [about home ownership] a couple of years before you think you will actually be buying a property so you can, as much as possible, make yourself a ‘model’ first home buyer," said Castilla.
“While the above is a guide for a ‘perfect’ first home buyer, most people won’t be able to tick all these boxes, and that’s quite common".
There are 'work-arounds' for these points, and space to move, often depending on the lender and product that a new buyer looks at attaining.
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Hoops new home buyers need to jump through

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The length of time to pay off a mortgage and the ability to afford repayments are big concerns for many first homebuyers, with 48% citing that they are anxious over this length of time in a new Mortgage Choice survey.
This number was up from 44% in 2012, and similarly 47%, up from 46% last year, are concerned about not being able to afford repayments.
The 2013 Mortgage Choice Future First Homebuyer Survey saw that some respondents were happy to delay different aspects of their life for homeownership. For instance, 60% said they would be willing to miss a holiday, 24% said they are happy to delay having children, while 19.4% said they would move back in with parents.
"Making sure you get the right home loan for you and your needs is extremely important. A mortgage broker can do the leg work for you by thoroughly researching the market, helping you get the most suitable loan for your circumstances," said Mortgage Choice spokesperson, Jessica Darnbrough.
"The combination of historically low rates and competitive offerings from Australia's lenders is extremely appealing for anyone considering purchasing property in the near future. By looking at your purchasing options now, you may be able to get ahead of the speculative rising property prices, and secure a good deal."
The study surveyed more than 1,000 Australians.
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Almost 50% new buyers concerned about affording repayments: Mortgage Choice

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We're on the verge of a housing boom, according to the HSBC Bank, yet they also believe the bubble is not worth getting worried about too soon calling the price growth a "necessary evil".
With house prices having risen 9% since their May 2012 lows, and up 5.5% over the past year, it's clear that momentum is picking up.
In their recent Macro Australian Economics' Downunder digest, chief economist for HSBC, Paul Bloxham and economist, Adam Richardon, noted that growth has recently accelerated with prices up 3.7% in the third quarter of the year.
"Other indicators are consistent with continued solid growth in prices. Auction clearance rates - a timely indicator of housing market activity - are holding at levels that suggest a forthcoming housing price boom," the report notes.
This didn't come as a surprise to the report authors who, in Marcha and based on modelling, forecasted high single-digit growth over the year.
This was partly attributed to lower mortgage rates.
"A housing boom is largely a positive development. In fact, it is part of the RBA's plan to rebalance growth as the mining boom fades. At the same time it will present some challenges," they said.
Developers and households, they explained, are unlikely to build new houses unless prices are increasing.
"In this way, a housing price boom is a necessary "evil"," they said.
However, despite the group and current discussions, they do not believe we are heading towards a housing bubble. 
"The starting point is also not as worrisome as some think: prices are high, but not unusually high when compared with similar countries. As we have said many times before, Australia does not currently have a housing bubble."
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Housing boom is a necessary evil: HSBC

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.

&nbsp;

Located at 7-9 Sixth Avenue, the $67 million development has resonated strongly with both local owner-occupiers and downsizers seeking high-quality apartments within walking distance of the beach, dining precincts and everyday amenities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357458]

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."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357463]

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357469]

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>.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151449]

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=368645]

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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Jennifer Duke

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