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There is little doubt the Sydney auction market has started out a lot better in February, than it finished off last December.
At this stage, four weeks in, the positivity has been more evident from the auction clearance rate being on the rise, than prices making any advances.
February typically suffers none of the inbuilt end of year fatigue. Saturday's preliminary clearance sat at over 70 percent.
You never know, but prices could spurt again, especially if our fresh stock levels stay low after the upcoming early Easter break, and the banks begin to ease up on their lending.
It would not be a second wind for prices, because we've already seen that many times, just when the market seemed destined to head backwards.
Sydney is highly resilient when it comes to property price momentum, often catching forecasters out of step.
I was thinking of the contributing mix, intrinsic and not so, when I popped a few questions to Harry Dent, one of the world’s most controversial economic futurists.
He is currently touring Australia. Last time he toured in 2014, Dent's worst case scenario was for a post-China bubble burst impacting on Sydney with property prices possibly set to collapse by as much as 60 percent.
His controversial forecasts were labelled as scaremongering by many commentators including Chris Joye.
Dent's earlier 2011 crash forecast also saw the founder of wealth manager Yellow Brick Road Mark Bouris counter the claims. 
In 2011 on David Koch’s Sunrise program, Dent urged viewers to sell their homes before the 50 percent crash in prices arrived at their doorsteps after a China crash hits our shores.
He will be pursuing the same message this time around.
I told Dent that dwelling prices in Sydney now sit at around a $895,000 median, up from $610,000 in early 2014.
The median represents a significant 46 percent rise since Dent's last warning, and an 80 percent rise since his 2011 warning.
Pressed by me, Dent admits he was wrong through he sticks to the yet-to-occur outcome, merely adjusting the timing of his dire forecast.
"I was wrong, how about that," he said.
"I'm early."
Australia will burst whenever the China bubble bursts, he says.
Dent warns many won't see it coming, and adds that real estate, unlike the stockmarket, won't have any easy escape route, and its recovery will take much longer.
"This is not a normal bubble," he suggests noting the global real estate bubble had extended well beyond typical lengths.
He argues the global bubble has been caused by central banks printing money, not just low interest rates.
Dent says suggests central banks can't keep printing money for ever.
"What's not different is by every measure, is these are bubbles.
"Chinese real estate is a bubble.
"The Sydney real estate is a bubble." 
"Better to get out a little early," he will be telling his 2018 audiences.
This article was first published in the Saturday Daily Telegraph
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Harry Dent says he was early with his dire Sydney price collapse forecast

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Most people when buying and selling a home seek to do so around the same time, often trying to juggle the settlements for the same day.
They seek to get the highest price possible for their current abode and to secure their next home house as cheaply as possible.
And they hope to get through the process with as little pain as possible.
Most think the logical order is to sell your home first and buy second as this way buyers know exactly how much money they have to spend.
It stops buyers overestimating the worth of their current home and finding themselves in dire financial straits having purchased from an overly optimistic position.
However, by selling first you may be forced to rent while you look for a suitable new home which can mean two moves.
And one of the biggest risks faced if there is an extended gap between sale and purchase is that rising property prices will mean less money as time goes by. 
In the current market rebound buying first is possibly the better way to go.
Finding a buyer won't be too much trouble once you have locked in your own shift.
It's because Sydney is in a seller’s market.
Ofcourse over inflated hopes that cloud your judgement won't see the shift go seamlessly.
The current time on market is rather high, but it reflects the extended break that most estate agents take over the summer.
CoreLogic calculates the typical Sydney private treaty sale is currently taking 58 days for houses, and 63 days for apartments.
Hobart house vendors are selling in just 41 days while Brisbane vendors are taking 77 days.
Sydney vendors started summer with houses selling in just 28 days, so it just shows how much the market switches off.
Often the summer break, infact any break including Easter, provide a turning point for the market psychology.
I sense this year given the so-so summer holidays, some even called it a black summer, that people just decided to avoid making any firm decisions to list.
This was seen when the REA Group noted the Australian residential volumes were down 13 percent in January, with declines of 7 percent in Sydney and 5 percent in Melbourne.
It came after national residential listings declined in the second half of 2019 by 14 per cent, with a 17 per cent dip in Sydney and 16 per cent in Melbourne.
Ofcourse many fresh leftovers were snapped up pre-Christmas such was the pent-up demand from buyers.
So there has been a delayed start to the selling season, although auction listings are now coming.
Last Saturday saw some 400 offerings, and an 80 percent presliminary success ratre, compared to the 52 percent clearance rate from 301 listings this time last year the 60 percent success rate from 466 in 2018.
This pickup has unfortunately seen house hunters rushing into property purchases without doing necessary checks.
Data from conveyancing platform Global X revealed nearly 20 per cent of buyers did not pay for building inspections to be done on their prospective property purchase, while a quarter did not undertake pest inspections.
Realestate.com.au chief economist Nerida Conisbee has seen frustration mounting among home seekers, who had few housing choices available and were repeatedly up against “really cashed up” buyers.
This article first appeared in The Daily Telegraph.
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Sydney's long summer listing times have created a sellers market

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Following the decision among other east coast states, the Victorian first-home owner grant will increase from $7000 to $10,000 for newly constructed homes.
It takes effect from July 1, which will lead to a probable pause in the purchase of new houses and apartment over the next two months.
But there will be a rush - possibly even an unhealthy frenzy - from those first timers desirous of buying established homes as they will no longer receive the existing $7000 first home grant from July.
But all first-home buyers will benefit from fast-tracked stamp duty savings, which will increase from 30% to 40% on homes valued up to $600,000, six months ahead of schedule. It is part of the Liberal government's pre-election pledged to reduce stamp duty by 50% over four years with the final 10% reduction scheduled for September 2014.
The combination of a $10,000 First Home Owner Grant and stamp-duty cut means a $16,500 saving on a $400,000 new property.
"The average price of a newly constructed first home is about $400,000," Victorian Treasurer Michael O'Brien said yesterday.
Michael O'Brien forecast the decision would help create more jobs in the housing sector. The Victorian budget on May 7 will be the first under the new Premier Denis Napthine.
"Targeting the grant to newly constructed homes - whether in regional Victoria, Melbourne's growth corridors or new CBD apartments - will stimulate the economy and create jobs in the construction sector," Mr O'Brien said.
But Melbourne buyers agent Frank Valentic says it was "bad news" given the 80% of first home buyers who buy established property will no longer get $7000 grant from July 2013.
Mr O'Brien said ending the first home grant for established houses brought Victoria into line with other states.
The Herald Sun reported the Master Builders Association of Victoria executive director Brian Welch saying increasing the grants would encourage people to consider building sooner.
"The industry's been in decline for the last couple of years, so this will give us a welcome boost," he said.
But the Real Estate Institute of Victoria's chief executive Enzo Raimondo says the changes mean those purchasing existing homes will be subsidising a discount for those buying newly constructed homes.
"History has shown first home buyers generally buy established [homes]," Mr Raimondo told the ABC.
"They generally want to buy close to where they work, and in Melbourne that's inner and middle suburbs, so this is going to make it a bit more difficult for first-home buyers of established properties in Melbourne."
The Victorian decision follows NSW where first home buyers have gone awol, leaving the O'Farrell Government with a budget savings windfall given the dramatically reduced take-up of new home acquistion by first time buyers.
Victorian first home buyers have been relatively steady over the past year with established home purchasers. Last month there were 1714 Victorian recipients securing $11.99 million in grants for established homes. There were 1652 in March last year.
For new home acquisitions there were 856 recipients in Victoria securing $5.99 in grants last March compared with 814 securing $5.69 million in grants in March 2013. 
The NSW $7 000 first home owner grant for established properties ended on 30 September 2012. The scheme established to assist first home owners instead to purchase or build a new home offers a $15 000 grant from 1 October 2012.
The FHOG (New Homes) grant will reduce to $10,000 on 1 January 2014.
But alarmingly NSW first home grants recipients have fallen from 2631 securing $18.77 million in March 2012, to this March when there was a record low 624 recipients securing $6.77 million.
Queensland closed its $7000 basic grant scheme last October, replacing it with a $15,000 grant for new homes. With just 217 grants recorded in the December quarter, the government website argues it will take several months before the impact of the Great Start Grant (previously known as the first home owner construction grant) can be clearly assessed, allowing for the lag between signing a contract and construction to build a home.
There had been a typical 4500 recipients in prior December quarters.
Latest State Government figures show that in the six months to March 28, there were just 805 first-home owners who received a $15,000 helping hand.
Launched in October 2012 as the First Home Owners Construction Grant, the funds are now only available to build or buy a new house, townhouse or apartment valued at less than $750,000.
It replaced the decade-old First Home Owners Grant, which had been available for the purchase of new or existing properties in Queensland.
The Brisbane Courier Mail recently reported the Real Estate Institute of Queensland CEO Anton Kardash said the Government had pulled the wrong lever as he had predicted.
"They persisted, and unfortunately the data is coming back as we predicted - and that is people are not transitioning to buying new homes with these grants.''
The REIQ suggested new homes are usually too expensive for first-time buyers and are often in outlying suburbs where young people do not necessarily want to live.
 
 
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Victorian first home buyers grant jumps from $7000 to $10,000 but only for new houses and apartments

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The ING DIRECT / Financial Services Council Annual Super Sentiment Index shows that more than a quarter of Australians said they would be likely to switch their super fund in the future.  
The 27% represents a significant increase on the previous year when less than one fifth (19%) were considering a future super switch.  
However despite this growing appetite for change, the number of people who actually make a switch remains low.
Fewer than one in 10 people change their super every year, with 3% making the switch purely because of a change in their employment.
John Arnott, Executive Director, Customers, ING DIRECT, said super was a significant investment over the course of a lifetime, right up there with our homes.  
"Most people wouldn't dream of taking out a home loan without some level of research about the various offerings available, yet according to our Super Sentiment Index only 6% of Australians said they undertook research before selecting their current super fund."
More than two thirds (68%) default to their employer's super fund with only 6% of people conducting detailed research before selecting their current super fund.
"As you're looking at your <a href="https://blog.ingdirect.com.au/2013/12/18/deciphering-your-super-statement-what-it-all-means/" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;">super statement</a> this year end, I'd urge everyone to take an hour to do some quick research into the various super offerings available and make sure your super is the best option for you."
Technology has made the super switching process much easier than in the past.  
Six key considerations when choosing super
<ul class="ul1">
<li class="li1">Fees - these range from 0%pa to around 2.33%pa and can have a significant impact on your retirement nest egg</li>
<li class="li1">Investment options – make sure there are options that suit your objectives, comfort with risk, and importantly a range of types to suit your changing needs over time</li>
<li class="li1">Performance - look for a steady track record of solid performance over time. Don't just chase last year's best performer; it's no guarantee they will be strong performers in future</li>
<li class="li2">Extra benefits – eg <a href="https://www.ingdirect.com.au/superannuation/tips-hints-guides/how-to-access-personal-financial-advice" target="_blank">financial advice options</a></li>
<li class="li1">
<a href="https://www.ingdirect.com.au/superannuation/calculators/insurance-planner" target="_blank">Insurance</a> - see what types of cover are available, the terms and conditions, and what it will cost
</li>
<li class="li1">Service – how easy is it for you to keep track of your super and make changes (some funds offer online services and mobile apps to help you keep in control)</li>
</ul>
 
 
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Switching SMSFs remains high in desire, but low in practice: ING

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Satisfaction with self-managed super fund (SMSF) performance is a likely driver for continued growth, according to recent Roy Morgan Research. 
Based on a survey of over 15,000 superannuation holders, satisfaction with super performance was measured across retail, industry and SMSFs. 
SMSFs scored the highest satisfaction rating of 77.3%; industry and retail funds scored 59% and 56.3% respectively.
The number of self-managed superannuation funds in breach of borrowing requirements increased during 2014, according to recent research by the Partners Wealth Group.
The research was based on the audit of over 600 SMSFs across Australia during 2014.
It found 23% of funds were in breach as a result of borrowing requirements, a significant increase from 12% of funds the year before.
But overall numbers of SMSFs requiring a contravention report to be lodged with the ATO fell.
 
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="77">
Year
</td>
<td valign="top" width="77">
2014
</td>
<td valign="top" width="77">
2013
</td>
<td valign="top" width="77">
2012
</td>
<td valign="top" width="77">
2011
</td>
<td valign="top" width="77">
2010
</td>
<td valign="top" width="77">
2009
</td>
<td valign="top" width="77">
2008
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="77">
% funds in breach overall
</td>
<td valign="top" width="77">
5
</td>
<td valign="top" width="77">
5.3
</td>
<td valign="top" width="77">
5.3
</td>
<td valign="top" width="77">
5.5
</td>
<td valign="top" width="77">
3.4
</td>
<td valign="top" width="77">
7.2
</td>
<td valign="top" width="77">
11.3
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
Key breaches
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
% of funds with relevant breaches in 2014
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
% of funds with relevant breaches in 2013
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
SMSF borrowings
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
23%     
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
12%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
Loan to members
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
23%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
38%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
In-house assets
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
20%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
31%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
A misunderstanding of the rules was the most likely reason, Partners Wealth Group director of SMSF consulting and auditing, Martin Murden.
SMSFs are entitled to borrow under limited circumstances in order to pay benefits, settle on investments and acquire investments via a limited recourse borrowing arrangement (LRBA).
“Because borrowing via a LRBA is relatively new and has been subjected to several rule changes since inception, my suspicion is that there has been confusion, resulting in some SMSF trustees thinking it was permissible to use their fund to borrow to overcome a short-term liquidity problem – much like a small business seeking a temporary extension to a bank overdraft in difficult circumstances,” said Martin Murden.
Transgressions also highlighted within the research arose from funds taking personal loans for members and funds breaching the in-house assets rule.
Another survey by Partners Wealth Group about top concerns/issues of accountants in servicing their SMSF clients identified five key areas:
<ol>
<li>Being more pro-active in helping clients with their broader needs  – effective strategies, and going beyond their administration duties</li>
<li>Keeping up-to-date with legislative changes</li>
<li>Efficiency and utilisation of technology</li>
<li>Educating clients regarding their trustee responsibilities</li>
<li>Transitioning wealth – estate/succession planning, wills</li>
</ol>
With the number one issue centred on being more pro-active in servicing their clients, accountants described the need to keep up-to-date with hot topics and identifying affected clients for being able to provide well-rounded advice.  
Top issues/concerns that their clients worried about were commonly identified as:
<ol>
<li>Having enough for retirement</li>
<li>Transfer of wealth/assets to the next generation</li>
<li>Correct structuring of investments for returns</li>
<li>Changes to super and increasing taxation of super</li>
<li>ATO audit/review and complexity of compliance</li>
</ol>
 
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High SMSF satisfaction - but breaches on the rise

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The NSW Opposition has promised a staggered stamp duty payments scheme for first home buyers if it wins government at the upcoming March election.
It was an undertaking revealed on the Channel 7/Daily Telgraph leaders debate in response to an audience question about what Luke Foley and Mike Baird would do to make it easier for first home buyers to enter the hot NSW market.
“Look at a scheme where people, rather than being charged 100 per cent of stamp duty upfront, they could pay it back in instalments over several years,” the NSW Opposition leader, Luke Foley suggested, seemingly foreshadowing a more detailed policy announcement.
Advising the key to lowering prices was increasing the number of houses built, Premier Mike Baird said he had introduced a scheme where first home buyers purchasing new dwellings under $550,000 are exempt from paying stamp duty.
Stamp duty is one of the big upfront costs in buying a house especially if the buyers don't wish to be corralled into buying a new house or flat.
<a href="https://www.apps08.osr.nsw.gov.au/erevenue/calculators/fhnh.php" target="_blank">Stamp duty is calculated</a> by applying a sliding scale of state government taxation, depending on the value of the property purchase.
The NSW first-time buyer concession in place for stamp duty is designed to make it easier for people to get their first home, but only news homes. 
NSW is probably the most generous state.
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<div>
The scheme was established to assist eligible first home owners to purchase a new home or build their home by offering a $15 000 grant. The grant applies to new homes only and does not apply to the purchase of an established home, vacant land, business premises or a holiday house. The grant will reduce to $10,000 on 1 January 2016. 
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The First Home New Home scheme commenced from 1 January 2012 and provides eligible purchasers with exemptions from transfer duty on new homes valued up to $550,000 and concessions for new homes valued between $550,000 and $650,000.
Eligible purchaser buying a vacant block of residential land to build their home will pay no duty on vacant land valued up to $350,000, and will receive concessions for vacant land valued between $350,000 and $450, 000.
 
 
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NSW Labor promises staggered stamp duty for first home buyers

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Whose super did better than everyone else’s?
There was an average super return of 9.8% for the 2014-15 financial year, as calculated by Chant West.
They ranked the top-performing fund as Queensland’s public sector scheme QSuper, the second-biggest super fund in the country.
It returned 12.3% for its members.
Second placed was MTAA Super, the industry fund for the motor trades returning 11.7% for its members.
While most super funds took a beating in the GFC, Chant West director Warren Chant said the damage has been more than repaired.
“Since the GFC low point at the end of February 2009, growth funds have now delivered an impressive 88 per cent, putting them 37% above their pre-GFC high of October 2007,” he told TheNew Daily.
The full list of the top 10 is below, made up overwhelmingly of industry funds, with just one public sector fund and two retail funds making the list.
Overall, not-for-profit funds – which include industry, public sector and corporate funds (such as Telstra or Qantas) – returned on average 10.2%.
Retail funds, which are generally owned by banks on a for-profit basis, returned 9.6% on average.
The top 10 super funds for 2014/15
1. QSuper – 12.3%
2. MTAA – 11.7%
3. Statewide Super – 11.5%
4. AMP Future Directions – 11.5%
5. VicSuper – 11.1%
6. UniSuper – 11%
7. HOSTPLUS – 11%
8. Intrust Super – 10.9%
9. MLC Horizon – 10.9%
10. AustralianSuper – 10.9%
 
The top 10 super funds 2005-2015
1. REST Industry Super – 7.7%
2. Telstra Super – 7.6%
3. Commonwealth Bank Group Super – 7.4%
4. CareSuper – 7.4%
5. AustralianSuper – 7.3%
6. Catholic Super – 7.2%
7. Cbus – 7.2%
8. QSuper – 7.2%
9. UniSuper – 7.2%
10. HOSTPLUS – 7.1%
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CBUS sits in 7th place on past decade top 10 super funds

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Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA) CEO, Amanda Lynch, has welcomed the 2015-16 Budget as a win for her small business estate agency members.
But also one that importantly retains key tax arrangements that benefit housing investment.
Ms Lynch said the generous asset depreciation measures would particularly benefit the real estate sector
“The government is to be commended for ensuring stability within the sector in continuing the current tax arrangements as they relate to both Capital Gains Tax and negative gearing.” 
“With other sectors of the economy slowing, housing will play an increasingly important role and it is pleasing to see the government has not tampered with tax arrangements that have been proven to help stimulate housing investment in Australia.” 
“Abolition of negative gearing would result in a dwindling supply of properties for rent, escalating rents and reduced opportunities for low to middle income earning Australians to create wealth for self-funded retirement.” 
She welcome the small business package giving business owners meaningful incentives to hire, invest in equipment "and importantly grow their livelihood.”
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REIA welcomes no change on property taxes in Hockey 2015 budget

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<div class="nN-whiteStrip">
Origin Energy chief executive Grant King and his wife Jenny have a $1.7 million price on their redundant Pittwater retreat.
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<div id="content" class="span-16 article">
<div class="articleBody">
The Neutral Bay couple now own a pricier Palm Beach beachfront. 
<a href="https://palmbeach.ljhooker.com.au/33MF6Z/11-coasters-retreat-coasters-retreat" target="_blank">The waterfront reserve Coasters Retreat cottage </a>was bought it in 1995 for $307,500 before its extensive renovation and extension. 
Accessed only by boat or a regular ferry service from Palm Beach, Noel Nicholson, of LJ Hooker Palm Beach, has the listing.
</div>
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Modernised Coasters Retreat cottage with $1.7 million asking price

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The Federal Court of Australia has made declarations and ordered Superannuation Warehouse Australia Pty Ltd (SWA) to pay a penalty of $25,000 for false and misleading “Free SMSF Setup” advertising.
The statements were made on two websites operated by SWA.
SWA, which provides online accounting and administration services for self-managed superannuation funds (SMSF), admitted that the statements were false and misleading. 
It consented to the declarations and additional orders requiring SWA to:
<ul>
<li>implement a compliance program;</li>
<li>post notices on the websites about the proceeding; and</li>
<li>notify consumers who applied to SWA for the free SMSF setup service about the proceeding.</li>
</ul>
The Federal Court found that between 22 January 2014 and 8 May 2015, the "Free SMSF Setup" statement on the websites was false, misleading and deceptive because it represented that SWA would set up an SMSF at no cost when in fact:
<ul>
<li>SWA’s online application form for the free SMSF set up service could not be submitted without authorising SWA to be the fund administrator for which there was a fixed monthly fee;</li>
<li>SWA requested applicants to put in place a payment plan for monthly payments of administration fees when it set up the SMSF; and</li>
<li>SWA charged monthly fees for its SMSF administration services.</li>
</ul>
These matters were not clearly or prominently disclosed on the websites.
In addition, between 22 January 2014 and 5 August 2014 applications for SMSF set up with a corporate trustee required a payment of $950 to be made to SWA, without this being clearly and as prominently stated on the websites where “Free SMSF Setup” was advertised.
In the judgment, His Honour Justice Beach found that the "Free SMSF Setup" representation was false or misleading in that:
"a)      the administrator consent was required for the “Free SMSF Setup”;
b)      the administrator consent affected the costs of the “Free SMSF Setup”; and
c)      monthly fees were required to be paid to SWA for its services.
In the circumstances the setup was not 'free'.”
ASIC Deputy Chair Peter Kell welcomed the decision saying establishing a self-managed superannuation fund is a significant financial decision. 
"Consumers should not be misled by advertising, including online.  
"ASIC considers that terms such as "free" convey a strong impression to consumers and should not be used where there is any charge or cost associated with the product or service advertised."
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Free SMSF setup claims cop Federal Court fine

Perth’s new apartment market recorded its strongest quarter of sales since Q4 2021, with 412 apartments sold in Q1 2026 and a record quarterly sold value of $537 million, according to Urbis’ latest Apartment Essentials results.

Urbis said the March quarter result reflects strong, highly product‑specific demand across both ends of the market, from more attainable projects delivering at scale, through to premium stock being absorbed by equity‑rich downsizers.&nbsp;

David Cresp, Partner at Urbis, said the key story in Perth is not demand, it is the market’s ability to convert demand into delivered housing.&nbsp;

“This is the strongest sales quarter since Q4 2021, and it reinforces that demand in Perth is real and it’s local,” David Cresp said. “But the task now is delivery, turning that demand into projects that can actually be built and completed.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110291 project_image_fid=302785]

<h2>Affordable product leads, premium demand remains resilient</h2>

Sales in Q1 were led by more affordable projects, with The Boulevard (SKS Group) recording 115 sales in the quarter, the presentation noting this is only the second time a single project has surpassed 100 quarterly sales. The project was able to offer more affordable housing product right next to a train station.&nbsp;

Palmyra West (Finbar) also delivered strong results with 28 sales in Q1, following 84 sales in Q4, with an average price of under $800,000, underscoring depth of demand for well‑located, attainable new stock.&nbsp;

At the premium end, Urbis said downsizer demand is continuing, with the results highlighting Romeo (Applecross, Finbar) recording 75 sales and reaching almost 50% sold in one quarter.

Jual (Shenton Park, Celsius Property) also posted a strong quarter with 28 sales, reaching 39% sold in one quarter.

Urbis noted that Perth apartment demand is not speculative, not investor‑led, and not uniform, describing it as localised, often equity‑driven and highly product‑specific, a pattern reflected in the polarisation between strong “attainable” performers and premium downsizer product.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=148957 project_image_fid=364102]

<h2>Prices underpinned by costs, and the delivery risk is growing</h2>

Urbis said pricing pressure is cost not demand‑driven: construction costs and delivery risk are now a central constraint, with the results noting build costs remain elevated and volatile, and that energy, fuel and labour uncertainty weigh on feasibility.

David Cresp said a growing challenge for private Build‑to‑Sell developers is simply securing a builder in the current environment.

“Developers are really feeling the pressure from a building market that was operating at capacity and securing a builder is challenging,” David Cresp said, adding that even where a builder can be secured, “trying to get to the price that makes the development financially viable is incredibly challenging in the current market.”&nbsp;

Urbis’ broader WA commentary also notes that industry remains at or above capacity with lot and housing creation, and that many builders are limiting new sales to manage stretched workforces and fixed‑price contract pressures, conditions that flow directly into apartment feasibility and delivery timing.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108869 project_image_fid=317905]

<h2>Supply: improving later, but still constrained, and Perth lags eastern benchmarks</h2>

While near‑term supply remains constrained, Urbis’ forecast shows completions lifting “Supply is forecast to be back above 1,500 apartments per annum for the first time since 2019”, with 1,775 completions forecast for 2026, and volumes remaining above that level over the following years.&nbsp;

Looking further ahead, completions are forecast to reach 2,500 in 2028, with the report noting 32% of that total is social/affordable, reflecting the role of government‑supported delivery in rebuilding the pipeline.&nbsp;

However, Urbis said Perth remains behind comparable markets on pipeline scale. In a national comparison of projects under construction, the report shows under construction Perth Build‑to‑Sell (BTS) at 3,446 apartments versus the Gold Coast at 7,922. Mr Cresp said “The challenge for Perth is how to we grow the delivery pipeline”.

Urbis’ conclusion is that Perth’s market is increasingly defined by product discipline and delivery certainty, with the research identifying “delivery certainty is key” and calling out builder risk and procurement models as core success factors, alongside “timing and staging”.&nbsp;

Joel Robinson

Perth apartment sales hit strongest pace since late 2021 as builder capacity tightens

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sammut-developments">Sammut Group</a> has secured development approval for its latest Brisbane apartment project, marking the Sydney developer’s next step in expanding its Queensland pipeline following the success of its debut Gold Coast development, Coast.

The approved project at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/44-glen-road-toowong-qld-4066">44 Glen Road, </a><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/toowong-qld-4066">Toowong</a> will deliver a 15-storey riverfront apartment building with 42 residences, significantly increasing the scale of the site’s previous approval for a smaller luxury scheme. Designed by Bureau^proberts, the development will comprise a mix of predominantly four-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments positioned to maximise Brisbane River and city views.

Sammut Director Julian Sammut said the group had been actively searching Brisbane for several years before identifying Toowong as the right fit.

“Brisbane was the right step for Sammut,” Sammut said.

“With the success of Coast we thought we should definitely look to do more in Queensland alone. We then pushed up to look at Brisbane. We've been looking for I'd say two to three years actually and it was hard to find the right location.”

<img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_75/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.14%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=dYAVIL7qdcGA8ojvkslSrLjczXFejSSx" />

Sammut said suburbs including New Farm and Teneriffe were considered before the group ultimately focused on Toowong due to its strong downsizer demographic and limited supply of developable riverfront land.

The site was acquired off-market after what Sammut described as a lengthy negotiation and planning process, with the developer pursuing an uplift to the original approval.

“We are DA approved now which is very exciting,” Sammut said.

“We've had our change approval come through and we've obviously doubled the height, 15 storeys plus rooftop. We've got 42 amazing apartments that are going to be coming to market soon.”

<img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.26%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=ohkRkY0dIZlqdfME2EZePsCQavRiBadE" />

Bureau^proberts said the design responds to Toowong’s evolving urban character, balancing contemporary apartment living with the area’s established residential identity.

“A place where traditional Queensland living has taken place for centuries; Toowong is seeing a shift of contemporary influence, commercial and retail hubs mixed with well-considered residential offerings – all the while maintaining its character and charm,” the architect noted in planning documents submitted to Brisbane City Council.

The architecture practice said the project’s form was shaped by its riverfront setting, flood considerations, neighbouring building scales, and view corridors.

“They said the mix of four and two-bedroom apartments capture the ‘fundamental qualities of Queenslander living,’ translated into the context of a contemporary subtropical building.”

The development sits just off Coronation Drive within walking distance of Toowong’s retail precinct and the upgraded Regatta ferry terminal, while also benefiting from proximity to the incoming green bridge connection to West End. Sammut said the accessibility and amenity offering were central to the site’s appeal.

The approval adds to growing residential activity along the Toowong riverfront, joining nearby projects including Consolidated Properties’ Monarch Residences and Spyre Group’s ARC Residences.

Sammut secures approval for debut Brisbane apartment development in Toowong

Developer Lanevick is heading back into Sydney’s apartment market after focusing more heavily on the luxury townhouse and terrace sector in recent years.

Lanevick, founded and directed by Steve Maroun, is expecting to receive approval in the coming months for a new apartment development in Gladesville, with the aim to launch it to the market later this year.

The 51-apartment project, designed by Studio Johnston, will comprise a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments positioned toward the Hunters Hill downsizer market.

“Traditionally it’s been difficult for people in that market to downsize because there just hasn’t been the right product available,” Maroun said.

“We’re targeting buyers who might have 30 to 40 per cent of their house value sitting in the bank after downsizing.

“They still want good spacious entertaining areas, they still want quality design, but they also want flexibility and the ability to enjoy life a bit more after working hard for a long time.”

The project sits near Boronia Park and within close proximity to the Parramatta River foreshore, an area Maroun says offers more of a Hunters Hill lifestyle than a traditional apartment precinct.

“From a lifestyle perspective, it’s really more Hunters Hill than Gladesville,” Maroun said. “You’re close to the foreshore, close to parklands, and still connected back into the village precinct.”

From level four and above, apartments will capture water views&nbsp;toward Sydney Harbour. Communal amenity will include rooftop entertaining areas, wellness spaces, and a gym tailored toward owner-occupier buyers.

“We’ve really designed these apartments around that buyer coming from the Hunters Hill LGA and what they’re actually looking for in their next chapter.”

The proposed development has also been designed to respond to the changing character of the broader Gladesville town centre, where a growing number of mixed-use and residential proposals are expected to emerge over the coming years.

“Gladesville presented a rare opportunity to deliver a genuinely design-led residential project within an evolving lifestyle precinct, just moments from the growing Gladesville town centre, and we’ve approached the project with a strong focus on architecture, liveability and long-term community value,” Maroun said.

Maroun said Lanevick saw a first-mover advantage within the precinct as planning controls continue to evolve to accommodate greater housing density.

“We think there’s a real opportunity there that hasn’t really been serviced properly yet,” he said.

“There’s going to be a broader evolution of the whole Gladesville village precinct over time, particularly with more activation and mixed-use outcomes.”

The Venus Street proposal will include a commercial and retail component at ground level designed to contribute to that evolving streetscape activation.

“A big part of the thinking was how do you activate that area properly and create more vibrancy and amenity, which is what Hunters Hill has been looking for,” Maroun said.

Lanevick’s focus since 2020 has largely been on smaller-scale luxury townhouse and terrace developments. The developer recently completed Royale Randwick, also designed by Studio Johnston, where prices reached $3.65 million. The project was featured in the UDIA NSW 2026 Professional Development Prospectus and was also named a finalist for Development of the Year.

&nbsp;

Lanevick to cater for Hunters Hill downsizers with new Gladesville apartment development

Property developer One Living, backed by former Macquarie banker turned investment manager Chris Green’s investment firm, has unveiled plans to bring more institutional capital into housing to help address the national supply crisis.

The New York-based investor has focused his firm, GreenPoint Partners, on addressing the supply shortage hitting middle market housing in Australia.

It is backing the new One Living business to develop more than 1000 units along the eastern seaboard. The new firm is starting with a development on Mona Vale Road, on the border of Mona Vale and Pymble, in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, with around 140 apartments planned. They are eyeing off more sites across the city.

With cost pressures rising in the industry, One Living’s model is to be a vertically integrated developer-builder, so it can respond directly to the housing gap by removing the cost inefficiencies embedded in traditional residential delivery.

“We are building a platform designed to operate at scale and starting in a market where there’s a clear need for quality, attainable housing,” One Living joint managing director Joseph Scuderi said.

“It’s that missing middle – it’s that attainable end of housing… that’s what most Australians invest into and what Australians can actually afford.”

<img alt="Mona Vale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="798dfa93-4941-4db6-a696-31e9dc18e81c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%202.31.50%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=mKBqi5C_DmeiXS.AtJkcR8LQIxqCqmFi" />

GreenPoint Partners brings years of experience assembling and scaling real estate operating businesses across major markets. And Green sees a big opportunity in Australia.

“For its size, sophistication and importance to the community, Australia’s living sector has remained largely under-institutionalised, which represents significant opportunity,” Green said. “GreenPoint identified that gap, assembled the right team, and is backing One Living to build a platform that is aligned to market needs.”

Green said being a builder-developer would give the company the capacity and flexibility it required to deliver reasonably-priced homes.

“We want it to be at that attainable level; not super high end luxury but at that attainable level,” he said.

<img alt="Mona Vale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="74a5344a-4b26-4d4a-ada3-056b1220be77" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%202.32.15%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=vY8hXHO4reBMdO8ZXMWCNtGZJofUPQ3j" />

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One Living will undertake a component of affordable housing in its schemes, which it will own and operate, and it could also run build-to-rent on some sites.

Green praised local policy settings.

“The NSW government is being very supportive, strategic and pragmatic in terms of how do we generate more supply of housing,” he said. “We think it’s actually positive for development and the bit that’s been lacking at that attainable level is that it’s lots of relatively small private developers, whereas we want to create an institutional platform.”

One Living is also&nbsp;looking at high-density projects and could take on more institutional funding in the future.

“The way we will be able to achieve economies of scale is through size,” Green added.

One Living enters Sydney's new apartment market with Northern Beaches site acquisition

It's been several years since there's been an opportunity to buy a brand new townhome in Melbourne's coastal suburb of Mordialloc. Even apartment developments in recent times have been few and far between in the area.

Local developer LDS Property identified the gap in new housing, securing a site on White Street, directly opposite&nbsp;Woodlands Golf Club Mordialloc. They've recently launched&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/wm-residences-mordialloc-102-white-street-mordialloc-vic-3195">WM Residences</a>, just 13 townhouses which they have already started building.

Projects by Buxton Director Heath Thompson, who is selling WM Residences, says the townhouses x that perfect middle ground be

"Mordialloc residents have had limited options to downsize within the suburb, often forcing them to look elsewhere despite long-standing ties to the area," Thompson says.

"With very little comparable new supply coming to market, projects like WM Residences are well placed, particularly as buyers look to capitalise on current conditions amid constrained supply."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6109]

The development, designed by regarded architecture firm&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ewert-leaf">Ewert Leaf</a>,&nbsp;adopts a deliberately restrained architectural approach, focusing on simplicity, durability and liveability rather than overt design gestures.

The boutique scale is central to the offering. With only 13 three-bedroom residences, each home is configured to prioritise functional layouts and everyday use, supported by private terraces and secure two-car garages.

Ewert Leaf’s design response leans into a calm, neutral material palette. Interiors are defined by oak flooring, white walls and soft finishes, creating a consistent and understated backdrop. The approach avoids trend-driven detailing in favour of longevity, with an emphasis on natural light and spatial clarity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6110]

Beyond aesthetics, the homes are designed to meet contemporary performance expectations. Each residence targets a minimum 6-star energy rating, incorporating double glazing, comprehensive insulation and all-electric Bosch appliances.

The project’s location supports a walkable coastal lifestyle, sitting within close proximity to Mordialloc’s foreshore, Main Street retail strip and the train station. Local cafés and dining venues, including Suburbia Deli and Hendriks Café, are within a short walk, reinforcing the area’s established neighbourhood character.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6116]

While <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/mordialloc-vic-3195">Mordialloc</a> is often defined by its beach and pier, the project taps into other areas of day to day living, offering easy access to local food, casual dining and transport, rather than positioning itself purely as a lifestyle retreat.

WM Residences reflects a continued trend across Melbourne’s coastal suburbs towards smaller-scale, design-led townhouse developments, particularly on infill sites where proximity to amenity is already established.

With construction commenced prior to its market entry, the project aligns with a growing preference among buyers for developments with visible progress and defined delivery timeframes.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134646]

Jonathan Chancellor

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