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When choosing a home loan, there are a number of factors to take into consideration. One of the main decisions is whether to opt for a fixed, split or variable rate home loan.
While bank loan approvals usually factor in a buffer in case interest rates increase, to ensure you can afford to repay them, the system isn’t foolproof and comes down to the individuals capacity to repay.
In the current interest rate environment, purchasers are increasingly opting for fixed loans. Home loan approval figures regularly put fixed interest rate demand at 25% of the market.
Variable interest rate loans, however, remain Australian borrowers’ favourite option.
But what should you consider?
<h3>Fixed</h3>
Fixed rates provide some peace of mind by ensuring that your repayments remain consistent over time. With rates low, it’s nice to lock in a lower repayment for a long period of time, particularly if you know you’ll struggle should rates increase.
If you’re leaning towards a fixed rate home loan, the biggest decision to consider is the length of time you’d like to lock yourself into the rate for. If interest rates drop over this time, then you could find yourself paying more than you’d have to. Similarly, if you lock in for a short period of time and it ends in the middle of a higher interest rate environment, you may not be able to get the same deal again.
Fixed rates could help you sleep a little easier, knowing that repayments and cash flow will be predictable and consistent over the term of the loan. This will allow you to budget specifically, and not be taken by surprise if rates change.
Paying the loan ahead of the term could see you paying hefty fees, and it may be worth considering a variable rate if your plan is to sell the property after some quickly realised gains. If you’re expecting a windfall and want to pay down your property quicker, or if you want to redraw or increase your loan there may be exit fees which apply.
Some fixed rate loans include redraw facilities, and some have more flexible terms around repayments allowing you to pay extra up to a certain amount.
As of 15th January 2015, the range of three year fixed rate products is around 4.45% p.a. to 5.09% p.a., while one year fixed rates range from around 3.99% p.a. to 4.94% p.a., according to Finder.com.au. Two year fixed rates range from 4.39% p.a. to 4.94% p.a., while five year fixed rates span 4.93% p.a. to 5.65% p.a.
<h3>Variable</h3>
Variable interest rate home loans, however, offer more flexibility. Paying lump sums is easier with fewer associated costs than fixed rate loans.
If you don’t have much capacity to increase your repayments, and bearing in mind what could happen if you end up with a sudden vacancy in an investment property, then you need to be wary of the impact of a rate increase. However, if rates decrease, then you could find yourself with a bit of extra cash on hand or paying off your mortgage sooner than expected.
Variable interest rates do tend to be lower than fixed offerings, and many have more features than fixed rate loans. However, they do have an added volatility level to be aware of.
If you’re borrowing less than you can handle, then you may decide that a variable rate is a good option in the immediate term – you can always fix later if necessary.
As of 15th January 2015, variable rates currently vary from around 4.48% p.a. to 5.26% p.a., according to Finder. Special low or introductory rates can be available for these loans.
<h3>Split</h3>
A split rate home loan is, obviously, the middle ground. Fixing a portion of the loan for that peace of mind, while keeping a separate part variable, can be a good option. This provides you partial protection from future interest rate changes.
This may be a good option if you’re keen to pay down your loan more quickly. In a situation where you’re making extra repayments, you can do so solely on the variable component of your loan.
However, you may also be required to pay the costs should you wish to break the fixed portion of the loan. It still acts very much like a fixed mortgage for that portion of the loan.
Remember, it doesn’t need to be a 50/50 split either. For instance, you may decide to fix $200,000 of a $250,000 loan.
It’s worth speaking to a home loan professional to get a clear understanding of how this may affect your repayments and security overall.
For help getting started in property investment, speak with a RAMS home loan specialist and pick up your free <a href="https://crtl.aimatch.com/pm/adclick/FCID=2754/size=1x1/viewid=1/random=1/relocate=https://www.rams.com.au/investor-pack/" target="_blank">RAMS Investor Pack.</a>
Follow RAMS on <a href="https://crtl.aimatch.com/pm/adclick/FCID=2766/size=1x1/viewid=1/random=1/relocate=https://www.facebook.com/raymondaram" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://crtl.aimatch.com/pm/adclick/FCID=2767/size=1x1/viewid=1/random=1/relocate=https://www.twitter.com/RAMS_AU" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and <a href="https://crtl.aimatch.com/pm/adclick/FCID=2772/size=1x1/viewid=1/random=1/relocate=https://www.linkedin.com/company/rams" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a>
Disclaimer: Information in this material in general and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs and you should consider whether it is appropriate for you. You should also obtain independent professional advice relevant to your financial circumstances.
The taxation positions described are general statements and should only be used as a guide. It does not constitute tax advice and is based on current tax laws and their interpretation.
<a href="https://www.rams.com.au/home-loans/" rel="nofollow">RAMS Financial Group</a> Pty Limited does not endorse or assume any responsibility for the advice, content or services provided by Property Observer or any other third party referred to in this material.
RAMS Financial Group Pty Limited ABN 30 105 207 538 AR 405465 Australian credit licence 388065. Credit provider and issuer of RAMS deposit products: Westpac Banking Corporation ABN 33 007 457 141 AFSL and Australian credit licence 233714.
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Fixed, split or variable interest home loans: How can I decide?

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With low deposit property loans available from some lenders, it’s unsurprising that many first timers, particularly those without equity from a property behind them, are looking to get onto the ladder as quickly as possible.
With Lenders Mortgage Insurance generally payable on LVRs (Loan to Value Ratio) higher than 80%, it’s worth considering how this affects you longer term.
Remember, it’s not just the deposit you need to stump up for – it’s all your other ongoing costs; building and pest inspection fees, stamp duty and conveyancing fees. Your deposit should be considered as separate from these costs.
You may also want to consider building in a “buffer” to your deposit, so that if the market does move, you aren’t left in a position where you have more debt than the property is valued at. Putting the bare minimum amount of funds into the home loan isn’t necessarily a good idea.
How much the bank will lend you, on the other hand, is a different question entirely. There are a number of serviceability calculators online, however you also need to determine what counts as prudent.
<h3>What to know about LMI</h3>
Some consider Lenders Mortgage Insurance, or LMI, a “necessary evil” to get into the property market. This insurance covers the lender, not the buyer, in case you default on your loan. Those with less than a 20% deposit are considered at higher risk of defaulting on the loan, and therefore are generally required to pay LMI.
Usually, LMI is a one off payment by purchasers borrowing more than 80% of the purchase price of a property.
However, while some consider it to be yet another cost they are required to pay, it can actually be a valuable tool that can help you achieve your goals sooner.
“Consider the comment I often hear from property investors: “Why would you want to incur an extra cost?” As a result, most try to avoid paying mortgage insurance, which they view as an impost by the lender,” explains Albertus Waldron, finance strategist and partner at Chan &amp; Naylor.
“What some investors fail to recognise is that in some instances it can be a very valuable tool that gives them more leverage and enables them to grow their asset base faster.”
This is especially the case in a market that is moving faster than you are saving.
Waldron explains that “because the frequency of defaults can vary depending on the lender, it is also worth noting that the amount charged can vary significantly from lender to lender, even given the same loan-to-value ratio, so it can pay to shop around”.
<h3>For those with pre-existing equity</h3>
If you are a home owner purchasing your first investment property, you may find that your home has increased enough in value to be able to refinance your home loan and use the funds to purchase your investment, while keeping your home. Discuss this option with your lender to see if this would suit your personal circumstances.
Essentially, you’re using your equity in your existing property to put a deposit onto your investment purchase. For those who have owned their home for a while in a growing market, while paying down the interest and the principal, it make sense that a substantial amount of equity may be available.
Remember that some lenders require you to keep a buffer of around 20% of the equity in your home, so it’s unlikely you can use all of the equity in your property.
Using the equity may leave you cross-collateralising. Essentially, this is where the lender has a title over your home and the investment property, and depending on the equity you have in your own home you may not have to put a physical cent down anywhere. If you default on your investment property, you do run the risk of losing your home in this situation.
Lenders also have the capacity to begin dictating terms that you are not comfortable with if your situation changes.
One benefit of cross-collateralisation is that you will not necessarily have to pay LMI.
The other option is to get separate loans for each property using your equity. This fully separates your properties, may require no physical money be paid and allows you to only access the equity you need to cover the deposit and costs as a top-up loan or line of credit.
What you end up with in terms of deposits is a range of scenarios, each suited to different buyers. If you are unlikely to save anymore, then buy with what you can afford, however if you can quickly save more funds then it makes sense to go in with as much capital as possible.

For help getting started in property investment, speak with a RAMS home loan specialist and pick up your free <a href="https://crtl.aimatch.com/pm/adclick/FCID=2754/size=1x1/viewid=1/random=1/relocate=https://www.rams.com.au/investor-pack/" target="_blank">RAMS Investor Pack.</a>

Follow RAMS on <a href="https://crtl.aimatch.com/pm/adclick/FCID=2766/size=1x1/viewid=1/random=1/relocate=https://www.facebook.com/raymondaram" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://crtl.aimatch.com/pm/adclick/FCID=2767/size=1x1/viewid=1/random=1/relocate=https://www.twitter.com/RAMS_AU" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and <a href="https://crtl.aimatch.com/pm/adclick/FCID=2772/size=1x1/viewid=1/random=1/relocate=https://www.linkedin.com/company/rams" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a>

Disclaimer: Information in this material in general and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs and you should consider whether it is appropriate for you. You should also obtain independent professional advice relevant to your financial circumstances.

The taxation positions described are general statements and should only be used as a guide. It does not constitute tax advice and is based on current tax laws and their interpretation.

<a href="https://www.rams.com.au/home-loans/" rel="nofollow">RAMS Financial Group</a> Pty Limited does not endorse or assume any responsibility for the advice, content or services provided by Property Observer or any other third party referred to in this material.

RAMS Financial Group Pty Limited ABN 30 105 207 538 AR 405465 Australian credit licence 388065. Credit provider and issuer of RAMS deposit products: Westpac Banking Corporation ABN 33 007 457 141 AFSL and Australian credit licence 233714.
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How much deposit should I look to save?

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If you are looking to buy a new apartment off the plan, you're going to face both the challenges and the exciting parts of the buying process that aren't common to established properties.
No doubt you've quickly realised that there's a lot to navigate.
You have to get every step of the process right to end up with the perfect purchase.
In this free Property Observer eBook, brought to you by Frasers Property, you’ll get expert advice for buying in the increasingly popular new apartment market.
You'll learn how to:
<ul>
<li>Buy off the plan with success;</li>
<li>Find an off the plan property development;</li>
<li>Background check a developer;</li>
<li>Choose the perfect off the plan apartment within a development;</li>
<li>Access capital gain from a new apartment, and much more.</li>
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Free eBook: Buying off the plan - the ultimate 'how to' guide for new apartments 

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<div class="event_header">The importance of convenient proximity and transport among residential ownership and rental preferences</div>
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We've all heard the property catch phrase 'location, location, location'. But what does this really mean when it comes to purchasing your home or investment?
Choosing the right area for future capital growth is important to every savvy buyer, but the factors you should consider are not always obvious.
Selecting the correct suburb is about a number of different elements – transport, supply, demand, amenity and employment to name just a few. It used to be that buying near the CBD was highly valued, but is that still the case?
This free Property Observer eBook: Close, but not quite in the CBD - The importance of convenient proximity and transport among residential ownership and rental preferences, will get you on the right track to the ideal choice.
You'll find out
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<li>How to select the right location;</li>
<li>How to understand an unfamiliar area;</li>
<li>How to pick the right type of property for the area;</li>
<li>The benefits of the CBD vs outer suburbs;</li>
<li>Useful tools for further research and much more.</li>
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Free eBook: Close, but not quite in the CBD

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<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/marketing/sponsored-post/tower_final_72dpi.png" align="right">Reaching out into a gentle bend in the Parramatta River and hugging Homebush Bay, is a brand new waterside address in Sydney’s Inner West. A bit of a secret, many are yet to discover Wentworth Point. 
And yet, quietly, the tightly knit Wentworth Point community has already started to take shape, with many exciting plans ahead for this ‘secret’ peninsula. 
Interest has been at record levels for the latest Billbergia Group and joint venture partner AMP Capital’s project in the Wentworth Point Marinas development, set to be publicly released after Chinese New Year. Many are already admiring the design and quality of ‘Quarterdeck’ at 47 Hill Road, home to many already enjoying everything this suburb has to offer. ‘The Broadwater’ next door has also been completely sold, and will be completed later this year. Regatta is expected to be complete in 2016. 
Regatta: Wentworth Point Marinas will be located close to the end of the peninsula, an enviable position right next to the ferry wharf, playing fields and a public primary school. In addition to the existing Sydney Olympic parkland, residents will soon gather in a new 4-hectare park on the tip of the peninsula. Three new ‘pocket parks’ are also in the works, all linked by an extra wide foreshore path with plenty of room for both cyclists and pedestrians. These connect to the Millennium Parklands and Bicentennial Park and dedicated commuter cycle ways on to Parramatta.
Sydney’s largest marina is also proposed, facing the suburb of Rhodes, incorporating sailing, rowing and kayaking clubs, as well as an extensive shopping and dining area, an exciting new hub for the whole Inner West. 
The NSW Government also recently announced a wharf upgrade and 25 new Parramatta River services, so that many will be soon able to realize their dream of a peaceful, watery commute to work, only 16km from the Sydney CBD. 
Regatta is another innovative design for Wentworth Point Marinas by architects Scott Carver, whose previous and current work includes the extension of the Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Super Yacht Marina and The Residence, Hyde Park. 
Regatta will consist of an eight-storey lower building with an adjacent seventeen-storey tower. Apartments above Level 6 will have impressive water views down the Parramatta River to the east and to the Blue Mountains in the west.
The design created by Scott Carver for the apartments at Wentworth Point Marinas is ultra-modern, with facades featuring pop-out winter gardens and generous balconies. Not only attractive from the outside, these design features blur the line between indoor and outdoor, allowing plenty of room to relax within your own environment.
Spacious open plan living and entertaining areas will be a key feature of this release. One, two and a small number of three bedroom apartments will be offered, and floor plans will also be designed to allow the best possible use of space with clever solutions for functional living. 
Priced competitively, these apartments will deliver renowned Billbergia quality and value. No expense is spared when it comes to the important parts of apartment living. For example, to enhance the environmental standard of the Regatta, every apartment will enjoy double-glazing and acoustic dampening that combine to both conserve energy as well as minimise noise. Reverse cycle air conditioning will supply quiet comfort whatever the weather. 
Everything a community needs
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/marketing/sponsored-post/cnr-hill-burroway_72dpi.png" align="right">The Wentworth Point community is already alive and well, with local residents forming “Wentworth Point Community Central” – a not-for-profit community organization that organizes weekly community social events, like barbecues or movie nights. This organization also acts as the hub for special interest groups where local residents can find like-minded neighbours to share their sports and hobbies. 
It’s this welcoming attitude that has seen many older Sydney-siders moving on from isolated outer suburbs, and embracing a more active and connected lifestyle. You’ll find many of them making the most of the local recreation club, boasting a 25m indoor heated pool, gym and tennis courts. 
While there is no major Shopping Centre planned for Wentworth Point, the new Homebush Bay Bridge has been approved for pedestrians, bikes and buses, and will link Wentworth Point to the transport and shopping hub of Rhodes. There is also the large Factory Outlet mall beside Sydney Olympic Park to satisfy the most avid local shoppers. 
The future residents of Wentworth Point Marinas will no doubt enjoy their new ‘Riviera Lifestyle’ without knowing all the care and expertise involved in bringing this suburb to life. That’s the philosophy of the Billbergia Group, to create communities that work to enhance the lives of many. 
To find out more about Wentworth Point Marinas and the imminent new release, register your interest today with the Billbergia Sales Team by calling 1300 55 11 23 or visit the <a target="blank" href="https://au-01.adtomafusion.com/event/776/private_media.propertyobserver.click/32052245/click?url=https://www.billbergia.com.au/new-regatta-at-wentworth-point-marinas-apartments">Billbergia website.</a>
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Update on Regatta, Wentworth Point Marinas

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Wentworth Point Marinas is a new waterside address offering a ‘Riviera’ lifestyle, nestled up against the world-class facilities of Sydney Olympic Park.

A long-term development project championed by the Billbergia Group, the Wentworth Point community has already started to take shape, with many exciting plans ahead for this ‘secret’ peninsula. 

<img align="right" src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/stories/2013/advertising/montage_-_burroway_and_hill13-b.png">A vibrant new residential community 

Wentworth Point itself is in the process of a remarkable transformation. Soon to be the graced with 2,300 homes, residents will be able to enjoy plenty of open, publicly accessible space. A new 4 hectare park on the tip of the peninsula will be a community highlight, as well as three new ‘pocket parks’ accessed by wide foreshore cycling and walking paths. 

Sydney’s largest marina is also proposed, incorporating a rowing and kayaking facility, an extensive retail and commercial area. The Sydney Olympic Park ferry wharf is at the tip of the peninsula, with the NSW Government recently announcing a wharf upgrade and 25 new Parramatta River services.

Importantly an 18 classroom school is also set for development, with adjacent playing fields, close to the ferry wharf. The new Homebush Bay Bridge has been approved for pedestrians, bikes and buses, and will link Wentworth Point to the transport and shopping hub of Rhodes. 

The Wentworth Point community is already alive and well, with local residents forming “Wentworth Point Community Central” – a not-for-profit community organization that organizes weekly community social events, like barbecues or movie nights, as well as a hub for special interest groups where local residents can find like-minded neighbours to share their sports and hobbies.

<img align="right" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/stories/2013/advertising/scottcarver.wentworthpointbridge.02.jpg">Looking after the Wentworth Point peninsula

The Billbergia Group has built a solid reputation for creating ecologically sustainable communities and the community at Wentworth Point Marinas will enjoy the latest in ‘green’ technology. 
The recently completed ‘Quarterdeck’ boasts one of the highest environmental ratings in Australia. These apartments were designed to reduce energy consumption and water usage through clever apartment positioning and the use of solar energy. 
Every Billbergia apartment enjoys double-glazing and acoustic dampening that combine to conserve energy and minimise noise. Reverse cycle air conditioning supplies quiet comfort whatever the weather. 

The Billbergia Group is also committed to looking after the surrounding coastline of the peninsula. Before any construction took place, the team prepared the environmentally sensitive land that had been reclaimed from mudflats, protecting the nearby heritage-listed mangroves. 


A stylish place to live

The architectural style of the Billbergia residential apartments at Wentworth Point Marinas is ultra-modern with facades featuring pop-out winter gardens and generous balconies. With ‘Quarterdeck’ completed at 47 Hill Road, the quality and design of future projects is there for all to see. The second stage of the development ‘The Broadwater’ is currently under construction, with all apartments sold and will be completed late next year. 

Interest is already building for the next Billbergia release, expected before the end of 2013. This apartment complex will consist of a six-storey lower building with an adjacent sixteen-storey tower, and is estimated to be complete in 2016. Located close to the end of the peninsula, apartments above Level 6 will have impressive water views of the Parramatta River and to the Blue Mountains. 

Spacious open plan living and entertaining areas will be a key feature of this release. Floor plans of the one, two and a small number of three bedroom apartments will also again be designed to allow the best possible use of space with clever designs for functional living. Priced competitively, these apartments will deliver renowned Billbergia quality and value. 

To find out more about Wentworth Point Marinas and the imminent new release, register your interest today with the Billbergia Sales Team by calling 1300 55 11 23 or visit the <a href="https://au-01.adtomafusion.com/event/776/private_media.propertyobserver.click/32052245/click?url=https://www.billbergia.com.au/new-regatta-at-wentworth-point-marinas-apartments" target="blank">Billbergia website.</a> 
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Wentworth Point Marinas & Regatta

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Many investors and home owners consider refinancing at some point in their property owning life cycle. However refinancing has a number of characteristics and quirks that you may not be familiar with.
It's a tricky process to navigate, and a number of questions are thrown up when you decide to refinance. How do you know when you need to refinance? What's the first step? What should you expect? What sort of fees are involved?
This free Property Observer eBook will help you take the first step to refinance and answer these questions for you.
 <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/marketing/ebooks/po-resi-mastering-the-art.pdf">Click here to download this free Property Observer eBook.</a>
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Free eBook: Mastering the Art of Refinancing: 12 tips for success and key things to consider

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]

Lucy Eldred

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