Satterley has added to its Melbourne house and land development pipeline with a permit-ready Tarneit site with sales underway.

The 45.9 hectare new masterplanned community was bought from New Sky Group in March.

Stage one has already been sold when marketed as Bluestone with stage two lots currently being offered ranging from 212sqm to 512sqm.

Stage four pricing has been advised such as lot 418 Equestrian Street, a 448sqm holding with 14m frontage and 32m depth price at $407,000.

The 800 Derrimut Road holding cost $54,688,888.

&nbsp;With more than 40 years of experience, Satterley is Australia&rsquo;s largest private residential developer.

New Sky had paid $33m in 2016 before obtaining a permit for a 417-lot subdivision.

New Sky sold another 38 hectare Tarneit holding for $50 million to Stockland.

New Sky Group sold the 45.9 hectare holding 24kms from the Melbourne CBD

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Satterley buys permit-ready Tarneit house and land estate site

The Family Home Guarantee, helping single parents purchase a property with as little as a 2 per cent deposit, has been accessed by 1236 buyers since the scheme began on July 1.

The Family Home Guarantee can be used to build a new home or buy an existing home with a deposit of as little as 2% without having to pay Lenders Mortgage Insurance. 

Eligible residential properties include:
• an existing house, townhouse or apartment
• a house and land package
• land and a separate contract to build a home
• an off-the-plan apartment or townhouse.

Housing Minister Michael Sukkar said initial applications push had exceeded Treasury forecasts.

Some 84 per cent “were single mums looking to provide the security of homeownership for their children,” Sukkar said.

“The number of new homeowners is particularly encouraging among single parents, given the challenges of saving a deposit while on a single income and raising children,” Mr Sukkar said.

The Family Home Guarantee was announced in the May budget.

It is available to single parents with at least one dependent child who earned $125,000 or less last financial year.

From 1 July 2021, 10,000 Family Home Guarantees will be available to eligible single parents with dependants.

Both first home buyers and previous home owners can apply, but not investors.

The scheme, set to run until June 30, 2025, has capital city and regional price thresholds.

Loans under the Family Home Guarantee require scheduled repayments of the principal and interest of the loan for the full period of the agreement. The loan agreement must have a term of no more than 30 years.

The Family Home Guarantee program, administered by the National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation (NHFIC) on behalf of the Australian Government, guarantees to a participating lender up to 18 per cent of the value of the property.

Sukkar says this will enable single parents with dependants to enter, or re-enter, the housing market sooner.

From 1 July 2021, 10,000 Family Home Guarantees are available to eligible single parents with dependants

Strong first home uptake from single mums for low deposit government scheme

The penthouse in Nautique, a $300m six-level redevelopment of the Vibe Hotel, Rushcutters Bay comes with $10 million hopes.

Strong off-th​e-plan sales saw close to half of the 123 apartments — totalling $140 million plus — find buyers on its Saturday launch in the six-level redevelopment of the Vibe Hotel.

The developer is JDH Capital, who recently marketed the Sirius project in The Rocks.

Constructions starts in December with completion expected by mid-2023.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108896 project_image_fid=180669]

PTW Architects have undertaken the Nautique design with landscaping by 360 Degrees.

The builder will be Richard Crookes Construction.

Ben Stewart of CBRE is marketing the 100 Bayswater Rd project.

Its one-bedders are priced from $1.1 million; two-bedders from $1.7 million; and three-bedders from $5 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108896 project_image_fid=180669]

The 230sqm penthouse is priced at $10 million plus.

There will be a communal rooftop pool, which faces north overlooking the Rushcutters Bay park and harbour.

Vibe Hotel Rushcutters Bay sold for about $125 million in June.

It had been previously traded at $42.75 million in 2003 when bought by a partnership between Alan Vidor's Toga Group and Greg Shand's Barana Group.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=108896]

The project faces north overlooking the park and harbour

$10 million penthouse offering in Rushcutters Bay apartment development, Nautique

The banking regulator has announced tougher serviceability tests for home loans in a move they described as "targeted and judicious."

From the end of October, banks will have to test whether new borrowers can still afford their mortgage repayments if home loan interest rates rose to be 3 percentage points above their current rate.

The current serviceability test is 2.5 per cent.

APRA advised a 50 basis points increase in the serviceability buffer will reduce maximum borrowing capacity for the typical borrower by around 5 per cent. 

"APRA is not seeking to target the level of housing prices," it advised.

"Rather, APRA’s objective is to ensure that mortgage lending is conducted on a prudent basis, and that borrowers are well-equipped to service their debts under a range of scenarios."

APRA chairman Wayne Byres said the move was intended to head off emerging risks noting "growing financial stability risks from residential mortgage lending."

“While the banking system is well capitalised and lending standards overall have held up, increases in the share of heavily indebted borrowers, and leverage in the household sector more broadly, mean that medium-term risks to financial stability are building," Byres noted.

“More than one in five new loans approved in the June quarter were at more than six times the borrowers’ income,” Mr Byres said.

APRA said the rule change was necessary because there had been a significant increase in people borrowing large amounts.

“Housing credit growth is increasingly being driven by lending to more marginal and highly indebted borrowers," it said.

“In the June quarter 2021, for example, more than 20 per cent of ADIs’ new lending was to borrowers that had borrowed more than six times their pre-tax income.

“This is high by both historical and international standards, and without action, the share is likely to increase further."

APRA expects the impact of a higher serviceability buffer to be larger on investors than owner-occupiers as investors tend to borrow at higher levels of leverage.

It noted the interest rate serviceability buffer was the most appropriate tool to use. 

"It acts as a cap on leverage, is relatively easy to implement, and will not have any impact on mortgage interest rates. 

"APRA chose not to use an interest rate floor as a means of achieving a similar effect.

"It would also be relatively easy to implement and would not impact mortgage pricing, but would be more restrictive on owner-occupiers and have a lesser impact on investors.

"A limit on the extent of high debt-to-income borrowing would precisely target more highly indebted borrowers. 

"Compared to raising the interest rate buffer, however, limits would be more operationally complex to deploy consistently, and may lead to higher interest rates for some borrowers as lenders effectively seek to ration credit to this cohort.

"On balance, it was considered raising the interest rate buffer was the preferred response on this occasion.

"It does not rule out that the other measures might be used in the future.," APRA advised.

The increase in the interest rate buffer applies to all new borrowers, with APRA saying the impact investors more than owner-occupiers

APRA tightens home lending rules

Demand for building block land in all Melbourne's catchment areas remains strong, according to Red23's managing director, Terry Portelli,

Land availability is anticipated to slow with limited land releases expected for the remainder of 2021, the Red23 report noted.

The median land price increased by 1% in August to $332,400 and by 4% on 12 months ago, according to the residential project sales and marketing company's monthly update. 

The big price movements came in with Whittlesea and Melton while Casey’s median land price has fluctuated up and down over the last 3 months due to stock availability.

"As prices continue to increase in the established and new homes market, affordability has again become an issue. 

"Presently, we are experiencing an increase in investors as they are encouraged by rising prices and the prospect of capital gains, while owner occupiers are responding to deteriorating affordability. 

"Deteriorating affordability in the middle ring areas will see many families move further out to greenfield and regional areas or accept living in a smaller townhouse or apartment. 

"For the moment, detached houses are preferred over medium density living due to the pandemic, however, this trend may soon come to an end."

The reported noted land sizes have decreased by 3% in Metropolitan Melbourne and 17% in Greater Geelong in the last 24 months as prices increase. 

The Metropolitan Melbourne median land size is currently 388sqm and 400sqm in Greater Geelong. 

"A traditional 400sqm land size has been superseded by a 350sqm lot," the October market report by the greenfield land sales specialist noted.

Blocks which are 350sqm are most affordable in Mitchell Shire with an entry price of $245,000 followed by Melton South at $272,000. 

Wyndham offers this block size at Mambourin for an affordable price of $283,000. 

In established areas such as Point Cook, this size block is $469,000 and in Cranbourne, it is $366,000. 

Comparing these lot prices to the same time in 2019, it was $390,000 in Point Cook and $330,000 in Cranbourne. In 2019, it was the most affordable in Strathulloh at $190,000.

Land sizes have decreased by 3% in the metropolitan Melbourne catchment

Investors seeking out land for home building in Melbourne catchment: Red23

Clyde's future 26-hectare town centre site is tipped to fetch more than $60 million, after being listed by National Pacific Properties, the development arm of home builder Burbank Group.

The site at 1625 Ballast Road, next to the future Clyde train station, has been listed through Peter Sagar of LAWD and Justin Dowers of Stonebridge.

It adjoins NPP’s Eliston housing estate, an 97ha masterplanned community which will be home to about 2730 residents when completed in about 2023.

The town centre has development approval for 40,000 to 50,000 square metres of retail space and 40,000 to 50,000 square metres of commercial office space.

Set within one of the largest in Melbourne’s growth corridors, NPP general manager Tom Trevaskis the site had been identified as a “major activity centre” by the Victorian government.

The south-east growth corridor, set about 50 kilometres from the Melbourne CBD, saw around 850 lot sales across some 24 housing estates in July and August, according to land sales specialist Core Projects, on the back of strong demand for detached housing and a relatively constrained future land supply.

Trevaskis said accelerated development of adjoining land provided a ready-made retail catchment for the future town centre.

The Clyde town centre was being taken to market as NPP intend to focus on "ramping up" its real estate development business, and not have a strategy to develop and hold retail centres.

Burbank Group was founded as a Melbourne home builder in 1983 by stepbrothers Eddie Sanfilippo and Eddie Puhar.

Led by Jarrod Sanfilippo, the late Mr Sanfilippo’s son, the company has since expanded into Queensland, NSW, ACT and South Australia.

NPP was formed in 2005 as a land developer.


It has been listed by National Pacific Properties, the development arm of home builder Burbank Group

Clyde's future town centre development site listed at Eliston estate

The $140 project, Ferny Grove Central, in Brisbane&rsquo;s north-west has seen 70% of its apartments sold two months after its construction began.

The Fernery comprises of 82 apartments featuring 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments in the low rise project.

Some 85% of the buyers come from surrounding suburbs through Colliers since the April launch.

Some 70% of the sales have been to owner-occupiers. For investors, based on an appraisal by local agents, the yield is likely to be circa 5%.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=100681 project_image_fid=162779]

Apartments prices at The Fernery start from $349,000.&nbsp;

There will be a resort-style rooftop recreational deck with 15-metre pool set among landscaped sub-tropical surrounds.

The Fernery is a joint venture project by Honeycombes Property Group and MaxCap Group.

The Fernery is the residential centrepiece of Ferny Grove Central, the $140 million landmark urban renewal project, which has been almost eight years in the making.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=100681 project_image_fid=162782]

It will transform the northern Brisbane suburb with a new Transit Oriented Development (TOD) which combines apartment living, a major retail centre and an entertainment precinct .

Its construction contract is with builder Broad Construction, a subsidiary of CPB Contractors, part of the ASX-listed CIMIC Group.

Peter Honeycombe is managing director of Honeycombes Property Group, which has over 25 years had more than $1.5 billion in projects that are either completed or&nbsp;under construction.

More than 800 full time jobs are being supported by the development, including about 285 jobs directly tied to the construction project.&nbsp;

Construction of Ferny Grove Central is expected to take 28 months with completion set for late-2023.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=100681 project_image_fid=162785]

The most high-profile example of Honeycombes&#39; urban redevelopment projects is the award-winning Coorparoo Square, a $252 million urban renewal development completed in 2018.

With property projects at the fore, MaxCap Group has invested more than $11.5bn across more than 450 projects since its inception in 2007.

The Fernery comprises of 82 luxury apartments at 47 Conavalla Street, Ferny Grove, with a resort-style rooftop recreational deck for residents 

The Fernery, Brisbane apartments in Ferny Grove, hit 70% sold

Apartment sales in the Melbourne CBD totalled $321 million with 485 sales in the three months to August 2021, according to Cityscope.

The sales activity dipped after two strong quarters, as sales pivoted towards established apartments.

The 485 sales was split between 370 established units and 115 off the plan sales.

The report noted continued off the plan acquisitions in Queens Place, the twin skyscrapers being built at 350 Queen Street, which on completion will be among the tallest buildings in Melbourne.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=2806 project_image_fid=175417]

The $1 billion project from developer 3L Alliance is situated at the fringe of Flagstaff Hill, collaboratively designed by architects Fender Katsalidis Architects and Cox Architecture, with interiors by Hecker Guthrie.

The recently completed sellout Tower 1 comprises 819 apartments across 80 levels, with nomination sales being offered for sale.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=2806 project_image_fid=175419]

The established sales during the quarter included some early resales after completion of St. Boulevard, designed by Elenberg Fraser on St. Kilda Road.

It reflected a decrease on the $500 million from 751 sales recorded in three months to May 2021, when the split was 262 established apartments and 489 off the plan sales.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1260 project_image_fid=177638]

There were 718 sales totalling $517 million in the quarter to February 2021, when the split was 171 established apartments and 542 off the plan sales.

The latest data brings the twelve-month sales total to $1.835 billion, an increase from the previous twelve months, which recorded sales of $1.093 billion.

The latest data took the twelve-month sales total to $1.835 billion

Melbourne CBD apartment sales activity pivots to established unit sales

Michael Renzella&rsquo;s long held 1880s boom time Hotel Claremont building in South Yarra has been sold for around $22m to Andy Zhang&#39;s V-Leader group.

It comes with a permit for a $50 million, 12-level, luxury mixed use project.

Emmett's marketed the 189 Toorak Road Hotel Claremont property with $20m plus price expectations. The sale comes soon after the next corner closer to South Yarra station, a row of four Tudor style shops, has been sold with development potential for $13.15 million.

Covering 613 sqm, the 169-175 Toorak Rd property was marketed for its potential for a 10-plus level tower.

The neighbourhood has attracted attention from property developer Oreana, which has reportedly spent $48 million buying the neighbours for a hotel and wellness centre.

The three-storey brick Italianate 81-room Hotel Claremont building with two shops was built in 1886 as the South Yarra Coffee Palace, one of several temperance alcohol-free destinations.

Selling agents Michael Ludski and Luke Bisset took more than 200 enquiries including six formal expressions of interest.

They advised the buyer was likely to undergo a redevelopment along the lines of the approved project.

The permit for the 906 square metre site allows for 57 apartment development of a mixed use building comprising four shops totalling 712 square metres, 1195 square metres of office space, and 30 car parking spaces.&nbsp;

Located on the corner of Claremont Street, the property has an approved DA for construction of a mixed use building with 54 units, 4 retail shops and 5 offices plus basement car parking for 22 vehicles, 53 bicycle parks and 54 storage units.

The hotel last traded at $2,250,000 at auction in 1994.

There are two retail tenancies, Chemist Warehouse and Sirocco.

The tenants are returning a combined annual income of $181,500, with leases having termination clauses.

V-Leader has undertaken more than $440 million of property development including 6 Sydney St, Prahran, 16 apartments in a six-storey building designed by Wood Marsh Architecture.

Construction is due for completion in late 2021 by VCON Construction.

There is a $3.62 million price on the last ground floor, three bedroom, three bathroom apartment with a 187 square metre terrace/courtyard, through V-Leader agent Sam Fisher.

Michael Renzella’s Hotel Claremont building in South Yarra has sold to a local developer

Apartment developer buys South Yarra landmark, Hotel Claremont

Despite the long weekend distraction, a Hunters Hill apartment topped weekend results with a $4,240,500 sale.

The apartment is set within the Pulpit Point Estate development of the former Mobil Oil Terminal, initially proposed by Sid Longish, and completed in a joint venture between Comrealty and Nat West. 

It was a top floor apartment at 1 Le Vesinet Drive, Hunters Hill which came with price guidance of $3.75 million through Ward Partners.

It first sold in 1994 at $785,000.

The single level apartment, set in a boutique building of just four apartments, last sold at $2.45 million in 2014.

It enjoyed a harbour panorama back to the Sydney city skyline. It comes with a private 10 metre marina berth and access to Pulpit Point facilities including two tennis courts, two pools and the club house.

Melbourne's top weekend result was $1,740,000 for the four bedroom, three bathroom townhouse at 24a Avocet Street, Doncaster East.

There was also the $1.685 million online auction sale of the townhouse at 8B Naples Road Mentone. The four bedroom townhouse had been listed through Buxton Real Estate with $1.35 million to $1.4 million expectations.

A three bedroom townhouse at 1/112 Haydens Road, Beaumaris fetched $1.61 million.

There were 1,986 homes taken to auction across the combined capital cities over the past week, up from 1,626 over the previous week and 648 this time last year, making it the busiest auction week since mid-July. 

Melbourne was the busiest auction market with 800 homes taken to auction across the city, up significantly from 352 over the previous week and 55 this time last year. 

"Melbourne had seen a large number of rescheduled auctions over the past couple of months, however we have not seen that this week, with auction volumes actually increasing slightly from the initial predicted count," Tim Lawless at CoreLogic said.

Of the 129 Melbourne apartment and townhouse auction results reported, 85 per cent were successful.

The national apartment clearance rate was 77% from 368 results.

The top selling apartment came with access to Pulpit Point facilities including two tennis courts, two pools and the club house

$4,240,500 Hunters Hill apartment sale topped weekend sales

For most new apartment buildings, the Owners Corporation starts life with little more than a bank account and the first quarterly strata levies.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/9-gay-street-castle-hill-9-gay-street-castle-hill-nsw-2154">9 Gay Street</a> in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/castle-hill-nsw-2154">Castle Hill</a>, it starts with around $7 million in reserve.

It's an unusual legacy of what was once one of Sydney's highest-profile apartment remediation projects. When the development, originally known as Skyview and built by disgraced developer Top Place, came under scrutiny by then NSW Building Commissioner David Chandler, an $11 million remediation bond was negotiated to ensure any building defects could be fully rectified.

The building underwent an 18-month remediation program, during which around $4 million of that bond was spent bringing the building up to the standard it should have been in from the outset.

After extensive inspections, all active rectification orders have been lifted. What's more, around $7.2 million remains secured for the Owners Corporation for the next 15 years.

In a twist few would have predicted, what began as a significant concern for purchasers has left the building with something almost unheard of in the apartment market: a multi-million-dollar financial reserve from day one.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147685 project_image_fid=359136]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a> Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said the structure offers buyers a level of certainty that is difficult to replicate.

"The $11 million bond established for the Skyview Castle Hill development represents exceptional value, providing genuine financial security for purchasers," Huxley said.

"Unlike a standard insurance policy, this bond consists of real funds held in trust for the Owners Corporation, offering a tangible layer of protection and added peace of mind."

The apartments themselves have been designed with a focus on practical, contemporary living. Interiors feature Smeg appliances, stone benchtops, tiled living areas, carpeted bedrooms, 2.7-metre ceilings, floor-to-ceiling glazing, and ducted heating and cooling throughout.

Residents also have access to a range of shared amenities, including two rooftop barbecue areas, a swimming pool, children's playgrounds, secure building access, storage cages, and visitor parking.

The location continues to be one of the project's strongest drawcards. Castle Hill Metro Station sits virtually on the doorstep, providing direct connections across Sydney's expanding Metro network, while Castle Towers offers extensive retail, dining, entertainment, and service amenities within walking distance.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147685 project_image_fid=359127]

The building, now named after its location at 9 Gay Street, comprises a diverse mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments starting from just under $600,000.

Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett said demand in the Hills District continues to be driven by buyers seeking convenience and connectivity.

"Interest from both owner-occupiers and investors in Castle Hill remains exceptionally strong, with buyers consistently prioritising developments in close proximity to the Metro station and Castle Towers Shopping Centre," Hamblett said.

"There is a clear trend in the market, with purchasers seeking convenient access to transport and lifestyle amenities that support a seamless, low-maintenance way of living."

On top of the long-term protection afforded by the remaining $7.2 million bond, Equitifund is offering a limited-time stamp duty rebate on selected apartments.

Eligible purchasers can also secure finance options, including a 3.99 per cent two-year variable rate, loan-to-value ratios of up to 90 per cent, and interest-only lending options through EquitiCredit.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=147685]

Joel Robinson

Why this Castle Hill apartment building starts with a $7 million advantage

For much of the past few years, conversations about Australia's property market have centred on the rapid growth seen in Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Perth. <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/melbourne-vic-3004">Melbourne</a> has followed a different trajectory.

That relative underperformance is now encouraging some buyers to reassess the city, particularly those willing to look beyond short-term market movements and focus on quality property in established locations, along with the long-term growth prospects of a city expected to overtake Sydney as Australia’s most populous.

John Bekiaris, Research &amp; Market Insights at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Projects by Equitifund</a>, said Melbourne's current position is attracting increasingly sophisticated purchasers.

"Melbourne continues to present one of Australia's strongest long-term investment stories," Bekiaris says.

"While other capital cities have experienced stronger recent growth, that relative underperformance is exactly what's attracting sophisticated counter-cyclical investors."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363268]

Equitifund isn't just commenting on Melbourne's property market, it's investing in it.

The Sydney-headquartered capital partner has taken over the remaining apartments at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/victoriana-melbourne-20-queens-road-melbourne-vic-3004">Victoriana</a>, the recently completed glass-encased development opposite Albert Park Lake in Melbourne's tightly held St Kilda Road precinct.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> and built by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/hickory">Hickory</a>, Victoriana places residents between one of Melbourne's most recognised parklands and the CBD, offering oversized two and three-bedroom apartments aimed at owner-occupiers seeking a genuine alternative to a traditional family home.

The development comprises 232 completed residences alongside a suite of resident amenities, including a 25-metre indoor swimming pool, gymnasium, landscaped entertaining areas, resident lounges, EV charging, secure basement parking and a concierge-style arrival experience.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363229]

The apartments have been designed with owner-occupiers firmly in mind.&nbsp;Open-plan living and dining areas flow onto generous balconies framing views across Albert Park Lake, Fawkner Park, the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Melbourne skyline.

Kitchens feature Gaggenau appliances, stone benchtops and generous preparation space. Bedrooms include built-in robes, while bathrooms feature full-height textured tiling. Hardwood flooring and ducted air conditioning complete residences designed for long-term living.

Rothelowman's architecture takes its cues from the landscape opposite the site. Sweeping horizontal glazing references the movement of Albert Park Lake, while generous balconies and expansive glazing strengthen the connection between the apartments and the surrounding parklands. The result is a building designed to deliver the scale and amenity expected of luxury apartment living, while offering the larger floorplans increasingly sought by owner-occupiers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363284]

The location is one of Victoriana's defining characteristics. Positioned on Queens Road, residents are directly opposite Albert Park Lake and within easy reach of Fawkner Park, the Royal Botanic Gardens, South Melbourne, St Kilda Road and the CBD. With few comparable development opportunities remaining in the precinct, buyers are increasingly placing value on outlooks that are unlikely to be interrupted by future construction.

Greg Huxley, Founder of Equitifund, believes those qualities become even more valuable over time.

"Premium real estate has always rewarded buyers who take a long-term view," Huxley said.

"Victoriana represents the kind of asset that's increasingly difficult to recreate today, particularly in an established location like Queens Road."

He said rising construction costs are also changing the way buyers assess completed developments.

"When you combine an irreplaceable location with thoughtful architecture and premium finishes, you create something that becomes increasingly difficult to reproduce as construction costs continue to rise."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363228]

According to National Sales Director Ben Hamblett, enquiry has been driven largely by Melbourne downsizers and buyers upgrading from smaller apartments.

"Interest in Victoriana continues to build, with strong buyer focus on the larger owner-occupier residences within the development," Hamblett says.

"Enquiry is increasingly driven by local buyers who recognise the rarity of what's on offer: park-facing apartments in an established neighbourhood where new development opportunities are becoming increasingly scarce. At Victoriana, the view is not just a feature; it's an appreciating asset in its own right."

He said interstate enquiry has also strengthened as buyers reassess Melbourne's position within the national property cycle.

"Melbourne currently stands as the most compelling entry point of any major Australian capital, and discerning buyers are beginning to recognise what those who move early always understand: the best opportunities are taken before the price rise confirms them."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=1979]

Why now is the time to buy in Melbourne's premium apartment market

Developers and apartment buyers have a narrowing window of opportunity before Brisbane's Olympic infrastructure pipeline begins competing directly with residential construction, pushing up costs, tightening labour supply and making new projects increasingly difficult to deliver.

While Brisbane's apartment market continues to benefit from strong population growth and limited housing supply, industry research suggests the years leading up to 2027 could prove to be the most important period for developers looking to secure builders and buyers hoping to purchase before the next wave of price increases.

A new Colliers report, Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games: Creating Solutions, highlights the scale of the challenge. While thousands of new homes are planned across South East Queensland, the Brisbane Olympic Athletes Village alone will deliver more than 10,500 beds during the Games before being converted into around 1,750 to 2,000 apartments. Equivalent to almost two years of typical inner-city apartment supply, the project will also absorb a significant share of the construction workforce and building materials.

The broader construction pipeline paints an even clearer picture.

Construction Skills Queensland's Horizon 2032 report forecasts Queensland's annual construction pipeline will average $69 billion over the coming years before peaking at $75 billion in 2027-28. Demand for construction workers is expected to increase by 17 per cent to almost 150,000 people, with the industry facing an annual shortfall of around 19,000 workers that could blow out to as many as 35,000 during the peak construction period.

The Olympic venues, athletes village and supporting infrastructure will account for billions of dollars worth of work across South East Queensland through to 2032, creating intense competition for labour at a time when Australia's residential construction sector is already under pressure.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150489 project_image_fid=373834]

Colliers Queensland Residential Director Andrew Scriven said the convergence of these projects is creating a clear window of opportunity for both developers and buyers.

"From 2027 onwards, the market will shift dramatically," Scriven said.

"Labour will increasingly be locked into government-led infrastructure and Olympic projects, which means private residential developments will face higher costs and tighter margins. The developers who move now are the ones most likely to get projects off the ground."

Scriven said the same dynamic would also affect buyers, with fewer apartment projects expected to launch once construction capacity tightens.

"If you're looking to change your lifestyle over the next five years, now is your window of opportunity to buy."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150713 project_image_fid=373827]

Developers are already positioning themselves ahead of that window.

Following the success of Monarch at Toowong, Consolidated Properties is preparing to launch two new Brisbane apartment projects in the second half of 2026. They include <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/gloriette-30-bedivere-street-yeerongpilly-qld-4105">Gloriette</a> at Yeerongpilly Green, a 25-storey tower within one of Brisbane's key Olympic precincts, and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/castile-47-skyring-terrace-newstead-qld-4006">Castile</a>, a recently approved 25-storey riverfront development at 47 Skyring Terrace in Newstead.

Hutchinson Builders will deliver both projects, with early works already underway at Yeerongpilly and Newstead expected to commence later this year.

The timing comes as Brisbane's fundamentals continue to strengthen, with strong interstate migration, population growth and vacancy rates remaining below 1.5 per cent.

Colliers Queensland researcher Pragya Sharma said Greater Brisbane is forecast to require around 40,000 new apartments between 2021 and 2031.

"There's a real mismatch emerging between when housing is needed and when it will be feasible to build," Sharma said.

"As a result, the period leading up to 2027 presents a key window of opportunity for developers to secure approvals, funding and construction capacity, while buyers will have greater choice before supply constraints intensify."

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

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

It's taken less than nine months for developer Sherpa Property Group to sell out all 51 apartments in its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-oasis-palm-beach-7-9-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Oasis</a> development in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/palm-beach-qld-4221">Palm Beach</a>, over a year before its anticipated completion.

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Located at 7-9 Sixth Avenue, the $67 million development has resonated strongly with both local owner-occupiers and downsizers seeking high-quality apartments within walking distance of the beach, dining precincts and everyday amenities.

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Christie Leet, Founder of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Group</a>, said the sell-out reflected both the strength of the Palm Beach market and the success of Sherpa's community-first approach to development.

"The sell-out of Oasis is a fantastic outcome and reinforces the strong demand we're seeing for thoughtfully designed apartments in lifestyle locations," Leet said.

"From the outset, our vision was to create a development that genuinely enhanced the Palm Beach community while providing residents with exceptional homes and wellness-focused amenities.

"We've been incredibly encouraged by the level of local support throughout the campaign, 72.5 per cent of buyers are locals, with a significant proportion of purchasers choosing Oasis as their future home rather than an investment."

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Construction is now progressing following development approval, with trusted builder LPS Group delivering the project and completion anticipated in Q3 2027.

Oasis forms part of Sherpa Group's successful Flourish collection, which has become recognised for its focus on wellness, community and elevated coastal living.

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Residents will have private access to a rooftop amenity space featuring a pool, gym, sauna, steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, spa and barbecue facilities.

"The success of Oasis demonstrates that buyers continue to prioritise quality, location and lifestyle," Leet said.

"We are proud to have delivered a project that has resonated so strongly with the market and look forward to bringing Oasis to life for our future residents."

Sherpa recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-palm-beach-1150-1160-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a>, its third instalment of the Flourish brand in Palm Beach following Flourish Oasis and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/amargo-6-12-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Amargo</a>.

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Sherpa sells out Flourish Oasis in booming Palm Beach

Urban Property Group's <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/la-vera-macquarie-park-94-talavera-road-macquarie-park-nsw-2113">La Vera</a> is leading the next phase of Macquarie Park's residential evolution, with the new apartment development set to become the first of several new apartment projects in the precinct to complete.

The 169-apartment building has now topped out ahead of its scheduled completion in the third quarter of 2026, as new residential investment continues to reshape one of Sydney's largest employment hubs into a true mixed-use precinct.

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Cox Architecture has designed La Vera to capture the best of its unique positioning on Talavera Road, orienting the building towards Lane Cove National Park.&nbsp;The building features a sculpted northern façade with flowing curves inspired by the surrounding landscape, while its city-facing elevation adopts a more structured architectural expression to maximise skyline views.

"The vision for the project was to conceive a building that adopted an organic and curvilinear form to the northern portion that faces the Lane Cove National Park," <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">Cox Architecture</a> Director Felipe Miranda said.

"The residents that reside in the northern portion of the building benefit by having beautifully crafted curved balconies that speak to the natural context and heighten the relationship of their internal living spaces to the external balconies."

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La Vera offers a diverse mix of one, two, three, and four-bedroom configurations, with prices currently starting from $740,000. Buyers so far have been a mix of Sydney-based investors,&nbsp;metro commuters, owner-occupiers and downsizers from surrounding North Shore suburbs.

Both investors and owner-occupiers have been drawn to La Vera's proximity to Macquarie University, Macquarie University Hospital, Macquarie Centre and the Sydney Metro, infrastructure that supports both strong rental demand and a convenient lifestyle for residents.

The apartments feature full-height glazing, timber flooring throughout living areas, stone kitchen benchtops, SMEG appliances, floor-to-ceiling bathroom tiling and ducted air conditioning.

Residents will have access to a rooftop recreation level featuring a swimming pool, sauna, barbecue facilities and landscaped relaxation areas, complemented by additional communal space at ground level. Many apartments enjoy uninterrupted views across Lane Cove National Park, reinforcing the project's connection to its natural setting.

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<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a>, a family-owned developer and builder with nearly four decades of experience, holds a 4.5-star iCIRT rating and was Australia's first developer to introduce 10-Year Latent Defects Insurance (LDI). La Vera is the first apartment development in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/macquarie-park-nsw-2113">Macquarie Park</a> approved to offer the additional insurance protection, alongside a five-year warranty on SMEG appliances.

Urban Property Group CEO Patrick Elias said the additional protection reflects changing buyer expectations in the off the plan market.

"Consumers are a lot more weary and a lot more concerned in buying off the plan than they ever have been. Having LDI is a tool to portray the confidence that we have in our product, and a confidence we want buyers to share," Elias said.

Following completion of the building later this year, buyers will move into their apartments well before Christmas.

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Jonathan Chancellor

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