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GUEST OBSERVATION
Eighteen lenders have so far announced rate cuts to their variable home loans since the Reserve Bank dropped the cash rate to 2.2%. 
It's great to see that all of the 18 lenders that have so far announced rate cuts will be passing on the full 0.25 percentage points, with Westpac dropping further, by 0.28 percentage points. In particular, <a href="https://Loans.com.au" target="_blank">Loans.com.au</a> lowered its variable home loan rates by the full 0.25 percentage points yesterday, securing its position for the lowest variable home loan rates on the market, from 4.23%. 
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
 Lender
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
 Rate cut
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
 Effective date
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
<img src="/images/3_StockBreakouts/Company-Logos/anz-aug-4-logo-breakout.jpg" width="200">
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
-0.25%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
12 February 2015
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
<img src="/images/3_StockBreakouts/Company-Logos/bank-of-melbourne-aug-4-logo-breakout.png" width="200px">
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
-0.25%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
20 February 2015
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
 <img src="/images/3_StockBreakouts/Company-Logos/BOQ-aug-13-logo.jpg" width="200">
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
-0.25%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
24 February 2015
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
 <img src="/images/3_StockBreakouts/Company-Logos/banksa-logo.jpg" width="200">
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
-0.25%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
20 February 2015
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
 <img src="/images/3_StockBreakouts/Company-Logos/Bankwest-Logo.jpg" width="200">
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
-0.25%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
20 February 2015
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
 <img src="/images/3_StockBreakouts/Company-Logos/cba-aug-4-logo-breakout.jpg" width="200">
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
-0.25%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
20 February 2015
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
 <img src="/images/3_StockBreakouts/Company-Logos/logo_Greater_Building_Society.jpg" width="200">
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
-0.25%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
20 February 2015
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
<img src="/images/3_StockBreakouts/Company-Logos/heritage-bank-logo.jpg" width="200">
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
-0.25%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
20 February 2015
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
<img src="/images/3_StockBreakouts/Company-Logos/hsbc-logo.jpg" width="200">
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
-0.25%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
20 February 2015
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
<img src="/images/3_StockBreakouts/Company-Logos/ing-direct-logo.jpg" width="200">
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
-0.25%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
20 February 2015
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
<img src="/images/3_StockBreakouts/Company-Logos/loans.com.au-logo.jpg" width="200">
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
-0.25%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
4 February 2015
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
<img src="/images/3_StockBreakouts/Company-Logos/maitland-mutal-logo.jpg" width="200">
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">-0.25%</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
23 February 2015
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
<img src="/images/3_StockBreakouts/Company-Logos/me-bank-aug-4-logo-breakout.png" width="200">
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
-0.25%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
20 February 2015
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
<img src="/images/3_StockBreakouts/Company-Logos/nab-aug-4-logo-breakout.png" width="200">
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
-0.25%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
20 February 2015
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
<img src="/images/3_StockBreakouts/Company-Logos/newcastle-pernamnet-logo.jpg" width="200">
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
-0.25%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
23 February 2015
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
<img src="/images/3_StockBreakouts/Company-Logos/st-george-aug-4-logo-breakout.png" width="200">
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
-0.25%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
20 February 2015
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
<img src="/images/3_StockBreakouts/Company-Logos/westpac-aug-4-logo-breakout.jpg" width="200">
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
-0.28%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
20 February 2015
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
<img src="/images/3_StockBreakouts/Company-Logos/ybr-aug-4-logo-breakout.png" width="200">
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
-0.25%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
24 February 2015
 
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Source: finder.com.au, ranked alphabetically. Dates may vary for some customers.
*Some loan changes may be effective from 15/3/15.
<a href="https://Loans.com.au" target="_blank">Loans.com.au</a> was also the fastest to pass on the interest rate cut, making its new rates effective immediately, sparking greater competition in the home loan market. This is in contrast to most lenders, which change their rates a couple of weeks later. 
In fact, we analysed effective rate changes by the big four banks (as they hold the majority of home loan market share) following every Reserve Bank cash rate movement over the past five years and found that they were faster to pass on a rate increase than they were to pass on a rate cut. The big four banks took 11 days on average to pass on a rate cut to variable home loan customers, yet managed to pass on rate rises in just seven days.
ANZ and Westpac both took the longest to pass on rate cuts to their customers, at 13 days on average. Commonwealth Bank took eight days, while NAB passed on rate drops at the quickest average of seven days.
Commonwealth Bank were quickest to pass on a rate rise, at an average of three days. Following them were ANZ and NAB (both eight days), then Westpac (nine days). This means Commonwealth Bank passed on rate hikes around five days earlier than any of the big four banks.
The longer a bank holds on passing on a rate cut, the more money they'll squeeze from Aussie pockets before finally adjusting their rates. So it's no surprise we're seeing them taking more time to pass on discounts.
Though the numbers are concerning, it's highly unlikely these tendencies are limited to the big four banks, which means it's up to every Australian borrower to know if they're being ripped off. A good first step is to understand how the cash rate works and keep track of the movements, and then try to negotiate a better deal with your lender. They'll want to keep you onboard so fight hard!
If that doesn't work out, <a href="https://www.finder.com.au/home-loans" target="_blank">comparing home loans </a>with other lenders is also a good option. In fact, there's a huge difference between what lenders are offering, with 5.12 percentage points difference between the cheapest variable rate home loan on <a href="https://finder.com.au/home-loans" target="_blank">finder.coma.au/home-loans</a> at 4.23% and the most expensive at 9.35%. 
The number of home loans on the market is continually growing, so compare other lenders and not just the big four banks to make sure you're getting the best deal.
The table below shows the lenders that have so far announced rate cuts and <a href="https://www.finder.com.au/rba-cash-rate" target="_blank">we will be updating</a> this page as we hear more announcements.
Michelle Hutchison is spokesperson for comparison website <a href="https://finder.com.au/" target="_blank">finder.com.au</a>.
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mhutchison-SWt6qigzDX

Banks taking their time to pass on rate cuts: Michelle Hutchison

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Guest observation
With another result of 'no change' at the Reserve Bank cash rate meeting for December, it may seem like the property market is becoming a tedious 'waiting game', however recent analysis suggests many possible outcomes could surface in the few years ahead.
Of the 37 experts surveyed in finder.com.au's December Reserve Bank Survey, 69% predicted that house prices would continue to rise throughout the New Year, despite most experts betting on the cash rate to rise.
Interestingly, just three experts were forecasting the cash to fall next year but since last week, six of the 37 have adjusted their predictions, also forecasting the cash rate is likely to take a tumble.
However, many are still expecting the cash rate to come back up to a new normal level of around 4%, so rates won't stay low for long, even with another rate cut.
For potential buyers, it makes sense to dive into property before they become more expensive, and it's also worth considering locking in a fixed interest rate if you're worried about the higher costs down the track.
Provided you've got a repayment strategy to suit, securing a property with an LVR (loan-to-value ratio) over 80% (so a deposit of less than 20% of the property value) could be feasible, given the forecasted property price hikes. However, the widening dialogue around rate movements can be confusing and even daunting, especially for those new to the market. With some five-year fixed rates on the market for less than 5%, securing a good deal until the rate argument settles could be a viable option for confused potential property owners.
finder.com.au's lowest variable rates allowing 95% LVR:
<ol>
<li>
IMB Introductory Variable Rate Home Loan: 4.66% p.a. This loan allows you to save interest in the first year by offering a discounted rate. You could either reserve these savings as a safety buffer, should interest rates move, or use them to curb the steep $767.74 combination of application and legal fees. 
</li>
<li>
Pacific Mortgage Group Construction Home Loan: 4.72% p.a. Pacific Mortgage Group has very few fees, none of which are ongoing, so you can rest assured knowing that although you won't be stung with extras, especially if you're planning to borrow more than 80% LVR and capitalising lenders mortgage insurance (LMI) into your loan. However, if you plan to build using this loan, there are loading fees around the construction period of the loan which vary depending upon the constructions undertaken.</li>
<li>
Aussie Optimiser Plus Variable Rate: 4.84% p.a. This loan also allows for a 100 percent offset account, so you'll have even more room to move as it is then possible to negate some of the interest charged on your loan. 
</li>
</ol>
finder.com.au's lowest 5-year fixed rates:
<ol>
<li>
UBank UHomeloan: 4.93% p.a. This is the lowest five-year fixed rate currently on finder.com.au, and it has some restrictions including that you will be unable to make extra repayments or redraw funds from this account. If you can meet the strict guidelines, you've nailed a good deal that will shelter you from interest rate movements for the next five years. 
</li>
<li>
Commonwealth Wealth Package: 4.99% p.a. This is one of the Commonwealth Bank's many home loans that can be taken out as part of its Wealth Package, which entails a discount on their advertised rates. However, this loan does have a limit on offset accounts per withdrawal and deposits. There's also a $375 annual package fee. 
</li>
<li>
NAB National Choice Package: 4.99% p.a. The package fee is again probably the biggest additional consideration to this loan, as it sits at an annual cost of $395. With that being said, this loan allows redraws, extra repayments and an additional discount on the advertised rate. As long as you don't want this loan for construction purposes, it's a notable contender in the five-year fixed space.</li>
</ol>
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A volatile year ahead for the property market with rates expected to change

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GUEST OBSERVATION
Melbourne Cup day is the race that stops the nation and in 2014 this is true in more ways than one.
Almost half the cash rate announcements made on Melbourne Cup day in the last 20 years have seen a rate move so all eyes were on the Reserve Bank board meeting. The 33 experts in the <a href="https://www.finder.com.au/rba-cash-rate" target="_blank">finder.com.au RBA survey</a> weren’t surprised however, when the Reserve Bank left the cash rate on hold for another month.
Despite all 33 experts betting on no move, some lenders were shaking up the market by changing their rates. Over the past month we saw 18 variable rate home loans move their rates – 13 of which were cuts. There were also 16 three-year fixed rates that saw rate moves, nine of which were hikes.
This shows that although the cash rate is a fairly good indicator of rate stability, it’s not doesn’t mean that home loans will stay put. With 32 of the 33 expert’s in the cash rate survey predicting an incoming cash rate rise, the time is nigh to consider or revise your home loan options – both fixed and variable. <a href="https://www.finder.com.au/home-loans" target="_blank">Comparing home loans to refinance</a>, or enter the property market, are some effective ways to make sure that, regardless of the incoming rate rise you’re still on top of the ever-changing rate market.
finder.com.au’s top variable rate home loans:
<ol>
<li>
<a href="https://www.finder.com.au/loans-com-au-blackboard-special#841">loans.com.au Dream Home Loan - &lt;90% LVR</a>: 4.48% per annum Minimal fees as well as flexible features are two key safety buffers that can minimise the impact of changing rates – these are all things that this loan contains. This loan also minimises upfront fees, such as application, annual and legal fees. It is important to know that an early termination fee does apply to this loan, which can sting for those repayment overachievers. This is the lowest variable rate loan currently on finder.com.au and also a loan that gives you a 100% offset account and redraw facility – meaning if you do overshoot on a repayment, you can take it back later.  
</li>
<li>
 <a href="https://www.finder.com.au/ubank-uhomeloan-variable-rate">UBank UHomeloan</a>: 4.54% per annum This loan from UBank comes with no application fees, legal fees, valuation fees, annual fees, settlement fees or exit fees. It’s available for purchasing, refinancing or investing on amounts between $100,000 to $1,000,000. While this allows for a measure of flexibility, this particular product can only be used for a maximum 80% of LVR, which means you will have to save the remaining 20% deposit before applying.  
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.finder.com.au/newcastle-permanent-premium-plus-package-home-loan#4697">Newcastle Permanent Premium Plus Package Home Loan</a>: 4.87% per annum This package loan has two limited time offers that are worth considering. If you apply for a loan of $150,000 or more before December 19, 2014, you’ll receive $1,000 cashback. Newcastle Permanent also has a limited time offer where any loan will be eligible for the Tier 4 discounted rate, which is usually only reserved for combined loan balances of over $900,000. This loan is part of the premium plus package, so you will need to open other products from this provider, which may be an important consideration.
</li>
</ol>
finder.com.au’s three lowest three year fixed rates:
<ol>
<li>
<a href="https://www.finder.com.au/newcastle-permanent-fixed-rate-home-loan#851">Newcastle Permanent Fixed Rate Home Loan</a><a href="https://www.finder.com.au/newcastle-permanent-fixed-rate-home-loan#851">:</a> 4.49% per annum Newcastle Permanent also has a competitive fixed rate loan option available – in fact, it’s the most competitive fixed rate on finder.com.au right now. You’re able to lock in this low rate for three years and enjoy $1,000 cashback when you apply for a loan of $150,000 or more by 19 December 2014. While the establishment fee is waived, you’ll still be obligated to pay $375 annual fee if you take out this loan.  
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.finder.com.au/me-bank-standard-fixed-rate-home-loan#1101">ME Bank Standard Fixed Rate Home Loan</a>: 4.59% per annum You won’t have to pay any application or account-keeping fees with this loan, meaning a saving both at the onset and during the life of your loan. However, while you can borrow up to 95% of your property’s value, access a redraw facility and a split loan option, you will be obligated to pay $200 at the beginning and end of this loan – in the form of a valuation and exit fee. 
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.finder.com.au/greater-building-society-ultimate-fixed-rate-home-loan#1450">Greater Building Society Ultimate Fixed Rate Home Loan</a>:4.59% per annum This package gives you discounted access to a range of Greater’s products, including their fixed rate home loan, Visa credit card, and transaction account. You’ll pay one annual fee for all your products while locking in a competitive rate for three years. With fees totalling $455, you may want to make sure the full range of Greater discounts available to you will be of maximum value.
</li>
</ol>
The cash rate remains at its historical low of 2.50% for now, however you shouldn’t ‘set and forget’ your home loan on this basis. Compare these and other home loan options and see if you can benefit from refinancing – if you’re new to the property market, make sure you take advantage of the best products available to you. 
Michelle Hutchison is the money expert for <a href="https://www.finder.com.au/" target="_blank">finder.com.au</a>, one of the biggest online comparison networks in Australia. 
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The top home loans currently on the market

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Stats from Australian Property Monitors (APM), a supplier of property pricing information, has revealed that if it hasn’t happened already, by 2014 the median price for a house in Sydney will exceed $700,000.

This secures the city as the world’s second most unaffordable housing market when compared to the likes of the USA, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK and China.

For other states, the numbers are much easier to digest.

But if you’re a prospective first-home buyer wanting to purchase a house in Sydney, these stats mean a $140,000 deposit if you don’t want to incur <a href="https://www.finder.com.au/lenders-mortgage-insurance" target="_parent">Lender’s Mortgage Insurance</a> (LMI), which is generally exempt when your deposit is at least 20% of the value of the property. And add about $50,000 for <a href="https://www.finder.com.au/cost-of-buying-property" target="_blank">upfront costs</a> such as stamp duty, application and valuation fees and removalist services - the list goes on.

While investors and owner-occupiers are clearly the winners, confidence isn’t strong in the first-home buyer corner. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that young Aussies should fear the property market. The trick is that you will need to look at your situation and create a strategy to enter the property market.

The first-home owners grant (FHOG) can be useful if the conditions favour your situation, that is, if you’re buying a ‘new home’. Considering that Sydney is suffering a housing shortage and new dwellings are below the government target, some may not be able to take advantage of these grants.
 
One way to go about this is to take a shortcut and have your parents <a href="https://www.finder.com.au/home-loan-guarantors" target="_blank">go guarantor</a> (but only if your folks are willing to help). This means that your parents’ property will be used as security for your home loan, allowing you to get a home loan with a 5% deposit, plus you can save on LMI. However, you have added pressure to avoid defaulting on the loan because your parents will be liable for your debt.

If you don’t have the luxury a guarantor, then you will have to show the banks evidence of genuine savings.  This means that the banks need to see that you’ve made regular savings to reach your current deposit for a property. The good news is you can add the LMI to your principal, which means that you can borrow up to<a href="https://www.finder.com.au/low-deposit-home-loans" target="_blank"> 95% of the property’s value</a>. The bad news is paying back your LMI throughout the life of your home loan means you essentially pay back double the amount. But whether this is worth getting a home loan early or not is entirely up to you.

Another option that is increasingly popular among first-home buyers is to skip the whole process altogether and go straight into investing. Many Gen Y’ers are renting while their primary place of residence has been rented out for cash flow and an investment. By taking advantage of interest-only loans, they buy time and capital gains. Better yet, some even expand their property portfolio further, paving the way to financial independence.

Regardless of what your decision is, it all comes down to having a <a href="https://www.finder.com.au/saving" target="_parent">savings plan</a> in place, even if you only need to save a 5-10% deposit. If you want greater returns from your savings plan, then you will need to cut back on other living costs.

A deposit is like getting your foot through the door, it’s the first step. Everything gets easier after that, especially with online tools and resources to help you compare, find better deals, and understand the property and home loan market.

 
<hr>
 Michelle Hutchison is the spokesperson at <a href="https://www.finder.com.au/">finder.com.au</a>
 
 

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First-home buyers should not fear the property market: Michelle Hutchison

South East Queensland’s apartment market is entering a new phase defined by rising prices, constrained affordability, and mounting pressure on the construction pipeline, according to RPM Group’s latest SEQ Apartments &amp; Townhomes Market Report.

The May 2026 report highlights a widening divide between what buyers can afford and what developers can viably deliver, with detached house prices continuing to push more buyers toward apartments across Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast.

RPM says Brisbane’s median house price has reached around $1.5 million, accelerating the shift toward higher-density housing as buyers are increasingly priced out of the detached market.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135094 project_image_fid=356540]

Median unit prices rose across all three major SEQ markets in the March quarter. Brisbane City recorded the strongest annual growth, with median unit prices climbing 21 per cent to $862,000, while the Gold Coast reached the highest overall median at $950,000, up 17 per cent year-on-year. The Sunshine Coast followed at $870,000, representing annual growth of nine per cent.

RPM noted the affordability gap between houses and units remains significant, with detached homes commanding premiums of 67 per cent in Brisbane and 68 per cent on the Gold Coast relative to apartments.

The report suggests this price disparity is increasingly consolidating buyer demand within the apartment market, particularly among downsizers and owner-occupiers.

“Demand is real. Supply is moving. But they’re operating on different timelines and the gap between what’s being built and what buyers can afford is the defining tension in this market right now,” RPM Queensland and NSW Managing Directors Peter Neale and Clinton Trezise said in the report.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150787 project_image_fid=366230]

While approvals and commencements are strengthening, RPM argues the delivery pipeline remains constrained by construction costs, labour shortages, and extended build timelines.

Apartment approvals across Queensland increased 86 per cent over the year to February 2026, reaching 12,682 approvals, the highest level recorded since 2016. Brisbane overtook the Gold Coast as the state’s most active apartment approval market, with nearly 5,000 apartments approved over the past 12 months.

Unit commencements also strengthened considerably, rising 48 per cent year-on-year to 5,453 commencements in the December 2025 quarter, the highest level since 2018.

However, RPM’s research found apartment delivery timeframes have expanded sharply compared to the previous cycle. Projects are now averaging around 30 months from approval to completion, compared to roughly 20 months a decade ago.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143932 project_image_fid=367515]

The number of units under construction has climbed to approximately 31,530 dwellings, nearing the previous 2016 peak, though projects are remaining in the pipeline for considerably longer.

Construction costs continue to weigh heavily on feasibility. RPM found the average apartment construction cost in Greater Brisbane reached $630,000 per dwelling in 2025, exceeding both Sydney and Melbourne. Coastal Queensland markets, including the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, were even higher at an average of $817,418 per apartment due to the prevalence of larger premium product.

The report also points to increasing pressure from Olympic-related infrastructure spending ahead of Brisbane 2032, with labour competition expected to intensify over the next several years.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370960]

ANZ Associate Director of Property Daniel Gradwell said the underlying demand drivers across South East Queensland remain strong, supported by interstate migration, downsizers, and population growth.

“The challenge is bringing enough supply to market to meet that demand, and nothing on the horizon makes that straightforward,” Gradwell said.

RPM’s analysis found the affordability challenge is becoming more pronounced in the new apartment market itself, with only three per cent of surveyed new apartments priced below $1 million.

Instead, the market is increasingly concentrated in higher price brackets, with the most common new apartment price band across SEQ sitting between $1.5 million and $1.75 million. Around half of all new apartment stock surveyed is priced below $2 million.

The report suggests developers are not necessarily avoiding lower price points by choice, but because current construction economics make delivering affordable apartments increasingly difficult at scale.

Rental conditions also remain tight across the region. Median rents for one-bedroom apartments rose 12 per cent in Brisbane over the past year to $580 per week, while Gold Coast one-bedroom rents increased nine per cent to $630.

Despite rising rents, RPM noted bond lodgements have generally trended downward over the past five years, indicating more apartments are being absorbed by owner-occupiers rather than retained as investor-held rental stock.

Looking ahead, RPM expects projects targeting the mid-market owner-occupier segment between $1.25 million and $2 million to remain the most viable part of the market, while premium projects in highly constrained coastal or riverfront locations continue to attract demand.

“Construction costs are rewriting the feasibility rulebook across Greater Brisbane, and with little relief in sight, only projects in the right price band, right location, and with presales secured early will make it through,” the report concludes.

Joel Robinson

SEQ apartment demand outpacing affordable supply as construction timelines stretch: RPM

Camberwell Junction has long been the epicentre of amenity in Melbourne’s Boroondara region.

For nearly a century, it has drawn both locals and visitors, anchored by the Camberwell Sunday Market, which first operated in 1929 and quickly became a fixture of the suburb’s identity. Over time, the Junction evolved into one of Melbourne’s most established retail and lifestyle precincts, now comprising more than 400 stores and over 300 commercial businesses.

Despite that depth of amenity, one thing has remained notably limited: the supply of new apartments.

In a suburb defined by its heritage streetscapes and tightly held residential stock, new development opportunities have been scarce, particularly within the core of the Junction itself. That lack of supply has left a gap in the market for larger, design-led apartments suited to downsizers and owner-occupiers wanting to remain in the area.

Boutique developer Above Zero identified that gap when it secured a prime site on Burke Road, in the heart of Camberwell Junction.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4896 project_image_fid=368543]

The site has a long planning history. Various proposals have been put forward over more than a decade, many of which were knocked back by the City of Boroondara, with initial applications dating back to 2015. Above Zero acquired the site in 2022 and returned with a revised scheme, refining both the building’s height and its ground-level interface to better align with Council expectations.

That process has culminated in approval for Camberwell House.

The Cera Stribley-designed development will deliver 57 residences on a 1,950 sqm site within the Camberwell Activity Centre, placing it directly within one of Melbourne’s most established retail and transport hubs.

It is expected to be one of the only new apartment developments to launch in the Junction in recent years, reinforcing the rarity of new supply in the precinct. Currently, there are just a handful of projects on the market in Camberwell, underscoring the significance of a development of this scale and positioning.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4896 project_image_fid=368544]

Camberwell House has been conceived with a clear focus on larger-format apartments. The project will offer a mix of two-, three- and four-bedroom residences, alongside a limited number of penthouses, targeting owner-occupiers seeking scale rather than volume-driven product.

The building’s vertical presence will also set it apart.

Positioned on Burke Road, the development is set to become one of the taller buildings in its immediate context, allowing for elevated outlooks across Melbourne’s CBD skyline and toward the Dandenong Ranges. In a precinct characterised by lower-scale built form, that height provides a point of differentiation, particularly for buyers seeking outlook and natural light.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4896 project_image_fid=368568]

Architecture has been led by Cera Stribley, with interiors by GOLDEN and landscape design by Florian Wild. The design approach centres on material consistency and restraint, with residences oriented to maximise light, ventilation and connection to outdoor spaces.

Full-height glazing and generous terraces form a key part of that strategy, allowing apartments to extend beyond their internal footprint and engage with the surrounding environment.

Beyond the private residences, a significant component of the project is its amenity offering.

Above Zero has positioned Camberwell House as a “complete living environment”, incorporating a full floor dedicated to resident facilities. At the centre of that is a wellness zone, including a 12.5-metre lap pool, spa, sauna and treatment spaces, alongside a gym and recovery-focused amenities.

This level of amenity is more commonly associated with inner-city developments, rather than established middle-ring suburbs like Camberwell.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4896 project_image_fid=368588]

Additional shared spaces include a private library lounge, dining and entertaining areas, and an indoor golf simulator. A self-contained guest suite has also been incorporated, allowing residents to accommodate visiting family or friends without impacting their primary living space.

The inclusion of these facilities reflects a broader shift in buyer expectations.

As more downsizers look to transition from larger family homes into apartments, there is increasing demand for developments that offer not just a residence, but a lifestyle. That includes access to wellness, social and entertaining spaces within the building itself, reducing the reliance on external amenity while still maintaining proximity to established precincts.

Camberwell House is positioned to benefit from both.

Its location places it within immediate walking distance of Camberwell Junction’s retail and dining offering, as well as public transport connections, including tram and train services. That combination of internal amenity and external convenience is central to its appeal.

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Jellis Craig Projects Director Stephen Bowtell is handling sales for the project and says Camberwell House offers a rare entry point into one of Melbourne’s most tightly held markets.

“Buyers are recognising that Camberwell House offers something they simply haven’t seen before in Boroondara,”&nbsp;Bowtell&nbsp;says.

“It combines a level of resident amenity and service typically associated with Melbourne’s premium inner-city developments, while being positioned right in the heart of Camberwell Junction.

“The response to the concierge offering has been particularly strong. Buyers appreciate not only the convenience, but also the sense of security and peace of mind that comes from having a dedicated presence in the building every day.

“When you combine that with the wellness facilities, the exceptional arrival experience, and panoramic views across both the CBD skyline and the Dandenong Ranges, it creates a lifestyle proposition that is genuinely unique within the local market.”
</section>

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Above Zero launches Camberwell House in undersupplied Camberwell Junction precinct

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/consolidated-properties">Consolidated Properties Group</a> (CPG) is approaching the launch of its latest Brisbane riverfront development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/castile-47-skyring-terrace-newstead-qld-4006">Castile</a>, on the dress circle Skyring Terrace in Newstead.

VIP buyers are now being engaged, with a full public sales launch coming later this year.

Positioned as the final opportunity to secure a new absolute riverfront residence on the East bank of Newstead, Teneriffe or New Farm, Castile at 47 Skyring Terrace has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a> as a timeless addition to the Brisbane skyline.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150489 project_image_fid=371113]

The name Castile draws on themes of permanence, sophistication and legacy, reflecting a broader vision centred on enduring architecture and timelessness in the rarest of riverfront positions.&nbsp;

CPG Chairman and CEO Don O’Rorke said the project had been envisioned as a future Brisbane icon.&nbsp;

“With 47 metres of direct river frontage and never to be built out views, 47 Skyring Terrace is the definitive address on the Brisbane River,” O’Rorke said.&nbsp;

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“Rather than following trend-based apartment design, Castile draws inspiration from Brisbane’s great heritage buildings, reinterpreting classical architecture into a contemporary riverfront landmark designed to stand proudly for the next 100 years,” he said.&nbsp;

The approved development will comprise 227 apartments across a 25-storey tower alongside a boutique six-storey riverfront building of just 12 residences.&nbsp;

Construction is scheduled to commence in September 2026.

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CPG unveils Castile Newstead ahead of upcoming sales launch

Australia’s online shopping habits have shifted dramatically over the last decade. As eCommerce volumes surged, so too did the frustrations that came with traditional parcel delivery: missed deliveries, long Post Office queues, parcel theft and the challenge of being home during business hours.

Australia Post’s Parcel Lockers emerged as one of the more practical responses to that changing consumer behaviour.

What started as a relatively niche delivery option has evolved into a nationwide network of more than 1,400 self-service Parcel Lockers positioned at train stations, shopping centres, supermarkets and Post Offices across the country. The system allows Australians to send, collect and return parcels 24 hours a day, fundamentally changing how many people interact with deliveries.

The appeal is relatively straightforward: flexibility.

Instead of waiting at home for a delivery driver or rushing to a Post Office before closing time, users can direct eligible parcels to a Parcel Locker location of their choice. Once the parcel arrives, Australia Post sends a notification with a collection code or QR access through the AusPost app, allowing customers to retrieve their package at any time within the collection window.

For apartment residents in particular, the system has become increasingly valuable.

Higher-density living has created logistical challenges around deliveries, especially in buildings without concierge services or secure parcel rooms. Missed deliveries are common, while parcel theft has become an increasing concern as online shopping volumes continue to rise.

Australia Post itself has repeatedly highlighted the growing issue of “porch pirates” during peak shopping periods, encouraging customers to use Parcel Lockers as a safer alternative to unattended home deliveries.

That security aspect is one of the key reasons the Australia Post Parcel Locker network has grown so rapidly.

Parcel Lockers are positioned as secure, monitored collection points that reduce the risk of theft while also improving delivery efficiency for Australia Post. Instead of multiple redelivery attempts, parcels can be consolidated into a single secure destination.

The Parcel Lockers themselves are free to use through a MyPost account and support a range of parcel sizes up to 16 kilograms and dimensions of approximately 35 x 44 x 61 centimetres.

Beyond receiving parcels, the system has increasingly become integrated into the broader eCommerce ecosystem.

Customers can now use Parcel Lockers to return online purchases, while retailers have embraced the model as a way to improve delivery success rates and reduce friction in the shopping process. Australia Post has actively expanded partnerships with major retailers and promoted Parcel Lockers as part of a broader out-of-home strategy.

The timing of that expansion aligns with broader changes in Australian shopping behaviour.

The acceleration of online retail during and after the pandemic placed enormous pressure on delivery infrastructure. Parcel volumes reached record highs, particularly during Black Friday and Christmas periods, with Australia Post delivering more than 100 million parcels during peak festive seasons.

That growth forced logistics providers to rethink the “last mile” of delivery, widely regarded as the most expensive and operationally difficult stage of the process.

Parcel Locker systems have increasingly been viewed as part of the long-term solution.

The concept itself is not unique to Australia. Parcel Locker networks have become common globally, particularly across Europe and Asia, where dense urban environments and apartment living create similar logistical challenges. But Australia’s geography and suburban sprawl made adoption slower initially.

Now, however, the convenience factor is driving mainstream usage.

For commuters, Parcel Lockers near train stations allow parcels to be collected on the way home from work. For apartment dwellers, they remove the uncertainty around access and missed deliveries.

The rise of the AusPost app has also streamlined the experience, centralising notifications, tracking and Parcel Locker access into a single platform. Australia Post has increasingly pushed customers toward app-based delivery management, partly as a way to combat phishing scams and fake delivery notifications, which have become more sophisticated in recent years.

The Parcel Locker model is also beginning to influence property development itself.

Parcel management has become a growing consideration in apartment building design, particularly as online shopping becomes embedded in everyday life. Many new residential developments are now incorporating dedicated parcel rooms or Parcel Locker systems into foyers and communal spaces.

For developers, parcel management is increasingly viewed as part of the broader resident amenity offering, alongside gyms, wellness spaces and communal work areas.

That reflects a wider evolution in how residential buildings are designed.

Apartment buyers are placing greater emphasis on convenience, security and operational functionality, particularly in higher-density urban environments. Parcel delivery, once considered a minor operational detail, has become an increasingly important part of that equation.

Australia Post’s Parcel Locker network sits at the centre of that behavioural shift.

What began as a simple alternative delivery option has evolved into a key piece of infrastructure supporting Australia’s growing eCommerce economy and changing urban lifestyles.

And as online shopping continues to expand, the role of Parcel Lockers is likely to become even more embedded in how Australians live, shop and receive goods.

How Australia Post Parcel Lockers changed parcel delivery convenience in Australia

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;

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<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;

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<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;

Michelle Hutchison

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