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There are 305 scheduled weekend auctions across Sydney this weekend, up from last weekend’s 289, according to Australian Property Monitors.

The numbers are even higher than the 262 auctioned over the same weekend a year ago. 

Sydney’s south will be the busiest region with 59 scheduled auctions including five in Sans Souci and Bexley.

The inner west has quitened down a little with 43 auctions scheduled, compared to the 62 properties last weekend.

The city and east has 34 auctions scheduled with the upper north shore having 27.

Hurtsville with seven auctions is the busiest suburb this weekend, followed by six in Surry Hills.

Last weekend’s strong auction clearance rate in Sydney was 77.5%, almost identical to the previous week at 77.4%, the APM senior economist Dr Andrew Wilson noted.

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Sydney’s south will be Sydney's busiest weekend auction region

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Scheduled auctions for this week are almost on par with the same time last year, with 904 auctions scheduled across the capital cities, according to RP Data.
At the same time last year, there were 875 auctions.
The chillier weather saw a revised figure of 999 auctions held last week, down from 1,572 the previous week.
The clearance rate also dropped slightly from 66.9% the previous week to 65.3% last week.
At the same time last year the clearance rate was substantially lower at 47.3%.
Scheduled auctions in Melbourne dropped slightly to 391 this week, down from a revised figure of 445 auctions last week and 719 the previous week.
Melbourne’s clearance rate dropped to 65.9% last week, down from 71.1% the week prior.
At the same time last year the clearance rate was 46.8% and there were 403 auctions.
There are 346 scheduled auctions in Sydney this week, slightly down from the revised figure of 353 last week and 594 auctions the previous week.
However, the clearance rate increased last week to 74.5%, up from 69.1% the previous week.
At the same time last year there were 282 auctions and a clearance rate of 56.8%.
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Winter auctions on track with last year: RP Data

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Interior designer and judge on The Block, Darren Palmer, has sold his Potts Point investment apartment for $540,000.
The property (pictured below) was <a href="/news">listed in May with $550,000 hopes</a>.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2013/05/may20palmerone]}
Palmer bought the fifth floor art deco Cahors apartment in 2007 for $360,000, thereby reflecting overall 7% annual price growth. It's not known how much was spent on the apartment fitout but its renovation included the removal of two walls, installing nib walls and a new kitchen and new bathroom.
It is currently rented for $520 a week, reflecting a rental yield of 5.01%.
The 1938 building (pictured below) has 72 units above its pale-blue-tiled entrance and opulent foyer designed by Joseland &amp; Gilling.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2013/05/may20palmertwo]}
The common area has Opera House and Harbour Bridge views.
It was sold by Matthew Nicastri of <a href="https://laing.com.au/872238/" target="_blank">Laing Real Estate</a> who had it listed inconjunction with colleague Anthony Birdsall.
The median apartment price in <a href="/news">Potts Point</a> is $422,500, a 9% growth in the past five years, according to RP Data.
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Designer Darren Palmer sells Potts Point trophy apartment

With the forthcoming auction of The Block apartments on Park Street in South Melbourne, Property Observer looks at competing apartments on the market in the same price category.

The Block Park Street complex comprises of five apartments, each featuring three bedrooms, four bathrooms and two car spaces. There is also the ground floor apartment.

The Block buyers will also have access to a resident&rsquo;s rooftop featuring an outdoor cinema and a BBQ area.

The price guide for some apartments start at <a href="/news">$1.2 million plus</a>, however the show had previously signalled $1.5 million to $2 million hopes for the apartments, if you believe Keith, the foreman.

For those looking to buy comparable South Melbourne apartment face few options - and they tend to be off the plan offerings.

Potential purchasers looking for comparables will no doubt look at a three-bedroom, two-bathroom penthouse in the Sunday Apartment building.

Located at 65 Coventry Street, the 129-square-metre penthouse (pictured below) is listed for $1.3 million plus

The Coventry Street apartment also includes two car spaces, two balconies, Miele appliances and a communal pool, spa, BBQ area and garden courtyard.

The Sunday Apartment building is currently under construction but nearing completion.

A three-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment at 50 Albert Road South Melbourne is available to buy off-the-plan for $1.75 million.

Located on level 20, the apartment&nbsp;features an entertainer&rsquo;s kitchen, 900 Miele appliances and two integrated fridges.

The apartment also features two private balconies and two car spaces.

The complex features a resident&rsquo;s rooftop, two spas, a BBQ area and a function lounge.

Developed by Hamton and designed by Elenberg Fraser, Fifty Albert has an expected completion date of mid 2013.

The median apartment price in South Melbourne is $522,000, a 15.1% growth in the past five years, according to RP Data.&nbsp;

The median rent is $510.

The Block apartments will go under the hammer on July 27.

South Melbourne trophy apartments competing with The Block Sky High

Architect Robert Burnham is selling his Victorian cottage in Brighton.

Burnham purchased the former workers cottage around 14 years ago for $215,000.

It is currently listed with a $1.35 million plus price guide.

Located &nbsp;at 14 Loller Street, the property features three bedrooms, a modern chef&rsquo;s kitchen with Ilve appliances and marble detailing and timber in the bathroom.&nbsp;

The property also boasts a landscaped courtyard and a separate guesthouse.

Burnham says the cottage was a complete &quot;dump&quot; when he purchased it and has built it into a home that oozes &quot;charm and character&quot;.

Burnham moved out of the terrace 12 months ago and says it&#39;s the perfect entry point into the Brighton market.

The median house price in <a href="/news">Brighton</a> is $1,660,000, according to RP Data.

Architect Robert Burnham lists trophy Brighton cottage

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The final stage of the popular bayside development Central Park in Cheltenham will be released this weekend, as townhouses are proving to be the next generation in Australian family living.
Located at 100 Cavanagh Street, Cheltenham, Central Park (pictured below) offers a range of six different contemporary home styles, all named after flowers.
Property Observer <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/developments/cheltenham-moving-towards-apartments-and-townhouses-with-no-9-and-central-park/2012112957128/Page-2">reported</a> on the R.Corporation development in November last year, with stages one, two and three completely selling out.
The final stage will consist of two and three bedroom townhouses priced from $499,500 and will be launched over a winter garden party with mulled wine and crepes on Saturday July 13.
Eight townhouses are already reserved by registered clients, with more expected on the day.
“We are thrilled with the success of Central Park and look forward to our first residents moving in later this year,” says Rohan Ames of R.Corporation.
“The outstanding response is due to the quality of the designer townhouses within the bayside locale and at an attainable price,” says Ames.
The median house price in <a target="_blank" href="/news">Cheltenham</a> is $600,000, a 14.3% increase in the past five years, according to RP Data.
The demand for townhouses comes as the traditional family block of land is becoming smaller, according to findings from the National Land Survey Program, which monitors the performance of the new house and land market across Australia.
“These smaller lots are now priced $21,000 higher than what they were three years ago,” says director of ResearchFour Colin Keane.
“Most families buying on Melbourne’s outer fringe are travelling 15 kilometres further to secure a block of land that is only 70 square metres bigger, at a price point which is similar to a new well designed townhouse from where they came,” says Keane.
Clara in South Yarra was R.Corporations first generation of townhouses and the second generation saw the rise of Park Terraces in North Melbourne and Central Park in Cheltenham.
R.Corporation’s <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/with-paul-bangay-gardens-rcorporation-woos-buyers-at-the-grove-at-maidstone/2013032560030">The Grove in Maidstone</a>, specifically the Jasmine townhouse, is the third generation of townhouses to come from the developers, with a floor plan that can easily adapt to changing needs and lifestyle impacts.
Located on Crefden Street, The Grove townhouses will be three-storey with two bedrooms, two bathrooms and feature a balcony and front landscaped garden by <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/victoria/brighton-estate-woodlands-with-paul-bangay-gardens-returns-to-the-market-on-third-try-title-tattle/2012022153493">Paul Bangay</a>.
Buyers will have the choice of two different designs – Jasmine and Lily – with the Lily design starting from $450,000 and the Jasmine design starting from $480,000.
Stages one and two have completely sold out since launching in March, with the third stage being released this weekend.
The median house price in <a target="_blank" href="/news">Maidstone</a> is $485,000, a 15.5% increase in the past five years, according to RP Data.
Guests at the winter garden party for Central Park will also have the chance to win a weekend for two to Paul Bangay’s brand new bed and breakfast Stonefields in <a target="_blank" href="/news">Denver</a>.
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Melbourne suburban townhouses proving popular as the next generation in family living

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Marketing for Matt and Kim’s apartment on The Block Sky High kicked off last night.
Matt and Kim tweeted late last night that their apartment had officially been listed on <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-vic-south+melbourne-114301027" target="_self">realestate.com.au</a>.
After some difficulties with the links, it was live this morning.
The listing says the apartment features “professional craftsmanship, exacting standards and the highest quality of materials, appliances, furniture and finishes together with superlative design to create an opulent home and entertainment paradise.”
It is only 16 days until all five apartments go under the hammer on July 27.
Listing agent Kent Morgan said he had the listing for some time, but wanted to wait until last minute to kick off the marketing campaign with a “save the best to last approach.”
The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/matt-and-kim-s-auction-sign-finally-goes-up-at-the-block-sky-high/2013071063137">couples signboard was the last to go up </a>on Wednesday morning.
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Matt and Kim go online with The Block Sky High South Melbourne listing

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The old Carlton police station at 334-344 Drummond Street has sold for $3,641,000.
The property ceased being an active station in 2010, having served the community for 130 years.
It is speculated that notorious 1920s gangster Squizzy Taylor was connected to the site making the occasional visit back in his heyday. Taylor is the subject of the upcoming Underbelly series on Channel 9.
Sitting on 992 square metres, the new of its two buildings is the 1890s six-cell bluestone jail designed by John Dow.
The symmetrical brick Victorian restrained Classical-Revival style building on the street was designed by Public Works Department architects William Steel and George Watson in 1878.
It was listed through <a href="https://www.jelliscraig.com.au/property/CARLTON-334-344-Drummond-Street/5395129/#.UcumruBAt6o" target="_blank">Simon Shrimpton of Jellis Craig</a>.
"This impressive heritage listed complex with bluestone cellblock and Pinkys Lane rear access was once character-filled from Squizzy Taylor to gangland identities, and now awaits transformation from underbelly to uber-stylish," he said.
Shrimpton says the purchaser is looking to renovate and rework the Drummond Street site.
Property Observer <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/victoria/old-bluestone-carlton-police-station-with-squizzie-taylor-links-listed-by-state-government/2013041860481" target="_blank">reported</a> on the listing earlier this year where the price guide was reported around $3 million.
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Squizzy Taylor's Carlton lockup sold for $3,641,000

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A renovated town residence in St Kilda West has sold under the hammer for $1.1 million.
Located at 278 Canterbury Road St Kilda West (pictured below), the property sold above its listed price guide of $980,000 to $1.05 million.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/07/stkildawestjuly11one.jpg" width="470" height="285" alt="stkildawestjuly11one">
Situated on 136 square metres, the home features four bedrooms and two bathrooms.
Surrounded by park aspects and within walking distance to Albert Park, the home boasts a Zen-inspired colour palette. 
The home was listed through <a target="_blank" href="https://greghockingrealestate.com.au/promotion/278-canterbury-road-st-kilda-west/">Brett Hallam and Warwick Gardiner of Greg Hocking Holdsworth</a>.
The median house price in <a href="/news">St Kilda West</a> is $1,225,000, according to RP Data.
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Renovated St Kilda West townhouse sells at auction 

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With only 17 days until the hammer falls on The Block Sky High apartments, Matt and Kim's marketing campaign will kick off today with a "saving the best to last" approach.
All five apartments in the Park Street South Melbourne apartment complex will go to auction on July 27.
<img height="353" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/07/mattandkimjuly10one.jpg" alt="mattandkimjuly10one">
Word amongst other listing agents for the show was that Matt and Kim were slow to secure an agent and get the marketing campaign underway, although the Sydney-based Cooley Auctions confirmed to Property Observer that the agents name was Kent Morgan - the signboard was erected this morning.
"We wanted to save the best to last, a quality and stylish entrance," says Morgan.
The designated website doesn't appear active yet, with Morgan saying that too, is launching today.
Morgan has had the listing for sometime, but wanted to cause a flurry by launching the campaign close to the first public open for inspection this weekend.
Morgan says apartment 201 has received a great deal of interest, due to high quality finishes, materials and original furniture. 
He says it has appealed to empty nesters and professionals who like stylish living and entertaining.
Morgan is familiar with  The Block as he sold the <a target="_blank" href="/news" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: #6888b1;">challenge house</a> for the 2012 Dorcas Street terrace series of The Block when he worked with Frank Gordon Port Melbourne.
He also listed the <a target="_blank" href="/news">four unrenovated Dorcas Street terraces</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/auctions/rootop-study-v-bar-four-bedrooms-v-three-dorcas-street-block-floorplans-indicate-the-auction-battlelines/2012060154945">Dan and Dani's South Melbourne terrace</a>.
The Western Australian couple has enlisted Damien Cooley of Cooley Auctions to perform the auction.
It will mark the fourth time Cooley Auctions has starred on Channel Nine’s TV series The Block.
“After watching Damien Cooley perform the winning auction on The Block All Stars we knew we had to have him as our auctioneer,” says Matt.
“Damien clearly has a natural ability to communicate with buyers and get a great price, so not wanting to miss out we made enquiries early and secured his services.”
Matt and Kim tweeted on June 10 that their apartment was <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/matt-and-kim-go-online-with-the-block-sky-high-south-melbourne-listing/2013071163169">officially listed on realestate.com.au</a>.
Adelaide twins Alisa and Lysandra were first off the bat to secure a listing with <a target="_blank" href="/news">Anton Wongtrakun and Rochelle Wilson of Dingle Partners</a> on June 21. They actually had the agent involved in the planning and design process from the earliest of weeks.
A $1.2 million plus price guide has been advised by <a target="_blank" href="https://www.thehomepage.com.au/news/the-twins-apartment-from-the-block-sky-high-listed/">thehomepage</a>.
Trixie and Johnno were next up, securing a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/the-block-trophy-penthouse-listed-for-%2413-million-plus/2013062762725">listing with Hocking Stuart </a>for the fifth floor penthouse apartment. 
Listing agents Kendall Bares and David Wood offered a $1.3 million plus price guide.
Madi and Jarrod’s fourth floor apartment kicked off marketing last week with <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/the-block-madi-and-jarrod-s-apartment-attracting-strong-interest/2013070362951">Biggin and Scott Richmond</a>.
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Matt and Kim's auction sign finally goes up at The Block Sky High

For most new apartment buildings, the Owners Corporation starts life with little more than a bank account and the first quarterly strata levies.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/9-gay-street-castle-hill-9-gay-street-castle-hill-nsw-2154">9 Gay Street</a> in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/castle-hill-nsw-2154">Castle Hill</a>, it starts with around $7 million in reserve.

It's an unusual legacy of what was once one of Sydney's highest-profile apartment remediation projects. When the development, originally known as Skyview and built by disgraced developer Top Place, came under scrutiny by then NSW Building Commissioner David Chandler, an $11 million remediation bond was negotiated to ensure any building defects could be fully rectified.

The building underwent an 18-month remediation program, during which around $4 million of that bond was spent bringing the building up to the standard it should have been in from the outset.

After extensive inspections, all active rectification orders have been lifted. What's more, around $7.2 million remains secured for the Owners Corporation for the next 15 years.

In a twist few would have predicted, what began as a significant concern for purchasers has left the building with something almost unheard of in the apartment market: a multi-million-dollar financial reserve from day one.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147685 project_image_fid=359136]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a> Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said the structure offers buyers a level of certainty that is difficult to replicate.

"The $11 million bond established for the Skyview Castle Hill development represents exceptional value, providing genuine financial security for purchasers," Huxley said.

"Unlike a standard insurance policy, this bond consists of real funds held in trust for the Owners Corporation, offering a tangible layer of protection and added peace of mind."

The apartments themselves have been designed with a focus on practical, contemporary living. Interiors feature Smeg appliances, stone benchtops, tiled living areas, carpeted bedrooms, 2.7-metre ceilings, floor-to-ceiling glazing, and ducted heating and cooling throughout.

Residents also have access to a range of shared amenities, including two rooftop barbecue areas, a swimming pool, children's playgrounds, secure building access, storage cages, and visitor parking.

The location continues to be one of the project's strongest drawcards. Castle Hill Metro Station sits virtually on the doorstep, providing direct connections across Sydney's expanding Metro network, while Castle Towers offers extensive retail, dining, entertainment, and service amenities within walking distance.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147685 project_image_fid=359127]

The building, now named after its location at 9 Gay Street, comprises a diverse mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments starting from just under $600,000.

Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett said demand in the Hills District continues to be driven by buyers seeking convenience and connectivity.

"Interest from both owner-occupiers and investors in Castle Hill remains exceptionally strong, with buyers consistently prioritising developments in close proximity to the Metro station and Castle Towers Shopping Centre," Hamblett said.

"There is a clear trend in the market, with purchasers seeking convenient access to transport and lifestyle amenities that support a seamless, low-maintenance way of living."

On top of the long-term protection afforded by the remaining $7.2 million bond, Equitifund is offering a limited-time stamp duty rebate on selected apartments.

Eligible purchasers can also secure finance options, including a 3.99 per cent two-year variable rate, loan-to-value ratios of up to 90 per cent, and interest-only lending options through EquitiCredit.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=147685]

Joel Robinson

Why this Castle Hill apartment building starts with a $7 million advantage

For much of the past few years, conversations about Australia's property market have centred on the rapid growth seen in Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Perth. <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/melbourne-vic-3004">Melbourne</a> has followed a different trajectory.

That relative underperformance is now encouraging some buyers to reassess the city, particularly those willing to look beyond short-term market movements and focus on quality property in established locations, along with the long-term growth prospects of a city expected to overtake Sydney as Australia’s most populous.

John Bekiaris, Research &amp; Market Insights at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Projects by Equitifund</a>, said Melbourne's current position is attracting increasingly sophisticated purchasers.

"Melbourne continues to present one of Australia's strongest long-term investment stories," Bekiaris says.

"While other capital cities have experienced stronger recent growth, that relative underperformance is exactly what's attracting sophisticated counter-cyclical investors."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363268]

Equitifund isn't just commenting on Melbourne's property market, it's investing in it.

The Sydney-headquartered capital partner has taken over the remaining apartments at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/victoriana-melbourne-20-queens-road-melbourne-vic-3004">Victoriana</a>, the recently completed glass-encased development opposite Albert Park Lake in Melbourne's tightly held St Kilda Road precinct.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> and built by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/hickory">Hickory</a>, Victoriana places residents between one of Melbourne's most recognised parklands and the CBD, offering oversized two and three-bedroom apartments aimed at owner-occupiers seeking a genuine alternative to a traditional family home.

The development comprises 232 completed residences alongside a suite of resident amenities, including a 25-metre indoor swimming pool, gymnasium, landscaped entertaining areas, resident lounges, EV charging, secure basement parking and a concierge-style arrival experience.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363229]

The apartments have been designed with owner-occupiers firmly in mind.&nbsp;Open-plan living and dining areas flow onto generous balconies framing views across Albert Park Lake, Fawkner Park, the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Melbourne skyline.

Kitchens feature Gaggenau appliances, stone benchtops and generous preparation space. Bedrooms include built-in robes, while bathrooms feature full-height textured tiling. Hardwood flooring and ducted air conditioning complete residences designed for long-term living.

Rothelowman's architecture takes its cues from the landscape opposite the site. Sweeping horizontal glazing references the movement of Albert Park Lake, while generous balconies and expansive glazing strengthen the connection between the apartments and the surrounding parklands. The result is a building designed to deliver the scale and amenity expected of luxury apartment living, while offering the larger floorplans increasingly sought by owner-occupiers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363284]

The location is one of Victoriana's defining characteristics. Positioned on Queens Road, residents are directly opposite Albert Park Lake and within easy reach of Fawkner Park, the Royal Botanic Gardens, South Melbourne, St Kilda Road and the CBD. With few comparable development opportunities remaining in the precinct, buyers are increasingly placing value on outlooks that are unlikely to be interrupted by future construction.

Greg Huxley, Founder of Equitifund, believes those qualities become even more valuable over time.

"Premium real estate has always rewarded buyers who take a long-term view," Huxley said.

"Victoriana represents the kind of asset that's increasingly difficult to recreate today, particularly in an established location like Queens Road."

He said rising construction costs are also changing the way buyers assess completed developments.

"When you combine an irreplaceable location with thoughtful architecture and premium finishes, you create something that becomes increasingly difficult to reproduce as construction costs continue to rise."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363228]

According to National Sales Director Ben Hamblett, enquiry has been driven largely by Melbourne downsizers and buyers upgrading from smaller apartments.

"Interest in Victoriana continues to build, with strong buyer focus on the larger owner-occupier residences within the development," Hamblett says.

"Enquiry is increasingly driven by local buyers who recognise the rarity of what's on offer: park-facing apartments in an established neighbourhood where new development opportunities are becoming increasingly scarce. At Victoriana, the view is not just a feature; it's an appreciating asset in its own right."

He said interstate enquiry has also strengthened as buyers reassess Melbourne's position within the national property cycle.

"Melbourne currently stands as the most compelling entry point of any major Australian capital, and discerning buyers are beginning to recognise what those who move early always understand: the best opportunities are taken before the price rise confirms them."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=1979]

Why now is the time to buy in Melbourne's premium apartment market

Developers and apartment buyers have a narrowing window of opportunity before Brisbane's Olympic infrastructure pipeline begins competing directly with residential construction, pushing up costs, tightening labour supply and making new projects increasingly difficult to deliver.

While Brisbane's apartment market continues to benefit from strong population growth and limited housing supply, industry research suggests the years leading up to 2027 could prove to be the most important period for developers looking to secure builders and buyers hoping to purchase before the next wave of price increases.

A new Colliers report, Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games: Creating Solutions, highlights the scale of the challenge. While thousands of new homes are planned across South East Queensland, the Brisbane Olympic Athletes Village alone will deliver more than 10,500 beds during the Games before being converted into around 1,750 to 2,000 apartments. Equivalent to almost two years of typical inner-city apartment supply, the project will also absorb a significant share of the construction workforce and building materials.

The broader construction pipeline paints an even clearer picture.

Construction Skills Queensland's Horizon 2032 report forecasts Queensland's annual construction pipeline will average $69 billion over the coming years before peaking at $75 billion in 2027-28. Demand for construction workers is expected to increase by 17 per cent to almost 150,000 people, with the industry facing an annual shortfall of around 19,000 workers that could blow out to as many as 35,000 during the peak construction period.

The Olympic venues, athletes village and supporting infrastructure will account for billions of dollars worth of work across South East Queensland through to 2032, creating intense competition for labour at a time when Australia's residential construction sector is already under pressure.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150489 project_image_fid=373834]

Colliers Queensland Residential Director Andrew Scriven said the convergence of these projects is creating a clear window of opportunity for both developers and buyers.

"From 2027 onwards, the market will shift dramatically," Scriven said.

"Labour will increasingly be locked into government-led infrastructure and Olympic projects, which means private residential developments will face higher costs and tighter margins. The developers who move now are the ones most likely to get projects off the ground."

Scriven said the same dynamic would also affect buyers, with fewer apartment projects expected to launch once construction capacity tightens.

"If you're looking to change your lifestyle over the next five years, now is your window of opportunity to buy."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150713 project_image_fid=373827]

Developers are already positioning themselves ahead of that window.

Following the success of Monarch at Toowong, Consolidated Properties is preparing to launch two new Brisbane apartment projects in the second half of 2026. They include <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/gloriette-30-bedivere-street-yeerongpilly-qld-4105">Gloriette</a> at Yeerongpilly Green, a 25-storey tower within one of Brisbane's key Olympic precincts, and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/castile-47-skyring-terrace-newstead-qld-4006">Castile</a>, a recently approved 25-storey riverfront development at 47 Skyring Terrace in Newstead.

Hutchinson Builders will deliver both projects, with early works already underway at Yeerongpilly and Newstead expected to commence later this year.

The timing comes as Brisbane's fundamentals continue to strengthen, with strong interstate migration, population growth and vacancy rates remaining below 1.5 per cent.

Colliers Queensland researcher Pragya Sharma said Greater Brisbane is forecast to require around 40,000 new apartments between 2021 and 2031.

"There's a real mismatch emerging between when housing is needed and when it will be feasible to build," Sharma said.

"As a result, the period leading up to 2027 presents a key window of opportunity for developers to secure approvals, funding and construction capacity, while buyers will have greater choice before supply constraints intensify."

Colliers research outlines a critical pre-2027 window to start residential projects before labour squeeze: now is the time to buy

Developers, buyers on watch in South East Queensland ahead of construction crunch: Colliers

It's taken less than nine months for developer Sherpa Property Group to sell out all 51 apartments in its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-oasis-palm-beach-7-9-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Oasis</a> development in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/palm-beach-qld-4221">Palm Beach</a>, over a year before its anticipated completion.

&nbsp;

Located at 7-9 Sixth Avenue, the $67 million development has resonated strongly with both local owner-occupiers and downsizers seeking high-quality apartments within walking distance of the beach, dining precincts and everyday amenities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357458]

Christie Leet, Founder of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Group</a>, said the sell-out reflected both the strength of the Palm Beach market and the success of Sherpa's community-first approach to development.

"The sell-out of Oasis is a fantastic outcome and reinforces the strong demand we're seeing for thoughtfully designed apartments in lifestyle locations," Leet said.

"From the outset, our vision was to create a development that genuinely enhanced the Palm Beach community while providing residents with exceptional homes and wellness-focused amenities.

"We've been incredibly encouraged by the level of local support throughout the campaign, 72.5 per cent of buyers are locals, with a significant proportion of purchasers choosing Oasis as their future home rather than an investment."

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Construction is now progressing following development approval, with trusted builder LPS Group delivering the project and completion anticipated in Q3 2027.

Oasis forms part of Sherpa Group's successful Flourish collection, which has become recognised for its focus on wellness, community and elevated coastal living.

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Residents will have private access to a rooftop amenity space featuring a pool, gym, sauna, steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, spa and barbecue facilities.

"The success of Oasis demonstrates that buyers continue to prioritise quality, location and lifestyle," Leet said.

"We are proud to have delivered a project that has resonated so strongly with the market and look forward to bringing Oasis to life for our future residents."

Sherpa recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-palm-beach-1150-1160-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a>, its third instalment of the Flourish brand in Palm Beach following Flourish Oasis and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/amargo-6-12-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Amargo</a>.

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Sherpa sells out Flourish Oasis in booming Palm Beach

Urban Property Group's <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/la-vera-macquarie-park-94-talavera-road-macquarie-park-nsw-2113">La Vera</a> is leading the next phase of Macquarie Park's residential evolution, with the new apartment development set to become the first of several new apartment projects in the precinct to complete.

The 169-apartment building has now topped out ahead of its scheduled completion in the third quarter of 2026, as new residential investment continues to reshape one of Sydney's largest employment hubs into a true mixed-use precinct.

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Cox Architecture has designed La Vera to capture the best of its unique positioning on Talavera Road, orienting the building towards Lane Cove National Park.&nbsp;The building features a sculpted northern façade with flowing curves inspired by the surrounding landscape, while its city-facing elevation adopts a more structured architectural expression to maximise skyline views.

"The vision for the project was to conceive a building that adopted an organic and curvilinear form to the northern portion that faces the Lane Cove National Park," <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">Cox Architecture</a> Director Felipe Miranda said.

"The residents that reside in the northern portion of the building benefit by having beautifully crafted curved balconies that speak to the natural context and heighten the relationship of their internal living spaces to the external balconies."

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La Vera offers a diverse mix of one, two, three, and four-bedroom configurations, with prices currently starting from $740,000. Buyers so far have been a mix of Sydney-based investors,&nbsp;metro commuters, owner-occupiers and downsizers from surrounding North Shore suburbs.

Both investors and owner-occupiers have been drawn to La Vera's proximity to Macquarie University, Macquarie University Hospital, Macquarie Centre and the Sydney Metro, infrastructure that supports both strong rental demand and a convenient lifestyle for residents.

The apartments feature full-height glazing, timber flooring throughout living areas, stone kitchen benchtops, SMEG appliances, floor-to-ceiling bathroom tiling and ducted air conditioning.

Residents will have access to a rooftop recreation level featuring a swimming pool, sauna, barbecue facilities and landscaped relaxation areas, complemented by additional communal space at ground level. Many apartments enjoy uninterrupted views across Lane Cove National Park, reinforcing the project's connection to its natural setting.

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<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a>, a family-owned developer and builder with nearly four decades of experience, holds a 4.5-star iCIRT rating and was Australia's first developer to introduce 10-Year Latent Defects Insurance (LDI). La Vera is the first apartment development in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/macquarie-park-nsw-2113">Macquarie Park</a> approved to offer the additional insurance protection, alongside a five-year warranty on SMEG appliances.

Urban Property Group CEO Patrick Elias said the additional protection reflects changing buyer expectations in the off the plan market.

"Consumers are a lot more weary and a lot more concerned in buying off the plan than they ever have been. Having LDI is a tool to portray the confidence that we have in our product, and a confidence we want buyers to share," Elias said.

Following completion of the building later this year, buyers will move into their apartments well before Christmas.

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Nicola Trotman

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