The national housing market is starting to show signs of a peak, according to the SQM Housing Boom and Bust Report 2022.

But 2022 should see a turnaround in the unit rental markets and unit price growth could outperform that of houses.&nbsp;

&quot;With houses being overvalued, apartments are relatively affordable and are expected to be in greater demand from an expected rise in net migration from interstate and overseas with Australia&rsquo;s border now open,&quot; Louis Christopher, managing director of SQM Research said.

&ldquo;As 2021 draws to a close, the national housing market is starting to show signs of a peak.&nbsp;

&quot;Auction clearance rates have fallen from their highs amid record listings.&nbsp;

&quot;However, we may also be recording some seasonality and pent-up selling after vendors held off listings during the lockdown.&nbsp;

&quot;Nevertheless, we expect the market to peak in 2022, with further expected intervention by APRA, which could come as early as next month, halting the price momentum.&quot;

SQM Research&rsquo;s base case forecast is for property prices to rapidly slow from the current annual 20%-plus growth rates.&nbsp;

The research house expects a slower rate of price rises over the first quarter of 2022, followed by price falls as early as mid-2022.&nbsp;

The price falls will be led by Sydney and Melbourne houses, given a significant overvaluation.&nbsp;

&quot;These cities are the most are sensitive to even minor intervention by the banking regulator, the Australian Prudential Regulatory Authority (APRA) in home lending,&quot; SQM boss Louis Christopher said.

SQM Research forecasts Brisbane will record the largest dwelling price rises over 2022, with prices predicted to rise between 8% to 14%, with prices supported by expected strong interstate migration flows given relatively good housing affordability compared to Sydney and Melbourne.&nbsp;

&quot;This gain will nevertheless represent a slowdown compared to 2021 increases,&quot; he said.

&ldquo;If the Australian housing market does not slowdown by mid-2022, APRA will likely keep intervening in home lending until the market does slowdown.&nbsp;

&quot;We cannot afford another year of 20%-plus gains across the national housing market.&nbsp;

&quot;And so, to ensure a soft landing for the market, it is best we see additional intervention sooner rather than later to reign in property valuations.&rdquo;

SQM Research’s base case forecast is for property prices to rapidly slow from the current annual 20%-plus growth rates

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Apartment price growth could outperform house price growth in 2022: SQM

As we near the end of 2021, Urban reached out to glean some insights on the apartment market and what's in store over the next couple of years from Meriton's perspective.

We asked a few questions of James Sialepis, Meriton's director of residential sales, has been with the apartment developer for more than two decades. 
&nbsp; 
JC: How have you viewed the performance of the o​ff t​he plan market in 2021, and what are the strongest positive and negative factors that will influence outcomes in 2022 and 2023?

JS: The of​f the plan market has performed reasonably well throughout 2021 underpinned by a lack of supply, returning investors and owners looking to combine apartments.&nbsp;

The local investor market which traditionally prefers “Brand new” off the plan apartments (due to the higher depreciation benefits compared to second hand) has improved recently as rents continue to rebound and vacancy rates recover to pre-pandemic levels but overseas buyers continue to fall, which now contribute a very small % of total sales.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8590 project_image_fid=71712]

The recent announcement by the Federal Government to open international borders to eligible visa holders allowing migrant and students into the country should see continued demand grow for both sales and leasing. 
&nbsp; 
JC: What trend has prompted your greatest enthusiasm for the apartment market? And what is the issue of most concern to you and or your buyers?&nbsp;

JS: Purchasers are definitely more attracted to mixed-use developments which include retail precincts, childcare centres and leisure facilities amongst residential.&nbsp;

More owner occupier demand from growing families is definitely exciting for Meriton.&nbsp;Our aim has always been to offer an experience to residents that is attractive, convenient and unique.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5873 project_image_fid=72323]

Families are attracted to a low level of maintenance and to the amenities within each of the developments such as parklands BBQ areas and playgrounds.&nbsp;

Enquiry and sales for three and four bedroom apartments has increased YOY and we expect this trend to continue. 
&nbsp; 
Rising interest rates or further macro prudential measures could dampen enthusiasm very quickly.&nbsp;

In early 2019, through some heavy hitting macro prudential measures, lenders were forced to curb their lending practices which restricted the flow of finance into housing.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7588 project_image_fid=72298]

Similar measures will have the same impact, but this time they could be coupled with rising interest rates which would be more dangerous. 
&nbsp; 
JC: Has urbanisation stalled amid the rush to the regions and what will it look like over the decade ahead?&nbsp;

JS: COVID posed many questions and the extended lockdowns were an opportunity for many to reassess their housing needs.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7974 project_image_fid=72339]

For some it was whether or not they should stay in Sydney or move into the regions but for many it was just a slight readjustment.&nbsp;

The readjustment included demand for apartments with study areas, extra space for a growing family and the need for better amenity within a development.

James Sialepis, Meriton's director of residential sales, has been with the apartment developer for more than two decades

Mixed-use development demand shows uptick in 2021: Five minutes with James Sialepis, Meriton's director of residential sales

ME&rsquo;s list of the top 20 places to invest is dominated by apartment and townhouse-focused buying in capital cities across the country.

The new research from ME Bank suggests landlords are best off investing in suburbs with new or upgraded transport links - with Woolloongabba topping the list.

Analysis of the best places to invest found NSW dominated the top 20 rankings, claiming nine spots, followed by Victoria and WA, with three suburbs each and Queensland with two.

Woolloongabba is located in Brisbane&rsquo;s thriving inner east.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107345 project_image_fid=172023]

Woolloongabba is serviced by two train stations and the new Cross City Rail Project will provide a new line running directly under the suburb.

The report noted an exciting atmosphere in Logan Street.

Australia&rsquo;s top 20 best places to invest are:

1 Woolloongabba QLD Apartment 
2 Burleigh Heads QLD Apartment&nbsp; 
3 Five Dock NSW House 
4 North Melbourne VIC Apartment&nbsp; 
5 Rozelle NSW Townhouse 
6 Ellenbrook WA House&nbsp; 
7 Parramatta NSW Apartment 
8 Crows Nest NSW Apartment 
9 Preston VIC House 
10 South Melbourne VIC Apartment&nbsp; 
11 Yanchep WA House 
12 Waterloo NSW Apartment 
13 Coffs Harbour NSW House 
14 North Sydney NSW Apartment 
15 Pyrmont NSW Apartment&nbsp; 
16 Claremont WA House&nbsp; 
17 Mermaid Beach QLD Apartment&nbsp; 
18 Miami QLD Apartment 
19 Concord NSW House 
20 Fairfield QLD House

ME commissioned the new research from Ethos Urban, a national planning and urban economics consultancy, using qualitative and quantitative criteria.

The best investment prospect factors included how new transport infrastructure would re-shape the investment landscape across the range of suburbs; average rental yields; recent population growth; median prices; and average rental prices together with lifestyle appeal measurables such as the availability of coffee shops and cafes. &nbsp;

New South Wales&#39;s nine spots included Five Dock (#3), Rozelle (#5), Parramatta (#7) and Crows Nest (#8).

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108800 project_image_fid=179486] 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
&ldquo;Key transport infrastructure projects like the Sydney Metro South West Project will enhance connectivity to the CBD from areas including North Sydney and Crows Nest, bolstering the already well-established apartment market and coffee scene,&rdquo; the report said. 
&nbsp; 
&ldquo;Five Dock, Rozelle, Parramatta, Pyrmont (#15) and Concord (#19) will significantly benefit from the high-speed, high-frequency metro line connecting them to the Sydney CBD.

Victoria claims three spots in the top 10 with North Melbourne boasting fourth position as the North Melbourne underground will connect with Melbourne Central, Melbourne University and Flinders Street, while incorporating in the Arden Street Precinct Structure Plan.

Preston (#9) just pipped South Melbourne (#10) with its connectivity to Albert Park, good investment returns and capital growth, and lively coffee culture.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5502 project_image_fid=155342]

There were three Gold Coast suburbs on the list including Burleigh Heads (#2), Mermaid Beach (#17) and Miami (#18).&rdquo;&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=99968 project_image_fid=159158]

WA secured three top 20 spots including the new growth area of Ellenbrook (#6), with its wineries and masterplan estate, then Yanchep (#11) and Claremont (#16) in Perth&rsquo;s leafy western suburbs which will benefit from the Claremont station upgrade, &quot;making it for a perfect residential apartment investment opportunity,&rdquo; the report noted. &nbsp;&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=93813 project_image_fid=178502]

New research from ME Bank suggests investing in suburbs with new or upgraded transport links

Woolloongabba apartment precinct pinpointed as Australia’s best investment spot: ME Bank

Stockland has put the first Green Star home to be certified by the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) on the market at Stockland Waterlea.

It is in the masterplanned community in Rowville in south-east Melbourne. 
&nbsp; 
Launched by the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) in August 2021, Green Star Homes is a new national standard to certify homes that meet healthy, resilient and climate positive criteria.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=21554 project_image_fid=61153]

Green Star Homes are designed to be highly energy efficient and powered by renewables. 
&nbsp; 
The Green Star Home, which will be finished around mid-2022, is a contemporary, architect-designed double-storey townhome. 
&nbsp; 
Ben Cantwell, National General Manager, Development Communities &ndash; Built Form, said it is fitting that the first &lsquo;Designed As&rsquo; Green Star certified home is at Stockland Waterlea, as it is one of the most sustainable residential developments in Australia having achieved a 6 Star Green Star Community rating in 2017.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=21554 project_image_fid=61165] 
&nbsp; 
&ldquo;Designed to achieve a 8.2 Star NatHERS rating, the all-electric Green Star Home will take this a step further, maintaining comfortable temperatures year round with even less reliance on heating and air conditioning to dramatically reduce the residents&rsquo; cost of living and environmental footprint,&rdquo; said Mr Cantwell. 
&nbsp; 
Many of the Green Star Home&rsquo;s innovations will be highly visible, like the uPVC double-glazed windows, which will insulate the home by keeping air tightly sealed within the household system.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=21554 project_image_fid=61154]

Other built-in innovations include the slab-edge insulation, a rigid foam insulation surrounding the home&rsquo;s concrete slab which prevents both heat loss and internal condensation that could lead to mould. The home is also designed to be draught-proof, while a Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV) system will provide the house with filtered air. 
&nbsp; 
Stockland will assess the house&rsquo;s performance for two years.

Many of the Green Star Home’s innovations will be highly visible, like the uPVC double-glazed windows

Stockland's greenest townhouses set for Waterlea masterplanned community in Rowville

The CommBank has forecast home price growth will moderate during the first half of 2022, peaking in late 2022 at around 7% higher than at the end of 2021.

Then in 2023 CBA predicts an &quot;orderly correction&quot; of about 10% which will come as CBA economists expect the Reserve Bank of Australia to normalise the cash rate to 1.25% by the third quarter of 2023 from from its current record low of 0.1%.

&quot;The Australian housing market is in the twilight of an incredible boom that has been fuelled by record low mortgage rates,&quot; said Gareth Aird, CBA&#39;s head of Australian economics.

&quot;The phenomenal lift in prices is not over yet given dwelling prices are still rising briskly in most capital cities.

&quot;But near term indicators of momentum coupled with the recent move higher in fixed rate mortgages suggest that conditions will moderate from here.

&quot;Interest rates become a headwind on property prices if they are rising. That is the place we believe we are moving towards over the next two years given our expectation for the RBA to commence normalising the cash rate in late 2022.&quot;

The price growth moderation and fall will follow huge price growth in 2021 with the bank suggesting home prices in Sydney will post a 27% jump and Melbourne a 17% rise in property prices in 2021.

Nationally house prices this year will rise 25%, compared with a 14% for apartments, CBA predicted.&nbsp;

But in 2023 apartment prices are forecast to decline 7%, less than the expected 10% drop in house prices, it forecast.

Around half of new lending was at fixed rates in October, recent data advised.&nbsp;

The 10% fall forecast by CBA is higher than ANZ&#39;s recent prediction of a 4% drop.

The Australian housing market is in the twilight said Gareth Aird, CBA's head of Australian economics

2022 to see slower price growth before 2023 housing price fall: CBA

A quarter of Australians have considered buying property with a ‘non-traditional’ partner including parents, siblings or friends, according to research from CommBank.

Affordability was the main driver, followed by the hope of buying a bigger/better property and spreading the financial risk if anything went wrong.

Commonwealth Bank’s Executive general manager of home buying Dr Michael Baumann said while rising house prices build wealth for incumbent owners, they also pose affordability challenges to first homebuyers looking to enter the market, and those looking to sell and upgrade. 

One in 10 respondents in the survey didn’t know it was possible, Baumann noted.

The data found that while price is the biggest barrier to entry for potential property buyers, it is also the biggest incentive – with over 60 per cent saying they are worried about being priced out of the market.

"Australians also feel pressure from friends and family, with 44 per cent of those property buyers who admitted to feeling pressure saying that the push comes from friends/colleagues who have already bought and parents/family who want them to buy," he said.

Pressure to buy combined with rising property prices has resulted in more than one third of Australians (37 per cent) to consider moving interstate/to a regional town to buy property in search of more affordable options that require less compromise on proximity to work or size of property.

CommBank has a Property Share borrowing option where co-owning borrowers guarantee each other’s home loan as security. 

Baumann said it was an innovative lending solution that help more get on to the property ladder.

“Property Share is a little known feature among customers but with growing challenges around housing affordability, it may be appealing to customers who are looking for new ways to be able to afford a property given the current market conditions.

"Property Share is another way we are helping customers who are struggling to save for a deposit by enabling them to split the cost of buying a house with friends or family while keeping their finances, ownership and repayments separate.

"Property Share gives borrowers the ability to support one another into the same property while providing confidence and protection of separate financial obligations."

Borrowers must guarantee each other’s home loan as security

CommBank puts co-owning on the home borrowers' agenda

Buxton Projects has purchased a park-front Malver​n East site for $10.5 million.

The 3987 sqm site at 50 Sycamore Street will likely become a townhouse project.

It was sold by Colliers agents Hamish Burgess and Joe Kairouz after offers closed in mid-October.

Set close to Waverley Oval, it was described as an &quot;unrepeatable and scarce development proposition in a quality inner eastern location.&quot;

Another site is currently for sale with approved plans and permits for seven 2-bedroom apartments and two contemporary 3-bed townhouses designed by Cactus Architects.

The 867 sqm site at 74 Chadstone Road, Malvern East is for sale through Thomson Malvern with a $2.5m to $2.7 m price guide.

Developers often face competition from local schools for sites.

In 2017 the site at 385-387 Wattletree Road, Malvern East was sold for $12,650,000 to Caulfield Grammar.

The 2230sqm site opposite Central Park, delivered the two vendors a $5650 a square metre windfall.

The site sits within the popular Stonnington municipality

Buxton Projects secures Malvern East townhouse site 

Byron Bay&rsquo;s sustainable master-planned community Harvest, by Tower Holdings, will be the biggest house and land release in Byron in decades.&nbsp;

It will feature 149 energy-efficient homes set on a 150 acre property.

Every home will include water tanks, solar panels, electric vehicle chargers and Tesla home batteries. 
&nbsp; 
Existing bushland within site will be retained and enhanced through rehabilitation works.&nbsp;

The site plan will also conserve 38.4 hectares of existing vegetation, including 2.9 ha of existing frog habitat, to preserve endangered species of Wallum Froglet and Wallum Sedge-Frog.&nbsp;

<img alt="" height="600" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/byron_bay_townhouses.jpg" width="1200" />

The community will have a strict &lsquo;no dogs and cats as pets&rsquo; rule to further protect native wildlife.

Terry Agnew&rsquo;s Tower Holdings paid $7m for the then-farming zoned parcel in 2014 with his then partner Villaworld hoping for a 300-lot estate.
 
&nbsp; 
Two of Australia&rsquo;s leading building companies, Metricon and Brighton Homes, have designed Harvest&rsquo;s homes on the site off Ewingsdale Road.

Knight Frank agent Adam Ross will be heading the sales in conjunction with Byron Bay First National&rsquo;s Chris Hanley and Su Reynolds who marketing the initial batch of homes, expected to sell for over $3 million each. There will be a 10 lot auction on December 18.

The last big estate launch was in 2015 when the late John &#39;Strop&#39; Cornell sold his 40 plus Fig Tree Fields, Ewingsdale building blocks, with buyers then designed their own homes.

Metricon and Brighton Homes have designed Harvest’s homes

Harvest, Byron Bay to have 149 energy-efficient houses

First-time buyers in NSW are overwhelmingly looking to buy a home rather than an investment property, according to exclusive research by InfoTrack.
 
The latest InfoTrack Property Market Update revealed 84 per cent of first-home buyers in NSW purchased as owner occupiers.

Some 47 per cent sought a house and 37 percent went for a strata property.

Another 15 per cent were buying vacant land with the plan of becoming an owner occupier.
 
The data also showed that the majority of first-home buyers said they would consider paying an average of $600,000 to $700,000 for a home – the top of the threshold to avoid expensive stamp duty fees in NSW.
 
“This strategy tells me these buyers are savvy and want to make the most of every exemption available to them. While it does limit property choices, it ultimately drives first-home buyer behaviour and lightens the load at settlement time when the costs come together,” according to InfoTrack CEO John Ahern.

Ahern noted throughout 2021 that first-home buyer activity has been in decline after peaking in March. 

Mr Ahern said despite this decrease, those getting into the market know just what they want.

“Buying a first home in a location based on affordability seems to be step one towards owning a property in a more desirable location. 

"Given the recent hike in property prices, securing a first home can really set buyers up with healthy capital gains in a relatively short timeframe. 

"It’s also a sensible move that offers them an opportunity to think about what their second property purchase might look like,” he said.

Over the past 12 months, a majority of first-home buyers in NSW (55 per cent) made their property purchase alone, or only listed one name on the title. 

“What I see when I look at this data is that property ownership is an attractive investment strategy regardless of whether you purchase independently, or jointly with others. It also indicates that there are more individuals with higher disposable incomes who can afford to buy their first home self-sufficiently,” Mr Ahern said.



The data showed that the majority of NSW first-home buyers said they would consider paying between $600,000 to $700,000 for a home 

NSW first time buyers prefer owner occupying rather than investment

Melbourne&#39;s top apartment sale in the past week was an off m​arket deal in the Eastbourne complex in East Melbourne.

The 1104/296 Victoria Parade apartment fetched $2,337,500.

It sold through Caine Real Estate agents Peter Hannon and Toby Campbell.

The 138 sqm apartment in the Mirvac project designed by architects, Bates Smart first sold off the plan in 2017 at $1,905,000.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1003 project_image_fid=15327]

The marketing of the parkside block commenced in 2016 ahead of its 2019 completion.

It boast hotel-style amenities such as a 24-hour concierge, pool, spa, gym, yoga-pilates room, private lounge, wine cellar, dining room, theatre room and business centre.

Melbourne&#39;s second highest advised sale was a twonhouse at 30a Park Crescent, Caulfield North which fetched $2,310,000.

The third priciest was a townhouse at 6 Mills Street, Albert Park.&nbsp;

The off market sale was apartment 1104 in the Eastbourne complex

$2.3 million Mirvac-built Eastbourne resale tops Melbourne's weekly apartment sales list

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."

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Developers are already positioning themselves ahead of that window.

Following the success of Monarch at Toowong, Consolidated Properties is preparing to launch two new Brisbane apartment projects in the second half of 2026. They include <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/gloriette-30-bedivere-street-yeerongpilly-qld-4105">Gloriette</a> at Yeerongpilly Green, a 25-storey tower within one of Brisbane's key Olympic precincts, and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/castile-47-skyring-terrace-newstead-qld-4006">Castile</a>, a recently approved 25-storey riverfront development at 47 Skyring Terrace in Newstead.

Hutchinson Builders will deliver both projects, with early works already underway at Yeerongpilly and Newstead expected to commence later this year.

The timing comes as Brisbane's fundamentals continue to strengthen, with strong interstate migration, population growth and vacancy rates remaining below 1.5 per cent.

Colliers Queensland researcher Pragya Sharma said Greater Brisbane is forecast to require around 40,000 new apartments between 2021 and 2031.

"There's a real mismatch emerging between when housing is needed and when it will be feasible to build," Sharma said.

"As a result, the period leading up to 2027 presents a key window of opportunity for developers to secure approvals, funding and construction capacity, while buyers will have greater choice before supply constraints intensify."

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

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

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

Urban Property Group's <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/la-vera-macquarie-park-94-talavera-road-macquarie-park-nsw-2113">La Vera</a> is leading the next phase of Macquarie Park's residential evolution, with the new apartment development set to become the first of several new apartment projects in the precinct to complete.

The 169-apartment building has now topped out ahead of its scheduled completion in the third quarter of 2026, as new residential investment continues to reshape one of Sydney's largest employment hubs into a true mixed-use precinct.

[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."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=358802]

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=364551]

<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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Jonathan Chancellor

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