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Anything other than an orderly correction in Australian house prices could spell trouble for Australia’s banks, an economist has warned.
Moody’s Analytics managing director and economist Tony Hughes says Australian housing “appears overvalued” and has warned of the experience in the US where the property downturn brought the “country’s banks to their knees”.
Hughes tempered his remarks, telling the Australian Financial Review that his report showed Australian house prices appeared “modestly, but not excessively” overvalued.
However, he warned against complacency given that Australia’s banks have the heaviest weighting to the local property market via home loans than any other banking sector in the world.
Home loans make up nearly two-thirds of the total lending undertaken by Australian banks compared to an exposure of around 35% among American banks.
The latest APRA banking figures for May provide a stark reminder of the extent to which the big four banks dominate the mortgage lending landscape.
Top of the pile is the Commonwealth Bank with a mortgage book worth $320 billion followed by Westpac ($297 billion), NAB ($196 billion) and ANZ ($178 billion).
By comparison, the fifth biggest mortgage lender, ING Direct, has a home loan book worth only $37 billion.
Hughes warns that this high exposure to home lending represents a “major concentration risk for banks and the Aussie economy”.
And while local analysts remain complacent in his view about this concentration risk, Hughes says international investors are concerned.
“When trends in Australian house prices are compared globally, the signs look worrying,” Hughes says.
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lschlesinger-FZcF9M3vE6

Australian banks at risk to “fickle” and “modestly overvalued” housing sector: Moody’s economist

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Borrowers on variable rates can pay off their home loan 10 years early if they don’t adjust repayments and put an extra $300 per month into their home loan every month, says mortgage comparison website RateCity.com.au.
However, mortgage broker Smartline advises that taking out a three year fixed-rate loan at 4.99% currently saves around $5,500 per year - and savings would be greater if mortgage rates were to start to rise in the next few years.
Rising interest rates will also make it harder for borrowers on variable rates to stay ahead of their mortgage repayments.
Much will depend on where interest rates head over the next few years.
Currently, major bank economists are tipping a rate cut to 2.5% in August, but the outlook beyond that is uncertain.
The most recent Bloomberg survey had a median forecast of a 2.75% cash rate by the end of 2014, but with forecasts ranging from as low as 2% to as high as 3.75%.
With this level of uncertainty, borrowers could also consider splitting their home loan between fixed and variable – and hedging their bets.
Analysis of the RateCity.com.au database of more than 100 lenders found that the average standard variable home loan rate has fallen by 1.62 percentage points from 7.31% in November 2011 – when the RBA began cutting the cash rate - to 5.69% in July 2013.
Variable rate borrowers with a typical $300,000 home loan who keep their monthly repayments at the November 2011 level of $2,059 are paying more than $300 per month above what they are required to pay.
If they continue this trend and add an extra $300 to a $300,000 mortgage each month, they would potentially save over $151,000 and shave nine years and five months off a 30-year home loan (based on the historical average standard variable rate of about 7%).
<img alt="RATECITY" src="/images/stories/2013/larry_uploads/RATECITY.jpg" width="470" height="98">
“Many Australians have taken a new approach to borrowing, which could see a whole generation of mortgage holders paying off their home loan a decade early,” says Michelle Hutchison, spokesperson for RateCity.
“Even though the cost of a mortgage rises when rates increase, it’s worth adding as much as you possibly can to your mortgage, particularly when rates are low."
A separate study by Smartline Personal Mortgage Advisers found that mortgage holders who choose to lock in their home loan at below 5% could save up to $5,500 a year.
<address></address>Smartline calculated the potential saving based on the rates on offer when compared with long-term average interest rates using fixed and variable offerings of an unnamed major bank. <address></address>
Over the past 14 years, the bank's basic variable interest rate has averaged 6.85% per annum. This same major bank is currently offering 4.99% for a three-year fixed rate. A saving of 1.86% p.a. on the 14 year variable average equates to a saving of about $5500 p.a. on a $300,000 mortgage.
“This is the very reason why a third of our clients are taking out fixed rate loans,” says Smartline mortgagebroker Michael Daniels.
“When you crunch the numbers on the savings, it’s a pretty compelling argument. 
“There are many more who are considering a fixed rate, but who don’t want to lock themselves into a fixed rate in case rates drop further. It’s probably the question Smartline Advisers are asked the most these days – ‘will they go lower?’. 
“While fixed rates might drop a little bit further – but I wouldn’t say it’s a certainty – the fact is that the fixed rates currently on offer are historically low. 
“Cheap is cheap – most people should be delighted to be paying something like 4.99% when compared with the long-term average variable rate of nearly 7%. 
“When fixed rates go up they move quickly, generally faster than they come down. You won’t kick yourself for locking in at 4.99% but you might if you suddenly find they’re back up past 6% again.” 
However, while the potential savings are significant, Daniels says people need to consider their own personal situation and whether locking into a fixed rate is the best approach for them.
Early exit fees still apply to fixed rate loans and these fees can be substantial.
 
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Fixed and variable conundrum remains as longer term outlook for interest rates remains cloudy

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Nearly three out of five Australians expect house prices to rise by just under 10% over the next 12 months as optimists continue to significantly outnumber pessimists on the short term outlook for the property market.
The results are part of the quarterly Westpac-Melbourne Institute Consumer House Price Expectations Index, which fell from 53.9 in April to 46.9 in July.
The latest  index records a small drop in the proportion of respondents expecting house prices to rise over the next 12 months from 62% in April to 58.6% in July.
Nearly a third of respondents (30%) expect house prices to remain stable over this time period with the proportion of people expecting house prices to fall, rising slightly from 8% in April to 12% in July.
Expectations are strongest in NSW with over two thirds of consumers expecting prices to rise.
The chart below shows how the house price expectations index correlates with and anticipates to a degree actual changes in house prices, as well as the recent softening in outlook.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/larry_uploads/westpac_house_price_index.jpg" width="470" height="215" alt="westpac_house_price_index">
The results are published in the Westpac Red Book and follows the<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/economy/consumer-sentiment-downbeat-compared-to-same-time-last-year-westpac-index/2013071063147"> monthly consumer sentiment survey</a> which found overall sentiment unchanged in July with optimists just outnumbering pessimists.
However, the sub-index tracking views on “time to buy a dwelling” fell sharply by 8.4% in July, foreshadowing the drop in house price expectations.
Despite the small downward adjustment in expectations over the  July quarter, Westpac Red Book author and senior economist Matthew Hassan says the ‘up: same: down’ mix of '58:30:12' is signi?cantly more positive than the '47:32:21' reading averaged in 2012.
“Although there is a clear consensus that prices will rise, few expect double-digit price growth with just 8% expecting a 10% plus rise," says Hassan.
“Dwelling prices often surprise though.
Prices rose 3.9% in the year to June – a gain over half of consumers did not anticipate.
“Conversely prices were weaker than expected in 2011-12 with only 22% of consumers correctly picking the 2.6% decline."
The Westpac index found some notable shifts in state sentiment with house price expectations taking a big knock in WA, falling from a “very bullish” +82 in Apr to a much lower but still positive +41 in July.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/larry_uploads/westpac_house_price_index2.jpg" width="470" height="222" alt="westpac_house_price_index2">
In WA, a less positive view on house price outlook, may see some cooling in WA’s housing market which outperformed in 2012-13, notes Hassan.
“This looks to be more than just a mining story with expectations in Queensland tracking in the opposite direction (up 15 points).
“Price expectations are now closely clustered with little separating consumer expectations in Queensland, Victoria and WA.
“Only NSW stands out as more bullish on prices, with over two thirds of consumers in NSW expecting prices to rise,” says Hassan
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Optimists outnumber pessimists on house prices despite drop in sentiment: Westpac Red Book

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ANZ has left variable mortgage rates unchanged at its monthly independent interest rate review.
The bank's standard variable mortgage rate remains at 6.13% per annum (6.23% comparison rate).
Variable interest rates for small business lending also remain unchanged.
The bank makes its own interest rate decision on the second Friday of every month.
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ANZ leaves variable mortgage rates unchanged at 6.13%

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Home loans to owner occupiers rose by a lower than expected 1.8% in May, according to the latest seasonally adjusted figures from the ABS.
There were 49,636 home loans approved in May compared with 48,475 in April.
A survey of economists by Bloomberg last week had forecast a median rise of 2.2% in May. 
Total housing finance by value increased 2% in May on a seasonally adjusted basis to $23.433 billion.
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Mortgage lending up lower than expected 1.8% in May: ABS

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The number of suburbs where you could be financially better of buying rather than renting has risen from 494 suburbs in December to 692 as of July, according to the latest RP Data Buy vs Rent Report.
The theoretical report lists suburbs across Australia where renters should think about doing the sums and perhaps looking at buying an equivalent property (if they can find one) rather than paying rent to a landlord.
The latest list is dominated by Queensland suburbs which make up more than third (242 suburbs) out of the 692 suburbs.
Greater Brisbane accounts for 71 suburbs while the remaining 171 can be found in the regional areas of the state.
There are 193 suburbs in NSW (73 are in Sydney), 75 in WA, 54 in Tasmania and 45 each in Victoria and South Australia.
Just two out of the 45 Victoria suburbs are in Melbourne.
Reflecting their relative unaffordability, there are just 29 Northern Territory suburbs on the list and six in Canberra.
A discounted variable mortgage rate of 5.4% and a three-year fixed mortgage rate of 5.15% have been assumed as part of the analysis.
Additionally, RP Data has assumed buyers hold a 10% deposit.
The full report is available to download for free at <a href="https://www.rpdata.com.au/buyorrent" target="_blank">rpdata.com.au/buyorrent</a>
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Queensland dominates list of 692 suburbs where you could be better off buying than renting: RP Data

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There are attractive investment options for Brisbane property investors with a $500,000 budget including “dodgy” but well-tenanted apartments close to the CBD, say valuers Herron Todd White.
“Second-hand units have a lot going for them,” says the valuation firm as part of its July market report on investment options below the half million dollar mark.
“Large floor areas, renovation potential and well established locations with good amenities are common for these properties.
“If you’re OK with staying at the cheaper end of things, you can most certainly pick up something dodgy within five kilometres of the CBD that will never be without a resident.
“It might be pre-1975, but the fundamentals will be good.
“Try any near city, walkable suburb that has a café strip and a lot of appeal.
“It’s even better if the tenant base is obvious – universities, hospitals and nearby places of employment.
"Shop around, be ready to jump and you will be sitting pretty.”
For investors looking for something a bit more modern, HTW says the “1980s have been back in fashion for some time now”.
“A two-bedroom, one-bathroom unit circa the era of bubble skirts and shoulder pads will be a goer.
“Try areas such as Stafford, Nundah and Kedron.
An example of an older style apartment well below $500,000 is <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-qld-nundah-113869551">this two-bedroom unit on Little Jenner Street in Nundah</a>, about 8 kilometres north east of the CBD, asking $329,000 and being sold by Renee Rennie of Go Gecko - Inner North.
"This renovated corner location North facing apartment on Little Jenner Street is a leisurely stroll to the cafes, restaurants and all that Nundah Village has to offer," says the listing.
Herron Todd White highlights the importance of the new Eastern Busway to Coorparoo of which two stages have been completed, to the overall appeal of these markets.
“We do bang on about the busway here but it is further evidence of how these locations are being very well serviced," says HTW.
“If you’re looking south, then Greenslopes or Coorparoo should have something.
“For $30,000 to $40,000, you can turn drab into fab and have the tenants begging to be let in.
“The sale price for one of these is anywhere from $300,000 to $400,000. The good thing is this – rental yield is now around 5% to 5.5% gross.
“The second best thing is that these returns feel sustainable. We wouldn’t expect to see much fall below 4.5% because all of these locations provide plenty of infrastructural support."
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“Dodgy” old apartment investments but with attractive yields under $500,000 available close to Brisbane CBD: HTW

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Investors may have “missed the boat” on some sub-$500,000 property investment opportunities on the Sunshine Coast as some confidence returns to the market and values firm “slightly” reports valuation firm Herron Todd White.
However, there are still opportunities for investors to snap up investments below or around the half a million mark near the coast, close to amenities with ocean views.
“We have seen some confidence returning, and there are some areas where the [$500,000] boat may have been missed, but not by much,” says the valuation firm in its July report examining cheaper investment opportunities at the start of the new financial year.
“The Kawana stretch and some inner Caloundra, Maroochydore and Noosa areas have seen some of the rot stop with a slight firming in values being experienced on the back of this returned confidence.
“Houses were beginning at the circa $400,000 price point, but with stock around this level drying up the price point appears to be around the $450,000,” says Herron Todd White.
Searches across real estate listings websites indicate options close to the water under $500,000 are limited.
Potential investment options below half a million could include this recently renovated <a target="_blank" href="https://www.reiq.com/House/for-sale/noosa-heads/2487865.aspx">three-bedroom house at Noosa Heads listed for $400,000</a> through Dowling &amp; Neylan Real Estate.
Coastal options are more plentiful in the unit market which has seen an “increase in popularity over recent times in these inner areas”, according to Herron Todd White.
“This has been largely for more permanent living style home units appealing to the buyer that wants to be able to lock and leave.
“They typically offer three-bedroom, two-bathrooms and two-car accommodation and are of a good size providing a viable alternative to a block of land and house.
“An example of this is the Cotton Tree area of Maroochydore, close to river, beach and cafe’s with prices in the circa $500,000.”
Current listings in Cotton Tree include this two-bedroom, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-qld-maroochydore-112200679">two-bathroom unit on Sixth Avenue, Maroochydore</a> which is listed for $479,000 through Ned Byrne &amp; Don Greeff from Cotton Tree Real Estate – Maroochydore. The apartment has ocean views and is just 100 metres from the beach.
Moving inland from the coast, Herron Todd White says there are opportunities throughout the hinterland.
“The options tend to be for older properties (10 to 20 yrs old) close to the various hinterland towns.
“The big positive for these properties is that the purchase prices still tend to be below what it costs to develop/replace the property.”
“This, you would have to think, should hold you in good stead in the future as the strengthening market moves out to these areas.
Herron Todd White says less activity in the quieter winter months and the looming federal election, when people usually put their major decisions on hold could possibly put pressure on some vendors.
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Sub-$500,000 Sunshine Coast investment options “drying up” as property values firm “slightly”: HTW

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Investors looking for a solid return on a $500,000 property play close to the Sydney CBD should consider a one-bedroom or studio apartment in Waterloo, about 4 kilometres south of the city centre.
Valuers Herron Todd White notes that Waterloo has “undergone dramatic redevelopment in the past 10 years and offers a good buyer option”.
“The area now comprises predominantly high density residential unit complexes.
“For $500,000 you could buy a semi-modern one-bedroom unit with single car space.
“A unit of this nature would rent for approximately $550 per week making it attractive for investment purposes,” says the valuation firm in its July market report, which examines where to spend a “lazy half a million” in the new financial year.
Using these figures, investors could get a gross rental yield of around 5.7% well above the average for Sydney of 4.9% for units, according to June figures from RP Data-Rismark.
A search on realestate.com.au reveals nine apartments in Waterloo priced at or below $500,000.
They are all one-bedroom and studio apartments, the cheapest being <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-nsw-waterloo-114062707">a second floor apartment</a> with car space on Wellington Street listed for $425,000 with a “motivated vendor” through Alex Lang of Ray White Pyrmont.
According to RP Data, median unit prices in <a target="_blank" href="/news">Waterloo</a> have risen 11.6% over the past 12 months with an average discount of 4.5% and an average time on market of 89 days.
“Proximity to the CBD and eastern suburbs, established infrastructure and the modern standard of accommodation contribute to its appeal for both owners and tenants alike,” says Herron Todd White
“In addition to the high rental returns, these units have also seen good capital growth as surrounding areas are also redeveloped.
“Developers in Waterloo and Zetland (adjoining suburb) communicate with our valuers that demand is still very high for new stock so we predict capital growth will continue into the future.
“At the $500,000 price point we see a mix of both investors and owner-occupiers in areas such as Waterloo.” HTW says investor interest levels in Waterloo are high while it also represents an “entry level price point for first time home buyers”.
“Because of the limited opportunities at this price in metropolitan Sydney first time home buyers play a major role in increasing demand levels.
“This entry price point adds to the demand from owner occupiers and investors alike, helping drive capital growth.”
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Sydney Waterloo apartments offer “attractive” sub-$500,000 investment opportunities: HTW

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An August rate cut is "on the table", Australian Financial Review columnist and economist Christopher Joye has tweeted this morning.
He told his 4659 followers the RBA "might" cut the cash rate next month writing in the AFR today that the trend rise in the unemployment rate to 5.7% in June "ensures that an August rate cut is very much live and hinges on a soft second quarter inflation reading".
The ABS will release June quarter inflation data on July 24.
<a href="https://twitter.com/cjoye" target="_blank"><img height="134" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/larry_uploads/christopher_joye_RBA_tweet.jpg" alt="christopher_joye_RBA_tweet" style="font-size: 0.8em;"></a>
Meanwhile, Joye's fellow AFR columnist, David Bassanese has cheekily tweeted to his 3,719 followers that he also tips an August rate cut, but didn't make it onto the front page of the AFR:
<img alt="david_bassanese" height="90" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/larry_uploads/david_bassanese.jpg">
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August rate cut is "on the table": Christopher Joye

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]

Larry Schlesinger

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