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Heading into the quieter autumn months, the number of residential properties listed for sale rose in all capital cities in March, but still remain lower than a year ago, according to figures from SQM Research.
Nationally, residential listings rose 3.8% from 341,662 properties for sale in February to 354,738 in March.
A year ago there were 362,306 properties listed for sale.
Sydney recorded the largest rise in listings in March; rising by 7.6% or 1,966 properties, but listings are down by 15.7% or 5,170 properties year-on-year.
All other cities recorded monthly gains in the range of 2% to 6%.
However, apart from Melbourne (where listings are up 0.2% year-on-year), all capital cities have recorded declines in available real estate listings compared to March 2012.
“It is our opinion that differing from the recovery witnessed in 2009, the upturn in the Australian property market being experienced at present is a much slower, more normal cyclical uplift,” says Louis Christopher, managing director of SQM Research.
"Without the stimulus of a first home buyers grant (as given in 2009) this recovery is based fundamentally on interest rates cuts spread over a longer period of time and an economy recording moderate growth rates.
“This view fits with why in this current recovery stock levels are not in a state of rapid decline as what was recorded in the first half of 2009.”
First-home buyer numbers peaked in May 2009 following of the doubling of the first-home owner grant to $14,000 for those buying existing homes and trebling it to $21,000 for those buy newly built homes in October 2008.
The full boost ran between October 4 2008 and September 30 2009.
Between October 1 2009 and December 31 2009 the boost was halved.
<img alt="sqmapril8one" height="172" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/04/sqmapril8one.jpg">
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Residential listings rise 3.8% in March without overall pre-Easter volume uplift: SQM

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Home builders and contractors expect the building industry to improve in the medium term, but are still struggling in the short term, according to the latest quarterly Master Builders National Survey of Building and Construction.
The overall  index rose above the neutral 50 mark over the March quarter, indicating that builders believe their own business activity will improve over the next six months.
But current conditions remain weak.
Own business profitability rose slightly in the March quarter but the index remains well below the neutral 50 mark.
Master Builders notes that "it may be some time before industry profitability improves".
"The index is showing signs of bottoming following a trend decline in the index over the past two years to levels below that recorded during the global financial crisis," says Master Builders.
The “key forward indicator” index for display centre traffic/commercial enquiries rose markedly in the March quarter.


Although remaining below the neutral 50 mark, the index is now higher than the average reading recorded during the past nine years. 

Master Builders says the improvement in this index “may be another sign that the market is finally responding to lower interest rates and that the worst may be behind the building industry”.

The results are based on a survey of more than 500 builders and contractors. 
Peter Jones, chief economist of Master Builders Australia, says while signs of a recovery may be beginning to emerge for the industry, the upswing is coming from a very low base and questions remain about its strength.


“The turnaround in the survey sentiment suggests previous interest rate cuts may be beginning to take hold, but builders are yet to see any benefit from the rate reductions.

“Builders reported less work on the books than in the previous quarter, sales contracts remained essentially unchanged and profits remain weak.

“The good news for builders came in some of the industry’s forward indicators. Display centre traffic and commercial enquiries increased markedly in the quarter and are now higher than the average reading recorded over the past nine years.

“Expectations for industry activity and own business activity also rose to levels above the survey’s neutral reading, which suggests there could be improvement for the industry in the short to medium term,” he says.
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Construction sentiment improving but not yet activity: Master Builders survey

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Interest rate cuts are starting to have an impact on the household sector with the RBA unlikely to lower the cash rate further over the coming months, says ANZ in its latest Australian Weekly Economic report.
The report, edited by senior economist Riki Polygenis and Katie Dean, head of Australian economics, says the most recent economic data – last week’s <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/land/building-approvals-up-31-in-february-a-material-improvement-hia/2013040460172?utm_source=po&amp;utm_medium=aida&amp;utm_campaign=news">building approvals</a> figures and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/retail/retail-sales-growth-best-since-2001-unless-youre-a-butcher-or-baker-commsec/2013040460169?utm_source=po&amp;utm_medium=aida&amp;utm_campaign=news">retail trade data </a>- support the RBA’s growing confidence that interest-rate sensitive areas of the economy are responding to stimulatory monetary policy settings.
“In particular, improved consumer confidence appears to be translating into stronger consumer spending, with nominal retail sales growth robust in January and February following three consecutive monthly contractions in late 2012,” says ANZ.
ANZ says these ‘greenshoots’ suggest the RBA is a little more confident that it will not have to act on its easing bias over the next couple of months.
“That said, the RBA remains alert to uncertainties surrounding the transition towards non-mining sources of growth against a backdrop of a high Australian dollar, tight fiscal policy and weak credit growth.
“The next possible window for a rate cut is in June/July after the federal budget, but this will depend critically on how the labour market evolves and whether we see a turnaround in key leading indicators of non-mining investment (such as next week’s NAB survey data and the capital expenditure release in late May)," says ANZ.
The report notes a recent client survey, which found that activity in the residential housing market has improved with developers reporting increased levels of sales and inquiries.
“Residential construction activity has also picked-up, with firms in this sector anticipating an improvement in revenue growth over the second half of this year.
“In contrast, weak fundamentals in the commercial property sector (office and retail) continue to constrain investment in this sector. However, sales activity remains robust due to strong interest in prime retail and office assets, particularly from offshore investors.”
Currently the cheapest home loan rate appears to be a one year fixed-rate home loan of 4.69% offered by non-bank lender eMoney, though it does require a hefty 25% deposit. 
Lowest variable rate offerings:
<table width="470" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="1"><tbody>
<tr>
<td width="134" valign="top">
Provider
</td>
<td width="124" valign="top">
Loan name
</td>
<td width="97" valign="top">
Rate
</td>
<td width="116" valign="top">
Comparison rate*
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="134" valign="top">
Loans.com.au
</td>
<td width="124" valign="top">
Blackboard special
</td>
<td width="97" valign="top">
4.99%
</td>
<td width="116" valign="top">
5.01%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="134" valign="top">
State Custodians
</td>
<td width="124" valign="top">
State Custodians Peak Performance Offset (Refinance Only)
</td>
<td width="97" valign="top">
4.99%
</td>
<td width="116" valign="top">
5.35%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="134" valign="top">
UBank
</td>
<td width="124" valign="top">
UHomeloan for refinancing
</td>
<td width="97" valign="top">
5.12%
</td>
<td width="116" valign="top">
5.12%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
 Lowest one-year fixed-rate offerings
<table width="470" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="1"><tbody>
<tr>
<td width="137" valign="top">
Provider
</td>
<td width="123" valign="top">
Loan name
</td>
<td width="95" valign="top">
Rate
</td>
<td width="114" valign="top">
Comparison rate*
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="137" valign="top">
eMoney
</td>
<td width="123" valign="top">
Pro Pack 75
</td>
<td width="95" valign="top">
4.69%
</td>
<td width="114" valign="top">
5.40%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="137" valign="top">
Quick Direct
</td>
<td width="123" valign="top">
Package one year fixed
</td>
<td width="95" valign="top">
4.79%
</td>
<td width="114" valign="top">
5.46%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="137" valign="top">
UBank
</td>
<td width="123" valign="top">
UHomeLoan for refinance fixed rate one year
</td>
<td width="95" valign="top">
4.83%
</td>
<td width="114" valign="top">
5.03%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
 
Lowest three-year fixed-rate offerings
<table width="470" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="1"><tbody>
<tr>
<td width="131" valign="top">
Provider
</td>
<td width="131" valign="top">
Loan name
</td>
<td width="96" valign="top">
Rate
</td>
<td width="111" valign="top">
Comparison rate*
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="131" valign="top">
ME Bank
</td>
<td width="131" valign="top">
Member Package SMHL Standard Home Loan
</td>
<td width="96" valign="top">
4.99%
</td>
<td width="111" valign="top">
5.49%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="131" valign="top">
Teachers Mutual Bank
</td>
<td width="131" valign="top">
Teachers Fixed Option Loan
</td>
<td width="96" valign="top">
4.99%
</td>
<td width="111" valign="top">
5.90%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="131" valign="top">
AMP
</td>
<td width="131" valign="top">
Select Package Residential Fixed 3 yrs 100k+
</td>
<td width="96" valign="top">
5.09%
</td>
<td width="111" valign="top">
5.54%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
*A comparison rate includes both the interest rate and the fees and charges relating to a loan, combined into a single percentage figure.
For information on refinancing, watch our free webinar <a href="/news">The Do's and Don’ts of Refinancing Your Existing Home Loan ... and How to Avoid Unnecessary Hurdles</a>.
 
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ANZ says rate cuts starting to have a positive impact: a guide to lowest standard and variable mortgage rates

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Economists have all but ruled out a rate cut on May 7, the next time the RBA board meets to decide on interest rates.
Of the 25 economists surveyed this week by Bloomberg, 22 expect the cash rate to remain unchanged.
Those tipping a rate cut are Citi, Macquarie and BNP Paribas economists.
Of those economists surveyed this week, 15 out of 25 expect no rate cut in June either.
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No rate cut in May say economists: Bloomberg

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A Lend Lease consortium has been chosen by the Victorian government to build the $630 million new Bendigo Hospital.
The Exemplar Health consortium includes Capella Capital, Siemens and Spotless.
The hospital will be built via a Public Private Partnership (PPP) with Lend Lease investing 50% of the equity alongside Siemens.
The new Bendigo Hospital will feature 372 in-patient beds, 10 operating theatres, an integrated cancer centre, a mental health unit and a helipad in addition to a mix of commercial developments.
The works include a new hospital in addition to some minor refurbishment of heritage buildings.
“We are excited to be part of the winning consortium and are looking forward to working with the Government to achieve the best result for the community in Bendigo,” said Lend Lease group chief executive officer and managing director, Steve McCann
Commencement of site works is expected to begin shortly after May 2013.
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Lend Lease consortium to build Bendigo Hospital 

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Mirvac finance director Greg Dyer has resigned.
He has only been in the role for eight months and was appointed prior to<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/industry-news/incoming-mirvac-ceo-susan-lloyd-hurwitz-to-start-in-november-as-board-backs-chairman-james-mackenzie/2012091156515"> Susan Lloyd-Hurwitz</a> taking over as CEO and managing director from Nick Collishaw in November.
In a statement Mirvac said he would remain to assist in transitional arrangements until September 2013.
He will step down from the board immediately.
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Mirvac finance director Greg Dyer resigns

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ING Direct’s much-touted position as Australia’s fifth biggest lender behind the four major banks and their subsidiary brands could come under threat from a surging Macquarie Bank eager to pick up a greater share of the mortgage market.
While <a target="_blank" href="companies/macquarie-bank">Macquarie Bank</a> has more than doubled its home lending arm in the space of a year, albeit from a low base of less than $2.8 billion to in excess of $6 billion, ING Direct’s $37 billion mortgage book has hardly expanded in the past year, APRA banking figures show.
APRA figures show an ING Direct loan book of $37.5 billion as of February 2013 compared with a $37.2 billion loan book 12 months ago.
Macquarie also has a securitised mortgage portfolio of $5.9 billion (ING Direct has no wholesale lending arm) which it using to help fund mortgage lending in Mark Bouris’ fast growing Yellow Brick Road franchise business of around 150 offices, in which it also has an 8.3% holding.
Macquarie Bank, a subsidiary of investment banking giant the Macquarie Group, quit the mortgage market in the wake of the <a target="_blank" href="?option=com_googlesearch_cse&amp;q=Macquarie%20Bank">GFC</a>. Prior to the crisis it was predominantly a wholesale mortgage lender, providing funding for the likes of Virgin Money, via its PUMA securitisation program.
While Macquarie clearly has some way to go before it has a loan book to rival that of ING Direct it has a bigger source of retail deposits to lend against - $35.6 billion compared with ING Direct’s $31.7 billion and a stronger domestic balance sheet with local assets totalling $59.6 billion compared with ING Direct’s $49.2 billion.
Macquarie is not hiding its aspirations in the mortgage space.
As part of its annual operational briefing in February, Macquarie Group CEO Nicholas Moore noted the group’s expanding $11.1 billion mortgage portfolio and that “originations are expected to continue to grow significantly in the 2013 calendar year”.
<a href="/news">Macquarie Bank’s deal to fund Yellow Brick Road</a> was highlighted by Business Spectator’s Robert Gottliebsen earlier this year, who wrote that a mortgage and deposit war could erupt on the back of the cheap funding available to the Yellow Brick Road franchise network.
Tale of the tape – Feb 2013
<table style="width: 470px;" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td width="253" valign="top">
Macquarie
</td>
<td width="274" valign="top">
ING Direct
 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="253" valign="top">
Loans to owner occupiers $3.4 billion
Loans to investors $2.86 billion
Securitised loans: $5.9 billion
Total deposits $35.6 billion
Total resident assets $59.6 billion
 
</td>
<td width="274" valign="top">
Loans to owner occupiers $27.8 billion
Loans to investors $9.7 billion
Securitised loans: $0 billion
Total deposits $31.7 billion
Total resident assets $49.2 billion
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Source: APRA
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
There are other obvious indications that Macquarie Bank is ramping up its mortgage lending.
The Australian Financial Review reported this week that Macquarie Bank had almost doubled the number of business development managers (BDMs) from 13 to 21 who work with its mortgage broker distribution channel – not far below the average of 25 to 35 BDMs employed by the major banks.
Nearly all of Macquarie Bank’s mortgage lending is done through the mortgage broking channel.
In addition The AFR reports that Macquarie upped its commission to mortgage brokers last year.
Combine this with its competitive mortgage offerings and the bank has soared up the top lending charts of Australia’s biggest mortgage broking franchise, Mortgage Choice, accounting for 3.9% of home loans sold by Mortgage Choice in March, up from 2.5% in February.
Macquarie is now Mortgage Choice’s 8th biggest lender with CEO Michael Russell telling the AFR it has an “insatiable” appetite to expand home loans.
ING Direct reported a net profit after tax of $276.9 million for the 2012 calendar, down 9% from last year.
In June last year, Lisa Claes, executive director of direct business at ING Direct, told Property Observer the bank was not driven by market share targets, “but by a sustainable growth proposition”.
“We want to grow our mortgage book responsibly – we are happy with where we are, but we are not complacent,” she said.
ING Direct’s offers variable home loans starting from 5.66% (for loans greater than $250,000) and a three-year fixed home loan at 5.19%.
Macquarie Bank offers variable home loans starting from 5.44% (this includes a 1.01% discount off the standard variable) and a three-year fixed home loan at 5.39%.
 
 
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Macquarie Bank lining up to take ING Direct's fifth banking pillar crown

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The number of dwellings approved for construction rose 3.1% in February in seasonally adjusted terms, after falling for two months, the latest ABS data shows.
This follows a 2% fall in January (upwardly revised from a 2.4% decrease).
Approvals are up 12.8% over the year.
“We have seen indicators of consumer sentiment improve over recent months and we may well be seeing an early sign that this is flowing through to activity on the ground. After two consecutive months where approval numbers slipped back it is pleasing to see a material improvement in February,” said HIA economist, Geordan Murray.
Master Builders Australia chief economist Peter Jones welcomed the improvement in February but expressed concern that a negative trend has developed. 
“Despite the improvement in the seasonally adjusted figures that were buoyed by an unusually high public sector housing figure, a negative trend has emerged in the ‘other’ dwellings sector (units and apartments). 
“The overall negative trend in approvals is very worrying for builders. Despite green shoots and early signs of a recovery, momentum has failed to build," he said.
Dwelling approvals increased in February in South Australia (23%), Western Australia (5.3%), Queensland (3.8%) and Victoria (0.3%) but decreased in New South Wales (-7.7%) and Tasmania (-5.8%) in seasonally adjusted terms. In seasonally adjusted terms, approvals for private sector houses rose 0.5% in February.
However, ANZ also noted the increase was dominated by strong growth in public sector detached house approvals, while private sector building approvals remained subdued (+0.9% month on month).
Private sector house approvals rose in South Australia (9.9%), New South Wales (7.8%) and Victoria (6.3%) but fell in Queensland (-7.7%) and Western Australia (-6.4%).
The value of total building approved fell 3.1% in February, in seasonally adjusted terms, following a rise of 7% in the previous month.
The value of residential building rose 2.5% while non-residential building fell 11%.
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Building approvals up 3.1% in February a "material improvement": HIA

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Retail property landlords have something to cheer about as retail trade rose by 1.3% in February after rising by an upwardly-revised 1.2% in January, the strongest start to a calendar year in more than a decade.
“Retail trade lifted by 2.5% over the first two months of 2013 marking the strongest start to a calendar year since 2001,” said CommSec economist Savanth Sebastian.
“The latest retail sales data is clearly encouraging. The low interest environment, coupled with buoyant share markets, and ongoing improvement in consumer confidence is supporting retail activity,” he said.
Sebastian notes the broad-based strength in retail activity with sales rising in 19 out of the 20 categories.
“In fact the only weakness in February was in specialised food retailers like butchers and bakers, however even that weakness followed the biggest gain in 16 years,” he says.
“Interestingly non-food retailing - which has been finding conditions particularly difficult over the past year - is now recording a healthy turnaround, having posted strong back to back gains in the past couple of months to be up 4.1% on a year ago.
“Over the past year the retail industry had to contend with an array of negative headwinds, however the latest result may just be the first sign of a revival in fortunes for the beleaguered sector.”
ANZ was more circumspect on the performance of the retail sector for 2013 to date.
"At this stage, it’s too early to tell whether the recent strength in retail sales will continue. Nevertheless, interest-rate sensitive parts of the Australian economy are now showing clearer signs of responding to lower interest rates," the bank said.
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Retail sales growth best since 2001 unless you’re a butcher or baker: CommSec

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The Australian housing market revival has continued into 2013 with “solid indications of rising buyer activity and increased confidence from sellers” says Australian Property Monitors (APM) in its latest market report.
“The revival of Australia’s housing markets in 2012 has been confirmed as leading indicators such as auction clearance rates point to a market heating up.
“Historically low interest rates are the fuel to this emerging fire which is no real surprise given the typical impact of low mortgage rates on buyer activity in previous housing growth cycles," says APM.
It adds that housing markets are “off and running in 2013, building on the buyer momentum generated through 2012 but now translating to more generalised and comprehensive market outcomes”.
Fairfax-owned APM has house prices up 1.5% over the three months to January to a median of $544,000 with units up 0.3% to a median of $413,000.
The Gold Coast has shown the greatest gain over this period with house prices up 2.2% though the key Gold Coast unit market has recorded no gains.
All othe capital city markets have recorded gains of 1% or more in their median house prices over the January quarter, with the unit market more patchy.
APM is confident of a return of first-home buyers in 2013, which along with investors were "significant contributors to the housing market revival of 2012".
“First-home buyer activity was largely generated by changes to various state government incentive schemes that acted to draw forward demand from this group.
“After a subdued start to the year, first home buyer activity is set to rise sooner rather than later, driven by low interest rates, a solid economy, and rising house prices and rents.
“Investor activity is also set to intensify in 2013, driven similarly by low mortgage and deposit rates, prospects of improved capital gains, and solid yields from most local markets," says APM.
APM also notes that the sharemarket is also a solid leading indicator of housing market activity, particularly in relation to prestige properties.
“With the All Ordinaries now holding above 5,000 for the first time in three years, a rising bull market will activate prestige markets that are finally showing early signs of emerging from a sustained period in the doldrums.
APM also notes an improved global economic outlook with the US housing market finally showing signs of life.
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Australian housing market “heating up” with FHBs and investors activity to pick-up: APM

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" />

&nbsp;

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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